Visitors and settling in...

It has been a great first week for us. Both my sisters came into town for vacation so we had a lot of commotion for most of the week. It's been an adjustment and I can't imagine what I'll do when Corey goes back to work. Joe sleeps pretty well-as well as a newborn can sleep. But I've been taking naps when Libby naps and that helps! We even managed to get ourselves up and ready for church-it was nice to wear something besides sweats!Our second family photo-we have cute kids despite Joe's face in this one!

We've had some other visitors as well. My grandma Ellie and Aunt Carole (and cousin Christina) came by to meet Joe. It was wonderful to see all of them and for Joe to be held by his great grandma. Libby also enjoyed the visit-she is such a ham in front of company.

Great-grandma Ellie holding baby Joe

Aunt Carole holding Joe

Ashley Iliff brought by some awesome food (thank you Ash!) and got to meet our little man-which is great since the Iliffs are moving soon! Our friends the Burdettes dropped by as well and Eva wasn't too jealous of her mommy holding baby Joe. There has been a general outpouring of generosity from family, friends and neighbors (some great baked goods from 2 neighbors!). SO thanks to everyone!

Casey and Sami hanging out on the blanket while Libby, Claire and Kerri "swim" in the pool. Sami was not having the water-I'm sure she'll warm up to it eventually!

I just love this picture of mom and Libby-she loves her Gamma!

Home again

Daddy and his babies. Corey and Joe have had some time to bond-although he has been spending some Q-time with Libby!

Our first family photo. Do you see the family resemblance??

We arrived home yesterday afternoon and it is a good feeling. Corey and I both missed Libby like crazy and we were tired of attempting to sleep amidst the buzz of the hospital. We were greeted at our house by Libby and Casey, Claire and Sami. We are lucky to have such great family support!

We took some time to get everything in its place - I'm sure I did more than I was supposed to - and now we are getting down to the business of being a family of 4. Joe is adjusting well. He slept good for a newborn and Corey and I have both found time to nap. Libby is adjusting well too. When Joe and I came downstairs this morning I was greeted by "Mommy...Baby!" She was so happy to see us both. I know she's going to be a great big sister.

We are settling in and it's amazing. We are so blessed to have 2 happy and healthy kids. Here are me and Joe before leaving the hospital. He is rarely awake, so this pic of his baby blues is priceless.

SAY CHEESE

It has been a long couple of days, but Joe is definitely worth it. We have been enjoying his company since yesterday afternoon when the NICU decided they could part with him. Libby has been staying with her MeMe and Pappy, but they have been good enough to bring her on visits to see us and Joe. Her first visit with Joe in the room was priceless. She was enthralled with the baby and wanted to hold him. She also wanted to see his feet, so we took off his sock. Libby then decided to play "High Five" with Joe's foot. It was ADORABLE. Next she took the removed sock and asked if she could wash his face. She ever-so-gently wiped off his face and her face and mommy's face with the little sock.

I can't really explain how blessed we are with these two kids.

WELCOME JOE!

Well he is HERE! Joseph Carter Bozic was born at 9:43 a.m. He weighs 6 pounds 8 ounces and is 19 inches long. Since he is 4 weeks early they are keeping him in the NICU overnight, but he's doing just great!

Our family expansion

Well today is the last day that we are a family of three. It's so strange to know that tomorrow Joe is going to be welcomed into the world. Our lives changed forever with the addition of Libby and I can only imagine what Joe will bring to the table.

The amnio went really well today. It wasn't as scary as I thought-although I didn't actually open my eyes at any point. And the results came back that his lungs are mature. So tomorrow around 11:00 he'll be born. And we'll be a family of four!

Joe's Debut is SOON

I went to the doctor yesterday for my 36 week visit. They did an ultrasound and Joe measured 7 pounds 3 ounces. He's a moose! We also scheduled my amnio for Thursday morning (please pray for me) and tentatively scheduled my C-section for Friday. If for some reason the amnio says we should wait, then Joe will be born Wednesday June 25. Either way he'll be here soon and we are SUPER excited.

An update on us

We are all still alive despite my lack of blogging. Last weekend, Casey and the girls came up for a visit, and it was so much fun. We set up a pool for Libby and she LOVED it. She is a water baby which is great, but she never wants to get out! The girls had so much fun playing-Claire is great with them, but by the end, everyone was pretty tuckered out.


Sami didn't last long in the swing-she fell asleep in the most UNCOMFORTABLE looking position I've ever seen, but she slept like that for 45 minutes.

Claire got tired too and put Sami to sleep with her. They are cuddled up in Joe's room.

Libby was having a great day-she was outside in the water with French Fries. Our daughter LOVES french fries. She knows when you are in the drive-thru and she will repeat "Fwies" until they are in her hands.

Corey set up the pool Mom got for Libby's birthday this week too. Libby has been a bit under the weather, so she hasn't used it a ton, but it's really fun. There is a slide and inflatable toys.

I'm still pregnant-just past my 35th week. I go to the doctor on Monday and we SHOULD have some idea of when Joe will be welcomed into the world.

