Memorial Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Happy Memorial Day!  Today is the day that we stop and remember the veterans who have made this land the best country on the planet!  It is because of those who have served, or who are serving, in the US armed forces that we have the freedom that we enjoy everyday.  We have an impressive list of relatives in our family who have served ....

Great-Grandfathers (my side):  army and navy

Grandfathers (both my side and daddy's):  army

Grandmother (my side):  coast guard

Uncle (my side):  marines

Aunt (my side):  air force

Thanks you to all of them for their bravery!  :-)  We are truly blessed!

You slept much better last night!  In fact, you slept in a little and gave daddy and I some extra sleep too!  Thanks!  :-)

This morning, you had three tablespoons of oatmeal and this evening, you had three tablespoons of rice cereal!  Whoa!  You had a total of 6 tablespoons of food!  You're getting to be such a big boy!  

We took a walk this morning to Gigi's house.  We picked up some extra diapers at her house and then you, daddy, and I walked back to the townhouse.  You got to see Gigi and Grandpa Jim.

You had your physical therapy appointment today, and since daddy was off from work, he got to see how well you did too!  :-)  You continue to do a nice job while on your back rotating your head and neck over to the left side.  There's still a difference when on your belly.  You can move your head over your right shoulder and hold it much longer .... but it is more difficult for your left side.  But, you continue to show improvement everyday!  

This evening we went to Mimi's for a cook out!  Your Uncle Brennan and Grandpa Mike were there too.  Everyone got to hold you, and Mimi had some more clothes for you!  :-)  

Tomorrow, daddy heads back to work, so it'll just be the two of us.  

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

Back in NC

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  Welcome back to North Carolina!  :-)  Before we made it back here, however, we all ended up having a long morning ....

You see, you didn't sleep very well last night and this morning!  You took a late bottle around 11pm, but then woke back up and needed another bottle between 1am-2am!  Every time one of us tried to put you down, you would wake up and cry!  Finally, daddy ended up picking you up and held you until you fell asleep on his belly.  We ended up putting you back in the bassinet at 4:17am this morning.  :-P

So, how did it feel to see the mountains for the first time?  We had beautiful weather here and the landscape was stunning.  :-)  It reminds you of how powerful God is.  The mountains are referenced a lot in songs.  In one of my favorite songs, "Shout to the Lord," there's a song line that states "Mountains bow down and the seas will roar at the sound of your name!"  The mountains are peaceful, and we certainly had a good time there this weekend visiting with family.  :-)

This was also your first out-of-state trip.  Woo hoo!  I'm sure you'll continue to travel as you get bigger.  

When we got home, we did a lot of laundry to catch up from this weekend.  You also took a little nap with daddy.  

After the nap, you and I played together and you ate some oatmeal.  Daddy vacuumed our car!  It looks brand new!  He cleaned out the entire inside.  What a good daddy!  

This evening, we went to the grocery store since we had no food in the townhouse.  :-P  I held you in the carrier and you fell asleep on me as we walked around.  

Once we got back home, you took a little bottle and eventually fell asleep around 11pm.  I hope you sleep better tonight!  :-P

Sleep tight little angel!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Wedding Bells

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Ok, I don't know what happened this morning, but you sure kept us awake!  You kept daddy and I up past 1am this morning.  :-P  You woke up and started to cry, so I got up and rocked you.  You fell asleep, but after I put you down, you woke up again crying!  This happened three times.  By the third time, daddy woke up too and gave you a little bottle.  :-P  

After some sleep, we all woke up again for some breakfast and family time.  You played with your (Great) Aunts and Uncle, Great-Grandparents, Grandparents, and Uncle James.  After breakfast, people split up to get things done before the wedding.  We stayed with Gigi and Grandpa Jim, and mostly hung around the hotel.  We did drive out Hungry Mother Park, which is near the hotel.  I saw your (Great) Aunt Pops in a play there once.  

The wedding was in Sugar Grove, Virginia, which is where Julia grew up.  Your Uncle James and I use to come up here when we were little.  We would all play in mountains and catch fire flies.  We would also stare out at the sky at night.  The night sky is clearer up here than in Raleigh .... less city lights.  So, you can see more stars.  :-)

We put you in a cutie tuxedo onesie for the wedding!  You were so cute!  Gigi gave you a little bottle right before the wedding.  You slept for the entire service, except at the end when everyone started to clap.  Then, you woke up briefly, startled, but then fell back asleep. 

The reception was back at the hotel in Marion, Virginia.  It was a lot of fun, and you and I danced!  At once point, people formed a line for others to dance through.  You and I danced through it, and everyone cheered "Go Baby!  Go Baby!  Go Baby!"  :-)  You were a hit!  ;-)

Towards the beginning of the reception, daddy took you up to the room to change your diaper.  While up there, you had a huge poopy diaper, and even ended up peeing on your tuxedo outfit!  Daddy ended up having to change your outfit too for the reception!  

