The Big 3-0

This post is not just titled "the Big 3-0" just because Daddy will be turning that ripe old age in less than two weeks!!! Right now our second son has hit 30 weeks gestation. He won't see '4-0' so this is a huge milestone. We're almost there!

Fetal Development:
Our little one is nearly three pounds already and growing like a weed.
The early lanugo is disappearing, the eyelids open and close, and the toenails are growing. The bone marrow is now responsible for red blood cell production.

Maternal Changes:
The best sleeping position for a pregnant woman is on her left side. Your aorta and vena cava are slightly to the right of the center of your back, so laying/sleeping on your left side as much as possible ensures an unobstructed blood flow to your organs and extremities. You may be having some trouble sleeping now. Try one of the many maternity pillows or full-body pillows on the market. Sleeping in a recliner chair might also help, especially when the heartburn gets nasty.

Feeding Your Baby:
About half of the babies born today in the United States are breastfed which means half are bottle fed. What will you do? For some moms, this is a simple decision; for others, it's very difficult. And it could be that you'll change your mind after baby is born. The best thing to do now is learn about both, do some soul-searching and research. It isn't the purpose of this guide to debate breastfeeding versus bottle feeding. We do, however, strongly encourage moms to give breastfeeding a try. Even if you switch to formula later, you will have given your baby a terrific start with your breastmilk.

Today's "Big Winner"

Today Joshua & I met Shawn for lunch because we needed whole milk and it gave us an excuse to get out. On the way there, I heard WJTL announce a contest to "name that classic" for a gift certificate to Infinito's Pizza Buffet. For whatever reason, I dialed WJTL but waited to hit send until I saw if I knew the song (sad that the classics are ones I tend to know). Sure enough, it was Newsboys "I'm not ashamed" so I hit send and let the phone ring at least 20 times. I was about to give up when John Shirk answered and asked if I was calling for the contest. I thought he was going to say that they already had a winner but instead he asked me if I knew the correct answer. Woohoo! I've never been to Infinito's, so it was nice to win.

More than that, I didn't feel like a big winner today. It was a really raunchy day, in fact. The end of the semester is always horrible at school. Students that haven't done any work all semester come out of the woodwork to find out why they aren't doing well in my class. Case in point, one kid has missed eight classes out of the 13 we've had so far, including an exam. Part of me feels like I'm not showing him enough grace and part of me says, "DUH!" I also have a couple of groups that did a project together where one student didn't pull their weight, etc. It's just a lot of hassle, and I hate feeling like I want to give mercy but at the same time be just to all. How does God feel? I know He's given me grace over and over again. On the other hand, I feel like Millersville is paying me to be fair in my grading standards and practices. Please pray for wisdom for me!

On top of all that, the LCHRA is insisting we pay the tree guy who damaged our broken sidewalks, instead of paying for them to be fixed. Now, the tree guy himself said he just wanted to walk away - he's not expecting to be paid (and basically said he doesn't want to be) and does not want to fix the damage he caused. He literally wants to walk away. I don't understand why after all this time (this was back in November) the LCHRA is taking the liberty to say that he should get paid and we should be the ones to get screwed on the deal. It makes no sense to me. I was angry today. Very angry. I don't have a long fuse to begin with, but I was more angry than I've been in a long time. I didn't direct it at anyone or talk with them directly (thankfully Shawn is dealing with these folks) but nasty thoughts were on my mind all day long, which doesn't make you feel very good. And, it doesn't help me in being a good momma to the Bean. Again, I'm praying that God takes the anger out of my heart and at the same time gives wisdom to the folks from the LCHRA. But, when you're this upset, sometimes it's hard to find the right words to pray...

On an up note, Joshua and I had a fun time playing with a flashlight today. I was trying to teach him "on" and "off" and he can say "off" pretty well. Then I'd sing "This Little Light of Mine"...what a great toy that just happened to be out from Daddy going into the attic! Joshua also says "apple" well now and ate an entire container of sliced apples. I kept putting the lid on and then he would ask for more until he polished off the entire thing. Impressive!

