What we've been up to, lately.

So, what have we been doing lately? Well, Joshie boy is finally standing up on his own and started doing so in his bed. We found him like this one day... 

so, we moved his bed down, and now I find him like this...

We've also been playing outside A LOT. The weather has been B-E-A-utiful lately, and with all the kids on our street coming out to play everyday, too, we can't pass up the opportunity to play outside AND with lots of kids. Brooklyn is pulling Joshie and his little girlfriend Lydia (from across the street) in our little wagon.

Brooklyn has also taken upon herself to learn to become a mom, too. She has asked me several times if she can feed Joshie. So, once in a while, I let her... and she's a natural - she even opens her mouth as Joshua opens his mouth. Maybe I'll let her take on a few more baby caring chores. She has also asked if she could change Joshie's diapers... but I think I'll keep doing that one for now. :)

Also, Joshie has learned his first sign.

Happy Birthday Joshua!

It is so hard to accept that it has been a year since my little 3 1/2 lb preemie baby boy was born. It was a snowy evening (rare in these parts of the country), and I was being rushed to the hospital in full-blown labor by my nervous husband in our brand new car. All I could think was, "I hope my water doesn't break, or worse actually have this baby, in the car so I don't ruin our leather seats in our brand spankin' new car." (I know, I know, where are my priorities.) Luckily we made it in time and he was born at 7pm on February 12th, 2010. He even cried for us a bit. Despite being a healthy 29 week preemie, he still needed lots of time in the hospital to develop, grow, get stronger and learn to eat. It was two months before he could finally come home. After that our lives became somewhat more familiar to that of a new mom's, and for the next 8 months, we enjoyed watching Joshua Emmitt grow into a big 18 lb 1-year old. We couldn't avoid the inevitable bumps in the road (as with most preemies that young), but those bumps were/are just that... bumps. Joshua is continuing to grow and develop (at his own pace, of course) and we are so proud of how far he has come in his first year of life, and are excited to witness his many accomplishments to come. His name has truly defined him this past year... strength. We love you Joshie-boy!

Here are some more pics and a video of him celebrating his birthday. Unfortunately, I was really sick with the flu on his actual birthday, so we celebrated it the next day when I felt better and could actually participate in the birthday fun.

I know this is kinda long, but it might be worth it to some of y'all out there. :)

Josh really loved his balloons.

Josh opening some presents. Okay... so Daddy and Brooklyn really opened his presents,

but Josh was there, at least.

Josh got LOTS of little cars to play with. He loves pretty much anything with wheels that go. He also got some new jammies, some more play clothes, a drum, a puzzle and a book. He was very happy with all his presents, but I think Brooklyn has enjoyed Josh's presents more than he has, so far.

You are my sunshine

My little sunshine and her sweet little voice. She LOVES singing and sings all the time. She picks up and sings all the songs we love to sing to her, like this one (see video), and some she's learned at her gym classes. She will even make up her own songs. Her favorite things to make up songs about are: Joshy-boy, family, and all her favorite foods.

It's not just cats and dogs...

Apparently babies like to soak in the sun from the windows just like cats and dogs.