Look at me Grow.

Things here are going well. I can't believe how fast time has gone. It's amazing that Joel just turned 7 months. At his last doctor's appointment he was 19 lbs 27 inches. He had his shots and while he did get a bump on his leg he seemed to be okay. So much better than the first time!

He continues to grow and get smarter every day. It's amazing how much his vocabulary has grown. And now he'll mimic the sounds I make. So I'll make each of the vowel sounds repeatedly. And then he'll do it. It's funny because now sometimes he'll "talk" himself to sleep. We'll hear him in his bed babbling and then he'll fall asleep. Crazy kid.

Tj continues to stay busy. Vintage takes up a lot of time. But he loves flying and still likes the people he works with. He's made some good friends there. When he's not working he is Joel's favorite toy. Joel loves playing with his Dad and Tj seems to enjoy playing with Joel.

Anyhow, here are some recent pictures of Joel.


Joel is now pushing up on his hands and knees
and will even rock back and forth. Sometimes
he lunges forward so you have to make sure his
path is clear. Any day now we expect him to
start crawling. Ready, set, go!

Joel is still teething. Look at those

gums! Sometimes he bites so hard

on whatever he can find it makes him

cry. It's so sad! We all just want

these teeth to cut through!

Joel has mastered the art of sitting

up. He's content playing on the floor

with his toys or his books. He's such

a happy kid and so easy going.

Playing with Dad. He still loves to
stand and now he'll bounce too.
He doesn't pull himself up yet but
if you let go he will balance for a few
seconds before he wobbles and fall.

Christmas

Joel's First Christmas!

Joel's with all the gifts. Merry Christmas!

Joel and Mommy looking at a book.

Playing with his new toy. So much fun!

Opening gifts with Dado.

New Jammies!

Look what I can do Ma!

Joel's Newest Feat

It's time for Joel's breakfast.

Lifting his bottle to feed himself.

Almost there!

Made it!

So part of me is really excited that he's learned to feed himself. But in all honesty part of me is a little sad. He's growing so quickly. I know it's just part of life but it's hard to believe that my baby is becoming less of a baby everyday. However, I received the advice that to raise independent children you should never do anything that they can do for themselves. So I let him grow and suppress the urge to do everything for him especially once he can do it for himself. And in the meantime I just try and enjoy every day knowing that tomorrow will bring something new and different but just as exciting.

Getting Big, Growing Up

So yeah, I realized this week that Joel really is getting big. It's incredible how much he's growing. I know every mom must believe that her baby is amazing and now I realize why. It's unbelievable to see them go from a helpless newborn who relies on you for literally everything to them slowly gaining their independence and their personality emerging. Joel has always been a good baby and even now he's just really easygoing. I think he makes me laugh every day.
He has discovered his tongue and thinks it's funny to chew on it. He's also learned how to bounce. It's pretty amusing. His newest noise this week is grunting~ although it's not just limited to when he's filling his diaper. He's getting really strong too. Toys he couldn't push or pull on two weeks ago he now has no problem with. It's pretty surreal.
Anyhow, here are some pics from this week.

Joel's favorite teethers right now are carrots.
Of course once his teeth finally cut he won't be able to use
those but for now he loves them.

Hanging Out Watching Momma.
It's kind of nice because he is actually getting preferences.
And right now he seems to prefer momma.
It's fun now but I don't think it will take long for the novelty to wear off.

Joel is getting really strong.

He'll now pull himself up when he's laying propped against pillows.

He also will lean down to pick stuff up when he's standing in your

lap and then pull himself back to standing. It's pretty fun!

Thanksgiving Update.

So here we are the day after Thanksgiving. Where has time gone?! I can't even believe how quickly the last year has gone. There have been SO many changes this year. Tj got his pilot job at Vintage along with Director of Security and Director of Training. Tj's parents moved to Florida. And of course the biggest change being Joel joining our family. I cannot even believe how much has changed and I can't imagine what life was like before. Anyhow, below are some of the newest pics of our Joel-o-potamus.

