Another Year Complete

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  You are sixty three weeks old .... but, who's counting?  ;-)

Happy New Year's Eve!  We ran some errands early so that we could 'Ring in the New Year' late.  ;-)

First, we all got up and had breakfast together.  Daddy worked from home again today, but ended up turning his computer off when nothing came into his work account for hours.  :-P  I'm sure no one was really working that hard today.  ;-)

Afterward, we played upstairs for a little bit and then went out to get some errands done.  We wanted to go back to the carpet place that made the rug for the master bedroom.  We might be able to find another big carpet remnant and have them cut it in half for the two remaining smaller bedrooms.  We went there first to see, but we should have called ahead .... they were closed for the new year.  Oh well.  From there, we ran to the bank to deposit some Christmas money and then quickly picked up some more formula for you.  You're not going to run out today, but it's on sale plus we have a coupon, so we went ahead and got another container.

While out, we ate lunch at Chick-Fil-A .... someone was dressed up as a big cow and walked around the place waving at people.  You stared and pointed at him!  You also kept smiling at the table next to us after we gave you a bottle and some cheerios. 

The weather was beautiful today .... it's funny to think that a week ago we were snowed in for a few days!  

After lunch, we headed to the grocery store .... we had a list so we weren't planning on spending a lot of time there.  I held you on my back in the carrier as we shopped around the store .... boy was it crowded!  I don't know why everyone was buying groceries at that time, but we tried to get out of there as soon as possible.  :-P

By the time we got home and put all the groceries away, it was already mid afternoon.  We played with you in the bonus room and then put on some movies to relax for the rest of the evening.

We did something simple for dinner .... you had more of your broccoli and cheese mixture, cheerios, and a bottle .... I made bacon, eggs, and english muffins for daddy and I.  Then, we had some hot chocolate for dinner as a special treat!  Also, as a special treat, daddy and I went online and used one of my birthday gift cards to order some DVD's and a CD for fun!  It's the last day of my birthday month, but we made it fun!  ;-)  I still have some other gift cards too, but I'll save them for next year!  ;-)  Ha!

After dinner, you had your last bath of 2010!  :-)  You woke up with a funny hair style from your bed head, so we tried to wash your hair well so it wouldn't keep sticking up!  Oh, you figured out how to scoot backwards when crawling on the kitchen floor!  I tried to get a video of you doing it, but then you stopped.  It's so cute though with you sliding backwards on the hardwoods! 

You ended up falling asleep between us on the couch while we were watching movies this evening.  So, needless to say, you didn't see the ball drop and help us count down the new year!  Daddy and I watched it on the television .... wished you and 'Happy New Year' and then gave you little kisses!

There are so many things to be thankful for from this past year of 2010 .... we were blessed with so many things .... your health, our marriage, a new house, loan repayment, the expected arrival of Peanut, family and friends, our jobs .... God is so good!  I pray for continued blessings as we head into 2011!  

As for New Year's Resolutions .... mine would go something along the lines of being a better mommy and wife .... to read the Bible more (I slacked off this past year whereas in previous years I read a portion everyday!) .... to play the mandolin more .... and to keep a sense of humor about things and not forget to laugh!  I want to be able to slow down and really enjoy you and Peanut before you start to grow up too fast!  

Your resolutions could be something like .... grow more teeth, start to walk, say 'mama' more (we all know you can say 'dada' though I think daddy is paying you!), to be good big brother, and to remain as cute as ever!  I know you'll accomplish all those things, so I'll need your help to accomplish mine!  ;-)

Sleep tight little miracle and blessing from God .... I'll see you next year!  ;-)

I love you forever and ever!  :-)

~Mommy

Double Overtime

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little miracle!  Well, this morning you out did yourself .... you were awake from 2am to 3:30am.  You finally took a full eight ounce bottle before starting to drift back to sleep.  I was so exhausted at work today!  At least you and daddy got to stay here to relax.  You two were still sleeping when I left for work.

You had another Daddy Day here while I was gone.  Daddy's back started to hurt this morning so Uncle Brennan came over to help out for a few hours.  When I got home, you were sleeping!  That's a pretty late nap buddy because I got home around 6:45pm.  I got to feed you some broccoli and cheese, cheerios, and a bottle for dinner.  

I brought home something 'fun' for dinner.  We haven't gone to the grocery store yet, so our options at the house were a little limited for cooking.  :-P  I brought home some chicken sandwiches with french fries.  We'll go to the store tomorrow and do more cooking, so this was our last 'fun' meal of 2010!  

This evening, we watched the UNC football bowl game .... it went into double overtime against Tennessee and we won!  It was very exciting, though, since I was so tired from the day and your morning adventure, I was falling asleep!  You fell asleep with me.  But, daddy woke me for the overtime so I could see the end.  I played with you while the game was on and you manged to pull my glasses off and bend my frames.  :-P  One or two more instances like that and I'll need to get new glasses.  

I noticed a few things about you as I was watching you play next to me .... you can crawl backwards now .... you can better get into a sitting position (sitting straight on your bottom and not just on your knees) by yourself from a crawling position (I saw you do this a few times) .... and you're better able to place toys down, though you're still mainly throwing things.  ;-)  We also practiced standing independently a little while we were playing.

I saw another preemie at work today!  She's four years old now, but she was born at 32 weeks gestation.  I asked the mother what happened so see if the same thing occurred, but this mother had her water break that early!  I told her about you and swapped a new NICU stories.  We are so blessed to have you and Peanut!  Speaking about Peanut, I enjoy feeling and seeing little Peanut kick and move everyday.  Some times, if I catch it, I'll show daddy when Peanut is kicking because you can see my stomach move!  

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve!  We'll see if we make it to watch the count down to the New Year of 2011 .... I might have to take a nap!  ;-)

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you!

