Merry Christmas to all!!!

What a great Christmas it has been. We started with a pre-Christmas trip to Chicago where we spent time with Michael's extended family. Sunday was quite a busy day at Great Uncle John and Aunt Debbie's house with tons of cousins. Joshua had lots of fun playing with Cole, Nate, Quinn, Madison, and baby Jack.

While toys and playing is fun - dessert is better. Joshua enjoyed the chocolate dessert made by French nuns - when it was gone he tried to lick the plate to get every last crumb off.

All weekend Joshua had a blast running around and playing with his NY cousins, Patrick, Benjamin, and Katherine. The one moment able to unite them all was a concert Nana's piano. It was quite a concert.

The night before we left Uncle Mango and Aunt Rebekah came over for a visit. We were so happy they made it. Joshua had a big hug for Aunt Rebekah and was full of giggles as he played catch with Mango.

Patrick was also happy Marc came to visit. He needed someone to play chess with, and we all didn't want to lose to a 6 year old. Marc, also a chess prodigy at a young age, was up for the challenge.

We hope you all have a avery wonderful Christmas, and wish you the best for 2008!!

Breakfast giggles

This morning I was quite hungry. After getting Joshua in his chair and fed at least some of his breakfast, I poured myself a bowl of cereal. My growling stomach was so thankful for the first bite that an instinctual "mmmh" came out. Joshua thought this was funny and giggled. So of course like every parent, when we do something that makes our child laugh we do it over and over. I was able to catch some on video - enjoy!

Bathtime!

I love Great Grandma Conway

July brought us another visit with the Buffalo family. We were lucky enough to make it to Great Grandma Conway's last party and see her awake and talking. Joshua was even able to give her a hug and kiss. His presence in the apartment brought many people comfort. Grandpa even couldn't keep from smiling.

Joshua also met all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins. He had a lot of fun playing with Joey and the trains.

This was also the first time Joshua got to meet Uncle Mango in person. I'm not sure what he was more excited for, meeting his uncle or being allowed to play with Mango's new IPhone.

There were lots of first the rest of the week including the first time to a zoo. Joshua really enjoyed watching the elephants. It was a perfect day at the Buffalo Zoo, sunny but not too hot. The elephants were out walking around and tossing hey on their backs. He was so excited he would not stay in the stroller. He just started running around (sometimes in circles) screaching. He chose to wear camo that day so as to blend in and perhaps get a better look at the animals.

Both he and Papa enjoyed the children's area and going down the big slide.

Later that week I took Joshua to a place I used to hang out with the kids I babysat . . . Island Park. We spalshed in the wading pool, picniced under the gazebo, ran around the playground and was pushed on a swing.

That wasn't enough for one day so we then walked over to Glen Park to see the falls, and of course get some Sweet Jenny's. Lucky for mommy he was more interested in walking around than the ice cream - oh the sacrifices we make as mothers.

We love you Great Grandma Conway!

Joy Grandparents summer visit

Just as Nana and Grandpa Mehler were leaving Whozat and Grandma Joy came to spend a week with us. We all had a good time just relaxing, enjoying the sun (as well as the air conditioning) and watching Joshua become more steady by the day with his walking.

Grandma and Joshua had lots of fun playing with his water table on the back deck. Joshua would watch as Grandma poured the water into the table. He expecially liked to splash and pull all the toys out of the water.

During their visit we also got 1 year pictures. Grandma came with to help with the outfit changes and kept Joshua distracted while I picked out the shots I liked. (How nice it was to have family around!!!) Joshua was sporting his best when he took a picture with me and my mom. I just love the little hat and his perfectly crossed legs as he reached out to each of us.

(picture to come - I have to scan it in)

Joshua was learning not only to walk but also to climb. After constantly being pulled away from the table and chairs, Joshua resigned to climbing into toy bins.

Nana and Grandpa Mehler summer visit

I was very excited for the first birthday cake eating. I imagined chocolate cake all over, and Joshua just planting his face directly into the pile of sugary goodness. When he not only refused to eat the caek, but also tried to feed it to the dog, I was crushed. I thought there must have been something wrong. Perhaps they mixed up the babies in the hospital when they took him for his hearing test or something. How could my chid not only turn down cake, but also chocolate?

My faith was restored when Nana and Grandpa Mehler came to visit. Nana was sampling some of the left-over cake with a little ice cream. Joshua came over to see what she was eating. He took a seat, and when offered some, he not only took a bite of ice cream but also asked for more.

It must be a Nana tradition to take joy in giving children sugary treats. I'm just happy it was only birthday cake and not snickers and coke like Michael's Nana used to give him.

Happy Birthday 3 Months Late

Ok so better late than never. Yes we celebrated the little man's birthday on time, but we've been so busy this summer that it's taken me three months to post the photos. Enjoy!

We started the day with our favorite red furry friend - ELMO! Elmo sange Joshua happy Birthday and he opened a couple of gifts.

Then we were off to see the midwives who delivered Joshua one year prior. Margie was a bit busy so we left her some cupcakes and continued on our day. As I parked at the Children's Museum I noticed Joshua had fallen asleep in the back seat, so I just enjoyed leaned back the seat and enjoyed some tunes while he napped. He must have known he would need the rest before such a long day.

We started our exploration in the toddler room where Joshua was instantly attracted to the cars. He sat in one would "drive" with the steering wheel, get out and start all over in the other one.

Next we splish splashed in the giant water table. Joshua was a bit short but that didn't stop him from climbing up to push the boats around.

Before leaving for our next adventure, Joshua met a friendly puppet with the same love for orange. I'm not sure what they were saying but both of them seemed to be laughing.

We stopped back home to power up with lunch before heading out again. It wouldn't be a holiday without the appropriate bib from Nana.