Joel on his 6 month birthday.

He is learning to sit up by himself- but he still falls to one side most times.

He's still cutting his canines- it's a lovely time.

He's still talking up a storm and loves raising his voice.

He also loves music and singing: his favorite songs are BINGO and the walking walking song.

We've also introduced him to Sesame Street and Dora the Explorer.

He loves hanging out in his Exersaucer and loves pushing the buttons.

(Thanks Davina!)

Joel hanging out at Grandpa's picnic.

Joel loves spending time outside.

Joel and his friend Alyssa

Alyssa, Rebecca and Davina came and had dinner with Joel and me.

Joel loved playing with his friends.

Fighter Eye Joel.

Joel woke up with his eye mostly glued shut.

Tj thought it was funny- so he took a picture.

Lucky for us Joel wakes up pretty happy most mornings.

Also lucky for us he has started sleeping through the night.

Okay, so that's a brief update on things going on here. We're excited about the holiday season that is now beginning. We can't wait to introduce Joel to Christmas songs, the Nativity story, lights and all the other fun and exciting parts of Christmas. I will try and keep this updated with everything going on. We love you all and hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

First Haircut

Okay, so I know I have been SUPER bad about posting. Life is crazy. So here's another mass posting of the newest pics starting with Joel's first haircut!



Halloween

Tennessee Travels

So last Wednesday we went to Tennessee with Tj's boss and his fiance to their chalet in Tennessee. It was just outside of Pigeon Forge and was such a great get away. We drove the ten hours up there- which I was a bit weary about since it was the longest road trip with Joel by far. Of course Joel handled it like a champ. He quit nursing about three weeks ago so as long as we warmed his bottle at each stop he was good to go.

The weather was absolutely gorgeous and the smoky mountains were beautiful. I always forget how much I miss mountains until I'm up in them. The cabin we stayed at was almost at the top of the mountain and while getting there was a bit of an adventure (about half the road was unpaved) the view was amazing. It was so relaxing and it was nice to spend so much time with Tj and have Tj spend time with Joel.

We got to see quite a bit of the area. We spent a lot of time in Pigeon Forge. We also visited Gatlinburg, hiked up to Laurel Falls and attempted to go to Cade's Cove. Unfortunately I forgot a bottle on that trip and about 3/4 of the way there Joel decided he was starving and had a melt down. I learned my lesson and brought a bottle just about everywhere else we went- just in case!

It was a nice trip and about as relaxing as I think I'll get as "mommy" until Joel's about 8 or 12. Although now that he's taking a bottle Tj gets to help with the feedings. I still usually don't get to sleep through the night but I get a longer amount of sleep than before. I'll take what I can get! It was a fun time but now it's back to the same old grind.

Here are pics from our trip.


Us at Laurel Falls.
It's kind of a bad picture because of the glare
but you can see the falls pretty well.


Joel and Mommy playing.


We went over a particularly rough patch
and Joel was a little startled.
Talk about clinging for dear life!


Joel and daddy napping at the cabin.

Catch Up

Okay so I've meant to update this for almost a month. But yeah, I haven't so here we go. This will basically be just pictures to update you on how Joel is growing. He had a doctor's appointment on September 26. He was 17 pounds 8 ounces and 27 3/4 inches. I can't believe how fast he is growing.
He is now sitting up better and loves to look around- especially when he goes somewhere new. He is gaining better control of his hands although he still hits himself in the head a lot when he has something in his hands. He's found how to pull his pacifier out of his mouth and hold on to it. He's still trying to figure out how to put it back in though. He also has found how to put his hands in his mouth. Nice! Luckily he likes to play with his hands but doesn't use them to fall asleep. We're hoping it's a passing phase! He also loves to grab at stuff. It makes changing his diaper fun. I usually have to make sure the counter is all cleared off or he'll start grabbing and knocking stuff over. It's so fun!
Joel still has yet to roll over but he will twist himself around in his bed. We'll come in and he's all turned around. I have no idea how he does it. Crazy kid! He's also learning to raise his voice and squeal. He thinks it's so funny- luckily it's still a novelty and he doesn't do it too often.
Anyhow, he's just such a good kid. He just makes life so fun. Sometimes absolutely crazy and sometimes I feel like I'm losing my mind. But when he smiles at me or cuddles me it just wraps me all the tighter around that little slobbery finger of his.