~Mommy

1am

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little fellow!  Well, once again we were awoken by your crying.  :-P  You started to cry around 1am this morning.  Daddy and I tried to let you cry it out to see if you would calm yourself.  But, after awhile, I was so wide awake that I couldn't go back to sleep anyway.  So, you got picked up.  You crawled in our bed and eventually fell asleep.  I wouldn't have minded so much, but I had to get up to go to work this morning.  :-P  You got to sleep in with daddy.  Daddy got up before you and started working from home, but you continued to snore next to him.  :-P

Today is your (Great) Aunt Beth's birthday!  I called her when I was heading home from work and sang 'happy birthday' on her voice mail.  She tried calling me back this evening, but we were getting you ready for bed so I wasn't able to pick up.  

You and daddy had fun together today.  Daddy did some more 'thank you' cards for the gifts that we just got.  And, he had dinner all made when I got home from work.  You must have helped him with that!  ;-)

I gave you a bath this evening as daddy showered.  I had to leave my car in the street again this evening since we still had some ice on the driveway.  I didn't want to chance anything in the morning and one more night won't hurt anything.  I got up a little early so I could warm up my car before work, so I'll just do that tomorrow morning as well. 

We watched 'Alice in Wonderland' this evening.  It wasn't the original cartoon version of the movie .... it was a version that came out a little while ago about Alice returning to Wonderland.  We'll need to watch the original one day with you .... it's been to long since I've seen it that I need a refresher anyway!  ;-)

I have some sad news for you little man ..... today, the DOOK men's basketball coach (Mike Krzyzewski) beat Dean Smith's record of 879 victories.  :-(  But, Dean was able to achieve that many victories in a smaller time frame than the DOOKIE, so we're still better!  ;-)

I have to go to work again tomorrow, so you'll get another Daddy Day!  I missed you two while I was at work, but I had Peanut with me and she was moving and kicking all around!  ;-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!  

~Mommy

Nose Dive

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pie!  This morning you started the day out with an exciting nose dive off the bed at some weird hour of the morning.  You had cried again and ended back up in our bed.  Then, in the middle of the night, you chased a pillow that had fallen behind our heads between the bed and the wall.  We heard and saw you, so daddy grabbed you before you got hurt, but it was still a close call!  

You had your usual breakfast this morning.  Daddy worked from home again so we got to see him during the day.  :-)  We mailed our 'thank you' cards this morning and then played up stairs in the bonus room.  You watched 'Fraggle Rock' and a Sesame Street DVD that you got for Christmas.  You didn't finish the DVD (started crawling around and played with your toys), but it was about the alphabet.  I liked the letters 'C' and 'D' .... C is for Cookie and D is for Dentist!  ;-)  You also practiced some more walking and standing.  

Uncle Brennan came over and we ate lunch with him.  We went to a BBQ place and it was good.  ;-)  You had fallen asleep in the car so we held you as we ate lunch.  We went to Target afterward and I gave you a bottle there.  

When we got back home, we put a movie on while daddy was working.  Uncle Brennan brought over lots of blu rays for us to try out.  One is 'Snow White' so we'll put that one on for you later.  

Mimi, Grandpa Mike, Aunt Katie, and (Great) Aunt Allyson came over around 6pm.  (Great) Aunt Allyson got to see our new house and the floors.  We opened a few more Christmas gifts .... you got more toys and outfits.  So, now we need to write more 'thank you' cards!  ;-)

We all ate dinner at a Mexican Restaurant down the road.  Daddy and I were still full from lunch, so we split something.  You sat between Mimi and I in a high chair and fed yourself a few cheerios and some crackers.  I had to put the majority in your mouth though.  

Our driveway is still icy, so we left my car in the street for tomorrow morning.  I have to go to work in the morning, but you'll get to have 'Daddy Day' at home!  I'll miss you two when I leave.  :-P

Once we got back, we got your ready for bed and then watched a late UNC basketball game.  It didn't start until 9pm.  :-P  You fell asleep while the game was starting, and I was beginning to drift at halftime.  I was holding you during the game, so you and I went into the bedroom and just went to bed.  :-)

Sleep tight little one!  

I love you!

~Mommy

Standing Independently

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  We didn't have the best of mornings today .... you woke us up a little after 3am this morning crying, whining, and crawling all over us.  We tried everything to get you to sleep.  After a long time of rocking you we finally looked at the clock and saw 3:58am.  Ugh!  You ended up taking 6 ounces of milk with some formula.  We still had to rock you and you finally started to drift at 4:46am.  

I have no idea what time I actually went back to bed.  You see, little man, there's something you need to know about me .... I'm a light sleeper!  :-P  So, it took me a while to drift back to sleep, plus Peanut was kicking and my stomach was hungry from being awake for so long.  Daddy and I ended up eating a pop tart while you took the bottle.

Daddy's alarm went off at 7:15am for work.  It usually goes off earlier, but since he's working from home we could sleep in a little before hearing it go off.  :-P  We were so tired!

You had your usual breakfast.  We tried to stay out of daddy's way since he was working, but work was slow due to the holidays so we were able to play with daddy during the day too.

We did your laundry and then organized a few more things around the house too.  We finished our 'thank you' cards for all the Christmas gifts, though we hear a few more presents may be coming!  We signed your name and Peanut's to all the cards!  ;-)

We were suppose to see your Great-Grandparents and Great-Aunts and Uncle today from Asheboro, but the snow changed everyone's plans.  :-P  They did call though so we got to speak to them and wish them a 'Merry Christmas' though you didn't say much on the phone.  

