Gators, dinos, puffs and school

An early morning football pep rally requires coordinating t-shirts.

Joshua loves "puffs". When we put them on his tray, he grabs them up as though he will never have anything else to eat.

As you can see, Joshua graduated to his booster chair for meal time. I think it is much easier to feed him this way since he has gotten so tall.

The conclusion to our 3 part "Behind the Baby" series.

School Update:

Joshua seems to be thriving at school. As you may know nap time used to be a rarely experienced grace at our house until Ms. Susan worked her magic. I don't know what she did but after 3 days of day care Joshua came home taking 2-2 1/2 hour naps each day!

Last week Joshua participated in his first art project. His thumb print flowers are hanging on the wall in his classroom-hopefully we'll get to bring them home and hang them on our refrigerator.

Adventures at 7 months

Joshua is 7-months old! Can you believe it?!? When I told Joshua how old he was this was his reaction:

Eveyone who goes to school needs a backpack. Joshua got a "Mr. Strong" backpack for all of the homework and supplies he needs to take with him.

He seemed to like crawling around with the backpack on his back. He looks a lot like a turtle when wearing it.

Photo # 2 in the 3 part "Behind the Baby" series.

We spent last weekend in Tuscaloosa celebrating Aunt Glo's birthday, attending the wedding of 2 friends, visiting friends and our old church, and walking around campus. While walking on campus we found a robot that had fallen over in Woods Quad. Joshua thought it was pretty cool and had to get his picture made next to the giant robot.

With a little help from Dave, Joshua pulled up and hugged Mr. Robot.

Not to be left out of the fun pictures, I got my picture made with Joshua in front of giant art in Woods Quad too.

We had a great time in Tuscaloosa. We were all really tired when we got home but can't wait to go back and hang out.

7-month picture bloopers

One would think that I would remember from month to month how difficult it is to get a shot of Joshua next to the dog with a sign in front of him. But no, I try every month and am surprised at the fact that I can't get a good shot of him every month. Here are only a few of the bloopers from this month's attempt.

Sir Cuteness

Just a few pictures to illustrate the cuteness of Joshua:

I tried to get a good picture with our customized paci that says "Aunt B loves me" but Joshua would not stop reaching for the camera.

Picture number 1 in a 3 part series titled "Behind the Baby"

Nana's favorite shirt.
(Dave thinks Joshua looks like an old man reclining in his favorite chair in this picture.)

So hard to say good-bye

Joshua seems to have a hard time saying "good-bye" to his beloved bouncer. It served him well for many months, but he is too wiggly to be safe in it. Now, however, he enjoys it in a different way:

It's great for climbing into

It's great for pulling up on

It's great for flipping over!
We love this bouncer!

Hi-Ho Hi-Ho, it's back to work I go.

I have started back to work in the last couple weeks. I am working a few days a week for a local hospice agency (a different company than I previously worked for). God has been good to provide a flexible work schedule for me as well as a great daycare option for Joshua. After a couple weeks of babysitters at our house, Joshua started "school" today. His teacher said he did great and his report card for the day proved it. Here is the required first day of school picture:

Neshoba County Fair

We had the opportunity to spend last Thursday at the Neshoba County Fair with some great friends. Joshua got to meet the Breezes and the Gamblins, see Aunt B, and he just missed meeting the governor (Joshua needed an immediate diaper change when Haley came by the cabin). We watched harness racing and walked the midway. What a fun day! Here are some photo highlights from the day.

Sarah Elizabeth was a perfect hostess at the Fair

Family picture on the midway

Dave and Joshua watching the harness race

The harness race

The required nap in the swing at Cabin 39

Aunt B and the little man

Going Up?

Not only is Joshua now crawling-real crawling-he has also started pulling up on the furniture, our legs, the windows, etc. At first I really tried to break him of the desire by putting him back on the floor and quickly telling him "No!" But Joshua is a determined little man and he is standing tall everywhere he can. In exchange for this new development, Dave and I worked to lower his mattress as I felt sure Joshua would also think he could jump out of his bed and fly if he wanted to.

Standing in Nana's window (check out my baseball behind)

Standing up in the awesome box from dad's new grill


In the process of pulling up in his bed, immediately before his mattress was lowered.

Rain, Rain...

...go away!

Last week we had several days of rain. Joshua sat by the door for a good while one day and stared outside-which made for a cute photo.

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.