Cookie Monster

I had just baked some cookies after dinner the other night and decided to grab one. I had Joshua on one hip with his sippy cup in my right hand a glass of milk in the other hand. I didn't want to make two trips so I lightly bit the cookie to hold it with my mouth as I walked into the den (hurdled is more like it because the walkways are blocked with the ottoman, large toys, etc. to control J's play area). Anyway Joshua was sizing up the situation and decided to make a go for my cookie. He leaned in and took a huge bite of cookie and started giggling as he was eating. I was so shocked. It never occurred to me that we would do that. Needless to say once he tasted the cookie he ended up eating half of it. He was a cute cookie monster!

Ode to Hay

I ran out of room in the Pumpkin Patch post so here are a few pics of Joshua mesmerized by the hay. Enjoy! Oh, and check out the post below for more traditional pictures.

Pumpkin Patch

We took Joshua to the pumpkin patch on Saturday. We got some great pictures and it was cool to see him walking around. He was most excited about ... the hay. Seriously, with all those orange pumpkins, he was all about grabbing fistfuls of hay. I think it's because we took him before the Alabama - Tennessee game and he was avoiding the orange! He did actually pick up and drop a lot of pumpkins. And of course we couldn't resist dressing our pumpkin up to match all the other pumpkins.These days Joshua has so much personality. He mimics everything. If I'm using antibacterial hand soap, he moves his hands to look like he's washing his as well. He points and grunts at the things he wants, particularly when he's eating. If he's in the mood he'll repeat words if you start with "Say book... ball... dog... drink...." We are excited that we can say "Say Roll Tide" and he'll signal a touchdown and say "Ro Ti." He's not 100% on this one but he's getting better and it's awfully sweet. He really enjoys reading and being read to. We read lots of books every night. Lastly, he recently got a soft toddler chair to sit in (Thanks Aunts Celeste and Elaine!) which he enjoys sitting in like a big boy!"Here Daddy, let me help."

Birmingham Visit

We took a trip to Birmingham over the weekend. Joshua had a great time visiting with family. Joshua got to do some early trick-or-treating in his pumpkin outfit. It's the same one he wore last year which was made by his talented Grandottie. Jerry Pop even had success getting our pumpkin to keep his top on! Thanks to Aunts Celeste and Elaine for letting everyone hang at our house. Unfortunately Daddy had pinkeye and Mommy got called in to work Sunday so we had to leave sooner than planned. We didn't get to see everyone, but with Thanksgiving just around the corner, we'll be back soon.

New Classroom

Joshua has moved into the 1 year old room at his daycare. Well he won't officially be in there until Nov 1st, but he still spends most of his days in there. He is learning to drink from a cup at daycare. We aren't that adventurous so we are sticking to the sippy cups at home. He loves eating fruit. That's usually his daily lunch report. While he'll eat any fruit, he seems to enjoy bananas the most. He'll even say "nana" when you prompt him to say banana.

Oh, and for all the football fans, with today's victory over Ole Miss today Joshua would like to say "I ain't never been nothin' but a winner in regular season...."

Big Boy Seat!

Joshua has a lot to see these days. We just installed a forward facing carseat. Even though he spent his first trip in this seat asleep the entire time, I'm sure he enjoyed it. (Check back later and I'll have a picture posted.)

In other Joshua news, he has started playing peekaboo in a new way. He has always enjoyed peekaboo, especially by pulling a blanket over his head or pulling his shirt over his head (too cute). However now you can say "Where's Joshua?" and he'll cover his eyes with his hands and giggle. Then I'll either say "There he is!" or "Peekaboo!" and he'll pull his hands down and clap. He is such a good boy.

Toddler feeding tip #1: If a charming little boy is throwing his food on the floor, try feeding him the food with chopsticks. It makes it magically delicious!

LASIK

Here's some news, recently I (Emily) had LASIK done. It was something I've really wanted to do for awhile. Most of you who know me know that I am or *was*, terribly blind without glasses/contacts. By that I mean, I always knew the top letter on the eyechart was supposed to be an "E", but I could never see it. (My prescription for R/L eyes was 8/8.5 diopters) Anyway, on the 24th I had LASIK done and it was great! My vision has been getting clearer as my eyes heal. The only hiccups have been that my corneal flaps (incision made for the laser) have had some wrinkling that had to be straightened out. Overall I am really pleased. It is amazing to wake up and be able to see! Of course, that doesn't keep me from waking up and reaching for my glasses, wondering what I did with them before realizing I don't need them. Yea!

Play Time

Joshua's personality continues to shine through. He is such a sweet, lovable boy. He especially loves playtime. Lately you can tell him "Joshua, bring me that ball... book... bucket..." and he knows what to bring. Without prompting, he'll often come up to me with a book in hand and signal he wants to be held so we can read the book. By looking at them, you can tell he's pretty rough with his books, but we're just pleased he enjoys storytime. Some nights, that's the only time he's not on the go! Another new trick of his is you can say "Joshua, give me some kisses." and he'll lean in with a slobbery mouth for a kiss. It is so cute! Also he has a toy TV remote which apparently doubles as a phone as Joshua likes to hold it up to his ear and listen/talk and then hand it to mommy and daddy for us to talk. In general, he isn't just chatty, he's loud and chatty these days. It's hard for Matt and I to carry on a conversation or watch some TV with all the talking going on. Our button is the best source of entertainment these days. Let explain what's going on in this capture. As I was getting ready for bed, I had Joshua corralled in the bathroom. He picked up his blue bath towel and proceeded to walk back and forth carrying it like Linus from Snoopy. Needless to say I had the Snoopy theme in my head all night!

Football Season

TOUCHDOWN!!
Gameday
Happy boy
Where has the time gone? Little man is already 13 months old and it's football season. As an update, Joshua is getting the last of his teeth for a while - that brings the total up to 16. He's mostly wearing 9mo clothes, but we've started working 12 mo clothes into the rotation. He doesn't just walk, he runs. He enjoys playing with the dogs and Hardy at least enjoys playing with him. Ridley appreciates Joshua the most when Joshua's sleeping. We have really been working with Joshua to teach him to signal "Touchdown!" He's gotten much better at this, though to be fair, he usually signals a touchdown after he eats something - rather than during a game. As good Southern parents, we are trying to install a love of football, specifically Alabama and the SEC, into our son. Here are some pics we've taken of Joshua on gameday. He's all suited up, waiting for Coach to call him into the game!

Labor Day

It's Labor Day! Mommy had to work so Daddy brought Joshua by the office for lunch. We enjoyed a cook out. Later, Ridley snuggled up for a nap with Joshua. They were very sweet!