Joel Goes Crazy For Uncle Chris

This is hilarious! Chris barks like a dog and Joel loves it.

First Food - Squash!

School's Almost Over!

Joel's Well-Baby visit went well! He's twenty weeks today, the 19th. He's a whopping 16 lbs and 4 oz, and 26 inches long. I told Josh that Joel's two-foot-two! ;) He had three shots, and only grunted for the first two, and cried for a second on the last one! He's such a trooper!
Also, Joel rolled over by himself for the first time last night! It's so cool to watch him grow. I thank God that I'm able to stay home with him, I know so many mothers who want to that aren't able to.
Joel ate his first 'real' food the other night. We tried squash first, as I was told lighter to darker foods is the best way to go. That, and since I was introduced to fruits first, and from then on refused the veggies, Joel is getting a good taste of veggies before he gets into those sweet fruits! I'm uploading the video to YouTube as I write this, so I can link it to the blog. I apologize about the length of the video, you know the grandparents are long-distance!
Josh's last semester is winding down here in the next few weeks, and we are both SO ready for him to be done! a Master's degree is still an option, but not for a while! Please pray for us as Josh is looking into getting a second job, so we'll be able to pay off our medical/school debts more quickly. (I praise God that we don't have any credit card debt anymore, and haven't had for a few years now. I sincerely dislike those things (credit cards), they seem to get you every time!) A great job opportunity has been presented to him already, we're praying that the hours will work with his other job and his ministry responsibilities. I've been searching on and off for some sort of typing work. I only found a couple of viable opportunities, but I haven't heard back about either of them. Let me know if you hear of something!
We're still working on our health. I've slowly started to lose the weight I've been trying to get rid of. Keep praying for us about that, please!
Well, that pretty much catches you up on us for now. I'll post again in a couple of weeks, if I have anything new to tell you! And with the Adventures of Super-Baby, I'm sure I will! :) ~Jenn

Weekend in W.V.

Well, we just got back today from a wonderful weekend visiting with Josh's family in W.V.! We arrived on Saturday, and came back today (Tuesday) in time for Josh to work this evening. We were able to introduce Joel to his Great-Grandpa John McCloy, and his Great-Grandma Evelyn McCloy! He has now met all of his grandparents and great grandparents. Great-Grandpa McCloy thought it was a great thing that Joel resembles Josh so much, seeing that Josh resembles Great-Grandpa McCloy! He was sure to tell Joel what a handsome man he was going to grow up to be! :)
We received many blessings this weekend as well! Josh was invited to preach the morning service at his home church, and Josh and I sang a special for the same service. We were able to go out to eat with Tammy's sister, Carrie, who hadn't met Joel until then. (Carrie is expecting her first baby, a girl she plans on naming Annabelle, near the end of December.) Josh's younger brother, Matt, was invited to preach the evening service, and Matt, Josh, their Mom (Tammy) and I sang the special for that service! Their Dad (David) was able to make it to both services to hear his sons preach, which was a great blessing! And, of course, everyone told me how beautiful my sweet Joel is!
We were also able to see a lot more of Josh's Dad this visit. We went over to Grandma Esther's each night, and spent the evening with her and David. She cooked us a couple of WONDERFUL meals, including homemade fried chicken one night, and pork chops the other night! (Those can be counted as blessings, right?)
This weekend, when we left, we weren't thinking anything about our birthdays later this month. Josh's is the 15th, mine is the 30th; too far away to make a big deal out of them now, right? Apparently, wrong! Our last evening with David, he presented us with a couple of great birthday presents (cash is always a great present!), and when we got back to Tammy's, she had a birthday cake waiting for us, and a present for me! (I tease Josh that I'm the favorite...I think she's trying to prove me right! J/K, she said she hadn't found the right gift for Josh yet, but I think she's just itching for a reason to see us again soon. ;) She had the pastor's daughter-in-law, who is gifted at jewelry design, make me a pendant and earrings set that includes Josh's and my birthstone color, and Joel's birthstone color! They are just beautiful.
And if those blessings aren't enough, God provided, through several different sources, the money we spent on the trip, as well as a bit more! (An added blessing, because the Altima is needing new brake pads before we make any more trips in it.) God is so good to give us the family and friends that we have!
Quick Amazing Baby update: Joel is now puckering his lips when I blow a kiss to him, and he is beginning to grasp things like books with one hand on either side! His hand-eye coordination and hand dexterity is amazing. He seems to be developing by leaps and bounds every day. Also, as of this past Sunday, November 2nd, Joel is 4 months old! He weighs 15.5 lbs, but I haven't gotten an accurate length yet. He curls up in his sleep, and wiggles too much when awake! I'll have exact stats after his 4-Month well-baby visit on the 14th. It was put off a bit, due to a busy cold season at our Dr's office.
Oh, and I wasn't able to mention it to the whole church up at Calvary Community, but a great big Thank You for all the baby gifts! And please forgive an extremely busy college-wife and stay-at-home mom for not sending out all my thank-you cards after the baby. The gifts I received from you all, and from my other three baby showers, were much too generous, but SO appreciated! All the baby blankets and quilts, toys, diapers, wipes, keepsakes, and clothes have been and are being put to good use. God has used each and every one of you to provide for us and be a blessing and an encouragement to us while we've been down here at Crown College. Just wanted to express our thanks again for everything. We love you, and we hope to visit again soon! ~Jennifer