You fell asleep with your lunch bottle and slept for about 2 hours.  I took a little nap too since I was tired from your morning adventure.  I'm sure daddy got work done while the two of us were quiet for him.  :-)

Eliza called and we did have your physical therapy appointment today since we didn't have it last week.  Guess what you did ....  you stood independently for her for a few seconds!!  Wow!  You did it very briefly for me earlier in the day, but she got you to do it a lot more.  Then, for the rest of the day, that's all you wanted to do with daddy and I!  We're so proud of you!  And, since daddy was home,  he got to see you during your appointment too!

She said you need to stand for 30 seconds independently to be considered '12 month' on a gross motor scale.  But it was still very impressive!  Eliza said you looked like 'a little boy' and not a baby any more .... which means you're already growing up!  Don't grow up too fast, ok?  :-)  You had some really nice neck rotations for Eliza!  She's keeping you on the every other week schedule.  So, in the meantime, we'll work on rotations and continue to work on standing independently.  

You're really understanding your toys more and which buttons to press on them.  For Eliza, you placed some toy balls in a container gently while standing .... you held on to the container with one hand and slowly placed the toys in it instead of throwing them!  You even bent down and picked up a toy while trying to stand!  Wow!  :-)

Daddy hooked up the 'blu ray' player from Uncle Brennan and Aunt Katie.  It works!  Yippie!  :-)  Now we can get blu ray movies to watch.

Oh, the snow is melting more around here.  I think it'll be in the 60's by the weekend!  What strange weather!  

We relaxed in the bonus room this evening and you eventually fell asleep in my lap.  ;-)

I hope you sleep better tonight!  Sleep tight little miracle!

I love you!

~Mommy

Winter Wonderland

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  This morning we woke up to a beautiful winter wonderland!  I woke up before you and daddy and took some pictures of the back yard and the front yard.  Once you woke up, you had your usual breakfast downstairs and watched the snow fall out the window while eating.  It continued to snow until about noon.  

Did you know that no two snow flakes are exactly alike?  God made them all different, just like people.  Each snow flake is one in a million .... just like you and Peanut!  God made you and Peanut perfect and special.  :-)

Oh, we had lots of birds at our feeder too!  I guess it's hard for them to find food with all the snow!  Daddy went out there and filled up the feeder for them.  Then, I went out there and added some more food against the deck railing since more birds kept coming!  I saw 9 birds hovering around our little feeder at one time!

Daddy and I did things around the house today since we weren't going anywhere with the snow.  We ran four loads of laundry .... put your crib back together in the nursery (Not like you've been sleeping in it!  We need to work on that!) .... tried to organize the bonus room more .... went through all the Peanut clothes that were given to us from family and friends and organized them.

We had pot roast for lunch.  It turned out pretty good for our first time.  ;-)  You had banana yogurt and and bottle.  

After lunch, you ended up taking an afternoon nap.  I read a little and daddy watched some television .... but eventually we took a nap too!  Oh, I know we were suppose to see Gigi's side of the family for Christmas today and display our crafts, but due to the snow, it was delayed.  I'll let you know when it's rescheduled so we can show off our wonderful paper plate crafts!  :-)

You tried something new for dinner today ..... a lasagna with meat sauce mixture.  You liked it and also had some cheerios and a bottle.

This evening we relaxed in the bonus room.  I felt a lot of Peanut kicks today.  She kicked you again when you fell asleep for your nap on me.  ;-)  Oh, and we ordered your uncle's birthday gift.  Uncle Brennan's birthday is on January first .... he was a New Year's baby! 

After your evening bath, you watched the movie 'Muppets take Manhattan' with daddy and I.  ;-)

The snow didn't really melt today, so I'm sure things will be slow tomorrow too.   The official report is that Raleigh got 8 inches of snow today!  Daddy is working from home this week, so you'll get to see him tomorrow too!  Good thing we don't have to go any where tomorrow since things will refreeze tonight too.  

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Merry Birthday Happy Christmas!

Dearest Joshua David~

"Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 (NIV)

Merry Christmas and Happy 'Corrected' Birthday little man!  This was your actual due date, so you're officially an adjusted one year old!  ;-)

We all slept in this morning.  I woke up before you and daddy so I went downstairs and got your breakfast all ready for you.  Since, you finished your apple juice yesterday, you tried some strawberry and banana juice with your cereal.  Then, I started to prepare dinner for later.  I cut up potatoes, onions, garlic, rosemary, spices, corn and placed them all in the crock pot.  When we get home from Mimi's house after lunch, I'll add the pot roast and start the crock pot.

We were at Mimi's house for brunch by 10am.  Uncle Brennan took lots of pictures of you and they all got to play with you.  Mimi had a nice spread of food for us .... pumpkin pancakes, turkey bacon, cinnamon rolls, fruit, cookies .... you had a bottle around noon.  ;-)

Boy, you must have been good this year because you got so many toys!  And, your stocking was taller and bigger than you were!  Ha!

We were home by around 2pm and I started the crock pot.  The pot roast may not be done by dinner time, but we can always eat it tomorrow.  :-)  Gigi, Grandpa Jim, and Uncle James came over shortly after and spent some time with us.  And, you opened more presents!  You got some new pajamas from Gigi, so you wore a pair to bed tonight.  :-)

Oh, I forgot to tell you, last night, for Christmas Eve, we let you open one gift .... Penny had dropped off a gift for you on thursday when you were home with daddy.  You opened it last night and it was a toy bus with big lego blocks in it!  You immediately started to throw all the blocks around.  ;-)

For dinner, we ended up having left overs since we got hungry earlier than planned.  The pot roast was done about an hour and half later, so I placed it in the fridge for tomorrow.  You finished your turkey, rice, and veggie mix.  

We all played in the bonus room this evening.  Daddy took the tags off all your new toys and I cut the mandolin strings near the tuners and retuned it.  It still sounds good!  ;-)  Daddy and Uncle Brennan should make more instruments in the future. 

