Our Greatest Joy

Happy 2nd Birthday Joseph!!!!

2008-02-27T10:44:00.002-05:00

Wow! 2 years ago today who would have thought that we would have the cutest munchkin ever? Time has flown and we have certainly tried to cherish these days while Joseph is still small enough to snuggle and think what we say is the funniest thing ever or want to spend every waking second with us. So, Happy Birthday Joseph! Don't grow up too fast! We love you more than we ever thought possible.

Kum Ba Ya

2008-02-26T23:00:00.001-05:00

So as I was driving tonight, I looked in the rear view mirror to see that Joseph had found his Diego sun glasses and was signing along ala Steve Wonder style to the cd that was playing "Kum Ba Ya". He was singing "Kum.....ya.....la......." It was such a fantastic and funny moment that I grabbed my cell phone at the stop light and took a picture. What a cute little guy. He has no idea how hilarious and precious he is. I turned down the music and asked, are you singing? And he screamed "Mom! Music!", "Oops, soory" I said as I turned the volume back up.

The Next Emeril Lagasse

2008-02-24T12:37:00.003-05:00

Pour 1/2 cup of milk into a clear plastic cup

Cap with Lid and Straw

Pick only the finest 2 pickles

Gently pierce the pickles with the straw

Sip your milk like it is the best thing ever. yum scrumptious!

Before you judge me...

2008-02-11T11:58:00.000-05:00

Actually don't judge me unless it's positive, because I don't want to hear it. Joseph loves his little puppy leash that Dan had me get for when I recently traveled out to California alone and man it was a life saver in the airport. This way he can explore whatever he wants at a close distance with out being electrocuted. I have only used this leash a few times but now I know how important it is not to judge other parents for what they choose to do. I think our dog Zoey was a bit jealous in this picture.

Uber Cute

2008-02-02T12:27:00.000-05:00

This is such a great picture. Joseph does everything his cousin Michael does including warming up next to the fire after a day of ice skating. He's looking at him like "we're big boys huh?"

Ice Skating Here We GO!

2008-02-02T11:10:00.004-05:00

So we went with the fam to Centenial Lakes to go ice skating in 20 degree weather. Because what else do you do when it is warm out in Minnesota?

Here is what Joseph wore...

1 hat

1 t shirt

1 thermal shirt

1 hooded sweat shirt

1 pair of thermal pants

1 pair of jeans

1 pair of bibs

1 jacket

He also wore mom's gloves (mine) because his kept falling off (to all of my 3 readers, can someone please invent a pair that stays on? Thanks!)

I kid you not, after all of this when we were standing by the lockers just before we were about to head out on the ice, Joseph says "Poo Poo mama". But thank goodness that also means pee pee to him and we were all good. Phew. I still like diapers for that reason.

They have these wonderful contraptions for toddlers that you can put them on to push them around on the ice and we belted Joseph in with my scarf. Now I was minus gloves and a scarf but with all the action I really wasn't cold. Aah the things we sacrafice for our children:)

When we got out on the ice Joseph was in heaven. I though he might be scared considering he sometimes is fearful of merry go rounds but he giggled the whole time, especially when his Papa spun him around. What a great day.

For your pure entertainment

2008-01-04T19:38:00.001-05:00

Dan was getting a new pair of glasses and Joseph wanted a pair too so we let him try some on. I don't think I have laughed that hard in a while. He is eating a pretzel is you were wondering what that is. Doesn't he look like a little old lady or Edna Mode from the "Incredibles"? The next time I am sad I am totally going to take him shopping for women's glasses.

Um... Shave it dad

2007-12-27T19:35:00.000-05:00

I love this picture.

X-mas Family Pic

2007-12-25T09:46:00.000-05:00

Ok, so this all we have to show for a family picture this Christmas. The last family picture we took was the one where we were at the fair behind the corn dog cut out. I think I want the next one to be a little more glamorous. Did you notice how I got the shoe off of Jogi's foot?

