Twenty Eight Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Today you are twenty eight weeks old!  Woo hoo!  :-)

Today was a fun day .... daddy had off so it was a Family Friday!  :-)  This morning we were lazy.  We played on the bed together and you showed daddy how well you're doing with your tummy time!  

We went for a drive to enjoy the day before lunch.  We went to the bank and then ate lunch at a little Italian restaurant.  I held you, fed you a bottle, and tried to eat at the same time.  :-P  I'm very talented!  ;-)  Ha!  Your daddy helped me .... he made the bottle and handed me things.  :-)

We ran into another issue with restaurant bathrooms .... I never noticed this before, but whenever we need a changing table, there's never one to be found!  I can't believe how many places do not have a changing table in the restroom!  I ended up changing your diaper in daddy's car!  

After lunch, daddy treated us to Goodberry's for dessert.  Yummmm!  You didn't have anything, but daddy and I split some chocolate custard.  :-)

After lunch, we drove around some more and then came back here for another bottle.  It was a hot day, so we didn't want you out for too long.  

The evening was nice though .... in fact, we all went out as a little family to Wendell .... there was a bluegrass concert going on so we packed your diaper bag, grabbed some towels, and headed out.  This was your first concert!  It was fun!  We stayed for half the show, and then came back home by 8pm.  You saw some guitars, a mandolin, a banjo, and a violin.  You smiled at all the people, and everyone there thought you were cute.  ;-)

This evening we played on the bed more and you did more tummy time before going to bed.  

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you!

~Mommy

Play Book

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  How are you?

Daddy and I had to go to work today, but you had another fun day with Penny.  Here's what you all did:

8am:  tummy time

9am:  cat nap for 15 minutes

9:30am:  tummy time

10:45am:  sleeping

12:10pm:  walk outside

12:45pm:  tummy time and music

2:15pm:  sleeping

2:30pm:  floor time

3:30pm:  outside on deck

Daddy had a soccer meeting after work today, so your Gigi came over around 6pm to watch you.  I got home a little after that.  We packed you up and took you over to Gigi's for dinner.  :-)

Your Grandpa Jim fed you and then you played with your crinkle play book.  You love this toy!  You have two, so I try to keep one in the diaper bag so you have one wherever we go.  Penny gave them to you!  :-)

We stayed at Gigi's until 9pm.  Then, we came home and played on the bed together.  Daddy didn't get home until 11pm.  :-(  But, we're both off tomorrow so it'll be a fun Family Friday!  

Sleep tight!

I love you!

~Mommy

Squeals

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  

Well, daddy and I were dragging at work today from your early bottle at 1am this morning.  :-P  Luckily, you went to bed at a decent time this evening.  ;-)

You and Penny had fun today, but you threw up a lot in the afternoon.  :-(  We took your temperature and you had no fever.  You didn't act fussy at the the time, so it appears to just be a part of the normal baby routine.  :-P

Here's what you all did:

8am: sleeping

9am: tummy time and music

10:30am:  sleeping

11:15am: walk outside

11:45am:  floor time

1pm:  fussy

2pm:  playing, talking .... then threw up!  Penny gave you a bath.  ;-)

I got home early from work today and gave you a bottle.  I held and kissed you while daddy made some dinner.  

This evening you were very talkative!  You're also drooling a lot and blow bubbles with your spit!  Everything goes into your mouth these days!  And, you still suck on your hand and fingers.  :-P

You make a new noise now .... a squeal!  It's high pitched and we're hoping you grow out of it.  :-P  You like to make these squeal noises in the evening when you're playing around.

You spit up on daddy this evening as he was holding you.  We had to change your outfit .... and so did daddy!  

Tomorrow I had back to work.  Save a smile and kiss for me!  

Sleep tight!

I love you!

~Mommy

Rice Cereal

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little sweetie!  Today was an adventure.  :-)

We had another developmental appointment with the Special Infant Care Clinic at WakeMed.  You have a case of "torticollis" which means you favor turning your head to one side .... the right.  You'll turn your head to the left, but not as much as the right.  That's why you still have a flat spot on the back of your head.  :-P  The doctor showed me some exercises to do with you and he told me to do more tummy time with you.  So, that's what we're going to try to do!  :-)  The doctor said that the torticollis is correctable, and everything else about you was "perfect."  ;-)  The nurse weighed you and you were over 14 pounds!  Woo hoo!  She said you were "big for a 30 weeker."  :-)

This morning, after the appointment, I gave you a nice bath.  We then went to pick up some groceries and made a quick trip to the Post Office for stamps.  