Then, guess what happened .... it started to snow as we were all playing!  We had the movie 'Elf' on the television and watched it snow through the windows.  It started to look like a little 'Winter Wonderland' outside.  I wonder what it'll look like when we wake up in the morning.  This was the first time Raleigh has gotten snow on Christmas Day since 1947!  :-)

When we brushed your teeth this evening I also placed some flouride varnish against your teeth.  This will make your teeth stronger since it helps your enamel.  It's a little sticky, so you played with it with your tongue.  ;-)

I felt Peanut kick and move a lot this evening while you were playing.  Daddy got to feel her kick too!  She moves a lot at night so I wonder if she's nocturnal.  ;-)  And, as a side note to Peanut .... don't worry .... you weren't forgotten .... Gigi got you a Christmas gift too .... a cute little onesie!   :-)  I rocked you when you were getting fussy, and you ended up falling asleep in my arms.  

That brings me to our Christmas gifts .... all daddy and I wanted for Christmas was to have you healthy and for me to still be pregnant with Peanut .... we got what we wanted!  Tomorrow we'll be 31 weeks gestation and you continue to grow healthy and strong.  What a blessing and what gifts we have been given this year!  Plus, we also have the gift of our Savior, Christ, being born on Christmas!  Let's not forget the ultimate gift that we've all been given .... our Lord and Savior!  

You and Peanut are so precious to us!  Sleep tight little man!

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

~Mommy

Sixty Two Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little one!  Today you are sixty two weeks old!  Woo hoo!  And, guess what today is .... Merry Christmas Eve!  

Lets first begin at when we woke up .... oh yes, that would be at 2:04am!  We placed you in your own little bed in our room, and by early, early in the morning you were crying.   I was so tired I was tempted to see how long you would cry, but daddy picked you up and you ended up sleeping in our bed .... all put together in our new master bedroom.  :-P

After we all slept and had then had breakfast, we ran some errands to Target and the grocery store.  We're suppose to get a 'wintery mix' over the weekend, so we wanted to be prepared.  It was very crowded!  We couldn't even find a parking space at the grocery store we usually go to, so we had to go to another one where we didn't know where anything was!  We thought we went early enough in the day to beat all the holiday shoppers, but I guess there was no escaping them!  ;-)  We didn't stay long though, and you ended up falling asleep in the grocery store.  

We saw Grandpa Jim at his office while we were out.  We were passing by his office and decided to stop in.  You played with him for a little bit and then we were home by lunch.

You almost finished your strawberry and banana mixture from yesterday.  I'll put the rest in your breakfast cereal tomorrow.  ;-)  As you ate, daddy made some pumpkin chocolate chip bread!  It was good!  Uncle Brennan came over and he and daddy finished the mandolin as the bread was baking!  It looks so nice and everything works!  Daddy adjusted the intonation and tuned it.  Then, I got to noodle around on it.  You touched it too, but we hadn't cut the strings on the headstock yet, so I didn't want them to poke you.

While they were working, you were getting fussy so I rocked you to sleep.  Your head fell asleep on my belly as I rocked you.  Peanut started to kick and move around under you!  You had fallen asleep hugging your little sister!  It was so precious and I enjoyed the moment!  Then, we moved into the bedroom where I placed you on a pillow to nap as I read.

Daddy made steak and veggies for dinner!  Yummm!  I fed you as he cooked.

We both relaxed this evening with daddy.  They keep calling for a 'wintery mix' tomorrow for Christmas, but I don't know when .... it'll likely be in the evening, so we should still be fine driving to Mimi's in the morning and then having Gigi drive to our place in the afternoon.

We all watched the 'Charlie Brown Christmas' special and 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' before heading to bed.  Rest up since tomorrow is Christmas!  I know you'll get spoiled with gifts!  ;-)

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

In My Arms

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pie!  Guess what you had today .... Daddy Day!  No one from daddy's office was going to be in today, so he decided to work from home.  :-)

Also, today is your (Great) Aunt Allyson's birthday.  When I got home from work, daddy called her and we sang 'Happy Birthday' on her voice mail .... you didn't say anything .... every time we put the phone to you, you tend to stop talking.  :-P

So, I got to help give you breakfast before heading out to work.  I was jealous of daddy getting to spend the day with you, but he doesn't get many 'Daddy Days' so I was also happy you two had such a good day together.  Daddy sent me a photo of you asleep in his arms during lunch.  So cute!

Uncle Brennan came over after lunch and helped daddy put our bedroom together.  It looks so good!  What a surprise when I came home from work to see the bed all made!  :-)

Guess what else Uncle Brennan did .... he gave you your lunch bottle while daddy got lunch for them.  He apparently tried to give you some strawberry and banana mix, but you kept swatting your arms around.  :-P  Then, he and daddy worked on the mandolin more.  Uncle Brennan did all the electronics and when I got home I was able to screw in a few pieces on the body and neck.  :-)

This evening we got to relax in the bonus room.  We had the television on and you eventually started to get sleepy.  I picked you up and held you in my lap as we all sat on the couch.  After a few minutes, you fell fast asleep on me in my arms.  You haven't done that in a while without me rocking you!  It was so precious!  

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!  Do you know what you want for Christmas yet?  ;-)   You and Peanut are our Christmas gifts!

Sleep tight little miracle!  

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

New Rug

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious .... yet, again, we were all groggy this morning!  You woke us up and then started to crawl all around us.  :-P  It was very hard to sleep like that and when the work alarm went off, I felt like I hadn't slept at all! 