Nah-Nah-NahhhNah

Joel seems to really like the music off commercials...when I sing it to him! He's such a little turkey, he cracks me up on a daily basis!

Determination

Joel has a new facial expression that he does when he's trying to sit up, but there's nothing to pull on. He's really getting into different facial expressions now, and he is beginning to reach out and touch our faces when we are close to him. He loves to grab our lips when we're talking to him! Also, he has a book that was a hand-me-down from his Otto cousins that he is obsessed with. He sat up and played with it for about half an hour last night, with little to no interference from Mommy and Daddy! I'll have to get a video of him playing with that book sometime and then post it. He's so patient for a four month old!

Tough Guy

Clingman's Dome 10.11.08

Saturday, Jennifer and I went for a scenic drive to Clingman's Dome (the highest elevation in Tennessee.) It was beautiful! We got a lot of great pictures. This was the first time we had a babysitter and went away for a little while.

Joshua

Good Baby 2

"You're Just A Good Baby!"

Joel likes to hear his Mommy brag on him!

"Everything Changes When You Have A Baby."

Well, I'm settling into my new lifestyle as a stay-at-home wife and mother. I'm loving it, but it's so different! I wear make-up about twice a week, *hopefully* shower a couple more times than that, and never remember what day of the week it is! :) I'm getting into scheduling now, making list after list of what needs to be done, how often it needs to be done, and trying to set times to do it all, which, of course, is an exercise in futility with a 2 month old. But I'm trying! I'm also working on my math skills, trying to learn what every stay-at-home mom does, the Art of Pinching Pennies.
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I had a great teacher (my mom, who worked at the church all my growing up years, and still she and my dad sent three kids to private school) so we should be fine. Talk about "unconscious preparation". I had no idea all those years I was learning how to be a good mom by watching my own mother! Of course, God knew, that being His plan. My mother will be the first to tell you she's not perfect, but I don't think I could have been given a better example to go by!
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I want to thank everyone, as well, for all their support and encouragement. We prayed a lot about the decision for me to stay home with Joel, and we know this is what God wants me to do. Please keep us in your prayers, that our faith will grow, that we will be good stewards of what God gives us to work with, and that we'll raise Joel for God's glory. We've never been given a greater task, and I feel the weight of it as he grows bigger every day, and is increasingly watching my every word and deed.
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Also pray for us, as Josh and I are trying to live a healthier lifestyle. As they always do, unhealthy habits have creeped up on us, and made a big impact. We're really working hard at this, we want to be entrenched in healthy habits before we try to go on deputation. I don't think anything can make you want to change for the better more than having a baby. We want to be healthy for him, so we can keep up with him and care for him as well as possible.
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Well, speaking of 'him', I think I hear him, so I'd better get off here. See you all soon! God bless you! ~Jenn

Joel Video

Our little Joel is so cute! In this video, he "talks" to Mommy and Daddy, as well as smiles and laughs. I know it's a little long, but if you watch the whole thing, you won't be sorry! He's just the cutest baby ever!!!