Once the music got really loud, we all went outside and enjoyed the evening weather and views.  I gave you a bottle out there, and we caught up with all the family members at the wedding.  Everyone held you .... even the new bride Julia!  :-)

Well, this was your first wedding and reception .... and it's safe to say you had fun!  

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Thirty Two Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  Today you are thirty two weeks old!  You're an old man!  ;-)

Today was full of "1st's" for you!  This was your first big car ride, your first time seeing the mountains, your first time out of the state, your first time in a hotel, and your first time meeting some family members!  Whoa!  That's a lot to take in at once!  :-)

We started the day by finishing our packing.  We did most of it last night, so we just needed to pack the last minute stuff today.  Then, after you had your oatmeal breakfast, I gave you a nice bath.

Your Grandpa Jim, Gigi, and Uncle James came over and picked us up at the townhouse.  Then, we all rode together to Virginia for cousin Julia's wedding!  We stopped in Chapel Hill for lunch.

Chapel Hill is where daddy and I went to college.  It's also where your Uncle James, Grandpa Jim, and (Great) Uncle David went to college as well.  This was your first time in Chapel Hill, but I know it won't be your last!  :-)  We're big UNC fans .... so you are too!  ;-)  Daddy and I started dating while we were in school here.  This is where we fell in love and where daddy proposed!  One day, we'll take you around the campus and show you everything.  Today, we just stopped briefly for lunch.

You fell asleep for a little bit in the van.  Once we got there, we checked into the hotel and saw your Great-Grandparents!  This was your first time in a hotel.  Daddy and I set up a little bassinet for you, and you had your rice cereal before dinner.  Today you took 5 whole tablespoons of oatmeal and rice cereal!

The rehearsal dinner was at the hotel, so we just had to walk downstairs.  There, you got to meet cousin Julia for the first time!  She's your (Great) Aunt Pops's daughter .... my first cousin .... your first cousin once-removed.  :-)  You also saw your (Great) Aunt Peans and (Great) Uncle Tom.  Julia is marrying Geoff.  Daddy and I first got to meet him at our wedding, over 2 years ago.

After dinner, we sat outside and enjoyed the nice weather and beautiful mountain views with Uncle James, Gigi, and Grandpa Jim.  We played in one of the side rooms off the lobby.  They had some games, so we played dominoes.

Oh, one more thing .... you are officially in size 2 diapers!  Woo hoo!  You're getting so big!

Tomorrow's the wedding!  Sleep tight little one!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Reading

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious man!  How are you today?  :-)

You got to spend the day with Penny and Mimi.  Mimi came around 2pm.  Here's what you and Penny did:

8:30am:  sleeping

9am:  floor time

11am:  walk outside and floor time

12:30pm:  sleeping

Penny took the cutest photo of you .... you're holding a piece of paper and you look like you're reading!  And, you have your little tongue sticking out!  ;-)

When daddy got home, he fed you and you all were playing when I got home.  Once I got home, I held you because I missed you all day!  :-)

I gave you some rice cereal when I got home.  Since you didn't have any oatmeal this morning, I increased your rice cereal to 3 tablespoons .... and you took it all .... in 15 minutes!  I'm so proud of you!  You're growing into a strong little man!  :-)

This evening we all packed.  Tomorrow we head out of town to Virginia.  Tomorrow is my cousin, Julia's, wedding.  We're going to ride up with Uncle James, Gigi, and Grandpa Jim.  

We did your laundry and packed your clothes and blankets.  Some things we'll pack in the morning, like bottles and food.  But, for the most part, we got everything done this evening.  

We played on the bed with you and you did some tummy time.  You fell asleep on me for a little bit, and I moved your head so that it was facing the left.  You didn't fuss too much when I moved your head, so you're muscles are getting better going from side to side.  But, we need to continue working and doing tummy time together.  

Sleep tight little man .... tomorrow we have a big road trip!

I love you so very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Giggles

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little angel!  You and Penny had a fun day today while daddy and I were at work.  Here's what you all did:

8am:  floor time

8:30am:  sleeping

11am:  woke up- long morning nap!

12pm:  walk outside and floor time

2:30pm:  cat nap

4pm:  floor time and music time

When I got home, I held you tight!  I missed you so much!  You gave me a big smile.  ;-)  I've noticed that you laugh a lot more.  Today, you appeared to giggle for me!  It was really cute and you gave me a huge smile and waved your hands around.  :-)

Since I didn't have time to give you oatmeal this morning before work, I just gave you the rice cereal this evening.  You took 2 tablespoons of it .... and you ate it in about 10 minutes!  Whoa!  You're getting better at eating with a spoon.  Perhaps I'll increase your amount tomorrow?  :-)

This evening, after a bottle, you fell asleep on us.  You fell asleep on daddy first, then I held you for a little bit.  :-)

Tomorrow, you'll be with Penny again, but Mimi will be here in the afternoon (Penny is going to visit her sister tomorrow).  Keep saving those smiles and kisses for me!  I still miss you when I go to work on wednesdays and thursdays.  