Joel still doesn't love tummy time
but he tolerates it more when he's propped up on his boppy.



Here's Joel after his second set of shots.
I remembered to give him his Tylenol BEFORE his shots.
He was a lot happier than the first time!
Shots- 1 Joel-1




Joel is loving his bouncy seat. It has become one of his favorite places.
He's found how to prop his feet up and use it to propel himself.
(We have to make sure to strap him in so he doesn't fall out!)
This is also where he usually gets fed.
So far he's had mashed potatoes, squash, peaches,
applesauce and his favorite- carrots cooked with roast.

Just Another Week

So things around here have been pretty good. There's so much going on but somehow or another all my posts end up being about Joel. (He's not spoiled or anything right?! I just can't believe I've become "one of those moms" that all she ever does is talk about her kid. ha ha ha)

So last weekend Tj had to fly down to the Bahamas. He knew he was going to be there all day and so he invited me to go along. So we begged Grandma and Grandpa to watch Joel (it was a huge sacrifice!) and Tj and I spent the day on the beach in Marsh Harbor. Now I will admit that I did feel a little guilty being away from Joel but it was such a relaxing day. Because this is the slow season the beach was so empty and quiet. For most of the day it was just Tee and me and the captain that flew down with us. It was so peaceful and nice.

So I was pretty excited. This week I got a notice that Lasting Impressions (a card making/scrapbooking site) was having a big 20% off sale. I've been eyeing this scrapbooking software and with the sale going on it was just the incentive I needed to buy it! So I'm really excited to get that in and start doing Joel's scrapbook. Now I won't have an excuse since it will all be on the computer. I can't wait to get it in.

Speaking of Joel a post would not be complete without his latest pictures so here we go-

The only time Joel will attempt to roll over on his own is when he's sleeping!


Joel found his thumb.


Joel with his new toy. I don't' get it but he LOVES it.


Trying to figure out his new toy.
(Grandpa thinks it's a sign that he's going to be an engineer.
He's convinced that Joel is a genius!)


The start of one of Joel's heart melting smiles.

Joel's Blessing

So I know I'm a little late posting these but when I went to do them last weekend the program was being dumb and wouldn't let me finish uploading the pics. So hopefully this time around will work!

Okay, so here we go. Joel was blessed last Sunday September 10th in our ward (the Daytona Beach Ward). Grandma and Grandpa Rosen were there, our friends Aaron and Kimberlee Newman were there and we were grateful that our friends Aaron, Davina, Alyssa and Rebecca Fallaw made the trip up for his blessing. It was kind of an eventful day. It started because I was running late so we walked into church with only a couple minutes to spare. Fortunately there was still a long bench for us to all sit together on. Then the bishopric almost forgot that we were blessing Joel. Tj had to go up to the front and remind him while the introduction to the sacrament hymn was playing. Fortunately the Blackmans (the family that does the music for our ward) noticed what was going on and stopped the music so we could bless Joel.
Then I forgot to send a pacifier up with Tj so Joel's blessing was a little on the short side b/c Joel was getting antsy. But it was nice. We had Tj, Grandpa Rosen, Bishop Edinger, Aaron Fallaw, Aaron Newman, Chip Barrett and Brian Hartley (men that Tj works with in YMs and family friends) participated in the blessing. It was short and sweet but it was a nice blessing.
Then Tj's mom had us all over to their house for dinner. It was delicious and it was nice to just get to visit and spend time with everyone. And Joel was even pretty good for most of the time~ which was nice since it was his nap time.
It was kind of small and we missed having my family there but it was a nice day. Anyhow, below are some pictures from his blessing.

