Bluegrass Baby

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  You took a nice nap this morning, since you were up all night crying yesterday evening.  You were active when you woke up.  So, after feeding you, you played with daddy for a little while I folded your laundry.  Daddy picked up my mandolin while playing with you and you kept hitting the strings with your little fingers!  How cute!  The mandolin is a small instrument, and it looked so big next to you!  I wonder what you'll want to play when you get older.  

You got to have some Gigi and Grandpa Jim time this afternoon.  Daddy and I ran to the store for a little bit and they watched you.  We got you some more CD's for you to listen to!  Now, we have more songs to dance and sing along with.  I think you'll like them.  When we put the radio on, you always turn your head to the music and coo.  

Gigi had more clothes for you at her house.  I brought them back here so you should be all set for a long time!  We've been so blessed with all the things people have let us borrow!  Also, you're beginning to grow out of the 4 oz bottles.  So, I brought back two bigger bottles that Gigi had.  Now, I can start you on a few of the larger sized bottles and see how well you do.  

You were fussy again last night, but you calmed down a little sooner than the previous night.  You tried so hard to suck your right thumb!  You stuck your index finger in your mouth a few times, but you mostly just sucked the side of your clinched hand!  It was so cute.  One day you'll get that thumb in there! 

Tomorrow Gigi has a dental appointment in the afternoon, so we'll see her afterward.  I wonder what fun we'll have!  ;-)

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Mimi Time

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello sweet thing!  You had a busy day filled with visitors!

Daddy and I were invited to a friend's house this afternoon to celebrate their wedding.  The house was kind of far, and there were a lot of people, so instead of bringing you (still flu season) you got to spend the afternoon with Mimi!  How fun!  She played with you, held you, fed you, sang to you .... you all had a good time!  :-)

Before we left, your Aunt Katie and Uncle Brennan came over around lunch time.  You were sleeping on daddy when they came over, but you soon woke up because you were hungry.  They both got to hold you after daddy fed you.  :-)  Daddy clipped your nails too.

This evening, when daddy and I got home, daddy read to you while we all watched more of the Olympics.  The Olympics come to a close tomorrow.  We'll be sad when it's done, but there are other things that we'll be able to see.  :-)

This evening you cried off and on for almost 4 hours!  Daddy and I didn't know what was going on.  I think you were having a digestion issue because you also didn't have a really good full diaper to that point.  You finally had a good poopy diaper at 11pm and started to calm down.  Plus, you were so worn out from crying so much, poor thing! 

I hope your tummy feels better tomorrow!  Sleep tight little man!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Nineteen Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Today you are 19 weeks old little fellow!  Woohoo!  Soon you'll be driving!  ;-)

We had a busy morning .... I took you to your 4 month check up appointment with the pediatrician.  :-)  You're now:

Weight: 10 lbs 4 ozs
Length: 22 1/4 in
Head Circumference: 37 3/4 cm

The pediatrician was impressed by you!  She stated that you were "socially" like a 4 month old .... following with your head/eyes and smiling.  :-)  Your motor skills were closer to a 3 month old, but that's still higher than expected (since you're a corrected 9 weeks).  She said you were growing well.  She even stated that she got "distracted by your cuteness" because she almost forgot if she had checked your ears or not (she had, but was about to check them again!).  :-) 

She said the amount that you're eating is fine for your age/size, and I should continue with the multivitamin once a day until the breast milk is almost gone.  You got about 4, or 5, shots.  You cried, but stopped once I picked you up.  :-)  You got two "Bugs Bunny" band-aids (one on each leg).

You were more fussy than normal this afternoon.  I don't know if it had something to do with all the shots.  You started to calm down once daddy got home and into the evening.  I held you the majority of the afternoon and just tried to rock you to sleep and made sure you were comfortable.

You don't go back to the pediatrician's office until April for your 6 month check up.

Well, so far so good .... you continue to be a healthy little guy!  What a blessing!  :-)

I love you!

~Mommy

Rattle or Thumb?

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello sweet angel!  You got a double dose this morning .... before work you had some mommy and daddy time, more than usual.  :-)  The weather got cold last night, and this morning it was lightly snowing as I left for work.  I held you up to the window so you could see the big, fluffy flakes dancing in the air.  :-)  Nothing stuck to the ground, but it was very pretty.  :-)

You played with your little rattles more today with Penny.  We've noticed that you're beginning to grab with your hands more.  You really like to grab one of my fingers as I give you a bottle.  I usually let you hang on to my pinky while I feed you.  

You tried to suck your thumb this evening after I fed you.  You're better at just sucking the side of your hand!  You put your thumb in, and then began to drift to sleep.  You eventually fell asleep with your thumb hanging out of your mouth!  :-P

We watched more Winter Olympics this evening.  We watched the USA women get the silver medal in hockey, and then we watched our USA men get gold and silver in skiing.  We also watched the women's ice skating, but we didn't get a medal.  

Tomorrow we go back to the pediatrician's office for your 4 month check up.  You'll get a few shots, but you'll be ok!  :-)  I'll be right there with you to hold you once you're done.  

Sleep tight little man!  

I love you!