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Huge Tree

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  Today is your Mimi and Grandpa Mike's 36th Wedding Anniversary!  Wow!  When your daddy called this afternoon, we wished them a happy anniversary.  :-)

This morning you took a little nap.  I was so tired from being up with you (you were still awake at 12:30am this morning) that I took a nap with you.  :-P

Then, we played on the bed with your toys and did some tummy time.  :-)

We did our usual walk today of 3 miles around the neighborhood.  :-)  When we were about 1.5 miles from the townhouse, it started to rain on us!  But, there was a huge tree right next to us, so I pushed the stroller under it and stood with you.  It only rained for a few minutes, and we stayed dry under the tree.  :-)  After the rain let up, we finished our walk and went home.

This afternoon we played some more.  You continue to get better with your tummy time each day.  :-)

We cooked dinner while daddy was at work.  We made chicken with veggies and put it in some pasta.  :-)  It was pretty good, and we had enough for lunch the next day. 

Tomorrow I head back to work but Penny will be here.  I know you two will have fun.  Save me some kisses and smiles!  

Sleep tight!

I love you!

~Mommy

Awesome

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious!  You had some visitors today!  :-)

This morning, you and I played on the bed and did some tummy time.  Then, Stephanie and Kevin came over to see you.  Kevin had a doctor's visit in town today, so afterward, they came over and played with you.  You like it when they come over.  :-)  You had fun playing around and they both held you.  :-)

Eliza said that you did "awesome" today for your physical therapy appointment.  :-)  I'm so very proud of you!  All our hard work with tummy time is paying off.  When you're on your back, you can hold your head to the left for a longer period of time .... much better than a few weeks ago when we first started these appointments.  You don't hold your head to the left as long when your on your belly or sitting up, so there's still some room for improvement .... but you're doing so well!  

This afternoon, you and I went for another walk.  We did the same 3 mile walk through the neighborhood.  You fell asleep about half-way through it.  Once we got home, it started to rain.  :-)

This evening, we played on the bed with toys and did more tummy time.  You fell asleep on daddy after a bottle.  It was so cute!  ;-)  When you woke up, you played with your froggy toy.  You've figured out how to make the toy go "ribbit."  :-)  You're so smart!  ;-)  It's so fun to watch you hit the toy so that it'll make noises.  

Then, you fell asleep after another bottle.  But, that didn't last long!  You woke up again and needed another bottle!  You took 29 ounces of formula plus your 3 tablespoons of rice cereal and oatmeal.  You finally, fell back asleep around 12:30am.  :-P

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Oatmeal

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  Guess what you did this morning?  I increased your rice cereal to two tablespoons yesterday .... I don't know if that did it, but .... you slept in this morning!  Woo hoo!  Since daddy and I use you as our alarm clock in the mornings (at least on the weekends) we actually overslept and didn't make it to church!  Oops!  But, daddy and I appreciated the extra sleep!  ;-)

Once we got up, we played on the bed with your toys.  :-)  We started something new today .... you tried oatmeal for the first time!  We did it in the morning so that daddy and I could watch you during the day to check for any possible reactions.  Thankfully, you had no reactions!  You actually liked it and did well eating it!  Afterward, I gave you a little bath since your arms got sticky from grabbing the spoon and food.  :-P  

You, daddy, and I went for a walk this afternoon.  We did our usual 3 mile walk around the neighborhood.  As soon as we got home, it started to rain, so we timed it just right!  Go us!  :-)

This evening, we saw Mimi, Grandpa Mike, and Uncle Brennan for dinner.  We went out for pizza, but Mimi gave you a bottle.  :-)  We had scattered thunderstorms all day, and it started to rain again as we were leaving dinner.  

This evening, I gave you the rice cereal, and you did well!  So, you took 2 tablespoons of rice cereal, 1 tablespoon of oatmeal, and 26 ounces of formula today!  You're such a big boy!  I'm so proud of you!

You took a late bottle and then fell asleep on me.  You were so cute sleeping there.  :-)

Sleep tight little one!

I love you so very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Carolina Pig Jig

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little angel!  Today was a great day with just the three of us!  