Oospsy

2007-12-25T09:43:00.000-05:00

Here is Joseph with great-great Aunt Hallie. Yep, she is Great too! Seconds after this picture was taken Joseph slid off the table he was sitting on. We caught it on our video camera also. It was a teeny weeny itsy bitsy bit funny. He didn't get hurt. As Joseph would say "oospsy daisy"

Elvon and Joseph Spend quality time

2007-12-25T09:36:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of Joseph with his Great-Great Uncle Elvon on Christmas. (Yep, he is really Great!) Joseph calls him "Elbon". We definitely love him. This is where Joseph gets his long and lean features from.

Fairy Godmother

2007-12-23T09:39:00.000-05:00

Here is Joseph with Erin, his Godmother. What a beautiful picture. I love how the light is shining down on them. That's because they are both so special! We had such a great visit with Erin and Bowen. I miss you Erin!

Do you want Ketchup with that?

2007-11-21T10:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday when Joseph was eating his very healthy and nutritious french fries (not), he kept saying "cockeye, cockeye". I said to Dan, "Dan, I think that he is calling french fries 'cockeyes'." Dan replied," No he isn't, he is asking for cookies." I said, "Joseph, say cookie," and Joseph replied "coke". Then I said, "Joseph, say French Fries" and Joseph said, "Cockeye". So the debate was over. Cockeye it is. And for your added enjoyment here is a googled image of cockeye. Enjoy ya!

BUTTS THE BUTTS

2007-11-07T14:41:00.000-05:00

The other day Joseph and I were getting out of the car in our garage and I started saying "butts the butts" because that is what he always says even though I have no idea what he means. He started getting very excited and saying yeah "butts the butts", "butts the butts". I had no idea why he was so excited but as we got to the garage door I realized why. He wanted to "PUSH THE BUTTON" which is what I always say to him when I ask him to push the garage door button. It finally occurred to both of us that we each understood one another and we were so happy. So always remember to butts the butts and have a good day!

Born to be wild

2007-11-01T14:13:00.000-05:00

Exhibit A.

Exhibit B.

Exhibit A. is what happens when your child is given too much Halloween candy. However it does make for a very realistic looking lion.

Exhibit B. is no exhibit really just my sweet little baby. Toodler actually.

French Madame and Lion

2007-11-01T14:06:00.000-05:00

3 adults+3 Cameras=1 sad faced Halloween Picture

2007-11-01T14:02:00.000-05:00

And I nabbed the only picture! We were snapping away and finally got all of the cousins to sit for a split magical second. AH how I wish I could photo shop happy eyes and smiles onto their beautiful faces!

The Petting Zoo

2007-09-23T10:29:00.001-04:00

Lakeville had " Harvest Fest" this week so we decided to go. They had a petting zoo! Joseph was a little frightened at first, but he became more comfortable as time went on. It seemed as if he kept daring himself to go and touch the animals. He was giggling the whole time.He was very gentle with the animals. I thought that he would tear their hair out or something and cause pandemonium but he was a sweet little angel. Of course he was right;) ?!

Uncle Greg!

2007-09-05T14:27:00.000-04:00

Joseph just loves his Uncle Greg. Every time Joseph, Greg, and I go out together people automatically assume that Greg is Joseph's dad because they look so much alike. It's bizarre.

Joseph's Harem

2007-09-05T14:12:00.000-04:00

I think that he will appreciate his picture with the Minnesota Viking Girls one day. He looks a little overwhelmed right now though. Too many mammaries.

Professional Family Picture Time

2007-09-05T13:45:00.000-04:00

Ok, maybe not so professional. Dan couldn't get his whole face in because he was holding Joseph up. What a strong guy!

Sno Cone at the Minnesota State Fair!

2007-09-05T13:34:00.000-04:00

Here is Joseph's very first sno cone....

Can you see Joseph's very first sno cone 1 minute later behind him?

Oh well.

After a long day at the Fair...

2007-09-05T12:22:00.000-04:00

Asleep and dreaming of corn dogs and chocolate milk.

Summertime!

2007-09-02T08:54:00.000-04:00

These pictures make me so happy.

Joseph's First Bike

2007-09-02T08:49:00.000-04:00

He is such a big boy now! Thanks Gami and Grandpa for the new Bike!

The Breakfast of Champions (at Dinner time)

2007-08-26T12:58:00.000-04:00

Wow, Joseph may be a chef just like his dad. He loves to put his scrambled eggs into his water cup and stir it all up. His favorite concoction. But the best part is when he drinks it all up. Yummo! Recipe is below...