At the grocery store, I picked up some rice cereal for us to try today.  Boy, was that a mess!  I put 2 ounces of formula in a bowl and mixed the rice cereal in there.  You spit everything up!  We went through two bibs and one washcloth during the process and you still managed to spill it all over me and you.  :-P  In the end, you took half an ounce .... which I guess is good for the first time?  :-)  You're head is still a little bobbly, so I might wait another day or two to try again.  Also, you're not taking as much formula a day as you should be (at least 30-32 ounces before taking rice cereal .... you're closer to 28).  So, I might also wait until you're eating more a day.  

We did tummy time a lot more today.  You're definitely getting better and you don't complain as much.  

You ended up taking a nap between bottles this evening .... which meant we were up giving you bottles until 1am wednesday morning!  And, daddy and I both have to go to work on wednesday!  Ugh!  Maybe tomorrow night we'll get more sleep.  :-)

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

Six Month Shots

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little fellow!  Today was a less than spectacular day for the two of us.  Let me explain ....

This morning we went to the pediatrician's office and the doctor was impressed with your progress!  They weighed you, and you're 13 lbs 14 ozs .... just shy of 14 lbs!  Wow!  You've come a long way since your birth weight of 2 lbs 4 ozs!  :-)  You're 24.5 inches long and your head circumference is 40.8 cm.  

You showed off your tummy time to the doctor.  She said you were doing well and you almost rolled for her.  :-P  You haven't actually rolled yet, but I know it won't be long.  So, the doctor told us to start preparing the house and to "baby proof" everything.  This is hard for us since we're trying to sell and move!  :-P  So, we'll have to take it day by day .... but I promise we'll do everything in our power to keep you healthy and safe!  

We can start to introduce you to rice cereal now with your formula.  It will take you a while to learn how to eat via spoon, so this will be an interesting learning experience for us all.  You still need assistance with sitting up and keeping your head from wobbling, so we have to start slow to make sure your neck is correct when feeding.

The doctor said that development-wise, you're on track for a "corrected age" of 4 months, though some things you do is similar to a 6 month old!  You don't need to take the poly-vi-sol with iron multivitamin any more since you're on complete formula (which is iron fortified).  So, we'll just finish what's left in your bottle and then you'll be done.  The doctor will draw some blood at either your 9 or 12 month check up to see if you're still anemic. 

You had three shots today and had to drink a medication.  You got two bugs bunny and one daffy duck band-aid.  You cried with all the shots, but then stopped when I picked you up and held you.  :-)  You fell asleep when I drove you home.

When we got home, you played in your chair and did some tummy time.  Then, in the early afternoon, you started to scream and cry!  I couldn't calm you.  You won't take a bottle and won't respond to walking and rocking!  You didn't have a fever, but must have had some pain from the shots!  You cried and screamed so much, with little tears running down your cheeks, that I started to cry and I called your daddy!  Your daddy came home from work a little early and brought us some infant tylenol.  You took a little dropper and eventually fell asleep .... I'm sure you were tired from the crying .... poor little thing.  :-(  You appeared ok after your nap (I also took a tylenol after all your crying).  

Daddy left for a soccer game and was gone for about 4 hours until 11pm.  I gave you another bottle and you fell asleep on me for a little bit.  I just held and kissed you! :-)

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you so much!  

~Mommy

Talking

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  How are you?  :-)

This morning your Mimi came over and watched you as daddy and I went to church.  Your Mimi has been out of town, so she wanted to see you since she missed you.  :-)  She came over as daddy and I were getting ready.  She brought me some allergy medicine since I haven't been feeling well recently.  I've been sneezing and have had some headaches, so taking the medicine really helped.  :-P

Daddy and I meet your Grandpa Jim and Gigi at church.  Gigi played the keyboard since she plays in the praise team.  We got to see her play and visit after church.

Afterward, we meet your (Great) Uncle Laurence to look at houses again.  We also went by their house because they had some toys and baby items that my cousins have grown out of.  So, now you have some extra play things!  :-)

We did some tummy time exercises today.  I can tell you're getting stronger because this evening you were following me and turning your head .... while holding your head up with your arms .... while I was walking around the room!  Woo hoo!  God job little man!

