9 months

Well, Josiah is officially 9 months now!  He continues to grow each day.  He is learning so many new and exciting things. 

Josiah is sitting up really well now.  He is so sure of himself, he can now spin around on his bottom so he can get a toy that is behind him.  He has even started sitting up during his bath time.  Josiah realized that he could splash with his hands the other day.  We thought he could get some distance with his feet, but his hands are much better at making splashes!  The same night he figured out he could splash with his hands, he decided he wanted to put his face in the water.  I was trying to stop him because I knew he would swallow a mouth full of water and start coughing.  Daddy said that we should go ahead and let him to do it.  I didn't want to at first, but decided to let Josiah explore.  Sure enough, he did exactly what I thought he would do.  I thought all that coughing would make him not want to stick his face in the water again, but I was wrong!  He continued to put his face in the water and would come up screeching so happily.  We still believe we've got the next Michael Phelps (minus the drug use!) on our hands!  Josiah is able to balance on his hands and knees.  We've started putting a toy up in the air a little bit in front of him.  He is trying to crawl to get it.  He's still not interested in crawling on his own though.  He prefers to roll and is truly a master at it!  Mommy was daring the other day and got some paint out for Josiah to finger paint with.  I put him in the bath tub, so it would be easy clean up.  Josiah wasn't too fond of the paint, but we were able to get some nice pictures.

On Saturday, we will be taking our first airplane ride as a family.  We are going to GA for Chris' spring break.  I'm already preparing myself to receive some dirty looks and will try not to give any back myself---I guess that is the protective Mommy in me!  Say some prayers for us as we have an new adventure this weekend!

Well, I should get going.  I'm going to get the little one in his stroller and enjoy this beautiful weather!

Josiah's Baptism

Well, it's been a few days since all of our family has left, and I think Josiah has finally recovered from  being the center of attention!  We had a great time having our family here even though it dwindled on Friday.  Auntie Kate wasn't able to come because she had another sinus infection, which is eventually going to require some surgery.  Papa T and Lin-Lin weren't able to come either because Lin-Lin had a bad reaction to some medicine she was taking.  Papa "surprised" us by coming up for the weekend.  It accidentally slipped out that he was coming a couple of days before he got here.  He worked a couple of Wednesdays so he could be here.  Thanks Papa for giving up your golf time to be here! 

On Friday, Mimi, Josiah and I hung out and did some grocery shopping at Wegmans to get ready for the weeekend.  Before we went we tried putting Josiah on all fours, and he was able to balance for a little bit.  Granny and Papa Gig arrived Friday afternoon.  Josiah had a doctor appointment.  It looks like we are in the clear, and he has leveled off at the 10%.  The PA was sharing that there is another little boy she has as a patient who has done the same thing with his weight, but he isn't meeting any of the milestones, which is causing her some concern.  She said that since he is doing well as far as meeting his milestones, she feels like he is going to be tall and skinny.  That's what we tried to tell her two months ago!  I am thankful for her concern, and I am glad that we have her as our PA.  We hung out Friday night and ate some pizza.  Josiah was the center of attention and loved every minute of it.

On Saturday, we had some beautiful weather.  So nice that the sugar ants decided to pay the Greenwood family a visit.  Daddy was on that though, and he won the battle!  It was great to open up the windows and let some fresh air in along with the sunlight.  Papa arrived that morning, so we went to the airport to pick him up.  We all went to lunch at a Japanese Habachi Restaurant.  We weren't sure how Josiah would do with the flames.  He was memorized by them just like Daddy.  After lunch, we took Granny and Papa Gig to Wegmans so they could experience this awesome grocery store.  Then we just visited for the afternoon.  Mimi cooked a ham dinner that night, and we visited some more.

On Sunday, Josiah was batpized.  He was a very good boy.  A little wiggly, but very good.  His wiggles was making us a little nervous because our pastor just had hip replacement surgery a little over a week ago.  We didn't want Pastor Tom getting off balance and hurting himself.  We truly appreciate him coming to do the baptism.  Chris and I appreicate how Pastor Tom presented infant baptism--Chris and I making a covenant with God to raise Josiah in a Christian home by praying with and for him and by teaching him that Jesus is the only way to heaven.  We realize that Josiah is not saved, but we pray that one day he will realize his need for Jesus to be his savior.

