Where There's a Will...

...there's a 1-year-old.

I'm rather at a loss with how to deal with Josiah's newfound will. I know this phase of motherhood will soon pass, but for now I can't help but be fantasitically impressed by, and curious about, and even charmed with each new manifestation of Josiah's development. Today was the first time he responded to me in toddler defiance. He was pitching food off of his high chair tray, and my firm "NOs" were met with clear understanding on his part: more throwing while casting first curious and then knowing looks in my direction. I started off strong and consistent in my response, but alas, I suddenly found the entire thing hilarious and delightful. I couldn't hide my grins, which turned to outright laughs, and my cause was entirely lost. Oh dear, Daddy. You'd best get back soon!

Best Friend

Josiah's very dearest friend is a yellow fleece bear known not-so-creatively as Teddy (well, occasionally as Teddles). He figures in many photos in this blog. This morning Josiah shared some of his Kix with Ted, and Mama Casler happened to have a camera ready to shoot just as it happened. The onset of pretense -- a beautiful thing! A couple of hours later, Josiah stayed in the nursery at church quite happily while Mommy went to service. This is a first since his infancy, and you guessed it, having Teddy along made it possible. :)

A Busy Day

Mama and Pop Pop Casler arrived yesterday and leave tomorrow. We accomplished a ton of household projects today (painting, sewing, shopping), fit in lots of playing, and celebrated Mommy's 30th birthday (youch, this has been a HARD one for me to stomach...). Especially exciting, though: Josiah did his first coloring, as you can see in the lower photo, and he really mastered saying the word "ball" quite properly today!!

Wakin' Up Is Hard To Do

Josiah awakened early this morning, but with a cuddle and a little bottle, he fell back asleep. A small miracle. However, despite working until 1 a.m., I couldn't go back to sleep. Turned out this was a good thing, as my human alarm clock had to be roused, snoring away with Teddy on his face, at 8:30! I hated waking him. I began by quietly tidying his room, then opened the blinds, eventually vacuumed the room across the hall... Nothing but snores! He woke happily enough in the end as I began undressing him in the crib, but then was understandably sad when he realized all of his normal morning routine was being ditched in lieu of hurrying straight off to day care. So, Daddy, we hope you're having a great time in the Dominican Republic, but mornings just aren't the same without you!

Back to the Stated Mission!

Daddy's in the Dominican Republic, then Haiti, for about a week, so we're returning to our roots here and blogging as we ought: for Daddy. Of course, I failed to take out the camera today so this post is photoless (sorry Honey). I'll paint word pictures instead, as the day has had its share of color:
1) PURPLE - for the nasty bonk Josiah got on his forehead after straining forward to reach a toy, and slipping, on the ceramic tile of the bathroom. Mommy felt terrible. Fortunately, the little egg that rose up disappeared by evening.
2) GREEN - for the VERY runny nose Josiah's had all day (which he's been busily licking, smearing on Teddy, or smearing on Mommy's shoulder!).
3) YELLOW - for the paint we went to buy at Home Depot, where Josiah sang and crowed and laughed up and down the aisles (to the softening and amusement of many otherwise gruff looking men!).
4) BLUE - for how we feel when Daddy's not here. During dinner, Josiah snapped to attention with every noise. Was Daddy at the door, home from work?? No, just the ice maker. No, just a truck going by. No, just Uncle Timmy and Auntie Holly stopping in.
We miss you already!

Black Tie Required

Another post when Daddy's at home! (Family and friends have been asking to see a photo.)

Last weekend was the fanciest of the many inaugural / dedicatory / celebratory events for Krista's new work digs -- a fifty million dollar facility! The event was by far the classiest event, and surely the costliest, we've ever attended. The first floor of my building -- and the surrounding area, with white tents -- was transformed into a beautiful party venue. You name it, it was there: gorgeous flowers, amazing sushi, ice sculptures, valet parking, live jazz, silver, crystal, lanterns and candles and copper fire pits, filet mignon, and a sea of tuxedos and gowns. We should have had a photo taken somewhere lovely on site, but all we have is this quick snap taken in our kitchen before we headed out!

Hoppy Halloween, everyone!

Josiah was a very adorable kangaroo for Halloween this year. He had a pouch and a joey, but hopefully that didn't make the outfit too girly! At the end of the work day, all of the HOPE staff kids came to the office for some treats and pictures.

In other exciting news, Josiah's gross motor skills are improving significantly. Two weeks ago he tested at three standard deviations below the mean (putting him in the bottom third of a percent of kids his age, or last out of 200-300). But...this week he pulled up to a stand entirely on his own at day care and has begun walking all over the place just holding on to our fingers. He's also exploring and reaching further and further while seated. Still no crawling or independent motility, but wow, what a difference the past two weeks have made.

We've been enjoying two additional milestones: Josiah has begun giving kisses and he loves bopping and dancing about to music. He's a very fun and funny little kangaroo, that's for sure. :)