Joseph, the Moose

Aside from our blog's makeover, Joseph is the most exciting thing about us. So we'll just start out talking about him. Our most recent info is his four month check-up. Here are all of his stats. He weighs 19 pounds 8 ounces and he is 27 inches long. For those of you who aren't baby savvy (which is a small few) Joseph is one really big boy. Joseph averages in the 98th percentile with the 3 percentages the doctor gives you. So that is most definitely exciting, though terrifying for us since his car seat only holds him up to 22 pounds and after that we will have to get a four door to hold those mammoth-sized car seats that come next. A sister in our ward saw him for the first time a few weeks ago and was so surprised by his size she called him a moose. We thought that nickname was funny, and pretty appropriate.

This first picture is Joseph's 3 month picture. This is our favorite one. Julie looks forward to January when she wants to get Joseph's 6 month picture taken, as well as our first family portrait. Joseph's grandma Denney unknowingly provided the clothes he will be wearing for that by getting him his next church clothes.

Okay, onto his recent adventures. Well, there was Halloween. We had lots of fun, although Joseph's costume was already too small. Even though he was only 3 months old, his 0-3 months costume was too small. Had Julie known how fast he would grow, she would have gotten it in 6-9! He is sitting next to his cousin Cardon. Then on Halloween, Julie and Joseph went to the local mall with a few gals from the ward and they all took the kiddies trick or treating. Julie pinned that paper bag to the front of his costume and he collected candy for his mama and papa! We would've let him try it, but he's just too young. Maybe next year. He did have a fun time getting out his candy and looking at it so Julie could take some pictures.

The real fun lately has been hitting milestones. The one which we enjoy the most is his smile. He shows it much more regularly and not just for us, but for other family members, people in the ward, or at the grocery store. Julie is worried he is going to become quite the flirt. Our other favorite is his laugh, which is hard to get on the digital. We do have videos, which we are going to learn how to put on here so those of you who are farther away can see the fun too! Other fun milestones he's been hitting...He rolled over twice! He hasn't done it since, but it still counts. Joseph is also getting quite good at sitting. This picture is from Thanksgiving. He's wearing the very handsome shirt that his Great Grandma McNett gave him. Yes, the size is 12 months. Doesn't he look cute? The yellow really brought out the red in his hair. Another ridiculous thing he does for a four month old is he is starting to stand against furniture. Of course we prop him up against the couch, but the standing is all him. Joseph has quite the strong legs! Because Joseph eats so much, we have started to give him cereals. He does pretty well with sitting in the high chair and eating with a spoon. He usually doesn't spit it out. Although, he does grimace every time the spoon touches his mouth. We don't know exactly what it is he doesn't like, but it is a bit funny to watch. Joseph has officially found his feet, although his feet have not yet been introduced to his mouth. He does love grabbing them while we change his diaper. And his latest sounds, which he loves to make on the changing table, are basically screaming, screeching sounds. But you can tell from his face that he is as happy as can be. Another milestone for Joseph is he now sits in the front of the stroller. We're glad he fits so well, because he was starting to get really restless on walks when he had to sit in his car seat. He is very content to sit and look out when we go out now. Well, I think that is almost everything I can think of. Our little boy is growing so fast. He wears clothes for 6-9 month olds, and it probably won't be long before he is in the next size if he doesn't slow down! Joseph is catching up to his older cousins faster than we thought. He already outweighs his 10 month old cousin Brayden. Although Brayden can out-crawl Joseph any day! Oh, and Joseph's belly button is looking quite normal now and doesn't poke out anymore!

In other news, Joseph's cousins Ashley and Riley both turned 1 year old this last month. Riley on November 14th and Ashley November 15th. We had a fabulous party, despite the birthday kids were both exhausted and wanting their naps! They both had their own cakes. Ashley wasn't too interested in hers, but Riley was! I'll let Stacie enjoy posting those pictures on her blog. (There's a link to her blog on the left) After the presents and cake, we enjoyed the park for a little bit. Joseph was able to go down the slide (on his papa's lap of course) and feel the sand with his bare toes. Overall, it was just a great time.

In Aaron's news, he is now working part-time in the refrigeration department at Sears. But the real exciting news is his new substitute teaching job! He has his first one today! They called at about 6 this morning. He also has a job this Friday, December 1st. He will be with 7th and 8th graders. Please keep a prayer in your heart that day! He may need it. But we are really very excited that this new opportunity is finally getting rolling. He has finished his four grad school applications. He applied to UCLA, Cal State Fullerton, Northern Arizona University, and University of Montana. We haven't had any word back yet, but we will let you know!

As for Julie, there's not too much news. She takes care of Joseph full-time, which is a lot of work, but doesn't make for very exciting reading. She has learned how to crochet, making baby hats for the local hospital with the Relief Society. She also made one for Joseph! Her mom has had two "Sew Days" with all her sisters. Those have been tons of fun now that they all enjoy sewing and have multiple projects constantly. The most exciting isn't Julie's, but Stephanie, Stacie, and Heidi too. They have been making clothes (and Heidi is making quilts) and selling them on eBay! They make some really cute stuff! Stephanie and Stacie had a store (on e-bay)filled with baby items, but since then they've found they enjoy making clothes more, they have ended their store and just sell on e-bay like everyone else. Their clothes are really cute. We're sure they would send out notices of their new items for sale if anyone is interested in checking them out.

In miscellaneous family news, Brittny is scheduled to have their baby Emma on January 10th, and Heidi will hopefully find out the gender of her baby on December 14th. We are extremely excited for them both and will update you all on their sweet babies when the time comes.

Well, hopefully we've covered most of the bases. If you are farther away, please keep us up to date with your latest as well! We look forward to your comments. We love you all and hope all is well!