Daddy and I had given you breakfast by the time Penny got here.  During the day, you also had some veggies with beef, some strawberries and bananas, and a snack with apple juice.  :-)

You two also had fun playing together .... you had floor time where you played with your soccer ball .... played with your blocks and you apparently like to play with your shoes too as toys!  You took a morning nap for Penny.  Then, at lunch, you fed yourself 4 cheerios by yourself!  You're getting better at not just throwing them on the floor.  ;-)  You two had a little art class together .... you're still not holding the crayons but that will come with time.  Oh, you two also had story time, music time, and then more floor time this afternoon.  :-)

Daddy decided to work from home tomorrow since no one else will be in the office, so, when he got home, he gave Penny her Christmas gift from us.  She likes to garden, so we got her a gift card to a nice nursery not far from us.  I think she'll really like it.  :-)

Remember going to the carpet store this past weekend with Uncle Brennan, and we ordered a carpet to be bound as a rug for the master bedroom?  Well, it's now done and Grandpa Jim picked it up for us after work.  He brought it to our house and daddy helped him bring it into the master bedroom.  When I got home, we unrolled it and put it in place.  It looks nice!  We'll move the furniture later.  :-P  While here, Grandpa Jim gave you a dinner bottle.

This evening, we played in the bonus room.  You can crawl so fast now!  Which probably means you'll be able to run fast once you get going!  ;-)

Daddy made dinner for us.  While we ate our pizza, you were really talkative in your high chair.  You made a lot of "baba" "vava" and "dada" noises!  I tried to get you to say "mama" but you apparently like to say "dada" more.  :-P

I was too tired to give you a bath tonight.  We cut your schedule to every other day for baths since you don't have the helmet anymore (the helmet made you hot and sweaty).  :-P  I'll need to give you a bath tomorrow. 

Tomorrow, I head back to work, but you'll have Daddy Day here!  I know you're excited!  Save those smiles and kisses for me!

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

What A Blessing

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Well, once again we found ourselves awake with you at 2am.  This time, you had managed to crawl up into our 'bed' since our mattresses were placed next to each other.  :-P  You apparently started to climb on daddy while crying, so you ended up sleeping between us again.  

Because of your very early morning routine, I was groggy all morning.  You had your usual breakfast when you woke up.  Then, we got ready for the day.  We some exciting things going on today:  we're meeting my friend Allison for brunch, we have an ultrasound for little Peanut, and daddy's only working a half day so we get to play with him in the afternoon!

We met up with Allison at 10:30am .... this was your first time meeting her, but daddy and I have known her since elementary school!  Actually, she's known daddy longer than I have!  I first met them both in the fourth grade.  ;-)  We had brunch not far from our house and got to catch up and visit.  It was really nice to see her since she now lives in West Virginia getting her Master's degree .... she's in town for the holidays and her parents don't live far from us. 

We got home a little before 12:30pm, and daddy had beaten us there by a few minutes!  Gigi and Mimi soon followed since they wanted to see the ultrasound too.  Grandpa Mike was going to meet us that OB office, and Grandpa Jim had to work (but we called him right after to let him know how that appointment went.  Gigi gave you a lunch bottle when she got here.  And, everyone got to play with your hair now that the helmet is off.  ;-)  Then, you rode with daddy and Mimi, and I rode with Gigi to the OB office. 

What wonderful news we got at our appointment .... little Peanut is still growing strong!  We're officially 30 weeks and 2 days (two days longer than we made it) .... my weight was 147.3 which is a pregnancy weight gain of 18.3 pounds so far.  I only gained 17 pounds with you total at 30 weeks.  The doctor was pleased at the weight gain, fundal height, and blood pressure.  He looked at my ankles and saw no signs of swelling.  Also, my blood pressure was 120/60.  He talked to daddy and I about having another C-section vs having what's called a 'VBAC' .... vaginal birth after cesarean .... both have risks and complications so daddy and I are going to have to talk about that more and pray about what to do.

The ultrasound showed us another little blessing .... your sister Peanut was measuring right on track even with a 2 vessel cord!  Remember when we had our first ultrasound for her and they mentioned the 2 vessel umbilical cord (one artery and one vein) .... when usually the umbilical cord has 3 vessels (two arteries and one vein) .... some times this causes a baby to develop smaller and have a low birth weight.  Well, Peanut measured in at 30 weeks gestation, which is what we are!  And, she has an estimated weight so far of 3 lbs 2 ozs .... almost one whole pound more than you at birth at 30 weeks!  Her heart rate was 167!  What a blessing!  God is so good!  Oh, and the technician showed us on the ultrasound a little white spot on the top of her head .... it was hair!  How cute!  

Well, you can imagine we were all excited the rest of the day because of this wonderful news and blessing that we have been given!  Each day is now a blessing as we get closer and closer to our due date.

Once we got home, you and I played while daddy sprayed the mandolin again.   He only worked a half day for the ultrasound.  :-)  I prepared dinner (meatloaf with a potato and veggie side).  Then, you and daddy ended up taking a nap while I did laundry.

The evening was spent with us playing in the bonus room and watching UNC win a basketball game.  I was getting tired during the game though.  :-P  Daddy had to eventually walk around with you as you fell asleep in his arms.

Tomorrow I head to work to share the good news about Peanut.  I know you'll have fun with Penny, but save some smiles and kisses for me!  

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

No More Helmet

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pie!  What fun day we had together.  :-)

First, we got to play for just a little while after breakfast before we had to leave for your helmet scan.  Your last scan was three weeks ago .... wow, time has flown by .... and you weren't too happy during the scanning process, like last time.  :-P  When I held you and your head was being measured, you were fine .... smiling, clapping, and giggling .... but when we placed you down for the scan you cried.  :-P  Oh well!

We had some good news though .... your scan showed that your head was still reshaping and growing.  We can also tell that by the little lumps and bumps on the back of your head.  ;-)  Now, based on your gross motor skills and age, your Orthotist, Heather, was comfortable with you not wearing the helmet anymore!  All the 'major deterrents' (as she called them) would not be an issue .... you sleep on your tummy now, you're crawling around everywhere and pulling yourself up, and you're trying to talk more which stimulate the head and neck muscles.  Since you're not a 'stationary baby' the helmet isn't needed anymore.  Your head will continue to reshape and remold, but you're no longer spending a lot of time on your back, so we can leave the helmet off.  :-)  That was exciting news!  

