Merry Christmas!

Joshua is tucked in bed, the stockings are full, the presents are wrapped and under the tree, and "It's a Wonderful Life" is playing on the TV. We decided this year to start our own new family traditions, and stay home for Christmas. We were with family last weekend, and will be again this weekend, but it's nice to have the time at home to enjoy each other.

As I was rocking with Joshua before he went to sleep, I was thinking about what Jesus must have been like as a 16 month old. Surely a bundle of energy, climbing everything in sight, learning new things every day...surely falling down, getting up again, and doing everything 100%. No halfway for little boys. Mary likely had her hands full. The events of the preceding "Christmas" might have seemed very far away, when she was knee deep in teething, diapers, and very likely a younger child or two as well. It may have been easy to forget what the angel had told her.

GOD with US. That is the true miracle of Christmas...He was willing to give up His throne and kingly splendor in heaven, and come to earth as a baby, who would grow into a little boy and then a man. What an awesome gift.

So - Merry Christmas from our home to yours. Happy Birthday to our Lord and King, Jesus, the Christ.

16 months

Joshua went to his first wedding last weekend. His Uncle Michael married Aunt Kimberly. It was so much fun. He looked very adorable in his suit. Here's a picture, plus his official "16 months old" picture.

Family Photo shoot

Thanks to Theresa for taking some great family photos at the MacKenzie Center...

15 months old

This little man is 25 pounds, and almost 31 inches tall.  He's amazing!

Fall Fun in Fotos!!

So Joshua has had a busy fall...a trip to the pumpkin patch with grandma...a trip to the nursing home with daycare...even though we don't really celebrate Halloween, I couldn't resist seeing his adorable cuteness in a pumpkin costume.  Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure...

14 months old

Hi everyone - it's Josh. Mama decided that she was too tired from chasing me all over the place to write, so I get to have a turn.

Here's me - everyone thinks I'm really cute.


I'm walking all over the place now - it's pretty cool how fast I can move. I also love to climb, especially all over my dad. Dad, by the way, has a great face...his nose is very pullable! I have another tooth, in the back this time. It kind of hurt coming in, but I can eat almost anything I want to now. Mama gives me lots of good things to eat. I have friends who I like to play with at daycare, and I finally decided it was ok to walk when they were around. I was a little intimidated at first. I'm working on growing up, so I still take a nice long nap in the afternoon, and I'm so worn out from playing that I sleep for almost 12 hours at night. Mama showed me some new clothes I have - something called a snowsuit - and they also keep putting a pumpkin suit on me.... I guess there will be some more cute pictures coming later on.

See you in another month.

Coming Home Day

One year ago, Joshua moved in...


It was an exhausting day full of emotion and exhilaration.

Now, 1 year later...


How sweet it is...

Pictures

13 months

My baby is a toddler. Tonight he took 10 steps unaided. He's doing that quite often, but does always eventually fall over. He stands right from the floor without pulling up on something. He gives hugs by laying his head down on people and rolls around on the floor playing with a blanket. He did well with his first week back at daycare. He says dog and dada, rarely says mama, and signs milk and bye-bye. He's adorable, and the apple of everyone's eye, even when he's throwing a tantrum, which he does when he's getting his diaper changed or getting dressed or I leave the room. I thank God every day for the precious gift of Joshua.

1 year old

Joshua turns 1 tomorrow. What a wild ride the last year has been! Joshua was born on August 3, went to foster care on August 7, came home September 17, and we finalized his adoption on May 20. He's had a very busy year! I am so blessed to be his mama. I can't wait to see what this next year has in store. I pray that he will "grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men".

Here are some pictures from his birthday party. We were joined by:
- Grandma Sue & Grandpa Mike
- Grandma Mary & Grandpa Ron
- Great Grammie & Grampie Sharpe
- Great Grandma & Grandpa Fisher
- Great Grandma Bohlman
- Great Aunt Cheri
- Uncle Paul
- Uncle Michael & soon-to-be Aunt Kimberly
- Pastor Dan, Miss Hannah, Jakin, & Abby
- "Aunt" Theresa, Talon, & Lorelai
- Mr. Bob & Ms. Darla

Joshua had a great time.

Create a Free Slideshow

Birthday

Joshua's birthay is coming up in less than a week - and his party is on Saturday. I can hardly believe my baby is turning one. He now has 3 teeth, bops around when music comes on, and took 3 steps on Monday. I know this next year will only hold even more changes and surprises. He says "da" (dog) a lot - he LOVES Sadie, much more than she loves him. She is very good with him, but her tolerance runs out after he chases her around the living room a few times. She likes to go somewhere where he can't get to her. He also says da da da da da which I think means whatever he wants it to mean, including "mama". We're working on some signs, like "more", "eat", "milk", and "all done". He doesn't do them back yet, but he's starting to understand them. He's off bottles completely, and we're finishing the last can of formula before moving on to whole milk. He eats real food, and lots of it. My baby is a boy...right before my eyes. I'll post pics after his party on Saturday.

