Fun & Games with Joshua

When he's not being a typical 2-year old, Joshua is simply pure fun! Tonight, he and I were out riding his tricycle and he actually pedaled for about 6ft at a time... he's done a bit of movement before, but this was the most by far. He also helped me carry in the heavy (50lb) bags of doggy food: after deciding he couldn't lift them them out by himself, he enlisted Daddy's help, and helped carry all the way to the door, held the door open and proceeded to help carry them to the food spot. Excellent helper, grunting and giggling the whole way.

He love watching my new indoor helicopter (from Grandma and Papa) fly as well... it's often a very effective way to get him to eat his food: if you want Daddy to fly the helicopter, take another 3 bites of food... :-)
-daddy

I think someone abducted my child...

and replaced him with a child that eats his vegetables! Joshua has been eating peas, green beans, brocolli, corn and carrots. It is a miracle! He has been eating pretty good meals, it takes him about an hour to eat, but he is getting the food in his little body! Yippee! We are able to 'bribe' him to take bites and try new things so he has actually been eating some of what we are eating at dinner. Life is good.

He's a Fish (Again!)

Joshua and I went to the pool after a long break between our trip and busy time before hand. Anyhow, we were back in the warm pool again, which Joshua just loved! He was smiling and swimming better than I have seen him do to date! It was great to have him so comfortable in the water. I think if we keep up going several times a week then he will be letting go and jumping in in no time. Plus, it was great exercise for me! I'm pooped!

2 year checkup

Joshua had his two year check up this morning. As usual we brought with us a list of all the things Joshua is doing now. As usual the dr was impressed with all his skills. I wonder if this next baby will be more laid back? He is now 36" tall and 28.5 pounds. That puts him in the 80th percentile for height and 60th percentile for weight. The dr. has been please how consistently he has grown. Although he hated the checkup and really hated the flu shot she did get to see him climb all over me and hop around a little bit. Maybe next year will be better.

After the dr appointment we took the dogs for a walk, walked down to the park and filled the bird feeders on our return home. He ate a fantastic lunch of 5 chicken nuggets, peas, a couple of bites of banana and juice. I was shocked to see him eating peas again! I hate to get my hopes up though that he would consistently eat veggies like he eats fruit.

He is back on track potty-wise now. We had a bit of a problem when we got back as it seemed he had completely reverted while we were away but after he got the constipation straightened out the potty skills came back, too. I imagine we might have a little hiccup in February, too.

On Sunday we went to a local farm and took a hay ride out to a pumpkin patch where Joshua was able to pick his own pumpkin. He had fun doing that and has been talking about 'riding the tractor' since. The cashier at checkout gave him an apple and I think that was another highlight.

transition

Well, the return home was very good. I have a fantastic traveler! He was a bit challenging in the airport mostly because he is two and is interested in everything even at midnight and after hours of travel. But, on the plane he just fell asleep after the plane took off. We have been getting back into the swing of things here at home. Daddy's birthday was Friday, Happy Birthday Jason, and we had fun celebrating with him. We are slowly moving Joshua back into east coast time but bedtime has been problematic. I guess he got used to having me sleep in the room with him. I am sure he will adjust. It is just going to be challenging for the next few days.

Joshua was a very lucky boy for his birthday and received LOTS of clothes (his drawers are bursting!) and toys, books and puzzles. Just like his mommy & daddy did/do, he has been loving the legos from Grandma and playing with them a lot. I think we'll need to plan to rotate in the other toys. Even for me, as an adult, it has been overwhelming with all the new fun things.

Today, Joshua went to an Autocross with Memaw and Grandad. He liked watching the 'race cars'. We stayed about 30-45 minutes but Joshie also wanted to run around, not an option. Tomorrow, we hope to go to a fall festival or pumpkin picking. Mommy's favorite!

Happy 2nd Birthday Joshua!!

Wow! Two years. It doesn't seem possible!

