These are the images I had taken of Joshua at JC Penny's for his two-year birthday. I think they turned out great! He started out pretty scared, but the guy working invited his co-worker to join him and take pictures while he worked at making the Bean smile. The guy tossed a football at Joshua, and he caught it and she snapped the picture! I'm impressed by Joshua's althetic ability. He loves to play hockey with Daddy in our driveway, and he won't settle for a little kids stick. Oh, no...he has to have a big stick like his precious Dad. But, he's getting better with his aim at hitting the ball. Grandma got him a better batter ball set, and he loves to swing at the ball that dangles for him. He's already better than I am!
Over the weekend, Joshua noticed that Daddy sleeps without a shirt. So, he insisted that he didn't need a shirt for naps or bedtime. I told Daddy that we need to get him excited to wear big boy underpants so Joshua will be more interested in potty training. Since our first success story, he has refused to go again.
I took in Joshua's beloved blankey for the photo shoot since JC Penny's suggested a comfort item. They said that age 2 is the toughest for pictures because children are often scared. But, I also appreciated getting some shots of him and his blanket since he does love it so much at this age. My favorite thing that he says right now is a soft & loving, "Oh, blankey!" Grandma Ginder & I were talking about why Joshua seems to have so much fear. I talked to my mom about it last night, too, and she said she remembers my nieces being fearful at this age. Once she said it, I remembered too. They learned bible verses about God protecting them and the song "God is bigger than the boogey man." So, I guess it's normal enough as their brains start comprehending more. I think a good amount of fear is okay (that's what keeps us from jumping off roof-tops, etc.) but I don't want him to fear every little thing. Please pray for him!
This past questionnaire for tracking from Early Intervention showed Joshua slightly behind in his personal-social skills and his fine motor skills. The gal called yesterday and is sending us some information on things we can do to improve those scores. Honestly, I think both of those things are my fault in not showing him how to do things or giving him the freedom... for example, they want him to be able to drink from a regular cup. I wonder why when there's these awesome things called sippy cups that don't spill... But, I want him to learn things on time so that he's not behind. I'm hoping to go to Wal-mart tonight and pick up a few things to do some crafts and learning activities. It's difficult with Caleb, too, but I know we can make it work if I am determined.
Today we met Daddy for lunch to take him some throat drops. When we were about to leave, I explained to Joshua that Blankey can no longer come outside, and that he needs to put blankey back and tell him 'bye-bye' and then we can go to the car. He thought about it for a minute, said "bye-bye, blankey...see you soon..." and then he put his blankey on the couch near the door for safe keeping. While we would have had a fit if I would have just taken the blanket and put it away, I'm slowly learning that explaining things to Joshua and appealing to his intellect is starting to get me much further. And, boy is he sharp! He's also stubborn...wonder where he gets that from!
Last night, we went to a lifegroup link at church. With trying a new church that's so large, we knew we would not get plugged in unless we joined a home group, small group, or in this case a "life group." I prayed before we went, asking God to show us the right folks and put us in a group that was right for us. I had liked the two gals so much from Bible study that I asked Him to put us with them and if we saw them there it would be a sign. However, in saying that, when we got there, you were to 'mingle' with folks within your school district, and I knew that neither one of them lived within our district. The first few folks we talked to were...awkward at best. They were at different stages of life, and no one really wanted to chat. Finally, we introduced ourselves to another couple who had on their tag "Married, With Kids, Manheim Township." They were really nice, and his name was Don. Soon another couple joined us and they and they have a 3-year-old and a 7-month-old, and his name was John. He pointed out that we were the "Don-John-Shawn" team, and we all laughed. We continued walking around to try and meet other folks as instructed, but when it was time to sit at a table, we ran into these two other couples again and agreed that the "Don-John-Shawn" team should sit together and be in a life group.