Teeth and other Accomplishments

A friend mentioned I should post more....so here you go, Tracey

Joshua has been coughing, snotty, and super sleepy, not to mention drooling all over the place for the last few days. Since Auntie Kimberly has mono, we went to the dr. tonight to get him checked out....no mono, but he is cutting all 4 top teeth at the same time. Poor guy! No wonder he's cranky! Today, he had stamina to play for about 15 minutes, and then it was just too much...he had to have a nap...and on me, no laying down in the crib for him.

In other news, his social security card came today...he's officially legal. We went to Elkhorn last week to visit the foster family that Josh lived with before he came home. They were all very glad to see him and amazed at how big he's gotten.

He had his first overnight with Grandma and Grandpa on Saturday night. I missed him so much! And had totally irrational fears that he would forget me....he didn't - you should have seen the smile and the bouncing when he saw me on Sunday. It warmed my heart, big time!

He's doing well in swimming lessons, putting his whole head and face under the water, and no tears. He's cruising all over the place, and is not holding on as tight when he's standing. He also deliberately sits down, rather than falling over, and I'm sure walking is soon to come. He eats well, sleeps well, and is very laid back. I'm in love, and loving my summer home with him.

Here are a few pics for your viewing pleasure...

10 months old

My baby is only 2 months away from his first birthday! I can't believe it. It seems like yesterday I was at the hospital for his birth, and then we were making the drive back and forth to Elkhorn to visit. I began this school year in love with Joshua, but aching to have him home with me. I'm now 5 days away from ending (YES!!!!) the school year, and I'm more in love than ever.

Joshua has a smile that can charm your socks off. He's already got all his grandparents hooked - I'm trying to get him to ask them for a couple hundred bucks - he could probably charm it out of them! He said doggie the other day - but of course won't do it again. He's army crawling and pulling up on everything, loves to stand and transfer between things. Still waiting for more teeth - he loves to eat anything and everything we give him.

I am so blessed - just wanted to say that.

Finally Final - Forever Family

Our finalization hearing was at 11:30 this morning. It was only about 10 minutes long, but I think I cried for the whole 10 minutes. The judge asked for a picture for his desk, and was very glad to grant our petition to adopt Joshua. He is, now and forever, a Bohlman.

Finalization hearing

Our finalization hearing for Joshua is tomorrow morning at 11:30. It's so strange - it doesn't change a thing about how we feel about Josh, or how our family is, but at the same time, it changes everything! As of tomorrow, we will legally be his parents - no more reporting back to the agency for everything - he's ours completely and forever, not just in our hearts, but legally as well.

We are so blessed - this has been a long road! If you're interested, go back to the beginning entries of this blog - you will definitely see a journey. A journey that is, in a way, ending tomorrow. Not that parenthood ever ends, and the fact that that Joshua was adopted will never end either, but this part of the journey is done. What started way back in 2006 has its finale tomorrow in a small courtroom in Portage. The hearing is about 10 minutes long - but it's taken forever to get here.

We'll be joined by lots of family to celebrate Josh's Adoption Day. HIS family. Joined forever in love. WOW!!

Mother's Day

My new favorite holiday. I couldn't say that a few years ago - Mother's Day was the hardest holiday. When you want to be a mama and aren't, the reminders are painful. But now that I am a mama, I wanted to shout it from the rooftops. Spending the day with my son was enough. I was reminded every time I looked at him how blessed I am. Pictures to come later, the camera has disappeared for now.

Josh is 9 months old, 19 lbs. 9 oz., and army crawling everywhere. He's FAST!! Wow - babyproofing has begun in earnest. I don't know what I'm going to do when he's walking!

A Mother's Prayer - Rachel Aldous / Mother's Day song, baby lullaby song

Easter

I don't really like calling it Easter - that conjures up images of bunnies, chocolate eggs, and baby chicks (real or marshmallow). Sort of like Christmas and Santa Claus. Easter is so much more - it's the Resurrection of my Lord and King!

We spent Easter rejoicing at church (Joshua slept through it!) and eating a wonderful dinner with family and friends. Now I'm back at school with 8 more weeks to go

He Lives! He is Risen! The grave is not the end!

Do you know my Jesus?

Growth

Josh went back to the dr on Thursday to have a flu shot and weight check. If you remember, he only gained 2 oz. from 4 to 6 months. I was praying for at least 1 pound of weight gain, and that's exactly what we got. At 7 months 1 week he weighed 18 lbs. 13 oz. He's healthy and doing great.

We've started trying the baby puffs cereal. He likes them, but isn't great at picking them up quite yet. He uses his whole hand instead of fingers. He also had his first haircut. The comb-over he had on the left side of his head was starting to not look so cute, so mama cut it off. We still continue to deal with some skin sensitivity, but it's manageable.

Our last visit with Bethany went well. Our next step is getting Chris' fingerprints accepted by the Justice Dept. They rejected the first set, so we had to have them done again. If the second set is rejected, then they will do his records check manually, but I'm told that could take longer. It doesn't change anything as far as Joshua's adoption, just delays things. We'd like to have all the legal work taken care of and over with as soon as possible. Pray for the fingerprints to be accepted!