~Mommy

Tummy Time

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello sweet thing!  You've gotten so big!  :-)  I put you in a new "0-3 month" outfit.  You actually got it at Christmas, which is why it has snowmen, but you're just now fitting into it.  The pants are a little big though!  ;-)

Guess what you're getting better at?  Tummy time!  You usually fuss and complain when we put you on your belly, but every time we do it your muscles get stronger.  So, you'll just have to keep dealing with it until you can move your head and neck on your own.  :-P  

Penny did some tummy time with you this morning.  She wrote down that you "picked up his head and moved it to the other side twice!"  Good job man!  

This afternoon was music time.  Penny said that it "sounded like he was singing to the nursery rhymes .... he was cooing so much!"  How cute and precious!  :-)

Daddy and I rushed home as fast as we could so we could be with you.  We hate being apart from you.  We watched more of the Winter Olympics this evening.  It ends this weekend.  We'll be sad to see it go.  We have a lot of fun cheering on the US teams!  In two years, the Summer Olympics will be back.  You'll like those too!  ;-)

This morning, before work, we had our "Mommy Time" together before I had to go to work.  I held you downstairs and talked to you before Penny got here.  I have to go to work again tomorrow, so leave me a kiss and a smile again!

I'm so proud of you .... keep up the good work with your muscles!  Before we know it, you'll be lifting your head on your own, talking, walking, running .... you name it!  :-)

Sleep tight!

I love you!

~Mommy

More Clothes

Dearest Joshua David~

Well little fellow .... the Lord is good!  :-)  Guess what we've been blessed with?  Lots, and I mean lots, of baby boy clothes from friends!  Your Uncle Brennan and Aunt Katie have a friend whose little boy has grown out of a lot of things, so they passed some clothes on to us!  Today I did an entire washing machine full of laundry for you, and there's still more clothes after that!  I'm still in the process of reorganizing your little dresser to fit all these things.  I took out all the "newborn" items to make room, since they appear to be a little snug on you now.  ;-)

Also, I reorganized the diaper bag and the changing table.  The newborn size diapers are getting small on you as well, so I'm trying to just use up the rest that we have.  We have the next size up, so I put out all the remaining newborn ones so we can finish them this week.  :-)

Your little diaper container was full, so I took a load to the garbage.  :-)  I'm sure the garbage pick up doesn't like our house .... our trash can is either full of diapers or cat litter.  Ew!  ;-)

We saw more Olympics today.  We watched more curling and saw people compete in the bobsled competition.  We didn't see any medal events though.  But, USA still leads in the overall medal count!  Go USA!

This evening you played with daddy.  Tomorrow we both have to go to work.  :-(  I hate leaving you, so promise to save me a kiss for when I come back home.  You're so cute and precious!

Sleep well little man!

I love you so much!  :-)

~Mommy

Back to the Eye MD

 

Dearest Joshua David~

Well little man, today we went back to the eye doctor for your 8 week check up.  The majority of the appointment was waiting for your eyes to dilate.  :-P  Once your eyes were ready to be checked, the assistant left the room and I was the one who had to hold your little arms down.  :-(  You cried and screamed a little while he was examining your eyes, but the good news is that your eyes don't need anymore treatment for now!  Your right eye is self correcting and your left eye healed well from the surgery.  You'll need to go back in one year for another check up.  That's not bad .... I have to go to the eye doctor each year.  :-P  What a blessing that you're healthy!

It started to sprinkle when we were in the doctor's office.  By the time we were leaving, it was really coming down!  It's no fun carrying a car seat in the rain across a parking lot!  I put a blanket over the seat so you didn't get wet.  

In our Bible reading today, we read about how Joshua succeeded Moses in leading the people of Israel.  Moses was not allowed to lead the people into the promised land of Canaan because he disobeyed the Lord.  So, Moses asked God to find someone to take over so that the people would not be without a leader.  God chose Joshua because of his faith and because he was filled with the Spirit.  I pray that you grow up with a strong faith in the Lord as well!  :-)

Today we danced around the room a lot.  You took a shorter nap than usual this afternoon, so I put a CD on and we danced and played for a little bit until you got hungry.  

This evening, daddy read you some stories.  He read you "Goodnight Moon" and "Frog Went A-Courtin'."  You started to get fussy when he moved on to the Poky Puppy.  :-P  

We watched more Winter Olympic this afternoon and evening.  We saw ice dancing, curling, ski jumping, and aerials (a part of freestyle skiing).  We were all falling asleep towards the end though.  You finally went down in the bassinet started to sleep around 11pm. 

Tomorrow's another day .... sleep tight!

I love you!

~Mommy

Baby Bear

Dearest Joshua David~

Today was such a beautiful day!  The sun was out and we had 60 degree weather!  Daddy and I quickly took advantage of it and took you for a walk!  We went past the lake with the ducks down to the community workout center and then back to the townhouse.  It was only about 2 miles round trip, but it was better than just staying inside all day.  When we have consistently nice weather, we'll take you further.  When the wind blew, it was a little breezy, so we still bundled you in a little bear outfit that my friend, Brianne, got you!  Brianne went to college with mommy, and now she's expecting her first child .... a boy!  :-)

Guess what .... daddy woke up feeling a lot better today.  :-)  We've both been gulping down our orange juice and multivitamins to try to stay healthy for you.  