You were very talkative all day!  You like to babble and make little noises.  You're getting good at the "ahh" sound and the "grrr" sound.  I'm sure you'll be speaking in no time.  ;-)

Tomorrow we head to the pediatrician.  You'll get your 6 month shots and check up.  I can't believe it's been over 6 months.  Wow!

Sleep tight little angel!

I love you!

~Mommy

Asheboro Adventure

Dearest Joshua David~

What an adventure we had today!  You got to meet more family members!  Your Great-Great Uncle and Aunt drove down from New Jersey just to meet you!  

We drove to Asheboro to your Great-Grandparents' house in the morning.  Your Great-Great Uncle "Bones" and Aunt Joan (your Great-Grandmother's brother and wife) had driven down the day before.  They had seen pictures of you, both in the hospital and out.  But, they haven't gotten to see you in person.  They both got to hold and kiss you!  And, your Grandpa Jim and your Great-Grandma both gave you bottles.  

Your Great-Grandfather took your daddy and I on a tractor ride.  You stayed at the house.  :-P  When you're older you'll get to go on a ride .... maybe next year?  When we got back from the ride, you were sleeping on a pillow with Uncle Bones!  When you woke up, you showed them all how well you do with your tummy time!  :-)

How blessed you are to have so many family members who love you!  And, they all prayed for you when you were in the hospital!  Now look at you .... all strong and healthy!  What a little miracle from God!

Your Great-Great Aunt and Uncle got you some books!  This evening, when we got back to the townhouse, I read you the book "I Love You Through and Through."  You liked it.  Then, you played in your chair with your toys.  You did another tummy time before falling asleep on the bed.  I then moved you into the bassinet.  :-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!

~Mommy

Twenty Seven Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious!  Today you are twenty seven weeks old!  You've been home from the hospital for almost 19 weeks!  Wow!  It seems like yesterday we were taking you home for the first time.

Today you had your very first visit to the mall!  Let me explain ....

Remember our friends Stephanie and Kevin Dove?  They've come to visit you before and even saw me in the hospital after you were born.  Well, they were in town today, so you and I met up with them at the "Cheesecake Factory" in Crabtree Valley Mall.  You and I had already eaten, but we visited and Stephanie got to hold you.  :-)

Afterward, you played in your bumbo chair with toys and practiced sitting.  You really like your toy keys that Penny gave you!  They're easy for you to grip.  You hang on to them really tight, wave your arms around, and then throw the keys!  :-P

You and I played on the bed for a long time this morning.  You were very alert and active.  You kicked your legs all around!  You continued to try to talk .... but no real words yet.  :-)  Oh yes, you sneezed in my face twice!

After work, you, daddy, and I went to Target and picked up some groceries.  It was a pretty evening, so it was good that we were able to get out.

Before you fell asleep, we played with you in the bed some more.  You eventually got tired and started to snore!  Sleep tight little cutie!  Tomorrow we head to Asheboro to see your Great-Grandparents!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Daddy Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Today was a different day for you .... instead of having Penny watch you .... daddy watched you all day long!  I had to go into work, and Penny needed to see her sister, so daddy was your babysitter.  :-)  This was the first day the two of you have been alone together!

Daddy said you two had fun together.  You did some tummy time with daddy and played with your toys in your chair.  You also played on the bed.  Daddy said that you fell asleep after a bottle and took a nap.  Since you were sleeping, daddy said he took a nap as well.  :-P

This afternoon the two of you went for a walk!  Daddy said he did the same loop around the neighborhood that you and I do.  :-)  Sounds like you two had fun bonding .... just the boys!

When I got home, you were playing in your papasan chair while daddy was cooking dinner!  I got to hold and kiss you!  You smiled at me .... which made my day!  ;-)

Tomorrow daddy heads back to work, but I'll be here.  Our friends the Doves will be in town, so we might be able to see them in the afternoon.

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Double Chin

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pie!  Penny said you all had a fun day together!  Here's what you all did:

8:30am- sleeping
9:30am- walk outside
10am- floor time, music, practiced sitting
11:15am- sleeping
12:15pm- floor time, tummy time
1:30pm- sleeping
2:30pm- fussy
4pm- floor time, practiced sitting, very talkative
4:30pm- sleeping

Sounds like a busy day!  We had some Mommy time this morning before Penny got here.  We walked around the townhouse and looked out all the windows.

This evening, after work, we danced a little.  I also emptied your diaper container.  Daddy switched his day off to tomorrow so Penny could go see her sister.  So, we tried to clean a little tonight for daddy.