More 'Good' Fun

Joshua & I had another good day yesterday. We went to our Mommies & Me class, which was on consistency and re-directing behavior (too funny that the things they've been talking about are exactly what I've been going through with the Bean). He loved playing with the other kids, but he had been up since 5 am and was a little tired by the time we left. We headed straight from there to Freeze & Frizz in Leola to meet Nonie, Aunt Gayle, Grant & Jennavieve for lunch. Joshua ate like a champ (hooray!) and enjoyed playing with Grant outside. He was exhausted by the time we left and fell asleep promptly in the car, then took a solid two-hour nap at home.

When he woke up, we played some more. I took out the container of beads and we worked at putting them together (pushing them in place is a little hard for him at times) and then I made it a circle. I called it a hat and put it on my head. He giggled and tried to put it on his head, but it was too big and became his necklace, which he also enjoyed. I kept telling him we were making a "circle" and he repeated "grcle" and would try to put it back together when one of the beads would come apart. Then, I'd put it back on my head and would (fake) sneeze it off, saying "achoo!" and letting it fall down. He cracked up and laughed and laughed each time, handing it back to me and saying 'achoo!' This week we've also worked on knowing where his belly is. He lifts his shirt and points to his belly button when I ask where his belly is now. And, he wants to lift my shirt and Daddy's shirt to point to our bellies. The other thing I taught him yesterday was how to pour. He didn't quite understand the concept of turning his wrist (something that comes naturally for us - these are things I forget he needs to be taught). I praised him each time he poured, and he was loving it. Of course, we also read books in there, which he has begun to sit still and listen to again and help me turn the pages. We had a really fun time until Daddy got home.

When Shawn was on the way home, he called on his cell as usual to tell me when to expect him. During our conversation, he complimented me on my trying new approaches to teach Joshua and said he sees him really growing now, especially with his vocabulary. It was the best thing I think he's ever said to me...parenting is an area where I feel like I lack the skill, knowledge and patience to be truly effective but an area that I desire to grow more and more in since I love Joshua so much. Shawn telling me that he thinks I'm doing a good job blessed me more than he'll ever know.

Then we went out to dinner to celebrate. I'm so proud of him for working so hard, 'bringing home the bacon' and obviously doing a good job at work. Joshua ate really well again at dinner, too, thank God. I'm blessed to have two wonderful boys in my life and a third that's been kicking my ribs like crazy!

After we came home, I graded some papers outside while the boys played some more. Joshua LOVES watching the birds who come to feed in our backyard and points at them saying "tweet, tweet, tweet." He also likes to bat at the balls and push his little car, and he asks for help to kick the bigger ball. He's so adorable to watch. Eventually we came in and Shawn got Joshua changed into his PJ's while I continued working since I had gotten nothing accomplished throughout the day. Joshua was a cuddle bug again last night (the night before I had given him a bath to wash those dirty feet and body, and he cuddled with me rather than playing afterward...but I thought he was just tired from having a busy day). Last night in his PJ's, he would sit with Daddy and then come and sit with me. I saw him rubbing his eyes furiously, so I asked him if he would like to go night-night. To my surprise, he said "okay" and got down and started walking toward the stairs. Shawn took him up and said he grabbed his blankey right away and went right to sleep.

BUT...he woke up again at 4:45 this morning ready to start the day. Noooooo.... Shawn brought him into bed with us. Joshua loved it. He wasn't sleeping, but he'd cuddle with Daddy and then come cuddle with me. I wonder if he had a bad dream??? Eventually, we took him back to his crib so we could get some more sleep before meeting Nonie & Poppy for breakfast. Joshua's going to spend the day at their house so we can have some together time. Hooray!

How Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Bring Good News!

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15, Isaiah 52:7

Yesterday, Joshua & I spent the entire day outside, and we had the dirty feet to prove it! We were both wearing our crocs, but they allow the dirt to bless our feet like sandals would. We didn't care - we LOVED the weather. The bank clock read 79 degrees with a warm, refreshing breeze and abundant sunshine. I called my sister at 9 am and asked if her and the kids would like to go to the park. And I'll be honest, I had a million things to do and didn't feel like the park. But, I thought that Joshua had to come first. I was glad we went. He enjoyed being outside and truly, so did I. All the kids played on the playground and then we did 90% of the walking trail before we headed for home, which was good since it was about time for Grace to come home from school.