So, I might have spoken too soon when I said last week that you had the largest poopy diaper to date .... this morning broke the record!  After your 6am bottle, I held you and talked to you to let your food digest (I do this with all bottles).  Then, you promptly filled your diaper .... not once .... but twice!  I went out your diaper, down your clothes, and on the changing table.  And, you also decided to pee on the wall!  Ahhh!  I just had to give you a bath after that one and then immediately start a load of clothes in the wash (including what I was wearing!).  :-P  You had a big smile on your face once you were clean!  :-)

Today we saw an Olympic sport that I had never seen before.  Daddy had seen it, so it explained it to you and me.  It's called the Biathlon.  It combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting.  I looked it up on the Winter Olympics website:

"Biathlon did not start as a sport, but as a way for northern European hunters, as early as 2000 BC, to put food on the table. Beginning in the mid-16th century, however, Scandinavian countries began using troops on skis to defend against their enemies .... The objective in biathlon is to complete the course in the least amount of time, hitting as many targets as possible to avoid time penalties."

It was very interesting.  USA did not medal, but was fun to watch something new!  :-)

Tomorrow we head to the eye doctor for a follow up.  I'm praying your eyes are fine and that you don't need any more surgeries.  :-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

More Smiles

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  You got to see your Uncle James today!  The last time you saw him was at Christmas time.  He held you for a little bit.  You like him!  You fell asleep while he was holding you!  :-)  He showed you his new dragon slippers.  Uncle James is a writer, so I'll get him to tell you some stories.  He's a lot more creative than your mommy.  ;-)

We went over to Gigi's house this morning because your daddy had soccer practice in the morning.  Gigi and Grandpa Jim held you.  Gigi gave you a bottle and then you started snoring!

You smiled a lot at Gigi's!  Gigi and Grandpa Jim were playing with you and I tried to get some photos of your smiles!  They're so cute!

While at Gigi's house, we watched UNC play and some more of the Olympics.  UNC lost, but we saw USA win!  :-)

Your Gigi was making fun because I can stick your hair up in the smallest mohawk!  Keep growing that hair!  :-)

This afternoon you were pretty calm.  Daddy and I watched a little television and played with you.  You became really fussy and cried a lot late tonight.  I tried to calm you by walking around and swaying with you.  I gave you a bottle and you eventually wore yourself out.  You fell asleep a little before 11pm.  Daddy's not feeling well, and may be getting a little sick .... so I moved the bassinet and stayed in the nursery with you and we both fell asleep there.  I hope you stay healthy!  :-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Eighteen Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little sweetie pie!  Today you are 18 weeks old!  Time is flying by!

Today was "Family Friday" so the three of us spent the day together!  You had some extra daddy time this morning because I had to run into the office, but I was back in an hour to enjoy the day with you two.  :-)

Daddy put you in a cute little outfit.  It had a dog on the onesie and it said "Ruff Day" .... your Uncle Brennan and Aunt Katie gave it to you!  

You had a lot of fun playing peek-a-boo with daddy this morning.  Daddy used a washcloth and you kept smiling whenever daddy put the washcloth over your head.  It was adorable so I tried to take a photo!  :-)

Today we did something new with you .... the weather was so nice that we were able to go out for a walk in the stroller!  It was chilly when the wind blew, so we didn't stay out for long.  The three of us walked down to the lake (around the corner from our townhouse) and we fed the ducks!  You fell asleep a little when the stroller was moving, but your eyes were open when we stopped and fed the ducks.  We kept you in the stroller because of the wind, and the sun was bright.  When the weather gets even nicer, we'll take you out of the stroller so you can look around more.  :-)

Your Mimi and Grandpa Mike came to visit this evening.  We all watched the Olympics as Mimi fed you.  So far, USA is leading the medal count!  Go USA!  :-)

You've been doing a little better in the evenings with less fussiness and more sleeping.  Hopefully this will continue.  ;-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you .... forever and ever!  :-)

~Mommy

Late Meeting

 

Dearest Joshua David~

Today was a long day for me .... I left for work around 7:30am and didn't get home until almost 8:30pm .... and the entire time I was gone I was thinking of you!  I had a late meeting at work and missed your little smiles!  When I got home, I held you for a long time!  :-)

This morning daddy didn't have to leave for work until almost 7:30am, so you had morning mommy and daddy time.  You had a BIG smile this morning when I was changing you!  I gave you a bottle and held you until Penny got here.  

With Penny, you took a cat nap and was fussy from 9am to 10:30am.  You apparently slept better between 11am until 2:30pm.  At 3pm, you had your music and story time.  

In our Bible reading today, we learned that Joshua and Caleb were the only two that believed the Lord and thought that the people of Israel could go into the land of Canaan with God's help.  They told the people not to rebel against the Lord, but they did.  :-(  So, Joshua and Caleb were rewarded by the Lord.  The people who rebelled against the Lord were killed, but the Lord promised Joshua and Caleb that they would enter the land of Canaan because of their faith.  The story continues, but that's for another day.  :-)

Tomorrow we all have off, so it's "Family Friday" with you, daddy, and I!  I can't wait!  

