Throw Up

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  

Today you had the day with Penny as daddy and I headed to work.  You two had a lot of fun together.  Here's what you all did:

8:30am-10am:  sleeping

10am:  tummy time

11:30am:  walk outside

12:30pm:  sleeping

1:15pm:  tummy time and music 

2pm:  sleeping

When I got home, daddy was in the middle of giving you a bottle.  I went upstairs to wash the bottles that were used earlier.  The next thing I know, daddy is carrying you up the stairs, hands you to me, and starts putting things in the washing machine.  :-P  Uh oh!  What happened?!  Apparently you decided to throw up down your clothes and all over the couch!  Ahh!  You didn't cry and didn't have a temperature .... so that was good.  You were just "acting like a baby" and sometimes babies throw up and spit up.  You've been really good so far though.  You haven't really thrown up a lot .... maybe three or four times since you've been home?

Anyway, daddy started stripping the couch to wash everything .... and I changed your outfit and gave you a bath.  :-)

That evening, daddy and I played with you on the bed until you fell asleep.  Tomorrow we head back to work, so save some more smiles for me!

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

Couch Help

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little fellow!

Today was a good day!  Remember yesterday when I made a list of potential houses to look at?  Well, today we went for a road trip!  After one of your morning bottles, we hopped in the car and drove by some of these houses.  I like to drive by houses first so I can get a sense of the neighborhood and location.  If we like the neighborhood, then we try to see the inside.  Right off the bat I ruled out several houses based on location.  You can never tell just by looking at photos, which is why I like to drive there first.  :-P

This afternoon, I moved things all around and cleaned so that I could take photos of the townhouse.  Your Uncle Brennan left his camera and lenses here, so I used them to take some pictures so we can sell this place.  You got in a few of the photos!  But, the ones that we post won't have you in there, or the cat!  :-P

You're getting better at sitting up.  You still wobble and need support, but you're doing well.  I propped you up against the couch cushions to help you to take a photo.  You're so cute!  

This evening daddy went to soccer.  We had fun watched the basketball game, and guess what?  We won!  The TarHeels are going to the championship game of the NIT!  Woo hoo!  We play again on thursday!  

Tomorrow I head back to work, but Penny will be here.  Save some kisses and smiles for me!

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Play Mat

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little sweetie!  We had fun together today!  :-)

This morning you had a nice, little nap.  While you napped, I cleaned up the townhouse and did more research on the computer trying to find houses.  I found some houses that appear to have potential, so I made a list for daddy to look at.  

You had fun with a new play mat today!  Yesterday, when your Uncle Brennan came over, he brought you a gift from the Allen's .... a tummy time mat shaped like a surfboard!  It's so cool!  It has a pillow on it that helps you push up with your arms.  Also it has toys on there for you to grab and play with.  We used it a few times today, and you liked it.  Also, I can tell you're getting stronger in your head and neck muscles!  :-)

This evening daddy went all around the townhouse and did some touch up paint work to correct little areas where we might have hit the walls with furniture.  You watched as I gave you a bottle.  Now, when you walk in the front door, it smells like new paint!  

Tomorrow night daddy has a soccer game.  But, you and I will be here watching the TarHeels play.  We're still in the NIT tournament, so we'll see how the game tomorrow goes.  If we win, then we'll be in the championship game.  :-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!

~Mommy

Lovely

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little sweetie!  

Today you got to meet a lot of new people .... people who have heard a lot about you but haven't met you yet!  Your Mimi invited us to a luncheon with her Sorority .... the "Lovely Ladies Luncheon" .... you're not a lady, but you're lovely so I brought you.  ;-)

Everyone was excited to see you and hold you!  You got so much attention.  :-)

Before we left, your Uncle Brennan came over and got to play with you.  He and daddy stayed at the townhouse to do things, but you at least got to visit with him for a little before we left. 

This evening daddy and I played with you on the bed.  You're trying to grab the bottle more when we feed you.  I bet you'll be grabbing it soon enough.  You like to grab my hair when I'm holding you.  I haven't worn any earrings around you, and I have to be careful with necklaces.  :-P

You were so cute this evening .... you were sucking your thumb after a bottle!  :-)  You only did it for a few seconds.  Usually you just suck on the side of your hand.  :-P

Tomorrow daddy heads back to work.  You and I will have the day together!  Daddy doesn't have a soccer game tomorrow evening .... it's on tuesday instead .... so we'll have a family evening tomorrow.  

Sleep tight little fellow!

I love you!

~Mommy

Clean Up Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Today you got to spend the day mainly with grandparents, so you had a fun time everywhere you went.  :-)

Daddy and I are still cleaning out the townhouse, so we brought you over to Gigi's early in the morning.  While she watched you, daddy and I took trips back and forth to clean out the clutter over here.  :-P  We took about 3 trips, using 2 vehicles, to get things out.  Then, we reorganized and cleaned the downstairs bonus room and the living room.  I bet you won't even recognize the place!  ;-)

Grandpa Jim did a half marathon this morning and got a medal.  I put the medal on you and took a picture.  Gigi was holding you and were sleeping, so you didn't even notice.  

We took a break from cleaning before dinner.  Mimi came over and ate dinner with us and then gave daddy and I tickets to the symphony!  She watched you as daddy and I went out.  They played famous music from award winning movies .... some I recognized and some I didn't.  It was a really good concert, and one day we'll have to take you.  :-)

When we got home you were sleeping soundly.  Sleep tight!

I love you!

~Mommy

Twenty Three Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello sweetie pie!  Today you are 23 weeks old!  Time is really flying by!

We spent the day together as daddy went to work.  I really took some time and cleaned your nursery from top to bottom.  I moved extra stuff out and then vacuumed everywhere, including the floorboards.  I organized the closet and cleaned the bathroom .... toilet, tub, and sink!  Whew!  You slept during most of it, but you woke up when I started to vacuum.  You didn't complain though, you just played around in your papasan chair.  

So, the upstairs front bedroom, bathroom, and closet are all set for potential buyers to look at.  This weekend, daddy and I are going to finish the rest of the house.  We're hoping to put this townhouse on the market next week .... that's the goal at least.  

Daddy and I have been looking at potential homes for us.  We've taken you to different houses too, but you haven't commented on which one you like the best.  :-P

Today you had your last bottle of mommy's milk!  The frozen milk supply lasted from the first week of February until now!  So, you had mommy's milk for your first 23 weeks of life.  :-)  Your last bottle of milk was pumped on my birthday (December 9th), for sentimental reasons.  :-)  I unplugged the freezer in the garage.  But, I'm sure we'll have use for it later when you're bigger! 

After cleaning, you and I played together until daddy came home.  He was impressed at how much we gone done in your room!  Daddy played with you on the bed before you drifted off to sleep.

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!

~Mommy

Mimi Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello sweetie!  How are you?

Today was Mimi Day as daddy and I headed to work.  Mimi came to our house in the morning, as I was giving you a bottle.  Once the traffic went down, she brought you to her house to spend the day together.  :-)

Remember how Gracie (Gigi's cat) was jealous of you yesterday?  Well, Mimi has two cats!  One kept trying to play with your feet (which looked like little doggies) while you were taking a nap.  You didn't wake up though.  :-)

Daddy went over to Mimi's after work to pick you up.  You all had dinner together and then daddy brought you home.  

We're still trying to clean up our townhouse to put on the market, so I took a load of things to Gigi's house to help organize this place.  I ate dinner with Gigi and Grandpa Jim while there.

I missed you little fellow!  When daddy brought you home, I held and kissed you!  Tomorrow we'll have the day together, and I can't wait!  

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!

~Mommy

Gigi Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  I was back at work today, and Penny is out of town this week.  So, today you had Gigi Day!  After I got ready for work, I packed you up and took you over to Gigi's house for some fun.  :-)

Gigi has a cat named Gracie, and she apparently was jealous of all your attention!  :-P  Gigi put you in your little papasan chair, and Gracie kept meowing and trying to get Gigi to play with her.  After a while, she gave up, and you and Gigi had fun all day.

Daddy had a soccer meeting after work, so I went to Gigi's when I got off.  Gigi had church practice (she plays in the Praise Team), so I ate dinner with Grandpa Jim while he fed you.  When we got home, I played with you on the bed and gave you another bottle.  By then, daddy was home, so he got to play with you as well.  :-)

Tomorrow I head back to work again.  :-(  But, Mimi will be here to take care of you!  We're so blessed to have such close family!  

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

To The Right

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  Today was a busy day!

First off, I had to give you an unexpected bath this morning.  :-P  Daddy and I changed you and your outfit this morning, and then I fed you as daddy was leaving for work.  Right after I fed you, I put you down to wash your bottle and to start some laundry.  When I came back, you had filled your little diaper so that poopy was coming out a little on one side!  Ew!  So, off went your clothes and diaper and I gave you a quick bath.  Then, I had to add your soiled linens to the laundry.  So, by 9am you were in your third outfit of the day!  

I did all your laundry, some of my laundry and daddy's, and changed and washed the sheets on the bed.  Daddy clipped your nails again.  Hopefully you'll stop scratching yourself!  

We had our developmental appointment this morning.  According to their scales, you are 11 lbs 14 ozs .... just shy of 12 lbs!!  I knew you were getting heavier!  ;-)  I may have to try you out in some bigger clothes soon just to see what fits you best.  Also, you're 23 in long.

Overall everyone was impressed by you!  They said you were very social and they loved how you were trying to talk.  You appeared to be progressing better than expected, socially.  You still have the same problem of favoring the right side.  When on your back or belly, you tend to turn your head to the right and have trouble (or don't like) going to the left.  They showed me more exercises to help you, and different positions to hold you in so that you'll go to the left more.  This is so your neck muscles development better, and so that your head "rounds out" better.  Everyone loved your "peach fuzz" hair!

After we left, we ran to the bank.  Then, we went home for a bottle.  :-)  We got to play with daddy this afternoon and evening.  :-)

Tomorrow I head back to work, but you'll be spending the day with Gigi!  Penny is out of town, so tomorrow is "Gigi Day" and thursday is "Mimi Day" .... what fun!  

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Got Milk?

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  

You sure have gotten stronger!  You did really well with your tummy time today, holding your head up!  You still have some trouble moving it from side to side, but I've definitely seen some improvement!  You held your head straight up and looked right into the camera for me!  

Your nails have gotten long again .... you've scratched yourself a few times!  Daddy tried to trim your nails back so you won't hurt yourself.  But, you're not always cooperative with that!  

I was able to thaw more milk last night, so you're getting more milk bottles again.  I'm estimating you'll be done by the end of this week though, then you'll be on straight formula.  

Daddy and Uncle Brennan had a soccer game tonight.  Uncle Brennan came over after work and got to visit with you before the game.  :-)  While they were gone, you and I played together on the bed.  You took a little nap, but then we walked around some more and took another bottle.  After that, daddy was home and he got to play with you.  They won their game!  Woo hoo!  :-)

Tomorrow is another visit to the SICC (Special Infant Care Clinic).  This is the developmental team that worked with you while you were in the hospital.  I'm curious to see what your weight is!

Sleep tight little one!  :-)

I love you very much!  

~Mommy

On The Road Again

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  Today we had to leave the beach and went back on the road again!  It was a fun little vacation though .... our first vacation as a family!  :-)

We woke to a cloudy and cool morning.  We had to stop in Wilmington to change and feed you.  We went downtown to the waterfront and the Cotton Exchange.  Lessons learned .... we now know that coffee shops don't really cater to families with little babies .... the bathroom had no changing table.  Oops!  You and I made do, but it didn't help that I had to change you twice since you made a poopy diaper while we were feeding you!

I use to live in Wilmington.  In fact, your Uncle James and I were both born here!  We still have family here on Gigi's side.  Once you finished your bottle, we went back on the road towards Raleigh.  :-)

About 30 minutes outside Raleigh we were held up in a traffic jam.  A car was on fire on the side of the road and traffic on the highway was at a stand still!  As soon as the car stopped moving, you started to cry!  Everyone was getting out of their cars since no one was moving.  So, I took you out of the car seat, changed your diaper, and gave you a bottle in the backseat!  We were down to our last few wipes and formula!  Whoa!  We were cutting it close!  As soon as you finished your bottle, the traffic started to move, so I put you back in your seat and I stayed next to you in the back.  

When we got back, Gigi and Grandpa Jim watched you as we met up with your (Great) Uncle Laurence.  He's going to help us in our quest at finding a new house.  :-)

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Beach Retreat

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little fellow!  Welcome to your first full day at the beach!  We all went for a walk today and you got to see the ocean and beach for the very first time!  It was bright out, so we didn't keep you out for long, but we took some pictures and let you see and listen to the ocean.  It was a beautiful day to be out and you fell back asleep in the stroller once we walked back to the house.

We walked up and down the road near the beach and saw all the big houses.  We picked out which ones we'd like to get.  :-)

Sweetie, I couldn't bring milk down with us since it was all frozen and we didn't leave town right away.  So, this was your first full day of being on formula.  You did fine though .... you didn't appear to complain.  :-)

We went out to eat for lunch.  You saw more of the ocean and beach, but then slept while we ate.  We came back to the house and watched the TarHeels play.  Basketball season is coming to a close.  We won our game today, which means we advance to another game in the NIT and play on tuesday.  We're usually in the NCAA tournament, but this year our record wasn't very good.  Oh well.  There's always next year!  ;-)

You had a great tummy time today!  This was the longest that I've seen you lift and keep your head up!  I put you on the bed and played with you and you were very alert.  Good job little man!  I can tell you're getting stronger everyday!

Daddy and I noticed that you have stinky feet!  :-)  Daddy took your little outfit off and went "phew!"  ;-)  I cleaned your feet so they're not stinky anymore, but we both laughed!  For someone who doesn't walk around, your feet sure smelled like it!

Sleep tight little man!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Twenty Two Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cutie!  Today you are 22 weeks old!  Yippie!  :-)

Today was a busy day .... we finished packing the car early in the morning and were on the road running errands by 8am.  We met up with Mimi to look at houses.  We're still trying to figure out if we can sell our townhouse so that we can get you into something bigger.  :-P

I weighed myself this morning and then picked you up with only a clean diaper.  The scale had a difference of 11.5 pounds!  Woo hoo!  :-)  You're getting so big!

By around 11:30am, we were on the road to Holden Beach!  It took a few hours to get there, but you mostly slept in the car during the drive.  Once we made it to the beach, we told you to look out the window to see the ocean, but you were all tucked in your car seat sleeping.  :-)

Daddy ran to the grocery store when we got there and I fed you.  We walked around the house and went on the back deck and front porch.  :-)  The house that we are in does not look out onto the ocean, but we can see the waterway.

We stayed in this evening and relaxed since we were in the car all day.  You were fussy and you ended up eating about every 2 hours all night!  Whoa! 

Tomorrow is suppose to be beautiful, so we'll go for a walk and see the beach then.  :-)  I know you're excited!

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Packing

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious!  Did you have a good day today?  :-)

Today is your (Great) Aunt Peans's birthday .... one of Grandpa Jim's sisters.  You met her over Christmas when she came to the townhouse.  :-)

We had a little bit of Mommy Morning today after your first bottle.  I walked around the townhouse with you and you eventually fell asleep in my arms.  I placed you back in the bassinet and washed your bottle.  When I returned, you were snoring!  So, I let you rest and gave you a little kiss and told you that I love you.  Penny came shortly after.

Here's what you all did today:
10:30am:  play time, practiced your words, pull ups
2pm:  tummy time
3pm:  walk outside

You were unusually fussy this evening.  You squirmed around with your bottles and cried before and after bottles.  You started to calm down around 11pm.  :-P

Our friend, Sherrill, had her baby today!  She had a little girl .... 7lbs 7ozs .... three times bigger than you when you were born!  She's healthy, which is all that matters.  :-)

We're all packed and ready to go for tomorrow, or I should say, you're packed!  I packed your stuff on tuesday to save time.  This evening, I put the stroller and downstairs bassinet in the car.  Tomorrow morning, we'll change and feed you, and then pack up the rest of our stuff.  You'll like the beach.  We'll show you the sand, the ocean, you'll see different birds .... you'll have fun.  :-)

We've noticed that you've started to grab, or at least try to grab, things more.  You especially like to grab my hair.  :-P  You'll grab people's fingers when they're holding you.  Also, Penny said that you did well with your tummy time today.  Good job!  I've noticed your neck getting stronger!

Tomorrow we head out, so you need to get some rest.  Sleep tight!

I love you!

~Mommy

St. Patrick's Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  We dressed you in a cute outfit with a green alligator on it to celebrate the occasion.  When people don't wear green, you can pinch them!  I wore green scrubs to work today, and daddy had on a green sweater.  :-)  When daddy got home after work, he took the sweater off to change and then fed you.  When I came home, I held and kissed you and noticed that daddy wasn't wearing any green!  So, I leaned you over to daddy so that you could pinch him!  :-)

I was still feeding you when Penny came in this morning, so we didn't have a lot of time for "Mommy Morning," like the other days.   But, you had fun with Penny today.  Here's what you all did:

8am:  tummy time
8:30am:  sleeping
9:20am:  tummy time, music, story time
3pm:  walk outside
5pm:  floor time and sitting practice

You're getting better at bending your legs to try to sit.  You're still a bobble head, but you're improving.  Even Penny noticed that you're getting stronger with your tummy time and moving your head around.

You were fussy this evening.  You didn't take as many bottles as usual during the day, so when daddy and I got home, you were more hungry than anticipated.  Daddy fed you at 6:10pm .... I fed you at 8:25pm .... and then daddy fed you again at 10:30pm!  Whew!  You're a growing boy!

One more day of work left and then we're on vacation!  Woo hoo!  I know you can't wait to see the ocean for the first time.  Your Uncle James and I lived on the beach when we were born.  We're not going to the same beach, but you'll still get to see the same ocean!  ;-)

Save some kisses and smiles for me tomorrow! 

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Five Months

Dearest Joshua David~

Howdy!  Today you are five months old!  I can't believe 5 months have come and gone that quickly!  It feels like yesterday we were both in the hospital for the emergency C-section .... and here you are!  Healthy and growing strong!  :-)

Today you got to meet 2 more people .... Betsy and Alex Allen .... your Aunt Katie's parents!  They have a house at the beach (Holden Beach), and we're going this weekend to celebrate our 2 year wedding anniversary!  Yippie!  You'll be able to see the ocean for the very first time.  The weather is suppose to be nice this weekend, so hopefully we'll be able to take a few walks.  We went to the Allen's house to borrow a key to the beach house.  You were sleeping when we got there, but then you woke up as we were all talking.  Betsy got to hold and play with you.  :-)

I did all your laundry today and went ahead and packed your bag for the beach.  We'll be too tired once thursday evening comes along (since daddy and I will both be working), so I went ahead and packed you early.  :-)  That way, we'll just have to load the car friday morning.  :-)

You did really well with your tummy time today!  As soon as I placed you on your belly, you lifted your head and turned from side to side.  Then you smiled at me!  You got tired quickly, so I gave you a break.  The second time we did tummy time, you lifted your head again, but didn't turn your head as much as the first time.  Every little bit helps to strengthen your head and neck muscles, so we'll keep trying!  :-)

Today was your first trip to the grocery store!  We had to get some things to get us through the rest of the week (before we leave town), so we made a quick trip to Kroger.  :-)  We weren't in there for long, but you were awake and smiling at me the entire time.  Once we got back, you were sleeping soundly in the car seat.  :-P

Tomorrow I'll be at work, and you'll be with Penny.  Save a smile and some kisses for me!

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Happy Anniversary

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Guess what happened two years ago today?  Daddy and I got married!  :-)  This is our wedding anniversary!  Yippie!  Daddy had to go to work, but we got to hang out during the day together.

You did really well with your tummy time today.  We did it three times during the course of the day.  You did the best the first time.  You were lifting your head up and trying to move from side to side.  You don't like having your head to the left.  Every time I positioned you looking that way, you would quickly move your head to the right.  You still have a hard time moving from right to left.  You got really fussy in the evening when we did the third tummy time.  :-P

Daddy didn't play soccer this evening .... he stayed in and spent the evening with us for our anniversary.  :-)  We played with you on the bed, but you eventually fell asleep and started to snore in the bassinet!

We went for a nice walk today!  It wasn't too sunny, so it didn't hurt your little eyes, but you still had shade in the stroller.  We walked for an hour, and then came back here so you could have a bottle.

Sleep tight little man!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Daddy, You're How Old?!

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello precious!  Guess what today is?  Today is daddy's birthday!!  He turned 30 years old today!  :-)  What an oldie!  ;-)  Ha!  I'm allowed to say that because actually I'm 3 months older than daddy.  :-P

We had a relaxing day with daddy.  We were lazy in the morning .... playing with you and watching some television.  By lunch time, we all went out and walked around some stores for fun.  We picked up a few things for the house, but nothing big.  

This afternoon and early evening, Gigi and Grandpa Jim watched you while daddy and I went out to eat to celebrate.  :-)  We went to an Irish restaurant and saw some dancing and music!  St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, so people are gearing up for it.  

Today is also Daylight Savings.  We had to turn our clocks forward, so we lost an hour today .... which means daddy's birthday was only 23 hours long!  Uh oh!  :-P

As we were giving you a bottle this afternoon, you sucked your left thumb ever so briefly!  Daddy noticed it and quickly told me so I could see!  It was so cute!  :-)

Tomorrow is our wedding anniversary!  Daddy and I have been married for 2 years.  Time has flown by!  :-)

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

Bottle or Hand

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little fellow!  Today you had a big day out in Raleigh!

Early this morning, we went with daddy and Gigi to drive around and look at different areas and houses.  We want to sell this little townhouse, so we need to find a place where we can go once it's sold.  :-P  We found some places, so daddy and I will research more about the buildings.

Since we started so early, we got hungry and stopped for brunch.  You slept in the car seat in the booth as we talked and ate.  Then, I changed you and you took a bottle from Gigi.  

Once we got back home, we fed you again and then went for a walk!  It was cloudy and even started to sprinkle on as at one point.  But, then it cleared up and we had a good walk for about an hour.

The rest of the evening daddy and I played with you and watched some television.  It was pretty relaxing.  :-)

Daddy gave you a bottle in the evening, but you appeared to just want to suck on your hand instead.  He would put the bottle to your mouth, you would take some milk, and then put your hand in there!  :-P  Don't worry, you eventually took the whole bottle, but we thought it was funny that you kept putting your hand in there. 

Tomorrow is daddy's birthday!  Sleep tight so we can celebrate tomorrow!  :-)

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Twenty One Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little one.  Today you are 21 weeks old!  You're an "oldie but goodie!"  :-)

You and I spent the day together since daddy had to work.  I did all of your laundry and some of mine and daddy's.  We played together and did a few tummy time exercises.  You did well with the first tummy time, but I still had to help you move and lift your head from right to left.  You did better with the second tummy time when daddy was home.  

Sunday is daddy's birthday, so we wrapped his birthday gifts.  :-)  Also, we did some thank you cards for some more gifts that you've gotten.  You're so popular!

It was wet and dreary for the majority of the day, so we stayed in.  I thought about chancing it and going for a walk, but I didn't want to get trapped far from the house with you getting wet.  :-P

Tonight we went to Mimi and Grandpa Mike's house!  You've never been there before so there was a lot to see!  We had a birthday dinner for your daddy.  We had chicken pot pie, bread, cake, cookies, ice cream, rice, and spring rolls!  Whoa!  Daddy and I were stuffed when we left!  

Your Gigi, Grandpa Jim, Uncle Brennan, and Aunt Katie were all there as well.  Everyone played with you.  We dressed you in little black pants and a little red collared shirt.  You were so cute!  :-)

We were there late, so we didn't get to bed until after midnight .... since we still had to give you another bottle once we were home and make another bottle for the morning.  Busy busy!

Tomorrow's the weekend, so we can spend the day with daddy!  Sleep tight little fellow!  :-)

I love you!

~Mommy

Long Day

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little sweetie .... is it ever so good to see you!  I had a long meeting after work and didn't get home until 8pm .... over 12 hours away from you!  :-(  I thought of you and daddy the whole time I was gone.  Once I got home, I got to hold and kiss you.  That made my day!  :-)

You had another fun day with Penny.  At 9:15am, you all had music and tummy time.  At 1:30pm, you all were able to get out for a walk before the rain came in.  It was still raining by the time I got home from work.

Daddy read to you this evening while you were playing on the bed.  You started out fussy, but then fell asleep as he was reading.  I moved you into the bassinet and you didn't wake up as I carried you.

Guess what we started today?  Today in our Bible reading we started the Book of Joshua!  There's a verse at the beginning that I found a few days after you were born:

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  (Joshua 1:9)

I wrote that verse out on a little piece of paper and it was taped on your bed the entire time you were in the hospital (8.5 weeks).  :-)

I didn't get to spend a lot of time with you today with work, but tomorrow I can make it up to you.  We'll have fun all day .... and in the evening you'll get to see a lot of people for dinner!

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

4am

Dearest Joshua David~

Thanks for keeping us on our toes little man .... this was the first time in a long time that you wanted a bottle at 4am!  :-P  You fell asleep last night, and we tried to wake you so that you would take an evening bottle, but it didn't work.  Daddy picked you up, talked to you, walked with you, and even changed you .... but you just kept sleeping!  :-)

Then, it was hard to go back to sleep!  We took a quick "cat nap" before the alarm went off for work.  You continued to sleep as we were getting ready but you were starting to stir a little when Penny got here.  This is what you and Penny did today:

10am:  music and tummy time
11:15am:  tummy time
12:15pm:  walk outside
3:30pm:  fussy

I couldn't wait to get home to see you!  I held and kissed you!  You and daddy played on the bed.  Daddy and I were tired, but we managed to stay awake to give you a late bottle .... hoping you'll sleep later tomorrow.  ;-)

Tomorrow I have a late meeting at work, but daddy will be here to play with you while I'm gone.  :-)  I miss you when I'm away .... but you'll have some daddy time tomorrow evening.

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Out and About

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello cutie!  We were busy today!  I needed to run some errands around town, so you headed out with me.  Today you saw more of Raleigh than you ever have to date!  You slept a lot in the car, but every once in a while I would hear you squirm.

You did better with your tummy time today.  You had a hard time moving your head from right to left.  I still had to help you.  But, you didn't have much trouble going left to right.  You did get tired pretty quickly, and I thought at one point you were just going to fall asleep!

We had another good walk today.  We walked 3 miles again.  You stirred around in the stroller for a little, but you eventually fell asleep.

You fell asleep on daddy this evening.  It was so cute.  :-)

I gave you a bath today.  You had a pretty big poopy diaper this afternoon, so I decided to change your whole outfit and wash you!  You smiled the entire time I was giving you a bath.  :-)

In our Bible reading today, we read how Joshua was commissioned to lead Israel to take the place of Moses.  The Lord told Joshua to "Be strong and courageous .... I will be with you." (Deut 31:23).  :-)  The Lord will always be with you, little Joshua! 

Sleep tight!

I love you very much!  :-)

~Mommy

Deja Vu

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little precious!  How are you?  :-)

Today was a beautiful day!  You and I went for a 3 mile walk around the neighborhood.  :-)  It's nice to get some exercise, and you got to get some fresh air.  You liked being out of the house, though you slept for the majority of the walk.  :-)

Guess who came to see you today?  Stephanie and Kevin!  They came before to see you.  Kevin had surgery on his back the other week, so they were in town for a follow up visit.  Stephanie got to hold you and they both played with you.

Do you remember this outfit that you're wearing?  You had one just like it when you were in the hospital!  I don't know if it was "preemie" size, but it was huge on you!  Your Gigi and I laughed when we saw you sleeping in it because it was so big!  Now, you have the same outfit, but it's size "0-3 month" and it fits you!  Woo hoo!  :-)

We did another tummy time today, but I had to help you a lot during it.  :-P  I think you got frustrated and tired.  Don't worry, you're getting better and one day you'll lift and turn your head all by yourself!  :-)

Daddy and Uncle Brennan had another soccer game tonight.  We stayed here, since it was a late game and late in the evening, but they won!  :-)

Tomorrow's another beautiful day! 

Sleep tight cutie!

I love you!

~Mommy

Four Generations

Dearest Joshua David~

Boy did you have a treat today!  Your Great-Grandparents (Grandpa Jim's parents) came into town to see you!  They live in Asheboro and last saw you when you were in the hospital .... you still had a feeding tube in you back then.  Now, we're guessing you're 11 lbs and healthy!  How wonderful!

They both got to kiss and hug you.  Your Great-Grandma held you for a while.  You were hungry as soon as they came, so I fed you and then I let you all play together.  Your Gigi made some cookies, so your daddy and I ate some as you all bonded.  ;-)

You're a very lucky young man .... not everyone has such an extended family.  You have Great-Grandparents, Grandparents, parents, Uncles, Aunt, Great Uncles, Great Aunts, extended cousins, and even Great-Great Uncles and Aunts.  Whew!  There are too many people to count, and I'm sure I'm not even thinking of everyone!

Speaking of extended family, I think I forgot to tell you .... your Great-Great Aunt Lora (my grandmother's sister on my mom's side) made and sent you a beautiful blanket!  I'll send her a thank you card from you.  ;-)

Today was another wonderful day for weather.  In the morning, you went with daddy and I to run some errands.  You mostly slept, but it was good to get you out in the fresh air.  Tomorrow is suppose to be nice as well. 

Sleep tight little man!

I love you!

~Mommy

Bigger Walk

 

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Today was a beautiful day!  We spent the morning and early afternoon out with daddy!  :-)

First, we went to Target just to walk around.  Daddy got a coffee and I got a hot chocolate.  :-)  You slept, but you opened your eyes just as we were leaving.  Then, you had your first visit to Best Buy, which is an electronic store.  We walked around for a little bit, but didn't get anything.  

When we got home, daddy changed you and I gave you a bottle.  Then, the three of us went for a walk to enjoy the day!  We walked for over an hour!  You stirred a little, but you mainly slept.  :-)

Once we got back, we all stayed in for the rest of the day.  You played around with daddy, and he even played you some songs on the guitar.  I walked around with you and played with you on the bed.

What a relaxing and enjoyable day with you and daddy!  I think the weather will be nice tomorrow to, so perhaps we can go for another walk.  Your Great-Grandparents are coming into town to see you around lunch time!  You haven't seen them since the hospital. 

Sleep tight little Joshua .... tomorrow's another big day!  :-)

I love you!

~Mommy

Twenty Weeks

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little man!  Today you are twenty weeks old!  The weeks seem to just fly by!

Daddy had off today, so it was "Family Friday!"  :-)  We had to take you to the pediatrician's office this morning for one more shot .... guess how much you weigh now .... 10 lbs 14 ozs!!  Whoa!  You gained 10 ozs in one week!  I had a feeling you were going to shoot up because you've been taking bigger bottles this week.  :-)  You'll be 11 lbs by the end of the weekend!  Oh, and your temperature was good too .... 98.5 degrees.  :-)  

You cried with the shot, but daddy and I calmed you.  You were fine once we held you.  You had a little circus band aid on your left leg afterward.  

Since we were out, and it was a beautiful day, we stayed out to enjoy the weather.  :-)  We ran an errand to Target and ate some BBQ for lunch!  You sat in the car seat in the booth with us, but you slept through lunch. 

Afterward, you got to meet your (Great) Uncle Laurence .... Gigi's older brother.  We went to his office to talk about possibly getting a bigger house for us.  He's in the real estate business.  You started to stir when we got there, but then slept during the whole conversation.  :-P

This afternoon we played on the couch together and did your laundry.  This evening, we were all lazy and fell asleep on the big bed!  Even the cat curled up next to your feet!  Daddy moved you into the bassinet after a while though.  

Big day for a big man!  Sleep tight!

I love you very much!

~Mommy

Big Bed

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little sweetie!  Today was not your typical Thursday .... Mimi had some time this afternoon, so she came over around 3pm to watch you, and Penny had the afternoon off.  :-)  You had fun with both .... Penny did some tummy time and music fun with you .... Mimi played with you and gave you a few bottles.  