We went home long enough for me to feed Joshua his lunch and change his diaper, and then we decided to meet Daddy for his lunch, and Joshua slept a little in the car on the way there and home. Afterwards, Joshua had his last physical therapy session. We played outside in our backyard and Miss Trish gave us pointers for setting up obstacle courses of things for him to climb over and pull. But, he's really accomplished every goal we set out with, including starting to go up and down stairs with help, walking backwards, running, and walking holding our hands. I couldn't be prouder of him. She said he'll get more balance, coordination and skill the more he practices what he's just learned. So, we're going to go to a tracking program with Early Intervention rather than a scheduled appointment time. With tracking, Early Intervention will send us a survey to complete and send back in. Then if he's behind on anything, they'll let us know. In the meantime, if we have questions or concerns, we can always call and request more help. He's eligible for this portion of the program until he's three. It made me reflect on my first visit and all the sessions we've gone through...another chapter in our life is closing. But, that's a good thing! Joshua is doing amazingly well!

Rude is Rude

This is one of the excerpts from the "Devotions for Sacred Parenting" by Gary L. Thomas (2005) that Aunt Missy bought us when Joshua was born. As you can see, I'm not faithful to read it every week, but I pick it up from time to time, especially when I've had a particularly rough day or week . For whatever reason, yesterday I just wanted to scream. It wasn't necessarily anything that was Joshua's fault. I was just in a bad mood. For the past two weeks, it seems like every single set of plans I've made have fallen through. From friends with sick kiddos to business meetings that came up for other folks to schedules just not working out, literally just about every day I had something that was meant to be fun get cancelled, including getting my hair done (which it desperately needs). While none of the individual things bothered me, after a couple of weeks of everything being cancelled, I was going stir crazy, even when getting outside in our backyard. I was running out of ideas to keep Joshua entertained, and I know that that's what I need to do to keep him from banging his head. So, last night after class and a few groups of students who can't work well together as a team, I sat down to read this devotional. Once again it spoke to me of God's heart toward Joshua and my disobedience at treating him like 'another chore.' I love him more than life itself, but yesterday I treated him more like "another thing I have to do" rather than the precious little one he is. I thought I would share my heart and the words of the devotion in case it would speak to anyone else feeling the same way...

RUDE IS RUDE

"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:10

Jesus tells us that the heavenly Father never misses what happens to one of his "little ones," so we can feel certain he sees everything going on behind our walls.

Is that encouragement, or a warning?

We need to remember that a smaller person is not "less" of a person; a younger person is not less valuable than an older person - but why as parents do we sometimes take liberties with our children that we would never take with anyone else?

Miss Manners' take on this is as right as it is blunt:
"Rudeness to children counts as rudeness. The fact that people are smaller and blood relatives does not mean that it is open season on insulting them. Besides, it teaches them the technique and thus leads to such tedious exchanges as, "Don't you dare talk to Mommy like that," "But that's what you said to me," "That's different," "Why is it different?" and so on. What makes it different is that when children do it, parents call it "sassing" and when parents do it, parents call it discipline."

Parents who are rude to their children have forgotten that their children belong first to GOD. These are not OUR children to do with as we please; they were made by God, and He has designed a unique future for each one of them. If we complicate that future by belittling them and tearing them down instead of building them up, we work against God's purposes - and we can be sure He will call us to account.

We're not raising crops, nor are we caring for pet hamsters. As parents, we are called to shape and influence living human beings - made in the image of God - for whom Jesus Christ died. Our actions can have severe consequences, and we have the power to shatter these fragile beings. Some parents inflict this damage subtly, perhaps by a constant barrage of perfectionistic banter that guarantees their kids feel like they never measure up. Maybe we wound them in a passive-aggressive way, maliciously withholding the affection we know they crave, with the result that they slip into a life of promiscuity. Maybe we get too busy and by our neglect fail to train them adequately, with the result that they make poor financial or life choices and end up ruined.

