Sunday, January 9, 2011

Christmas at Grandma Dana & Grandpa Bruce's house

My mom has lots of things that sing and play music. Most of them are at Joshua's level and he can turn them on. This one (the snowman on the piano) is one of his favorites. The snowman sways back and forth as he sings & there are lights that blink on both sides of the piano.

The box that the snowman is sitting on was made by my Grandpa Wilbur and Grandma Evelyn. It's the perfect height for Joshua to just walk around and around and around.


Dad went and picked up our Christmas Dinner. Yummy Red Lobster!


Since we celebrated the week after Christmas, we were okay with a non traditional Christmas dinner. Actually, it tasted so good, we decided it would work again next year! Joshua loved the cheddar biscuits!



Joshua was home all day with daddy since Purdue was closed for New Years. Apparently it was more fun to play with daddy then to take a nap because Joshua didn't nap well  (or at all) for Daddy.

This picture is after dinner before we opened presents. Joshua was already ready for bed hugging one of Grandma's Christmas bears.



The part about this picture that might surprise you is that it was taken before we opened any presents. Those are just the toys that Joshua has a Grandma Dana & Grandpa Bruce's house to play with!

This is when we really noticed Joshua playing with his mouth again. Tongue hanging out a lot and lots of drool. Yup, he's cutting teeth again.... Looks like the kiddo may actually have more then 2 teeth!!





Joshua's new drum from Auntie Jennifer. He loves it!!

I knew she was getting him some kind of drum (which was a bit scary), but this one is great! He bangs on it, it lights up & plays music. Three of his favorite things - banging, lights & music all in one toy!!



Joshua was getting pretty tired by this point and laid down on a present sent from Florida.

Don't worry, he rallied and got the present opened. Next time I would pick something other than books to make a pillow out of Joshua!



So this picture doesn't really look like much, but what it shows is Joshua throwing small jars of mustard that Jim got as a present from my parents.

Joshua loves having 2 of something, one in each hand, and throwing them. It can be balls, blocks, and in the case, mustard. We are working with him on what is okay to throw and what isn't. I'm pretty sure he has no idea what we are telling him!



Daddy inspecting Joshua's new radio.

It's really neat. There are magnets on the back so it will stick to the fridge. Joshua loves it because he can carry it around. There are 3 different settings and they all have different songs. He can dance to all of them!!

It's hard for us all to imagine what our life was like before Joshua, but Auntie Jennifer sure has taken on her role as Aunt very well.

There are many days when she comes to the shop for lunch and gives mommy a little break. Auntie just thinks she is playing with Joshua, but it's really a second for mommy to catch her breath and get ready for the afternoon.  Thanks Auntie!!



It's not often we get a picture of just my mom, sister & myself but we finally did & it turned out good!


I am so lucky to have them here in town with us. They are a huge support (dad too) and I really appreciate all the help they give us!


Thanks guys & Merry Christmas!!


Love you!!






Saturday, January 8, 2011

Pershing Family Christmas

We had Christmas with my Dad's family December 18th

Great Grandpa Wilbur & Joshua

I'm so glad that my grandparents are here in town and can watch him grow up. I wish all our relatives were closer for that same reason.
Joshua was the life of the party like normal. He is such a trooper at gatherings. At this time he wasn't walking on his own. He was using a walker and would walk holding your hand.

This little boy is so much fun. He's so cute, expressive really tells us what he thinks & what he wants.

We are so lucky to have him!











Cousins Braden & Arianna  show Joshua a basketball game that Grandpa Bruce & his siblings played with as kids. That game has some age on it!

Joshua was very interested in the ball...and it moving around. He crawled off with it several times. He even threw his big orange ball in there. Maybe next Christmas he'll understand it better.






Grandma Evelyn, me, my sister & Aunt Brenda.

Looks like a group of trouble makers!









The Pershing Ladies in attendance at Christmas.

Mom, Me, Grandma Evelyn, Auntie, Arianna, Aunt Brenda, Shannon & Joy.








Not to be out done, the men wanted their own picture. The men had to wait for Joshua to get up from his nap before they could get their picture.

Back row: Grandpa Wilbur, Dad, Brandon, Tom & Uncle Tim
 Front row: Ryan, Brian, Braden, Joshua & Jim


Don't ask me why they are holding the tray of desserts. Silly boys!!





One of my most favorite Christmas traditions is Grandpa Wilbur reading the Christmas Story from the Bible.
This year I recorded him reading it so we could share it with the family members that couldn't make it.
Hope you enjoy it as much as I do every year!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

1st Birthday!!!

Happy Birthday, Joshua!






Our Family!


Great Grandma Barbara, Great Grandpa Wilbur, Great Uncle Tim & Great Aunt Brenda  

Grandma Dana, Daddy & Grandpa Gary

Grandma Linda & Great Grandma Evelyn

The Birthday Boy!!


Mommy helping Jman with his new cowboy boots



Mommy, just give me that cake!



He loved the cake. Just another way he's like Daddy!


Cupcake cake!



3 Great Grandparents + 4 Grandparents +1 Auntie + 
1 Great Uncle + 1 Great Aunt = 1 great 1st birthday party!!

Thanks to all that were able to come. You made it a very special day for Joshua!








Saturday, December 11, 2010

A year of Joshua Campbell Stephens

December 10th, 2009




December 12, 2009


Jaunary 13th


Febuary 17th


March 21st


April 4th


May 5th


June 7th


July 10th


August 1st


September 11th


October 16th


November 10th


December 6th


A year ago, we welcomed Joshua

A baby of our own.

Nervously and sleepily,

We took him to our home.


We figured out the nursing.

This goes how and where?

We were told there would be crying,

And how to show we care.


A year has gone so quickly,

Yet we have learned so much.

We've felt a love so strongly,

In a baby's gentle touch.


His laughs and smiles. His pouts and tears.

Wow! He can get so mad!

But we wouldn't trade a minute,

As a thankful mom and dad.


We love you, Joshua!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Strolling at the flowers shop...

Joshua is really getting the hang of this walking thing. He will even walk just holding one of my hands.
Here he is showing of his "walker" skills all over the shop!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Wow...


December 25th, 2009


December 1, 2010