Joey Turns One!

None of us are thrilled that Joey is turning one and leaving babyhood behind us all. But since we can't stop it, we may as well party! :) On Sunday the 9th we had all the local family come over to celebrate. I printed off all the monthly pictures of Joey so we could see how he had grown, and I hung them from our birthday banner. I did this while the kids were at choir, so I was alone as I cried. :) I was sure to have my make-up touched up before they came home, and they were none the wiser. A few minutes after they had come home, I noticed Johnny crying on the couch. He and Sophie had been at each other all day, so I assumed they were fighting again. When I asked, rather sharply, what was wrong Johnny burst into tears and said, "I don't want Joey to not be our baby anymore!" So my sweet Johnny and I sat together for about 15 minutes, looking and Joey's banner and crying. Reminiscing about all the good times we had with Joey as our baby. And Johnny asked again if we could please have another baby. Sorry, buddy!

I also spent the afternoon prepping my first and only smash cake! It was a little stressful to assemble, and required an obscene amount of frosting to hold it all together, but I was rather pleased with how it turned out!!

Finally, it was party time! Joey wore his big brother's birthday shirt and with the help of, well, just about everyone, was able to figure out this whole birthday present business. True to a one-year-old, he was far more interested in the paper, boxes, and tape than the actual presents. But he got some really cute outfits and some great bath tub toys! 

And then it was time for the part everyone was waiting for...the cake smash! Joey really just wanted his party hat, and he was pretty upset when I took it away from him. Golly, but he's cute when he's sad! But it didn't take him long to figure out that he got to eat this whole thing, and that it was pretty tasty! And he's even cuter covered in cake... ;)

On Joey's actual birthday, the celebrations started all over again! The kids and I were sure to decorate the window, just for our Poseph! Once we got home from soccer, we gave Joey his last birthday present and blew out another candle. Joey really just wanted the candle this time, but once again it didn't take him long to discover the cake. I guess it's his party, and he can cry if he wants too, right? :)

And just like that, our Joey is one. Oh Poseph...it's become something of a dead horse that I just keep beating over and over again. But we are so sad to say goodbye to our baby! Thank you so much for coming to our family and bringing so much happiness and light-heartedness. Thank you for being you, and making our family complete. Happy Birthday, Joey! We love you to the moon and back!

To My Joseph, On Your Birthday...

Oh, Joseph. You're one year old now! I am simultaneously joyful and broken-hearted about that. I'm so full of joy for you...for all the adventures and fun and learning ahead of you! But I'm broken-hearted for me because you aren't my baby anymore. 

It is so hard to explain in words how my heart hurts with the passing of this stage. But I'll try. :) When I found out I was pregnant with you, I wasn't exactly thrilled. For years while Luke was sick, I felt so strongly that we had another baby waiting for us. But your Dad was feeling very strongly that we were done. After Luke died...in fact, just the day after he died, I was driving to drop off your Dad's suit at the dry cleaners for the funeral. And that feeling I had felt so strongly for all those years was just gone. I even felt what I thought was a spiritual confirmation that we were done. We would raise Claire, Sophie, and Johnny and wait to be reunited with Luke. And I felt very okay with that. In the months following Luke's death, your Dad and I revising the subject of having another baby often. But we always felt like we were done. So we did our best to move forward with our life. And then, right when life got crazy again with your Dad starting school and being called to be the bishop, I found out I was pregnant. I didn't take the news well! I covered a lot of what happened next in my pregnancy posts, but suffice it to say I eventually came around to the idea and even got excited. But even then, I had no idea how much I needed you and what a gift you would be to me.

Joey, you have brought so much joy to our family! You haven't replaced Luke, and we've always known that you wouldn't. But you have filled us in a way we didn't know we were empty. From the very first day you came to me, you have soothed my heart. At first, there were times that holding you made me ache for Luke so badly. So terribly badly, as it brought to my remembrance what it felt like to have Luke in my arms. But I never ever wanted you to be Luke. And in those times that my heart was breaking for your brother, I was so grateful for you and the help you were giving to me. Helping me remember, and helping me grieve. As it would turn out, I haven't been terribly good at that. :) Joseph, you are living, breathing testimony that the Lord wants better for me than I want for myself. I am so grateful for that!

You have been the easiest baby! You have always had such bright eyes, and a smile that lights up your whole face. You have always had a strong preference for me, and I needed that so badly. I had an experience about half way through my pregnancy with you...shortly after we found out you were going to be a boy. I kept getting the feeling that I knew you, and that I knew your personality. I knew you'd be a little imp; mischievous and attention-seeking...but way too cute to ever get into any real trouble. :) For those first 6 or 7 months, I wondered if I had been wrong. You were so easy-going! But then you started to show your personality and as it would turn out, I had it right to the "t"! You are such a ham, and have brought so much laughter into our home. Especially while we are reading scriptures...you seem to know you have a captive audience. :)

Having you so long after your siblings has been a different experience for me. With the older four, there were just a lot of babies and toddlers around! I'm afraid I didn't get to savor the experience with each of them like I have with you. And to be fair, I always knew we'd be having more kids and with you I know I won't. You have been my sunshine...you never do anything wrong! ;) That's definitely part of why I mourn the passing of this baby stage. You'll start being naughty and I'm going to be responsible for teaching you right and wrong and helping you reach your divine potential. It's so much easier to just feed you, nap you, and play with you! :) But I do look forward to seeing all the great things you'll do, and the great man I know you'll become.

Joey, thank you for coming to me even when I didn't think I needed or even wanted you. You filled my arms again, but more importantly you opened my heart again. Heavenly Father knew I needed your spirit to help me continue forward after losing your brother. I think you knew it too. And I have a sense that our family, in the life before this one, knew we would need each other. Your spot in our family won't always be an easy one, as your older brother and sisters will always be so far ahead of you. There will be so many years after Johnny leaves the house that it will just be you and us. And honestly, you'll always be intertwined with Luke. And I can anticipate that there will be times that that all will be hard for you. So in case a time ever comes that you don't understand your place in this crazy family and life of ours, I will be here to always remind you of the gift you are to me. I'll help to soften your heart and guide you back to your Heavenly Father, just like you have done for me during this last year. 

I love you, my sweet Poseph. My beautiful boy. It's so hard to say goodbye to my baby, but I'm so excited to see you grow! And no matter how grown up you get, you'll always be my baby. Happy Birthday, Joseph!! I love you!!

Love,  

Mom

Twelve Months

20 lbs 13.5 oz ~ 42nd percentile

30 inches ~ 57th percentile

Head circumference: 19 inches ~ 95th percentile

It happened. Our baby boy...our precious Poseph...went and turned one!! I'll be honest, we are all rather sad about this. Well, all of us except Joseph. :) He's pleased as punch! 

Not much has changed for Joey in the last month; he's kind of leveled out on the milestones. He has, however, developed an ever-increasing amount of attitude. :) He knows what he wants, when he wants it, and he expects it to happen now! But a vast majority of the time, he's still just our happy boy. He is quite the busy-body, and can somehow manage to destroy the house single-handedly. He's not walking yet, but he's gained confidence and speed while cruising along the furniture. There have even been a few times he's caught himself standing on his own, and he promptly sits down. :)

I think the biggest thing about Joey right now is that he wants to be one of the big kids. He wants to be with them all the time, doing what they are doing or eating what they are eating. If we put food on his plate that doesn't match our food, he'll throw a fit until he gets what we're having. And you don't want to see what happens if they all go outside with him. He will cry at the back door and break your heart with those big brown eyes until you take him outside. We're so grateful for the net around our trampoline...it's become a giant play pen for Joey and he loves it!

At his well-child check up, I was pleased to see him get a little higher on that weight percentile, and Dr. Stewart was pleased to see him settle into a growth curve! So no more weight checks...yay! Everything else checked out just fine, and he's right where he should be developmentally. After a few shots, we were on our way and hopefully won't be back until he's 15 months. I still stress a bit when I feel like he's not finishing his bottles, and I'm not quite sure what to do about transitioning him away from formula ($$$) and toward whole milk without aggravating his milk sensitivity, but for the most part I don't worry about how much he eats anymore and it's wonderful!

Here's the last little bit about Joey as a baby. He's a big boy now!

*Wears a size 3 diaper...but is ready for 4's

*Wears 12-18 month clothes

*Smiles his "cheesey" smile for the camera

*Loves being outside

*Still uses Maese as a pillow

*Is still our blankie baby

*Still only has his four teeth (love those fangs!)

*Can handle just about any table food

*Still loves to play with a ball over anything else

*Loves to high five

*Has developed a bit of "stranger danger"

And there you have it. My last monthly post for any of my babies. I don't have a baby anymore! But we ended on a high note, that's for sure. We love you, Joey!! Happy Birthday, Little Man!

Joey's First Park Visit

We have had such a wet and cold spring this year. The kids were so excited for spring break...but it was, you guessed it...wet and cold! I promised the kids that we would make it to the zipline park, so even though it wasn't a superbly spring day we put our jackets on and went to the park! It was Joey's first time getting to actually play at the park, and he loved the swing. It was nice to watch the kids run around and get some energy out. The only thing we were missing was the sun. :)

April 2017 General Conference

I remember as a kid that I didn't particularly look forward to General Conference. Saturday always felt all weird, and Sunday seemed long. Now? Goodness, I can't wait for General Conference! I realize every six month just how much in need I am of spiritual nourishment and direction. And Danny and I feel like we've done a good job making Conference weekend something our kids look forward to as well.

But no one has been looking forward to this session of Conference quite as much as Sophie! Danny got tickets this time, and now that she's eight she knew it was going to be her first time to go! She was so excited to wear her baptism dress and go to the Conference Center. When it was Claire's first turn to go, Danny took a few of his Priests along as well. This time we took a few of our Laurels. 

We had tickets for the Sunday afternoon session, and it was a cold and rainy spring day. We got the the Conference Center early enough to be able to take a quick look around. Danny took us to the Hall of the Prophets, where there is a portrait of every apostle of this dispensation. Including Elder Perry, who we miss very much. We are so grateful for the comfort, peace, and counsel he gave to our little family. And of course for sealing Danny and I together forever. Especially for that. :)

It was wonderful to experience that session of Conference with our girls, and with our Laurels. Unfortunately, President Monson wasn't feeling well enough to attend that session. Sophie and I were both a little disappointed that she didn't get to see the prophet. But she felt the Spirit as President Eyring and President Uchtdorf came in. How grateful I am for such sweet, spiritually sensitive daughters. And how grateful I am for the organization of the church, for apostles and prophets, and for their service. 

Now we have new talks and direction to study for the next six months. That should tide me over until October. :)