Whatever our failing, the stakes couldn't be higher - for us and for our kids. A parent's malicious act of neglect can devastate the child as much as it spiritually ruins the parent, for to become our children's enemy is to become GOD's enemy. Jesus warns us, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believes in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea" (Matthew 18:6).

"Well," some might say, "what if my child makes himself MY enemy?" Even so, how does Jesus tell us to treat our enemies? To be rude to them? To belittle them, shame them and make them feel small? No! Jesus says, "Love your enemies" (Matthew 5:44).

God feels so passionately about our children's well-being that He did not spare even His own Son in His desire to secure their eternal destiny. Will a God who offered the supreme sacrifice, who paid the highest cost imagineable, fail to even NOTICE the rude ways we respond to our children? Will a heavenly Father so engaged in their spiritual health forget to watch what's going on in our "private" homes?

According to the Bible, there is no such thing as a private home. Children have spiritual beings charged specifically with watching over their welfare: "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:10). To invite a child into your home is to guarantee divine presence and notice. Perhaps the presence of children can remind us that we don't live in secret; we live in full view of an active God who judges our actions.

God cares. God watches.

This week, remind yourself that God hears every conversation and sees every act. We said it before, but let's say it again: GOD IS IN THE ROOM.

Dear God, thank you that you have angels in heaven designated over Joshua. Thank you that you hear every word, see every deed and know every thought. Thank you that you care about us so much to remind us of your love and devotion toward us. Please forgive me when I've treated Joshua more like a chore than a person created by you and for you, in your image. Help me to treat him like I would want to be treated, showing him love, encouragement and respect at all times, even when I'm frustrated or grumpy. Help me not to neglect him even when I'm busy or tired. Give me the patience to lead him in a path that honors you, and help me to know when and how to discipline him to help him grow in character but at the same time realize that he is loved unconditionally. I realize that the stakes are high and that I'm dealing with the life and destiny of one of your sons...please teach me how to be a better parent and forgive me where I fall short of your glory. Please take care of Joshua and speak into his life as only you can. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

Baby Good @ Week 29

Fetal Development:
The baby's head is in proportion to the rest of the body. Fat continues to accumulate under the skin. The brain can control primitive breathing and body temperature control, and the eyes can move in the sockets. The baby is becoming sensitive to light, sound, taste and smell. Now, I wonder how experts know a baby can smell in utero? (YUCK!)

Maternal Changes:
Do you feel like you've been pregnant forever? Are those discomforts of pregnancy getting to you? This is the time when itchy skin, shortness of breath, hemorrhoids, leg cramps, heartburn and indigestion and achy muscles takes a toll. What do you do? Remember that these annoyances are temporary. Focus on the positive aspects of pregnancy.

Inspirational Thoughts:
"Children are the purpose of life. We were once children and someone took care of us. Now it is our turn to care." ~Cree elder

Please pray that we would pick a name for our next son soon, and that the name would be the one he is meant to have...

God's Little Boy is...Diligent

Diligent men spend their time and their days

Doing their work in various ways.

The same thing is true of God's little guy.

Oh, boy! Soon there will be apple pie!

The person who works his land will have plenty of food.

But the one who chases useless dreams instead will end up very poor.

Proverbs 28:19

Dear God, we thank you for building your character in Joshua. We pray that you would make him diligent and hardworking. I pray a protection over his finances and ask that he would never be "very poor" from chasing useless dreams but instead would be inspired to work hard and honor you with what he earns. May he grow up to be a man after your own heart, with a healthy fulfilling life full of joy and your wisdom. I pray for the woman he will marry and his children, that they would be preciously picked by you. Please allow him to make wise choices that will give him life abundant on earth and a vast heavenly reward. In Jesus' name we pray, AMEN!

