Provo Adventures: 7/8

Another one down. Just a handful of days to go!!!

I think that Joshua has changed so much in just this past week. He is figuring out the world around him. For example, While Joshua is laying on the ground, or in his bouncy chair, he will make noises, and move around a lot to get my attention. When he finally gets me to look at him, he will smile big, and be excited to have my attention. It's too adorable to resist, so I pick him up. He immediately forgets about me. He will look right past my head, and start playing with somebody sitting next to me, or just stare at the wall or ceiling, but avoiding looking at me. I decided that's not the game I want to play. I finally asked somebody else to hold him, and he completely ignored them, and smiled and engaged with me, next to the holder. Hmm...I'll keep trying different things, and see if it's consistent. Maybe he's just more interested in the world a little farther away from him.

He discovered the dog that is living with us. Molly is a beagle, and she has her own rules for the house. She doesn't mind jumping up, and eating food off the table or counters, and she's always been curious about Joshua, being a little smelly bundle that moves. Joshua started to notice Molly, too, and sometimes has some big bug eyes as they stare each other down. This picture doesn't capture how funny it looks, but I took one anyway. I didn't want to forget it.

I was sitting with Heather and Dan one evening, and Dan started talking in a really deep voice at Joshua. Immediately, Joshua's smiles and happy face melted away, and all that was left was a puckered lower lip. He was so worried all of a sudden, and started to cry. No more unnaturally deep voices for baby!! We learned our lesson. A few more times, I've caught that little lower lip quiver, and am guessing Joshua will be pulling that out more and more as he continues to learn how to get what he wants. Today, it's irresistible.

I went to the Enrichment Super Saturday activity for the ward I've been attending this past weekend. I got to make some crafty things, even though I didn't sign up for anything ahead of time (like they required). I have some Christmas gift ideas for the Mullins and Heaton crowds, and I even made a fun house-warming gift for myself, using the colors that Benjamin and I picked out for our living room and kitchen. I'm feeling oh-so domestic, and will post a picture once I'm done with it. I haven't yet assembled it because I (1) ran out of time, and (2) don't think it will travel well as a final product. I'll get it to Georgia, and do the last few finishing touches.

It snowed on Saturday, but luckily it has mostly melted. It's gotten brutally cold, and since I don't have a coat, I think it's about time for me to skip town. I hear it's warmer in Georiga. If we can make it just a few more days, I won't have to make the 45 minute drive to Provo in snowy weather. We've been very lucky so far.

Joshua is also getting a pretty good bald-spot emerging on the back of his head. His long hair has weathered well, but the end is in sight for some of it. I know it's something that happens to all babies, but I hope it grows back fast. The difference is much more obvious in person. Just take my word for it.

Seven down.

What I've Learned in 12 weeks!!

Joshua was born just 12 weeks ago today. I wanted to list a few things I have learned since then, and hopefully different things that what I learned by 6 weeks.

1. When Joshua gets fussy, and I know he's not hungry or wet, it's NAP TIME. He's been trying to be on a schedule longer than I've realized.
2. Babysitters make everything possible.
3. No matter how much he spits up, Joshua is gaining weight.
4. Joshua likes to listen to his mom sing Primary songs.
5. The back of your hand is perfect to suck on.
6. We learned how to DROOL.
7. Breast-fed babies can still have stinky stinky toots.
8. Babies sometimes don't poop for a week and a half. It's ok. They aren't going to overflow that way.
9. Joshua needs his dad.
10. Sometimes babies just cry. Really hard.
11. Joshua likes to dance with his mom.
12. Tummy-time can be the worst part of the day.
13. Gas relief drops are most helpful as a distraction from being cranky.
14. Conversations take two voices. And Joshua found his voice.
15. Tiny fingernails scratch more often than normal fingernails.
16. Joshua is trying to learn how to knock someone out with a head-butt. I've bled on the inside of my lip only once so far.
17. Web-cameras help us feel a little more like a family.
18. If you run out of wipes, you might as well pack up and head straight home.
19. Babies need to wear socks in November.
20. Joshua is the most forgiving person I've ever been around. Screaming at you one second, and flashing a genuine beautiful smile with tears still in his eyes. I want to take Forgetting Grudges 101 from him.

Provo Adventures: 6/8

We've survived another week. I have spent a chunk of this week working on my thesis, and it's moving forward. Let's see if I can keep cranking it out for two more weeks!

Joshua has started having very stinky toots. It's overwhelming sometimes. Aren't breast-fed babies generally mild stinkers? Something happened the last few days to change that opinion for me. I've thought about if I've eaten anything different, and I will admit that I have eaten quite a bit of candy since Halloween!!! Could that make Joshua more fragrant?

This week, we had a fabulous dinner invitation with the Gravetts. We also went to Alton, Utah, for a Heaton funeral. It was Joshua's first time to meet all of Benjamin's cousins, and he got to spend a little time with Great Grand-Pa Heaton. We missed Benjamin while we were there, but I was glad to see everyone, and spend time with Amber, Brooklyn, and Mom and Dad Heaton.

Joshua is an amazing traveler so far. He slept almost the entire ride from Alton to Provo. Everybody says he is so good on the airplanes so far, too. I feel so lucky that he's been so good to go with the flow as I've hauled him across the country.

The Heaton men, skipping the

third generation of four.

Grand-Pa with Joshua

and Brooklyn

Six down.

the Voice of Joshua

Provo Adventures: 5/8

This past week, Joshua is getting to be all smiles. Except for those times when he is angry and lets you know it. Joshua has been congested off and on for a few days, and the pediatrician said to keep an eye on things. Last Monday (at 9 weeks), Joshua weighed in at 11 lbs, 1 oz. and measured at 23 and 1/4th inches. He's a growing boy.

