No more bottle

Well we fnally took away the bottle. It was time. He is 3. But I know it was for comfort and that was the hard part for me. I was surprised. No tears. We told him they were all dirty. It's been a week and he still asks for it, but doesn't get upset when we don't give him one. Problem is, he has a REALLY tough time settling down for nap and bed time. The bottle was his "woobie".. security and comfort... and we haven't found anything to replace it. We are working on it... trying to find something else for comfort. It takes him more than an hour to settle down. So big boy bed and no bottle. In a few weeks we will hopefully start potty training. I don't want to make too many changes all at once though. The potty training, while important can wait a little bit if I feel that all of these changes at one time are too much. Transition is good!

All in all though, he is doing really well. He has a great memory and loves electronics He still watches the darned Direct TV channel. That boy can recite along with the commentator and probably knows more about how to operate the remote than I do! I am certainly not worried about his cognitive skills! He goes for his 3-year physical in a few weeks so we can see where he is on the growth charts. I am thinking still in the lower end. His cousin is in the upper end and boy they are worlds apart in size. Connor is like a foot taller and only 6 months older (Actual age). But we know he is going to catch up eventually. Small men do not run in either of our families.

If you haven't donated to the March of Dimes, please consider it. We know that our little man wouldn't be where he is without it.. and of course all of my other little preemie friends who I believe we will meet someday. They are always in my thoughts. I feel a part of their lives as I hope they feel they are a part of Joshua's.

I spoke about our journey at a March for Babies kickoff. I hope that we can inspire others to join the cause. It's always a difficult speech because I feel that our journey also includes Emilee... and talkinig about her always brings tears to my eyes. She would have been 4 this year.

Anyway, be true. Be real. Thanks for reading and being a part of our journey. We love you all!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

I can't believe our boy is 3. Man how times flies and I can't say that the past 3 years has been all fun. Mostly.... but not all. That first year was a ride. For those of you just tuning in, if you have a few minutes go back and check out his beginnings. for those who have been with us all along.. thanks for being there for us. We are happy that he is doing so well.

Josh is a happy boy most of the time. He is just hitting those "terrible 2's". Even that has been delayed a bit. Lately he doesn't like anything and tells you so at every turn. Things he liked yesterday, he doesn't like today and it seems like the list gets longer. He pretty much doesn't like anything! Except cake LOL. He LOVED his cake. Still not totally into the presents but that's okay. Not a materialistic boy that's for sure.

But he is growing and exploring and being a kid and we are enjoying every minute of it. He is "besides hating everything" a good natured kid. Sings and dances.. hums the Wii theme (yeah we know, that is kind of strange LOL) sings all the Wiggles songs... there is nothing wrong with this boy's memory.

So Happy Birthday my little man. We (along with lots of other people... some you have met and some are just in our hearts) love you very, very much!!