We have a meeting with Joshua's birthmom tomorrow. She saw him just before Christmas. I'm not sure how he'll do, as he does get a little nervous around people he doesn't know well. Pray that our visit is uneventful.

Here's a new favorite picture - yes, he's standing, no, he did not pull himself up! I'm not quite ready for that!

Final Visit

Tomorrow is a big day for us. We are taking a trip down to Waukesha to Bethany Christian Services, the agency that has worked with us throughout our adoption process. It is our final visit with them. It's a chance for them to see Joshua, and for us to fill out all the paperwork involved with the upcoming court date.

On top of that, it's my 32nd birthday tomorrow...and we both have the day off. We're planning on a nice leisurely day, marking a milestone in the creation of our family.

Joshua is 7 months old now, and doing so well. He's started babbling a lot, and while we know he isn't saying actual words, hearing "da-da-da-da" sure melts Chris's heart! He goes back in on March 12 for a flu shot and weight check. He loves his food, enjoys playing, and practicing standing. He is a great sleeper. We have yet to see any teeth, but he shows all the signs of teething.

We are blessed. I am supremely blessed, as my mom reminded me tonight, to be a wife, sister, daughter, granddaughter, niece, friend, teacher, and most of all, a mama and a child of God.

6 months old

Joshua is now 6 months old, and is a joy and a delight. He can sit up, roll from tummy to back, roll from back to side, and regularly ends up waking up in a different position then he fell asleep in. He is eating "solid" foods well, and LOVE, LOVE, LOVES them! He's 27 inches long, and 17 lbs. 13 oz. He didn't gain much from his weight at his 4 month appt, so the doctor will see him again in 1 month for a weight check. She thinks that the 4 month weight was a mistake, because he appears completely healthy and whole. He's got an ear infection right now, and a little eczema, but otherwise, he's great!

We can hardly believe that half a year has gone by! Life has changed in so many ways. I wasn't a social butterfly before, but I think I'm even more of a homebody now, since I work full time and want to be with him in the evenings as much as possible.

Here is his "official" 6 month picture....

25 Random Things About Me

Mandy tagged me, so here goes:

25 Random Things Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. I stop for fast food breakfast about once a week.
2. I'm crazy about my son.
3. My car tends to be messy.
4. I remember every phone number I've ever had.
5. I hate doing laundry.
6. I was born at 2:06 on 3/06.
7. I used to ask Jesus not to return until I'd...whatever my current wish was.
8. I know almost the entire script to The Princess Bride.
9. I strongly dislike Anne of Green Gables 3, but LOVE the other 2.
10. It bugs me when movies based on books are nothing like the book.
11. I'm afraid to get sunburned.
12. I drive like a little old lady on snow and ice covered roads.
13. I can't stand tomatoes.
14. Strange textures in food bother me.
15. I sometimes avoid someone I know so I don't have to stop and chat.
16. I like some of my students better than others.
17. I want to get National Board Certification someday, but I'm not sure I want to work as hard as I'd have to to get it.
18. I'm reading through the Bible in a year.
19. I use "taking care of the baby" as an excuse not to do things that I'd rather not.
20. I'm a picker...nails, baby's cradle cap, etc.
21. I'm 31 and cover my gray hair with highlights.
22. I want an i-pod for my birthday, but I'm afraid it's frivolous when there are so many other things to use the money for.
23. I worry about money a lot.
24. I'm not good at teaching writing.
25. I miss my grandma often.


Now, I tag....
Kimberly
Sarah F
Tracey

Post-placement visit

Our Social Worker visited last night for her 2nd post placement visit. Joshua was great, as usual. We talked for quite a bit about how things are going, what to expect next, and our next steps with Bethany.

We have an appointment on March 6 (my birthday) to drive to the agency in Waukesha, with Joshua, and fill out all the paperwork for court. That will be our final post placement visit, and pretty much the end of our formal relationship with Bethany Christian Services, although they will be available for questions or other things that come up. On March 17, they will file the paperwork here in Columbia County. They have to wait until the 17th, since Joshua came home on Sept. 17 and it has to be 6 months. Once they file, the court will let them know the date of our hearing, and they'll pass the info on to us. Joshua's "Gotcha Day" will likely be sometime in April. I'm hoping for a glorious spring day. I was surprised to learn that the SW doesn't come to the hearing, it's just for us and our families. I'm told that family court judges love adoption hearings, as it's one of the more positive aspects of their job.

In other news, Joshua is doing well. We haven't seen any teeth yet, but we've seen all the symptoms! He is reaching out for us a little and likes to watch Sadie walk around the room. He smiles and laughs, and "talks" to us quite a bit. He can roll on to his side from his back, but hasn't made it all the way over yet. On his tummy, he lays in crawling position, but doesn't really start to creep, and doesn't quite roll over yet. He loves his baby food, especially fruit.