Double Rainbow

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Guess what today is .... today is your Aunt Katie and Uncle Brennan's wedding anniversary!  I believe they are celebrating four years together.  We have some pictures around the house that were taken at their wedding, so I can show them to you when you're a little more mobile.  

 So, since you fought sleep so much last night, and fell asleep so late .... you were still sleeping when I left for work this morning!  We need to try to get you back on schedule with a decent bedtime.  Daddy and I are tired late at night (10pm and 11pm), so we'd appreciate it if you went to bed earlier.  :-P 

You and Penny had fun today!  You took a nap in the afternoon for her.  You two also went to the park later in the day after it stopped raining.  It was really coming down this morning as I was driving to work.  It cleared up around lunch time though.  You all did floor time, tummy time, you crawled around everywhere, and she gave you a container of mixed veggies.  :-)

When daddy got home, the two of you sat on the front porch on the swing.  You guys saw a double rainbow in the sky .... and I saw it as I was driving home from work!  Daddy took a picture.  You don't see double rainbows too often, so this was a treat!  :-)

We all ate dinner together.  Daddy made burgers and I gave you a bath.  You peed in the tub ..... again! At dinner, you practiced using a sippy cup (you still like to throw it on the floor though) and then you had the hiccups.  :-P 

You fought sleep again tonight.  I don't know how to get you back on schedule.  Are you going through another growth spurt and getting active?  Lets try to go to bed earlier tomorrow night ok?  

Tomorrow, daddy is working half a day, so we have Half Family Friday.  And, we have a treat for you .... we're going to a soccer game tomorrow evening!  The local team, the Carolina Railhawks, are playing a home game tomorrow night and daddy got us tickets!  :-)

Sleep tight little one!  :-)

I love you very much!  

~Mommy

New Trick

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious!  You and Penny had a fun time today!  You took a little  morning and afternoon nap for her.  Then, you all had some porch time.  You two sat on the swing for a little bit.  You didn't go to the park like you usually do because it rained all day .... and it was pretty heavy at times.  I thought I was going to get washed away driving to work this morning!  :-P

Penny saw your third tooth coming in.  We're taking bets to see when you start to get a top one in.  Maybe you're waiting to get a full set on the bottom before you get a top one.  ;-)  

Penny also had story time with you.  You got as a gift from friends at church a toddler Bible called "In The Beginning."  It's really cute with lots of pictures.  She read you some stories from it today.  She also gave you a container of mixed veggies.  We're still working on the cheerios and crackers, but you're getting better with the spoon and fruits and veggies.  :-)

I got home late this evening, which I hate doing because it takes away from our evening family time together.  Before I got home, you and daddy sat on the porch and listened to the rain fall.  Daddy gave you 5 cheerios to eat .... and you ate zero!  But, you enjoyed sipping water from a sippy cup .... with daddy's help of course!  

When I got home, we ate dinner together.  Then, we gave you your usual evening bath.  I put you on the changing table to dry you off and you immediately peed everywhere!  Really?  You couldn't wait 2 seconds for the diaper to go on?  :-P  Oh, your cradle cap is looking a lot better since we've been doing the daily baths!  

So, you did a new trick this evening .... I put you in the crib right after I cleaned you up and put a fresh diaper on you after the bath.  I needed to change out the changing table covering (since you peed), and when I turned around .... you were STANDING in the crib .... all by yourself!  We've seen you pull up to your knees before, but we've never seen you pull all the way to standing!  I immediately called your daddy so he could see!  You lasted for a few seconds, and then you fell over.  :-P  But, now you know how to do it, and you're definitely getting stronger!  ;-)

This evening we all played together on the bed.  You were really fussy though because you fought sleep all night!  You rubbed your eyes over and over but refused to fall asleep.  Daddy and I were exhausted when you finally started to doze around 11pm.  I don't know why you're fighting sleep so much recently.  Sleep is good, little man.  :-)  When you're older you'll realize this.  ;-)

Save more smiles and kisses for me tomorrow, and I'll try not to be home so late!  I miss you every wednesday and thursday!  

Sleep tight little angel!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Lots Of Tickles

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Today you and I had a pretty relaxing day.  We played all morning in the bonus room with your toys.  You kept rubbing your eyes, but you never took a morning nap.  Then, you became really fuss at lunch time.   I made a bottle for you .... you took half of it .... then fell asleep for about 2 hours!  Maybe next time you'll take a little nap.  :-P  I held you while you sleep though.  :-)

You did well with the spoon today.  I gave you half of the second container of butternut squash.  You're still spilling all the Cheerios on the floor though.  We practiced with the Cheerios this afternoon and you ended up eating half of one .... so you're getting better!  You won't eat any before unless I put it on a spoon.  We're trying to get you to put them in your mouth by yourself though to help your fine motor skills.

We looked up more baby names for Peanut, though we still haven't decided on anything yet.  If you have any ideas, let daddy and I know, ok?  ;-)

We got to eat dinner with daddy when he came home from work.  The weather has been a little cooler recently, so you and I went to his soccer game tonight.  Daddy and Uncle Brennan rode together and we drove separately though.  That way we could leave at half time since the game didn't start until 8:15pm.  They wore the white jerseys .... daddy is number 4 and Uncle Brennan is number 66.

We left at half time, and they were losing.  :-(  They ended up losing at the end, which is their first loss of the season.  But, I'm sure they'll do better at the next game.  :-)

You and I did a lot of playing today .... we did a new game where I was the tickle monster .... I kept tickling you over and over and you kept laughing and giggling!  I had you on your back and kept playing with your tummy.  You really like that game!  We'll have to show daddy how much you laugh!  ;-)

Tomorrow I head back to work so I need you to be good for Penny.  And, of course, save a smile and kiss for me!  I'll come home as soon as I can!