You have a tiny double chin!  It's so cute!  I remember when you were in the hospital .... you were so small and skinny.  We would pray that you would gain weight and get stronger.  Now, look at you!  You're getting bigger each day!  I'm so proud of you!  God is good!  :-)

You and daddy are going to have fun tomorrow!  This will be daddy's first complete day with you!  I know he's excited!

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Blue Eyes

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little angel!  You and I had fun today.  :-)

You woke up a little early this morning.  After your first bottle, you took a nap on the bed.  I organized some things, and then relaxed with you.  ;-)

After your next bottle, I gave you a nice bath.  You were very happy and kept smiling during the bath.  We've noticed something that usually makes you smile .... if I take a washcloth, or your bid, and gently play with it against your mouth and nose, you smile and laugh.  :-)

Before lunch, we took our usual walk through the neighborhood.  My allergies are getting better, so the walk was a little easier for me .... I could breathe a little better.

After lunch, we took a little drive.  We looked at some different neighborhoods and found a few more houses for sale within our budget.  I asked you if you liked any of them, but you slept in the car.  :-P

This evening we played together.  You did some tummy time on the bed and then fell asleep after a bottle.  Daddy had a soccer game this evening, so it was just us.

You're eyes have not changed color .... they're still blue!  How cute!  It's looks like you'll keep those pretty blue eyes!  If they were going to change, they would have changed by now.  :-)

Tomorrow Penny will be here.  I still miss you every time I leave and go into work.  I think about you during the day.  Save a kiss and smile for me!

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Laughing

Dearest Joshua David~

Good morning, good morning!  You woke up bright eyed today!  :-)

This morning we played on the bed a lot.  We did some more tummy time (you're getting stronger!) and you practiced talking and kicking around.  At one point I was bouncing you on my leg and you kept making the cutest facial expressions!  I ended up laughing out loud!  When I did, you smiled back at me.  :-)

After one of your morning bottles, you ended up falling asleep on me.  I let you rest there for a while before sliding you off to wash your bottle.

After another morning bottle, we headed out to make a deposit at the bank and a quick trip to the grocery store.  You were looking all around in the grocery store .... smiling at people.  :-)

This afternoon we did some laundry together.  I did daddy's laundry and my laundry.  You helped me fold everything.  :-P

We played on the bed this evening.  You're drooling a lot more, and I noticed a little, tiny red area on your lower gums.  Hummm .... could you be at the beginning stages of teething?  :-)

Overall, you were very active and alert today.  You took little cat naps, but nothing too long.

Sleep tight little man.

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

More Houses

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  How are you?  :-)

Your nails are growing so fast!  Daddy clipped them again this morning .... fingers and toes.  I still didn't feel 100% with my allergies, so you got to play with daddy a lot this morning.  You played in your chair with your toys and you all did some tummy time.

This morning your Grandpa Jim did a bike ride around the neighborhood.  He stopped in front of the townhouse, so we waved at him through the window.  You smiled.  :-)

You were very active all morning and alert.  We did a lot of playing and walking around the townhouse.

This afternoon we all went for a car ride.  We met up with your (Great) Uncle Laurence, Grandpa Mike, Gigi, and Grandpa Jim to look at houses.  We walked through five different houses within a few streets of each other.  You slept through most of them.  Towards the end you were getting cranky, so we headed back home.

Daddy had to go back out this evening to help your Uncle Brennan and Grandpa Mike move a treadmill.  You and I stayed here and ate some dinner and played.  You were quite fussy this evening and I ended up having to feed you every hour at 5pm, 6pm, and 7pm!  Whoa!

Sleep tight little man!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Allergies

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  Today we had some fun with daddy!

This morning we ran some errands.  Remember how you're eating us out of house and home?  ;-)  Well, we ran to Babies R Us and got some formula to last you for a while.  :-P  Then, we went to Best Buy because daddy still had a gift card from his birthday.  He got two CD's and we listened to them in the car on our way back home.  

Our subdivision had a community wide yard/garage sale today.  We saw everyone out as we were running our errands.  :-)

This morning, you played in your chair with your toys.  You also had some tummy time on the bed.  Afterward, you took a quick cat nap on the bed.  Daddy and I were so tired, that we took a nap with you!  Ha!

We all had a nice walk this afternoon.  You, daddy, and I walked to Gigi's house and back.  You took a bottle while at Gigi's.  Then, we came back here for dinner.  

