Fish Abuse

Joshua has really started to enjoy trying to touch things with his hands. He doesn't have alot of depth perception yet, so he'll swing away at something that might be WAY out of his reach. He'll figure that out at some point. :) Here's a video of him on his playmat. Don't feel sorry for the fish, they're just plastic and I'm sure can't feel a thing.




Joshua's other favorite new thing is chewing on his hands. He does his best to jam his whole fist in his mouth, but he can't quite get it in there all the way. Which is probably a good thing.

Caroline and Naomi are here, and Joshua is still "my baby" to Naomi. They enjoy smiling at each other. It's crazy to think how quickly she's gotten to two years old and is talking so well. I know the time with Joshua will fly by too, he's already getting close to four months old!

Sleeping

Joshua's favorite place to sleep during the day is his swing. He is sleeping through the night in his crib, but he sure loves this swing! I can usually get him to take a nap in his crib in the morning, but end up giving up after that because for some reason it's way more difficult in the afternoon.

He had a good time with his Papa (my dad) this weekend. My dad also watched him for a few hours while I went back to work for the first time. I worked a partial day. It was both good and a little bit overwhelming. There's alot I have to catch up on and remember, but it was good to see everyone again and do a little problem-solving. I start up again full-time on Monday, so I am praying that goes well and that my anxiety will continue to diminish.

Joshua had his first non-family babysitter today as I took him over to my friend Sarah's house while I had to go to an appointment. Apparently he was an angel the entire time. He's so smily and happy most of the time, and it was good to know that he did so well, even for that short time.

Caroline and Naomi are on there way to spend a few days with us. That should be a fun time! We've been really blessed to have so much family support.

3 Months Old!

It seems hard to believe that Joshua turned 3 months old last week. He has been such a good little baby for us as he continues to grow. He is smiling and "talking" alot now. He especially likes it when you sing to him, he tries to sing along with you. He usually sleeps through most of the night, he's been going from about 10:00 to 5:00. Paul is having alot of fun with him as he gets older and stronger. He's already trying to get him to "walk", of course with his help. Joshua actually will do it sometimes, it's pretty cute because he picks his knees up really high so it looks like he's doing some sort of mini-march.

Roxanna and Autumn (my sister-in-law and niece) just left to head back to Colorado. Their help over the past couple of weeks has been so great as I continue to get better. It was fun having a four-year-old here, it makes me wonder what Joshua will be like at 4. Autumn loved playing outside with the dogs and the last couple of days she had fun making "dog tents", which consisted of covering them with pillows as they slept on the couch. Surprisingly, they loved it and pretty much stayed there sleeping under all of the pillows.

I've made the decision to go back to work for a couple of days next week and try to start up again on August 3rd full time. I'd appreciate your prayers for this transition, but I am also looking forward to being back with my coworkers and getting back into the swing of things. Joshua has been so adaptable during the past few weeks that I am hoping the same continues at daycare.

My dad is coming to visit over the weekend and a couple of days next week. I know Joshua will enjoy the time with his Papa. Caroline and Naomi are coming for a few days after that. I'm wondering if I'll get to have a "Naomi language" conversation. If you're not sure what I meant you can check out my sister's blog for the video. She can talk really well, but has decided that it's really fun to make up words.

The Cousins

Joshua has had visits from two of his cousins in the past couple of weeks. He's still a little bit too young to appreciate them as playmates, but he does alot of smiling. He's also getting much stronger. He can hold his head up during his whole tummy time and rolls over alot. He loves to talk to everyone too. I find myself doing baby talk alot. :)

Here's a picture of him and Jed sharing the diaper changing table (which they both used alot). We had a very nice visit with Chris and Emily and Jed. I really appreciate all of them, they are very special to Paul and I.

My sister-in-law Roxanna and my niece Autumn are visiting now to help me out and to see Joshua. It has been so great having them here and I am so grateful for the help and company.

I feel like I am still slowly getting better. It sure is a process. I am thankful for all of the people that are praying for me to get better. I am sure ready to be myself again.

God is Good

Yes, God is good. I can honestly say this has been the most difficult month of my life, but by relying on God and my family I am getting through it. I am starting to feel better. I am not fully back to myself yet and still struggle with the anxiety, but I am improving.

Joshua has proved to be a truly adaptable baby and has done great with trips back and forth to Illinois. He is now sleeping through the night. He is smiling and talking which makes my heart glad. Here is a video of him with Grandma Mary Lee. We're initiating him into the Cubs family early.




I can't wait until I am fully well again and can enjoy him fully. He's such a wonderful little guy.

I also have to say that I have the most wonderful husband an family. Everyone has helped me so much and been so generous with their time and their homes. My sister-in-law even drove out from Colorado to help me for a couple of weeks. I am so looking forward to the time when God will give me the chance to help them they way they've helped me.