Past Due Update

So, I realize that it's been quite a while since I've posted anything about Justice. Everything is going by way too quickly. I watch him all the time and he does something new every day. The biggest deal is that he started walked around 9 1/2 - 10 months. He looks like a drunk when he's walked around but he's getting better and better at it all the time. This past weekend I watched him stand up on his own - no help from an object or person, just went from crawling around on his feet and hands to standing.

He's got so much personality now. His laugh is contagious and it's constant. He's usually talking - it's nonsense but he's talking. He says "Da Da" and has been for a while but lately I think he actually knows who "Da Da" is and says it at the appropriate time - sometimes.

He knows how to tell me he's full. He loves phones and holds it up to his ear even though no one is talking back to him. He's mimicking sound. I can say, "Helllllooooo Justice" and he'll reply "aaaaaaoooo" which to me sounds like Hello even if no one else can hear it.

He initiates games of Peek a Boo now. He loves being around kids who are the same age as he is. He might not know how to play with people yet but he knows how to imitate them.

They are starting to transition him into the toddler room. He spent 2 hours in there yesterday and when they went to put him back into the infant room he pulled away. The day before they had just put him in there when Marty arrived and he didn't want to leave.

My boy's getting so big so fast. This weekend is his first Easter. I can't wait to watch him bang the little plastic eggs together because, let's face it, Easter Egg "hunt" is totally lost on him.

Marty said to me today, "He's so much more fun now than he was when he was 2 months old." I have to agree.

Here are a few pictures just to let you see how big he is. This parenting thing is so much fun!

The Sturdy Kind

So, two Saturdays ago, my goals were not big in number:

1. Go grocery shopping
2. Go BUY BRAS!!!

After having Justice a lot has changed. I'd been holding out to wait to see if the girls were going to change any more. It has been 2 1/2 months since I stopped nursing. I figured I had waited long enough.

So, I loaded Justice up and headed out to the Sturdy Bra store. Not the sexy bra store mind you. Bra Manufacturers only make 1 of 2 types - sturdy or sexy. I require the sturdy kind.

So, I'm pushing Justice along, he's dangling his legs, we're dodging people and other strollers. We reach the sturdy bra store and HOLY CRAP!!! MY FRIEND'S IN-LAWS ARE CHECKING OUT!!! This couple is an awkward couple. They just don't know when the conversation is over usually. They tend to stare and linger. AND THERE THEY ARE!!! I KNOW THEY HAVE JUST BOUGHT SOMETHING FOR HER. I'm totally weirded out. I wave politely and push through. I keep my head down and buried in the racks. I am, after all, on a mission.

I think they've gone. They had already paid and were out the door. I've got my butt up in the air, digging through the bottom rack of BRAS to find my size when I hear it. The one word that indicates they have not left the store but are in fact standing behind me - which is the best view.

"Joy."

Yes, exactly. There weren't words for my thoughts at that point in time. "Oh, hello" I say as I stand up and greet them. AWKWARD! AWKWARD! AWKWARD! My mind reels.

"I've never met Justice and I wanted to meet him."

"AND NOW IS REALLY THE APROPRIATE TIME!"

"Oh sure," I say as I turn Justice's stroller which now has a few bras hanging from the back of it around to see them. Mind you, the sturdy bras. Justice, of course, was friendly.

I honestly can't remember what happened after that. There were a few more words and then they left. I immediately call my friend who belongs to these in laws and got NO REACTION. She wasn't in a place where a reaction was possible. SO WHAT!! I need SOMEONE to laugh with me. And nothing.

It never fails though, does it? Bra shopping, of the sturdy or sexy kind, never fails to be awkward or embarrassing. Sometimes, however, you just have a little help from a few friends...or their in laws. You know, whatever.

At least my dad wasn't there yelling "What size, Joy? What size?" Yes, that really happened.

Inhibition

Children, especially babies, have all these qualities that have yet to be destroyed by the world. Of course there's innocence and purity. We get that. The one that I've been noticing lately in Justice is his lack of inhibition. He doesn't understand yet that there are actions in this world which just aren't suitable for certain occasions - like crying in church, or falling asleep for that matter. He doesn't get that it's not appropriate to yell at the table or whine.