For the rest of the evening, they asked questions and we responded around the table to try and get to know one another. There was a single guy that clung to Shawn (he always attracts people that are a little different! Hmmm...I wonder what that says about me!) that sat at the table too. Then there was another couple, and his name was Josh. They were leaders of a current life group looking to add one other couple to their group. When a gal in charge came up to our table (and I'm guessing there were well over 500-1,000 people there at different tables from different school districts), she asked how we wanted to be broken up. Don's wife said that we wanted to stick together as the "Don-John-Shawn" team, so Josh decided to invite us all to their house to join the other couples that were all part of their life group. This makes for a large group (normally they just want three couples in a lifegroup to start), but I'm interested in seeing how it works out. As Josh's wife was talking, she was telling us about the other couples...the two gals that I had liked so much from Bible study were in their small group. I couldn't even believe it! We hadn't tried to sit with them, I didn't see them there, and yet God gave me a sign that we were on the right track. Now, I'd be fine if we eventually split off as the "Don-John-Shawn" team if this life group is too big, but isn't God neat in how He works? We don't have to worry about planning; He takes care of us. We had a really fun night out, and most of the folks' kids were around 2-years-old. We're going to be meeting for the first time this Sunday, bringing the kids along. Please pray for us! When I went to get Caleb last night, once again the gal told me that he was the best baby in the entire nursery. Oh, my little love bug! Mommy is so proud of you for being such a good boy!
Yesterday morning, Grandma treated us out to breakfast at Eat 'n Park. We had a nice time. Friday night, my car got inspected. And, after spending $1,500, we should have two safe vehicles (I needed tires and breaks, and Shawn's tires are all but bald so we ordered his, too). This figure literally made me feel sick to my stomach, but I know God provides for us. I've seen it over and over again - we simply trust in Him. Well, I must quit blogging to finish dinner. We're going to try ham & scalloped potatoes again, made differently this time. I'm hoping they're good!
This morning I got the boys dressed and ready but I have time to relax in my nightgown before showering...I'm glad I didn't have to rush off to work!
This morning I've gotten smiles from two little boys who were anxious to be held by me. :) :) :) That's worth far more than a measely paycheck!
Yesterday when the boys napped, so did I. I slept hard, too. Poor Shawn hasn't had a good night's sleep (much like me) in weeks, but he hasn't been able to nap since he's at work.
Last night we were watching football as a family (well, I was doing my Bible study homework, but Shawn would 'replay' parts that he wanted me to see). Caleb was propped up on my knee, completely enthralled by the game. He reminds me of Shawn so much. Joshua is much more like me. He likes to be in the same room because he loves his Daddy so much, but he could care less about TV and was playing with his new train set from Aunt Jen's family. He is also extremely stubborn and emotional, and yet so fun to be around with his personality. Shawn tells me all the time how much this little boy reminds him of me. I agree. Joshua makes Shawn smile constantly. :)
I never had the burning desire to have children when I was little. I always knew I wanted to get married and have a family, but I was the one that struggled to get baby doll clothes on the dolls. I liked being cared for and couldn't imagine myself caring for others. Yet, I adore both my boys and wouldn't trade them for the world. There are moments that we miss having extra money and nice things that don't get destroyed. In the end, though, money and things won't matter. These two (and any children we add to our brood down the road) will be our legacy.
They weren't too sure about me snapping pictures all morning, but I got a few good ones.
And I got several terrible ones... 
I love both my little blue-eyed boys so much...I'm looking forward to spending time with them both today!
Hope you have a great day, too!
Yesterday, Joshua cracked us up in the car when he cried out "Uh-oh! Tooters!" Uh-oh is right, my dear. 
Yesterday Joshua & I sang "This little light of mine" and he's starting to do the hand motions. He also sang "Jesus Loves Me" by himself to me while we were rocking. When he's feeling under the weather, he becomes my little cuddle bug again. :) We read all his new birthday books (thanks Grandma, Nonie & Poppy, and Miss Suzy!) yesterday, too. He pointed to the pumpkin in the touch 'n feel book Suz got him (which he LOVES!) and said "punkin" and when I pronounced it again, he slowly and carefully said 'PUMP-kin.' I love fall! 