The best thing that Joshua got to do this week was to go home to Georgia and play with his dad. It was a very busy Halloween weekend.

Joshua went on his first camping trip, despite the rain.

Benjamin and Emily became HOMEOWNERS!!!! The Three Heatons spent their first night in the new house. (yeah for air-mattresses and granola bars.)

Joshua went Trunk-or-Treating with Grandma and Grandpa, and was dressed as a chili-pepper.

We've also started to be more regular at tummy-time, although Joshua would just assume I keep forgetting about it. He wiggles and squirms, and makes the most "help me" sounds I could imagine. But it's time we got a back as strong as his abs.

Five down.

then to now

One of the pictures that I see flash on my computer occasionally is of one of my favorite places. I spent 18 months as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and most of those 18 months were in Nauvoo, Illinois. While living in Carthage, Illinois, I took visitors on tours of the historic Carthage Jail, and to share with them what happened there. I got to share my testimony of Joseph Smith, and everything he did during his life to testify of Jesus Christ. I learned quite a bit about the early Church, and the sacrifices that individuals and families made to come closer to the Lord.

This picture reminds me of the stories I would share, and of the people I met, and the Sisters I received and love.

This past weekend, I got to spend an evening in Salt Lake City with a group of Nauvoo Sisters to celebrate the marriage of one of them. I saw a miniature replica of this statue, and could not resist the opportunity. Thanks, Merry, for helping me recreate the shot.

16 months, a husbands, and a baby later...

Provo Adventures: 4/8

Half way!
This week, I got to meet up with Shelly Jensen, formerly Cook. We got to hang out, compare little baby stories, and reminisce about the terrific youth dances of Lilburn stake. It's really incredible to think that so much time has passed, and it is fun to see where life has brought us so far.

My sister's family made a surprise visit to Utah this weekend! I got to see Carlie and meet Niklas for the very first time! Niklas is 3 weeks younger than Joshua, and they are very different!! Joshua is a little longer, but Niklas is a little more solid. Do you see a resemblance?

This week, being Joshua's 9th of life, we have discovered our tongue. Joshua will stick it out, and will start licking his hands when he's hungry and they get too near his mouth. It's one of the cutest things I've seen him do yet, and I haven't been able to figure out how to document it accurately. I'll keep trying.

Joshua came with me to Salt Lake City for a wedding dinner. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a picture with Joseph in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Sadly, we didn't take many other pictures due to the chilliness of the night air. But I'll make sure to get a couple shots before Joshua gives up his Utah residency.

Joshua and his biggest fan,
and favorite babysitter, Merry.

Four down.

tricks or reminders

This is for all the moms out there. How many days have you gone where you feel absolutely lop-sided? Nursing on the left or nursing on the right. This basic decision is sometimes more than I can make without feeling myself up in public. And when I choose unwisely, not only does it feel uncomfortable, but it also sorta hurts. I've found myself reliving this nightmare on more than a handful of occasions, and I'm never quite sure how to remedy the problem.

My mother suggested I pin a safety pin on which side I just finished...or is it which side I start with next time? I can't ever remember the system, so having the safety pin hasn't helped me much.

I have started to wear an extra ring, on the hand that I need to nurse next. I can remember to swap the ring to the other hand in almost 80% of the times when I should. And then one of the most horrible things happened. I forgot my ring one day. And I was so confused all day until I could get home. I couldn't think of any way to successfully know where to start with the next feeding.

Luckily I have only forgotten my ring once, but I need your help. What are some tricks that have worked for you? I am wide open for suggestions, and success stories.

Happy Together...

I can't see me loving nobody but you for all my life
When you're with me, baby, the skies will be blue for all my life,

You and me, and me and you
No matter how the toss the dice; it had to be
The only one for me is you,
and you for me

So happy together!!!

Provo Adventures: 3/8

This week, Joshua got to meet a good friend for the first time. We miss hanging out with Mandy and Andrew in Provo since they moved to Dallas. But we got to introduce Austin and Joshua to each other. I think we're going to be grand friends as the years pass. Mandy, it was so good to see you!!

The Heaton/Baron, generation 3

We also got to spend the weekend in Georgia with Benjamin!! YEA! It was so nice to be home and to spend time with someone I love the most. Joshua had been saving some big smiles for his dad, and we enjoyed playing with Joshua together.

On the airplane

Benjamin and his family

Three down.

Provo Adventures: 2/8

All in all, this week has been MUCH better than week 1. I have a better grip on life, if nothing else. Some of the week's milestones:

1. Joshua graduated from newborn diapers to size 1
2. Joshua is smiling more often. Does he mean it? Don't ask me, I can't tell.
3. Joshua has begun to have fatty rolls on his legs.
4. Benjamin and Emily finally both have a webcam.
   

Here's what we've been up to:

Smiling @ 7 weeks

Sometimes, we sleep after
early-morning meals.

Emily went to FrighMares at Lagoon.
Roller-coasters are the best!

Check out the roll!

Two down.

Provo Adventures: 1/8

Emily is very close to finishing her Masters' degree, and has gone to Utah to finish up the last bit of her program requirements on location. It has been an emotional roller-coaster to decide to continue, as well as to put it into effect. So, this is an update of what Emily and Joshua have been up to while away from Benjamin and extended family in Atlanta.

Joshua traveled the whole way in this sling.
Doesn't he look comfortable?

Emily, after traveling from Atlanta to Denver to Salt Lake City.
Lack of sleep and worry are near the surface.

We got to go for a drive up the canyon, and the leaves are getting colorful.

We attended the Nauvoo Mission Reunion, and
got to visit with all the sisters. Nauvoo generation II is growing...

One down.