Once daddy got home, he got to visit with you all before your Grandpa Mike came over.  I was the last one to arrive since we saw patients late.  But, once I got there, I got to hold and kiss you!  :-)  We all ate dinner together and visited.

This evening, daddy put you on the bed and I took a picture of you for fun!  You looked so tiny on that big bed!  How cute!  :-)

I printed a photo of you at work this afternoon and hung it up in the lab for everyone to see.  It's a picture of you smiling (from a few days ago).  Everyone loves it!  :-)

Tomorrow we all have off so we're going to have some fun!  

Sleep tight little man! 

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Light Dusting

Dearest Joshua David~

There was a light dusting of snow on the ground when we woke up this morning!  We saw it on the roof tops, cars, and grass.  Nothing stuck to the roads.  It actually ended up being pretty sunny as the day progressed.  It remained cold .... but at least sunny!  :-)

I had to go to work again today.  :-(  You had fun with Penny though.  Here's what you did:

8:30am:  tummy time/play time

9:30am:  sleeping

11am:  music

11:30am-2pm:  nap

2:30pm:  music

I missed you while I was at work.  But, when I came home you were happy and gave me a smile.  I gave you kisses in return!  ;-)

You might have been happy because before I came home, daddy fed and changed you .... and he said your diaper was extra large!  Whoa!  Daddy even had to change your outfit after that diaper!  Ha!  

Daddy played you some songs on the guitar this evening.  Daddy's very good on the guitar and you like it when he plays.  

Everyone at work always asks about you .... you're so popular!  ;-)  Once it starts to get warmer I'll bring you in so everyone can see how big you've gotten.  

Tomorrow I head back to work again.  But, Friday daddy has off!  Woo hoo!  Family Friday!  

Sleep tight!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy

Snoring

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello little cute thing!  Today you were very active.  :-)  You tried talking and babbled on making cute baby noises.  ;-)  I took the camera out to take a video, but then you stopped!  However, once I started recording you sneezed!  Ha!  So, instead of getting you talking, I got a video of you sneezing (which was really cute).  

We watched it rain through the windows today.  It pretty much rained all day.  We stayed inside, but we walked all around the townhouse to look and listen to the rain.  

Earlier in the day, when you took a "lunch time" nap, you began to snore.  I was cleaning the room up and kept listening to you.  I took a little video of you snoring, but your sneeze was more exciting!  I thought your snoring was cute .... remember when you were in the hospital with the nasal cannula?  Now look at you .... snoring!  We are so blessed!  :-)

We made some wheat dough this afternoon.  You actually fell asleep, but I talked to you while I was making it.  :-)  We used it to make a homemade pizza for dinner.  Yummy!

You did well with your tummy time today!  I placed you on your belly facing right.  You lifted your head and moved it to the left, and then back to the right again without my help!  Good job!  After that, you rested.  :-)

I took a cute photo of you today.  I put you in the papasan chair and wiggled some toys around in front of you.  I got a photo of you with the biggest grin on your face!  

Oh, I almost forgot .... you took a full 6 oz bottle today!  Whoa!  You're such a big boy!  :-)

Sleep tight little one!

I love you!

~Mommy

Size 1

Dearest Joshua David~

Hello sweetie!  You've reached a new stage in your life .... size 1 .... diapers that is!  :-)  You are no longer wearing "newborn" diapers.  You used the last one this morning.  Now, you're wearing size 1!  Woohoo!  You've gotten so big!  ;-)

We listened to one of our new CD's today.  It was a lullaby CD and you fell asleep with it on after I gave you a bottle.

You did well with your tummy time today and our exercises.  I placed you on your belly on the play mat facing right.  You tried and tried, but I eventually had to help you lift and turn your head to the left.  But, after a little bit, you turned your head back to the right again with no help!  Good job man!  You're getting stronger everyday!

Your eyes are still blue.  My mom and I are thinking they may stay that color.  Your Grandpa Jim and Uncle James both have blue eyes.  Maybe your eyes will stay blue as well.

This afternoon we spent time with Gigi.  She gave you two bottles and you drank a lot!  I was guessing you were growing out of the 4 oz bottles, but didn't know how much you would take.  Today, you took two 5 oz bottles!  Whoa!  :-)

You did another tummy time at Gigi's.  I had to help you again, but you did well.  :-)

This evening, before we left Gigi's, you had a big poopy diaper!  So big that Gigi had to change your linens and I gave you a quick washcloth bath and changed your outfit!  Good thing we have spare clothes at Gigi's house.  :-P

After those two large bottles, you fell asleep earlier than normal.  I was so tired that I went to bed too!  Daddy had a soccer game at 9:45pm this evening, so when he got back home, we were both snoring!  But, daddy's team won!  Uncle Brennan is playing this season too.

Sleep tight little precious!

I love you!  :-)

~Mommy