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.