This morning, daddy made us pancakes for breakfast!  Yummy!  They were good!  You had a bottle, but when you're bigger you'll be able to have pancakes too.  :-)

After we all ate, you played with your toys and did tummy time.  I weighed myself and then picked you up with just a clean diaper.  There was a fifteen pound difference!  Wow!  You're 15 pounds!  Look how far you've come since you were born at only 2 lbs 4 ozs!  I'm so proud of you!  God is so good!  :-)

This afternoon, you, daddy, and I went to the NC Festival at the State Fair grounds.  It was like a little State Fair but for free.  There were exhibits and rides everywhere!  We were there for 2 hours.  I carried you around in the ergo carrier and you fell asleep after a while.  Everyone thought you were cute in the carrier!  I had a backpack on too with your diapers and supplies.  One person asked me "which backpack the baby was in" since I was carrying something in the front and the back!  When we were leaving, one of the gate guards asked daddy and I which booth we got you from.  We told him we won you as a prize!  Haha!

While there, we went to the Carolina Pig Jig which was an all you can eat BBQ contest!  Daddy and I ate way too much, but it was worth it!  The food was great, and we got to vote on which group had the best BBQ.  The proceeds from the ticket sales went to help children, so we got to eat BBQ and help people at the same time.  ;-)

This afternoon, we played more with toys and did more tummy time.  You took 2 tablespoons of rice cereal!  Woo hoo!  Now, that you're getting better at taking the rice cereal, I'm going to start you on oatmeal tomorrow.  :-)

 

This evening, we went to Target for a little grocery run.  It was storming outside!  We got there just in time for the rain to start, so we walked around the store until it stopped.  There was thunder and lightning everywhere.  :-P  

Once we got home, we played on the bed more and did more tummy time before you fell asleep.  

Sleep tight! 

I love you very, very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Thirty One Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious!  Today you are thirty one weeks old!  Wow!  You're just growing right along!  :-)

This morning, you and I played on the bed.  We also did tummy time and some neck exercises.  You had some really cute "sighs" while we were playing.  I laughed out loud at one and you smiled at me!  

I gave you a nice little bath today.  After you have a bath, your hair gets really fuzzy and cute!  It was sticking up the rest of the day.  

After your bath, we went to see daddy really quickly at work.  We had to send something to your (Great) Uncle Laurence about the new house, so daddy was faxing it for us.  Then, we headed over to Gigi's for lunch!  This was your first time seeing Gigi at work!  She works in the GIS department of the DOT.  Everyone got to see you and you smiled as people walked by.  Gigi's boss got to hold you!  Everyone said you were cute and they loved your fuzzy hair.  All these people prayed for you while you were still in the hospital, so it was nice for them to see you now and to see how much you've grown.  While we were there you had a bottle, and then we ran a quick errand to the bank and walked around "Babies R Us" just for fun.  

When we got home, we played on the bed and did more tummy time.  I sang you the ABC song more (I sing it to you everyday because it calms you for some reason!).  

When daddy got home, he cooked dinner.  We helped a little because I put you in the carrier and walked around with you in there.  I ended up eating dinner with you still in the carrier next to me!

We did your laundry and emptied your diaper container.  

This evening, daddy and I played a Wii game for the first time since early February .... over 3 months!  :-P  We've been so busy with the townhouse/house situation, that we finally had time to sit down and play a game of bowling.  Daddy and I both won a game of bowling.  I play under the "Joshua" character, so we won!  And, we set a new overall bowling record of 222!  Go us!  :-)  We also played a game of table tennis and daddy won.  

Tomorrow's the weekend so we'll be able to spend the day together as a family!  :-)

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

The Salon

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little miracle!  I went to work today and thought of you the entire time!  :-)

Today is Penny's birthday, so you spent the day with Mimi!  She came to our townhouse this morning before I headed to work.  You all played here for a little bit, and then when traffic went down, you two headed over to Mimi's house.  You took two little naps for Mimi.  

At 2pm, you headed over to the Salon to meet Pam!  Pam cuts our hair, though you won't need a haircut for a long time!  :-)  But, she's been wanting to meet you!  You liked Pam!  You all had fun over there and then headed back to Mimi and played on her bed.  

At around 5pm, you two headed over to Leigh and Jerry's house.  That's where daddy met you!   Leigh and Jerry have a dog and cat.  You got to pet both of them.  Both animals are calm and tame, so they didn't mind you petting them. You played there for a little bit, and then daddy took you home.

When I came home, you and daddy still weren't here, so I made dinner.  When you all came home, I hugged and kissed you!  You kept pulling my hair and laughing!  :-P

This evening, you played on the bed and did tummy time.  Tomorrow daddy has to work, so you and I will have fun together.  

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Fussy Evening

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious!  How are you?  :-)

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

8:30am:  sleeping

9:30am:  floor time and music time

11:15am:  sleeping

12:15pm:  walk outside

2:15pm:  sleeping

When I got home, I held you since I hadn't seen you all day, well, since the morning at least!  :-)  This evening you were really fussy, however.  You hadn't been that fussy in a while.  You were fussy the whole time we were cooking and eating dinner.  

