Yes, Jesus Loves Me!

Pastor Mark and Pastor Matt from our church - the Lord's House of Prayer - came over today to pray for Joshua. We were very touched that they offered to come and lay hands on our son. What a blessing to be part of a church family! Words cannot express how thankful we are for our pastors.

Earlier today, Joshua went to the doctor's for his RSV vaccine. He now weighs 9 lbs 9 oz! I remember calling our pastors to pray for Joshua in the N.I.C.U. when he was 3 lbs 2 oz and unable to digest anything. That prayer was answered by our almighty Father, and I'm sure this one will be too.

I read from 2 Corinthians 12 in the Message where Paul is talking about God's strength in our weakness, and three times the Lord told him, "My grace is enough, it's all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness." There is nothing more I can do to help little Joshua. How I wish that I could have this surgery for him so he wouldn't have to go through it! But, where I am weak and helpless, that's when God's strength takes over. And, He's got more power and authority to do a complete healing and miracle, so I'm glad He's in charge!

Please pray for Joshua tomorrow and through this upcoming week. Much love and blessings to you!

On the road again

Last night, Shawn and I tried taking pictures of Joshua for this year's Christmas card. The baby was not giving us any of his precious smiles, though! We'll try again soon or use one of the cute ones where he's not smiling. He's still adorable!

Today, my mom drove Joshua and I down to CHOP for his bloodwork so that Shawn didn't have to take another day off work. All that driving, and he was literally in there for all of five minutes. He cried as they took an entire tube of blood to run all sorts of tests. No one was available for me to talk to or ask questions - I'm glad that they are a great hospital, but I've been a little disappointed in their service overall. But, service doesn't matter - Joshua is what matters. Please keep him in your prayers. Tomorrow he gets another vaccine for RSV and then Friday's the big day!

My Buddy & Me

These past two days, Joshua and I have just been spending quality time together. He hasn't slept a wink throughout the day, so we're just hanging out listening to Christmas music, which he seems to enjoy. Last night he was moving his hand with the song "Christmas Canon" by the Transyberian Orchestra, and Shawn said he looked like a little conductor. Today, he's managed to scratch himself with those same moving hands - poor little guy! Tomorrow we go for his pre-surgery bloodwork. Please keep him in your prayers!

The Tale of the Yellow Sleeper

Yesterday, Joshua took a long nap in the early evening, so I finished decorating our Christmas tree while Shawn celebrated Thanksgiving with Nonnie and Poppy (we stayed home since several folks had a cold). After the baby awoke, I started feeding him and thought to myself, Joshua feels wet. Then it dawned on me - to feel that he was wet meant that I, too, was wet. I lifted up my precious son who was scarfing down his bottle and was horrified to find that my jeans were soaked through where he had been laying. We immediately both got changed, and then he finished eating. It was ironic that he was wearing a yellow sleeper for this episode. I must admit that this was our third outfit of the day...he had spit up on me and himself before that. But, he's so cute...it's worth it.
I also wanted to mention that we've been noticing more and more that he is starting to smile. He hasn't really smiled at us 'on cue' quite yet. But, Shawn and I are both looking forward to it. In these pictures, Joshua is posing on our bed wearing a nightgown that my friend Kristen gave to us from Baby B'gosh. I like it because his little hands are covered. He's a beautiful baby!

Green Bean on Black Friday

After a long night with Joshua not sleeping, Shawn and I woke up later than ever on Black Friday and attempted the crowds while Grandma watched Joshua here. (Thank you, mom, for loving our son and being willing to watch him for us!) We left by 7:30 a.m. to try to get some bargains. It was so fun to get out together again! We came home and started to decorate, which we are still in the process of doing. Meanwhile, we tried to see how Joshua would like Jordon's swing. Now that he weighs more, he seemed to enjoy it. In this picture, you can kind of see that he is staring down the animals on top. We would try to adjust him so that he looked more comfortable, and he would immediately put his head back to see what those stuffed little guys were doing. It was absolutely adorable. We couldn't help getting out the camera. We then cozied up by our fireplace and ended the evening with a movie. It was wonderful to spend time together as a family relaxing.

