At 9 months, Joel...

...weighs 19 lbs 7 oz and measures 28 1/2 inches long.  A few signs he's growing: he is definitely getting heavier to carry in the infant carseat; he stretches from end to end in his cradle bed; and no longer fits in between the arms of the rocking chair so we sit on a diagonal.

...is more aware and searches 'til he finds his Susa (sister).  When she walks into the room or rides past him on her bike, he squeals with delight and smiles wide.

...shows much excitement for food!  New finger foods this month are: rice crackers, whole wheat bread, pasta, cheese, green beans, strawberries, blueberries...just like his big sister.  

...has a couple favorite toys: simple shakers with a knotted string on the end, the fish bowl, his stuffed monkey, and small board books to name a few.  He also likes to play with a whole bucket of Duplo.  He will dump it out, find two blocks, and play by banging them together.  

...beginning to show signs of wanting to crawl but when he gets down to try...boy, it's a lot of work!

...is showing us more of his temperament and who he is.  He is content to play on the floor for good chunks of time or get cozy and still on your lap.  At first, he seems to be a serious lil' man but when he breaks out in a full face smile, your day instantly becomes sunny.  We think he'll be our boy of rhythm and routine as it seems he already has an internal alarm clock, he wants to eat on a regular schedule, and falling asleep at home is best.

...grins from ear to ear when you start singing "Jesus Loves Me" at bed time and will fall in your arms, for love and cuddles.

Happy in-out birthday our beautiful boy!

At 8 months, Joel...

...weighs 18 lbs 13 oz and measures 27 1/2 inches long.

...has two teeth poking through.

...took a day or two to try each texture of food: from pureed, to ashed, and then small pieces.  At first he wasn't a fan of eating food from a spoon.  He would much rather enjoy chewing on pieces that we put in his mouth.  Now he is okay with being fed with a spoon which we love because it opens so many more possibilities.  However, there is still a part of this little boy that wants to do it by himself.  New and re-tries this month: rice puffs, wheat puffs, kidney beans, peas, avocado, peaches, cottage cheese, and yogurt.

...lets us know he is hungry by opening and closing his fingers as if to say, "More please."  It is usually accompanied by a "...and right NOW..." tone of voice.  

...has started playing like a little boy.  He loves to play alongside his sister with a Duplo car in hand.  He also loves to sit in his highchair banging wooden spoons or whisks on the tray.

...is a content explorer as we putz and putter outside in the garden.  He takes in the grass between his fingers, turns a shovel over and over, and watches the cars and trains drive by.

...likes to strum his fingers on his lips.

...will laugh whole-heartedly when given a tickle fest up his tummy, when bounced on your knee and sung too, or when Ellie smiles and jumps in front of him while he is in the Jumperoo.

...lets us know he is tired and ready for bed by pulling on his ears and rubbing his eyes.

Stages

Dear Joel,

When I laid you down to sleep tonight, something just wasn't right.  You looked up at me, closed your eyes tight, and cried.  So, I re-wrapped you in your blankets, lifted you up from the cradle, held you close and started to rock you back and forth.  At first your neck was stiff and you kept looking to the left and then to the right.  But then you settled in, into my chest, with your fingers of one hand resting on my arm.  I was gently breathing on you and you were breathing on me.  I could feel your little heart beating.  You relaxed.  Your little body got heavy and your eyelids soon followed.  It took me back to when we first brought you home from the hospital; you and I would rock, cheek to cheek, you nestled in, until you fell asleep.  Although, my heart was thankful for the little newborn memories, I was also a bit sad.  You are growing and changing so fast.  A part of me wants time to slow down so we can savour things and linger a bit longer. 

Love,
Mommy

A New View

"And just enough time in a day not to feel hounded, pressed, driven, or wild to get it all done.

There is time to grab the jacket off the hook and time to go out to all air and sky and green. And time to read and wonder and laugh with all of them in all this light."

- a blog posting by Ann Voskamp on April 19, 2012 at A Holy Experience -

At 7 months, Joel...

...weighs 17 lbs 13 oz and measures 27 1/2 inches long.
...has settled back into life at home.  How can one so small, sense when they are home?
...smiles with squinty eyes, squished cheeks and nose, and a top lip that covers his bottom lip.  His facial expressions get us smiling too!
...shows he is happy by clapping his hands.  His face just lights up too!
...starting to say more and more, especially sounds like "mama...ahhhh...dada...baba"
...has TRIED yogurt, bananas, pears, applesauce, sweet potato, butternut squash, and carrots but would much rather stick to milk.
...is battling is first cold.  He is probably the most mellow little man I've seen with sniffles and cough.  He'll wake up, we'll nurse, then change his diaper, and then he'll calmly sit in his bouncy chair or cuddle close until it's time for another nap. 
...has figured out how to take the soother out and put it back in.  So clever!
...is rolling in both directions and it's a daily occurrence.  If he starts on his back, he'll spot a toy just out of reach.  When you look again he's on his tummy.  When he's had enough of tummy time, he'll sing out for help or roll back.  His sister cheers him on, "You did it!  You did it!'
...has begun to sit up on his own, with Mommy, Daddy, and pillows not too far behind.  It's a new view that he is excited about!