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

Rain Rain

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello my little miracle!  Today it rained all day long!  Which actually brought the temperature down.  We went out on the front porch and watched and listened to the rain for a little bit.  It was nice and cool.  I like it when it rains like that and I have no where to go.  ;-)  Daddy had to go to work in the rain though.  :-(  

This morning, you and I played on the bed with your toys.  Then, you took a little nap in your bed while I did some laundry.  

You finished your butternut squash at lunch, and you did well with the spoon again!  Also, I've been trying to brush your teeth after each bottle during the day, and you never resisted me!  I keep a little toothbrush upstairs and another one downstairs just for you!  ;-)

Eliza came over today for your physical therapy.  You did well with your rolling, but you're only going to the right to roll.  So, we worked on you going to the left to roll.  Also, you practiced getting into a sitting position from your tummy, and vice versa.  I took your helmet off for your appointment, and Eliza could see a difference in your head shape!  She was excited!  :-)

After she left, you and I prepared dinner and set it aside to cook later.  Well, you played in your pack & play in the kitchen while I did the preparing, but I told daddy you and the cat did it all.  ;-)  We prepared a veggie side .... potatoes, asparagus, corn, onion, garlic, spinach .... and marinated a steak.  We cooked it all before daddy got home.  Yummm!  It was good!  :-)

You ended up taking an afternoon nap for about 2 hours.  I looked up more baby names for Peanut, did some Bible reading, and held you while you snoozed.  :-)  

Oh, so daddy officially took the new job at Lenovo!  He starts on October 11th.  So, we had some chocolate this evening to celebrate.  ;-)  

You practiced eating Cheerios and your rice cracker.  Though, most of it all ended up on the floor while I was cooking dinner.  :-P  I then had to wipe down your high chair.  Oh well, one day you'll get it!  ;-)

This evening you played on the bed with daddy and I.  I was really tired, so daddy ended up walking around with you until you started to snore in his arms.  You're still trying to fight sleep each night.  Oh, while playing on the bed on your back with daddy, you put your right toes in your mouth!  I was wondering if you'd ever try to suck your toes.  :-P  

Sleep tight little fellow!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Butternut Squash

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pie!  

Today we headed to church to see Gigi play in the Praise Team.  :-)  The service started at 9:15am, and we ended up being just a little bit late.  :-P  We were all sluggish at getting ready this morning.  After Gigi played, she sat with us for the sermon.  You were wide awake and playing around in the stroller during the songs and the sermon.  You were getting louder and louder with your playing as the sermon went on, so daddy ended up taking you out of the room and walking around with you.  When he came back, you were snoring in his arms.  ;-)

After church, all went out for lunch at Chili's.  You've been there a few times before.  You sat in the high chair and played around.  Once we got home, it was time for a bottle.  But, you first had your veggie snack.  Today you tried butternut squash with harvest apples.  Yummmm!  You almost ate the whole container.  I'm sure you'll finish it tomorrow.  

We played upstairs on the new couch and daddy put on Fraggle Rock after your bottle.  Then, Gigi and Grandpa Jim came over.  We put all the boxes that the couch came in on the porch, and Grandpa Jim helped us break them down, piled them into his truck, and then took them to a recycling center near his office.  

Then, Gigi and Grandpa Jim visited for a while and saw the new couch.  Gigi and I had to run an errand to (Great) Uncle Laurence's house to drop off my old trumpet so cousin Mia could play it for school.  So, Grandpa Jim and daddy watched you for a little (though we weren't gone long).  Did I ever tell you I played the trumpet in band when I was younger?  Actually, daddy and I were in band together and he played the saxophone and I played the trumpet.  :-)  

Afterward, you, daddy, and I stayed in the bonus room and played some more.  It really started to rain this afternoon and continued to rain all evening.  It started once Gigi and Grandpa Jim left, it came down pretty hard.  

This evening we pretty much relaxed together.  You had your usual evening bath and then we got to play with your fluffy hair until we had to put the helmet back on.  I'll be glad when you don't have to wear the helmet anymore and we can play with your hair all the time.  :-P  You've only been wearing it for 2 weeks, but I can already see a difference.  

Tomorrow daddy heads back to work, but I'll be here to play with you.  ;-)  And, Eliza is coming over for your physical therapy appointment.  

Sleep tight little angel!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

World Record

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little miracle!  This morning was really nice .... all three of us ended up sleeping in!  I was surprised at the time when I woke up and saw you still dozing in your bed!  :-)

After breakfast though, daddy and I did a lot of chores around the house to clean it up.  We vacuumed, cleaned and put away the dishes, wiped down the kitchen, reorganized the pantry .... you played on your blanket or in the pack & play.  :-)  When I went on the back deck to empty the vacuum cleaner, I saw three deer .... two adults and one baby .... they were in the woods right in front of me!  Daddy came out to try to get a picture, but he used my phone so you couldn't see them very well.  

Uncle Brennan came over after our chores and we all ate lunch together.  We went to Red Bowl .... you've been there before, but today you took a little nap while we ate.  We celebrated daddy's new job offer.  :-)

Daddy took an afternoon nap while you and I played upstairs together.  I ran some more laundry as we played on the bed.  When daddy woke up, we did a quick trip to the grocery store.  I carried you all around on my back while you were in the baby carrier.  :-)

It wasn't until after the grocery store that the excitement came .... we took you inside and started to unload the car with the groceries when we noticed something .... you had made the largest .... most massive .... world record breaking poopy diaper on the planet .... most of it was all over (and I mean ALL OVER) the carseat!  Daddy took the carseat completely apart as I took you upstairs, took everything off you, and immediately put you in the bath!  I had to rinse you off before I could even give you a bath!  Of course, everything ended up in the washing machine too .... pieces of the carseat, your outfit, the changing table cover, the towels .... ew!  :-P  I'm sure you felt better after all that! 