I gave you your rice cereal this evening, and you did "ok" with it.  You've definitely done better.  But, it was still an improvement from the first time we tried it.  :-P

You played on the bed this evening.  You were very active all night until you fell asleep on daddy after a bottle.  You ended up taking a longer nap than usual, so we had to give you late bottle (around 11:30pm) so you would sleep through the night.

Tomorrow is Penny's birthday, so your Mimi is going to watch you!  This morning, before I left for work, Penny opened her birthday card from us.  We got her a gift card to her favorite restaurant, Red Lobster.  She loved it!

Oh, I spoke to my cousin, Julia, this evening.  She's your first cousin once removed.  She's getting married next weekend and can't wait to meet you!  You already have your outfits all picked out and ready to be packed.  ;-)

Save some more kisses for me tomorrow.  Sleep tight!

I love you!

~Mommy

Cooking Dinner

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pie!  Today was a pretty relaxing day.  :-)

This morning, we played a lot and we practiced your tummy time.  You continue to get better with holding your neck up and turning your head from side to side.  Keep up the good work.  ;-)  I played with you on the bed .... I scattered your toys all around and I kept picking up different ones so you won't get bored with them.  :-P

After one of your morning bottles, you took a quick and tiny nap on me.  I thought you were in a deep sleep, so I gently placed you on the bed so I could wash your bottle, but you woke up and started to cry.  

I walked around a lot today holding you.  We danced this morning and I told you how much I love you.  Daddy and I say "I love you" to you everyday!  We also say it to each other everyday.  :-)

This afternoon we made a quick trip to the grocery store.  Then, we came home and cooked dinner.  We cooked some ground beef, chopped up veggies, boiled pasta, and made our own Italian cuisine.  ;-) Daddy liked it, and we even had left overs for lunch tomorrow.  

This evening, we played on the bed and you showed daddy your tummy time.  You played with daddy a lot since he didn't see you during the day.  You fell asleep with him after a bottle and he trimmed your nails.  

Tomorrow I head to work.  Penny will be here, so save a kiss and smile for me!  

Sleep tight!

I love you!

~Mommy

Inspection

Dearest Joshua David~

Good morning!  You woke me bright and early at 1:30am for a bottle!  Whoa!  Were you really that hungry?  :-P  I made you a small 2 oz bottle, changed you, and you fell right back asleep.  You woke up again at 6am.  Daddy slept through the entire thing .... even your cries when you woke up!  :-P

This morning, we went to our new house and met the home inspector.  Your (Great) Uncle Laurence met us there, as did your daddy.  We walked around the house again, but we didn't walk outside much .... it was rainy and chilly!  The inspector checked a lot of things in the house to make sure items work properly and to make sure the house was safe.  Daddy stayed for about an hour, and we left shortly after daddy.  You needed to take a bottle, and we needed to get back for your physical therapy appointment.  

The inspector was nice, and he emailed daddy and I a report late this evening about what he found.  He recommended for some things to be replaced or evaluated, so we'll talk with your (Great) Uncle Laurence to see what the next steps should be.  

Eliza was very impressed with you again!  You took a bottle when we got home and then took a little nap while I was holding you.  If you didn't have that appointment, I would have taken a nap too since we were up so early!  But, once it got close to your appointment time, I had to wake you and get you moving.  

Eliza worked with you for about an hour (which is how long all your appointment are).  She said you were "exceptional" again!  She said you had the best disposition of all the babies she works with.  You did very well with going to your left side today and you handled tummy time for at least 10 minutes without getting fussy!  Eliza look at you said that she could "tell that you and mommy have been working!"  :-)  Go us!  At one point, while on your belly, you threw up a little on your blanket and then you had a few "toots" from your bottom!  It was just gas!  

This afternoon, we did more tummy time together and played with your toys.  It rained all day, so we stayed in as much as possible.  Maybe a walk tomorrow?

This evening, after daddy came home, we all met your Mimi, Aunt Katie, and Uncle Brennan for dinner.  We had fun visiting, but then tried to dodge the rain on the way home.  :-P

You played on the bed with daddy and I before you fell asleep.  You had a lot of burps this evening.  It was really funny!

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Seven Months

Dearest Joshua David~

Guess what?  Today you are seven months old!  Whoa!  Can you believe that?  Seven months ago today you were born at WakeMed.  Time has flown by.  

Today was our Open House!  The whole subdivision was having a community wide open house event.  There were over twenty-five houses participating, and over fifteen townhouses on the list.  