I love you so very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Ash Wednesday

 

Dearest Joshua David~

Today is Ash Wednesday, little fellow.  This marks the beginning of the church season of Lent.  This will culminate in Easter .... with the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ!  :-)  Your Grandpa Jim and Gigi went to church this evening.  Daddy had a meeting with the soccer board, so, it was just the two of us this evening!  

Today I had to leave for work.  I never like leaving you, but you were in good hands with Penny.  This morning, you and I had "Morning Mommy Time."  I gave you a bottle and got to rock you.  It was just us (daddy left for work and Penny hadn't gotten here yet).  I talked to you and told you that I love you.  I like our morning mommy times.  :-)

Penny and I noticed that you are recognizing faces more.  I was holding you (you had fallen asleep after I gave you a bottle) when Penny walked in.  When I passed you off, you made a face like, "Hey! Where are you going?"  It was so sweet, but it made me not want to leave even more!

Here's what you and Penny did together:

10am:  Playtime .... read a book, music time, pull ups, sit ups

10:30am:  Tummy time .... turned head from side to side to find the "crinkle" sound of the pages in your book

11:30am-12:30pm:  Cat nap and fussy

1pm:  "Huge" diaper .... Penny gave you a bath!

1:30pm-4:30pm:  Sleepy time

I had a patient cancel this afternoon, so I got to come home and see you during my lunch break!  What a joy!  You were sleeping soundly when I came to see you.

This evening, when daddy was at his meeting, I walked around the townhouse with you in the carrier.  You fell asleep for a little bit while I ate dinner.  Then, I gave you a bottle and we watched snowboarding and speed skating on the Winter Olympics.  :-)

Tomorrow, I have work again.  Then, I have a meeting right after work, so I won't be able to see you for about 12 hours!  :-(  You'll be with daddy for a few hours until I get home.  I've already made all your bottles for tomorrow, so the two of you should be all set!  

Sleep tight! 

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Four Months

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  Today you are 4 months old!  Look how you've grown .... four months ago you were only 2 lbs 4 ozs!  Now you're growing out of your "newborn" clothes and diapers.  Daddy and I are so proud of you!  :-)

I've increased the amount I put in your bottles because you seem to have a bigger appetite.  Today, you took bottles ranging from 115ml to 130ml!  Whoa!  You're still getting two formula bottles and four "mommy milk" bottles a day.  :-)

Today we read more from the book of Numbers.  We've just gotten to the point where Moses gathers men to go and explore the land of Canaan.  Joshua was one of those men who went.  Our daily reading ended at this point, but I know what happens.  I won't spoil it, since we'll be reading more tomorrow, but I will say that Joshua is rewarded for his faith in the Lord.  :-)

We watched some more of the Olympics today.  There was a lot of Curling on, so we tried to figure out the rules of the game.  :-)  This isn't a sport that we see a lot of, so it was fun to watch the USA teams play.  Unfortunately, the men and women lost the games that we saw.  Oh well!

Today is considered "Shrove Tuesday" or "Fat Tuesday." It's the day before the beginning of Lent (which begins tomorrow on Ash Wednesday).  Traditionally, people eat pancakes for dinner (a lot) and then fast on Ash Wednesday.  Daddy and I ate all our pancake mix this past weekend!  When I was younger, my parents would take Uncle James and I to church and we would have all the pancakes we could eat!

This evening I put you in the cutest outfit with monkeys on it!  Your (Great) Aunt Beth gave it to you for Christmas.  :-)

I head back to work tomorrow.  I hate leaving you, so promise me some kisses when I get home!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Five Wipes

Dearest Joshua David~

Congratulations little man!  Today you set a new record .... you had the largest poopy diaper to date!  Ha!  I had to use 5 wipes to get you all clean!  Whoa!  Way to go little fellow!  :-)

I tried a new size on you today.  After your big diaper, I changed you completely and put a "newborn" size outfit against you.  It looked like it would be too short, so I put you in a "0-3 month" old outfit.  You're a little short in it, but at least you're not too snug.  Maybe you've grown out of newborn?  Some of the newborn outfits look a little bigger, so I'm not going to pack them all up yet.  I think you're starting to transition more between the two sizes.

Today you were pretty awake and alert the entire time.  I didn't think you were ever going to take a nap.  :-P  At lunch, we made some dough so that we could make a pizza for dinner.  We had to let it rise for a few hours, so you and I played some games and you took a bottle. 

You were fussy during our tummy time exercises.  And, you kept fighting me whenever I tried to burp you.  When daddy came home and gave you a bottle, you burped for him just fine!  What's wrong?  You didn't want to burp for me?  :-P

Daddy rolled the dough that you and I made and we had our homemade pizza for dinner.  You fell asleep in the carrier again as daddy and I were cooking. 

After dinner, the three of us went upstairs and watched some more of the Winter Olympics.  I was falling asleep during some of the figure skating, but you quickly woke me when you got hungry.  Daddy and I ended up giving you a bottle around 10:30pm.

You ended up falling asleep for good around midnight.  I had to change you around 11:40pm when I heard you making some "toot" noises.  :-P

Sleep tight little Joshua!

I love you!

