Well,
Josiah is officially 11 months. I can't believe he will be turning one
in just a month. We took him to the doctor yesterday because he got
his first cold and was going on day 17. We weren't concerned about him
having a cold until he started getting a nasty cough whenever we laid
him down and he was grabbing his ears. I guess Chris had some problems
with his ears when he was younger, so Chris is sensitive to Josiah's
ears. The doctor checked him out. His ears were clear and his lungs
sounded fine. She told us to run a shower and let him sit in the steam
before he goes to bed. She also told us to elevate his mattress and to
suction his nose out really good throughout the day. I told her that I
had been suctioning his nose so much that each time I bring him to the
changing table he starts to cry. I thought about suctioning his nose in
places that he shouldn't be---near the CD rack, the wires he is trying
to chew, the Shark sweeper---but decided against it. That would be the
easy way to discipline! 
Let's
see what else is going on with Josiah....Last night after Josiah had
gone to bed, he started crying--not normal for him. Chris went to get
him and all of a sudden I heard on the monitor, "Mommy, come here.
Quick!" I got a little panicked thinking there was something wrong with
him. When I got in there, Josiah was sitting up in his crib. He
figured out how to sit up from lying down. He has done it 2 more times
since then. Josiah has also started saying, "Momma!" and is working on
"Dadda." He will say the "d" sound every once in awhile, but hasn't
consistently put the "a" sound with it. He is also working on signing
the word "dog." He will do it when we do it, but hasn't done it on his
own yet. He is standing up more and more. Chris got Josiah to pull
himself up on one of his toys the other day. Josiah likes to drop
himself in your lap when he is standing up and you are sitting behind
him. He will laugh and laugh when he does this. He still favors the
army crawl, but is crawling on all fours a little more. He has also
taken a few steps when we walk with him.
Chris and I are
doing well. We will be heading to NC on June 10th for a week to see
Papa T and Lin-Lin. Josiah will also be meeting his great-grandparents
and great-aunt from TN for the first time. We are excited to take a
four generation Potter picture. Chris will have about 3 weeks off
before he starts summer classes. I was thinking of going to VT with my
momto see my cousin and her new baby, but decided to stay in town and
spend some time with Chris, while he has the time off. Hopefully, we
will find some neat places to go visit with Josiah.
We can't
believe that Josiah has been in our life for almost a year. We thank
you for all the prayers that have been lifted up on his behalf. Please,
keep them coming because I have a feeling the fun is just beginning!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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| 3 months old |
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