Caleb's new accomplishment? He slept through the night! The night before last it was Joshua who woke him up when he came into our room. We need to work on getting him to stay in his own room, but I hate to do that when he's so wheezy. There was a guy that died of asthma when I was in high school, and I think about that every night I put the Bean to bed. I know God will keep him safe, but I want to be available to him if he really needs help. After all, my kids are way more important to me than a little shut eye. Last night, however, Joshua's disruption of our sleep didn't wake Caleb at all. He woke up at 7 am to eat after his last feeding being at 11 pm. WOOHOO!!! Way to go, big guy!
I'm so proud of both my kids. But, I take no credit for how amazing they are. Yesterday especially I felt like I deserved the worst mom of the year award. Last night as I was doing my homework for Bible study (which I highly recommend the "Breaking Free" Bible study! I'm learning so much!), I was reading about how pride inhibits us from glorifying God or allowing God's glory to shine through our lives. Pride can sneak up in us in a number of areas, and I realized that I'm guilty of this dreadful sin. There is no good in me except that which God provides...may He be the one who is glorified through us! He is the one who makes my children so great - they are His alone. I am honored that He would entrust such precious little lives to us, and most days I feel completely unworthy and incapable at such a job. He gives us grace, though, and helps keep them safe and on the right track. Here is a passage that I thought was particularly good in showing how amazing God is... thus, we have nothing to be proud about in and of ourselves:
God is so amazing and so great, He alone is worthy of honor, glory and praise. Another verse I've pondered is: 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." WOW! That's tough, but amazing truth. The first week of the study, we learned about Israel's captivity under the kings of Judah during Isaiah's time. During that week, I learned especially that our actions have such a profound impact on our children. The next week, we learned about the five benefits God has for us to lead an abundant life here on earth. Now, each day we're looking at obstacles to those benefits. We're thoroughly dissecting the Word in this study, and I'm enjoying every minute of my time with the Lord. I praise God for my family and what He's doing in our lives. May He be glorified!
Also Happy Birthday to Grant who turned three today. And Happy (upcoming) Birthday to Aunt Gayle, who will celebrate her special day on Thursday!
This morning then, he had his follow-up appointment with Dr. Devenyi for his reflux. Dr. Devenyi's office said his weight was relatively close to Friday's assessment (he was 26 lbs 1 oz), but the height was way different. They had him at 39.75" - I doubt he grew four inches over the weekend, but I wonder which one is right and which one is wrong. Dr. Devenyi said that this put him in the 85th to 90th percentile for height. (So we just discovered he's tall!) They are going to keep him on the prevacid through the winter - especially since he has reactive airway disorder - and they'll see him back in six months to see how he's doing.
Dr. Devenyi scared me, though, in listening to his breathing, he said his right lung sounds wheezy and 'crackly.' He asked me if he had pneumonia. No! Then he said that he should be seen by the pediatrician again within a week to make sure that his lungs sound okay. I called immediately, and we're going back in tomorrow. Why wait a week? Please pray for the Bean!
Joshua is so adorable and has said some pretty funny things lately. While I can't write about all of them, here are a few that amused us this weekend. He loves to snuggle with us in bed (ugh) which we've tried to put an end to but allowed on his birthday. So, when Shawn put him to bed Sunday night, we came back up and found him all cozied in between our pillows waiting for us. Silly Bean!
On Sunday morning, Daddy went to get a shower while I was feeding the baby. Normally, Joshua excitedly follows to watch Daddy put in his shampoo (which Joshua mimicks to the T, rubbing his hands together first and then wildly thrusting it through his hair). However, on Sunday, Shawn showered alone. When Caleb was finished on one side, I decided to go look for the Bean, and oh, did I find him. He had gotten his stool out of his bedroom, taken it into the office, climbed up to the desk and gotten my camera that we had taken pictures with all weekend. He was happily snapping away! I scolded him for having the camera, but I didn't realize he had taken pictures until I downloaded other ones today. There were a ton from this little guy, and the above picture is a demonstration of the quality we got. Notice not only his finger, but he was caught red-handed by his hair peaking through the top of the photo. He wasn't doing one of his favorite activities because he took the opportunity to do something he would normally not be allowed to do - he is really testing our boundaries right now. But, he knew the second I walked in the door to put down the camera. Oh, my little boy! Sometimes you just have to laugh; others, you just have to walk him to the time-out mat. :) :) :)
Go Skins!
