3 months old!

Joe is 3 months old today. Here are a few tidbits of his life so far:
He rolled over from belly to back a couple days ago; he likes to swing most of the time. He ALWAYS loves to be walked around ( I don't need an exercise routine as long as he is fussy in the evening-I probably walk a mile around our couches); He smiles a lot and eats well. He sleeps through almost every night from 10-6ish. He wears nine month clothes (16.5 pounds according to our scale) and watches Libby intently whenever she is around. He spits up A TON despite being on medicine for reflux.

Our week was good. My sisters both came in for meetings and Corey and I got to watch Sami a little on Wednesday. She wanted to hold Joe's hand and touch his eyes. But she wanted to follow Libby everywhere. Libby put a pink sticker on her nose and on Sami's and then crawled around the room saying "oink". Sami tried to eat it.

She would do whatever Libby did-too cute! Unfortunately, mom hurt her back so we haven't been able to spend much time over there (Libby gets upset when Gramma can't hold her). But we did go spend the day at MeMe and Pappy's. Libby got to play outside with Pappy and Joe actually got ahold of a toy in his gym. It was a relaxing day! We also spent a little time visiting the Smiths. It was kinda crazy with all four kids, but fun. Elliott was cracking Libby up! Shawna and I got to talk babies and get a break from playing with the toddlers! Addie is too cute.

We go to UPMC on Tuesday, so I'll update when we know more about Libby's legs

Updates

Our trip to Pittsburgh for Libby's MRI was LONG and exhausting. We dropped Joe off to spend the day with his MeMe (thank you) around 9:00 and by 9:30 we were on the road. Libby is great in the car-especially since we let her watch Blue's Clues on the DVD player (thanks Gramma). Last time we went to UPMC we were late because of construction. Of course this time, no construction so we were an hour early. And to make matters worse, Libby peed through her diaper and mommy packed everything but extra clothes (dumb mommy). So we had a pantsless toddler in a waiting room without food or drink (nothing after 11:00 a.m. because she had to be sedated). But as always, Libby was a trooper. Around noon, we went back and got all of her vitals taken. Then we were shipped to the MRI waiting room-luckily Libby was asleep by this time. And then we proceeded to wait for 2 hours. Libby woke up and played-she was less upset about not eating than Corey or I (we were starving by this time because we didn't want to eat in front of her). Around 2:00 they finally took her and Corey back to MRI land (I am not great with needles in my arm, much less hers so I stayed in the waiting room). Around 4:00 they came and got me and took me to her in recovery. She was very groggy and upset-but juice and graham crackers helped. Soon she was back asleep and we were allowed to leave. It was 5:00. So then we dealt with 5:00 traffic - not as bad as it could have been. We stopped at the first exit that we could to eat-a lovely picture of Corey shoving the food in his face. And we got back to MeMe and Pappy's around 7:00. Libby didn't wake up until Morgantown. And then it was like she was a newborn all over again. She had little head control. She fell over easily. I admit we all laughed-she was smiling and happy so I think that's ok. She woke up the next day fine and dandy.


Libby standing on her own. She is wearing a rain coat that Gramma got her. She refused to take it off all Saturday evening.



Had to end with a quick pic of Joe. He's doing great-sleeping, eating, smiling etc.

Please Pray!

I was forwarded a prayer request for this family in MS and it hits home. They have low amniotic fluid and the doctors are extremely concerned. They are believers and are resting in God's arms, but no matter what, it is stressful and painful and scary and lonley. Check out their blog to see how things are progressing! sheaandbethanymc.blogspot.com

Also please pray for Libby's MRI on Friday. She has to be sedated (no fun) and that scares me.

Tie a string around my finger... or blog

There are a lot of things I don't want to forget about Libby and Joe. And the things that stand out now are Libby's funny words.

Elphanunt = Elephant

Sesents = presents

Foffee = coffee

Gickle Gickle = tickle tickle

"No not" = "no I do not..."

That's all I can think of for now, but I'll probably do this periodically so that I can save forever the cuteness!

Our Extremes

Libby had never been on a growth chart until she turned 2. Joe is OFF the charts in the other direction- he weighed in at 15 pounds 11 ounces at his 2 month appointment. He's even above average in height - we are almost positive this won't last, but at least we can tell him that he was tall once. He had his first round of shots (he did great), and spent the rest of the day sleeping!

Our weekend was busy with Mountaineer football (Libby says "ount-eers" if you say "Let's Go") family and work. This whole month is busy with appointments etc. We'll try to keep you up to date on what's happening!