The pollen outside as made it hard for me to breathe.  This evening my allergies were really acting up and daddy had to play with you.  I couldn't stop sneezing!  Hopefully, I'll be able to breathe better soon!  :-P

Sleep tight little angel!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Twenty Six Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  Today you are twenty six weeks old!  AND, today you are 6 months old!  That means that today is your half birthday!  Happy Half Birthday!  In six more months you'll be one year old!  :-)

Daddy had to go into work today, so we spent the day together.  You played in your bumbo chair a few times.  I put a tray on it so that you could reach your toys.  You kept throwing the toys around and I had to keep picking them up for you.  :-P

You're going through a growth spurt .... and you're eating us out of house and home!  I think I feed you every other hour!  :-P

Today I did all your laundry, emptied your diaper container, and vacuumed the upstairs.  You watched me as you sat in your bumbo chair.  

Today was another beautiful day.  We went for our usual 3 mile walk.  I might need to increase our walks to 4 miles if the weather continues to be so nice.  :-)

When daddy got home, you played with your toys some more with him.  After dinner, we all played on the bed and you showed daddy how you have improved with your tummy time.  

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Tax Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  Today is Tax Day!  This is the day that our taxes have to be post-marked by.  We get a little refund with the State taxes, but we owe with the Federal taxes.  Whamp wha!  :-(

This morning we had Mommy Time before Penny got here.  I gave you a bottle and then rocked and played with you.  When Penny got here, you were sleeping again!  

Here's what you all did:

8:30am-10:30am:  sleeping

11:30am:  walk outside

12:15pm:  sleeping

12:30pm:  floor time, practiced sitting, music, and tummy time

4:30pm:  sleeping

Guess what you've found .... your tongue!  You're so cute!  You play around with it and stick it out all the time.  Of course, that means you drool a lot too, so I try to keep a washcloth handy to wipe your face.  :-P

This evening you fell into a deep sleep after your bottle.  It was getting late, so I needed to change you before going to bed.  I took off your wet diaper, wiped you, put a new diaper on, kissed you .... and you never woke up!  You squirmed a little but your eyes stayed shut.  You were back to snoring in no time!  :-P  

Tomorrow daddy has to go into work, so it'll be just us!  Sleep tight!  

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Toy Keys

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little one!  Today is your Great-Grandfather's birthday (Grandpa Jim's dad)!  After work, we called to wish him a happy birthday.  We left a message and sang on his answering machine.  Next weekend, we're heading to Asheboro for a birthday party!  :-)

You had fun with Penny today.  Here's what you all did:

9am:  sleeping

9:30am:  tummy time, music, practiced sitting in bumbo chair

11:15am:  walk outside

12:30pm:  sleeping

1:30pm-2pm:  fussy

4pm:  sleeping

As soon as I got home from work, we did some tummy time together.  Then, I put you in the bumbo chair and gave you some toys to play with.  Penny got you some toy keys and you love playing with them!  They're easy for you to grasp so you wave then around in  your hands.  

Your eyes are getting clearer!  Before, you would wake up with crusty stuff around your eyes.  Now, you hardly have any!  Yippie!  That means your tear ducts are unclogging.  :-)

This evening, you fell asleep on me after I gave you a bottle.  It was so cute!  I moved your head so that you were facing the left side (to help your muscles), and then left you there to sleep for a while.  Once I got tired, I slowly and gently moved you into the bassinet.  :-)

I head to work again tomorrow.  Save a kiss for me!  Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Nice Walk

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello sweetie!  :-)  Today was a beautiful day with wonderful weather .... so .... we took full advantage of that and took a nice walk around the neighborhood.  We did our usual 3 miles to the front of the subdivision and back to the townhouse.  The best part .... we didn't get rained on like last friday!  We stayed nice and dry!  :-)  After the walk, we did some tummy time and then you took a bottle.

This morning you were alert so we did extra tummy time and you practiced talking.  :-)  I did two loads of laundry while you played with some toys in your chair.

Oh my .... you've gotten bigger!  I did an estimate of your weight today.  I weighed myself and then weighed myself while holding you.  You were only wearing a clean diaper.  There was a 13 pound difference!  Whoa!  You are getting huge!  :-P

Daddy had a meeting after work today, so we didn't see him until 9pm.  So, you and I played together after dinner.  You helped me cook some pasta .... well, you just watched while you played in your chair.  We did some more talking and tummy time on the bed.  You fell asleep on the bed when daddy got home.

Tomorrow I head back to work.  Penny will be here again, so I'm sure you all will have fun.  Save a smile and kiss for me!