After you were all clean and washed up, daddy and I ate dinner.  You practiced with the sippy cup more in your high chair.  You're getting better but still need a lot of help with it.  :-P

The rest of the evening we all played together.  You like the new couch upstairs.  It's a sectional in an "L" shape, so you like to sit in the corner.  :-)

Tomorrow will probably be relaxing too.  Gigi is playing at church again, so we'll see her in the morning. 

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Forty Nine Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pie!  Today you are forty nine weeks old!  Whoa big guy!  You are growing so fast right before our eyes!  People keep asking what you want for your first birthday!  I know you'll probably just want to see family and friends and enjoy everyone's company .... but I'm sure you'll be getting a lot of gifts as well.  ;-)  Also, we're going to take you to the State Fair this year for your birthday!  Daddy and I were going to go last year together, but then I ended up in the hospital with you!  :-)  So, I missed it last year, so I definitely want to take you this year so you can see all the animals, rides, other children, and attractions!  :-)

We had your helmet appointment at 9am this morning.  So, after your morning bottle, you played a little while I packed the diaper bag and then we headed out to Level Four Pediatrics.  They were encouraged by the progress that you have already made with your head shape.  :-)  The helmet is continuing to add pressure in the correct areas (she smoothed out two areas to make it a little more comfortable for you), and we're starting to see a little difference in the flat spot on your back right side.  We have another appointment in 2 weeks for a head scan (after one month of wearing the helmet).  

The appointment didn't take long, so from there we headed over to see daddy at work!  There are still coworkers of daddy that haven't met you, so he met us outside and then took us up to this office.  Daddy and I walked you up and down the hallway and you met a lot of people who all said you were cute!  You smiled and clapped at people!  ;-)  We also got to eat lunch with daddy while there.  :-)

We got home just in time for your lunch bottle (since daddy and I ate early).  After the bottle though, I put you in the downstairs "pack & play" so you could crawl all around as I did some chores.  But, once I turned around, you threw up a little so I ended up having to change your diaper and outfit.  :-P  I went ahead and did your laundry too.  

The rest of the afternoon we played around and waited for the couches to be delivered.  They were suppose to arrive between 2pm-6pm .... they finally arrived at 5pm, which was fine because daddy was actually home by then.  So, we unwrapped everything, put the slipcovers on .... and now we have a new couch in the bonus room to play on!  Woo hoo!  We ended up switching the ottoman that we ordered for the new couch with the one we had downstairs.  The one downstairs is bigger so it fits the room better.  :-)

Oh, here's the really big news of the day .... this afternoon, after daddy got home .... he got a phone call from the Lenovo company that interviewed him on wednesday .... they offered him a job!  Daddy and I looked over the package that they emailed him (offer letter, benefits, etc), and it looks likely that daddy will take it.  It would definitely help us financially, so that's a blessing.  Daddy needs to let them know on monday, so we'll continue to talk and pray about it this weekend. 

This evening, you played on the bed with us.  Daddy clipped your nails (they were really getting long and sharp!).  

Sleep tight little one!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Autumn

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello precious miracle!  How are you today?

Well, you and Penny had fun today together, though I had no doubt you would.  :-)  You did floor time, tummy time, tried another rice cracker and cheerios, walked to the park, and took a nap.  :-)  You're still getting use to the solid foods.  You keep throwing the cheerios on the floor.  One day you'll understand you can eat them.  :-P

Guess what today is .... the first day of Autumn!  Woo hoo!  I'm hoping the weather will start to cool off soon with the new season.  :-)

This morning, before I left for work, you, Penny, and I saw a deer in the back yard.  It was pretty, and we think it was a baby that has grown up because it only had a few spots on the fur left.  

Daddy and I have been thinking of names for little Peanut.  We still haven't made up our minds yet though.  Do you have any ideas or thoughts?  Well, if you do, let daddy and I know.  :-)

Tomorrow is a pretty big day .... our couches for the bonus room get delivered tomorrow and we have an appointment with Level Four Pediatrics to get your helmet checked out.  They wanted us to come back for a 2 week check to see if the helmet needs to be adjusted.  You won't have another scan for another 2 weeks after tomorrow though (after one month of wearing the helmet).  I haven't noticed any problems with your helmet, and you appear to have adjusted to it pretty well.  

Oh, I've noticed that you've been rolling to your side at night and sleeping on your side for a while before rolling on your tummy.  It's really cute.  :-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Cookie Cake

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello my little man!  

Today you and Penny had fun while daddy and I were at work.  You two went to the park, you took a nap, and you tried the snack foods again (rice rusk and cereal).  You didn't eat the cereal for Penny either.  I think I'm just going to have to keep trying a couple times a day until you understand you can eat the Cheerios and not just throw them on the floor.  :-P

I got home late from work this evening (around 7:30pm), so we just had leftovers for dinner.  I hate getting home late because then I don't get to see you for very long in the evenings before you fall asleep.  

Daddy and I gave you your usual evening bath and you ended up peeing again once we put you in the tub!  Ew!  Do me a favor and try to hold it in for a few more minutes tomorrow evening.  :-P  Other than that, you did well with the bath.  

Oh, everyone at work loved the cookie cake!  They were also happy to hear that the second ultrasound went well.  I brought home the leftovers so daddy could have some.  ;-)

Daddy had in interview today.  Don't worry .... he still has a job, but he's also looking around at what else is out there.  The economy has been down for a while, so it's hard to find things.  So, we'll see what happens with this, or if daddy will stay working for the State of NC downtown.  