We finished cleaning everything this morning and put some things away to make the place look a little bigger.  I packed up your bassinet and put all your toys in the closet.  :-P  Mimi came over and brought plants to put in different rooms.  Also, we got some balloons to place outside against the sign.  We had flyers out and even baked chocolate chip cookies!  We put the cookies out and some bottles of water.  

Your Gigi came by after church and packed Pumpkin up.  He went to stay at their house during the event.  We didn't need a cat wandering around and sniffing people!

Your (Great) Uncle Laurence came over before the event and put more signs out.  He stayed in the townhouse during the event.  We took you quickly over to Gigi's and we ate a lunch.  Then, we all headed back to the townhouse.

We had some people take a look around.  We were hoping for more people, but it was better than none.  Maybe one will put an offer in?

Before we brought you back home, your Aunt Katie and Uncle Brennan met us at Gigi's to visit you.  It started to rain pretty hard while we were there, so we all stayed and visited until the rain stopped.  

Tomorrow daddy heads back to work, so it'll just be us!  We have an inspection schedule for tomorrow for our new house, and you have a physical therapy appointment too!  Busy day!  

Daddy and I are still tired from rocking you early this morning.  Please sleep a little better tonight!  :-P

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Brunch Date

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Look how much you've grown!  I'm so proud of you!

This morning we had a date!  My friend Emily came into town from Charlotte.  She was doing the Relay for Life, which helps raise funds and support for the American Cancer Society, in Wake Forest.   I did this race when I was in college at UNC.  I did it in memory of my Nana, your Great-Grandmother on Gigi's side.  She passed away from colon cancer in 2001.  She would have loved you! 

So, you, daddy, and I met up with her and one of her friends for brunch.  We had a good time!  We caught up (I haven't seen Emily in months) and she got to meet and hold you!  

Afterward, daddy and I ran an errand to pick up supplies for the townhouse.  Then, we spent the rest of the day cleaning and preparing for the Open House tomorrow.  

We borrowed your Grandpa Jim's truck to move some cardboard and to borrow a shepherd's hook from Gigi.  Mimi bought a wind chime for our deck, so we put it on the hook.  Everything looks really good!  All the rooms are really clean, the bathrooms are spotless, and the deck looks nice with all the plants.  So, we just have a few things to do in the morning before the Open House.  We're hoping lots of people will come and we can get this place sold!  :-P

This evening we played with you on the bed, and you showed off your tummy time.  You're certainly getting better with your head control!  

We did have a long night however!  You took a longer than usual nap late in the evening, which means daddy and I were still trying to rock you to bed at 1:37am sunday morning.  :-P  Let's hope we don't have too many more nights like that.  

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

Thirty Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  Today you are thirty weeks old!  Time just continues to fly by.  Daddy and I can't believe how fast you're growing!  :-)

Today was Family Friday!  Daddy had off from work, so we all got to spend the day together!  :-)  In the morning, your Mimi and Leigh came over to help us straighten up the townhouse.  This sunday, we're going to have an Open House.  The entire subdivision is participating, so hopefully we'll get some people interested in the property .... especially now that we're under contract for the house.  :-P  

Daddy and I cleaned the townhouse from top to bottom!  Well, we're breaking up the cleaning between today and tomorrow, but we wanted to get a good amount done today.  The kitchen looks pretty good and we're caught up on laundry.  Also, the downstairs bonus room is all clean.  

I organized your clothes today.  You've grown out of the 0-3 month clothes .... you can still wear some things that say 3-6 months .... and you're growing into clothes that say 6 months.  :-)  So, we cleaned out your dresser and reorganized everything.  Oh!  I found that missing sock of yours!  Whew!  Now you have a complete set!  :-)

Daddy and I got tickets to see the Carolina Railhawks soccer team tonight.  Our intention was to bring you out with us, but the day got too hot.  The high was around 92 degrees, so we decided to take you to Gigi's for a little bit.  While there, you wore your Grandpa Jim's metal from his White Lake Half Ironman Triathlon from the other weekend.  When someone wears his metals, he has good luck.  :-)

So, daddy and I had never been to one of the Railhawks games before, so once we got there we realized the team color was orange.  They were playing Tampa Bay, whose team wore green and yellow.  Daddy and I walked into the stadium both wearing green!  :-P  Oh well!  We watched an hour of soccer and ended up leaving during the second half to pick you back up (it was getting late).  When we left, the game was tied 1-1.  Carolina ended up losing 2-1.  

Sleep tight little man! 

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Meeting

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  I didn't get home until late tonight .... did you miss me?  :-)

We got to play together again this morning before Penny got here.  You took your morning bottle a little earlier than usual.  So, we had some extra time to play before I had to leave for work.

Here's what you and Penny did:

9am:  sleeping
10:30am:  walk outside
11:15am:  floor time and tummy time
12:30pm:  sleeping
3:15pm:  sleeping
4:30pm:  huge poopy!