~Mommy

St. Valentine's Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Happy Saint Valentine's Day!  I gave you a bath this morning and dressed you up in a cute outfit that your Mimi gave you for the occasion!  You were so cute in your Valentine's Day attire that I had to snap a photo .... and I actually got one of you smiling!  Usually you smile right when I put the camera away!  Daddy clipped your nails after your bath, so you were ready to hit the town .... well .... you stayed in with daddy and I .... but you had a good time.  :-)

During your morning nap, daddy and I did a lot of cleaning in the house (you wouldn't even recognize the place!).  And, we did all your laundry. 

Once you started to stir, daddy and I played with you.  You like to sit on daddy's lap and have him help pull you up.

Gigi and Grandpa Jim gave you some diapers and a card for Valentine's Day.  :-)  Mimi and Grandpa Mike gave you some cookies/chocolates and a card.  Daddy and I ate the cookies and chocolates .... we saved the diapers for you!  You also got some other cards in the mail that we put on the mantel.  

We've noticed that you've gotten a little bit more hair on your head!  It's really hard to see in photos since your hair is so fine and light.  But, if someone were to hold you and look, they would see it!  How cute!

You were a good boy today .... you didn't get too fussy.  You started to stir, wiggle, and cry a bit when daddy started to cook dinner.  I fed you and walked around with you in our carrier.  You fell asleep as I was walking so I didn't want to take you out of it when dinner was done!  So, I carefully ate with you there in front of me.  :-)  Daddy made burgers, potatoes, and veggies for our Valentine's Day dinner (your daddy is a wonderful cook!).  Daddy said he was sorry it wasn't "fancy" .... but I told him everything was perfect!!  I'm so blessed to have you and daddy in my life that I couldn't ask for anything more!  A day with you two is priceless!

I love you very much little Joshua!  :-)

~Mommy

Mild Snow Fall

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello sweetie pie!  Today we woke up to a mild Winter Wonderland.  There was a pretty dusting of snow covering the trees, grass, and rooftops.  This time, the snow got all over mommy's car.  :-)  It didn't stick to the roads though, so people weren't trapped in their houses.  We stayed in though and just took pictures of it all.  Daddy walked you all around the townhouse so you could see the snow out the windows.  :-)

You had another guest today!  Vicki came to see you all the way from Florida.  Vicki went to college with your Mimi, and your daddy and Ben (Vicki's son) are friends.  She came over with Mimi and Grandpa Mike.  They got to hold you and we all took photos.  :-)

Daddy and I noticed that you're moving your head more when sleeping.  Before, you would just keep your head to the right.  That's how you got your little flat area.  Now, you sleep on the right and left side.  I guess the little exercises and games that daddy and I do with you are working!  :-)

We had a pretty relaxing evening.  We tried to watch some of the Olympics, but we all fell asleep around 11pm.  :-P  Of course, we were drifting in and out prior to then, but you didn't really fall into a deep sleep until 11pm.  We watched some Ski Jumping and Short Track Speed Skating.  :-)

Oh, and guess what?  We watched Carolina play again today .... they played against State.  We won!  Our basketball team isn't that great this season, but at least we beat State twice!  ;-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!

~Mommy

Seventeen Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Wow little man .... time has flown by!  Today you are seventeen weeks old!  I can't believe seventeen weeks have come and gone that quickly.

We started this morning with an early bottle.  You got hungry at 4am so you and I were in the nursery way before the sun was up.  :-P  But, afterward you took a nice nap until around 8am.

You and I had some music and dance time together.  Then, you played on my lap while trying to stand up.  This evening, after dinner, you played with daddy trying to lift your head.  You did little pull ups with daddy.  :-)  You're getting stronger.  You also played with my hair when we were on the bed together. 

You took an extra bottle than normal today because you were fussy in the evening.  We think you might be going through a growth spurt? 

Tonight started the 21st Winter Olympics being held in Vancouver, Canada.  The opening ceremony was on television this evening, but we all fell asleep during it.  :-P  The competitions will start tomorrow and that's when the excitement begins.  :-)

It started to snow a little late this evening, as we were watching the Winter Olympics.  I thought that was funny .... snow coming down as the Winter Olympic games were getting started.  Daddy went to the grocery store after work today, so we're all set in case we get more snow than expected.  But, everyone is predicting something more mild than last time.

Oh, I forgot to tell you, when I came home from work on thursday, Penny had placed you in a new outfit .... it was two pieces and is suppose to fit 0-3 month old babies.  When I picked you up, your pants slid right off because they were too big!  How cute!  :-)

I love you so much!

~Mommy

Decorations

Dearest Joshua David~

Today is your Great-Great Aunt Lora's birthday!  She's Gigi's aunt .... my grandmother's sister!  Unfortunately, my grandmother (Gigi's mommy) is no longer with us (she's in Heaven with our Lord!).  She would have loved you!  I know she's watching you now and smiling!  :-)  Aunt Lora lives in New York, which is where Gigi was born.  One day, when they don't have so much snow, we'll go up there so everyone can meet you!