You had a pear and pineapple mixture today.  This was your first time and you gobbled it down.  :-)

We all played on the bed this evening.  You were fussy because you were tired and kept fighting sleep.  You would rub your eyes and complain, but you wouldn't fall asleep.  :-P  You calmed down a little with the oatmeal before eventually dozing. 

Continue to save a kiss and smile for me tomorrow.  I know you'll have fun with Penny again.

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Another Ultrasound

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello precious!  Today is your Grandpa Jim's birthday!  Do you want to know how old he is?  Well, I'll just let you figure that out (though I'll give you a hint .... he was born in 1954).  ;-)  We got to see him today .... but I'll get to that later.

First off, we got to see our deer family again this morning!  We saw the mommy deer and her two babies in the backyard eating some leaves in the woods.  I don't know where they'll go when it starts to get cold out.  Maybe we'll have to let them inside.  ;-)

Oh, before I forget again, I didn't tell you that yesterday you tried apricots for the first time.  I gave you an apricot with mixed fruit blend and you ate about half the container.  Then, I gave you some cereal, which you just played with and threw on the floor.  :-P  I gave you a rice rusk (banana flavor) which looks like a cracker.  It easily dissolves in your mouth, and you ate about half of one.  We need to keep practicing with the cereal though .... that will also help your fine motor skills.  Afterward, you had the hiccups.  :-)

So, after lunch, we went over to Grandpa Jim's office to see him for his birthday.  We got there around 12:30pm and stayed for about an hour.  He held you and your Great-Grandparents called while we were there.  We also walked around the shopping center and to the Post Office .... Grandpa Jim held you the whole time.  

Once we left, we headed over to Target to get a cookie cake for my coworkers.  I told them I would bring one in to celebrate Peanut, but all the ones they had were decorated like pumpkins!  Ugh!  So, we headed over to the mall to order one from the big cookie store.  It was around 2pm when we got there, and I still hadn't had lunch yet, so once we placed our order, you and I walked over to the food court so I could grab a sandwich.  

I never noticed that I had missed a phone call from my doctor's office.  Once I called them back, the nurse explained to me that the OB doctors wanted me to go for another ultrasound for Peanut over at Wake Med Hospital (the Maternal Fetal Medicine Department).  This ultrasound would be more detailed just to confirm that Peanut is growing ok.  I think I forgot to tell you, but yesterday the technician noticed a two vessel cord instead of three.  Usually, an umbilical cord has 2 arteries and 1 vein (hence three vessels).  I have one artery and one vein with Peanut (hence two vessels).  There's nothing particularly wrong with that (they've seen it before), but they wanted to confirm measurements that Peanut's getting enough blood and oxygen to grow properly.  Sometimes, two vessel cord babies are born early .... so, with our history, they want to keep a special watch on me.  

I called the hospital clinic and they had an appointment today at 3:15pm (at this point it was 2:30pm), so you and I hopped back in the car and went straight to Wake Med (I don't know how many times you and I have been to Wake Med Hospital this past year!).  We didn't even pick up the cookie cake!

I had the second ultrasound, though this time you were the only one with me since daddy, Gigi, and Mimi were working and it was so last minute.  This technician took a lot of scans and the doctor said that he found nothing wrong with Peanut's growth, kidneys, or heart.  Thank God!  I was so thankful to hear that (as was daddy once I called him).  He recommended a follow up ultrasound at around 30 weeks gestation (we're slightly over 17 weeks now) to continue to check her growth (my doctor also recommends that).  So, that was a relief to hear that so far, so good .... but daddy and I continue to pray for Peanut and you everyday.

After we left, we went straight home since we had been out all day and were tired.  You never took a nap and were getting cranky.  We ended up getting home around 4:30pm, and we both took a little nap until daddy got home.  

While we ate dinner together, we saw the mommy deer again in the backyard!  We ended up making a quick trip to the grocery store after dinner, and I finally got a cookie cake for my coworkers for tomorrow!  It says "It's A Girl!" so I know they'll be excited.  

Since you've figured out how to pull up onto your knees in the crib, daddy lowered the mattress 6 inches this evening.  Let's see how long it takes you to get out now.  :-P

Tomorrow, you'll be with Penny again while I'm at work.  Be good and we can play together tomorrow evening.  :-)

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

It's A ....

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello future big brother!  This was an exciting day .... is Peanut a little brother or sister?

Well, first off, we did a lot of playing this morning.  The appointment wasn't until lunch time, so we had some downtime to play with your toys before we had to leave.  You crawled all around the bonus room!  You did tummy time and practiced your sitting.  You can sit really well now for a long period of time.  I still like to sit behind you, or put a pillow there since you do still fall back after awhile.  Though, recently, you've also started to fall forward and then immediately start to crawl!  :-P  You played in the bed, crib, living room, and bonus room.  Oh, about the crib, you can now pull yourself up on your knees and play with the side of the crib!  Hummm .... I guess we need to lower that mattress!  

So, after packing you all up, we headed over to the doctor's office.  Daddy, Gigi, and Mimi all met us there.  They were all there for your ultrasound too!  First, daddy and I went in to see the doctor.  Peanut is growing strong with a heart rate of 153.  We're 17 weeks and one day along and still due around February 27, 2011.  Mimi and Gigi stayed with you since the room was small.  Then, we all went into the big room for the ultrasound!  As a side note, you had a poopy diaper and we were in the middle of changing you when they called me back!  :-P

The technician first took measurements of Peanut, checked the heart beat (we all got to hear it!), took some pictures from different angles .... everything was pretty much similar to what she did last time for you.  Then, she zoomed in to take a closer look and stated, "Well, I guess you'll be going away from blue for this one .... it's a girl!"  I immediately looked at daddy and was pretty surprised!  Because, even though the boy/girl ratio is pretty even on my side of the family, you'll learn in your future biology classes (I hope you like science when you grew up .... I did), that the daddy determines whether the baby will be a boy or girl .... your daddy's side of the family heavily favors boys .... so we both were surprised!  