On Monday, Daddy had to go back to work.  Josiah and I hung out with Mimi and Papa.  We went to the Manassas Battlefield Park and walked around for about an hour.  Then we got some lunch before we did some shopping.  Mimi and Papa bought Josiah his Easter outfit.  He looks like such a little man.  I feel bad for our daughter one day since we dress Josiah up so much!  Monday night was a little rough.  Josiah was up until 2am. We think his teeth were bothering him.  I had to be up at 5:30am to bring my parents to the airport.  Chris, Josiah and I were dragging most of the day, but we made it through by God's strength.

On Tuesday, my parents left early in the morning and that afternoon my aunt and uncle spent the night on their way back to Vermont.  We had a nice visit, and Josiah continued to love being the center of attention.  There are some pictures of Josiah meeting Kirby, and he absolutely loved th dog.  I have a feeling one day I am going to have LOTS of pressure from the two men in my life to get a dog. 

On Wednesday, we didn't make it into the church until almost noon because Josiah was being such a sleepy head.  I guess all the company wore him out.  Yesterday, we didn't go to MOPS because again he took a two hour nap.  I think it was best for him to just take a couple of days to get himself back on track.  Yesterday was a big day for Josiah has he discovered how to pick up the Cheerios and put them in his mouth!  He gagged the first few times, but is doing a much better job!

We are really looking forward to this weekend.  We plan on going to the library and just spend some quiet time at home as a family.We hope you enjoy the pictures of Josiah.  I know there are a lot, but we've been pretty busy!

Almost 7 months

Well, we can't believe that Josiah is almost 7 months!  The last month has been full of new discoveries and lots of laughing! 

Josiah continues to do well with eating.  He has tried oatmeal, green beans, squash, peaches, pears bread and chicken.  He likes oatmeal in the morning with his fruit.  We have been giving him little crumbs of bread.  It makes us laugh each time he eats it because he gags.  He's not choking, it's just the fact that there is something in his mouth that isn't smooth or liquidy.  We gave him chicken for the first time.  Usually when we introduce a new food, he will pucker his face.  This time, he got the BIGGEST smile on his face!  He will hold his own sippy cup during the meals--when he is in the mood to do it that is! 

He has been the rolling machine around the house.  The other night when Chris and I were finishing up our dinner, we put Josiah on the floor.  He rolled himself all the way over to the fireplace to lay in front of the fire!  He did it with such speed that we were impressed.  The other day I was working in the office and Josiah started rolling.  I got up to go get him, but he had disappeared.  For a brief second I panicked, but then realized that he had to be here---unless the Raptured happened!    Then all of a sudden, I saw this little hand coming out from under the bed.  Josiah had rolled himself under the bed and was so proud of himself!  Another day this week, he rolled over to the Kleenex box and started pulling the tissue out.  I think I should be very afraid!  He has figured out how to spin in his bouncy chair, which is good because he can now turn to the different activities he wants to do.   He likes to play peek-a-boo with his blanket.  He will put it over his face, and I'll ask, "Where's Josiah?"  He then pulls the blanket off his face and smiles at me!

He has gotten his second tooth--bottom/front/right.  His first tooth has gotten quite long.  Nursing still is going well as far as teeth are concerned--I'm so thankful for that!  Papa T said we can start brushing his teeth now.  Most of the time we end up brushing his tongue more than his teeth, but we try! 

Josiah continues to enjoy his walks.  We found a park in the neighborhood the other day.  It has an infant swing that Josiah LOVES!  He kept screeching (his new favorite sound!) while he was swinging!  I will take pictures the next time we go--hopefully, his eyes will be open.  His new thing is to close his eyes when I take pictures of him.  You wouldn't believe how many pictures I've taken to get one picture with his eyes open.  One day I was trying to take his weekly picture, and I counted over 20 pictures with his eyes closed! 

