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.

Busy Week

This has been a busy week for the Rosen family. It started last Saturday when we went to Deleon Springs for breakfast with Nana and Grandpa Rosen and our friends Rob and Norma. It was a fun trip and Joel was such a good boy.

Then on Tuesday I went back to work. Nana Rosen came and stayed with Joel here. It was a bit of a change but overall it went pretty well. I'm back to work full time but I do get to work from home Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. It's not exactly ideal but I'm grateful for any of the time I can be with Joel.

Tuesday was also a big day for Tee. He started his ground training for the Beechcraft 1900 at work. It's been pretty rough on him because he works all day and then in the afternoon or evening he goes to training. But he enjoys learning and training. On the days he flies it makes for a long day. In the end it all evens out and ultimately it's all worth it.

Then on Friday Joel had a doctor's appointment with Dr. S. He had his checkup. He is now 15 lbs 12 oz and 25 inches long! Talk about growing up fast. I couldn't believe it when the nurse told me how big he was. Of course he was talking up a storm when the doctor was checking him out. Dr. S even commented on how talkative he was! (We have no idea who he gets his talkativeness from. ha ha ha) Then after his checkup he had to get his shots. It was so hard holding him while the nurse gave him his shots especially because he was already mad because he was hungry! So after his appointment we took him home and fed him and he fell asleep. He was so peaceful sleeping I thought I'd gotten out of having him being cranky from his shots. Silly Manda! He woke up feeling very sore and cranky. I gave him some Tylenol and just held and rocked him waiting for it to kick in. After about 45 minutes I called Sandy trying to get advice on how to help Joel because he was so miserable! After about an hour and a half of crying Joel started getting some relief from the medicine and was ready to eat. I was pretty worried that it was going to be a long night but around 10 Joel was ready for bed and slept until 4 when he was ready to eat again and then he slept until 8. I was a little worried that once he woke up we'd have a repeat of the previous evening but so far today he seems to be feeling fine. (Knock on wood!) So we're sticking close to home and keeping our fingers crossed that he keeps feeling okay. As long as things go well today we're going to go to Rebecca's first birthday party this evening. So far it looks good and I'm just glad that Joel isn't hurting anymore!



Joel napping after his shots.



Joel feeling the pain of his shots.
Isn't that just the saddest face?!

San Diego- Part II

Joel and Daddy hanging out on the beach.
Joel was not real impressed with the beach or having the sun in his eyes!

After about twenty minutes of hanging out on the beach he was done.

Joel and Daddy hanging out.
I think my boys are pretty darn cute.
Joel has even mastered his daddy's smirk.

Joel talking to Daddy. He loves to stand and tell you all about it!

Our flight home was delayed about four hours.
Here's Joel waiting to be able to go home!

San Diego Family Reunion- Part 1

Cousin Allie was checking on Joel while he slept.
She was so good with the babies and such a cutie!

Joel and cousin Emma with their matching outfits!

Joel and cousin Emma hanging out.
They were a bit young to play together but we have high hopes that they'll be good friends.

Joel meeting Papa.

Joel spending quality time with cousin Emma and Auntie Dana.
The ladies love him already!

Fun Times

(Joel with his friend Alyssa)

So this week has been filled with firsts for Joel. It helps that he is staying conscious more- aka he doesn't sleep ALL the time.
On Thursday I took Joel swimming for the first time. The pool wasn't cold but the water wasn't heated either. With our experiences with cold baths I was very worried that he would scream and cry and hate the pool. However, he surprised me and was pretty ambivalent to it. As long as I held him close he was okay with the water. Towards the end he started splashing a little bit but for the most part wasn't really excited about it but didn't hate it either. Hopefully we'll try it again this week.
Then yesterday Joel had his first road trip. He and I went down to Melbourne to visit Davina, Aaron, Alyssa and Rebecca. I was a little nervous because Tj couldn't make the trip so if Joel got cranky on the trip it would be a bit difficult. Of course Joel was a great travel buddy. He slept most of the time but he still is okay being in his carrier as long as he gets a break from it and gets to play too! I was relieved that he was such a good traveler.
This week will be pretty busy. We'll be getting ready to meet the rest of the Lines Clan in San Diego. We're pretty excited and since Joel has proven to be a pretty good traveler it should be a lot of fun. We're excited to see everyone and I'm pretty sure they're excited to meet him.
Anyhow, Joel has decided he's bored playing by himself so I've got to get.