My first crack at being the mother of 2

Yesterday my sister Casey had to work in Washington PA and Uniontown all day and needed a babysitter. I gladly volunteered my services since I don't get to see Sami and Claire very often (Claire does not need a babysitter as she is 11, but she is a GREAT babysitter helper!). Corey and I welcomed our nieces around 10:30 and the day began great. But man, I was exhausted by the end. Sami wanted to be entertained... Libby wanted food... Sami needed changed... Sami wanted walked around the room... Libby wanted to color... Libby wanted me to hold her and not Sami.

Corey and Claire and mom were all here to help and it was still hectic. And with Joe being only a couple weeks away from arrival, I was a little scared. But I know it's going to be wonderful-hard and long and tiring but wonderful.

I go to the doctor on the 16th and we will schedule an amnio and all my pre-op stuff. He's coming soon! I'll post pics of his room and everything soon.

Libby's love of water

Our Memorial Day took us on a much needed trip to Webster Springs, West Virginia. We visited Corey's Mamaw and Aunt Debbie and Uncle John. Libby is spoiled rotten wherever we go and Webster is no exception. Within an hour of being there, Libby was outside and in the water-her favorite place. Deb and John have a water feature that looks like a stone waterfall. Libby started with JUST her feet in the water, but it didn't take long for her whole self to be soaked. The water was cold, but she didn't notice at all.

It was a really fun weekend. We got to play and visit. There were fireworks (the woodchoppers festival was there too), and lots of sunshine. It was great.

Daddy's drumming star

Libby's newest favorite activity is to play drums with her Daddy. She LOVES to sit on his snare drum and hit the cymbals. It is so cute to see them enjoy something together. I think she has pretty good rythymn even now - so she may be our little drummin' girl.

A busy weekend

Whenever the whole family is in, craziness ensues. This time my wonderful moms threw me a baby shower. It was very small (basically just family) and very wonderful. I promise to post pics as soon as my sister emails them to me. Joe got some great stuff and so did mommy! At the top of my list were PJ's made for nursing moms and my diaper bag from Kerri. It's BEAUTIFUL! All of the gifts were great and needed. It's amazing what you still need after already having one.

On the home front, all is well. I had a doctor's appointment yesterday and Joe is measuring 4 pounds 9 ounces-62 percentile. He is bigger than Libby was when she came home, this is definitely going to be different.

Libby is fabulous. She has highs and lows, but we are learning what terrible twos really mean. Her Pappy taught her to say "I'll be back" and it is TOO cute. She says it so clearly and so matter-of-factly. She's able to express a lot more. She can tell us what she wants and what she doesn't. Unfortunately when I get it wrong it usually ends up with Libby kicking and rolling on the floor (where do they learn this stuff?).

I think the house is finally in it's almost finished for now condition. We've hung pictures and purchased all the furniture we are going to purchase for now. It feels like home. If you want to visit just give a call!

Libby is growing up

It is hard for me to say that Libby is almost 2. The words just don't form well-it has all gone so fast. I always thought people were silly that talked about how one moment their kids were little and the next they were graduating from college. But if these last 2 years are any indication, that is exactly how it happens. Libby is small for her age, but what she lacks in stature she makes up for in personality. She is ALWAYS talking, laughing, playing, throwing a fit (yes the perfect angel throws fits). She now loves to chase Animal around. She feeds herself almost all food products-we even give her a real fork. I'm glad the blog is here to record her life because I'm already starting to forget how old she was when she sat up or held a cup.

In other news, Mothers day was lovely all around. Libby has great taste and got me a blender (I love smoothies) and shoes as well as a gift certificate to get a prenatal massage!! We had a shindig for our moms here at the new house and it was lovely. We love both our moms so much and it was nice to say thank-you for all they've done for us. Once you are a mom, you are a mom forever and that is a lot to get your brain around!

The Transition

This is upstairs On the left is the kitchen and the porch is off the living area.
This is Libby's area and one of the biggest draws to the house. She has room for her mountain of toys!



Well, we have lived here for a week or so now and it is starting to feel like home. The last couple of weeks have definitely been exhausting, but we love our new house. I have some pictures, but not too many-this means that you will HAVE to come and visit to see the rest.



In other news, Libby loves the outdoors-dirt, grass, everything. She likes to dig and play ball and walk with Daddy to the mailbox. She is really growing her vocabulary and it is SO much fun to listen to her. Over the weekend we celebrated her cousin Aubree's 2nd birthday and Libby had a blast. She loved playing with balloons and eating cake. Joe continues to do well. I am 30 weeks pregnant (the most I have ever been!) and feel great.
Aubree eating her cake-she enjoyed every mouthful!

Libby liked her cake too-she even shared a bite with Mommy.

Here are Libby, Aubree and Aubrees other cousing Evalee "sleeping" on a blanket

Libby playing with a balloon and me trying to explain the difference between a ball and a balloon.

Libby in the dirt at Gigi and Pawpaw's house. I'm sure Pawpaw loves that his dirt and mulch is now on the edging, but OH WELL!

