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!
Joshua had a great time! His cold symptoms didn't seem to bother him one bit - he played and played with his family and friends. All the kids were running and climbing and jumping and having a blast! We arrived first, and Julie & Dan, along with their kiddos Jude & Kate arrived next. Joshua immediately tried to get Julie into the action by putting a hoola-hoop on her. She returned the favor. :)
Walking in the door with them was Kristen & her son Elliott. Julie, Kristen & I worked together at Masterpiece Marketing. Our boys are all close in age, and they had two daughters that are near the age of Caleb.
Next Jasmine & Austin arrived! Jasmine is on the worship team at LHOP, and Austin was born a month after Joshua. We sit with them in the back of the church and the boys share their snacks and toys with each other. 
This small group started off by playing basketball.
Next arrived Brian, Gayle, Grant & Jenavieve followed closely by my sister Jen, Mike, Grace, Faith, Emma & Daniel along with my Mom. Grandma Good came right around there, and so did my sister Becky. Shortly thereafter was our family friend Mary & her son Brayden followed by Nonie & Poppy, Aunt Alicia & Jordon, and my friend Suzanne. I don't think I missed anyone! The Gymboree folks were thrilled that everyone was on time and remembered their socks!
Nonie & Poppy held Caleb and got him to sleep, which let me have a great time taking photos and enjoying the guests and kiddos! Grandma & Aunt Alicia also took turns holding our little love bug.
The first game was the circle game. Joshua didn't want to join in because he was having so much fun climbing on the equipment and saying "hi" to everyone!
The babies hung out in the "barn" - the theme for the day was 'Barnyard Friends.' For the most part, though, the kids just played and had fun. Here are some action shots...
The next organized event was the log roll. Joshua watched a few times before climbing on...
He LOVED all the stuff to play on at Gymboree. And everytime they announced that the party was for him, he lit up, grinned from ear-to-ear and clapped heartily.
They asked for everyone to find a duck and bring it back to the pond. The kids started looking all over the room for the little ducks.
Next they put things together to make a long tube. Here comes Brayden!
After awhile, it was parachute time! They sing and play on top of and under the parachute.
They sang to Joshua & got out the bubbles - a favorite Gymboree treat. Those bubbles were fantastic and didn't easily pop, allowing all the kids to enjoy them.
After parachute & bubble time, it was time to eat cake and sing happy birthday! The children got to sit in their own little seats and wear hats. It was adorable.
When they came out, they sang "Old MacDonald Had a Farm" with maracas. I think 99% of the kids really enjoyed those little noise makers!
Enjoy the video! Great is HIS faithfulness in the life of our son!
Once we landed (early) at Fort Myers, I changed the boys diapers and they were already calling our names to grab our luggage since the airport is small and the flight was light. Grandma & Grandpa were waiting there and Joshua ran right up to them. He started saying "Grandpa" and "Erica" this trip (in fact, riding home last night, he kept saying "bye-bye, Auntie...bye-bye, Erica" in a sad little voice. And this morning he asked me about Grandma when we got in the car since she sat next to him in the van much of the trip). Our first stop was lunch - we were starving! We went straight to Harpoon Harry's, which looked right out onto the water. It was BEAUTIFUL! The food and company were also a nice treat. :)
From there, we went back to the hotel to settle in. The room was PERFECT! We had two large firm beds with lots of fluffy pillows, a microwave and fridge, a 32" TV (not that we ever watched it), a nice comfortable chair and lots of space to spread out. There were waters in the fridge and diapers on the desk waiting for us. Shawn's parents were VERY thoughtful. We didn't need a thing. Even breakfast was served daily next door to us with a delicious spread. We didn't take advantage of the pool or exercise room, though. No time! (And let's be honest, no energy!)
The bathrooms had granite countertops, too. The first thing Joshua did when we got to the room? He jumped into the tub! Our bathtub is too deep for him to be able to crawl into, but this was the perfect size. The poor kid never did get a bath down there, though, because we were spent 'til we got back to the room each night.