Next we were off to the gym to bring yet more cupcakes to people. Poor Joshua thought I was going to drop him off in the KidZone daycare and started to cry. When we only dropped off the cupcakes and walked out the tears stopped. Being wise enough not to mix water, a camera, and a 1 year old the only photo taken was in the locker room. I just love his trunks.

He loves the water. I had to end our pool time as I saw his little lips staring to change color. If it was up to him, he'd still be in the pool splashing around.

We made it home, had some dinner and went for our evening walk. I wanted to wait for Michael before he ate his cake, but Joshua had other plans. After a full day and lots of excitement he was out cold. No cake for this Birthday boy.

Well no cake until the next day. I was so ready for him to love the cake and make a mess . . . he was ready to throw it on the floor and eat more fruit (how is this my child?). Yes the ladybug cupcake is all smooshed up but that is only because Michael and I did that to encourage him to make a mess and take a bite. After the first bite he tried to feed Luther the rest. Oh well - more for mommy and daddy. It's tough those sacrifices we make for our children.

I'm terrible and can't wait for a surprise, so when Joshua received his first birthday present in the mail from his NY cousins, I had to open it right away. This picture is the only time the entire Lego Thomas the Train set was put together. I'm not sure who enjoys it more; me trying to put it all togehter, or Joshua trying to take it all apart.

It's hard to believe one year ago our lives changed instantly. Somehow someone thought we were trust worthy enough to take care of a new life. A year later this little piece of us both has grown to become his own person. Each day is filled with laughter (some at the verge of tears or insanity) and love. Joshua thank you for choosing your Daddy and I. We have had a great year with you!

Mother's Day

During the same trip to Buffalo we were going to celebrate my first Mothers' Day. The plans were made to have brunch withthe family at a nice restauraunt on the river. Joshua decided to take a nap before we left which allowed Sara, and everyone else, time to get ready baby-free. Unfortunately as departure time was getting closer Joshua was not waking up. Now until the trip to Buffalo Joshua would not nap for more than 45 minutes at a time, so I was expecting he'd wake up at any moment. I told everyone to go and we'd meet them . . . or so I thought. Th elittle man kept sleeping through. Several cell phone calls to and from the rest of my dining famil, later I gave up. I changed out of my dress and sat on the bedroom floor watching my little man sleep. The quiet time was actually a nice way to spend Mother's Day. I thought back on the previous year and how my life had changed. Just watching Joshua sleep was the best reminder of the gift he is to me.

Graduation

This May we also made a trip to Buffalo to see Aunt Jenny graduate from UB with her MA. Joshua of course had to make sure he was stylin' in new threads for the event.

While the rest of the family was seated in the auditorium we peeked out the back door to see the line of graduates. With luck Aunt Jenny was on our side and very close to the front so we were able to congratulate her and give her a quick hug before the ceremony. Afterwards we returned to grandma's house for a party where Joshua got some quality time with his newest girlfriend Colleen.

Joshua also got to meet Bill. It was just about bedtime but he still managed to say hello and get in a quick picture. Despite his respectable occupation, Mom would not leave the two alone for long fearing Bill would show him the ropes hitting every bar down Deleware in Uncle Tim's absence. You three will have to wait a few more years for Joshua to be ready to celebrate St. Patty's Day.

Theatre Student Association Party

Each May the William and Mary students parody all the shows, professors, and department happenings through a series of skits. We all made it up for all the students to see Joshua and for us to find prosepctive babysitters. During one of the skits of a professor and his use of balls, Joshua crashed the stage to make his debut appearance and ensure that the students shared with him.
Joshua also made sure that mommy knows she's the most important person in his life. Daddy would like to point out that Sara still looks great in backlight.

Spring time at last

Despite the warm tease in March and the cold snap recently, it appears that Spring is here to stay. Today was sunny and hot - just a glimpse of what the upcoming Virginia summer will bring. We've been taking advantage of the weather and getting sun therapy during walks and playtime in the grass. I've been getting some gardening in while Joshua hangs out in the playpen. Although he's now standing and finds it fun to pull up and peek over the edge as he chews on the fabric.


We started itsy bitsy yoga last week. classes are on Wednesday morning and full of singing, poses, crawling, rolling, palying, and cheering. Joshua loved to see and play with other kids, but was a little unsure once we officially got started. He watched most of the time and crawled the farthest I've seen so far when he wanted his mommy and I was on the other side of the room. (Yes he started crawling the day before). We've been practicing at home, and perhaps this week he'll particiapte a little more.


We're looking forward to our trip to Buffalo in a week and a half to see Aunt Jenny graduate from UB with an MA. Perhaps we'll also get to see some old friends like Maura and Dave, Matt and Dana, or meet some new ones including Karen, Max, and Felicity. So stay tuned for more pictures and stories.

Happy Easter

Joshua got dressed in his Easter outfit and behaved quite well in church. When we got home we noticed that the Easter Bunny had stopped by. Percy was gaurding the Easter baskets from Luther and Roma.

There was no guessing. Joshua knew exactly which basket was his - Elmo with the bunny ears. His hands and feet wouldn't stop twirling around until he could get his hands on his basket. He immediately pulled out the sippy cup, threw the clothes across the room and tried to roll the mango to Luther.

Later that afternoon we had Easter dinner with the Brooks' family (our adoptive Virginia grandparents). The teeneaged boys were great babysitters and Joshua never went a minute without entertainment.

Papas' visit

Right after Grandpa left, Papa came to visit for a couple of days. The boys had lots of fun and never stopped giggling the whole time. While Papa was here Joshua stood independently and tried to take a mini step. Of course the rest of the weekend the two of them were working on walking. By the end we weren't sure who had the steradier gait.

Almost all of the pictures from Papa's visit were taken with his camera, but we did capture one.

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.