For instance, at every meal, Justice has an incredible time. He laughs, he plays, he yells. At least once, during the course of each meal, he simply raises his hand, palm up and says, "AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" It's a yell. He hasn't just discovered something. He's simply raising his hand because he can and wants to. There's no inhibition there. He's not worried about what people will think. He's not worried about whether or not people will stare. Actually, he knows they will. He also knows (I think) that they will smile and laugh at him.

The other day I was walking in the small workout room at THQ. I was listening to a pretty great mix of music. All upbeat. All fun. At one point in one of the songs, I wanted to clap my hands and dance. Now, understand, I was the only one in the room. Just outside of that room, however, the mail person has a desk. People pass by those glass doors all the time. So, I restrained. I didn't dance. I didn't clap. I thought about singing along but thought someone might hear me. I WAS ALONE!!! If Justice had been there, he would've danced.

I can really learn a lot from the babbles of my nine month old. Next time, don't look at me funny if perhaps I am daring enough to sing along.

Another Decade Older

I'm sure 30 is supposed to be a benchmark in life. Perhaps you're supposed to have accomplished things or met some goals - something. I know people who've been depressed by 30.

I turned 30 last Tuesday. The day was marked by 2 naps and 2 meals with the Territorial Band. One of those naps was taken with my little boy and after being away from him for 10 days - that was the best present ever.

So far, I've had two parties - one at Maggiano's where we stuffed ourselves full. The second was last night. There was a surprise party at my mom and dad's house. Small gathering of good friends and good food - it was really nice. Got a few presents and had a lot of laughs.

I've been trying to come up with something profound to say that would mark turning 30 but I can't come up with anything. Be frie sent me a card that said, "20 is the new 30." So, I'm claiming it. I don't feel as old as I thought 30 was when I was 20. I don't think as old as I thought I would think when I was 20. I know that people who are 20 look at me like I'm old but I'm okay with that. I wouldn't trade 30 for 20 anyday. Turns out, I like me at this age and stage. I may not have that body anymore but I feel like fine wine. My character is deeper; my life is richer; my relationships are more lasting.

I couldn't help but think about how quickly the next 10 years will go and where I might be then. I don't normally set far off goals. I'm far too fickle for that. Besides, I might change my mind! What I did think about was my family and what we'll look like then.

It's strange to think that I'll have a 10 year old boy running around at that time. By then there will hopefully be more children and perhaps a few we've adopted. Perhaps we'll live overseas or perhaps Marty will have a recording contract. Perhaps we'll sell our house and live in a RV and travel the country. Probably not. As it turns out, I'm sort of looking forward to growing old. I do, however, fully enjoy exactly where I am at this place in my life. I'm acutely aware of how extremely and abundantly blessed I am.

The Lord has been good to me - more than good.

Happy Birthday to me!

Christmastime Is Here

So, it turns out we've been celebrating Christmas since the day after Thanksgiving. Proven by the picture of Jake and Justice in their Santa suits - taken the day after Thanksgiving.

This season, I'm really trying to take everything in. Making sure I notice the lights and sounds. Christmas carols aren't even bothering me this year. We put up the tree and lights at home the week after Thanksgiving and even have wrapped presents under there as I'm writing this. We're finished shopping and it feels good.

Justice started crawling about a week and a half ago. Now, when I say he started crawling, I should clarify. He has been pushing backwards on his hands and knees for quite some time now - about 2 months. He was doing really well with it too - except that he kept getting farther and farther away from his target. So, on the seventh, he started actually putting more than one knee forward in a row. Now, he's got this thing down pat. It's kind of scary actually. I'm learning just how dangerous my house is for a 7 month old. Last night, he got pretty stinkin' close to the fan in our room. Do they have child safety things for fans? I guess it's called the off switch.

On top of everything else, he thinks everything is hilarious! I took him to the grocery store and sat him in the front of the buggy. The entire time he simply dangled his legs and giggled at the oatmeal boxes and bread and other items that line the aisles. He also tends to think the car door is funny and Lilly our dog.

I hope that your Christmas season is as enjoyable as mine has been. Having Justice around makes everything more fun - except perhaps when he wakes up at 3 am just because. Perhaps he's teething again.

Merry Christmas!
Joy

Picture Pages, Picture Pages

It has been a while since I've posted pictures of Justice. So, here we go.







I may just be a proud mom but seriously, isn't he INCREDIBLY adorable? I hate to brag but Target did ask to use one of his pictures for their display. We didn't get much for the shot except bragging rights.

