And the traditional asleep with dad photo.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The First Week
If I were to use one word to describe this first week with Josh, it would be peaceful.
He has really integrated well with the family, and we are grateful, very grateful. Reminds us a lot of his bigger brother Joel. He just seems to adapt very nicely to the sleep, feed, wake routine. So far, he has only kept us awake crying one of the six nights we have had him. We are super grateful for this. Believe me, we have seen the colicky side of things and never want to go there again.
It has been nice for me (Eric) to be home and help out with everything, I am enjoying it. Heather is recovering very well so far which is another blessing. The days are filled with the routines of feeding the baby, and keeping four other active siblings occupied, busy and out of trouble as much as possible.
Each day I will try to get an activity with them. Today will be the Zoo.
Earlier this week, we took a hike to explore an arroyo near our house. I ended up just taking the girls and Joel because Ethan had an attitude issue he could not straighten out.
On the hike, we ran into the "World Famous" "Super Bill Kathan" He says he has 45 different world records in the Guinness Book, among them backward walking coast to coast, and back of hands push-ups (recently lost that one), and jumping jacks in one hour. He was walking along backwards on the trail when we met him.
He was a character, and certainly looked very fit for his age. Currently he is training for a backwards crossing of the Grand Canyon from North to South rim.
Here he is with the kids demonstrating backward walking.
I think he's just a bit off:) Friendly anyway.
Another day I took Ethan on a ride with some other kids and dad, and it turned into a total, memorable disaster. Started out all right, but Ethan crashed into an Agave and put a 1/2" spine into his palm (could have been way worse). The worst was yet to come. while we were 45 minutes from the car, we were caught in a terrible thunder storm. We were soaked through, and the lightning hitting all around was anxiety producing to say the least. (Arizona Monsoon storms are very violently electrical). The rain soaked the ground to the point of turning it into the famous Arizona clay/mud that is impossible to bike through, and almost impossible to walk through. It cakes up on your wheels, tires, and bike until the wheels don't spin, and it weighs about 60 lbs. We had to walk carrying the bikes for about the last 3/4 mile. Ethan could hardly walk with his 10 lb shoes, much less carry the bike. We had two 12 year olds with us, and they could hardly carry one bike between the two of them, so I ended up carrying out three bikes.
Fun was had anyway.
Ended up the week watching this great storm about 20 miles off from the deck.
We are grateful beyond measure for this little life, and even more grateful that he seems a laid back kid. We have had them be good for a week in the past and then turn on us, so I won't get my hopes too high at this point.
He has really integrated well with the family, and we are grateful, very grateful. Reminds us a lot of his bigger brother Joel. He just seems to adapt very nicely to the sleep, feed, wake routine. So far, he has only kept us awake crying one of the six nights we have had him. We are super grateful for this. Believe me, we have seen the colicky side of things and never want to go there again.
It has been nice for me (Eric) to be home and help out with everything, I am enjoying it. Heather is recovering very well so far which is another blessing. The days are filled with the routines of feeding the baby, and keeping four other active siblings occupied, busy and out of trouble as much as possible.
Each day I will try to get an activity with them. Today will be the Zoo.
Earlier this week, we took a hike to explore an arroyo near our house. I ended up just taking the girls and Joel because Ethan had an attitude issue he could not straighten out.
On the hike, we ran into the "World Famous" "Super Bill Kathan" He says he has 45 different world records in the Guinness Book, among them backward walking coast to coast, and back of hands push-ups (recently lost that one), and jumping jacks in one hour. He was walking along backwards on the trail when we met him.
He was a character, and certainly looked very fit for his age. Currently he is training for a backwards crossing of the Grand Canyon from North to South rim.
Here he is with the kids demonstrating backward walking.
I think he's just a bit off:) Friendly anyway.
Another day I took Ethan on a ride with some other kids and dad, and it turned into a total, memorable disaster. Started out all right, but Ethan crashed into an Agave and put a 1/2" spine into his palm (could have been way worse). The worst was yet to come. while we were 45 minutes from the car, we were caught in a terrible thunder storm. We were soaked through, and the lightning hitting all around was anxiety producing to say the least. (Arizona Monsoon storms are very violently electrical). The rain soaked the ground to the point of turning it into the famous Arizona clay/mud that is impossible to bike through, and almost impossible to walk through. It cakes up on your wheels, tires, and bike until the wheels don't spin, and it weighs about 60 lbs. We had to walk carrying the bikes for about the last 3/4 mile. Ethan could hardly walk with his 10 lb shoes, much less carry the bike. We had two 12 year olds with us, and they could hardly carry one bike between the two of them, so I ended up carrying out three bikes.
Fun was had anyway.
Ended up the week watching this great storm about 20 miles off from the deck.
We are grateful beyond measure for this little life, and even more grateful that he seems a laid back kid. We have had them be good for a week in the past and then turn on us, so I won't get my hopes too high at this point.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Homecoming
Everyone is home and doing well. Not much time to reflect, but suffice it to say, I like this one a lot. Very good baby so far.
A few photos:
A card from Rachel
A few photos:
A card from Rachel
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Things to like about Arizona
Itty bitty lizards
Great Big Spiders
On the front porch no less!