This morning we got to spend some play time together before work.  Usually you're sleeping when I leave in the morning.  This morning you woke a little later since you were up later last night (you stayed awake until early this morning).  So, I got to change and feed you right before Penny got here.  After I fed you, I was starving and didn't have a lot of time before I had to leave.  I ended up eating a bagel while rocking you in the living room.  :-)  I felt so bad because you fell asleep in my arms .... and then I had to leave you!  I told you how much I love you before I left for work.

You had fun with Penny today.  You all had your music time, tummy time, and pull ups.  You also took a nap for her.  Penny brought over some ribbon that we placed around the house as some new decorations for you.  They're bright and shiny, so they attract your eyes.  You like to stare at them and try to touch them when we change you or walk around the room.  :-)

I weighed myself this evening when I got home.  Then, I changed you and weighed myself again holding you.  You were wearing nothing but a clean diaper.  It said there was a difference of 9.5 lbs!  Whoa!  You sure are growing!  :-)

Tomorrow we get to spend the whole day together!  I can't wait!

I love you very much!

~Mommy

Missed You

Dearest Joshua David~

Oh how I missed you so!  I hate leaving you and being away from you for so long!  When I got home from work, you and daddy were having fun on the couch.  Daddy passed you to me, and we cuddled for a while before dinner.  :-)

You and Penny had fun playing today.  Here's a little of what your day looked like with her:

9:45am-10:45am .... music, playtime, tummy time
11am-12pm .... cat nap (you were a little fussy)
1:30pm-4:15pm .... nap
4:45pm .... pull ups and music

Daddy and I had long days!  You woke extra early for us.  I first started to hear you stir at 4am.  You weren't fully awake, but I got your bottle ready.  By 4:30am, daddy changed you and then I fed you.  You were pretty good at going back to sleep, so daddy and I got to rest for about 30 minutes until the alarm went off to get ready for work.  :-P

Tonight was another basketball game.  Our TarHeels played against DOOK.  The game wasn't until 9pm, and based on our morning and a full day at work, I just knew I wasn't going to see the entire thing!  You and I started to fall asleep together as daddy watched.  We didn't win, but at least it was a closer game than some of the other ones from this season.

Once the game was over, daddy placed you back in the bassinet (we had fallen asleep together on the bed) .... but then you woke up!  We tried to calm you with the pacifier.  You eventually started to drift after midnight.

Tomorrow is another work day.  Please save a smile and kiss for me for when I return!

Sleep tight!

I love you so much!  :-)

~Mommy

Wet Wet Wet

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little angel.  Today was a wet, wet, wet day!  I didn't even know that the weather was going to be rainy all day.  We were upstairs in the nursery, playing around, and then I noticed that the room was getting darker and darker.  The blinds were open, so we looked out the window and saw all the rain coming down and the clouds up in the sky.  I walked around with you so that you could see it all.  :-)  There was no thunder or lightning .... just rain! 

So, while it rained, we did a lot of dancing and bouncing.  You were a lot more alert in the morning (usually you take a longer nap).  I held you up and tried to help you take steps around the room.  Then, I sat and held you in my lap.  Each time you kicked your legs to jump, I would lift you up and bounce you.  You appeared to like it.  :-)  You're legs must be getting stronger. 

I had some music on while we did this.  I sang to you with the music and you didn't give me a funny face.  :-)  So, you're either getting use to my singing or you generally like it.  The jury's still out.  ;-)

You had a lot of hiccups this afternoon.  When you get the hiccups in the evening, you get really fussy .... like you don't know what to do with yourself!  This afternoon you stayed calm with the hiccups. 

Tomorrow I head back to work and Penny will be here to play with you.  I still hate leaving you!  It's so hard for mommy to leave you in the morning, and in the evenings I try to rush back as soon as I can!  I hate missing your little smiles and kisses!  Try to save some for me when I return tomorrow!! 

I love you so very much!

~Mommy

More Dancing .... Or Walking?

Dearest Joshua David~

Today was not our typical monday, or perhaps I should say it wasn't like the last two mondays. Remember the last two monday evenings and how fussy you were? You cried off and on for hours those two days. Tonight was different .... you were calmer and even fell asleep for a little bit on my chest as daddy and I watched some television. :-)

I called your pediatrician today. Since I've been giving you two formula bottles a day, and the rest mommy's milk bottles, I wanted to make sure the Poly-Vi-Sol (the multivitamin with iron) was still needed. You were anemic when we left the hospital in December, so I've been giving you 0.5ml of it once a day (as per the MD). But, I know the formula has iron in it too, so I wanted to make sure you weren't getting too much. The pediatrician told me to continue with the 0.5ml daily and she'll test you when you go in to see if any adjustments need to be made. We go back in a few weeks for your 4 month shots .... wow! I can't believe you'll be 4 months next week! Time has flown by!

I put you back in our little carrier this afternoon when daddy came home. You were a little fussy at first, but then you fell asleep in it. I didn't want to wake you, so I ate dinner with you in there! I was careful though not to drop anything .... remember the ice cream incident? ;-)

We did a lot of dancing today. You were surprisingly alert in the morning, so we danced around and then I tried to help you walk around and jump. You like to kick your legs up and down, like you're jumping, so I moved you around the bed and let you take little steps as I was holding you. You like to try to walk around.