Here's to 6 months of complete and utter amazement and to the next 6 of taking it all in and never EVER getting enough of the baby boy.

Joy

There were 10 in the bed

and the little one said
"Roll Over, Roll Over"

And since Justice is no longer the little one (according to the charts at the dr.'s office)- he complied and rolled right over from his back to his stomache and has been rolling over ever since.

He is also cutting two teeth which is SOOO MUCH FUN for mommy and daddy. My happy, smiley, fun baby has now become cranky and just plain mad for most of the day. Pretty difficult to deal with. We've pretty much hooked up an IV full of Tylenol to him to keep him from being in pain.

He now loves his feet - can't get enough of them. He likes to pull his socks off and he'll also curl up in a ball just to get that big toe in his mouth - quite amusing.

I believe we are in trouble as well. His Granny gave him some water through a straw which he took to with some delight. That, of course, was not the problem. The problem is MY FATHER who got so excited when he heard that Justice can drink out of a straw. Why, you ask. Because now he can give Justice SWEET tea through a straw!! I keep protesting but my dad just looks at me with that smug look on his face and smiles and nods his head. He doesn't care what I want - Justice WILL be served sweet tea! Thankfully, he's leaving for Greece and Turkey today and won't be home for three weeks - so I'm safe for a little while longer.

I have been abandoned by my family this week. Every single one of them has left town. Marty's in TX, mom's going to officers councils, dad's off to Greece, Marty's mom and dad are up to Norfolk to see the other kids and grandkids. So, it's just Justice and me this week. Woohoo! It would figure though that on the very night that we're spending our first night at home by ourselves, Justice would get a fever. Then, the next morning, I would fall down the stairs on the front porch while carrying him. Thankfull I'm the only one who got a few scrapes here and there. I was quite scared however. Only 3 sleeps until they all return.

Here's to days flying by and nights when Justice only wakes up twice. Please Lord, make it so.

Joy

When I Grow Up

There are just some things that no one says as a kid.

For example, I never EVER said,

"When I grow up I want to scoop poop out of a diaper."

And yet, this morning, that's exactly what I did.

I suppose there are a few ways in which having a dog gets you ready for kids. Cleaning up doggy diarrhea (believe it or not) was so much worse than what happened this morning.

Ah, the lengths to which we'll go to raise healthy kids.

Here's to tomorrow morning and more, yep, you guessed it

Poop Scooping,
Joy

Reset Button

Justice has been sick this past week. We ended up taking him to the immediate care place on Saturday with a return trip on Sunday. Someone should have warned me as to what they would do to him once we got there! I was not prepared.

His temp got up to 102 on Saturday evening around 5 pm. I'm guessing it's true what other parents say about how kids tend to get sick when regular doctor's offices are closed. So, going on Aunt Dr. Bethany's advice we took him to Children's Healthcare's satellite center. We get in to see the doctor and he recommends doing several "procedures" to make sure that he doesn't have a bacterial infection. Turns out they need to catheterize him, take a chest x-ray, draw blood and do a heel prick!!!

I was fine through the catheterization. My baby screamed and I shed a few tears because he was breaking my heart. I held him still during the chest x-ray as he screamed. BUT THEN!! Oh and then...a weirdo guy who was slow talking and didn't look at all like he should be allowed to take blood from my baby came in with his acutraments and proceeded to tell us what he was going to do. He mentioned finding a vein and I was out of there. I, personally, don't have a problem with needles. I am, in fact, a little mesmerized by them. On this day, however, the pain that was about to be inflicted upon my 4 month old son was more than I could bare. I simply turned to Marty and said I'm leaving. I took a trip to the restroom and then stood just outside of the restroom which was four or five doors down from the room where the torture was taking place. From there I could hear Justice scream and scream and scream and I sobbed and sobbed and sobbed. After that, I returned to the quick, sad breaths of a little boy who had just been put through the ringer and was tired. So, he fell sound asleep. Then, oh and then, the nurse comes to administer the shot of antibiotics. Oh good, I now get to wake up my infant to the pain of yet another needle. Saturday night was not a good night.

Saturday night was followed by several days of runny nose, the inability to breathe, and sleepless nights. Cleaning out his nose is nowhere near as fun as oh say, a poke in the eye but much more necessary. I do have to admit that I would be quite proud of myself if a great green glob was produced. That's how I knew I was successful. I am amused at the strangest things sometimes.

