Some Favorite Pics of Noah since he turned 1

A New Season

Well, we've had several changes at the Bratcher home since Noah's birthday in March. I have resigned from Spears after 12 years of teaching (6 of them at Spears). Ryan's gotten a new job with RealPage in Dallas, and I'll be staying home to be a full-time Mom (and part-time tutor in the evenings). Our garage is full of teacher files, children's books, and educational resources I've collected or made over the years. Ryan is a little overwhelmed at how much I brought home, despite the fact that I've given much away. (smile =) We are stepping out in faith in many ways, and are excited to see what God has in store for our family. We will miss our friends from our jobs, and plan to keep in touch because they mean very much to us. Please pray for our family as we transition into this new season of our lives. Pray that we will be patient and supportive of each other, and that we will be the best parents possible to our precious Noah. One of the benefits of staying home will be being able to update the blog more often! More to come.... =)

Noah's first Ballgame

Tonight we went to the Texas Ranger's game against the Oakland Athletics. We had a flat tire on the way there, but had an otherwise uneventful trip. Ryan went to school with the pitcher for the A's-Justin Duschescher, so it was neat to get to see him play at the "Big Show."

Noah did really well-and entertained everyone around us. He had his first "dippin' dots" ice cream, as well as his first bit of cotton candy. We had a great time. Hope you enjoy the pictures and the videos.

Reunion with First Graders

This is a picture of me with my first class of first graders. They were in first grade in 1996-1997 at Brentfield in Richardson. They graduated from high school this year. It was so fun for me to see them so grown up-I was so proud of each of them.

Noah's First Birthday Weekend

Snow in Texas on his 1st Birthday!

Kelsey (Ben's girlfriend), Abigail (Matthew and Tabitha's daughter), Gracie, and Sarah-Gracie's giving Kelsey a hug. Kelsey is always a big hit with the kids-she's got the gift. =)

Before the party we went to the mall and the kids rode the carousel. Noah clapped everytime he was with his Grand-Daddy-so cute!

Sarah and Julie beside the carousel.

Mommy and Noah before the big entrance into the party.

Walking into our living room-everyone is clapping for him and he is not sure what's going on! He liked it though...

Gran and Grand-Daddy with Noah's new car. He LOVES it!

Gracie "driving" Noah around the house...

Grandmom gave Noah a hand-made rocking chair. He liked the chair that was "just right" for him. He sits in it every night and tries to rock. Really cute!

Nana Lynn and Grand-Daddy Bratcher gave Noah a "wetsuit" for the summer, and a bunch of really cute clothes. Thank you!!

He got a little over-stimulated and needed a hug break with Mommy.

Noah with Uncle Matthew (one of Ryan's older brothers)

Baby with a "beard"






I think we can safely say that he liked the cake and especially the chocolate frosting!

Getting into presents with Mommy...

Just chilling out before the party with cousin Gracie. They are big buddies and had a great time together!

Noah's New Airplane

These are two videos of Noah with one of his favorite toys-a Winnie the Pooh airplane that lights up and makes music. He can walk behind it right now, but is still not able to walk independently. He got it for Christmas from my mom and dad, and he's wearing an outfit from Ryan's mom and dad that he got for Christmas. The pants can "zip off" to become shorts-but they look a little more like short pants right now. So cute! We will be putting more Christmas pics and info on the blog soon. Noah, Ryan, and I have all had some sort of illness at some time during this past week (with Noah being the sickest with an ear infection and bronchitis). All is well now in our home-and we have had a nice quiet Saturday as a family. Ryan's brother, Ben, and his girlfriend, Kelsey, came and spent last night with us. Noah loves playing with them-so we were all glad they were able to come for a good visit.

Stay tuned for Christmas pictures later this week...

Love,

Julie