“Just Noah”

Just before Easter, Noah had made a set of bunny ears at school, and when I went to pick him up, he came out wearing them. He looked so darn cute, I just couldn’t resist, and said, “Hello, Bunny Noah!” He then promptly removed the bunny ears and looked me straight in the eye and said, “I not a bunny, Mommy. I just Noah.” And since then, every time he wears a mask or dresses up as a character of sorts, as soon as we start calling him by the name of whatever character, he quickly reminds us that he is “Just Noah.”

And every time that he says that he is “Just Noah”, I can’t help but think that yes, he is “Just Noah”. But he is also so much more than “Just Noah.” He is Noah – son, grandson, great-grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. And there are so many things that go into making him “just Noah” – his character and personality. As “Just Noah”, he is a sensitive little soul. He loves to pray for friends and family when he hears they have an “ouchie” or are sick. Sometimes,he will stop what he is playing with, and ask if we can please pray for someone specific in that moment.

“Just Noah” loves school and is excited to be with his friends and teachers each day. He loves, and I mean LOVES going to church. It is a definite highlight of his week. He gets excited every time we drive past our church, and his Dad and I better have a good explanation on the Sundays when we don’t make it to at least one service!

As “Just Noah”, he is an active little boy. I feel like he would hop his way through life, given half the chance! He is always jumping over or off of something, or simply jumping along to get from one room in the house to the next – walking can be so overrated sometimes! He loves wrestling – John Cena has a definite fan in our home! In fact, one of his favorite ways to wake his Dad up, especially on weekends and other prime sleep-in days, is to jump on top of hm, and say loudly, “Wake up, Farder! Let’s wrestle!” He also runs constantly, and when he falls, nine times out of ten he gets up, dusts himself off, and carries on running.

My Noah, “Just Noah”, is a brave boy. He is fearless, and would rather try something, even if he is wary. He is my happy boy, with one of the most contagious laughs I have ever heard – it really is one of my most favorite sounds! He keeps us busy, and he keeps us entertained. He loves to act silly and do silly things, just to make us laugh.

Don’t be fooled though – he is also quite shy. As much as he loves to sing and dance and make those closest to him laugh, if he feels too many people are watching him, he stops. He’s not a huge fan of being the center of attention – he prefers more one-on-one interactions!

For the last almost three years of being his Mommy, it has been a delight watching him grow into the little person that he is today. There is something so precious about watching your child develop into the person God created them to be. What a privilege it is to watch them learn both who they are, and Who’s they are. I am reminded of two verses in the Bible, every time I think about this –

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:13-14

Oh, my sweet boy, in your eyes, you may be “Just Noah”. But, to Daddy and I you are so much more than that, and we love each and every part of you that makes you, YOU!