Daddy came home after work and played with you while I was in a meeting.  At one point, you took a nap, so daddy did too!  While I was in my meeting, your daddy sent me this photo of you .... sticking your tongue out, cross eyed, with a washcloth over your head!  My goodness!  What were you all doing?  :-P  It was a cute photo!

When I got home, I held and kissed you!  I was too tired .... you fell asleep on me after a bottle and I ended up falling asleep too!  Daddy woke us so we could both go to bed! 

Tomorrow daddy as off from work, so it's Family Friday!  I'm excited and I know you are too! 

Sleep tight little one!

I love you so much!  :-)

~Mommy

Washcloth

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello precious!  Look how big you've gotten!  :-)

We had a Mommy Morning today before Penny got here!  I gave you a bottle and then you played a little.  You had a big smile on your face when Penny walked in!  :-)

Here what you all did today:

8:30am:  sleeping
9:45am:  floor time, music, tummy time
11am: walk outside
12:30pm-1:30pm:  sleeping
4:30pm:  big poopy!  :-P

When daddy and I got home, we both gave you bottles.  You did more tummy time, and you and daddy played with toys as I cooked dinner.  We had breakfast foods for dinner!  :-)

Daddy put a washcloth on your head this evening while he was playing with you.  He took a photo because you looked so cute!  We then looked at some old photos of you when you were still in the hospital .... I can't believe how much you've grown!  Daddy and I are so thankful for your health! 

Daddy clipped your nails this evening and took out your diapers.  Phew!  ;-)

Tomorrow, I have a late meeting for work.  I won't be home until after 8pm.  :-(  I'm going to miss you!  Daddy will be here, so you'll be in good hands!  Save some smiles and kisses for me!

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Father-Son Workday

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello precious!  Guess what we did today .... we met daddy at work and ate lunch with him!  

First, we did things around the house.  We cleaned things, you played with your toys, and you did some tummy time.  After one of your bottles, you started to rub your eyes so I knew you were getting sleepy.  I started to rock you in my arms and you ended up falling asleep while I was holding you!  How cutie!  I gently put you in the bassinet and did some Bible reading on the bed.  I was so tired that after reading, I took a nap too!  :-)

Once you got up, I gave you another bottle and packed up your things.  Then, we headed to daddy's work.  Everyone was excited to see you!  You were like a Rock Star!  People came from all over to daddy's office just to see you!  We had to change you there, then you played in the car seat as daddy and I ate a sandwich.  

After we left, we swung by the grocery store for some veggies and diapers.  I got the next size up since you won't be in size 1 diapers much longer.  You're getting so big!  

Then, we came home for another bottle.  You helped me cook dinner again.  This evening, you and I cooked chicken in couscous with spinach, asparagus, corn, onion, garlic .... yummmm!  Daddy also liked it, so we must be getting better!  ;-)

This evening we played more on the bed and you did some tummy time for daddy.  Tomorrow, I head back to work, so you'll spend the day with Penny.  Save some kisses and smiles for me!

Sleep tight!

I love you little angel!  :-)

~Mommy

Exceptional

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  Today you and I had a fun day.  :-)

We went grocery shopping in the morning.  Daddy and I were completely out of food, so I packed you up and we filled a cart together.  :-P  Once we got back, we played with your toys and we did some tummy time.

The physical therapist came over this afternoon.  She was very impressed with you!  You went to the left side a lot and you didn't need a lot of help!  She worked with you for an hour.  She said your balance and head control were good and today's visit went "exceptional."  She loved how you explore toys .... touching it all around .... use both hands .... put things to your mouth.  Now, I know all your visits probably won't go so smoothly, but I was so proud of you!  Good job with your neck muscles!  I think we've been doing really well together with your tummy times.  :-)

This afternoon, we also emptied your diaper container and cleaned up the townhouse.  

You helped me cook dinner while daddy was at work.  Well, you played in your chair as I prepared and cooked dinner.  :-P  We made steaks, potatoes, and veggies!  Daddy enjoyed it, so I guess we did ok.  :-)

Tomorrow we're going to have another fun day together.  Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Mother's Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello precious!  Today is Mother's Day!  Technically, it's my "second" Mother's Day since I was pregnant with you this time last year .... but, no one knew I was pregnant except daddy and my parents.  My mom (Gigi) have me a sweet card last year since I was "expecting", but besides that, it was a secret. 

So, today was my first big Mother's Day!  Woo hoo!  Your daddy made me breakfast this morning before church.  Then, we went to church and saw Gigi play in the Praise Team.  All the mommies stood and we prayed for them as well.  Gigi and I stood together.  :-)  We prayed for all current mothers, mothers who are no longer with us, expecting mothers, and women who will one day become mothers.  :-)

After church, we went to a lunch celebration and caught up with lots of people!  There were 12 of us all together at a big round table, and you got passed along to everyone!  You got to see your Mimi, Uncle Brennan, Aunt Katie, and others.  We gave your Mimi and Gigi a nice photo of you (smiling during your tummy time) in a photo frame that states, "But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15 NIV).  Also, they both got gift cards to places they wanted.  

You gave me a CD and your daddy drew a cute comic for me!  You and the cat were in the comic.  It was so cute.  Speaking of the cat, today is his 6th birthday.  :-)

It was such a nice and pretty day .... wonderful weather for Mother's Day.  :-)  I enjoy being a mom, and you are so precious to daddy and I. 

We had a nice dinner at home .... just the three of us. You played on the bed and did more tummy time.  Tomorrow, the physical therapist is coming again to check on you.  We've been working hard this weekend with our exercises so hopefully she'll be impressed.  :-)

You did well with your rice cereal!  Of the 2 ozs that I made, you took about 1.25!  Whoa!  Good job little man!  

Thank you for such a wonderful Mother's Day!  Sleep tight little angel!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Promise Walk

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious!  Today was a beautiful day.  The morning was nice and cool for our walk, but then it progressively got hotter as the day went on. 

We did the Promise Walk this morning.  It was a 5K loop around a lake in Apex.  There were about 50 people there, including children.  Before the walk started, a doctor was there to discuss Preeclampsia.  There were 9 of us who had Preeclampsia in our pregnancies and had to deliver early.  Three of us also had HELLP.  All nine of us were recognized and our children were recognized as well.  You got a balloon, and I got a button as a survivor.  

It was an inspiration to see other women and children who have survived this pregnancy disorder.  We did, however, meet women who have lost children to Preeclampsia.  Children are such blessings and miracles from God!  Daddy and I thank our Lord for you everyday!  :-) 

After the race, we saw your (Great) Uncle Laurence and signed papers for a contract.  We sent it to the sellers, and by the end of the day, the sellers had signed as well.  So .... we're "under contract" for a new house!  How exciting!  If all goes well, we'll close on the house in late June!  Now, we have to focus attention to this townhouse to get it sold!  

This afternoon your Mimi came over to help us organize things with the townhouse.  She and daddy went out and got some plants and accessories to make this place shine for potential buyers.  :-)  When they returned, you were eating some rice cereal and showed off to your Mimi.  You did well and pretty much finished your bowl!  I still had to bribe you with a bottle as well, but you're getting better with the spoon.  

After dinner we did our usual play time and tummy time.  I didn't feel well (my allergies were really bad and I could hardly breath!), so daddy took care of you.  You have a good daddy!  

Tomorrow is Mother's Day!  Yippie!  I can't wait!  Sleep tight little angel!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Twenty Nine Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man.  Today you are twenty nine weeks old!  Time is really flying by!  It seems like only yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital.  :-)

This morning you took your normal bottle and rested on me as I relaxed on the bed.  Then, you stirred a little, lifted your head up, and completely threw up on me!  You must have thrown up the majority of that bottle!  It went all down my shirt and only a little got on you.  :-P  I had already changed your outfit at that point, so I ended up giving you a nice bath and changed you once again.  :-P  Whew!  Once that was over, you played all around and smiled at me!  :-)

A physical therapist came over today, Eliza, to take a look at you and to do some exercises to help your neck muscles.  She turned you in different directions and held you in different positions.  She was impressed with your head control and liked how you were transferring toys with hands.  She didn't notice any tilting of your head (which is good), only the rotation (how you like to favor the right side).  She also said you had nice balance!  You got fussy during the middle of it and I had to give you a little bottle just to calm you.  She wants to see you weekly to help with exercises, so we're starting on monday to get into a schedule.  So, this weekend I'm going to work hard with tummy times to help you.  :-)

This evening, we met up with your Gigi for dinner.  We went to Chick-Fil-A and called your (Great) Uncle Laurence.  We have a verbal agreement with the sellers of the house we're looking at, so tomorrow we're going to meet up with him to sign papers to try to make things official.  We're that much closer at getting a house, little man!  

This evening we played and did tummy time.  You're getting stronger and you're starting to pivot on your belly a little during tummy times.  :-)  I wonder when you'll roll over for the first time ....

Tomorrow, you, daddy, and I are doing the Promise Walk to help raise funds and awareness for the Preeclampsia Foundation.  They're going to recognize you and me as survivors.  I think it'll be nice to see other women and children who have gone through what we have.  Our team name is "Joshua's Joggers"  and we have raised $165!  :-)  Go us!

Sleep tight little precious!  We have a big day tomorrow. 

I love you!

~Mommy