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of water in favorite sparkle cup

2 handfuls of scrambled eggs that were cooked with yellow Kraft cheese and Paul Prudhom Seasoning.

Next mix with a plastic blue fork and drink up. Enjoy Ya!

Bacci Ball

2007-08-13T21:17:00.000-04:00

It is never too early to learn to play Bacci Ball. Here is Dad showing Jojo how it all goes down.

Jo Jo's Grandpa's

2007-08-13T21:15:00.000-04:00

That's Papa Joe on the left and Grandpa Bill on the right.

You've got some big shoes to fill bud

2007-08-13T21:12:00.000-04:00

Here is Joseph trying on Grandpa's (my dad) shoes. Joseph played with them for hours trying to figure them out. When he finally got them on he took a few steps and then fell and then started the process over again. I have video as well but don't know how to upload it on here. Too bad.

'Sup?

2007-08-13T21:07:00.000-04:00

Here are some of the millions of pictures I have of Joseph wearing his shades. He loves to accessorize:)

Ours days in Laguna Beach

2007-05-30T22:06:00.000-04:00

This is my favorite picture of Joseph on the Beach. I love how it looks like his Papa is teaching him about life. So precious!

80's pics

2007-05-13T21:52:00.000-04:00

I love these pictures of Joseph at the park. They remind me so much of the pictures of myself from the 80's. So innocent and no new technology to make him happy. Just some good old fashioned fun.

Baby needs a new pair of Shoes!

2007-03-13T21:37:00.000-04:00

Here is Joseph at the Stride Rite testing out his new kicks. Let me tell you that shoesfor 13 months old are not cheap but for his first real pair we got to splurge a little. These are his blule suede shoes and he walks a little like Elvis in them because he is still learning how to walk.

More random Pics

2007-03-05T21:49:00.000-05:00

Above is a picture you see quite often around our house. Joseph on the go with some object always in his hand. He never tires!

Thanks Gami for my cozy sweater!

All done!

2007-03-02T11:56:00.000-05:00

If you were to ask Joseph what he did for his birthday and if he were able to speak... he would tell you that the highlight of his birthday was eating a cupcake and getting it EVERYWHERE! He picked the whole thing up with both hands and devoured it. Yes, now I am absolutely positively sure that this is my son. Unfortunately we do not have a picture of the aftermath, but I assure you that it was pretty gruesome.

One Year Old Today!

2007-02-27T17:04:00.000-05:00

Sigh...this year has gone so fast! But I must say that I have tried my very best to relilsh every moment that I spend with this sweet and beautiful child. Happy Birthday Joseph!

Thank goodness for technology!

2007-02-22T16:53:00.000-05:00

Dan just sent this picture to me from his cell phone while I am work. Now I am a happy mom:)

FOOD!!!!!! Birthday Fun

2007-02-19T20:08:00.000-05:00

So this past weekend we celebrated Joseph's 1st birthday. His actual 1st birthday is the 27th and we will be celebrating it again. Yeah! More cake! He was introduced to pizza this weekend as well and as you can tell from the above picture he like it so much that resorted to stealing it from his big cousin Michael. After pizza he was given his very own cake which he proceeded to eat in its entirety. I love the last picture where I like to pretend he is covering his mouth while he burps. Such good manners. Oh and I almost forgot! He drank his very first glass of milk as well. It's going to be so nice not having to make formula every day!

Joseph's very first professional haircut

2007-02-09T20:06:00.000-05:00

He is so serious in these pictures. The lady cut his hair very short and now he no longer looks like a baby. SO sad! But it had to be done sometime I guess.

MY NEW FAVORITE GAME!

2007-02-09T08:57:00.000-05:00

Joseph loves shutting doors. He can do it for hours. The problem is that he can't quite figure out how to open them.

The greatest place on earth!

2007-02-09T08:40:00.000-05:00

The Children's Museum in St. Paul is so much fun. Right now, we are enjoying going to the "Habitot" (strictly for kids under 4). Joseph loves it here because he is free to roam wherever he chooses and mommy doesn't have to chase after him worrying about what he is going to get in to. We go here about once a week. Thanks Gami and Grandpa for the season pass!