6 Degrees of Libby and Joe:
My friend Ashley posted 6 things about her son Seth that not everyone would know and tagged a bunch of us to do the same so here goes.

1. Libby doesn't say "yes." She says "okay" - usually with EMPHASIS.

2. Libby sings songs (Itsy Bitsy spider and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star), but she hides to do it and whispers too. If she catches you listening she laughs but stops.

3. Libby has RIDICULOUSLY long eyelashes that are thick and dark.



4. Even before Joe was born, I associated him with an elephant`(Libby is a frog) and he is living up to the dream!!

5. Joe has his Daddy's eyes and feet exactly.

6. Joe's sad face makes me laugh - it is so overdramatic!

Back to what we know - 9 weeks 2 days

Joe's first smile caught on camera. And his first Mountaineer outfit that he will probably outgrow before the first game. Good thing Uncle Rob and Aunt Matia got him one that is a bigger size-He's going to need it!

Joe just turned 9 weeks and 2 days old on Sunday. Although not significant to most, this is an important day to us. The reason? Libby came home when she was 9 weeks and 2 days old. So now Joe is at an age that we understand - sorta. He is still very different from Libby. For one, Joe loves to eat (if you can't tell from the chub cheeks). Libby hated eating until she got real food. Joe is fussy throughout the day and sometimes has trouble drifting off to sleep. Libby slept ALL the time, and she only cried when trying to feed her. Joe already sleeps from 10ish to 4 in the morning. Libby didn't give up that 12 a.m. feeding until she was 9 months old.

Libby and Joe enjoying "Yo Gabba Gabba" together. I think Joe is unimpressed.

But they have a few things in common. They are both sweet and light up a room with their smiles. They both have the same chin and mouth. And they are both our awesome babies!

Joe has found his hand and is constantly sucking on it.

I was tagged

Here are the tagging rules:
1. Post the rules on your blog
2. Write 6 random things about yourself
3. Tag 6 people at the end of your post
4. If you're tagged, DO IT and pass on the tag

1. I love coffee. I'm not a coffee snob, but I love to drink it anytime of day. I've been drinking it since I was 16-thanks to Ashley Iliff who bought me my first cup from Burger King on our way to a breakfast picnic at Cooper's Rock. In high school I would drink a cup before school and then take a thermos with me to drink in first period. I am back to my 2 cup a day habit now that I'm not pregnant.

2. I have journaled since I was 13. I have probably 20 some journals with my thoughts, devotions, prayers etc dating back to when I became a Christian. I was really dedicated in high school/college and try to keep it up now. I've gone back through and read them and it is eat to see how much I have changed (and not in some ways).

3. I watch silly teen movies when they are on TV. When Corey is working, I watch the silliest movies, but I love them. The most recent one was Picture Perfect - and guess what the girl got the guy and they lived happily ever after.

4. I don't like cheesecake-despite the fact that I am a dessert queen. It's too heavy even for me.

5. I say "O Gosh" a lot more than I should. I found this out when it became one of Libby's first phrases.

6. I've read Pride and Prejudice at least 6 times. Again I think it's refreshing when a book or movie ends the way it is supposed to. I love Jane Austen and could probably quote most of the passages out of this book

I'm calling out:

Scott and Danie - you two are quirky to say the least and have way more than 6 random things to share I'm sure

Casey V- you are my sis and I love you and want to know what YOU think is random about yourself... I could name several

Jules Mercer- Are you ever going to post again?? Let this be a catalyst

Beth Chase- Having slightly older children gives you a unique perspective

Rachel Yoder- I haven't linked your blog to mine yet, but you are my most random friend for sure! (She was my nurse when I had Libby and we hit it off right away-b/c we both love Jesus!)

Summer Shelton- my only roommate other than Corey and one of my best friends.. I need to link yor blog too!

Big Plans

Well we have had a busy weekend. On Friday the whole fam headed to Pittsburgh for Libby's orthopedic appointment. Corey and I were determined to get some answers and a plan in place for her and we did. Libby will have an MRI on September 12 and then we will schedule knee surgery for the upcoming months. Our doc was very pleased with her progress and the steps that she has started taking, but he said that she will never be fully straight without surgery (a fact we knew). So we are shooting for this winter when there are less fun things to do (she will be in casts for at least 4 weeks after).Libby playing dress up with her cousin Aubree. They are learning to play nicely together-even sharing Pappy!

