The Rest of Christmas

So, we opened presents on Christmas morning with Grandma and Papa watching from the video chat. Joshua wanted to open and play with each present he unwrapped at first but then he was just tearing through things to open more presents! He received an easel/desk set from G & P and liked the little bins and places to put things. He also received books, clothes, a computer game and lots of Thomas items. He is really into trains. But, a highlight of the morning was when I opened my gift from Jason. He had wrapped an envelop in a big box filled with packing peanuts. Joshua just jumped right in the box and had so much fun burying himself in the peanuts and tossing them out. We all were giggling just watching him. It was great!

Next we got dressed and packed up and headed over to Memaw and Grandad's house. Josh was tired but didn't fall asleep in the car. He ate lunch when we got there and then we started round two of opening presents. You really had to keep an eye on him because he wanted to open every present he saw. It was chaos with everyone opening at once. But, lots of fun. He received more clothes, books and Thomas train items plus paints, a scarf and slippers AND a new 'little blankie' just in case. After presents, Jason attempted to get Joshua down for a nap. The girls had woken up by this point and it was a challenge to get Joshua to sleep with everything going on but just when we were sitting down to Christmas dinner he fell asleep in the middle of a tall, full sized bed with no rails... He didn't fall off though! We had a very nice dinner and Joshua woke up in time to eat and enjoy desert. Then it was back to playing with Stephanie. Jason built legos with Dylan and played a round of chess that he lost. Dylan is quite the opponent these days! The kids were really enjoying themselves playing together and with Aunt Jill, Aunt Tara & Aunt Amy. Eventually, Josh and Stephanie ended up in front of the tv watching Elmo. Josh was almost catatonic by this point. He was so pooped!

On our way home Joshua spotted the very bright moon and stars and enjoyed watching them through his window. On the radio we listened to Christmas music and stories. 'The Night Before Christmas' came on the radio and Joshua finished every verse with the narrator. It was so wonderful to hear his little voice joining along! He also wanted to hear "Jingle Bell Rock" again but we had to explain that radio was not the same as listening to cds. He was awake when we arrived home but went to bed easily. Jason and I unloaded the car, tried to make sense of the tornado state we left the house in in the morning and then headed to bed ourselves. It was a full and magical day.

Merry Christmas!

It is 10:30 pm and I could probably just fall asleep on the couch here. Water is boiling in the background to make tea for Jason and myself in a little while. I think this Christmas has to rank up there with best Christmases ever. It has been fantastic. Not for one major thing that we have received but for all the little magical moments. Joshua at age 2 understands so much more about what is going on and is excited about it.

Yesterday, we had a fun day of preparations. We colored Santa pictures and cut out shapes to glue on them. Jason and I wrapped presents. Jason did a bit of food shoping with Josh and ran another errand or two. In the evening, we sat down for a nice family dinner. We read the story of Jesus' birth in the Bible. Jason toasted to our family and we ate. After dinner, we chatted with Josh, Trina, Kirra and Cathi on the video chat. Josh was 'showing' toys and books to the camera. Kirra was talking and wiggling around. It is so fun to see her growing! After our chat, we watched Rudolph until it was Joshie's bedtime and then he prepared cookies, milk and a note for Santa. He asked for Santa to bring him cookies. Then it was off to bed for Joshie. But we did get a bunch of really cute pictures of Joshua writing his letter and putting out the goodies. Then Jason and I set to work preparing last minute items for Christmas morning. Jason baked his mom's banana bread while I worked on a project on the couch. When he was done, he assembled Joshua's gift from Grandma and Papa so it would be ready in the morning. We put out our presents and then headed off to bed so Santa could come.



In the morning, I went downstairs first so that I could get Joshua's reaction to Santa's arrival in the night as it happened. Jason brought Joshie down and the first thing he said was, 'Santa ate the cookies! Santa drank it all [the milk]'. We found a note that Santa left for Joshua thanking him for the cookies and crumbs that were left from the cookies. Joshua was excited to see his stocking filled and grabbed out matchbox cars from it. He opened one present, track for his Thomas trains, and we opened our stockings then we had breakfast. Jason cooked up eggs and bacon which we enjoyed along with the banana bread. Joshua was so good and ate breakfast while playing with items out of his stocking. He had already had two pieces of chocolate from Jason's stocking. He swiped them and hid behind me while he ate them. But his expression was so adorable as he gobbled up the chocolate. He knew he wasn't supposed to have it and had the most mischevous grin on his face!

After breakfast we broke into the presents. Grandma and Papa watched from the video chat.

I'll have to continue tomorrow... the sleep monster beckons!

Visitors

Joshua enjoyed a visit from Aunt Jill & Aunt Tara Friday-Sunday. He got in lots of running and tricycle riding time while they were here. He also enjoyed snuggling several times on the floor with lots of pillows, blankets and books to read. It was wonderful to have them here and Joshua took right to them without hesitation. Wish they could stay all the time!

New tricks? Joshua for a little while now, has been able to reach the water and ice in the refrigerator and likes to get them himself. He can also get his own ice when he hurts himself. If you ask him if he wants a kiss on his boo-boo, he kiss it himself. LOL. He is so independent, Aunt Tara thinks he could survive on his own for at least a day.

We have been talking to Joshua about Christmas and Santa coming. He has had some practice opening presents as they come in. It is great when only he is opening and he has only one or two items to open. He gets really excited. But when there are lots of presents he doesn't understand that they are not all his! We asked him what he wants from Santa and he has said presents, cookies and a Thomas Video at varying times. We'll see what he says today.

If I don't get a chance to post again tomorrow .... Merry Christmas!!