Quick Joel Fix

For all of you needing your Joel fix here it is. He is getting so big he's a blast to be around. His little personality is coming out. He's really laid back until he is hungry, tired or gassy. Then he needs to have what he needs NOW! But he's just so stinking cute that you forget about all that when he smiles at you. So here's Joel!

Joel doing his tummy time. He loves this little cow that Grandma Mony and Auntie Ra Ra and Auntie Jay Jay got for him.

He's now done with tummy time. He really hasn't gotten to the point where he appreciates tummy time so he spends most of it pretty upset. But he does like spending time on his back looking around and kicking- but not so much with the tummy time.

Here's the start of one of Joel's smiles. They're so quick it's hard to capture one. It's usually when he's talking or playing that he'll give you one and so I usually don't have the camera handy. But you get the idea.

Here's Joel right before our morning walk. He was not all that impressed that he had to be out in the sun. But he's usually pretty good once we get going. And he likes his little hat.

And here's Joel sleeping. He always looks so peaceful when he sleeps. He loves his blanket from Auntie Dana. It's so soft but even with this blanket he refuses to keep his arms wrapped up.

Okay Joel has woken up and has decided he's starving to death so I've got to go. Hope you enjoy this pictures. More to come soon!

Joel and Friends

So I don't know if there was something in the water but here is Joel with just a few of his friends. At one point there were nine of us at church that were all pregnant at the same time. Only two were girls- the one on the far right is one of the two. The other seven are all boys! It's been pretty fun though.

Us moms are now working on putting a mother's group together. Since there are quite a few of us that are home all day (at least for the time being) we figured it would be nice to get together during the week. As much as you love your baby you can only carry a conversation with him for so long. And hopefully as the boys (and girl) get older they'll all be good friends.

Calling out to my peeps!

(I thought this picture was pretty cute of Joel. He's got a little smile and it looks like he's waving- hence the title. I know I'm kind of lame.)

So it's been a little while since I updated this blog. I'm slacking I know! Joel is growing so quickly though. Even if I updated this everyday I don't think I could keep up with him!

So my biggest news with Joel is that he is now smiling. Like real smiles for people. His first smile for me came on Tuesday. It was so cute. I went to get him in the morning from his crib and he was just hanging out. When I called out to him he looked up at me and gave me the cutest smile! It was one of those moments that are just between me and Joel. The funny thing is that he will be real smiley and I'll call Tj in to see and by the time Tj finishes what he's doing and gets to where we're at Joel's done smiling. I'm not sure that Tj believes me when I tell him that Joel is smiling because he hasn't seen it yet. Hopefully soon!

Joel has also discovered his spit. So now not only do I get to contend with his spit-up but now he likes to blow spit bubbles too. Lovely! Actually right now it's still cute but I'm pretty sure it will get old soon. Silly boy!

We also got Joel a new "toy". Actually it's just a baby carrier. I got it so that I can take him walking. (I've got to do some serious exercising if I'm going to get into a bathing suit at family vacation in a couple of weeks!) Joel seems to like it fine. Usually within minutes he's sleeping- shocker right?! But it's pretty nice. I'm not sure if I can ever talk Tj into wearing it. When I got it I believe his comment was- "Are you going to be one of those moms?!" But it is pretty handy plus it keeps me from having to haul the carrier EVERYWHERE. Yeah, that carrier gets pretty heavy and it's not making me buff!

Okay, so Joel has been pretty patient with me while I wrote this so I guess I should wrap it up and go feed him. Here's one last picture. This was taken on the Fourth of July. We took Joel on his first boat ride. We met up with a bunch of people Tj works with and one of them had a boat. So we all went and watched several of the firework displays on the Halifax river in the boat. I know this will come as a surprise but Joel spent most of the ride sleeping. But it was a fun ride.

(I know that the stupid time stamp is covering half of Joel's face. I've asked Tj to photoshop it out. As soon as he does that I'll replace this picture with the better one.)

Funny Boy

Here's Joel with Dr. DaSilva. This was the doctor that delivered Joel.

Joel is more alert now and while you can't hear him he was carrying on quite the conversation here. His noises are really cute. He doesn't talk a lot but when he does he goes on for awhile.
This is one of Joel's new favorite places. He loves his swing. Sometimes he forgets that he likes to be in it and so he fusses for a little bit and then will relax and usually falls asleep. I like that because then I can get stuff done.
This is Joel's Obi Wan pose. I had to take the picture quick and get him out of the towel because he doesn't like to be cold so as soon as he gets out of the bath he likes to be swaddled so he stays nice and warm But he looked so cute all wrapped up in this towel- I couldn't resist.