Now, with that being said, I want you and Peanut to understand completely that whether or not we had all boys or all girls .... daddy and I love you all very much (and all other potential siblings you all may have) and we only prayed for healthy little miracles from God no matter the gender!  :-)

So, my little Joshua .... you will have a little sister!  She's due in February and we're praying to go further than 30 weeks gestation.  If full term, you all will be 16 months apart.  So, we'll see what God has planned.  

Everyone is excited, and I can't wait to see you all play together growing up!  There is one thing that daddy and I will not be able to help you with though .... both daddy and I have older brothers (Uncle Brennan and Uncle James) .... therefore, we can't give you tons of advice on what it's like to have a younger sibling.  You'll have to ask them, and of course Uncle James can tell you about having a little sister (since I'm his).  :-)

After the appointment, we all called different family members to give them the news, and Mimi and daddy ate lunch with us (Gigi had to go back to the office).  

This afternoon, after lunch, we picked up something for Grandpa Jim (tomorrow's his birthday!) and then played all afternoon at the house.  We made dinner and had it ready for daddy when he got home.  Daddy got to help with your evening bath and play with you without the helmet on before heading to soccer.  Mimi came over this evening too and brought over some clothes for you and Peanut!  ;-)

You and I continued to play together this evening and watched Rocky and Bullwinkle.  You eventually fell asleep in my arms!  :-)  I said a prayer for you and Peanut .... I'm so thankful for you two in my life and for daddy and this marriage.  Daddy, you, and Peanut are the most important things to me, and I hope you and Peanut never forget that we love you so much!  

Sleep tight little miracle!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

First Word

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello my little angel!  This morning we had some beautiful weather.  It was nice and cool, so you had your first bottle on the front porch.  Daddy trimmed some bushes in the front yard while you and I sat up in the chairs.  

You did a lot of sitting and tummy time this morning playing with your toys.  Oh, daddy and I woke up this morning and again found you on your tummy snoring.  You must be getting better at rolling over in the middle of the night.  

So, you said your first word today .... though I think you and daddy have been planning this for a while.  You and daddy were playing on the bed this morning when I went to take a shower.  When I came out of the shower, daddy said, "Look Joshua!  It's mommy!  Say 'Mama'!"  You smiled right at me with that wonderful, cute face of yours and said .... crystal clear .... 'Dada' .... and then continued to smile and clap your hands!  You've babbled the noise 'dadadada' before, but this time you said it perfectly!  Daddy couldn't stop laughing and told you to say 'Mama' again .... but alas, you said 'Dada' once more!  :-P  One day you'll say 'Mama' .... I just have to be patient!  ;-)

You can also suck on your toes .... you were playing with them on the bed this morning and kept pulling them up to your mouth.  It was really cute!  

Daddy put another episode of Fraggle Rock on while you had your lunch bottle, but then you fell asleep!  You slept for about 2 hours!  

You woke up just in time to see Grandpa Mike come over.  He brought us a swing to put on our front porch!  They got a new swing for the screened in porch, so we were able to use the old one.  Grandpa Mike cleaned it all up for us and then he and daddy hung it.  It looks good!  We already sat in it and swung back and forth.  They used pre-existing holes from a swing that was there before we moved into the house, so we may have to drill new holes to make the swing more sturdy.  For now, we'll wait until the new holes are done before really getting too comfortable in there.  ;-)

 After the swing was up, we got ourselves cleaned up and then headed over to Mimi's house (Grandpa Mike was already back).  We visited for all little on the porch (you had a bottle) and then we all ate dinner at Wildflower Pizza .... you've been there before a few times.  ;-)  The pizza there is really good!  :-)

This evening you did something new, though I'm surprised you haven't done this already (or perhaps you have and I never noticed!) .... you peed once we placed you in the bathtub!  :-P  So, after cleaning out the water/pee and rinsing you, we tried it again and got your bath done!  

Oh, I almost forgot .... you're getting tooth #Q in .... that's your lower right primary lateral .... it's just a little nub right now, but you can see and feel it.  :-)

Tomorrow is a big day sweetie .... we have another OB appointment and our ultrasound .... we'll see if you're going to have a little brother or sister .... any preferences?  ;-)  We'll take whatever God blesses us with .... and I'm sure you feel the same way!  

Sleep tight my little miracle!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Five Outfits

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pie!  Today was a fun day as a family!

First, we had pancakes for breakfast, which is becoming more of a tradition these days for saturday mornings.  ;-)  

Then, you and daddy took a nap together on the couch downstairs and I washed the bed sheets, pillow cases, comforter, and vacuumed.  Then, I read a little before you two woke up.  I then watched you so daddy could mow the lawn.  

It was such nice weather, that you had your lunch bottle on the porch.  Then, we decided to head downtown for a festival that was going on.  But, once we got there and took you out of the car seat, you had such a big poopy diaper that we had to change your outfit too!  Phew!  Don't worry, we washed the car seat and the rest of your laundry once we got home too!

Once you were all clean, we ate lunch at Cooper's BBQ.  It was good!  Then, we walked up and down the streets (traffic was blocked off) and saw all the vendors .... we even saw another baby with a helmet on!  

We made a quick trip to Target on the way home and got you some more fruits and veggies.  We also got you some Cheerios and other baby solid foods to try. 