Fasteners

Joshua received a fun puzzle from Kim, Ryan and Ellianna for his birthday that he is just loving right now. It lets him practice buttoning, zippering, snapping, buckling and all the other fasteners. He is getting really good at it and likes to put turtle, bunny and Duncan McCloed (his Scottish bear) in the pieces.

Right now, he is out with Daddy running errands. He likes that daddy is around a lot more now and can play games and puzzles. Joshua is also looking forward to the arrival of Aunt Jill & Aunt Tara a little later this afternoon. We are busy preparing him for Christmas. He thinks that Santa rides a fire engine but that is ok for now. There are no presents under the tree at the moment because he would open them but we put his toys under the tree and that is working well.

Happy Birthday, Dylan

Joshua and Jason went out to celebrate Dylan's 11th birthday yesterday. Memaw and Aunt Amy watched the little ones while the guys all went bowling with Dylan and his friends. It was a really fun time.

Today, we are hoping to put up the Christmas tree and decorate it. I think that Joshua will enjoy that. He can help hang the ornaments. Joshua is enjoying having time with Daddy now!

We've been working on a lot of different skills using Joshua's puzzles, which he enjoys. He is learning his letters, colors and numbers. He has taken a new found interest in the alphabet bus we have and the baby leapfrog reader.

Visit to see Santa

Godfather took Joshua downtown this evening to see Santa. He, Josh, was a bit nervous and didn't actually make it to Santa's lap without tears but he did see Santa. Ellianna and Kim & Ryan were there, too. Afterwards, he picked out his ornament for the year, a train, of course. Then it was home to bed.

First Snow

Today it snowed a couple of inches. Joshua went out in the morning with Memaw and rode his trike while it started snowing. Then in the afternoon Alex took Joshua outside to play in the snow and go sledding for the first time ever! We didn't have a sled so they rode on the top of a rubbermaid tub which worked just fine. Judging by the fact that they were outside quite a while, I think Josh liked it.

Joshua has also learned to button. He has a puzzle that has zippers, snaps, buttons, buckles, ties and other fasteners. He was able to do the zippers and snaps before but now he can also do the buttons. He is so good at detail stuff!

His vocabulary is exploding and he is picking up phrases all the time so we just crack up at the things that he says. But, he has also become very ornery and is challenging us at every turn. I guess it comes with the territory. He is very excited about all the Christmas music, videos and decorations. He even rode around the neighborhood in the dark on his trike the other day with Memaw to look at Christmas lights. What a treat!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Joshua and Jason are just now going outside to enjoy the glorious day. It is in the 60's and sunny so they are going for a little bike ride. Joshua is very excited about going to Memaw's house. It has been a long time since we were out there and he loves seeing all his cousins. I can't wait to see how he likes Thanksgiving dinner. He is enjoying eating regular foods now and I bet he will love the Turkey and all the treats! We will hit the road just after Josh wakes up from his nap. I can't wait!

Photo Upload

I finally uploaded the pictures from our trip to Vegas. Yes, the one in Sept/Oct. I uploaded the pictures as a set since there were 91 :-) I also put up a few views from the coach, photos that I have taken of the mischief maker in the past couple of weeks.

Dylan and Memaw are back for the next week days. Amy and the gang were out last night and brought dinner, yum yum! Joshua likes all the visitors since he gets to PLAY!

Little Helper

Joshua has his moments. Sometimes he is completely wound up and unmanagable. Having people come in and out every few hours is challenging for him. He tends to get excited everytime there is a new face and takes a little while to calm down. However, on the flip side he can be REALLY helpful. He will take trash to the trashcan, empty dishes to the table and bring me mail. Of his own accord, he even took the cheese we were done eating and put it back in the refrigerator. It is amazing to watch him. Right now, he is playing with Alex, our neighbor, he loves time with Alex.

Riding my tricycle

feeling so free....Jason took Joshua down to the park and Joshie rode his trike most of the way. He peddles like a pro these days. It has gotten quite cold and so we are digging out the hats and mittens. They are especially necessary on the times that Joshie spends an hour out running and playing and riding. Alex came over yesterday to entertain Joshua while Jason did homework. Josh had a blast while he and Alex play trains and then later went outside to play. It was a really bit help to have Alex here.

Watching Joshua

I think I need to keep my camera with me on the couch. Watching Joshua with Memaw is a lot of fun. He is certainly keeping her on her toes. They read on the fireplace, ride his trike outside and play, vacuum, play trains and run errands. He is doing a good job with all the changes and even helps some with taking things to and from mommy and picking up items up off the floor for me.

Things Change...

Ah the joys of pregnancy and motherhood :-) Joshua, although he has a cold, as been great. I guess this is when the crossover between pregnancy and having a family occurs. As of last night I am on full bed rest until further notice. I will see my primary OB on Monday and hopefully get a better picture of the plan and timeline. I am at 25 weeks and having preterm labor.

Joshua is handling it as well as can be expected. He doesn't understand why mommy can't get down off the couch, why she can't pick him up or play with him. But, Memaw is here and that is an immense help. I imagine the days when I don't have a helper are going to be very challenging but we will get through. We have a lot fantastic family and friends who have already been offering very generous help.

Happy Halloween!

Joshua loved Halloween! We went to a neighbor's house for pizza and other food and then left as a group for trick or treating. It only took two houses for Joshua to get the hang of things. He would walk up, say 'Trick or Treat', take a candy, say 'Thank you' and move on. The scary decorations didn't bother him at all and soon he was running between houses, 'Another House!' he would say. We did about four small streets and then headed home. After we inspected the candy and removed the stuff he couldn't eat we let him have one piece. He chose a mini Reese's peanut butter cup which he proceeded to carefully open and eat, slowly. He, of course, loved it and wanted more.

Today, when we left to run errands he asked if we could go trick or treating again. Ah, Halloween comes but once a year!

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.