Joshua's Well-Baby Visit

This morning was Joshua's 18-month well-baby visit, even though he's 19 months old. Since I request certain doctors, we've fallen behind schedule by a month waiting for their availability. Today we saw Dr. Tifft. Joshua now weighs 23 lbs 11 oz and is still in the 20th percentile for weight. Dr. Tifft said that was a good thing because that shows he's growing at a normal rate for him and has remained constant in the 20th percentile. Okay! We'll take it! He's over 32 inches long and considered the 45th percentile for height. So, he's a lean, mean growing machine! Dr. Tifft wasn't worried about Joshua's lack of eating - he said it's very normal for kids at his age to eat one good meal every other day. The key is to not just feed him what he wants (which we tend to do) or he'll be eating "peanut butter and waffles" for the rest of his life (Joshua doesn't eat peanut butter & waffles, but this was what Dr. Tifft used to explain that we need to continue to offer him healthy choices for his meals & snacks.)Dr. Tifft thinks Joshua's physical development is on par, and I had to fill out a survey about his interaction which also shows him to be normal for his age. But, Dr. Tifft somewhat disagreed with Gerome's suggestions for behavior intervention. He commented that the idea is to not get into conflict with your child. So, you should baby-proof your house as much as humanly possible so that every little thing isn't a 'fight.' Then, set limits on things you can't change and when Joshua goes to do something he's not allowed, try to redirect him. On the other hand, if he continues to do it, then it's time for time-outs where he sits still for a minute. If he doesn't sit there, we need to hold him there for a minute. This will teach him right from wrong. He also said to avoid TV altogether. So, I guess you take the best of both opinions and see what works for your child. I do have the utmost respect for Dr. Tifft and for Gerome, and I think they both have Joshua's best interest at heart.Dr. Tifft was impressed with Joshua's behavior as he examined him. Joshua giggled as he listened to his heart and allowed him to freely look in his ears. This was a first for us, too, and Dr. Tifft noted that not many children his age would sit so still and be so congenial. Unfortunately, the tears came later when Joshua received two shots. His vaccines are all up-to-date now, and he shouldn't need to get anything at his 2-year check-up. Dr. Tifft also mentioned that we can start potty-training now by sitting him on the toilet first thing in the morning and before baths, etc. to get him used to the idea. What a big boy! I can't believe he's growing up so fast!Our little Joshua is truly growing by the minute. I see it in the way he interacts with us and talks more and more. Other words in his vocabulary that I thought of or have heard recently include 'Yum, yum,' 'Choo-choo,' 'Vroom-vroom,' 'Book,' 'Bow-wow-wow,' 'two' (which he says every time one of us shoots a ball into his bucket and scores) and others. He also listens to things you say. For example, I asked him if he'd like to go downstairs to help mommy take the laundry out of the dryer. He went right to the top of the stairs and asked for help down (walking) and then went right into the laundry room. He LOVES to peak in the dryer and will pick up any socks that fall down, which actually is helpful. (What's not so helpful is that he closes the door all the time, even when it's not convenient.) But, he's so adorable when he's trying to be helpful and a good boy. We love our little guy very much! Hooray for a good well-baby visit!

Outside...and Other New Words

Yesterday, Joshua received a package from Grandma & Grandpa Ginder...what great timing for his 19-month birthday! In it was a little note and a t-shirt that said "I'm a keeper." (Thanks!!!) So, he wore his new t-shirt today along with a pair of shorts and sneakers for our outside festivities. The day was absolutely gorgeous again...it was in the low 80s with the sun shining and a cool breeze blowing. Shawn & I agreed you couldn't ask for nicer weather.

So, today we spent the entire day outside doing yard work. I've been bragging that this entire pregnancy I've felt so great...well, bending over to pick up sticks and raking grass and pulling weeds...let's just say I FEEL extraordinarily pregnant today. And with the summer-like weather, I felt a little anxious that the baby's arrival is nearing...

Joshua loved being outside in the morning as we prepared the yard, and I took him for a walk in the stroller while Daddy mowed the back yard, which kept us both safe. Later while Joshua napped, I helped Daddy start clearing out some brush. We barely made a dent in our overgrown jungle, but I realize Rome wasn't built in a day. I started feeling overwhelmed...how do people keep up with everything? Raising kids, doing yardwork, cleaning their house, doing laundry, cooking, budgeting, working, volunteering, visiting with friends... later when I took a break to drink some water and sit for a few moments in the shade, I felt a little better. I guess people do as much as they can and then work more the next day. Funny that today is when I posted the passage from Joshua's book on "discipline." I guess I needed some today, too.