Once we got home, we gave you a bath since you had so many poopy diapers and got sweaty while we were out all day.  I wanted to cool you off.  Daddy took out your diapers and cleaned the cat litter box.  Between you and the cat, there was a lot of poop! 

I had a dream about Peanut last night.  We pray for Peanut everyday, but I still worry because of what happened with you.  We have our next appointment this monday and an ultrasound .... so we'll see if you'll have a little brother or a little sister.  :-)

You wore five outfits today with all the poopy diapers, drool, and sweat .... you're one messy boy!  ;-)

We watched another episode of Fraggle Rock this evening .... I video recorded you giggling and dancing to the opening theme song .... it's so cute and funny!  :-)

Sleep tight little angel!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Forty Eight Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Today you are forty eight weeks old!  Whoa man!  Time is really flying by!

Today I had my CE course in Durham.  You stayed home with daddy and had "Daddy-Joshua Day!"  :-)  

My class was quite interesting.  It was on early detection of oral cancer .... I know that sounds dorky or boring, but the speaker was really animated and kept my attention from 8am to 3:30pm, which a lot of speakers in the past have not been able to do!  :-P  Plus, he did a raffle, and I won some chocolate!  I brought it home to share with daddy.  :-)

Well, lets see, you appear to have taken two naps for daddy .... a morning one and afternoon one.  You and daddy went over to Mimi's house later in the morning and spent the day there.  Mimi got new rocking chairs on the screened porch, so you and daddy had fun rocking out there (I think that's where you took a nap .... I'll have to ask daddy).  

This evening, I got to spend a few hours with you two before daddy had to leave.  He and Uncle Brennan went to the Black Crowes concert .... daddy's favorite band.  Uncle Brennan came by early to see you, and then they rode together to the concert.  You had your hour break from the helmet, and your bath, while daddy was still here.

You and I spent the evening together.  We played a lot.  You ate your dinner oatmeal and last bottle earlier than normal.  Then, we watched a few episodes of Rock & Bullwinkle on the laptop.  I think you like Fraggle Rock more though because they sing and dance.

You eventually fell asleep in my arms after getting a little fussy.  You've been trying to fight sleep the last few nights, but sleep eventually wins.  You were snoring away when daddy came home close to midnight. 

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Eleven Months

Dearest Joshua David~

Happy 11 months to you!  Do you know what that means?  One month until your very first birthday!  Did I ever tell you that when I saw you for the first time in the hospital, I wished you a happy birthday?  Well, I did!  I think you smiled back!  ;-)

We saw three deer this morning before I headed to work.  Penny had just gotten here and I spotted a mommy and two baby deer in the back yard!  Penny brought you over to the window and we all watched them in the woods.  They were so pretty!  :-)

You and Penny had fun today.  You took a nap for her in the morning and then you two went to the park.  This afternoon, Penny put you in the crib to nap, and you flipped over to your tummy while sleeping.  :-)  She also gave you the second container of apples, strawberries, and bananas, which you apparently gobbled up.  You had a dirty diaper this afternoon that spoiled your outfit, but Penny was able to clean you up and change your outfit without taking off your helmet!  I just take the helmet off to change your outfits since it's easier.  Then, I get to wipe and kiss your little forehead and play with your hair!  :-)

I got home a little later this evening since I had to gas my car up.  Daddy had made some pasta, so we all got to eat dinner together.  

Then, you had your daily bath.  You get an hour break from the helmet each day, so we've been giving you a bath during that time since you sweat in the helmet.  

You were really active this evening .... playing and crawling all around the bed!  And then you were fussy with your dinner oatmeal!  You eventually calmed down and fell asleep in my arms!  How precious!  I didn't want to let you go, but I had to go to sleep too.  :-P  So, I placed you in your bed and you continued sleeping.

Tomorrow I'm taking a Continuing Education class .... I need 15 hours a year to renew my dental license.  So, you'll be with daddy and Mimi.  Be good .... and save a smile and kiss for me .... I  miss you so much when we're not together!  

Sleep tight my little Joshua!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Strawberries

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  

You and Penny had a fun day together.  Here's what you all did:

8:30am:  sleeping

10:15am:  walk to the park and met a little boy named Owen who will be one year on Oct 4th

11:15am:  floor time

12pm:  Penny fed you a mixture of apples, strawberries, and bananas .... this was your first time eating strawberries!  Penny said, "He did so god with a spoon!  I gave him one to hold while I fed him so he could practice getting it to his mouth .... he did so good!!"  Way to go little precious!  I'm so proud of you!  :-)

1pm:  sleeping in crib

Daddy had dinner waiting when I got home.  :-)  So, we all ate at the table together.  Daddy and I put you in your highchair at the kitchen table while we eat dinner.  You usually play with a toy or practice holding a sippy cup.  :-)

You didn't fuss at all with your bath this evening!  Woo hoo!  I guess you're more use to them now!  :-)

Before I got home, daddy ran your laundry, so after your bath, we folded your clothes and blankets.  

You're doing well with the helmet .... except last night you cried and fussed a lot before falling asleep in daddy's arms .... daddy had to walk with you to calm you.  Tonight, however, you fell right to sleep in daddy's arms after a bottle.  

One more day of work my little Joshua .... I'll try to rush home as fast as I can tomorrow!

Sleep tight my little angel!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Sleeping On Tummy

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello precious!

So, when I awoke this morning, I noticed something different about you .... you had rolled over in the middle of the night and were sleeping on your tummy!  I guess that helmet didn't stop you, and you looked all comfortable snoring away in your bed.  :-P  You still have a hard time rolling from your tummy to your back, so once you woke up, you started to wine because you couldn't flip back around.  