Baby J is doing so much better now. No more runny nose, no more fever, no more trips to the doctor for mean shots. Two nights ago, however, I did find myself searching for his reset button. You know, the one that would make him like the baby we had before the sickness. You see, throughout the ordeal my mother's heart and sense said, hold him, squeeze him, ROCK HIM TO SLEEP. And so I did. Prior to this incident however, we were laying him in his crib and after a small amount of cries and a small fight, Justice would fall asleep to his mommy's humming and gentle caress on the cheek. Now Justice knows he could quite possibly get someone to hold him if he'll just scream his bloody head off for an hour and a half!!! He knows the pleasure of being rocked and even nursed to sleep and he is not doing well with the withdrawal. Two nights ago, there was multiple tactics used to encourage sleep; bouncing of the mattress, rocking the baby, humming, singing, whispering in his ear. All to no avail. I finally picked him up and had him fall asleep. Last night, more of the same ensued but with sheer determination to see him return to the baby before. So, the fight became less and he actually slept until 3:30 a.m.

I am still in favor of a reset button though. One that would reset his time clock. Make him take naps at the right times and for the right length of time. Give him the desire to go to sleep at the right time. I have a feeling this won't be the only time I have a wish for such a thing. So goes parenthood.

Here's to long naps and stretches of night-time between feedings.
Joy

My Boy

Two weeks ago we dedicated Justice while at Bible Conference. It was a great ceremony. We had everyone in our immediate family do something. My mom welcomed guests and lead a song, Aunt Bethany and Aunt Dawn read a letter each that Marty and I had written to Justice. "Uncle" Bernie sang a song that Marty and I had written which I think was pretty good if I do say so myself. Then both our dads performed the ceremony. We even got Uncle Matt (Dawn's husband who thinks The Salvation Army might be a cult) held a flag during the service. It was, however, the American flag. My mom had three words out of her mouth before she started to cry and the snot fest began. It really was a wonderful day.

We had a reception afterwards with a train cake! Totally cool was to celebrate. So many of our friends came and many drove around 6 hours that day just to be there. Really incredible. Here are a few pics from the blessed event.








We got home from Bible Conference and took Justice to the doctor. It was time for his 4 month well check. Turns out my boy's quite big for his age. I kind of imagine the scene that happened in the doctor's office like a boxing match:

The announcer says: "And in this corner, weighing in at 17 lbs 11 oz and 29" tall we have Justice Andrew Mikles who is the height of an 8 month old and the weight of a six month old."

I knew he was tall. I knew he weighed a lot. I knew it had to happen but I didn't expect it to be so drastic. When the doctor said to me, "So, I guess he's in 6 - 9 month clothes." I almost fell out of my chair. "Why no doctor. I've been putting 3 - 6 month clothes on him because that's how old he is." It didn't dawn on me that perhaps I should move up a size in clothes even though the ones he was wearing were getting a little bit snug. It didn't dawn on me that perhaps Justice might be a little bit more comfortable if I'd stop cramming him into those adorable overalls that cause red marks on his legs.

So, this weekend Mom and I went shopping for some 6 - 9 months clothes that Justice could wear now. He has plenty of long-sleeved items that are that size. Like any good mom, I bought those while they were on sale at the outlets. Duh! It didn't occur to me, however, that he might need a few short sleeve shirts in that size because he would need them while it was still warm outside.

We're in Target picking up various items and it occurs to me to check the weight and height on the labels to make sure that 6 - 9 month clothing was appropriate. Hmmmm....the 6 - 9 month clothing tops out at 28". So, if he grows another 1/2 an inch he's out of those as well. Yikes! I spent that day buying my 4 month old 12m clothing. Say what?!? I'm not okay with this by the way. Yes, he has some new adorable clothes but I'm not ready for this! Oh well.

Here's to...what is it everyone keeps telling me? oh yes....

HEALTHY BABIES!

Joy

Just Pics

These are some pictures from this summer. They're from the end of June and Justice has changed a bunch since then. I'll have to post another just pictures blog once I can get all of the newer ones on my computer.