After Pittsburgh we went straight down to Webster County to visit Corey's Mamaw, Aunt Debbie and Uncle John. Although a long trip (6.5 hours in the car on Friday), it was a great visit. The Webster Springs faction of the family hadn't met Joe yet, so that was really special. Mamaw got to hold the beast (he's getting so big) and enjoy Libby's sweetness. Saturday morning Libby went with Debbie to wake Mamaw up and she crawled in bed to snuggle. She really is one of the sweetest children I've ever known. (Just moments ago she walked into the office and said "Go to bed. Please. " She wanted to go to bed and she asked so sweetly!)Libby at Deep Creek couple weeks ago

Overall, we are doing well. Joe is sleeping a little longer (sometimes 4 hour stretches.) I tried out the Once a Month cooking thing today (I probably only cooked enough for 2 weeks but it was SUPER fun). Corey and Libby had another Daddy-daughter errand date today which is too cute. She loves her Daddy!

Time spent with family

We spend an awful lot of time with our families-especially now that the kids are in the works. This post is a thank you to all of you. You watch our kids, bathe our kids, play with our kids and love our kids with a love that can only come from a grandparent! And we appreciate it! This is Corey's mom-MeMe. She is an awesome grandma. She is retired and thus willing to watch our kids almost any day of the week that she has free. She is a great teacher. She taught Libby how to clap back in the day and is now working on her alphabet. So far she has taught Joe how to giggle-he giggled at her first!This is Corey's dad-Pappy. He is the silly one. He plays hard-to the point of hurting himself. This picture is of him and Libby in their "hats". Pappy loves to play outside with Libby-in the hammock, on the swing or just "ringing the birdie" (which is a wind-chime). He loves the baby too - holding him is a nice rest after playing so hard. This is my mom-Gramma. She has 3 grandchildren under 25 months, but it doesn't slow her down any-(okay so it slows her down some!) She is a fun playmate and resident chef to Libby. Whenever she walks in the door Libby is hungry. And Gramma is always sure to have food that Libby likes around-pudding, ice cream, cookies (some healthy things too). She is also my Joe-reliever. She will rock, hold, walk whatever it takes to calm him down. I love this picture of her with her little grandkids (she has a whole set of older grandkids too). They are quite a handful. This is my dad-Pawpaw. He gets a real kick out of watching Libby play and Joe grow. He is the only grandparent that received his name from Libby - to all the other grandkids he is "Grandpa". Pawpaw takes Libby out on the tractor sometimes and he plays games with her. He's a great cheerleader when Libby decides to walk around and he's anxiously awaiting playing ball with Joe (the first grandson in 16 years).

These are our parents-they did a good job with us, and I am enjoying watching them love and SPOIL their grandkids.

Everyday occurences

I often blog about special things, but this is a week where not a whole lot happened. Joe is getting older-6 weeks today; Libby is learning so fast; Corey and I are functioning on very little sleep but have high hopes that this month Joe will sleep longer! So included today are photos of things we do a lot-that make all this lack of sleep worthwhile!
Here Libby wanted to wear these boots from Aunt Kerri. She loves the boots but cannot walk in them and thus was getting very frustrated. She eventually gave up.
This was Libby and Joe's first bath together and Joe's first bath without screaming. I think he likes it now. Libby is giving him a kiss on the head-this occurs about 100 times a day. She loves her "bruder".

MeMe and Pappy came for a visit last week-they have been quarantined with bronchitis and back pain and missed their grandkids. I don't blame them, they are pretty cute! Joe looks a lot like his Pappy!

Yesterday after Libby's nap, the three of us had a picnic on the carpet. Libby served us all cereal and pretend "foffee"-even Joe was allowed to participate. Libby is really starting to play games that last longer then 3 seconds-much more fun for mommy!

Mornings are probably my favorite part of our everyday. Joe typically sleeps and Libby and I both have energy (as opposed to afternoons when only Libby has energy). This morning Libby wanted to wear her French Toast as a hat-she kept holding it there saying "hat" until I acknowledged her and said how pretty she looked. Now her hair is slightly syrupy but oh well. This picture is just cute and shows how big Joe is getting already!

A weekend amongst friends

We had such a fun weekend with our friends the Taylors. Scott, Danielle and Ainsley (who just turned 1) came in early Friday (1:30 am) from Knoxville TN. It has been since Thanksgiving that we have all been together, so we had an awesome time. The boys got to spend some time golfing and the four adults got a WONDERFUL date night thanks to a couple sets of grandparents (thank you mom and Janie and John). But my favorite part was just hanging out around the house watching the kids interact. Libby and Ainsley got along really well-they even shared.

