Faces

Social Butterfly

Joey attended his first party over the weekend.  We all went to a housewarming party and Joey met his friend, Amira who was born a little more than a month before him.  He did pretty well at his first party--only one outfit change was required!  And Mommy and Daddy had a great time seeing friends and visiting Amira's parents and their beautiful new home!

Joey was lucky to have our friend Kathleen and her mother visit the next day.  So many new friends for Joey!

Joey's Quilt

Nanny and Poppy had a beautiful quilt made for Joey's nursery.  The quilt includes lots of different elements from Joey's mom and dad's lives like Nebraska, California, Iran, UCLA, GW, Washington, DC, and Baltimore.  We hung it above Joey's crib and we all love it.  Thanks, Nanny and Poppy!

Huskers Lose...

Joey Predicts...

This week Joey predicts...

Nebraska:  35 - VA Tech:  21

Go 'Skers!

(Husker overalls courtesy of Joey's friend, Tia Sarah.  Thanks!)

Problem Solving

While pondering the recent economic troubles and trying to do his part to come up with a solution to the impending crisis, Joey tuckered himself out.  He's currently taking a break and a nap but will resume his work soon.

A Stylist?

Joe found his hair this morning.  He's been playing with it ever since.  Should I go ahead and sign him up for "Shear Genius"?

7 lbs, 9 oz!!!

We visited the pediatrician this morning for our second routine visit.  Joey was weighed and his weight increased from 6 lbs, 12 oz. to 7 lbs, 9 oz in one week!  Needless to say, all of Mommy's fears about Joey's feeding schedule, latching, breast milk intake and so on were laid to rest.  Dr. Clemens was impressed with Joey's progress and growth and gave us a clean bill of health.  He also remarked on the progress Joey's been making on his double chin!

Tummy Time

Joey just started doing tummy time.  He's still not sure what to think...

What's That?

Mom!  Don't bother me!  I'm reading!

Reading

Joey enjoys reading.  Sometimes the New York Times, sometimes something lighter like People or US Weekly.  Since he shares a birthday with one of the Spear's boys, he thinks it's important to stay on top of the gossip.

So Hard to Wake Up!

Joey takes a while to wake up.  There is a whole stretching routine that must be done.

A Smile?

We know--it's probably just gas.  But you can already tell he'll have an adorable smile!

More Visitors...

Joey's aunt Rachel and Jonda spent the weekend in Baltimore and had fun getting to know the little guy.  Aunt Rachel was a pro at helping Joey fall asleep.

Joey Loves Daddy!

Joey loves his Daddy so much!

First Walk

Since Mommy has been recovering from a c-section, walking has been slow-going but we're getting out there more.  We've been blessed with gorgeous weather in Baltimore and have just started taking Joey for walks.  He loves being outside and seems to enjoy the fresh air.

Visitors

Joey's been lucky to have several visitors so far.  During his first week home, our friends Dori and Zachary came to visit and brought a delicious lunch.  Joey had fun meeting his new friend Zach!

Shhhh...He's sleeping!

Such a Snuggler!

Joey loves being swaddled, cuddled, and snuggled.  He loves relaxing in his sling and on his boppy pillow.

Our Family

Time With Poppy and Nanny

Mommy's parents, Carl and Janet Eskridge (Joey's Poppy and Nanny) were in Baltimore for Joey's birth and stayed for about a week after he arrived.  They were such a big help!  We  loved having support while we were in the hospital and we couldn't have made it through the first week at home without them.  Laundry, grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, calming down the Joe-man--there was nothing they couldn't do!  We were thrilled to have them here and look forward to a return visit very soon. Joey loves them so much!

First Outing

Our first official outing happened on Tuesday morning (September 16).  We needed to visit Joseph's pediatrician, Dr. Clemens for our first appointment.  Joseph was an angel during the appointment and fully cooperated with the examination.  Dr. Clemens was so impressed with our little turtle and how well he was doing.  Joseph's weight dropped to 6 lbs, 12 oz, but Dr. Clemens assured us that a small weight loss was perfectly normal.  He was encouraged by Joey's eating and asked us to return in one week for another weight check.

First Bath

We were all anxious to freshen up after a long hospital stay and decided it was time for Joey's first home sponge bath.  We quickly learned that he does not like being cold.

Home, Sweet Home!

Joey loved being home!  Once we arrived home we gave him a grand tour and showed him his cool toys.  He loved his swing but still easily gets tired out.

Heading home!

The entire team at Mercy Medical Center was amazed by Joey's recovery. He was able to stop the antibiotics after 48 hours and his tests all returned with great results. He maintained his birth weight within 5 percent and he continued to improve every day. Everyone agreed that Joey no longer needed to be in the hospital! Joey's mom was also making an impressive recovery after the unexpected c-section and did not need to stay in the hospital any longer. So the Mirmirans were released around lunchtime on Monday, September 15!

Enough already! Get me outta here!

So after three days in the hospital, Joey had had quite enough.  We were all eager to leave and return home.  

Various interventions

Joey and his mother both developed fevers during the labor process, so as a precaution, both were given iv antibiotics after the birth.  It was sad seeing our little turtle with an iv in his arm, but it didn't seem to faze him.