My boy ...

is probably the happiest baby on the planet. Yes, he can get fussy at times, and we've had a few meltdowns, but generally he acts and looks like this:

Joshua is so proud of himself when he gets a hold of his socks!

Mr. Stinkypants!

Yep, this child never smiles at all.

Occasionally he'll give a picture with a goofy stare. Here's a family picture ... we're all dressed up and at my cousin Scott's wedding!

Such a silly face!

Joshua in this sweater vest may be the cutest thing I have ever seen.

Hmm ... or maybe THIS is the cutest thing I've ever seen.

"My name is Joshua ... hear me ROAR!"

Fingers are tasty snacks!

"I'm a BIG BOY now, Mommy!"

I cannot believe my little boy is going to be 10 months old this week! He has been such a delight, and I am so thankful that God chose ME to be his MOMMY!

It's not fair!

When I was younger, I often complained that many situations in my life were "not fair." My father always replied, without fail, that "the fair only comes in October."

I know that it rains on the just and the unjust. And although my life is about as perfect as I could hope for right now, I am burdened for my friends, several of whom are facing trials I cannot even imagine. The life that is happening around me ... well, it's just not fair.

I feel helpless. I don't know what to do, or think, or say that would make a difference to these people. And I feel guilty when I look at my baby and wonder why God blessed ME with a healthy, huge, precious little boy. Sometimes, I almost take him for granted. When I step back and think about things, I remember how very easily we could have lost him ... but God was gracious to us, and I am so thankful.

So much seems to be wrong with the world. I wish I didn't have to watch my friends suffer. It's just not fair.

The QUACK ATTACK!

Happy (late) Halloween, everyone!

This year our family attended our church's second annual Trunk or Treat event. I had been looking forward to it for weeks. During the afternoon, however, Joshua stopped eating well. He was gnawing on his little fingers like crazy ... his poor little toothies must have been hurting very badly! Since we didn't want a chance to miss Mimi's birthday (her special day is actually on Halloween), I went ahead and loaded Joshua into the car, and off we went!

I had to finish dressing him in the church parking lot. His costume wouldn't fit safely in the car seat ... but I was pleasantly surprised at how he didn't seem to mind the outfit TOO much. He didn't appreciate his duck bill, but he eventually got used to it, and I enjoyed walking around and showing off my little duckling!

He wasn't his usual smiley self -- but I think he was just sitting back and taking in all the activity. The church estimated that 1200-1500 people came, so there was a lot going on. We saw quite a few members of his "fan club," all of whom seemed to love his duck outfit. Mimi and Granddaddy Richard were especially pleased to see him.

Trunk or Treat seemed to be over much too quickly! Joshua was such a trooper, even though he was awake long after bedtime. Before I knew it, it was time to fly my little Joshua-duck home.

"Daddy, please rescue me from this crazy hat!"

Me with my silly little duck.

"I've decided to be serious today."

Joshua with Granddaddy Richard and the BIRTHDAY GIRL!

"Granddaddy Richard, you really QUACK me up!"

Joshua ducks don't need to fly ... they get to be carried!

Happy Halloween from the QUACK ATTACK!

Joshua-duck is getting sleepy ... very sleepy. It's bedtime!