When we left, we immediately called daddy to let him know .... he was excited too!  We got home in time to straighten the downstairs and have lunch before Eliza would get here.  You also needed a diaper change.  ;-)  Right when Eliza was about to arrive, she called .... she was on her way, but not feeling well .... her sinuses were acting up and was feeling dizzy.  I can definitely relate to sinus issues, so you ended up not having your physical therapy today.

Instead, we did some laundry.  You ended up taking a nap later in the afternoon.  I read some, but then took a nap with you.  :-P  Then, we came downstairs to make dinner before daddy got home.  We just made some quick pasta but cooked some veggies for the sauce.  

Daddy sprayed the mandolin again once he got home.  It's really looking nice!  Then, as I folded laundry, he did your Christmas craft project .... so, if you win this year you have to thank daddy!  I gave you a bath as daddy finished.

I forgot to tell you this, but the evening Uncle Brennan was here and we watched the UNC basketball game, I went through your clothes that are too small for you.  I saved some things that looked 'neutral' for Peanut to wear too, and I saved some things that people gave us that have sentimental value .... but the rest I bagged up to give to another family who's expecting a boy in late January.  They have a girl, so they gave us some clothes for Peanut!  What a blessing!  It was hard to go through all your little, cute outfits again and to give them away, but it's best that other children get to wear them as well.  :-)

Speaking of Peanut, she sure is kicking.  :-P  Tomorrow is another ultrasound, so please pray she's growing properly.  

Sleep tight little man!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Slept Through The Night

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pie!  I have exciting news!  You actually slept through the night without a peep to wake us up!  I was stunned when I woke up and found you still sleeping on your little mattress next to us!  Wow!  Please continue to sleep through the nights for us .... it'll be nice to catch up on sleep before Peanut comes along.  :-P

Well, since you slept through the night, daddy and I ended up sleeping in too!  Once we all got ourselves together, we ran a few errands to pick up groceries and things for the house.  We were home by lunch, so I gave you some 'mixed berry' yogurt and a bottle .... you gobbled down that yogurt!  Daddy made some chicken for us.  It was good!  

Then, daddy made a quick trip to Uncle Brennan's house to print some more logos for the headstock.  Daddy thinks he figured out what happened yesterday, so we got a different sealer when we were out this morning and he was able to placed the logo this afternoon.  It looks really nice!  :-)

You and I played around as daddy worked on the mandolin.  Mimi and Grandpa Mike came by around 4pm to see the new floors.  Daddy also had a computer for Grandpa Mike to have.  Mimi brought over a kit to make a Christmas ornament with your hand print .... it took a few tries, but you eventually kept your hand straight and still for us.  :-P  We then all ate dinner together at an Italian place near our house.  You fell asleep in the car and continued to sleep through dinner as Mimi held you.  Once we were all done eating, you woke up and took a bottle.

This evening daddy and I worked on our Christmas crafts .... remember last year how the craft item was stockings .... well, this year it's paper plates.  Daddy and I finished our crafts as you played.  We'll do your craft tomorrow.  Last year, daddy won the craft contest, so we'll see if he can do it again!  We're meeting with Gigi's side of the family on sunday, December 26th, so that's when we'll see all the other crafts.  My secret santa person collects eagles .... so I made a paper plate eagle.  Daddy's person likes to shop .... so he made a paper plate purse with receipts and credit cards in it.  Your person is learning how to be potty trained .... so we're thinking of making a little potty!  :-)

I have exciting news!  Today, we are 30 weeks gestation with your sister Peanut!  You were born at 1:11pm at 30 weeks .... so .... we have officially made it longer in this pregnancy!  What a blessing!  At this point on everything is new territory for us!  We have an OB visit on tuesday with an ultrasound to check on Peanut's growth.  Please continue to pray that all goes well!  :-)

This evening, after the crafts, I gave you a bath and then you played around with daddy and I until you fell asleep.  Tomorrow, you have another head scan and helmet appointment.  And, Eliza is coming over for your physical therapy.  So, get some rest tonight!

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

New Friend

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  So, you woke up crying again last night.  :-P  We tried putting your mattress in your play area upstairs before we all went to bed, and placed our mattress next to your area, but that didn't work.  You woke up and started to cry.  Daddy leaned over and rubbed your back, and for a minute we thought you have drifted off again .... but you woke up crying once more until we had to take you out and plop you in our bed.  Tonight, I'll try something different .... I'll place our mattresses side by side and touching and see if that makes a difference.  :-P

Once you fell back asleep, we all ended up sleeping in a little.  Then, we got up and ate breakfast together.  Daddy sprayed the mandolin some more .... it's really looking good!  He also created a little logo to put on the headstock.  It says, "Sweetpea" with a 'serial number' of 12092010 for my birthday!  How creative!  'Sweetpea' is a nickname that my grandfather gave me when I was smaller than you!  ;-)  So, in order to place the logo on the wood, we needed Uncle Brennan's help with his laser printer.

We ran a few little errands this morning to finish our Christmas shopping .... Christmas is going to be 'low key' this year since we're in the 'negative' budget wise.  :-P  But, honestly, all daddy and I need is to be together with family .... and to have you and Peanut healthy!  I told people at work that all I needed for Christmas was to still be pregnant!  