I've started working at the church as the Children's Director.  We go to the church every Wednesday for a few hours and then I spend the rest of the time working from the house.  Josiah does really well.  Mommy tries not to feel guilty about having him there so long.  When I'm at home, I am able to work when he is napping which is good so he doesn't have to entertain himself. 

Well, I guess I should go.  Hope everyone has a great weekend! 

6 months

We can't believe that Josiah is already a half a year old!  Time sure does fly when you are having fun!  We can't believe how much he has changed since he was born.  The other day we got out the DVD of when he was born and coming home from the hospital and couldn't believe how tiny he was.  He went to his 6 month check-up yesterday and, Josiah has grown 8 inches since he was born!  We will be going back in about a month because his weight is between the 10% and 25% range.  Where they come up with these numbers, we don't know, but we aren't overly concerned about the weight issue.  We feel like Josiah is going to be like all the other Greenwood men--tall and skinny! 

Josiah is learning more and more each day.  He is beginning to sit up on his own--about 15 to 20 seconds!  He is doing a great job eating in his high chair.  We are trying to have him sit in it while we eat dinner, so when we go out to a restaurant he will be familiar with sitting in one for a longer period of time.  He his drinking out of a sippy cup and sometimes even a regular cup.  He became interested with drinking out of a cup on his own.  One day, he kept grabbing at my water cup, so I put it in front of him.  He leaned forward and put his mouth on it.  He started grunting when he couldn't get anything, so I tipped the cup a little bit and he was in heaven!  He continues to LOVE his bath time.  He has learned how to really get his Daddy wet!  Josiah arches his back and throws both legs down at the same time.  One night he was doing such a great job that he got the wall outside of the bath tub wet along with the floor.  Who knows, we might have the next Michael Phelps on our hands!  He still likes going on his walks, and I hope to get back into our regular walking routine now that the holidays have passed.

We had a great Christmas.  My (Sara) parents came up on Christmas Eve and stayed until the 29th.  We went to the Christmas Eve service and our little family was picked to light the Christ candle for Advent.  This was very special to me because one of my fondest memories as a child was lighting the Advent candles on our dinner table.  This is a tradition that I hope to pass on to our children.  Josiah got LOTS of clothes and a few toys for Christmas.  The clothes are a great thing considering he continues to grow so quickly.  I have a feeling  we may be buying in the tall section as he gets older!  Josiah also got a webcam, so he will be able to chat with family and friends.  We will be using Skype for any of you who have a webcam.

Well, we hope you had a great Christmas and that your New Year will be filled with many blessings.

I've Rolled Over

Well, Josiah has finally learned how to roll over from his stomach to his back!  On Tuesday, he rolled over two times all by himself!  Yesterday, he didn't really want to which is OK.  We want him to do things at his own pace.  As I've told my students in the past, "We all learn how to ride a bike, read a book, jump rope at different times.  It's OK that we don't all learn how to do something at the same time because that is what makes you you." 

He is doing much better at sleeping at night.  He sleeps anywhere from 8-9 hours!  A couple of nights ago, he got up after 6 hours, but I think he must have been going through a growth spurt.  I couldn't feed him enough that day!  Lastnight, he slept for 13 hours and only got up once to eat.  We won't call that normally yet!  It was a nice treat, but Mommy and Daddy still didn't take advantage of that sleeping.  How foolish are we!?!

We will start giving him cereal at the end of the month.  I think he is getting ready to eat food.  Lastnight, I was holding him while I was eating dinner.  He was trying to put his hands in my plate.  Chris said each time I lifted my fork of food, he would open his mouth.

We'll keep you posted on any new achievements the little one makes!

Almost 3 months

Well, I can't believe Josiah is almost 3 months old. Where has the time gone? The next few weeks are going to go by even faster. I finish working at EWE on Friday! Praise the Lord! God has finally released me to be a stay at home mom. On Sunday, Chris will drive us half way to Georgia. I will be spending 2 weeks in GA with my family before we make the big trip up to Virginia. Chris will start his position at the church on October 6th. He will start his ESL classes at the Christian school on October 14th. We can move into our apartment on October 11th. We have been waiting so long for this day to come and now everything seems to be moving so fast that we aren't capable of enjoying this time as much as we would like. Please continue to pray for us as we make these transitions--Chris going from a stay at home dad to having two part time positions. Sara going  from a full time teacher to a stay at home mom. Josiah going from the comforts of the only home he has known to moving to "his home." It will be so nice to FINALLY have a nursery for him with a real crib!