The new house

We have moved. And we love our new house. We will post pictures when I get my stuff set up!

The move was exhausting, but we all love the space that we have gained. Libby especially. She gets worn out just exploring all the new areas there are to see. Almost everything feels like home except that there is NOTHING on any of the walls-this will hopefully be remedied by next week. That's all for now, just wanted everyone to know we are still alive.

A fun trip to Charleston etc

Our weekend was jam-packed with family. Corey, Libby, Mom and I drove down to Charleston to celebrate my sister Casey's birthday and to visit everyone. Pretty soon I will be restricted from travel so I wanted to visit my grandparents and Kerri and Casey before then.

Overall we had a nice weekend. Corey got to enjoy the sunshine on the golf course with Will and we sisters got to hang out on Saturday. It was all very laid back. Libby really enjoyed being at my grandparents house too. Grandma taught her how to play cards and got out the baby that I played with as a kid. Libby liked Casey's house too-especially because she got to eat Spaghetti-O's and oreos.

I had a doc's appointment yesterday (my scanner is not letting me scan Joe pics yet) and everything looks good. Joe is already around 2 pounds 12 ounces (which is 10 ounces more than what Libby weighed at birth). He looks like Libby too-at least I think so.


Libby is a great kid, even in the car. We had a 1 hour stop because of an accident on the way to Charleston, but she was really good!
Claire and her rock star sister Sami. They look SO much alike it's scary!
Libby wanting to be part of the rock star family too. She loves Claire and Sami!
Sami playing with her feet while Libby talks on the phone. They played really nicely together!
This was taken at Gigi and Pawpaw's; They got her a wagon for Christmas and she finally got to test it outside. It's quite a workout to pull her around-at least that is what Mom said (I didn't pull much)

Outdoor and Indoor Fun

The lovely weather allowed Libby some outdoor adventures this past week. She hated grass last year, but this year she is tolerating it. She loves being outside, exploring the yard-i.e. trying to eat pine cones and sticks, and helping her Daddy clean stuff up!

The great indoors aren't so bad either now that we are packing to move (more on that later). Corey thought it was funny to let Libby sit on the shelf of our entertainment center - she was carefully watched all of you gasping moms, grandmas etc.

Libby is a great kid. She is talking SO much now. Meme and Pappy had her for one night and now her favorite phrase is "Oh My". It applies to all situations and circumstances. There are a lot of new phrases, some are intelligible and some are not.

New Camera!

Thanks to mom, I got my birthday present early and can continue to record Libby's life with photos. I'm very excited about my new camera, so there may be more posts for awhile-I'm sure everyone will hate seeing more pictures of her.

This is Libby at Gigi and PawPaw's (my mom and dad). She wasn't feeling well yesterday, but she still manages to climb all over everything. (PS Thank you Meme for the adorable outfit!)

This picture is just for Daddy-gotta love a little plumber butt!

Out of commission camera

My camera has been out of commission for a couple weeks, and I forget to update when I don't have pictures. We should have a new camera this afternoon, so new pictures sometime soon.

As for Miss Libby, she surprised us all yesterday. She took a step all by herself. It was only one step and she hasn't done it again, but that's enough for now. She was on the step and just stood up and took a step! I was AMAZED-so was her therapist. I think she was just letting us know that she can do more than we give her credit for.

Joe is also fine. He's a kicker and I think he is reminding me that he is here. We have another ultrasound scheduled in a couple weeks-I'll be 28 weeks (Libby was born at 29). I am moving into uncharted territory and it's great!

This is Joe

So this is Joe. He's 1 pound 7 ounces (Libby was 2lbs 2oz at birth) and healthy. He's extremely active and everyone has decided that he looks like Corey too. They did a 4D ultrasound and that was REALLY cool-the tech said that next time they would look even better.

Everything around the Bozic household is good. Libby continues to expand her vocabulary (now she says "High Five" and "Owl" and her favorite "Whoa"). She's progressing with her motor skills too. Everyday she is standing up more and using the furniture to get around. She's a stubborn and determined little girl and the combination is both encouraging and frustrating-she's so independent that she won't let us help her!

Easter Pigtails

Easter was good for all the Bozic clan. Libby was adorable as usual. Meme captured proof of pigtails, but by the time Libby got to church they were gone. We spent most of the day with my family-and Libby was hilarious. She learned to say Kerri (Kee) and Casey (Kay-See) and she played with Claire (of course). Her favorite thing was Claire's peep stuffed ball-which happened to be as big as she is.

Last week we went to Pittsburgh for an orthopedic appointment. Doctors are always an adventure for us, but he had nothing that new to say. The problems in her knees are due to her knee capsule (tendon in the knee) being tight and we need to continue therapy until surgery is absolutely necessary. It can be discouraging sometimes, but Libby knows how to lift our spirits. The other morning she was playing and she just stood herself up in the middle of the room without holding on to anything. She fell down within seconds, but she is determined. So therapy will continue and so will prayer. Maybe surgery won't be necessary.

I'll post new pics of Joe after our appointment this morning.