Joy

7,8,9 10, 11 and 12 weeks

This post was originally written over two weeks ago but now that I'm back at work, I can't get on to blogger. So, finding time to get on the internet after work with Justice around has proven difficult. On top of that, for some reason my computer won't connect to the internet at my parent's house where Justice and I have been staying for the month of July while Marty's been travelling. So, I'm just going to post this post without pictures since they're on my computer. Sorry for the disappointment. When I can figure it all out, I'll post just pictures. That's probably all you people want anyway.

So, in week 7 my boy rolled from his stomache to his back all by himself. I've always known that he was advanced. It was confirmed on that day though. Perhaps he's just extra strong. All I know is, I couldn't believe it. Marty told me he did it (of course he showed off for his daddy first) and I thought it was probably a fluke but the very next day he rolled over again! Ever since he just rolls right over when he chooses. Go figure.

During week 8 we all took a visit to Tampa to see Marty's grandfather get married. What a trip! We took Justice to the zoo for the first time. He doesn't like the heat so we wet him with water from stingray bay. Really really disgusting but you'll do just about anything when you have a fussy baby who's overheating. Then he took a nap while we watched the manatees. The big uproar came when one of the bigger fish (manatee or turtle) took a poop and the others ate it. I know, gross but that really was the most fascinating part of the day it seemed - or maybe the most interesting.

Then, in week 9 we went to Myrtle Beach with my ENTIRE family and when I say entire I mean ENTIRE. We were in two condominiums with 20 something people which is always a bit of fun mixed in with a lot of noise, confusion and food. I think I had dessert with every meal last week, if not two and most days Breakfast was some sort of dessert (thank you Krispy Kreme, Pop Tarts and Oatmeal Cake). We took trips to the beach and to the pool. I must admit that Justice does not like the water yet but he looked really cute in his swim diaper, shirt and hat. Gotta love it. We were able to hang out with Matt, Danielle and Ella which is always quite fun, if not a little dangerous. We also spent quite a good bit of time with Leslie, Nick, Whit, Ray, Lindsey, J and Z. We had a pool party one night and a birthday party. If anyone knows how to party, we do. We even exploded Diet Cokes on the pool deck with Mentos. Totally works, you should try it. We spent a day at the outlets. Buying baby clothes is so much fun! Almost more fun than buying clothes for me. Justice is now ready for next spring and summer as long as he doesn't outgrow them before we get there. I wish vacation could last all year long.

Justice has now been going to his sitters, the lovely Emma, for three weeks. Leaving him really wasn't horrible. I cried for a few days leading up to it (just a little each day) and then a little when I left him. I did enjoy being back around adults for the majority of my day and the challenge of work was nice although I could use a little less time there and more time with my boy. Oh well!

This past weekend Marty and I actually had a date - alone - without Justice. We went to dinner and a movie. It was really nice being able to leave Justice with his Granny and Pop Pop (Marty mom and dad) and simply hang out together.

So, now we're gearing up for TMI and TYI which I'm a little worried about taking care of Justice while making sure I get all my stuff done. Should be alright though. If anyone has any tips on how to make it all work out, I'm open to suggestions.

Here's to growing up slow,
Joy

P.S. Sally, the website for the necklace I had that you liked is www.kodakgallery.com/familyjewels.

The Commissioning Catastrophe

Okay, so maybe it wasn't quite a catastrophe but by the way I was acting, you would've thought it was.

The Saturday of Commissioning Justice chose not to eat from 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Yes, I was scared to death BECAUSE not only had he not eaten but he was so lethargic - just laying still not moving really. He hadn't slept either and he was pooping a lot and not peeing. So, I was scared. We probably should've taken him to the E.R. but once he ate I felt better, took him home so that he could sleep and the next day all was well!

Connie and Andy - thanks so much for the formula and the advice, as well as the consulation. Sue - thanks to you too! I really needed a few moms to help me realize that he wasn't actually going to die and that he would be okay. I guess it's weird that when anything goes wrong I think he's going to die but I do. Go figure!

To all of you who saw me bawling my eyes out and were worried, I'm sorry for causing worry. Everything's fine, I promise. I'll try not to make such a big scene next time around!