That first night we tried naps with no success, so we called and the mini-van "limo" driver came back to pick us up and take us to see their new house, which was absolutely beautiful. I loved the open floor plan and the lanai with the pool. I can't believe we didn't get any real pictures of it. I wasn't quick with the camera this vacation, though. Most of these shots were taken by the Ginders or Shawn. The first night we had delicious sandwiches and snacks for supper and enjoyed swimming. Joshua, who previously this year hadn't liked getting into pools, got right in with no fear. He was a regular old fish, going from person to person and asking about the "turtle" or "quack quack" (you can see it in the picture below).
After watching a little video with Grandpa and enjoying some dessert, we headed back to crash in the hotel. We started out Daddy & Mommy in one bed, Caleb in the crib, and Joshua in the other bed. Soon, with Caleb waking up often, it became Mommy & Caleb in one bed and Joshua & Daddy in the other. It was a great first day!
On Saturday morning, after eating breakfast at the hotel we called for our escort service. :) From there we headed to Gasparilla Island to look at how the "other half" lives in their waterfront estates. We got out on the beach there to see where the fresh water meets the ocean saltwater. It was just beautiful. You couldn't have asked for nicer weater. 
Shawn found his first ever seashell there. I couldn't believe all the conch shells just laying around!
From there we headed to see Erica's work and then we went out to lunch at Sugar & Spice in Sarasota. It's good ol' mennonite cooking (delicious!) with amazing meadow tea. On the way home, we looked at more mansions at Casey Key. These gi-normous houses were right on the gulf, with the beach right in their backyard. Shawn & I looked up Michael Sanders real estate, and the first house we saw was over $18 million, to give you an idea of the type of homes.
I rode back to the house with Erica and got to see her neat little white car. From there more swimming was in order and then it was soon time to head back to the hotel. Grandma & Grandpa prayed that we'd get more sleep since the night before had been a little rough. This time, Daddy & Mommy stayed in the same bed all night and Joshua slept like a log in his bed (waking up only once to say 'hi' to me and make sure Daddy was still there). Caleb didn't wake up. It was 4 am and he still hadn't gotten up to eat. So, I let him go. At 5 am, I couldn't take it any more, so I woke him up. He ate a little and fell back to sleep. We slept in until 8 am that morning. I couldn't believe it! It was sooo refreshing!
Day two was also a lot of fun, and we couldn't believe our vacation was half way through already!
Joshua even made a little friend while we were playing in the park...
Grandma & I stayed cool by sitting in the shade with Caleb, who we tried hard to keep out of the sun. Joshua was lathered in sunscreen, and Caleb sat in the stroller.
Meanwhile Joshua was giggling with delight on all the slides...
And, there was fun to be had on the see-saw!
Grandpa spotted parakeets living in the wild in these trees. (All I spotted were ants & dragon flies!)
Grandma & Grandpa enjoyed seeing Joshua play.
Next, we headed to the sea shell factory, where there were also fun things to do. Grandma sat in the "Garden of Eden" with all the stuffed animal "wildlife." There was even an elephant's head!
When I found them, they were playing games. Joshua won a car with all his tickets that he just loves!
Outside he got to feed super huge fish and a plethora of sea turtles. It was really neat!
Grandma cooked us an amazing supper that night, which included delicious fresh Florida fruit...strawberries, watermelon, peaches, canteloupe, grapes, etc. YUM!
We watched as people continued to fish and others spotted dolphins and manatees. We also got some neat pictures.
That night, the Ginder family dropped us off at the room and played with the kiddos (swimming had been done earlier in the day before dinner). Caleb cooed and smiled at Grandma & Grandpa.
Now, I must quit blogging and go pack for my little construction worker (who insists on wearing this hat backwards) and my little C-Love (as Shawn calls Caleb).
