December

The weather is actually getting colder & Joshua is getting into some of his warm clothes finally. We're also trying to prepare him for Chicago & Buffalo, which will more than likely be much colder than Richmond.
Joshua is also becoming more and more smitten with kitten. And, surprisingly, she comes to visit him often. Sometimes it's to share his playpen, but she even like being pet (if grabbing a tiny fist full of fur is petting) by Joshua.

Joshua is trying to understand all the changes to the house, and his wardrobe. We keep trying to prepare him for Christmas Eve and morning with the multitude of Mehlers & Drozdeks. He promises to keep his wits about him - or at least his little Santa hat.

Turkey!

It was a busy November, with visits from Grandma, then Aunt Jenny, and then Papa. Joshua also got a new exersaucer-jumpy seat (which he shared with Akira).

He loves to chew on its various parts & has learned the joys of bouncing.

If only Josh could eat some. He'd been watching us eat for a while now, studying our every chew and swallow, then chewing along and reaching for our cups.
So, it only seemed fitting to start him on some solid foods (if you call watery rice cereal with applesauce 'solid') near Thanksgiving. Next year, he'll get to sample to whole thing, but thing year he just got to pretend.
It was a very special Thanksgiving because Aunt Jenny came down for a visit and Francis, Gin, Akira, & Aida Grace all came up from Williamsburg for a feast.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Papa came to spend time with little Josh and helped Sara make holiday cookies.

Our lil' Pumpkin

Joshua had his three month pictures taken yesterday (15 weeks to be exact). Our appointment was scheduled for 10am. Wanting to be fresh for the photo shoot Joshua slept in the car ride over to Portrait Innovations. When we arrived I changed him into his first of three outfits. The little guy would not hold still. There were so many lights and brightly colored toys and other objects to look at. Any fears of him pouting and crying quickly vanished as he was propped up on the Boppy and the ladies started talking to him. He was just smiling and flirting at everyone. He enjoyed every minute of his time in front of the camera.

His third outfit change was into his Halloween costume. Yes we decided to dress him as a pumpkin. One, becuase we would never be able to dress him as such again, and two he looked so cute. We hope you enjoy the pictures of our lil' pumpkin. It is truly amazing he kept all his outfits drool free as he is now the raspberry blowing champ.

Fall Fashion

While the weather here in Virginia is cooling off, fall fashion is just warming up. Joshua has to fully grow into some of these outfits, but he still wanted to show you the latest trends in babywear. Enjoy the fashion show.







He wore this outfit to church, and finally looks like he is related to his NY cousins despite the blond hair and blue eyes.













He couldn't resist the light blue hoodie outfit from Aunt Jenny. It was perfect for our chilly afternoon walk and the intermittent drizzle.











Stripes are quite hip this fall, and Joshua was sporting the rainbow here on his way to meet William and Mary faculty. Note the pants are reversible; perfect for that liast minute wardrobe change.








Baby Gap's earth toned camouflage pant complements the colors of the fall. The orange zip up jacket is perfect for the chilly mornings and cool evenings. The snap-up inseam makes diaper changes . . well . . a snap!

College Football

So while Sara returned to work, Michael and Pap Bob introduced Joshua to football. The all settled down on a cold and dreary Saturday (thanks to Hurricane Ernesto) to catch some ball on the TV. Joshua was so excited to finally get to wear his Ohio State gear he received from Uncle Marc. What do you think about that Uncle Jack, and Uncle Ray?

Joshua was just beside himself with the well oiled machine called Ohio State. He drooled so much at the thought of one day playing for the team that he soon had to be changed into other clothes.

Pics Part 2

New York Cousins - and all sitting still!

Aunt Marq

Uncle Jack

Grandma Joy

Nana and Grandpa

Baptism Pictures

Not all the pictures would upload on the last blog so here they are.

Dressed in his whites before mass.

Dipped in th font by Deacon Chris.

Godparents Sean and Wendy.

Happy Uncle Sean.

Joshua and Mama.

First Shots

No we did not have shot glasses lined up for the boy. August 30th Joshua went in for his 2 month check-up and first immunizations. Papa was still in town so he accompanied Mommy and Josh to the pediatrician's office. We had bets going on how long and heavy he was. Dad was the closest on the weight of 11lb. 11.5 ounces (his guess was 12 lbs.), Mom was the closest on length of 23 1/4 inches (her guess was 23 1/2 inches). Papa yeah he was all wrong.

The check-up was uneventful. Dr. McKenna said Joshua was perfect and just where he needed to be. He then proceeded to ask me if I was ready for the shots. I wasn't the one giving or receiving the shots, I was fine. He kept asking if I was going to cry. Am I a pediatric nurse or what - I don't cry for shots. Should I?

Well there was no need for additional tears, Joshua had enough for all the adults in the room. All together the little guy received three shots, 2 in the left thigh and 1 in the right thigh. As hard as I tried to distract him by looking in his face, holding his hands, and talking to him, the little man was intrigued by the nurse and the needles she had on her tray. Pretty soon the precious little inquisitive face turned to that of distress, and big tears rolled down his cheeks. By the thrid shot Joshua's motuh would open, but no sound came out.

The rest of the afternoon he was a bit cranky and very snuggly. By that evening, after some infant Tylenol, the little man was ready to show off the war wounds and Scooby Doo band-aids.
We don't think he realizes he has to do it all over again in two months.

Joshua's Baptism

So the end of August came many firsts for Joshua. He met many family and friends for the first time the last weekend in August at which time he was also baptized.


Aunt Jenny, wanting to get some time in before the rest of the family arrived, flew in a couple days early. She did not miss a beat holding, changing, loving, or feeding Joshua. Could it have been the numerous years of babysitting that gave her mad baby skills? Whatever it may be, Aunt Jenny greatly contributed to Joshua never being put down the entire weekend including naptime.
Joshua loves his Aunt Jenny, especially when they nap together.


Nana also took advantage of flying in early. During the last visit with Nana, Joshua would fuss and cry. Not this time. He was cooing and laughing during happy baby time with Nana.

Joshua looked forward to each new family member he got to meet as another set of arms to hold him, and another person to fall asleep on. Seriously, you'd think he'd want to be awake, but he spent most of the time sleeping and being passed around. First it was fairy godmother Wendy who came in all the way from Minnesota to see you. Although Uncle Dave couldn't get away for the weekend he's promised to host you at the double wide and take you around camp when you get bigger.

The next to come in was Papa with Sandy and of course Mama. For 90 years old, this woman sure is flying quite a bit. Mama immediately took a seat on the couch and held her arms out to hold her newest great-grandson. You could get the smile of either of their faces. It wasn't long before Joshua realized this is the same woman who made name cookies at Christmas and he put in his order for two sets of names. You better get baking Mama.

After Mama came Uncle Sean. We met Uncle Sean before he could even make it in the house. Even though his hands were shaking, he couldn't resist holding his Godson. Once inside, holding and looking at you, Uncle Sean had a such a big smile that wouldn't leave his face until he had to leave for the airport.

Late Friday night came the New York Mehlers. We think everyone was happy to get out of the car and stretch their legs, but were also very tired. We all needed a good night sleep before the next day.

Saturday we cooked out, played lawn games and enjoyed (?) the Virginian summer day so much we were just on time for the 5:30pm mass. Even though the California Mehlers could not join us, they were with us in spirit, and in Joshua's clothing. Aunt Suzette, Uncle Ray, and cousin Annaliesa sent Joshua a cute white outfit to wear to church before the baptism, hat and all.

At our church the baptisms no longer include pouring a little cold water over a baby's forehead. Oh no. During the mass the priest begins the bless the water for baptism. This is the parents' clue to start undressing the baby. At this point the once fussy Joshua begins to get excited. He likes naked time. Then we hand him to Deacon Chris who is in the font. A perplexed look comes acrss Joshua's face as Deacon Chris continues to then bend at the knees and dip Joshua three times while pouring a handful of water over his head. It's not until Joshua is handed back to us and placed in a towel that he begins to cry. He wanted more bath time. (the water was even warmed).

We quickly then change him into his baptismal gown that Michael an dhis brothers' wore for their baptism. Still upset that bath time was over, Josuha began "singing" as he was annointed with oil. All he wanted was to be held and rocked to sleep. Funny becuase that's just what Fairy Godmother Wendy wanted to do. Joshua slept through the rest of the mass and woke in time for the social gather after church. He's always ready to welcoming his adoring public.

Out came all the cameras as we returned to the house for dinner and dessert. Joshua was passed from person to person to get photos with him in his baptismal gown. The best was with all the NY cousins. I still can't believe we were able to get four kids in one place still and quiet enough to get a picture.

Soon the night came to an end as did the weekend of visitors. Just as Friday Joshua got to meet family one at a time, Sunday he had to say goodbye one at a time, and there were many tearful goodbyes.

Thank you to all who made it such a wonderful weekend. One that Joshua may not remember, but we will never forget.