Grandma and Papa threw Joshua a fantastic birthday on Saturday with lots of aunts, uncles and cousins. The party was some of Joshua's favorite characters: Thomas AND Elmo! He was in his glory with balloons, singing, presents, toys, cake and Jasper & Sawyer to share them all with.

We have our last day of visiting Uncle Josh and Aunt Trina tomorrow (Tuesday) and then we head home. We can wait to see Daddy!! Hopefully Joshua will continue to be a fantastic traveler as he has been this whole trip.

Story time

We are having a good time out here visiting with Aunt Trina and baby Kirra. Uncle Josh is away for the next day but he'll be back tomorrow. Aunt Wayneen and Uncle Bud are coming for a visit tomorrow, too.

Today, we went to story time and had a blast. There were tons of kids and this library does a great job. Next, we stopped by an awesome park nearby (the same one that Jason, big Josh and little J went to on Friday) and Joshua played in the water sprinklers. He also saw ducks and turtles. Kirra enjoyed the adventures out, too. She was very good in the car and slept for most of the outings.

Now, everyone is resting and the mommies should be, too!

Visiting Baby Kirra

We've been out visiting Uncle Joshua, Aunt Trina and Baby Kirra. It has been fun to see little Joshua's reaction to and interaction with Kirra. He wasn't very interested at first and even came up to me when I was holding her and said, 'Mommy all done the baby.' But now he will bring her toys and blankets. We have to be careful though because he isn't very gentle and kind of 'chucks' them at her. He is not allowed to touch her. We did set that rule. He has been pointing out her features though, hands, feet, hair and today in the car we were working on opposites. I would ask him, 'Is baby Kirra awake or asleep?', "Are her eyes open or closed?" and he would answer.

He and Daddy and Uncle Joshua went to a fantastic park on Friday. They had a lot of fun. As soon as I can get the photos off of my camera I will upload a few. Joshua needs lots of time to let out energy and that has been a little challenge. We have been going for walks, going to the parks, running around in the backyard and playing with Gigi the dog.

Today, we went with Kirra and Aunt Trina to the library to pick up a few books. There are lots of storytimes so we will try and do one of those while we are here. We'll also probably try and go to the park we when to at Christmas when the ducks attacked us.

At the end of the week we are heading out to Grandma and Papa's house. Grandma is planning a birthday party for Joshua which I am sure he is going to love. He loves birthdays, the cake, the presents and especially the birthday song. I think that was one of the first songs he sang!

Everyone is napping but I need to get some work done so I will go for now. I'll keep you posted with pictures and stories as I can.

Visiting Baby Kirra

We've been out visiting Uncle Joshua, Aunt Trina and Baby Kirra. It has been fun to see little Joshua's reaction to and interaction with Kirra. He wasn't very interested at first and even came up to me when I was holding her and said, 'Mommy all done the baby.' But now he will bring her toys and blankets. We have to be careful though because he isn't very gentle and kind of 'chucks' them at her. He is not allowed to touch her. We did set that rule. He has been pointing out her features though, hands, feet, hair and today in the car we were working on opposites. I would ask him, 'Is baby Kirra awake or asleep?', "Are her eyes open or closed?" and he would answer.

He and Daddy and Uncle Joshua went to a fantastic park on Friday. They had a lot of fun. As soon as I can get the photos off of my camera I will upload a few. Joshua needs lots of time to let out energy and that has been a little challenge. We have been going for walks, going to the parks, running around in the backyard and playing with Gigi the dog.

Today, we went with Kirra and Aunt Trina to the library to pick up a few books. There are lots of storytimes so we will try and do one of those while we are here. We'll also probably try and go to the park we when to at Christmas when the ducks attacked us.

At the end of the week we are heading out to Grandma and Papa's house. Grandma is planning a birthday party for Joshua which I am sure he is going to love. He loves birthdays, the cake, the presents and especially the birthday song. I think that was one of the first songs he sang!

Everyone is napping but I need to get some work done so I will go for now. I'll keep you posted with pictures and stories as I can.