You had a little nap in the crib this morning after your breakfast bottle.  I did somethings on the computer.  Once you woke up, we made a quick trip to the grocery store before heading back home for lunch.

I head a monster headache this afternoon (actually woke up with it but it was much smaller .... I still don't like to take a lot of medications because of Peanut).  So, when you decided to take a longer nap after lunch, I took a tylenol and curled up right next to you for a nap too!  

This afternoon, I gave you the second container of sweet potatoes and corn.  Again, you gobbled it up.  Then, we made dinner together.  We grilled some chicken and then sauteed some veggies on the side .... potatoes, corn, onions, garlic, spinach .... yummm!  It was good and daddy thought so too!  ;-)

You're rolling all over the place now from your back to your tummy.  And then crawling all around!

You did well with your bath tonight .... hardly a fuss .... and you wore the helmet all day long with little fussing.  

This evening, we played with your toys on the bed and you practiced your sitting.  Daddy put on another episode of Fraggle Rock .... you giggled so cutely at the opening theme song that I almost spit my water out that I was drinking!  ;-)

Tomorrow, I head back to work, but I know you'll have fun with Penny.  Save a big smile and kiss for me!  

Sleep tight little miracle!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Daddy Home Early

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello my cutie pie!

Today you did something that you hardly ever do ....  you took a long morning nap!  You were playing on the bed next to me and kept rubbing your eyes.  I put you on your tummy and moved your toys around and after a while, you put your head down to rest .... before I knew it you were snoring!  You slept there for about 2 hours!  Whoa!  I thought for sure you would have woken up before then.  I rested right next to you.  You know, if the doctors ever plan on putting me on bedrest for little Peanut, I'll need you to act just like that!  ;-)

Eliza came over for your usual physical therapy appointment today.  We worked on rolled for the majority of the appointment .... and you rolled by yourself to the right and to the left!  You've never gone to the left before (that I've seen)!  We ended up needing to take your helmet off for the appointment, so I put it back on once your exercises were finished.  

Right after Eliza left, Mimi and Leigh came over to see you.  Mimi played with you while I walked Leigh around the house.  She got to see all your toys and your helmet.  She took lots of pictures of you too!  :-)

You like to play with your tongue a lot these days.  You can twist it in almost every direction!  And, you end up drooling everywhere too because of that!  :-P

Daddy came home early today!  He was in class for work that ended early, so he came home afterward to spend time with you before his soccer game.  And .... you ROLLED FOR DADDY!  Both right and left!  Woo hoo!  Now, we really have to keep an eye on you!  :-)

You tried something new today .... I gave you a sweet potato with corn mixture .... this was the first time you've had corn!  These are two of my favorite things to eat, so I knew you'd like them as well .... and you did .... you gobbled the whole container!  :-)

You wore your helmet for the majority of the day today .... I put it on you at 7:20am, it was off from around 1:45pm-2:30pm (for physical therapy), and then from 6:30pm-7:30pm (bath time and break time).  Tonight, I'll put you to bed with the helmet on and then you'll pretty much be in it all the time, except for one hour breaks each day for a bath and skin check.  I hope you do well tonight with it on.  You slept fine with it on for your nap this morning, so I think once you get use to it you'll be ok.  

Uncle Brennan came over before the soccer game and played with you.  He also got to see how well you did for your bath this evening .... you didn't hardly fuss at all!  

Once daddy and Uncle Brennan left, you and I played together.  You were taking a little nap as they were leaving, but soon woke up with the hiccips when we went upstairs.  I gave you your evening oatmeal and bottle, and then you played a little longer.  You kept flipping and rolling over in the bed, so I had to put you down in your own bed just so I could brush my teeth .... I didn't want you rolled right off my bed!  You played in your own bed for a while and kept rubbing your eyes.  I turned all the lights off except a little side one, and read in bed next to you as you tossed and turned.  I thought we were in the clear, but then you started to cry and scream from 9pm-9:30pm!  Ugh!  Once you calmed down, you finally fell asleep in your bed with the helmet on.  :-P  I hope tomorrow evening goes a little smoother.  

Sleep tight little miracle!

I love you forever and ever!  :-)

~Mommy

Bling For Your Helmet

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious!  

This morning we were lazy!  We played together after your first bottle, but then you took a little nap while daddy took a shower.  I read next to you in the bed.  

Once you woke back up, the three of us headed to the mall to walk around.  We got there a little early (11am) because we thought the stores would be open then.  Things didn't open until noon, so daddy grabbed a coffee and I ordered a hot chocolate and we all sat in the food court while you drank a bottle.  We also walked around the mall even though the stores weren't open.  Once the stores were open, we went into one that has a lot of UNC things in it .... we were looking for some stickers for your helmet!  We found one and then ran a few more errands.  

Daddy and I thought of other people who wear helmets:  rock climbers, cyclists, sports players (football, baseball, hockey), people from the movie Tron (I've never seen this but your daddy has!), a knight in shining armor, astronauts, and Magneto (from the movie X-Men).  :-)  

Once we got back home, your Uncle Brennan, Aunt Katie, Gigi, and Grandpa Jim all came over to see you and the helmet.  Gigi gave you the other container of apples with blueberries, which you ate quickly! 

Today, you wear the helmet for 4 hours on and then 1 hour break.   You did that three times today wearing the helmet for 12 hours total.  Tomorrow, we'll try you sleeping in the helmet over night. You had a 1 hour break when Gigi and Grandpa Jim were here, so we tried to put your stickers on your helmet then.  We soon realized that the UNC one that we bought was too big for the curvature of the helmet, so it kept getting distorted.  We'll need to find smaller stickers.  But, I put your name on the front with stickers, and it looks pretty cute.  ;-)

While daddy and I ate dinner, you sat upright by yourself for a long time!  You're able to reach down and grab things in front of you and then pull yourself back up.  You're still wobbly from right to left, but you're definitely getting stronger! 