A long 4 weeks

So, it has been a long, long time since we last posted about Josh's life. Needless to say, it's been a rather busy time. It began with a visit from Michael's parents. They arrived just before we closed on the Snaffle house. (Oh, and by the way, a snaffle is apparently a bit of horse gear - pardon the pun.)

Along with cuddly visits, Nana & Grandpa helped us get the house in order. Grandpa helped paint Joshua's room, which included some extra efforts like blue and purple squares on top of the yellow base coat. At the end of each day, the adults were as tired as Joshua. But somehow he hasn't learned how to use a paint brush - he is much more interested in light, shadows, & reflections.

Nana stayed a few extra days and without that help we don't think we'd actually be standing upright today (and it has been a few weeks since the move). Along with her, we got a lot of help from W&M students and some Virginia Shakespeare Festival staff to get all of our junk over to the new house. Just when we were about to collapse, a neighbor and her daughter - and three other teenagers - helped Michael get all the beds assembled and in place. Most importantly, we finished Josh's room and hung his purple curtains. So aside from the new paint, he hardly noticed the difference once he fell asleep.

Shortly after the move, Michael had to go to Phoenix for a meeting. So.... Papa Bob snuck down for another visit. We think that the drives are long, but he certainly does not seem to mind at all once he sees his little grandson.

Recently, we also joined some of the other successes from the pregnancy centering group at VCU. It seems that all babies born of this group are big boys with lots of hair.









Anyway, we know it's just a quick post for such a long time. But the pictures are the important part, so now you've seen them. Josh is changing from an infant to a baby and we expect some more fun pictures of him on his play-mat and once we works out his head control the jolly jumper.

He's already dressing quite fashionably thanks to the cool California threads provided by Uncle Mark & Aunt Rebekah.

Next week's post (we hope) - the Baptism and meeting his New York aunts & uncle & cousins. And of course.... Mama (great-grandma).

Bath Time

It took a couple of weeks but the last of the umbilical cord stump finally fell off. That meant one thing bath time. No more sponge baths or quick wipe downs. We were probably more excited than Joshua as this little man loves to sweat - such a boy.

Daddy was filling the tub and we were finally able to use one of Aunt Jenny's gifts, a rubber ducky whose belly would let us know if the water was too "HOT". A tub full of warm water plus one naked baby equals bath time.

Joshua wasn't quite sure what to make of this new adventure. As we placed him in the tub he looked startled with his arms up in the air. It appeared as though he was going to cry any second until daddy grabbed a cup and started pouring warm bath water over his body (Joshua's, not daddy's). That's when Josh started getting into bath time. He especially liked getting his hair washed.

"I'm not sure about that soap stuff, but keep bringing on the warm water, Dad."



It wasn't long before Joshua started piecing it all together. He was naked, and we were taking pictures.

"You're not going to show these to my prom date are you?"

Don't worry Joshua, all the pictures are modest. If you keep sleeping well at night it will stay that way too.

A bath wouldn't be complete without a hooded towel - also a duck. Drying off was his least favorite part. He didn't want to get out of the warm water, but all good things must come to an end.

After a warm bath and clean clothes it was time to feed and take a nap on mom. Did we tell you this boy likes to snuggle and sweat? Upon waking from his nap the side of Joshua's face and head were dripping with sweat. So much for the bath.

First Grandparent visits

Grandma Norma
This has been a big week for Joshua. It all started when Grandma arrived for a long weekend visit. The airport parking garage wasn't the most scenic location for a first meeting, but we don't think that she minded at all.

Grandma also got lucky with Richmond weather, which was unusually cool and not humid. We all took a long walk to see the house and Grandma scored some snuggle time on the apartment patio.

Grandma took care of the adults by handling cooking, although Joshua's belly does not yet like garlic, green peppers, and onions - which is very unfortunate for Sara because Michael gets all the lasagna leftovers. No worries, though, as Josh is getting back to normal and he looks so much like an Angelino that it shouldn't any time before he's consuming yummy Italian food indirectly or directly.

Josh also got a surprise onesie from Nana & Grandpa and so we put it on (it says "brand new") for his 10-day doctor's visit. He's doing really well eating - he weighed in at 9 lb, 1 oz - he gained 12 ounces in 1 week! At that rate he should be over 10 lbs by the time Nana & Grandpa visit and he won't fit in this onesie anymore.

Grandma Norma's last bonding activity included bathtime with Joshua. She did a great job because he seemed to love every minute of it (Daddy is not so good yet).

Papa came in town next and he clearly loves his first little grandbaby. They spent many hours just hanging out at the apartment and snuggling. Papa got Josh very used to on the chest resting and he keeps demanding that comfort position even after Papa left.