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.