After Joshua woke up from his nap, we took a break. I got a nice shower, we went to Home Depot to get some yard things we needed and then headed to dinner at the new Cici's pizza buffet near Target since neither of us felt like cooking. Joshua was very well-behaved. Shawn told me the cute story of when he was driving with Joshua earlier and had to slam on his brakes for an idiot driver - Joshua said "uh-oh!" at the appropriate time that cracked Shawn up. What a ham! When we got home from supper, one of our neighbors gave us a plastic toy car for Joshua to ride in. He wasn't comfortable getting in yet, but he loved holding the steering wheel, honking the horn and pushing it around. Meanwhile, Daddy & I started weeding the flowerbed out front. What a job! And, there were so many ants and yucky stuff where I was trying to sit/kneel. Shawn took over while I played with Joshua, and then I cleaned up his piles (and I do mean PILES of weeds). Joshua got down to try and help Daddy, which was adorable. Of course I grabbed the camera! Then, he actually was helpful in putting some of the weeds from the piles into the trash bag. The more I praised him, the more weeds went into the garbage bag.

Eventually, though, he wanted to be where Daddy was and was getting in the way. So, I took him to my sister's house where Grandma was watching all four kiddos. Joshua took turns going down their slide and playing with the rubber ball and following my nieces around. He loved it, and I enjoyed seeing them. When we got home, Daddy was all finished, so we decided to go out for icecream. Hooray!!!

Joshua now says 'outside' (new today, I think), 'all done,' 'upf' (for up), help please (the help is a little hard to hear, but it sounds very close), 'more drink', 'more please,' 'dadda,' 'momma,' 'shoe,' 'bye,' 'hello,' 'tickle tickle,' 'no,' 'yes,' 'sure,' 'quack,' 'moo,' 'ribbit,' 'uh-oh,' 'coat,' 'wha dis' (meaning what's this?), 'more dis' (more of this) and a few other things that I'm drawing a blank on. His vocabulary grows by the day. Gerome thought we might be expecting a lot for him to be able to use two words together, but the other day I was cutting grapes for him as he was eating his lunch and had given him a few while I tried to finish preparing the rest. All the sudden I realized he was trying to get my attention (my back was to him) and he said clear as day "mama, mama, more dis' please." I was thoroughly impressed and praised him, saying "you can have all the grapes you want when you ask so nicely!!!" Shawn & I have noticed him growing in leaps and bounds. He's still banging his head some, but I've noticed that it's gotten a little less frequent as I'm trying to give him things to do instead of saying 'no.' I think that's been huge in helping him. Plus, us encouraging him to ask for what he wants helps him, too, as he builds his vocabulary.

After we got back from Rita's, I bathed Joshua and put him in PJ's while Daddy relaxed. Then Daddy read Joshua his bedtime story tonight and now he's sound asleep. Speaking of which...sleep doesn't sound so bad. Goodnight!

God's Little Boy is...Disciplined

Folks who love to stay in bed

Miss the thrills of the day ahead.

God's little boy gets up at dawn,

Happy to help 'til the day is gone.

The lazy person is like a door that turns back and forth on its hinges.

He stays in bed and turns over and over.

Proverbs 26:14

Dear God, we thank you for little Joshua and what joy he brings to our lives. I thank you for healing him physically and working on him spiritually and mentally. We pray for continued learning for him, especially with building his vocabulary. But, most importantly, we pray that he would grow to be a man after your own heart. Please help him to be self-disciplined to accomplish whatever tasks you've called him to do. We pray that he would be motivated to wake up early and put forth effort until the day is done. We also pray against laziness in the name of Jesus. This is a sin that can overtake us all and make our good intentions meaningless. Please help Joshua to be disciplined instead. We thank you for speaking into his life with your word and wisdom and Holy Spirit. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

God

Happy 19-Month Birthday, Joshua!

Happy 19-month birthday, Joshua!