I paid some more of your hospital bills today .... daddy and I are starting a tab so you'd better find a job quick! ;-)

The weather was beautiful today, but still too cold to take you out walking. It needed to be about 10 degrees warmer for us. I think it's suppose to get colder as the week progresses .... maybe a walk next week?

Sleep tight little Joshua!

I love you so very much! :-)

~Mommy

Super Bowl XLIV

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello precious! Today was a big football day, but I'll get to that later! :-)

This morning daddy and I gave you a bath and then we did all your laundry. Since today is a big football game, we put you in a football jersey onesie that your Uncle Brennan and Aunt Katie gave you. It's a Carolina onesie, though the football game was against other teams. :-)

The game was against the New Orleans Saints and the Indianapolis Colts .... Super Bowl XLIV! I didn't really care who won, though I routed for the Saints since they've never won a Super Bowl. I really just like the commercials and the half-time show. This year, The Who (your Grandpa Mike's favorite band) sang during half-time .... though we didn't get to hear about half of it because you were getting fussy and cried. :-P Oh .... the Saints won, though you and I fell asleep during the fourth quarter! :-)

We went over to Grandpa Jim and Gigi's house for the game. They both got to hold you and you slept for a little bit. Earlier in the day, daddy and I met up with Uncle Brennan, Aunt Katie, Grandpa Mike, Mimi, and others to celebrate a late birthday party for your Uncle Brennan. You didn't go .... you stayed with Gigi. We're still going to wait a little longer (for warmer weather and the end of flu season) to really take you out.

Tomorrow's another monday, so I wonder what the evening will have in store for us .... will you be fussy for hours like the previous mondays or calm down? Hummm .... only time will tell. :-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you so much!

~Mommy

Small Amount of Snow

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello sweet thing!

Today we had a little bit of snow come down! Nothing stuck .... we just had some flurries here and there. The north has been hit pretty hard with snow .... one of the biggest storms they've seen! Virginia to Maryland is covered with the white stuff! We won't be traveling up there for a while. :-P

Today daddy and I ran an errand to the mall and grocery store. While out, your Gigi and Grandpa Jim watched you. You apparently were so comfortable with them that you slept the whole time and didn't want to leave! So, we stayed there too, gave your next bottle, ate dinner, and then went home.

This evening, daddy and I played with you again on the bed. You kept grabbing my pinky finger with your hand whenever I played with your pacifier. I thought it was cute so daddy took a picture. :-)

The other day, your Great-Grandma reminded me of a Bible passage that your Gigi had given me right after you were born. It's from the Book of Joshua:

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Joshua 24:15

I keep this verse on your little binder here in the nursery so I can see it everyday! It reminds me of God's miracles .... bringing you from 2 lbs 4 ozs to almost 9 lbs now (we're estimating)! What a gift you are to daddy and I, and we thank God everyday for you in our lives! :-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!

~Mommy

Sixteen Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little fellow! Today you are sixteen weeks old! Wow! You sure are getting old! ;-)

Today you had a really good day! You had some daddy time this morning when I went to the dermatologist for a routine check up. You may have some of those appointments in the future when you're older .... your daddy and I are fair skinned .... so are you! ;-)

This was the first day that daddy and I can remember that you weren't fussy during dinner while we're trying to eat. Actually, you were pretty tame all day. You had a nice nap in the morning and afternooon.

Guess what we tried out today? Your new carrier! Daddy and I put you in the carrier after your early afternoon bottle, and you fell asleep next to my chest as I walked around. I folded laundry and played the Wii with your daddy as you sleep! Then, I gently took you out and placed you in the bassinet for daddy and I to eat .... you kept on sleeping until your next bottle! That hasn't happened before .... usually you're awake and fussy as we're cooking and eating dinner. Maybe it was the carrier?

After dinner, your Grandpa Mike and Mimi came over. They both held you and you got more gifts from friends .... you got some books, a teddy bear, and a "Mr. Potato Head." When I was pregnant with you, we called you "Spud" because I ate a lot of potatoes. :-)

Late tonight, after your last bottle, daddy put you in the bassinet and played your TarHeel mobile. You were following it with your eyes. It was cute!

Sleep tight!

I love you so much little man!

~Mommy

Back From Work

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little angel! I'm back from work and now we have 5 whole days until I have to go back! I missed you so much!

You had a good night last night! You fell asleep around midnight this morning, and didn't really wake up until 6am. I gave you a bottle at 6:30am and got to hold and play with you for a little bit before I had to get ready for work. After I got ready, and it was just the two of us again, I whispered to you some more. I told you that I loved you and when I got home from work, we would play together. :-)

Penny said you all had a good time today. She said that you all had music time from 10:45am-11:30am. Then you had a nap at noon. You apparently were a little fussy due to gas at 1pm, but then took another nap at 2pm. :-)

Thursday afternoon, at work, we have "kids day" where we try to see a lot of children for hygiene check ups and restorations. This afternoon was sad for us .... between Dr. Rickert and myself we saw three children with extensive decay on their primary (baby) teeth. :-( We generally see children with a few cavities, but we always hate to see this much decay on patients who are so young (a 3, 4, and 5 year old)! We felt so bad for these children (only one reported pain)! I kept thinking of you .... my own child .... praying that you will always remain healthy for us! I promise, to the best of my ability, to try to keep you safe and healthy as much as I can .... and I know daddy will too! I held you tight tonight after seeing those children!

