Wonderful Weekend - and New Tricks

We had a wonderful weekend!Mike took a half day, so we could go hiking again. It's such a treat to see the lovely foliage while we walk. This time, we tried a trail in the Hoosier National Forest. Joshua loved the view and slept very little. He particularly loved the break in the middle that he got to sit on the ground to play with leaves, sticks, and dirt.

While hiking, the acorns reminded me of chestnuts. After that mental leap, I started thinking about The Christmas Song. My sweet husband was very supportive of the decision to bring out the Christmas music books (even though it isn't even November yet). I played a few songs on the piano, Mike blew my socks off with the most intricate version of O, Holy Night I've ever heard. He alternated between playing piano and guitar. I enjoyed singing and Joshua did some singing, too.

In addition to making great music, we played a lot, went to church, read books to Joshua, and took him on a nice long bike ride. Joshua did a fantastic job in the nursery at church and played well the whole time. At home, he showed off a new skill: turning his body around so he could lower his legs from the couch while facing it. I didn't know he could do that yet, but Mike said he's been doing that maneuver for a few days now. Joshua is also taking more steps in a row, toddling with his arms stretched out in front of him for balance.

First Birthday Party

We celebrated Joshua's first birthday with a few friends today! Joshua knows Henry from the walks his mom Sarah & I enjoy several times a week. Ethan and Sophie are fairly frequent playdate buddies- both of their moms are friends from Bible Study Fellowship. Although the moms and kids had never met each other before today, we all had a great time together. The kids played very well together, frequently trading and sharing toys. The conversations with my mom friends was super - and pretty much nonstop.

For food, we had toddler finger foods (teddy grahams, goldfish crackers, cheerios, and jello), some of my favorite foods (bread and fondue, hummus and veggies), and cupcakes. The theme of the party was Thomas the Train, so the banner, party hats, plates, and little flags on the cupcakes all featured Thomas. Also, each child got a Thomas ball and a book Joshua and I selected for him of her a couple of weeks ago.

We had a family mini-party last week, too, with Mike and I sharing cupcakes with Joshua and opening presents from family. Joshua was a big fan of cupcakes -- especially the frosting! Kendall, Ezra, and Emma sent a fantastic book about trucks. Joshua has really enjoyed his new toys: the Weebles playhouse and other gifts were so thoughtful and are a big hit! We are so blessed to have such wonderful family, on holidays and always.

Perfect Weekend

I had the most perfect weekend! Mike worked half a day on Friday, so he could take us hiking in Brown County State Park. The weather was glorious- a magnificent fall day with the leaves at the peak of their color. We all enjoyed the hike, including Joshua, who was propped in the carrier on Mike's back. Joshua liked waving a little twig in the air and "talking" about how much fun he was having. That evening, Mike & I watched the Book of Eli after Joshua went to sleep. Joshua is fabulous about his 8pm bedtime now, hardly making a peep before falling asleep for the whole night. The movie was a bit violent, as you'd expect from a post-apocalyptic movie, but the message about faith was very powerful. I'm glad I saw it.

On Saturday, we enjoyed waffles with strawberries, listened to Mike playing piano (including a new song he composed), went on a walk around Franklin College, straightened the house a bit, and played a lot with Joshua. Then, Mike & I had our first babysitter over to watch Joshua so we could go on a date. I enjoyed the Olive Garden dinner, coffee at Starbucks, date movie from Redbox, and -- most of all -- the wonderful man I married. Mike is so much fun and so romantic. I am extraordinarily blessed.

On Sunday, we enjoyed a walk, a bike ride, playing in the park, both piano and guitar music, a marathon nap, and lots of home-cooking. Joshua smiles so much when he swings at the playground and adored the slide. Mike held him as he went down, but it was still exhilarating. Joshua is an adventurer, I can already tell.

Morning Routine

Every morning, Joshua & I wake up first. After a quick nursing (not a tradition we'll have for much longer), we play in his bedroom until breakfast time. Joshua loves going to his bookshelf and pulling out a couple of books. Then, he sits looking at them and turning pages. He also likes being pulled onto my lap to read books together.

After that, he explores the perimeter of the room to play with the toys I've spread out to encourage roaming. One of his all-time favorite toys is the Drop & Giggle my friend Amie gave him at my Maine baby shower.

Boxes

We received a big box in the mail yesterday, containing birthday gifts from Memere & Pepere. As soon as we removed the actual presents to save them for next week, Joshua began playing with the box. I remember enjoying big boxes, too. When I was a little girl living on military bases, I got so excited when a new neighbor moved in, so I could adopt the refridgerator box and make a playhouse or car out of it.

Notice the stray sock in the background. Joshua loves taking off his socks when he begins to play. We always need to do a quick sock-check when we are about to leave any location.