happy 8-months, sweet pea!

Josiah is 8-months old!!! Can't believe how big he is getting! What has he been up to? Let's see...

Josiah is beginning to get onto his knees when he's on his tummy. He is VERY comfortable now on his tummy and can pivot around quickly to reach things. He still hasn't learned to sit up on his own yet, but is starting to occasionally catch himself when leaning over too far to one side. He still also loves standing and can sometimes "walk" when supported.

He loves to squeal and make high-pitched screams, especially when William is playing with him. The only other time he talks a lot is when he's eating. Don't know why that is, but I love hearing his little voice. He also likes to stick his tongue out while talking, which of course I find adorable. ;)

The physical therapy continues to improve his neck movements tremendously. But as I mentioned before, his exercises are like little wrestling matches. I hate making him so uncomfortable and distressed. It really makes me sad and weary sometimes seeing him so upset during his stretches. The pt said it gets worse as they get older... that they fight doing the stretches more. Great...

Josiah is a baby who sure does love his food. There isn't anything we've given him that he won't eat. Not only that, but he is EAGER to eat most of the time. Love his hearty appetite!

Smiles is still extremely tactile and hands-on. He likes to bite his lower lip and whatever he is holding automatically goes to his mouth, unless he has his paci. He tends to be very curious about things and loves looking at (and touching) new things. He can be very grabby and has a strong grip when he gets his hands on something.

Josiah has also learned to be a little more active during his baths. He knows how to splash now and get Bill all wet. =)

Most importantly, Josiah is doing AWESOME in his band, and we are continually thanking the Lord for His mercies and kindness in this. Josiah barely notices that it's on. We actually get to take it off more than we anticipated, and it's not as tight around his head as we had anticipated. So the Lord has been exceedingly gracious to us during this transition in the band.

We are so grateful for God's overall sustaining grace that has been so evidently poured out on Josiah's life. There are many points in his short-lived life that could have been so much worse, but weren't b/c of the Lord's mercy, kindness, and grace on him and us.

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

and all that is within me,

bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,

who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit,

who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

who satisfies you with good

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

He does not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

As a father shows compassion to his children,

so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

For he knows our frame;

he remembers that we are dust.

But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,

and his righteousness to children's children...

Bless the Lord, all his works,

in all places of his dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

~ Psalm 103:1-5, 8, 11-14, 17, 22 ~