Grandpa Mehler's visit

Michael is out of town for the week in Pheonix for the USITT conference so Grandpa Mehler came in town to help out while I was at work.

The weather was beautiful and we all took advantage. Grandpa took Joshua out on the back deck and they had a picnic and they were secretly discussing how to make the best mud pies. Joshua was experimenting with the best process of making mud pies as he played in the grass with both his hands and feet.

Joshua loved his Grandpa Mehler's visit and he also loved being outdoors. While we tackled the front garden Joshua would sit in his jumpy seat on the shaded porch. He would giggle whenever Grandpa Mehler would play with Luther or when he would water the garden.

Unfortunately like all family visits, it was too short. We look forward to his next visit and perhaps getting into a little more trouble.

Socks!!

Everytime we go grocery shopping, some little old lady comes up to Joshua as he's hanging out in the Baby Bjorn and says, "oh poor sweetie, your feet are chilly," as if to drop the largest hint in the entire world that I'm a bad mom for leaving my child barefoot. Ok have they forgotten what it was like to try and get socks on a child who has not only found his feet, but also figured out how to get socks off? It's a challenge every morning - can mom get the second sock on before Joshua takes the first one off.

So needless to say I've given up on that battle. That is until we found the knee sock. These were a gift from some brilliant family member with three children of her own (Thank you Marq). Try and try as he might, those knee socks just won't come off. So ha to you little old ladies in the grocery store, his feet are covered. If he were in shorts, Joshua would look like he was wearing liederhosen.

8 months old

Joshua turned 8 months on Wednesday. He is now cruising along furniture - usually to try and pet the cat. Joshua has also learned the joy of eating Cheerios. The first day we put some on his tray he stared at them, the next day he pushed them around, and the follwoing day some made it into his mouth. he was quite perplexed with the new texture, but has now come to chew the Cheerios with his front teeth.

Once he started to feed himself, there was no stopping him. One day with a bowl full of cereal and peas Joshua decided he wanted to help feed himself breakfast. Having had plenty of rest the night before and no morning plans, I decided why not let him try to feed himself. His hand made it into the bowl and he first felt the texture of the cereal and then brought a fistful of mush to his mouth. He squealed with excitement and put his hands on his head. After most of the food was gone, he grabbed the bowl and tried to "drink" the rest. Thank goodness he was wearing pea colored clothes.

He was quite excited when we were headed straight for a bath after breakfast.

More Teeth

It has been a rough weekend while Joshua is working on his top teeth. His gums were swollen, red, and from his crying I'm assuming sore. We knew he was out of sorts when he didn't want anything in his mouth. He didn't want to eat even his favorite foods. The top left one has poked through a little bit and this morning he was back to chewing. Hopefully the right is not too far behind and we can get through this all at once.

Giggles

Joshua is a wonderful and happy baby, but rarely giggles or laughs out loud. One evening after a bath I needed my giggle fix so I started to "eat" his belly. Hopefully Blogger will allow me to post the video. Don't feel guilty watching it over and over - I still do.

Alas I am not that computer savy, or Blogger does not support video. If I have sparked interest let me know and I can email it to you.

Return to sender

I tried to be Martha Stewart and failed. I made cute Valentines in the shape of a heart that held a picture of Joshua. once folded, they became their own envelope. I folded, sealed, addressed, and stamped them all. And then they all returned to me in a large envelope from the post office. Apparently there is a minimum size requirement for letters, and these Valentine's didn't make the mark. So I've learned, and may resend them all in the appropriate sized envelope. In case they do not make it back out here is the picture enclosed. He is chewing on his Whoozit teething ring with the heart up. I couldn't put him in pink because too many people already refer to him as a she. So a red onesie, black pants and a white sweater.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Keep in mind, small Valentines are for the lunchbag mailboxes on your school desk.

My First Tent

Ok we give up trying to catch up with blogging. I have started several posts to cover the holidays and they may just come later. I'm sorry for those of you in need of the Joshua on Santa's lap picture.

Every morning when Joshua and I get up I get him changed and dressed and then put him on his playmat while I shower (yes there is a gate securely closed at the top of the stairs). Joshua's playmat has a star at the top that lights up and plays music whenever it is moved. When Joshua was first introduced to Mr. Star as we have so lovingly come to call him, he would stare in amazement. Then he learned if he kicked his feet it would move the overhead mobile and Mr. Star would start to play again. Since that time he's been reaching for the star (yes I meant the bad pun). He is now able to bat at the star to start the music.

One morning after showering I go to check on Joshua and find he has found a new way to reach Mr. Star. He created his first tent. With the playmat pulled over him, Joshua could batat Mr. Star without having to reach far at all. If you look closely you can see Mr. Star on the floor to Joshua's left. It appears that once Mr. Star was no longer a challenge he moved on to Whoozit.

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).