Today Justice is 7 weeks old! I didn't have a chance to post a six weeks picture so, that's first and then the seven weeks. It's amazing how much he's grown in just a little time. I laid him down in his bassinet last week and I had to take a double take because his head was at the top and his feet were pushing against the bottom. I thought, when did that happen? So, that's his seven week picture. I'm sad because he'll have to start sleeping in his crib probably next week and I'm not sure I'm ready for him to be all the way in another room. Of course, it is only about five steps but it's too soon! I watched other kids this weekend and was filled with bittersweet emotions. I can't wait for him to grow up and do those fantastic things that children do but at the same time I just want him to stay the same - all cuddly and cozy.

SIX WEEKS


SEVEN WEEKS



He's a happy baby now. He smiles all the time and even laughs every once in a while. He's got a fire truck that hangs above his changing table and almost every time I change his diaper he has a conversation with that thing. He loves it!

He coos back all the time and he's awake more of the day. I'm not quite sure what to do with him now that he's awake so much of the time. I could get so much more done during the day when he slept. Yikes! I guess I'll have to learn.

Have a great week. Next week he's 2 months! I can't believe it. We're heading to Tampa this weekend. Hopefully this time around the travel won't be so rough. We'll see.

To enjoying this week and taking it all in.

Joy

As Promised!

Here are the pics of the house I mentioned last week. Not only have I included one of the outside work we had done last week but of the inside renovations we've made too. Just a note - most of the inside pictures were taken from the same angle. Just want you to see how much work was done. The only one not at the same angle is the one of the brown paint.

Justice updates soon - he's starting to coo! Thought I'd give those of you tired of Justice updates a break.

To a Brand New House that was built a long time ago!
Joy

5 weeks!

So, this week has been busy but fun. Monday we had a cookout at Mom and Dad's which was so much fun. Ella dipped her feet in the kiddie pool and then did a pole dance.



Be Fri Laly was here for part of the week. She took care of Justice and me - did the laundry, kept me company, listened to me talk about what it's like to be a mommy incessantly, held baby boy, and even volunteered to clean poopie diapers! She's the most fantastic be fri ever!



And on top of everything else, we had the house reroofed and painted. Now, everything in the house and outside the house is new! We just have to lay new floor in a bathroom and cement stain the floor in the laundry room and it's a brand new house! I'll have to publish pictures of this later but trust me, the red shutters and door are awesome!

On top of everything else, Justice has begun to establish really great eating habits. In fact, last night he ate at 8 and 12 and then at 5! Lucky me! Being a parent is at least getting easier.

4 weeks old

Today Justice is 4 weeks old! 1 month! We made it baby! I'm not quite sure what that means but it feels good. It feels like we met a milestone. I no longer freak out every time he cries. I get that's what babies do. I've even begun to figure out the difference in his cries - hungry cry, tired cry, gas pain cry. I no longer cry every day because I'm scared I might "lose" him. I only cry every once in a while when I'm past the point of exhausted and closer to comatose (is that how you spell that?).

He had his first trip this past weekend to see my Dad get his Master's Degree! Travel and Justice do not mix well at this point. Hopefully that will change before the middle of June when we take our next trip to Tampa.

And tonight, as I was holding him, I saw him smile! Not a gas release smile that he didn't know he was doing but one because I was talking to him and holding him!

Four weeks and couting!
Joy

3 weeks

Justice is three weeks old today! He is now eating every hour to two hours. I didn't understand what that meant until I realized that it sometimes takes 45 minutes to feed him. Doing anything else right now is quite difficult. However, today I discovered the joys of the swing. Justice just sits and swings and his little heart is content.

Other changes in our lives:

there are now receiving blankets scattered throughout my house - on the crib, on the bassinet, on the car seat, even on the high chair which hasn't even been used yet.

we have now spent a fortune on professional pictures, doctor's visits, clothes for Justice and more crib sheets.

going outside without a car seat or stroller is a a novelty

i now know what a little boy's penis looks like before it's about to go off which helps considerably with changing diapers - now if we could just figure out what to do during bath time

i'm a paranoid mom - we call our family pediatrician - Aunt Bethany - at least twice a week about figment problems. Thanks Bethany for your patience!

So, that's life in the Mikles' household. I'm a little worried about next week when Marty goes back to work and I'm here by myself. I'm sure there will be plenty to keep me busy. The question is whether or not Justice will let me do them because of his growing appetite.

P.S. Mom's day was absolutely fantastic. I have a wonderful husband who showered me with gifts - family portraits and a mother/child necklace which is beautiful. Justice actually slept the entire day except for the times when he was eating and we got to spend it with family. Gotta love days like that!

