Joshua Update

Here is the latest scoop on Joshua! He is now 8.5 months old and is a BIG little guy. He's starting to grow out of some of his 12-month size clothes already, mostly in girth and length of torso, not height or length of legs! His feet are also BIG, and too wide and thick for size 3 shoes, but too short for size 4 shoes. But, that is okay! We won't have to worry about losing any shoes for awhile since he doesn't wear any! (I've heard babies are notorious for kicking them off in stores!)

I absolutely LOVE that he's so big! I love his kissable cheeks, rolley-polley thighs, and adorable dimples! Carrying him around has been a great workout for me! My arms feel stronger than ever! I think the only sad part for me is that he's already a toddler, and his babyhood seemed to race by! *Sigh* I suppose that is how it goes for every baby!

His size has also given him an advantage with strength and motor skills. He is already a very fast crawler, has been rough housing with toys for months, and is walking around with only one hand hanging on things for support. I think he's fully capable of walking without support, but he doesn't know it yet! I've seen him stand up and walka few steps without holding on to something before, but it was as if he didn't notice! He was so engrossed in playing that he just did it without thinking, but as soon as he noticed that he wasn't holding on to anything, he immediately reached for support.

Other fun news is that Joshua is saying a few words now! He's said "Dah-dy" and "Dowg" in context and with passion! He mostly grunts and shrieks and rambles right now, however, and has a long way to go before he's ready to really "talk". He does mimics Luke sometimes, saying the sounds and voice inflections; for example, Luke says, "Hel-lo!" so Joshua says, "eh-woh" in the same tone and inflection. It is pretty cute when he does it, but won't do it for anyone but Daddy at the moment.

Joshua hasn't really shown interest in baby food. He likes nursing. Period. He makes faces and gags and spits other food out usually. This past weekend, he did better than ever for Grandma and Grandpa, eating lots of peaches and things, but this was abnormal for him! I don't mind so much. Nursing is really easy and gratifying. I figure he'll take to baby food when he's ready. I'm excited at the prospect, so I've already made some homemade baby food and frozen it!

Other than that, Joshua likes to flirt with everyone. He is very dramatic and loves attention! He likes to be kissed, hugged, held, and read to. He also plays favorites with Mommy & Daddy. If he is hurt, he wants Daddy. If he is hungry, he wants Mommy. If he wants to play, he goes for Daddy. If he wants to sit in someone's lap, he goes to Mommy. He likes to snuggle with both of us, though! We like "family snuggles" a lot in our house!

Praise God for a healthy, happy, little boy!

Anderson Family Update!

Wow! It has been awhile since I've blogged! Yikes! Is anyone out there still reading these? We may have been taken off your radar, but we're still here!

First, about our newest member of the family, Joshua is almost 6 months old! He is rolling around, sitting up, and very strong! He weighed 21 pounds a few weeks ago. I have no idea how much he's gained since then. He's already in 9-12 month clothes, and goes through them like porpoise goes through water! Fast! Lots of drooling, spitting up, and diaper disasters help with that, of course!

Joshua now LOVES to get help standing. He wants to play sitting up most of the time, and is in love with his "Johnny Jump-Up". He is also quite curious, likes to "talk" long babbling sentences, and loves it when people call him cute and give him kisses. Did I mention he is a flirt? Oh yes... with anyone who will look at him. He spends his days playing, sleeping, and going for walks with the fam.

Anyway, that is our little man's story. Now for the fam. We lived in Decorah, IA this summer. Luke led a summer project there for the Rock. We had seven people from Ames participating in it. We were joined by a few stellar families who lived in the area and who are sold out for Christ!

Together, we served the community by running a youth soccer program for grades K-8. We had 60 kids involved, and they had a great time as they learned soccer skills and heard the Gospel. We also helped put on "Church In The Park", two Bible studies, and a Friday Night BBQ. We had speakers from all over come and speak to the group. It was wonderful! We saw 3 people come to faith in Christ this summer. I was fortunate enough to help share the Gospel with one of the ladies! Praise the Lord! Everyone grew a lot this summer, especially our family! Luke and I are super excited to get back in the Dorms here in Ames.

Did I mention we are now back in Ames? Yup. It's true! We were sad to leave our new friends/family in Decorah, but they are in good hands. We are currently settling back in, unpacking, and purging our house of things we don't need. The chaos of the school year starts in a week and a half. We are in the lul before the storm. We're taking the opportunity to catch up on the happenings of Ames, with people here we haven't seen in awhile, and with family.

Well, friends, that is all for now! Thanks for reading!