Scott's favorite part of the weekend was playing with Libby's blocks. Unfortunately, he never got very far because Libby always knocked down his castle. Above is the building constructed while Libby ate her breakfast.


Libby moments after Scott finished his building

There was a lot of eating, a lot of coffee (kids don't sleep in even when their parents are up late) and just great time spent together. My new favorite photo of Joe. He looks like his Daddy and apparently he sleeps just like his Daddy too.

I love these kids

Our CHUBBY child

Corey and I both agree that we have a couple of pretty awesome kids. Libby has this enormous personality that puts a smile on our faces (even when she is being defiant). And Joe is new, but he's ours and he's adorable. The way Libby interacts with him is priceless! She loves to hold him-Joe not so much as the picture shows. But the next second she forgets that he exists. Oh to have the mind of a 2 year old! Needless to say, despite the lack of sleep, we love being parents to this pair. It is the hardest and best thing in our lives and we are SO blessed!

Our Little Man is getting BIG!

A quick update on Joe! We went in for a weight check yesterday and Joe weighs 10 pounds 4 ounces. He gained a whopping 44 ounces in 14 days. No more weight checks for Joe, he's growing just fine. I'll post pictures soon.

Libby's Party

Most of our family came together on Saturday to celebrate Libby's birthday. It was so much fun this year because you could actually see how excited she was! Her favorite part of the day was the balloons! She came in the basement and her eyes got really big and she yelled "BOONS!"

Then she saw the slide that Gamma Candy got for her and she was in heaven.
She enjoyed seeing all her relatives-especially Claire! I don't think we could pull anything off without Claire-she is Libby's favorite person!

My grandparents were able to make it up from Charleston and the visit served the duel purpose of Libby's birthday and their first glance at Joe. My grandma held him the whole day practically and he loved it!

Joe and Great Grandpa Jim. They are a cute pair!

All in all, Libby's day was super special. She got all kinds of awesome new toys and DVDs and books etc. Her big gifts were a sandbox and slide and table and chairs and swing. I think she'll be entertained the rest of the summer! But she also got some cute outfits and lots of things to color with (Thank you Aunt Kerri). MeMe and Pappy began our Disney collection of DVD's with Robin Hood (Corey's choice) and The Little Mermaid. It may take a few years to enjoy them, but they will last a lifetime! Aunt Casey made Libby a book of our family - and forgot to bring it :) - but I know Libby will love looking at pictures of her favorite people. Casey and the family also got her the cutest fake food. Libby is all about her kitchen and cooking the fake food! It is hilarious!!

Thank you everyone for all that you did to make Libby's day special. She is a great gal and she loves you all!

Happy Birthday to You Libby

To my little girl on her second birthday,



Before you were born, we spent months in agony wondering if we would ever hold you or know you. We spent our time praying for a miracle. On July 11 2006 at 9:09 a.m. we got one. And I think if there is one thing that you should know on your birthday it is that you were worth all the tears, the bed rest, the hospitalization, the pain and uncertainty. You are worth so much more than that!

And today we celebrate YOU! In a way your birthday is a milestone for our whole community. You belong to us all because everyone prayed for you. Everyone we know-and a lot of people that we don't know- came together to surround you with prayer. And today we celebrate God answering those prayers.

And at 2 you are quite a child! You play hard-you love to be outside and in the water (as long as it isn't cold), you love books and music. You have a huge vocabulary that is expanding everyday. You love TV - Blue's Clues and Yo Gabba Gabba are your favorite. You know all the characters and some of the dances that they do. Your favorite foods are french fries and raisins, but you eat just about anything. You get up early - usually by 6:00 - but you take naps and go to bed without a word. If you wake up in the night, daddy rocks you and you go back to sleep. You love your new brother. You ask to hold him and then you "gickle gickle" him. When you decide to do something it gets done. You decided to start walking and now you can use your walker to walk anywhere and you can take 3 steps by yourself. There is so much to you that I can't put it in one post, but it is sufficient to say that you are amazing.

I love you and hope that this is a really happy birthday!

Our little man and big girl

Well today was good in so many ways. Joe went to the doctor and he is doing great. He weighs 7 pounds 8 ounces (a full pound over his birth weight) and everything else looks good too.




Also today, Libby decided to walk. Not far or for long, but a few steps at a time. She stands all by herself and takes up to 3 steps at a time! She did this over and over to the applause of mommy and daddy. She is bound and determined to prove everyone wrong. It was an awesome thing to witness.