Along that note .... tomorrow we'll officially be 30 weeks gestation, which is how far I was with you until the emergency C-section.  So, if we make it past 1:11pm tomorrow afternoon, we'll officially be in 'unknown territory' and further along in this pregnancy.  Then, we have our 30 week ultrasound appointment on tuesday.  Mimi and Gigi are going with us so they can see Peanut again.  Keep praying your little sister is doing well.  I have a feeling she is though because she is constantly moving.  :-P  Daddy's even seen her moving around too because my belly will move.  Ha!  :-)  We tease that she will grow up to be a 'Rockette' or soccer player.  

Anyway, once we finished our shopping, we swung by and picked up Uncle Brennan for lunch.  Aunt Katie was heading to a friend's house, but you got to see her briefly and their dogs!  Two dogs were outside, but one, Penelope, was inside and licked you.  ;-)

We had fun with Uncle Brennan.  We ate lunch at an Asian restaurant and then headed over to a carpet store.  They had remnant fabrics there, so we found a piece that was just shy of 12' by 12' for the master bedroom.  They're going to bind it for us so we'll have a 'rug' to place under the bed.  This will hopefully protect our new floors.  We're also looking into a cute rug for the nursery before we move all this furniture back in.  Uncle Brennan carried you all around the store as daddy and I ordered the carpet piece.  

Then, we got to meet up with Aunt Katie at her friend's house because they needed help with a laptop.  Uncle Brennan was able to fix it, but while there, you got to meet Zelda .... a little girl about 8 months old!  She's so cute and the two of you smiled at each other.  You also clapped and tried to crawl around to her, but we had to make sure you didn't get too close or your helmet could have bumped her since she was smaller.  :-P  But, you made a new friend.  When we left, it was snowing outside .... just a small drizzle of snow and nothing stuck.  

Uncle Brennan stayed at our house to watch the game that evening.  UNC lost that basketball game, but it was so close!  Our next game is tuesday, so I'm sure we'll come out stronger then.  :-)

Daddy took Uncle Brennan home after the game while I gave you a bath and watched some of 'The Wizard of Oz' which was on television.  Daddy got the logo printed at Uncle Brennan's house .... came home to place it .... and soon realized we needed a different sealer for the wood .... the ink ran from the logo.  :-P  Well, we'll try again later.  

I hope you sleep a little better tonight!  Sleep tight little one!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Sixty One Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie pie!  Today you are sixty one weeks old!  Whew!  You are getting on up there little man!  ;-)

This morning, you had your usual breakfast of cereal with apple juice.  Then, a bottle.  Once you finished your bottle, we didn't have a lot of time left until we had to leave.  You had an appointment with a pediatric urologist at 8:30am. 

Dr. Ross was very nice.  The nurse weighed you and took your blood pressure first.  You were 19 lbs and 2.6 ounces, so we need to get you bigger.  ;-)  The nurse used the smallest blood pressure cuff I have ever seen in my life!  You're blood pressure was 112/52, which she said was a little high, but we still had your clothes on too.  I think if you didn't have your sleeve on the reading would have been a little more accurate.  

Dr. Ross went to UNC for medical school, so she liked your TarHeel stroller.  The examination was quick.  You cried, but you were fine once I held you.  ;-)  We were referred to her because your pediatrician, Dr. Medero, thought that your right 'man berry' hadn't descended yet.  Dr. Ross did a full examination and she agreed.  She was able to palpate both sides, and position the left side where it needed to be .... but she wasn't able to fully position your right side.  If left untreated, it could continue to ascend.  So, little man, you need what is called an 'orchiopexy' which is an out patient surgical procedure.  We weren't happy that surgery is needed, but it's minor and out patient.  

The problem then becomes the timing.  It took two months for us to even get this appointment for an examination.  So, the first available dates for your surgery aren't until the middle to late february .... The first appointment is february 17th when we meet with Dr. Ross again to discuss the surgery and to meet with the anesthesiologist .... yes, little man, you'll need to have general anesthesia.  The surgery itself is then scheduled for february 22nd.  Both dates we have to take you to DOOK hospital in Durham.  

So, in case you've forgotten .... you little sister is due february 27th .... five days after your surgery!  That whole time frame is going to be risky for us, but we've already had people tell us that they would be able to help in any way we need them.  Your Gigi, Mimi, and Uncle Brennan can all take off.  Also, daddy is not going to work those two days so he can be at both appointments .... in case I'm in another hospital with Peanut!  One of us needs to be there as a 'legal guardian' .... hopefully we both can, but I just don't know what my condition will be like at that time.  

Once we left the urologist appointment, we did a quick run to the bank to make a deposit.  Then, we went to Dick's Sporting Goods store.  Daddy needed some gun stock oil to help finish the mandolin neck.  So, I'm sure people got a kick out of a pregnant woman strolling in with her baby to the hunting section of the store to ask for some gun stock oil amongst all the guns.  ;-)  Ha!

You then fell asleep on the drive back home.  I ate lunch as you slept and then fed you when your nap was over.  As you were getting ready for lunch, daddy called and the power went out at his office .... so, they were all sent home for security reasons!  Daddy got to work from home the rest of the day.  :-)

As daddy worked, you and I wrapped all the Christmas gifts and I wrote some 'thank you' cards for some birthday gifts.   We then played together as daddy started to work on the mandolin.  He did a lot of staining and sanding.  Daddy screwed in an extra piece of wood where the neck goes so he could hang the body to stain it.  It's already looking really nice and he just started! 

I made a quick dinner for us of breakfast foods.  Afterward, you ate and you picked up the cheerios by yourself, put them in your mouth, and ate them yourself!  Good job little man!  

I gave you an evening bath as daddy did some more with the mandolin.  Then, we set up a bigger play area in the bonus room with your mattress in it.  We're curious if you'll sleep on it by yourself, or cry again and end up in our bed like all the other nights!  :-P

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Snow Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Our alarm went off this morning and we found ourselves in a little 'Winter Wonderland' outside with snow on the roads!  Dr. Rickert, the dental director at the Community Health Center where I work, called me and said we were on a two hour delay.  We let Penny know but also told her to be safe because daddy could work from home.  Her husband was going into the office, so he was planning on dropping her off here on his way in.  So, I got to spend some extra time with you this morning!