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Gigi To DDS

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  How are you?  :-)

This morning we played together and I gave you a nice bath.  :-)  You practiced talking some more .... no real words yet, but you're getting close.  :-)

By mid-morning, Gigi called us.  She had a dentist appointment this morning and had two fillings done.  She took the rest of the day off to play with us!  :-)  When she called, she had just gotten home and her mouth was still numb!  Haha!  We went over there just in time for lunch.  :-)

After work, you got to see Grandpa Jim and Lois.  Then, you, Gigi, and I met up with daddy and saw another house with your (Great) Uncle Laurence.  This house was in pre-foreclosure, so we were hoping to find something at a good bargain.  Unfortunately, this house needed a lot of work .... more than we wanted to do with the price they wanted.  Oh well.  There are still plenty of houses out there!

Daddy had another soccer game tonight, so you and I played together all evening.  By the time daddy got home, we both were in bed!  ;-)  Sleep tight little one!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Birthday Dinner

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Today was a fun day!  

We played in the morning and did some tummy time.  You're getting stronger each day!  You're also trying to talk more.  :-)

Today was a beautiful day.  We went for a drive in the morning and ran an errand to Target.  You were alert in the store, but not fussy.  You just kept staring at daddy and I.  :-)

We went back to the townhouse for lunch, and then met up with Gigi to look at another house.  Your (Great) Uncle Laurence let us in, and your Mimi and Grandpa Mike met us there.  This was a huge house in foreclosure, so the price was nice .... but we weren't sold on the location.  We're looking for something a little more child friendly.  This place had children next door, but there weren't a lot of sidewalks and it was a small neighborhood.  

Afterward, we went to Mimi's to her birthday dinner!  Uncle Brennan and Grandpa Jim met us there.  Your Grandpa Mike got a new treadmill, so they were helping to move it in Grandpa Jim's truck.  

Dinner was fun!  It was your second time in a restaurant.  You got a little fussy in the carseat, but once people started to hold you, you started to behave.  

This evening we played on the bed together.  You fell asleep while daddy and I watched some television.  

Tomorrow daddy heads back to work, so it'll just be the two of us!  Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

First Showing

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little fellow!  We had a busy, busy morning!  Remember how we got a call last night about a showing?  Well, it was scheduled for 10am this morning, so we needed to do last minute cleaning, pack you, pack the cat, and get out of here by 9:30am.  :-)

First, we vacuumed the townhouse and swept the bathrooms and kitchen again.  You fell asleep after your first bottle, so we cleaned while you were in the bassinet.  Once you started to stir for your second bottle, I packed your diaper bag, changed you, and brought you over to Gigi's for some babysitting time!  :-)  There wasn't much to do after that except some last minute things.  We took out all the trash and cleaned out your diaper container.  :-P  The last thing we did was pack the cat up!

We stayed at Gigi's until about 11:15am and then brought the cat back to the townhouse.  This afternoon, you stayed at Gigi's while daddy and I drove around and looked at more houses.  There were lot of open houses this weekend, so we drove to the neighborhood that we like and saw what was out there.

Today is Mimi's birthday!  She also went with is to look at houses.  Tomorrow, we're going to go out to eat to celebrate her birthday.  We went through 5 houses today and saw things we liked and didn't like.

This evening you played on the bed with us and we did some more tummy time.  Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

Twenty Five Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Today you are twenty five weeks old!  Time is flying by!  You'll be graduating from college soon!  :-P

Today we spent the day together.  It started out disappointing, but then got better.  :-P  Let me explain ....

We woke up to a cloudy, cool morning.  The forecast stated that the day would clear up and be pretty.  So, we went for our usual walk around the neighborhood.  We tend to walk to same route, to stick with the sidewalks, which ends up being a little over 3 miles.  Well, on our way back to the townhouse, it started to slowly drizzle.  :-P  Once we were 1 mile away, it started to pour!  You were bundled in the stroller with lots of covering .... I, on the other hand, got soaked!  Our walk turned into a jog after that!  I bet your cousin Charlie didn't know his stroller (which we're borrowing) also serves as a jogging stroller!  Ha!

Once we got home, I changed and warmed up.  You played around in your papasan chair .... and probably didn't even know we were caught in a rain storm!  :-P

This afternoon you practiced sitting and talking.  We did a few tummy time activities.  Once daddy got home, you played around in the bed with him.  You threw up a little, so I had to change your outfit.

Oh, we got exciting news this evening!  We got a call from the CSS (Centralized Showing Service) and an agent want to show our townhouse to a potential buyer tomorrow morning at 10am!  Woo hoo!  We'll have to do some last minute cleaning when we get up!

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Two Babysitters?

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  Today you had a big day with visitors!  Daddy and I went to work as usual.  Penny came in the morning right after I gave you a bottle.  You were falling back asleep as I was leaving for work. 

Here's what you and Penny did:

8am- sleeping

9am- tummy time with music

10am- sleeping

12:30pm-1:30pm- fussy  :-(

2pm- sleeping

After 2pm, Mimi came to see you and relieved Penny.  You and Mimi got to play together before Daddy got home.  

When I got home, daddy and Mimi were playing with you.  You practiced talking/babbling.  This evening you played in the bassinet for a while.  Daddy put you on the bed and you did a "half roll."  Of course, daddy helped you with the roll.  But, I'm sure it won't be long until you're rolling around on your own!

Tomorrow daddy has to go to work, but we get to play around together!  

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Babbling

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  Today I headed off to work again, but you had fun with Penny! When I got home, you had plenty of kisses and smiles for me!  :-)

Here's what you did with Penny today:

8:30am- sleeping

11am- music time and practiced sitting, reaching, and grasping

11:15am- walk outside

11:40am- tummy time and floor time

12:20pm- sleeping

5pm- floor time

This evening, when daddy and I were playing with you, we did another tummy time on the bed.  You did really well.  You still get frustrated after a while, but you're able to hold your head up for a lot longer than before.  I still have to push you in order for you to turn your head to the left, but you're getting better each day.

This evening, you were practicing your sounds and talking.  You like to make "ahhh" sounds.  Maybe because I keep saying "Mama" in front of you!  ;-)  Maah ..... maah .... maah .... maah ....!  ;-)  You like to babble around, but no words yet .... we keep waiting!  :-)

Today at work, I saw a little boy patient who was born premature as well .... his mom was 29 weeks and 2 days gestation .... I was only 5 days more when you were born!  He's now 2.5 years and you are healthier than he is .... his medical history was complicated (I even had to call a cardiologist to get medical clearance).  We're so blessed that you're healthy!  You're such a miracle and gift from God!  

Tomorrow I head back to work .... save some more smiles and kisses for me!

Sleep tight little fellow!

I love you very much!

~Mommy

MLS

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  Today was more exciting an yesterday .... you got to meet more people and go for a drive!

Today is Dr. Rickert's birthday, the other dentist that I work with .... so, we went into the office today to see everyone for a little birthday bash!  :-)  Everyone held you and saw how big you've gotten.  I weighed myself before and after holding you, and I know you're over 12 lbs!  Whoa!  Remember only being 2 lbs 4 ozs?

Afterward, we drove around and looked at some more neighborhoods.  You took a little nap in the morning, so you were more alert this afternoon.

We're officially online and in the MLS system so other real estate agents can find us!  Our official number is: 1718782 .... now we play the waiting game.  Hopefully, things will work out and we can move into something bigger.  :-)


We did a tummy time early in the day, and you did really well.  You're getting stronger at holding your head up and turning it.  You still favor the right side, so we continue to work on that.  This evening, daddy did some tummy time with you, and you almost rolled over!  Of course, the bed was helping you, but it was still exciting to see you almost roll!

Afterward, we played on the bed until you fell asleep.  :-)

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

For Sale

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  Today we took it easy since this weekend was so busy! 

You and I relaxed at the house.  When you took naps, I cleaned the place.  We're trying to keep the place as tidy as we can in case potential buyers want to come by and see it.

Your (Great) Uncle Laurence came by with your cousins Erik and Mia.  They put a sign out in front of the townhouse and put a lock box on the door with a copy of the key.  How exciting!  :-)

Daddy had another soccer game tonight.  It was a late game, so you and I stayed here and played.  Gigi and Grandpa Jim came over around 9pm to see you and visit.  Daddy came home after 11pm .... we were both sleeping!  :-P

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!

~Mommy

Easter

Dearest Joshua David~

Happy Easter .... He is Risen!  This was your first visit to church!  We went to the Church of the Holy Cross, which is where daddy and I got married!  Fr. Gibson said a blessing for you when Grandpa Jim brought you up to the alter during communion.  We talked to Fr. Gibson a little after the service about a baptism for you.  He said he would be more than happy to baptize you .... he also baptized your daddy right before we got married!  :-)

You practiced sitting up more today.  We got a "bumbo" chair from one of Gigi's coworkers, so I put you in there so you can practice sitting and holding your head up.  You're still wobble around, but you're getting better.  :-)

Today we went over to Mimi's after church for an Easter Brunch.  You got to meet Rob (Aunt Katie's brother) and the McDuff's (Denis and Regina).  They were the ones who gave you the Mr. Potato Head and teddy bear!  They were all excited to see you!

This evening Mimi and Grandpa Mike got to watch you as daddy and I talked to (Great) Uncle Laurence about houses.  When we got back to Mimi's you were all cozy and ready to go to bed.  Once we got home, you took a bottle and went to sleep.  :-)

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you!

~Mommy

Easter Egg Hunt

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  I have some news for you .... your 3 month clothes are getting too tight and short!  Today daddy and I had to put you in a "6 month" size onesie!  You're getting so big!

Today we had an Easter celebration at your (Great) Uncle Laurence's house.  They just moved, so it was the first time seeing their house as well.  

You got to meet a lot of people too!  Since you stayed at our townhouse for Christmas, you didn't get to see all your aunts, uncles, and cousins.  Today, you got to meet about five new relatives!  I bet you didn't know you had such a big family!  ;-)

We had an Easter Egg Hunt there.  You and your cousins (Charlie, Erik, and Mia) participated.  You found 4 eggs!  Woo hoo!  But, alas, you did not get to keep them .... and .... daddy and I ate your chocolate!  :-)

Your Mimi and Grandpa Mike came over as well after we walked through a house that we're looking at.  The house is nice, but would need some cosmetic work on the inside .... paint, caulking, etc .... things that daddy and I have done here with the townhouse.  So, we're considering putting an offer in.  We'll see.  

We got back late tonight.  You placed on the bed a little, but then fell asleep.  

Sleep tight little one .... tomorrow's Easter!  

I love you!

~Mommy

Twenty Four Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little sweetie!  Today you are twenty four weeks old!  Whoa!  You're getting old!  :-)

Today is Good Friday.  This is the friday in Holy Week right before Easter .... the day that Jesus died on the cross.  In three days .... Easter .... he rose!  This is the basis of Christianity and what sets us apart from other religions.  

Gigi watched you this morning.  Daddy and I went driving around looking at houses and neighborhoods.  We're getting a better sense of the different neighborhoods around Raleigh, and we're getting closer to narrowing our search based on location. 

But, we also need to sell this townhouse.  Uncle Laurence came over and we signed all the paperwork to put it on the market.  :-)  He and daddy measured the rooms and verified information about the place to disclose to potential buyers.  As we were looking at the paperwork, I was giving you a bottle and you threw up in the kitchen!  Right when we had company!  :-P  I changed you afterward.  :-)  So, the paperwork is all signed which means we are officially "on the market" with an offer to sell.  

I did your laundry today, and one of your socks went missing.  This is the first time we've lost one of your socks .... and it won't be the last!  It might have gotten trapped in one of your blankets.  Perhaps it will show it in the future.  :-)

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you!

~Mommy

April Fool's Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little one!  Happy April Fool's Day!  Usually people play tricks on each other on April 1st, but we didn't try any tricks this year .... maybe next year.  ;-)

This morning we had some extra Mommy Morning time before Penny got here because you woke a little earlier.  After your bottle, I put you in your papasan chair so I could wash the bottle.  You grabbed your blanket and started to stare at your hands!  It was so cute!

You suck your thumb and fingers more to soothe yourself.  And, you're trying to talk more.  Penny noticed that you like to practice your "G" sound.  Some times you'll sit there and make noises like "Grrrrr."  :-)

Here's what you and Penny did today:

8:15am-10:30am:  sleeping

12pm:  walk outside, sat on deck, and tummy time

1:30pm:  sleeping

1:45pm:  tummy time, practiced sitting, music time

4:30pm:  sleeping

Guess what you did today .... you transferred!!  This is a big developmental step for you!  You were holding some plastic toy rings in your left hand .... then you reached over with your right hand and took them!  Good job man!  I'm so proud of  you!  This evening you did it again with daddy on the bed.  You grabbed a little toy and passed it between your hands!  Woo hoo!

This evening we watched UNC in the championship NIT game.  It was close, but we ended up losing.  :-(  Oh well .... there's always next year!  :-)

You're doing really well little guy!  It's amazing to think how far you've come!

 I love you!

~Mommy