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.

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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.