I tried to give JW a haircut but...

2007-02-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

I think that I will leave it to the professionals. Sorry buddy, but it will grow out.

my little blueberry

2007-02-09T08:21:00.000-05:00

He is so funny dressed like this but right now with the windchill it is -37 so this is how it has to be.

So focused...

2007-02-04T22:03:00.000-05:00

And just beginning to walk!

He is just so dang cute;)

2007-01-09T14:35:00.000-05:00

Daddy gets some snuggle time in.

Can you see the similarities?

2007-01-08T08:39:00.000-05:00

The picture on the top is Lise as a baby at 6mos. and the bottom is Joseph at 9mos.!

Accessories make the man

2007-01-07T22:52:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of me decorating Joseph over the last 10 months. I had one in which he was wearing a beret but I can't find it. He will thank me one day for losing that one. Sometimes while he is playing I like to put things on his head and see if he notices. He usually doesn't and keeps on playing. SO funny...

Why so many codes?!

2007-01-07T20:28:00.000-05:00

I completely and totally understand the need for passwords and user names and blah blah blah but I am constantly rotating the same five or six user names and passwords on seven or so of all my accounts. I haven't logged in to this in a while and so it seriously took me 20 MINUTES to sign in. What is this world coming to? I honestly thought for a second that my blog would be lost forever until I searched through old emails and garbage to get here. I forgot what i was originally going to write but this is far more important.

So today I had/have a migraine and this thing is indestructible. I took three Imitrex , got a shot in my booty at the ER of some pain something or other stuff and took two vicodin. Also, at the E.R. they took a CAT scan of my brain and I was sure they were going to find a giant mass or at least something that would account for all of the pain I have experienced the last 10 YEARS OF MY LIFE. And... nothing. Still fighting it 16 hours later. I think I have an alien brain. It hurts so bad that I envision taking an ice pick and massage the inside of my brain with it. That sounds like it would feel good compared to what I endure two to three times a week. So I know I designed this blog to be about JW, here is picture this week of my ten month old cutie pie. P.S. He loves to bite.

Happy New Year!

2007-01-02T23:19:00.000-05:00

Let's kick this New year off with some Red eye!

My first CHRISTMAS!

2006-12-25T22:57:00.000-05:00

Elmo says "bye bye".

Joseph Getting Ear Tubes 11/30/06

2006-12-01T22:18:00.000-05:00

To anyone ever contemplating getting ear tubes for their child, this is by far the best decision we have ever made. The hardest part was watching them put the mask on him. Although Barb (my mother in law) and I swear that we got some of the anesthetic or whatever it was they gave JW because we were holding Joseph initially when they put the mask on him, so it actually calmed us down. We now no longer have to guess if Joseph has an ear infection and he is no longer constantly on antibiotics. It was easy and painless. Joseph came out of surgery smiling. He is such a charmer:)

Joseph's first Halloween. He was Yoda.

2006-10-31T14:38:00.000-05:00

Here you go Lizz.
He was in this costume for about 1 minute. Maybe next year.

August Pontoon

2006-08-06T22:28:00.000-04:00

Here's Joseph with his Gami

Summer 06

2006-08-01T23:08:00.000-04:00

I love how the dolphin (or whatever that thing on his life vest) is kissing him.

Hi Gami and Grandpa!

2006-03-22T22:43:00.000-04:00

This was the last day of my mom staying with us. She was such a great help for 3 weeks! Dan and I were scared to let her leave us but the training whels had to come off sometime!

He loves his daddy

2006-03-01T22:39:00.000-04:00

He never slept so good.

Hi Nana and Papa

2006-02-28T22:41:00.000-04:00

Well Hello! So nice to meet you!

2006-02-27T22:32:00.000-04:00

So this is what was living inside me for 9 months. I would like blame all of my weight gain on him and say that he weighed 40 pounds but alas that was not the case.

Ah...so precious.

proud parents where it all began

2006-02-26T13:42:00.000-04:00

A whole new world.

2006-02-25T11:36:00.000-04:00

Okay I am going to try this out and see how it works. Hopefully I will be able to keep this up and let you know what's new with JW (that's my baby Joseph William also spelled Jospeh if I am writing too fast) Thanks to Kelley for motivating me to do this.