Meeting More Family

I think that "meeting family" is going to be an ongoing blog topic for us. Jonathan said the other day, "I feel like we're a museum or something." As in a Josiah museum. But we're happy to be that. Maybe we should start charging an entry fee or something...all proceeds would go to funding his education.

Anyways, on Sunday my parents, my cousin Ryan and his wife/my good friend Susan came over from Atlanta. We went to church together and then just hung out with Josiah. Mom even brought over a meal for us, and they all helped us out by doing some things around the house. What a blessing! Here are some pictures:

The star of the show

With Ryan

It was a sweet moment introducing them to Josiah. Susan cried, then Mom cried, then I got weepy-eyed. Then Josiah cried because he was starving (or maybe I misread his cues, maybe he was emotional as well).

This picture is hysterical because Josiah had just let a loud movement rip into his diaper. Ryan was surprised/impressed, and Josiah looks like he's getting a good laugh out of it.

Hmmm... they sure look cute holding a baby. No pressure though.

Josiah also got to meet part of Jonathan's side of the family. Great Uncle Jim stopped by to meet him as well. They live in Birmingham, but he hasn't had a chance to meet the little guy yet. Uncle Jim is a stitch. He told me to tell Jonathan that he likes to think of Josiah's birth as "as close to immaculate conception as possible." Uncle Jim really likes to rag on his nephew.

Hanging with GP

And playing with Mimi

Hey Nat, recognize those overalls? He looked super-cute in them, ready to be a country boy and pick some butter beans.

One Month Old

I can't believe it's been a month since Josiah was born. It all seems like a blur; our lives have changed so much! I keep telling people I feel like I missed September.

Josiah had his one month check-up today. He weighed in at 11 lbs. 4 oz.! Whoa!
His height hasn't changed, in fact they measured him shorter than his birth length of 23 inches. Probably they measured him a little long at birth. He did have to get a shot today, too. :(

Swing Time

As I put Josiah in the swing, I noticed that his outfit color coordinated perfectly with it. Wow...

The jury is still out as to whether he likes his swing or not. He tolerates it, but doesn't seem amused necessarily. After a few minutes he fusses. Maybe once he gets older, he'll like it.

Unrelated, I was thinking about posting Josiah's birth story. Would that be too much information for everybody, or would you like to hear it (given of course, that he naps more than five minutes for me to type it up)?

Also, the smiling entry was from Jonathan. Josiah smiled at him - isn't that cute?

I Found My Bellybutton!

Both sets of grandmothers really wanted Josiah's umbilical cord to fall off, and I really didn't know what the big deal was. But yesterday is fell off, and I can see why they were persistent. His bellybutton is so cute!

First Smiles

The smiling started today. We saw about three responsive, happy smiles. (And I have to brag and say I think I got the first good one when he woke up this morning.)
For the first three weeks of his life, we got nothing but inquisitive stares. Initially I think he was very disappointed by the parents he got assigned to, but thankfully he's coming around now.

Another Josiah Photo Shoot

Mom being in town also meant that my hands are free to take some pictures of Josiah. It's like I'm in a constant battle to accurately portray his cuteness. Enjoy!

During a sneeze...I just thought it was funny.

Jonathan got a little jealous that I only take pictures of Josiah...

Just the Three of Us

My mom was in town for the day, so I seized the opportunity to get her to take some family shots of us. I really wanted to replace that one of us in the blog margin.

Three-Week Observations

Josiah is three weeks old today! It's hard to believe it's only been three weeks. We've had a lot of changes in a little bit of time. Here are a few fun facts that we've observed about Josiah.

• His hair is light brown and seems to get lighter each day.
• He has dark, dark eyes like his daddy, but when he was born they had a dark blue tint.
• He makes the cutest noise right after he sneezes. Achoo Achoo Ahhh. It still cracks us up even though we've heard it so often.
• His neck, legs and arms seem incredibly strong for a baby. He throws his head back often, and it's sometimes hard to dress and change him because his legs and arms are so strong. Hard to believe I can't overpower a baby, but he puts up quite a fight!
• He sleeps really well in his car seat, although he doesn't like the process of getting in it.
• He hates his baths so far.
  
• He loves lights. His eyes are caught by every window and overhead light. He gets a really fascinated look on his face when he sees them. "Wow..." he seems to say.
  
• He loves to hang out with his daddy. Sometimes he eats his nose, and daddy's loves to "mess with him."
• He's taken to nursing really well, but sometimes he gets confused and tries to eat his hand.
  

Tar Heel in the Making

Before we left the hospital, they take an official hospital portrait. The lady who did it has a magic touch for making infants stop crying and look at the camera. We liked this one in particular. At 23 inches at birth, we think he's already at an advantage for playing Carolina basketball. I mean I think he's already palming that ball. And holding it against his head like that is very resourceful until he can stand upright and dribble.

The one below, I like to call Josiah's first mug shot. He's awful cute in it, but hopefully it'll be his last line-up portrait.

Growing Boy

Josiah had his two-week pediatrician appointment yesterday. He had gained 9 oz. since his last appointment, which totals 11 oz. since he was born. Whoa! Praise God for this healthy boy!

Hey Handsome...

Here are some pictures of Josiah's first photo shoot. I can't decide which one I like best. What do you guys think?

Meeting More Great-Grands

Josiah met his great-grandparents on his Moseley side on Saturday. He was fussy until they arrived and then was an angel for their visit. Great Aunt Joyce made the trip up from Montgomery with them too.

Thanks Mimi!

My mom left yesterday after staying with us for a few days. She pampered us to the max by feeding us huge meals, doing laundry, cleaning and helping me go to Josiah's first pediatrician appointment. When she left, it was one of the first times I've cried after one of her visits. I think I must understand now how it feels for a mom to leave her baby. Thanks for everything, Mom!

Meeting Family

Josiah met his great-granddaddy Olive and his great Aunt Lois yesterday. Mama Jo had gotten to see him in the hospital, but she actually got to hold him this time.

Hanging with the Boys

Jonathan declared boy time on the rug yesterday, so mommy took pictures instead.
Josiah's wearing the hat because we had just tortured him with his first bath.

We Passed the Test!

We're free!

Heading home

We're so glad you're here, Josiah.

Well, I must say that Saturday night was probably the worst slumber party I've ever been to. While we were pleased to finally be spending the night with Josiah, we had more company at this sleepover party than we would have liked. We know it was all in our son's best interest, but it made the illustrious first night with baby rather complicated.

Here's our report card for that first night:

• Billirubin levels decrease or stay the same PASSED
• Allow nurses to take vitals every time you want to do a feeding PASSED
• Keep Jonathan from hitting anything or anybody PASSED (barely)
• Having Josiah gain or maintain weight PASSED
• Patience level of both parents FAILED
  
• Measure every feeding, including required supplementation, and record every diaper COMPLETED
  
• Have Josiah monitored throughout the night CHEATED (a little)
• Get Josiah's circumcision PASSED (although Josiah tried to fight against the painful procedure by peeing on the doctor)
  

But he is home with us! No more complaining, we are simply rejoicing in all the fussiness and poopy diapers right now.

Slumber Party at the Hospital

Woohoo! Everything looks like it is on track for us to bring Josiah home tomorrow. Tonight we get to spend the night with him, all by ourselves, in a family room at the hospital. A nurse will come in every four hours to take his vitals, but other that we're pretty much on our own with him. The only thing that would really prevent us from coming home tomorrow is if his billirubin levels go up tomorrow or if something should change with his vitals - pray none of this happens!

I got to breastfeed him today, and he took to it like a champ. It was kind of unbelievable - I'm definitely attributing this to all your prayers! Of course the lactation consultant was right there coaching us, so I'm sure every feeding won't be quite this easy, but it was still a very encouraging start.

The blog posts will probably slow down from here as we enter this "real world" parenting. Thanks for all your prayers and support!

More Pictures from the NICU

Yesterday was such an exciting day. Josiah's tubes came out, he received his first bottle, and he got transferred to crib and big boy clothes. These are from the afternoon visit when he was really alert and fun.

They just took out my feeding tube through my nose, and it hurt!

His first bottle