This morning I got up early again (Shawn let me sleep while he and Joshua had some quality father-son time) and continued the holiday traditions by heading over to my sister's house to bake cookies. I helped my nieces do sugar cookie cut-outs, and we also made pecan tasties, chocolate chip cookies (Shawn's favorite), and seven layer bars. We tried to decorate some more and clean a little when I got home, but Joshua has been a little fussy, so we've decided just to spend time with him. After all, he's most important. I don't know if he is struggling with gas or is just upset that his schedule was off, and unfortunately with babies, you can't ask them what's wrong. I love him so much - I just want him to be a happy Bean!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We celebrated Thanksgiving today at my mom's house for lunch. Besides the delicious food (as always), we had great entertainment with my niece Grace singing songs from her preschool. I remember one of them was "Turkeys are a silly bird...they wobble, wobble, wobble. And, they only know ONE word! It's gobble, gobble, gobble!" Shawn also laughed when Faith shouted out "Brrrrr!" from her icecream being cold (since the girls don't like pumpkin pie). Joshua slept peacefully and soundly in his pack 'n play in the office where these precious nieces couldn't touch him.


We all have so much to be thankful for!!! We are thankful for Jesus who died on the cross, for our health, for our family who we love so dearly, for our friends, and for God providing for us not only food but a home to live in. I'm very thankful for Shawn, who never ceases to amaze me. And, of course, we are especially thankful for Joshua this year.

Family and Friends :)

Last night Aunt Missy and Uncle Kevin came to visit us. It was nice to see them! Their new puppy looks awfully cute! I'm sure when Joshua gets old enough, he will love to play with him and Baby Girl! Today Nonnie and Grandma Stoltzfus came to see us. We had a very nice visit. We love to see our family and friends! I keep forgetting to take pictures when Joshua firsts meets people - I'll have to get better at that as a mom.

What a BIG Boy!

Joshua weighs 8 lbs 6 oz and is 20.75 inches long!

We went to the doctor's office today, and the poor little guy had to get three shots! I felt so bad! He came home and promptly messed his pants up his diaper onto his back all over his onesy. I think he's having a rough day. I changed him into this outfit, which is brand new from Grandma. We're excited at how much he is growing!

I love my room!

For the past two nights, dear Joshua has spent the entire night in his bedroom. I think it was harder for me than it was for him. While I couldn't lay down with him in bed to get him to sleep (thus, the process of getting him to rest was longer, especially for me) he seemed to get up a little less throughout the night. We all enjoy the nursery - it's a bright and happy room with froggies saying "hippoty hop."

Looking Forward to the Holidays

Joshua's first holiday was with my Dad, lovingly deemed Grandpa Georgia by my nieces. Dad and his fiancee Annette stayed with us Veteran's Day weekend to see Joshua, and we celebrated both Thanksgiving and Christmas with them at that time. Here is a cute photo of Joshua with his Grandpa.

Are You Ready for Some Football!?!

On Sunday, Shawn was extremely tired from helping with the baby overnight - we take turns on the weekends. However, being in the fantasy football league with friends, he tries not to miss the games no matter how severe his exhaustion (thanks to replay TV). Joshua is wearing his football outfit, and letting you know that his daddy is #1 in the league. I am amazed how much our son resembles Shawn. He is gorgeous!

Joshua Turned Two Months Old November 18

I can't believe Joshua is two months old already! Saturday, November 18, was his two month birthday. If he would have been born on my original due date, today he would have been three weeks old. I can't believe how quickly time flies. I'm officially a stay-at-home mom, taking care of our precious son. I've decided to read him a book of the Bible each day out of the Message, since it's modern-day language. Today I read him the book of Jude, in honor of our friend's son. We also had a visit from my former co-worker, Kelley, who brought with her a delicious lunch. It was great fun to see her!