Daddy and I were searching on the computer today different potential names for Peanut.  We still don't know if you'll have a little brother or sister, so we were looking at both names for fun.  We found Joshua .... your name means "God is my Salvation" and it also stated that the Joshua in the Bible was "a brave warrior."  :-)  I think you're a brave little man and I love you so much!  :-)

Oh, you did better with your bath tonight.  You didn't start fussing until the very end.  :-P

We watched another episode of Fraggle Rock this evening.  One of the fraggles, Uncle Traveling Matt, calls little children "Fraggle-sized Silly Creatures" so we started calling you that too.  ;-)

Sleep tight little fraggle!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Blueberries

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pic!  Today was a better day for you and the helmet.  You didn't fuss as much.  :-P

We started the day relaxing as a family .... we made pancakes for breakfast and then had some tea on the front porch.  It was nice and cool outside this morning, so you sat on my lap and then daddy's lap as we finished our teas.  :-)  

You and I danced together as daddy took a shower.  :-)

Today you wear the helmet for two hours and then have a one hour break.  So, you wore the helmet from 8am-9am, 11am-12pm, 4pm-5pm, and then 7pm-8pm (8 hours total which is about 2.5 hours more than yesterday).  You got more of a break this afternoon because we were at Mimi's house and you fell asleep on her.  Tomorrow is when you can start napping in the helmet, so you got out of wearing it for a little bit.  :-P  

Mimi and Grandpa Mike watched you for a little while daddy and I ran some errands.  We ate a quick lunch and then grabbed some things for the house .... and we were low on baby wipes!  We gotta keep your little bottom clean!  

When we got home, I gave you an apples and blueberry mixture .... this was the first time you've had blueberries .... and you apparently like them!

I miss kissing your forehead because of the helmet.  I know we just started, but I can't wait until you'r done and I can keep kissing your forehead any time I want to!  ;-)

Oh, you didn't fuss as much with your bath today!  Thank you!  You didn't start crying until the end, so perhaps you're getting more use to it?  I hope so since we're getting into the routine of daily baths since you sweat more with the helmet.  

It occurred to me what you remind me of when you crawl around .... baby sea turtles!  When baby sea turtles hatch, they crawl and scoot back to the ocean by themselves .... you kind of look like them .... scooting around on the carpet waving your arms around like you're doing the breaststroke!  It's so cute!  

We watched an episode of Fraggle Rock with daddy on the laptop this evening.  You clapped and giggled when they sang and danced .... you like the opening theme song, so daddy plays it for you on the guitar now!  :-)  You played with your toys and sat upright while watching the show.  

After you went to bed, it started to rain late.  It didn't wake you though.  I was awake.  I think I may be able to feel little Peanut kicking, but it's hard to tell.  :-P  Continue to keep Peanut in your prayers little one.  :-)

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you and Peanut very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Forty Seven Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello our little miracle!  Today you are forty seven weeks old!  Time is just flying by!  People have been asking what you want for your first birthday .... any thoughts or ideas?  Well, just keep me posted!  :-)

We all had a long day today .... we had your appointment at Level Four Pediatrics this morning to pick up your helmet (to correct your plagiocephaly).  On average, patients have to wear the helmet for about 4.5 months, so we'll see how long you'll be in it.  Today and this weekend, we'll have to gradually increase the amount of time you're in it so you get use to the feel and fit of the helmet.  Today, you have to wear the helmet one hour on and then one hour off .... and you won't sleep in it yet.  

Your appointment was at 9am and daddy met us there.  They had to trim the helmet a few times to get it to fit right around your ears and eyes.  They also went over instructions on how to clean and care for the helmet.  We left at 10am with the helmet on you .... so the goal was to wear the helmet at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm.  Then, you'd be off for the evening and bedtime.  You did really well during the appointment and didn't really fussy much with the try on process.  We even made a quick stop at the bank and grocery store with no issues.

You and I got home around 11am, so I took the helmet off, cleaned it, and wiped your head .... you're body is still getting use to the temperature too so you were sweating a lot.  We ate lunch and you played.  At noon, I put the helmet back on you and it all went downhill from there .... boy did you scream and fuss!  I even called your daddy because I didn't know how to calm you!  I eventually took the helmet off you at 12:33(ish)pm and you calmed down.  I let you play and just waited until the 2pm fitting.  At 2pm, I dreaded putting it back on because of the previous screaming, but we had too.  I put the helmet on you .... you screamed again, but this time you were so tired you fell asleep and were snoring by 2:30pm.  Whew!  I took a little nap with you!  You woke up promptly at 3pm and I took your helmet off.  :-P

The 4pm the fitting wasn't too bad .... you didn't get fussy until around 4:30pm.  The 6pm and 8pm fittings daddy was home to help with.  :-)

We saw lots of birds today on the feeder.  :-)

Oh, we gave you a bath at 7pm (between helmet cycles) and you screamed so loudly!  I had to have daddy finish your bath because I was worn out from your other screaming/crying fits from the day.  :-(  This is your third bath in a row that you screamed for.  What's the matter?  I hope things get better soon!  

This evening you were fussy for your 8pm fitting, but you calmed down once we put on an episode of "I Love Lucy" on the laptop.  We watched the one where Harpo Marx was the guest and Lucy impersonates him.  It was funny, and you clapped when Harpo played the harp!  

I hope you get use to the helmet more, and quickly!  I can't take several crying/screaming fits a day.  :-P

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy