One of the reasons my blogging has been a little slower lately is because we have had a full house recently. Last week we got back from North Carolina and started babysitting a friend's two-month-old cutie girl, Alexis. It's just Monday-Friday, from 8ish-1:30ish. It's been an adjustment for all of us. I'm getting back into baby mode - it's a little like riding a bike, I guess - trying to remember all the little tricks and quirks of babies. And I'm figuring out how to care for a baby and toddler simultaneously! I have a renewed respect for all mothers of more than one child. I've been relying on a the sling a lot so we can get outside. I'm also essentially learning how to manage bottles - I never got much practice in that!
Josiah has had a harder time adjusting, but by the end of this week he was doing much better. When Brittnie first dropped off Alexis, I picked her up and Josiah ran to me, asked for "up" and then said "back, back." As in "put the baby back." He's had a few meltdowns, but he's learning how to share his Mama and entertain himself.
(I stole this pic from her mom. Isn't she precious? I just haven't had a time to snap any pictures of her yet.)
Yesterday, our friend Lisa needed help with childcare, so we also watched Silas for the morning, who is a few months younger than Josiah. I think Josiah enjoyed the company. I was anticipating toy-sharing battles, but they did really well. It was a challenge watching three, but God was gracious and everyone did well!
How cute is this?
They both climbed into the chairs on their own and just played together. I had them both in their high chairs for lunch and they'd just "talk" to each other, mimicking each others' baby talk.
Silas isn't walking yet, and we hoped that Josiah will be a positive influence for him in this. Quite the opposite - Josiah starting crawling around to be like Silas. I almost got it on camera in the pic below.
Sharing the push toy. Which Josiah hasn't been interested in in months until someone else used it!
But you can only hold back a little boy from destruction for so long
Taking out the M first
What he's really trying to communicate is "I love you, Aunt Amy. I hope you have a very happy birthday. And please kiss my cousin Caleb for me."
Don't be offended. If he knew how to spell, he'd reconstruct these in a jiff.
We all hope you have a great birthday!
Josiah is starting to warm up to Alexis. He still gets fussy when she's upset and gets a little needy sometimes, but he's starting to help more with her and play more independently when I need to care for her.
Giving her a snuggle
Helping rock her in the seat
Even giving a kiss! Don't tell her Daddy the boys are kissing on her already! Josiah always makes a "mmm" kissing noise when I tell him to hug or kiss someone. He makes the same noise when I tell him to be sweet to the baby.
I would say he made her smile, but it's actually the smiley sun above her head. But he's smiling at her.
Our small group has started alternating Bible study with serving dinner to anyone who is hungry at a local park. Frank and Bekah do a pizza dinner there on Mondays, so they spread the word among the friends they'd already made. We've had a great group each week, and we've gotten to stay longer now that it's getting warmer and the sun's up later.
I love taking Josiah to hang out with our "park friends." He has a little route he does all over the park. Chip, the man in these pictures, loves following Josiah as he trots around to his normal spots.
I love that Josiah gets to hang out people who are from a different background. Having a kid around always brings some fun and smiles.
Allison took him to sniff the flowers.
And then to hand out fist bumps to the whole group.
Frank and Bekah brought their dog Jesse. Josiah, of course, loved him from a distance, but wasn't so thrilled when he got close.
That day was Detroit's birthday, so we brought him cupcakes with a candle too.
Reading the funnies.
Mom and Dad
Aunt Anna with her newest nephew
Grandparents again!
(I stole this pic from her mom. Isn't she precious? I just haven't had a time to snap any pictures of her yet.)
They both climbed into the chairs on their own and just played together. I had them both in their high chairs for lunch and they'd just "talk" to each other, mimicking each others' baby talk.
Sharing the push toy. Which Josiah hasn't been interested in in months until someone else used it!
Crazy slide hair
And the big slide. He looks so proud of himself.
Did you see me Mama?
He actually got a little flushed from running around. I should have put him in shorts instead of jeans!
These require lots of concentration.
"Why did you interrupt me? I'm busy here."
Attempting to paint with a curious toddler around is a bad idea. Definitely a nap-time project.
I painted them the same color as our nursery. Getting better already.
I made several trips to Hobby Lobby to pick out scrapbook paper. I cut it down to smaller squares, so it would look more quilt-like. I agonized over the paper choices and spacing and colors. I even emailed my friend Laura for approval. I then used Modge Podge to adhere the squares. It was my first time using this magical product, so I was a little nervous. It was easy to use though.
It's in his room now, and he LOVES it. He's always going to it and sitting down. He loves pointing out the balls and trucks and stars and cars on the table.
By the way, Modge Podge needs a good 24 hours to dry completely. I nearly adhered that abacus to the table! I'm thinking about adding some light blue highlights to the chairs to make them stand out from the wall. We'll see...
