You're One, Lil Joe!

Happy Birthday to our Little Joe! Can you believe it's been a year? And he's getting so big. He's actually walking now and chasing his siblings...when they're not around, he's chasing the cat. Still just as happy as could be.

So, five children later, and we still haven't had one who wants to make a huge mess out of their first cake. Joe had to encouraged to poke the frosting. But still, he didn't know what to make of the big, colorful cake in front of him. Nor did he know what to do with the candle. Someone else blew that out for him. Ah well. They all learn by their second what to do with cake and ice cream!

Thanks to everyone for a great birthday! He got some wonderful clothes...which he desperately needed. It would seem that his older siblings have worn out all the "hand-me-downs." Ah well. He'll never really have to complain about never getting new stuff.

Joe didn't know what to do with this ball. It had squishy little spikes coming out from it and the soft plastic texture was not one he even wanted to touch. John, on the other hand, loved playing with it. I guess birthdays can be fun for everyone! Thanks for the happy day.

Here's to loads more birthdays, Joe Joe!

Fruits of our Labors

We have done fairly well with the little garden at the side of our townhome again. This year found new veggies on the vine and a trial for bell peppers. We've done okay with our zucchini. We haven't seen any cucumbers like last year, but those plants got a late start. I guess we should be lucky we got much of anything since Joe was born right when we should have been seeing peas growing in the garden. But the kids have been super excited to see tomatoes, zucchini, and now peppers. We have been blessed!

Now, if only I could get Jack to smile for the picture...

Welcome Home Lil' Joe!

And we added number seven to our family this past March! Joseph Michael was born on March 21st at 6:14 pm. Amazingly, he was also 6 lbs. 14 oz. Talk about coincidence! And it wasn't even a hard labor on Mom! Yea!

Joe had to spend a week in the NICU because of various reasons that all turned out to be fine. He couldn't keep his blood sugars at levels that satisfied the doctors and then they ran some more tests only to find he might have an infection/inflammation somewhere in his body. All of those blood tests came back normal/negative, so he cleared that test just fine. Then, to help him keep his sugar levels higher, they force fed him through a tube.

Anyway, long story short, he gained weight nicely and is now home. He has surpassed his birth weight (which usually happens by the second week of life, not the first 8 days!) and is working on a schedule that matches more of our family's needs.

My stay at the hospital wasn't all bad. I had some great visitors and the hospital food was actually awesome! They are starting a new program at the hospital where you get to choose from a menu, so every meal has an individual touch to it. The above one was my lunch. Loads of food available and when it came, it was enough to share with another adult too. Wow! Shawn was a little jealous that I got pizza for two days. Ah well. I told him he could have the next baby and get pampered.

I hope you enjoy the pictures of our newest member! He is everyone's favorite. John and Kelsey are constantly battling as to who gets to carry/hold Joe. Bekah calms down as soon as she has her little brother in her arms. And Jack's first words on waking up are "Joe? Joe?" He loves his little brother. And I can't complain either. Joe's a pretty mellow baby and I get plenty of help holding him when he needs cuddle time. It's been fun to see the kids interacting and caring for Joe. It's nice to see them getting along over little Joe.