As the day went on, it continued to rain and appeared to be sleeting rain with some ice in areas.  I called Grandpa Jim since his office is on the road I would need to travel.  He said to be careful because some spots were still slippery.

Penny came here around 9:30am.  Daddy was still here because he wanted to make sure she got here safely and that I could leave safely.  But, he had been on the computer since 7am so he was already at 'work' for 2.5 hours!

I called Dr. Rickert to see what the status was with the rest of the staff.  I spoke to a few of the assistants, and it appeared that only one, maybe two, were even coming in, which would mean we wouldn't be fully staffed.  I was still concerned about the weather .... and mostly Peanut in case something were to happen if I drove .... I talked to Dr. Rickert more about it, and since the schedule at that point was falling apart, I decided to just use some of my PTO (paid time off) hours and stay here with you!  Family comes first and I felt it was too risky to go out with Peanut on the way.  I still have more PTO hours to use later for maternity leave, so it was ok to use some now.  Better to be safe!  We'll be 30 weeks gestation on sunday, which is how far you and I made it .... so I definitely didn't want to jeopardize that.  :-)

Just as I got off the phone with Dr. Rickert, Mike and Jose pulled into our drive way!  We weren't even expecting them because of the weather!  They came to finish up the floors .... which also meant daddy was blocked in the garage!  Ha!  So, daddy ended up working from home .... I got to stay home and be with you .... and Penny got to play with you until 11am when her husband came back to pick her up!  We were thankful Penny was able to come though just in case we both had to go in .... we'll need to give her a nice Christmas gift!

The floors were done within 2 hours!  They look really good too!  They left a few tools in the bonus room in the doorway, so I called so they would know we have them. 

We now have beautiful engineered hardwoods in all three bedrooms and hallway .... and two freshly painted bedrooms for you and Peanut!  

I vacuumed all the baseboards and window sills once they left.  The blinds are still dusty and it'll take a while for all the dust to completely settle, but I needed to go ahead to get some things cleaned up.  I also swept everywhere and ran a dry and wet swiffer duster over all the floors.  Then, daddy helped me clean the hallway bathroom so it's functional again!  Which means .... you got a bath this evening!  :-)  The bathroom was dusty and dirty from all the work that was going on and we still had our paint cans in there from before .... but everything is clean now.  They left us some extra wood pieces, so daddy moved them into the garage.  Also, we took out all the trash from the upstairs rooms to help clean up. 

I got an email from the MOPS group about a 'Christmas Version of First Corinthians' .... I thought it was special, so I wanted to share it with you:

"If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights

and shiny balls, but do not show love, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals

and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in... the nursing home and give all that I have to charity,

holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust,

but giving the gift of love will endure.

God Bless, Merry CHRISTmas and Happy New Year"

I thought the part that states, "Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way" was very touching!  Daddy and I continue to give thanks to God for you and Peanut .... our miracles and blessings .... and we continue to pray that you all remain healthy!

Daddy made dinner this evening and then we camped out in bonus room again.  We don't want to move the furniture yet until we have things to protect the floor first, so we're going to work on that more this weekend. 

Oh, and guess what else daddy did today .... he started to sand down the mandolin kit!  He worked on that as I gave you a bath and then took a shower myself.  :-)

Tomorrow you have your urology appointment .... remember how Dr. Medero referred us in October?  This was the earliest appointment we could get.  :-P  Hopefully everything will run smoothly!  :-)

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

A Year Ago Today

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little miracle!

Today is a very special day .... one year ago today daddy and I were finally able to bring you home from the hospital!  No more monitors on you .... no more nurses checking your temperature every couple of hours .... no more waiting .... you were discharged after eight and a half weeks in the Intensive Care Unit at Wake Med Hospital!  Daddy and I were so excited and scared at the same time!  It was strange to see you with no monitors on and no 'beeps' going off .... daddy and I had to adjust to the quiet around us and kept checking to make sure you were ok!  We hovered around you and watched you as you slept!  You were still small .... just over 5 pounds and still wearing preemie clothes .... but you looked so big and healthy to us!

How blessed we have been since then!  You continue to grow strong and now we have little Peanut on the way too!  You two are so special to daddy and I!

Well, well, well, the floors are really looking nice upstairs!  It looks like you and Penny had fun today, but it was loud again like yesterday.  Here's what you all did:

8am - free play and floor time

9:20am - story time and music

10:40am - Mike and Jose showed up to work on the floors upstairs

12:20pm - sleeping

1:15pm - loud noise woke you up!

1:30pm - fell back asleep again

3:15pm - loud noise woke you up again!

4pm - Mike and Jose left

You certainly slept more today for Penny than you did for me yesterday, despite the noise.  Perhaps you were just tired from yesterday and could fall asleep easier because of that.  Mike and Jose pretty much finished everything except placing the quarter round pieces along the edges.  They cut a lot of the pieces already though, so it shouldn't take them long to finish tomorrow.  :-)

Daddy had made dinner by the time I got home.  So, we ate together and then went upstairs to relax for the rest of the evening.  We've been giving you quick little head wipes each evening, since the bathroom is a mess right now with your little tub and shampoo.  Once the floors are done, I'll clean up more and then I can give you a real bath again.  Though, I'm sure you don't mind the break.  :-P

We're suppose to possibly get a 'wintery mix' tonight which might could some problems with our work commute in the morning.  I have a weather hot line to call in the morning to see if we'll be operational.  I'm kind of hoping to just stay home with you, but we'll see.  ;-)  Penny will call us in the morning too in case she's unable to get out of her subdivision.  

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy