Summertime...

and the livin' is easy.

watching Praise Baby dvds

taking naps (sometimes)

playing in the pool

reading Lord of the Rings with or to dad (I can't tell which one from this picture)

"I could get used to this!"

The King and The Doctor

Joshua decided to try sitting up this week. He has been propping himself up for a couple weeks but is usually moving too much to even want to sit up. Hooray for a non-movement oriented milestone!

That's right folks. Joshua met Elvis and even got his picture made with him. Elvis came to a friend's surprise birthday party last weekend. We had a great time enjoying the cooler weather and visiting with fun friends. Joshua danced the night away while Elvis sang.


Dave and Joshua at the birthday party.
This picture was taken after about an hour of dancing on Joshua's part-hence the very tired looking eyes.


Joshua had his 6-month check-up today. He had to get 3 shots but handled them like a pro. Joshua weighed 15 pounds 12 ounces and is 26 1/2 inches tall. We are thankful that the next checkup appointment isn't for 3 months and even then Joshua won't have to receive any shots!

0.5 years of age

Joshua is 6 months old. It is hard to believe that 6 months have already passed since he was born but at the same time, we feel like Joshua has been a part of our family forever. As parents, Dave and I continue to learn a lot each day. Some of the things we now know:·

• You really can’t look away for even a second.
• A better nap = a better night’s sleep and a better night’s sleep = a better nap
• We will do anything to make Joshua smile and laugh
• When in doubt, always pack the extra diaper
• We watch far less tv than we used to and spend most of our time on the floor.
• Playing on the floor all day is exhausting.
• Joshua always knows more than we think he does.

It seems like Joshua is changing, growing up and doing something new every day. Dave and I are trying to keep up with all that he is doing-some of the things we know about Joshua:·

• He is moving 24 hours a day-it matters not if he is awake or asleep, he is moving.
• Joshua only requires a 20-30 minute nap to recharge his batteries.
• His ribs, feet and neck are ticklish.
• Joshua loves affection-Eskimo kisses, snuggles, hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, head butting-all are considered ways of showing love.
• Joshua thinks it is hilarious to have someone jump out from behind the door and scare him.
• However, Joshua is not a fan of sudden loud noises-sneezes, coughs, loud voices-unless it is his own.
• Joshua is very curious and studies everything. If you hold him he will look right into your eyes and seemingly memorize you. He reminds me of something Dr. Hatfield used to tell us in high school before we went on trips- Joshua is “like a sponge, soaking in everything.” He certainly does not miss a thing.

This is the best "6-month" picture I could get.

This is the new airplane outfit that Nana smocked for Joshua.

Happy 6-month birthday cupcakes for Joshua to look at and for us to enjoy.

Nothing like a relaxing afternoon in the pool.

Coach took us to lunch yesterday. Joshua was exhausted but still not willing to let go of the pacifier.

Nana and Joshua getting ready to watch the MLB All Star Game.

Coach and Joshua wearing their "lids" and watching the All Star game (this was taken in the middle of the 2nd inning).

This video was taken in the 5th inning of the game.

Coach and Joshua "watching" the All Star Game (this was taken at the top of the 8th inning).

Joshua loves his new exersaucer found on Craig's List for only $20! I am already trying to figure out how to disable part of the sound attached to the toy.

This is only a few feet of the what seems like 10 miles he covers moving around the house in a day.

Baby's Funniest Hotel Videos

Beth let us take her Flip video camera with us on the trip. We forgot to use it most of the week but made up for lost time in the hotel room on our way home. Joshua was in rare form that night. So enjoy the Baby's Funniest Videos.

The Blue Willow Inn

On the recommendation of Mr. David and Ms. Glen Rose of Kingstree, SC, we ventured to Social Circle, Georgia on our way home to eat dinner at the Blue Willow Inn. To say that is was some of the best food we had ever eaten may be an understatement. It is referred to as a "Southern feast" and truly was. There were so many foods to choose from that I feel like I sampled only half of what was available. At one point, Dave laughed and said, "In the words of your dad, 'This is so good, if you put this on your forehead, your tongue would slap your brains out.'" Joshua was a hit among the staff and other diners as he smiled at all who walked by. We decided before we left that anytime we are traveling on I-20 through Georgia a quick trip off Exit 98 to the Blue Willow Inn is required. You should try it...you won't be disappointed.



Joshua feel asleep in the car on the way so I had to pose with a sleeping baby in front of the restaurant.



I tried feeding Joshua a bite of the most delectable mashed potatoes I had every eaten, but he spit them out and nearly gagged. Instead he preferred to dine on the paper place mat from the table.



After we ate, Dave fed Joshua on the front porch.

The Blue Willow Inn also has beautiful gardens to enjoy.

Kingstree, SC or bust!

We had a great time in Kingstree visiting Gran and Buddy. Joshua got to try watermelon for the first time (it wasn't his favorite), attended the evening service to hear Buddy preach and ate supper in an old school house. Gran and Buddy were excited to have us there and enjoyed introducing Joshua to all of their friends. Buddy and Joshua share a moment in the rocking chair.

Gran and Joshua grin for the camera.

Joshua enjoyed the tv room as his personal play area.

Dave and Joshua played "flying baby" all week.


Nothing like some canned baby food on the 4th of July.

A visit with Great Grans in Summerville

Dave's parents live only about an hour from several members of my family. We were excited to go to Summerville to visit PopPop, Grandma, Great Uncle Charles, Great Aunt Ava, Cousin Melissa, Great Uncle David, Great Uncle Kenny and Great Aunt Cindy. We got to enjoy some of PopPop's famous "Hobo Beans" and the always loved "Noodles" for lunch.

Kenny and Ava admire Joshua's feet.

Joshua fell asleep in Aunt Ava's lap while listening to a conversation about the best places to buy produce in the state of South Carolina.

PopPop loves his "little man" and Joshua loves to grab PopPop's face.


Joshua loves sitting in Uncle David's lap. He seems to fit just perfect in his arm.

A visit with Great Gran Robbye

While in South Carolina we got to visit with Great Gran Robbye a couple times. Of course she was so excited to see Joshua and was glad Dave and I came with him. We enjoyed visiting with her but only half as much as she enjoyed showing Joshua off to her fellow assisted living residents.

A short video of Joshua and Gran Robbye