Here is how we celebrated the day...in pictures: Joshua woke up at 7:45 am and after giving him his Prevacid in applesauce, I changed him out of his PJ's into shorts & a long-sleeve t-shirt and his crocks. We couldn't wait to get outside since it was supposed to be a beautiful day. First, we ate breakfast, which for Joshua consisted of bananas, strawberries, organic cheerios and milk. I ate my tasty low-carb Special K cereal and drank some hot tea.

Then, we got ready to go. It was already warm out when we left at 9:30 for our Mommies & Me class! We were both LOVING it! Here is a picture I quickly snapped while we were at our Mommies & Me meeting. Thankfully, the teacher reviewed from last week since only one mommy made it then due to sickness (which included the Bean). So, we discussed temperment and then moved onto schedules, which is something I've been interested in learning more about. Joshua LOVED playing with the other kids today, and he walked up and hugged the doll baby that the teacher was using to illustrate her points. She suggested we get him a doll to prepare him for the new baby... We were supposed to leave straight from there and go see Nonie since I was going to go out to lunch with a gal I used to work with in Reading, but she had to cancel at the last minute. (Hopefully we'll get to see Nonie another time soon!) So, when we had a voicemail from Grandma saying she had the afternoon off, we were delighted to hang out with her. We ate pizza, fruit & yogurt at her house and then left to go shopping at Weaver's store, where I bought a few 'constructive' toys for building play, a few plastic containers for organization and a few full-body bibs. Grandma bought Joshua a new outfit, a plastic shovel to "help" when we do yardwork tomorrow, and some legos for him to play with when he's at her house. Joshua fell asleep in the car, so when we got back to Grandma's house, I decided to bring him home for his afternoon nap. However, he bounced right out of my car waiting to continue some outside time. He's now walking up the steps with us holding hands and isn't as into crawling anywhere anymore. He's doing a super job, and I'm sure his physical therapist will be impressed with his progress within the last month. Welcome home! Here's Joshua at our front door. I changed him out of his long-sleeved shirt into a t-shirt to be cooler, and we were soon greeted by the contractor who came to fix our ceiling fan in our master bedroom. We had a few phone calls to return when we got home, so Joshua quickly grabbed the phone and put it right to his ear. But, playing was way more interesting to him, of course. We spent some time stacking his clip-on toys and playing with other things. He still hadn't napped for very long and was starting to fall apart. Gerome mentioned that TV is okay to signal nap time or to give us time to work, etc. He suggested that you use it constructively, especially when you've made sure to schedule other fun things throughout the day for your child. I guess that speaks to "all things in moderation." Here Joshua is unwinding to a cartoon about shapes & colors. After 20 minutes, he was ready for a nap. He slept for about an hour until Daddy came home.As soon as Shawn came home, he got changed into shorts and we headed to the park to eat our dinner and enjoy the outdoors some more. When we were finished eating, I cleaned up while Daddy took Joshua to the playground. Of course, I grabbed the camera to snap more pictures!Joshua saw a little girl playing on the playground equipment and instantly was enthralled. She was adorable and kept encouraging him to try new things. He LOVED it! Here, he's climbing through the tube, something he's never attempted before, even with his cousins. He didn't make it the whole way through, though, because he couldn't get enough traction and I'm too pregnant to fit inside to help him out. (Well, I could probably fit, but I wasn't about to try it with my current coordination and skills.) So, he came out backwards. That didn't stop him from enjoying more time outside. Here, he's climbing up the stairs toward the slide. He usually climbs these stairs when we're at this park because they're just the right height for him.Then, he decided it was time to conquer the slide... Daddy was right there to help... Wee-ee-e-eeee!!!! Here he's clapping for himself for doing such a great job and acting like such a big boy! Soon, Daddy led him off the playground since it was time to go... Joshua walked next to Momma for a few moments... and then kept in step with Daddy... I LOVE this picture! My two favorite boys walking side by side. The day felt like it was in the 80s with a cool breeze and the sun shining. I loved being outside, and we had a wonderful time together celebrating 19 months of life! Now it's soon time for bed...