P.S. All the links on the bottom of the video that say "Joel" are not OUR Joel. Just thought I'd let you know. :)

Joel Is Learning to Smile and Laugh!

Joel's been smiling more and more. He's just started to laugh. It's so hard to get him to do it for the camera. Hopefully, we'll be able to capture more pictures and videos to show you how cute he is.

Also, Joel had his 2 month check up a couple days ago... He weighs 13 POUNDS!!! and he is 24.5 INCHES long!!! One month ago he was only 9 pounds. It's unbelievable how fast he's grown.

--Josh

A New Look

We decided to change our blog template. We hope you like it.

Surgery!!!

I did have to have the gallbladder surgery. Here's the whole story:

Josh and I came to KY to visit my family and show off the new baby this past Tuesday. I'd been having recurring back pain for a while now, and the back pain and nausea really picked up Tuesday night. Wednesday, I wasn't even able to go to church. My mom, sis, and I compared my symptoms with my sister's symptoms that she had after Alex was born, when she had to have her gallbladder out. They were almost identical, even to Alex's and Joel's ages.

I went to my old Dr. here in Franklin Thursday morning and had an ultrasound. As it turns out, I needed to have my gallbladder removed.

Friday morning, I noticed my skin and the whites of my eyes were a little yellowish. I chalked it up to the gallbladder thing, until I tried to put on my makeup and the difference between the foundation and my face looked like someone had painted my skin w/ a yellow highlighter. I called my Dr back, she sent me to the ER, thinking I probably had a blockage (which complicates the surgery immensely and multiplies the recovery time by about 3) and needed to have the surgery immediately.

Long story short, we went, they did the surgery last night and (Praise the Lord!) there was no blockage and they were able to go ahead w/ the simple laser surgery! I even got to come home last night! Now I'm at my mom's house, recuperating.

My prayer requests now include these:

Pray that after I get the anesthetic and pain meds out of my system, I'll be able to go back to nursing Joel.

Pray that I'll recover quickly.

Pray that my mom's and my husbands jobs won't be affected by their having to suddenly take more time off. Thanks!!!

Pray for Jennifer

Jenn is going to have to have gall bladder surgery--- very possibly tonight. We found out the other day that she would need the surgery. We were working on scheduling it some time within the next 2 weeks. But she had more symptoms today and is waiting in the ER to know if they'll do it today. She's in KY with her mom and I'm in TN, so, as soon as they say they'll do it, I'm getting off work and driving the 3 and 1/2 hours to Franklin. Pray for her to recover quickly, and pray for me driving. There's a possibility they won't do it tonight. We would prefer they do.

I'll try to post updates, so you can pray.

The Amazing Joel! video link

You've got to check out this link to a video of Joel.

http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1370643959&k=XZLTYZSSU6XM5ABAXAZZWR

He's so cute, and strong!

In this episode Joel conducts Beethoven's 9th Symphony, holds his head up high, tries to stand up, and in between just looks cute and adorable. It's a long video, but what can I say? He's cute and we have Grandmas that live far away.

Can you believe he's already a month old?

Also check out Joel snoring!!!
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1370643959&k=XZL222UXW55M5ABAXAZZWR

Newborn Photo Session

Here are a few more pics from the photo session.

Video Links of Joel

You have to see these video clips. He's so cute awake or asleep.

Asleep:
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1370643959&k=Y5AZQ5WYV54M5ABAXAZZWR

Awake:
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=1370643959&k=X413YVTRV3VM5ABAXAZZWR

Sneak Peek at Joel's Newborn Photo Session

We had Joel's newborn photo session yesterday, with Nate and Arancha Photography. All we've seen thus far is this little sneak peek, but it's looking great!!! We can't wait to see the rest of the pictures. Joel did great! He was actually awake for almost the whole shoot, which was probably harder on poor Arancha, because Joel is a wiggly worm when he's awake! He's never still! It's okay, though, I think Arancha liked the challenge. :)
We'll post more when we get the rest!
To see more of Nate and Arancha's work, go to http://www.nathanandarancha.blogspot.com/ or http://nateandaranchaphotography.com/
They do Engagement, Children's, Infant's, Wedding, Senior Photo Sessions and more!