Christened

This afternoon, Mom and I were giving Justice a bath and as soon as we got finished and halfway wrapped him up in a towel, he peed. All over me, my mom and the ottoman that goes with my glider rocker. Thank goodness for Resolve's new Multi Fabric Cleaner.

Honestly, I didn't mind all that much. I just kept thinking of Drew Barrymore's character in "Riding in Cars with Boyse." You know the scene - she's hopping across the room with a pee drenched t-shirt on and a toothbrush with toothpaste all over screaming, "He pee in my mouth!"

It could've been worse.

Welcome to the World!

So, most of you have probably already read Marty's blog - complete with pictures of our beautiful son but I just couldn't let this event pass without at least writing something about the most incredible moment of my life.

It all started early Monday morning around 3 am. You know, I've heard of women being scheduled to be induced but then go into labor on their own the night before but I just thought it was a fluke - not to happen to me. However, it did. By the time we got to the hospital for our 9 am appointment to be induced I was already dilated 5 cm. That was my biggest hope for pregnancy - to have everything start naturally and progress that way - you know as natural as things can occur with an epidural. By 5 cm I was in a whole heck of a lot of paint and was ready for the drugs. Call me a wimp, call me what you will but I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

So, once the epidural kicked in, I couldn't even tell when I was having contractions - yay! We hung out until about 3:45 when the nurse had me start pushing and out came Justice at 5:04.

For the first couple of days after he was born and we were still in the hospital, the knowledge that we had a baby was sort of surreal. Even holding him felt like maybe he was on loan or something. Then they let us bring him home! What?!? We've had some rocky days, crazy nights and not a whole lot of sleep. Would I do it again? For a chance to hold Justice? Absolutely! For the opportunity to love someone so much? There's not even a question about it. He's the most incredible little human being I've ever met and I can't wait to see what God's got in store for him and us.

So, just in case you missed some of the pictures on Marty's blog - here are a few more.

Motherhood is fantastic!
Joy

Coming Soon to a Household Near You!

So, it turns out that if Justice doesn't show up before Monday, Marty and I will head to the hospital and I'll be induced on the 23rd! I'm not really excited about being induced, in fact, I truly am praying that he'll come on his own before then. However, I'm not willing to wait any longer than that. I know, some people would say I'm crazy for willingly being induced and perhaps I am but I know plenty of women who have been induced and have come out on the other side just fine!

You know what's nice about all of this? Today is my last day of work for 3 WHOLE MONTHS!! I leave my office today and I don't have to come back until mid-July!!! I can't tell you how exciting that is for me.

You know what else is exciting about today being my last day of work? After today, I will no longer have to walk down the hall and have EVERY single person stop me and ask a question that deserves a stupid sign. Here are some examples: "You still here?" No, I'm a figment of your imagination. "You still haven't had that baby yet?" Actually, I have. I did that over my lunch break. The doctors say the stomache swelling will go down in three to four hours. "You still hanging on?" Hanging on? Hanging on to what? "You ready to have that baby?" What gave it away? My waddling? My constant trips to the bathroom? The bags under my eyes (which I understand will just get worse when baby comes) from lack of sleep? Kelly said to me a few weeks ago that it's just people trying to be nice. I know. I do. That's what's kept me from screaming when it just becomes too much. But I'm ready to not be the person EVERYONE, even the people I don't know, feels compelled to say something to. It's hard to have the same conversation every day, about 10 times as you walk down the hallway, for weeks on end without becoming bored from the repetition. What I do appreciate are the people who ask the questions that aren't among the constant. For example, I had someone ask me the other day how I was sleeping at night. Now that's a thought out question from someone who knows. Someone else asked if the nursery was ready. Different - not completely creative - but different!

So, needless to say, I'm excited about the fact that today's my last day of work. I'm also excited that by Monday, if not before, I'll have a baby who is a direct reflection of Marty and I to hold in my arms and that thought alone is worth all of the stupid questions.

What do you have to look forward to in the coming months? Stories about spit up, feedings, firsts (smiles, laughs, stinky poos), all the baby talk you might not have ever wanted to know or read. If it all just gets too boring, I would tell you to let me know but I'm not sure it will matter.

So, farewell for a while! I'm off to have a baby!
Joy