He moved on this evening. Just that time of year to meet a mate a make more small (relatively) replicas.
Great Big Spiders
On the front porch no less!
He moved on this evening. Just that time of year to meet a mate a make more small (relatively) replicas.
Baby Josh
He has finally joined us outside of the womb!
Heather woke me up at 0300. Time to go in.
Still looking hot, even ready to deliver. Amazing.
We were worried she might not get in in time to get an epidural which she has not has since our first delivery (Ethan). We both were anxious about this. The Lord calmed our anxiety as we put it into his hands (for the 1000th time). Don't let anyone fool you. It is scary each time, even being in "the business" etc and having so many prior kiddos.
We need not have worried. We got in right away, and just in time it turns out. Heather's nurse was a patient of mine from a few weeks back, so that was comforting.
Got the IV in, and my favorite anesthesiologist "just happened" to be on call and was there quickly. She received an awesome epidural, and things calmed significantly at that point. Our OB broke her water, and she delivered totally pain free within 1/2 hour. I simply couldn't believe how nice an experience this was. We have done three deliveries natural, and let me tell you, this is way nicer. Sooooo much calmer and controlled. This is going to go down in the books as the our best delivery experience. All praise, glory and honor to God. Thank you so much.
Heather was doing great, so our OB who is a friend, let me deliver (first time for me to do this with our kids anyway.) Normally I wouldn't because Heather usually needs me a lot at this point (duh).
On with the baby photos:
Look at those Blues! Love them.
I think he looks a bit like Abby did. Have to check the baby books.
Little curl in the hair.
Nothing like a swaddled baby.
He really seems to have a mellow temperment although this is early. He comforts very easily, and was already sticking his fist in his mouth. He drained a 2 oz bottle within 20 min of birth which is exceptional for one of our kids.
Happy Birthday Joshua!!
One of my office staff bought presents for Josh's birthday for the other kids. They loved it.
Addendum: 7lbs 7 oz (you can see it on the scale), 21" long
God things about this delivery:
1. Perfect timing. Eric had to figure a long time ago when to take off work. With no family locally, he is on duty for care of the other kids and helping Heather recover the first week. His vacation 0f 9 days started 2 hours after delivery. Simply perfect to give him maximum time to help out. Not bad for not inducing.
2. Perfect timing #2. Got there just at the right time with the right folks to get that awesome epidural.
3. Provision for people willing to stay with the kids at 0330 and through the day if needed.
I am sure there are more that I will add once my better brain comes home.
E
Heather woke me up at 0300. Time to go in.
Still looking hot, even ready to deliver. Amazing.
We were worried she might not get in in time to get an epidural which she has not has since our first delivery (Ethan). We both were anxious about this. The Lord calmed our anxiety as we put it into his hands (for the 1000th time). Don't let anyone fool you. It is scary each time, even being in "the business" etc and having so many prior kiddos.
We need not have worried. We got in right away, and just in time it turns out. Heather's nurse was a patient of mine from a few weeks back, so that was comforting.
Got the IV in, and my favorite anesthesiologist "just happened" to be on call and was there quickly. She received an awesome epidural, and things calmed significantly at that point. Our OB broke her water, and she delivered totally pain free within 1/2 hour. I simply couldn't believe how nice an experience this was. We have done three deliveries natural, and let me tell you, this is way nicer. Sooooo much calmer and controlled. This is going to go down in the books as the our best delivery experience. All praise, glory and honor to God. Thank you so much.
Heather was doing great, so our OB who is a friend, let me deliver (first time for me to do this with our kids anyway.) Normally I wouldn't because Heather usually needs me a lot at this point (duh).
On with the baby photos:
Look at those Blues! Love them.
I think he looks a bit like Abby did. Have to check the baby books.
Little curl in the hair.
Nothing like a swaddled baby.
He really seems to have a mellow temperment although this is early. He comforts very easily, and was already sticking his fist in his mouth. He drained a 2 oz bottle within 20 min of birth which is exceptional for one of our kids.
Happy Birthday Joshua!!
One of my office staff bought presents for Josh's birthday for the other kids. They loved it.
Addendum: 7lbs 7 oz (you can see it on the scale), 21" long
God things about this delivery:
1. Perfect timing. Eric had to figure a long time ago when to take off work. With no family locally, he is on duty for care of the other kids and helping Heather recover the first week. His vacation 0f 9 days started 2 hours after delivery. Simply perfect to give him maximum time to help out. Not bad for not inducing.
2. Perfect timing #2. Got there just at the right time with the right folks to get that awesome epidural.
3. Provision for people willing to stay with the kids at 0330 and through the day if needed.
I am sure there are more that I will add once my better brain comes home.
E
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Books
Yeah, we like book time a lot in our family.
Rachel and Ethan made the librarian's day today. They had done a summer reading program, and as a reward, they had a choice between a bunch of toys, or some books that the library was giving away. They zeroed in on the books and totally ignored the toys.
Feet
If you have to have "Barney Rubble Feet" They might as well be cute.
Poor Heather can't even get her shoes on right now.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
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