Links to Facebook Albums of Joel

Check out these links. It's easier to post an entire album on facebook as opposed to one picture at a time on here. Josh has more pictures on his facebook. Jennifer has more comments on her pictures.

Jenn:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=24319&l=c299d&id=566778733

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=24463&l=0db2a&id=566778733

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=24737&l=34690&id=566778733

Josh:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001348&l=3b5c0&id=1370643959

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001476&l=16568&id=1370643959

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2002029&l=8a7fc&id=1370643959

Yet MORE Pics! ;)

"What are you crazy people doing to me?"

"Have your people call my people, we'll do lunch."

Posin' for the paparazzi

"I could SO get used to this. How's my tan?"

Talking to Mommy.

Snoozin' on Daddy. You don't think he's proud of our new baby, do you?

Snoozin' on Nonna! Nonnas are always comfy.

"Hmmm, let me think on that for a while."

More Baby Pics!

Video of Joel!

Joel David Has Arrived!!!

What a day we had yesterday! As the previous post said, Jennifer was scheduled to be induced for labor yesterday at 7:30AM. Jennifer's mom had made it in from KY on Tuesday afternoon, we were all packed up and ready to leave for the hospital at 6:45AM when Jenn's water broke! Everything progressed so rapidly! She didn't need pitocin and was ready to start pushing at 11:45AM. At 12:38PM, Joel David Smith discovered America! He was 8lbs 7oz and 20 and one half inches long. Everything has gone so well. We are praising the Lord for his goodness and mercy to us.

I've posted a lot of pictures on facebook and I'm working on getting a link set up for you all.
God bless you, and THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for praying.

-Josh & Jenn & JOEL!!!

THE BIG DAY

Well, today is the big day. 'Nervous' doesn't even cover it. It's 5:30 AM right now, and we'll be leaving in an hour. We're aiming to be at the hospital by 7 (a bit earlier than our 7:30 appointment).
Mom got in safely yesterday afternoon, and is staying with us now. I got Mom's Chicken and Rice casserole for supper last night! (I didn't realize at the time that it would be my last meal before the clear-liquids-only thing, but when I did realize that, it made me all the more grateful!) :) I also, as you could imagine, did not get much sleep. Oh well, what's new? I'm feeling okay now, though, and I'm thanking God for that.
I hope everyone thinks to pray for me today, I'd really appreciate that too! :) We'll be posting pictures on here ASAP, but of course, I don't know when that will be.
Here's hoping I'll talk to you all soon!!! :) Wish me luck! Pray for me when you think of me and Baby Joel today!

Slight Delay?

My Dr. was planning on inducing Monday, June 30th, but when I went in yesterday for my last appointment and she tried to schedule it with the hospital, we found that there were no beds available to be booked on Monday! So, now the plan is to include Joel in the 5% of babies actually born on their due date, and induce on July 2nd (if he doesn't decide to come on his own before then). I am now just over 3 cm dialated, but not quite 4 cm, and still 50% effaced.
I'm trying to look at the bright side of a later induction (Joel's birthstone will be a more masculine ruby, rather than the slightly confusing pearl), while keeping up hope that he may come on his own earlier (walking on a slow treadmill for 10 minutes or so, every few hours). So this is only a possible slight delay. He may still decide to suprise us and be a June baby!
Either way, I am kind of glad he's waited this long. It makes me more confident that he is fully developed, will have less or no troubles once he is born, and will be able to come home with me after the normal 48 hour hospital stay. As far as I know, Baby Joel and I are still both perfectly healthy, with only a slight increase in weight gain from my staying at home on the couch all day for a week ;), and we're definitely both ready at any time for him to come greet the world! Make sure to check back next week for your first glimpse at my precious new addition!!! (I hope he has hair!)

Progression of the Belly

April 10th May 15th
June 15th
June 21st

Everyone wants to see the belly! So here's the belly! :)