Joshua is a genius

Sorry, this post got messed up when I was trying to post it the first time.

Anyways... We all knew Joshua was going to be smart (look at his mom), but I never knew his brilliance was going to start shining so early. I must admit he's a little slow when it comes to a few physical things like picking his noggin up off the ground during tummy time, but you should see that noggin work these days. He has already started counting, and he's only 4.5 months old! The other day I was having a very one sided conversation with him (naturally he understands everything we say, he just doesn't talk back much) when he showed me his counting ability.
"Joshua, I'm so glad you're happy today...blah blah blah... You're doing so good... blah blah.. You need to keep being nice to your mom.. blah blah....
"Ok its time to change your diaper.... let's unsnap the onesie... Ok now i'm going to take your diaper off
"3...2...1...

I thought counting down to the time to undo the diaper was going to help. nope. it just gave him time to plan his next move.

3...2...1...WIZZ!
wizz wasn't the sound. the sound was more like 3...2...1... AHHH! No! stop! Joshua!! EMILY get me a towel!

Let me tell you, that boy can shoot a stream like no other. He is going to be one awesome boy scout some day.

You may think that this was a common case of cold air on the skin inducing urination, but I know that Joshua has secretly been practicing counting. I know because he started peeing just before I got the diaper open; it was too quick for it to be a reaction.

But, mostly I know it was premeditated because immediately after he shot me, he started laughing.

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...