Dear Joseph

My dear baby butterball, 

it has been a long time since I have documented you and your incredible growth. I don't have much extra time because besides being busy with a lot of different things I spend every spare moment I can feeding you, rocking you, tickling you, and kissing you. You are such a big boy and not just physically, you just seem so old to me. In February you started reaching for things.

(February 12, 2011)

(February 14, 2011) 

Kinda looks like you are saying a prayer

You grab and hold things

(February 14, 2011)

(February 16, 2011)

We started feeding you solid food a little earlier than normal for a couple of reasons. You don't seem to like bottles. You act like they aren't going fast enough, but when we use an older sized nipple you act like it is drowning you. Also, in trying to get rid of your red cheeks I switched you from formula to goats milk. You cheeks stayed red, but you stopped spitting up, which is nice. So, so nice.

(February 24, 2011)

It only took a couple feedings before you were pretty much a pro at eating and loving it so much. You don't like fruit, it makes you shudder.  But you love sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and green beans. In that order.

(March 6, 2011)

I keep trying different things for those poor red cheeks.

(March 10, 2011)

While we were in Utah your uncle Erik suggested a cortizone cream and that did the trick.

You were such a good baby on the trip. You didn't sleep the best at night, but you were so happy on the car trip up and one the way back you were good, but getting tired of it by the end. It became harder to keep you happy. For the next couple of days if I would put you in the car seat you would arch your back and cry.

(March 19, 2011)

I started putting you on the potty when I can tell you are going to the bathroom. It is pretty funny to see you on the potty.

(March 25, 2011)

You are such a happy guy. You love for people to talk to you, you usually always respond with a smile.

You still don't sleep though the night. You are just a hungry boy. I put you down at 7 and you wake between 10 and 11, 1 and 2, and 3 and 4 to eat. 

You are such a fun kid. I am glad you are mine.

Love, Mom

Systematic play

Gracie still loves to line her toys uo. I had to come see what she was up to when I heard her singing something about Gaston (form Beauty and the Beast).

I am so excited about the fisher price garage I found. It is exactly like the one I played with when I was little, only it is in better condition.

And ours didn't come with Sesame Street people. I spent more on this that I would have liked, but I am so nostalgic. 

The kids love playing with it. I plan on putting it away so I can give it to Joseph for his first birthday. We will see if that happens.

Our entertainment

This is what happens when you have no neck, it all squishes to the back.

And the pictures mean we can be entertained over and over again.

We like to eat outside.

Joseph just like to eat. Solid food that is. He doesn't really like bottles. He tolerates them best when he is half asleep.

These were taken a few weeks ago. His cheeks are cleared up now!

William decided to dip his face in the pool.

We had pesto pizza with caterpillars.

And I had the view of this cute baby back fat.

It took Gracie forever to finish her food. She is so easily distracted. She eats best in front of a movie.

We can not get enough of this boy!

He sure likes his solid food.

Here is to more days of eating outside and hopefully cleaning our yard up a bit. It is such a beast!

Double Dare

A few weeks ago it had been warm outside and the kids wanted to get in the pool.

Russ told William he would give him 3 dollars if he jumped in off the diving board.

He would start and then stop cause he was too scared.

But he did it and Daddy was waiting with a warm towel.

We are all very excited for swimming weather to come.

Large and in charge

This is Joseph with his cousin Sam. Gracie is in there too.

Sam is 5 months older than Joseph.

And if you stretch Josephs frog legs out they are  really close to the same size.

Pretty crazy. Crazy cute!

Found

I found a cute vintage dress and Gracie found out how to pose.

I blame dance.

All my kids looked so cute so I thought it would be a good idea to take a picture.

Not quite what I was going for.

William started looking a little tired and Joseph started looking a little uncomfortable.

So we had them sit down and let Gracie have a turn Joseph.

William was not happy about that and neither was Joseph.

But don't worry, before too long all smiles were found.

An afternoon stroll

When I need to make a phone call this is my solution. Happy entertained kids and a little excersize for me.

We love our Taylor Tots stroller so much. It drives better than any stroller I have used and the kids love pushing each other around in it. If you get the chance to buy one, I say do it.

When daddy lays down

They all love it.

Plus how cute is Joseph in a hat?