We were absolutely soaked on the way there. It poured and poured and stormed yesterday morning. Joshua was wearing his froggy rain coat, and kept telling me he was "all wet" and asking for a towel. Then when we passed a farm near my mom's house, he asked "where moo cows?" because they weren't out in the rain. I was impressed that he knew they were typically there and weren't on this particular morning.
Caleb often goes through multiple outfits in a day (enough said!). I constantly change his diaper, but he still manages to get me neaerly daily. Last week, we had been in five different outfits before Daddy came home from work. I'm becoming a laundry machine!
Each day I see Caleb getting stronger. He doesn't like to lay down as much as he likes to be propped looking around. He loves the swing and the bouncy seat now that it's more upright, and he loves to be held close. But, he'll push up on his arms when he's near your chest to try and look at your face...we are impressed by how strong he is already!
He's also adorable. I used to think he looked exactly like Joshua, but each day his looks change more and more to become his own little person. He has huge blue eyes, and I love his little cheeks.
Most of all, we're enjoying the dynamic he brings to our family. We talk about the "boys" now and how much Joshua enjoys his brother already. We also are thrilled with how easygoing Caleb is. He rarely cries and is usually pretty content just to be held. The other night he went six hours in between feedings! I'm going to check with the pediatrician to make sure that's okay. But, I really needed the sleep, so I was so glad. 
This past Friday night, we put him in his crib in the nursery for the first time. I'm happy to say that he hasn't slept in his pack 'n play in our room since. This transition was probably harder for me than for him since I now have to walk to go get him when he's hungry, but it's better for all of us, including Daddy, me and Caleb. Saturday night when Caleb cried as I was changing his diaper, Joshua tiptoed over to the nursery to make sure everything was okay. I jumped a mile! He said, "Baby okay?" I replied "yes" and that he should go back to bed. I scooped him up and he said 'night night...see you morning!' and that was it. I love my two boys!
Happy two-month birthday, Caleb! We're glad God blessed us with you!
We were one of the first ones to arrive and sat next to Brenda, who organized the event, at the bar. The place was pretty well empty, and we ordered our food and diet sodas. Pretty soon Duane Thomas showed up. He said that he and his wife just found out they are expecting their first child. Not long thereafter, Kevin Hershey and Neal Rice entered. Kevin now lives in NY, working for...I think it was IBM? Neal just got back to Lancaster three weeks ago after serving in the military in Iraq. Soon Kirsten Backhouse and her husband came. She's working for her dad in his restaurant and bar. More folks trickled in the hour or so we were there, but no one else I really "knew." I was the only one with children so far out of the people there; most of them weren't even married yet. That sort of made sense for the venue. And, I think the weather helped make for a very small turnout, which disappointed Brenda after she put a lot of work into trying to organize it. Either way, I enjoyed time out with my husband and getting to see the folks who did show up. But, after an hour and a half, it was time to go rescue my mom (who didn't really need rescuing by sounds) and feed Caleb who was sucking fiercely on his hands when we arrived. Congrats, CV Class of '98!
her parents Jim & Julie Waldron (who I just love and have looked up to since I was young) 
and her twin sister Jess & her husband Tim and their three girls. Jess is having her fourth child, a son, this coming Friday. 
While we were at the game, we dropped Joshua off to play with Emma at Grandma's house. He had much more fun that way than walking through the crowds or trying to sit still on the bleachers. Caleb, on the other hand, was an angel as I wore him in the snuggli. So, last night was his first ever football game! 
We had a fun time catching up before leaving at half-time since it was time for Caleb to eat. I can't believe it's been 10 years since I graduated! It doesn't feel like it's been that long, but everyone there did seem really young to me. So, I guess I'm getting old.
Caleb 9/4/08 (almost two months)
Joshua 2/9/07 (almost five months)
We were supposed to have a "Petting Zoo & Picnic at the Park" today with the Moms Club of Manheim Township. However, when we got to Long's Park, the petting zoo was closed for the season. I guess they had scheduled the event months ago and it got rained out, so they postponed it until today. We didn't mind! The kids just played on the nearby playground.