Daddy and I played with you until you fell asleep on the bed. Then, daddy fed you and placed you in the bassinet. Daddy has off tomorrow, so we have another "Family Friday!" I know you can't wait! :-)

Sleep well little angel!

I love you so very much!

~Mommy

Bundled Baby

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello precious! I missed you so much at work today! Before I left for work, when it was just the two of us in the house, I talked to you while you were in the bassinet sleeping. I told you that I loved you and said a little prayer that you would be safe today while I was gone.

While Penny was here with you, she wrote down different things that you all did today! Here's what your day looked like:

9:45am-10:45am .... playtime with music
11am-12pm .... nap
12:30pm .... pull ups, patty cake, and jump ups
1:30pm-4pm .... nap

Then, she wrote down something cute that you did .... "able to fix his gaze on his hand (did it twice today). He stares at his hand and then his hand involuntarily comes to his face, and his eyes cross while he is keeping site of his hand .... so funny!" :-) You're such a cute little boy!

I also noticed something else about you. Sometimes, when you get a little fussy, I can rub between your eyes and forehead (while giving you a pacifier) and you calm down. I've tried it a few times and you generally calm down easier than when I don't rub your head.

Tonight we bundled you up in a little blanket that your (Great) Aunt Pops gave you. You were all snug in there a gave us a few smiles! Then, we played on the bed again with daddy. :-)

Tomorrow I'll be leaving you again for work, but then we'll have another 5 days together!

Sleep tight!

I love you little precious!

~Mommy

Groundhog Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello sweetie!

Today is Groundhog Day! On this day (every February 2nd), we all wait in anticipation to see whether or not Punxsutawney Phil (the national weather groundhog) sees his shadow. Historically, it's the day the groundhog comes out of his hole, after sleeping all winter, to look for his shadow. If he sees the shadow, he hops back into his hole for another 6 weeks of winter. If he doesn't see his shadow, he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground. According to Phil's website: "At 7:25 AM EST on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 the world discovered that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow - predicting six more weeks of winter!" So, I guess that means more winter weather for us!

This morning, you were unusually fussy for a bit. Then, you fell asleep early in the afternoon. So, I took nap too!

We danced this morning. I put on another CD and we danced around the nursery room for a little while. I sang a bit, but again, the singing gets mixed reviews from you! ;-)

I ordered something for the two of us and it came in the mail today! I got a baby carrier .... one that you sit in so I can carry you around the house (or where ever) and you stay right next to my chest. It came late in the day (dinner time) so I didn't have time to really open it and play with it. We'll have to experiment with it later.

Also, Grandpa Jim brought over a stroller for you to use. It's our cousin Charlie's, but we're borrowing until you get bigger. Of course we'll have to wait for the weather to clear a little before we take you out, but I'm hopeful it'll get warmer in the next week or so.

Daddy and I played with you on the bed this evening. You actually fell asleep on the bed really late, and we didn't want to wake you! So, we curled up with you and all three of us took a nap until you woke up around 11:30ish. Then, I fed you and put you in the bassinet. :-)

Well, tomorrow's another work day for me. :-( I hate to leave you! I wish I could pack you up and take you with me. :-) I'm sure you'll have fun tomorrow with Penny, but it's still hard for mommy to go!

Sleep tight little one!

I love you very much! :-)

~Mommy

Long Morning .... And Evening

Dearest Joshua David~

Well, today we all had a long morning .... and evening!

You didn't go to sleep until about midnight this morning, and when you woke back up, it was around 4:30am. Since my last pumping was over 12 hours ago, at this point, my body was still adjusting to the milk pressure and your crying was making me hurt. :-( So, I tried to see if you would just nurse. You still couldn't latch on, so I had to use the nipple shield again. You could only take a little over an ounce of milk (I estimated), so I had to give the rest to you in a bottle. But, you alleviated just enough pressure to help me out. :-P While you were trying to nurse, too much milk was coming out, so both your sleeves were completely wet! Daddy had to change you!

Different places were running on a delay this morning because of the snow. Daddy went into work later than normal, to give the snow and ice some time to melt. After daddy left for work, I gave you a bottle and changed you. Gigi was off from work today, so we drove down the road (about 2 miles) to her house to spent the afternoon. Gigi was able to watch you as I put gas in the car and took a shower.

This evening was another crying fest for you. You started around 8pm again, like last monday. Daddy and I walked, swayed, jiggled, talked, danced, changed, and fed you to try to calm you. We finally put you in the bassinet around 10pm(ish). I kept playing with you and the pacifier to see when you would fall asleep. The last time I looked at my watch, it was 11:36pm (you were still awake), so I don't know what time you actually fell asleep. Daddy and I have come to the conclusion that you just don't like mondays! This is the second monday in a row where you had a crying fit in the evening (which will make for two tiring tuesdays in a row).

I did notice a cute thing though .... sometimes, after I give you a bottle, I'll tickle your chest and under your arms to get you to smile. You've given me several cute smiles and a few "coos." :-)

Sleep tight little Joshua!

I love you very much!

~Mommy