Josiah has learned to do many new things over the last few weeks.  He can roll on to his side.  He smiles when he sees his Mommy and Daddy.  He laughs at his toys.  He has better control of his head.  When we put him in his bed, he falls asleep on his own.  We try to rock him, but he wants nothing to do with it.  He wants the comfort of his own bed.  He already knows what he wants and doesn't want and that included not wanting to take a bottle anymore!  A week ago Wednesday, he stopped taking his bottle.   I've been pumping milk for him while I am at work, and he will not drink it.  Chris has been bringing him to work during my lunch and specials so I can feed him.  Yesterday, we made some formula and put it in the bottle.  He drank 3 oz. rather quickly.  Chris is going to try my milk again to see if he is taking the bottle again or if he can really tell the difference between my milk and formula.  With all the eating he has been doing, he is now 26 inches long and 12 1/2 lbs.!  Three month pants fit him in the waist, but he needs six month pants to fit him in the legs!  Josiah LOVES his bath time!  He doesn't mind having water on his face, which is a good thing because we want him to like the pool.   He is now riding in the stroller like a big boy--there are pictures in his album!

We will continue to post pictures and journal entries, but it might be a few weeks as we go through all these transitions.


We love you all and thanks for all the many prayers lifted on our behalf!

3 months old

One down, many more to go

Well, I am officially a month old today. Where has the time gone? I've been busy...eating, eating and more eating. Sometimes it's in the dark---according to Uncle Toadie! : ) I've been peeing in a lot in my diapers and Mommy or Daddy will change me. Then 5 minutes later I leave them a present. I've been busy meeting Mommy and Daddy's friends and being held by them. I've also enjoyed meeting my family. I've gotten my Mommy and Daddy a few times by peeing or pooping on them and then I've got to be changed. Daddy has been busy doing LOTS of laundry. He's still trying to figure out if Mommy or I have more laundry. I've gone to Atlanta for a memorial service for my Great Granddad Freddie. I've had lots of books read to me and enjoy listening to music during my wake time. I'm still trying to get used to liking tummy time. I've been to Charleston, SC to meet my Auntie Sue, Uncle Toadie and Cousin Tay-Tay. I'm learning how to "talk" with Mommy and Daddy. I'm beginning to "smile"--okay, so I've got a little gas or I'm having a good dream, but don't tell Mommy and Daddy. I lost my umbilical cord which meant I was ready for a real bath. Mimi gave me my first bottle. I had my feet pricked more times than I can count--okay, so I can't count very high--it still hurt!! I spent two days on a bilirubin blanket. I helped Mommy and Daddy celebrate their 6th anniversary! I went to church. I went to an aquarium and slept through it all. I've gone on a few lunch dates with Mommy and Daddy. I've gone to Daddy's work, which often led to Mommy doing some shopping. I've also gone to Mommy's work to meet the ladies in the front office. I've had LOTS of pictures taken of me---I know how Brittany Spears feels like! I visited Papa T at his work. I've talked with Papa and Mimi over the computer. I still fight Mommy and Daddy about going to sleep at night. I'm only a month old and my life has been pretty busy. I have a feeling it is going to continue to be busy because the next two weekends Mommy and Daddy are taking me to St. Matthews, SC and Reston, VA. Daddy is being interviewed for possible positions at these churches. Please say a prayer that Daddy gets a position, so my Mommy doesn't have to go back to work in a few weeks. I want to say thank you for all the prayers that have been said on my behalf. Mommy and Daddy keep saying that they are so thankful for me and how good of a baby I am. I'm going to keep trying to be a better sleeper, but until I get it worked out say some prayers for my Mommy and Daddy.