At 6 months, Joel...

(journaled in Johannesburg, South Africa)

...weighs 17 lbs 11 oz and measures 26 7/8 inches long (measured the week we returned home to Canada).

...has his first stamp in his passport from South Africa! He won't remember it but we have the pictures for when he asks and we look forward to taking him back.
...was amazing at traveling, our littlest travel side-kick!  He slept well on the back to back long flights, either in our arms or on the seat next to us. 

...took in the many full days seeing the sights and visiting new places and people, from the Snugli or his bucket seat, with this grin on his face:

...saw the view from Table Mountain "Lion King" style, studied an elephant up close with his Daddy, and went on a 2-hour safari game drive holding his sister's hand. 

 

...was not a big fan of the ocean.   

  ...tried his first foods (yogurt, banana) but preferred fist fulls of sand.

 

...didn't make "strange" with all the new faces he met.  He enjoyed the snugs and hugs, especially with the friends we traveled with and his Tia.
 

 

Well done Joel!  Month number 6 was a big month for you.  We are looking forward to many more adventures with you!

Family Traits

Last night Marco and I were looking through pictures of Ellie around the 4 month mark and we came across this one.  We both looked at each other at the same time and smiled.  We think a little man looks a lot like his older sister!  What do you think?

At 4 months, Joel...

* weighs 16 lbs 1 oz and measures 26 inches long.

* is into 6 month clothing, the second row of snaps on his cloth diapers, and size 3 disposable diapers for when we are out and about.

* has rolls on his legs and dimples on his knees and elbows.  He's pretty squeezeable...kissable...and loveable!

 * will suck and chew on his bottom lip close to eating time.

* nuzzles into your neck or rubs his face in the muslin blankets when he gets sleepy.

* goes to bed between 7 and 8 p.m. and sleeps through the night with a little snack before I head to bed.  We are so very blessed!

* wakes up in the morning and from naps with coos, stories, and singouts.  It's the best!

* is easily distracted, especially by his big sister, whom he adores, and will watch her go about the room with a content smile in his eyes.

* had his first set of shots and the loudest meltdown yet.  A long story for right now but it wasn't his fault.

* enjoys tummy-time for a bit but prefers to stretch out on the floor or sit in the bouncy chair where he'll happily play with the toys above.

* likes to blow bubbles and have his hands in his month.  

Holiday Re-takes

I've been trying to keep my camera and phone close by to capture the daily moments and stories with two.  Somedays are easier than others.  On Christmas Day when we tried to snap a few of the two together wasn't one of the easier days.  Tongues sticking out, cheesy grins, sideways glances, and arched backs were the ingredients for this photo shoot.  We think the last one may be a keeper and the others we'll keep for a good laugh.

*Merry Christmas*

 

 

 

 

At 3 months, Joel...

* is 14 lbs 11.5 oz and 25.5 inches long.

* has discovered his hands.  He will fold his hands together while nursing, sitting in his car seat, or as he's talking.

* likes to suck on his hands or nuzzle his face into the muslin blankets while falling asleep.  We often find the soother in the corner of his cradle.

* is wanting to keep up the conversation and story telling just like his cousin Zoey!  Joel has also discovered his voice.  It is the most delightful thing I have heard in a long time!

* is beginning to reach for things...the toys in his chair, the birds on his swing, or the food at the supper table.

* has found a sleeping rhythm and we are so thankful!  Joel hasn't been a fussy baby, except for a week in his first month where gripe water was our friend, but we were ready for a 8 hour stretch of sleep instead of getting 8 hours in chunks :).  

* has a passport.  Bring on the winter travels!

At 2 months, Joel...

* weighs 13 lbs 11.5 oz and is 24.5 inches long.  A growing baby boy!  The newborn sleepers and 0-3 month clothing are packed away.

* is squeezable and loveable.  His double chin, rolls, and folds are delightful! 

* likes to lay on a blanket on the floor so he can stretch and kick.  His right leg just gives 'er.

* is content to take in the world around him.

* will hold his arms straight up or out in a superhero pose when he's being changed.

* graduated from the infant tub to the big tub as he quickly stretched out from end to end.

* gives us many smiles and laughs daily.  His whole face lights up!  

* has begun to have long conversations and tell his stories. 

* is incredibly strong.  He can hold his neck and head steady.

* celebrated his first holidays...Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day.

* is alert and beginning to follow our voices and where we are in the room, especially keeping his eye on his busy sister and Mama.

* loves to be comforted by being wrapped up and swaddled over a soother.  
* has a calm and content temperament.  We are incredibly blessed!