The Rosen Family on Joel's blessing day.

(Joel didn't wear all white b/c the outfit I liked Tj did not. Not only did he not like it, he thought it was so bad that when I showed it to him he thought I was kidding. He called it "An Arabian Prince outfit". So we just blessed Joel in his normal church clothes.)

Joel with Dad and Grandpa

Manda and Davina with the kids.
(The kids were getting fussy and cranky and of course wouldn't look at the camera but it's a pretty good picture of Davina and me.)

Joel Update

Joel is growing so fast! It seems like every once in awhile I look at him and think, "when did he grow?!" It's pretty amazing and fun. Everyone always tells you how fast it goes but it really is hard to believe.

This week we brought Joel into work. He was a regular celebrity. Everyone couldn't wait to see him. For most of them it was the first time. He was pretty smiley. I was grateful for that especially since he had to be woken up from his nap for the trip. He was talking and smiling for the girls and of course they all loved him!

This week he has also found his laugh. When Tj gets home he can't wait to talk and smile and laugh for daddy. In fact Tj got him to laugh for the first time. He is such a happy baby! It's so fun to go in and get him in the morning when he's smiling and talking away.

Joel is tolerating his tummy time better. He'll prop himself up and if I set a mirror in front of him he'll coo and smile at himself. He still only really likes it in small doses but at least he doesn't scream the whole time. He's also getting ready to roll over. This is especially apparent when I'm trying to change his diaper- he'll start twisting his hips trying to roll. He will roll over if you take his hand and help guide him over. On the one hand it's exciting but on the other it will make leaving him places a little more challenging. I guess it's time to go start baby-proofing the house!

Just Another Week

So it's been another week. Things here continue to stay busy. Everyday is pretty similar but that's okay too.

I'm still trying to catch up on work. It's amazing how much happens in three months. But I'm enjoying my job more than I thought I would. Some days are harder than others. Especially the days that I have to work later than normal and I don't get to see Joel as much. I'm learning that I'm not super woman and that things will get done (both at home and at work) or they won't and it's not the end of the world. Some days that's harder for me to accept than others.

Joel is growing like a weed. I found pictures we took when he was in the hospital. I couldn't believe how small he looked! I'm also in the process of packing away some of his newborn clothes. It's hard to believe how much he's grown especially because it seems like it just snuck up on me.

He's also learning all sorts of new things. Recently he has found his hands. It's so fun to watch him clasp them together or try and grab for things or put his hand to his mouth. He also likes to grab and pull on things. It's really cute when it's his plastic rings or his cloth blocks- not so cute when it's mommy's hair. Sometimes he'll find the lanyard for his pacifier and try and put the pacifier in his mouth. Sometimes he'll find the lanyard for his pacifier when the paci is already in his mouth and pull it out. He's usually not so impressed when that happens and just looks perplexed. His hand eye coordination is getting better but still isn't great. The other day I gave him his rattle and he tried to put it in his mouth and missed and hit himself in the forehead. He just started crying and looked at me like "Mommy why did you do that?!"

He loves to play though! Grandma and Grandpa Rosen bought him a play mat with toys that hang over it and he loves to lay there and kick and bat at the toys. He'll even tolerate tummy time on it. He also loves his bouncy chair. He loves to kick at the toys on it too and watch the fish spin and look at the bubbles. I don't understand it but he LOVES it. The funny thing is he also loves just sitting next to me and looking around. Sometimes he plays with his toys but sometimes he just watches the lights or whatever is going on around him.

And of course he is a jabber-wakie. He will talk up a storm and is such a smiler- usually. He has mastered "goo" "ga" "da" "ah" "ay" and a handful of other random sounds. He doesn't really laugh yet he just kind of yells but he's trying. It's funny he LOVES talking to Tj. As soon as he comes home from work Joel lights up and will just tell him all about his day. It's fun to watch.

Well Joel has decided he has played by himself enough now so I've got to get going.