Pieces of You

* Had technical difficulties so I'm posting reflections from the 1st month today as well.

Dear Joel,

1. After one month, you weigh 12 lbs 4 1/2 oz and measure 22.5 inches long.

2. At your 5 day and 8 day check up, you blew the health care nurses and Dr. B away.  You are thriving!

3. Both sets of grandparents were here for your arrival and were able to stay for the beginning days at home.  What a blessing!

4. You were welcomed by many friends and family, near and far, with phone calls, emails, meals, gifts, and packages in the mail.

5. You did not stay in the "newborn" onesies, sleepers, and diapers for much time.

6. Your first smile was the Monday Daddy went back to work and we flew solo at home.  Thank you!

7. You aren't keen on the soother.  If we put it in too quickly you start to gag.

8. Being swaddled and falling asleep on Mommy or Daddy's chest is what you prefer and we are okay with that!

9. You are such a content boy.

10. In the hospital, you let me know that you needed something to eat by smacking your lips.

11. At home, we mostly hear grunts if you are not content and only cries if you are really hungry, on the tired side of things, or have a bit of tummy troubles.

12. Your big 'ister Ellie is quite fascinated with you.

13. Ellie asks to hold you every day and wants to be near you as she plays. 

14. In the morning, or after sleeps, she greets you with, "You're awake.  Good morning!"  If she hears you cry, she'll come to where you are and say, "It's okay my boy.  Ellie's here!" 

15. At the end of September, you took your first road trip to visit great Grandma Ellefson for her birthday as well as visit with some great uncles and aunts too.

16. You are a wonderful little traveler already and don't mind your car seat as long the car or stroller is moving.

17. In didn't take you long to settle into days and nights.  You often give Daddy and I, 3-4 hour stretches at a time.

18. You are a strong boy.  When you are on our chest, you can hold your head and neck steady.

19. You quietly take in what is going on around you...whether you are in someone's arms, in your swing, or on our bed.

20. When I look at your long fingers and little feet, I wonder what you will do when you grow older?  Musician?  Bass player?  Rugby player?  We see lots of pictures of things to come for you, my son. 

21. You are a good eater. 

22. You don't mind coffee...second hand that is...for which your Mama is grateful.

23. Bath times are different for you than they were for Ellie.  You love being in the water!  It won't be long until you are out of the small tub and into the big tub.

24. Whether you are getting your diaper changed or getting ready for the bath, you have not had a true melt down.

25. However, you keep us on our toes when it's time to change your bum. 

26. Depending on the day and the light your eyes will look brown or dark blue-grey.

27. You have a double crown on the top of your head.  We've had people comment that we are "doubly blessed" and we would agree whole-heartedly!

28. These are the pieces of you we remember and love in the last 28 days with you at home!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

 

 

 

A song as we turn off the lights:

Contemplations from the swing:

When Joel was a few weeks old, a friend generously brought their swing over to our house for us to borrow.  It has been particularly helpful in the afternoon as I begin to prepare supper or in the early evening hours when a little boy tends to be more fussy than content. 

It seems to me there is a lot of growing and thinking happening in this swing.  

Maybe about blue birds...

 

...but all this thinking makes us sleepy...

...and then it's time for bed right away! 

And E, the big sister, keeps us laughing with her swing dancin' and singin'!  Life is full but it is good.

 

Big Sister, Little Brother

Before Joel was born, Marco and I wondered how Ellie would take to being a big sister.  How would she show her love to this new little person that she had only heard us talk about? Ellie was Joel's first visitor at the hospital and I think it was love-at-first-hug-and-snuggle.  My Mom told me later that when she came out of the hospital room, she put both hands in the air and with excitement in her big brown eyes exclaimed, "The baby is here!"  

Ellie loves her little brother!  She loves to hold him, kiss his head, hold his hand, lay on the bed next to him, and read to him.  If she hears him crying, she'll run to where he is at and will say, "It's okay my boy...Ellie's here."

 It fills my heart to see them together. 

You

You have fairer skin, lighter hair, and blue-hazel eyes but when you go like this we see bits of your sister in you.  Some say it's the lips, or the cheeks, or the nose.  Sometimes it's hard to say which side of the family and which grandfather you look more a like.  We are so glad you are here and a part of our family.  We know you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  You are knit together well.

Joel at 2 1/2 weeks

Ellie at 2 months

After church...

...Sunday afternoons are for snoozing.  All four of us.

Introducing...

On the morning you were born, the sun smiled with such wonder...

that the birds peeked in to see you...  

and the morning breeze whispered, "Life will never be the same."

Because there had never been anyone like you...ever in the world.

 

On September 10, 2011, at 1:20 pm, we welcomed with much joy, Joel Christian de Andrade, into our family.  He weighed 9 lbs. 6 oz. and measured 21.5".

* words adapted from Nancy Tillman's children's book On the Night You Were Born *