Down the Narrow Path

Wow... time and life have just flown by!

It was almost 3 months ago that I wrote to you in anticipation of our little bundle of joy. After going two weeks past my due date, and spending 35+ wonderful hours in delightful, induced labor (ha!), our little boy came to join us.

JOSHUA DAVID MARTENS

was born at 6:00 PM on JUNE 27, 2009.

He weighed 9 lb, 14 oz (4.48kg),

and was 21.7 inches (55 cm) long.

His head circumference was 14.8 inches (37.5 cm).

He is such a blessing to us, and is so worth the wait. We love watching his developmental milestones; he "talks" up a storm and giggles, squeals, and is beginning to bat at his toys above his play mat.

Yesterday, I (Jessica) took him to Plunket (NZ's well-child service) to be weighed and measured. Here's the latest on him:

Joshua will be 11 weeks old on Saturday, September 12.

He weighs 15 lb (6.8 kg)

He is 26 inches (66 cm) long,

and his head circumference is 16.9 inches (43 cm)

He sure is a big boy! The Plunket nurse (the one who he always sees for his check-ups) reckons he'll be on solids a bit sooner than other kiddos, due to his size and the rate of his growth. He's so LONG! He has been wearing some 3-6 month clothing for about 3 weeks. He has cheeks that you can't help but pinch, and sports an oh-so dashing double chin. He has blue eyes, long eyelashes, and when he smiles his eyes sparkle. His hands and feet are so soft and intricate, and he even has little hairs on his knuckles. His belly resembles that of a frog?s when he takes big breaths in, and he?s learning how to march in place, one foot after the other. He always sneezes in series; though he's capable of sneezing up to 11 times in a row, I think he?ll be a 3-sneezer. Joshua seems to be a contemplative little fella, always taking in what?s happening around him. He?s a tender little boy, and is generally* content and joyful. (*Though he does seem to have found a bit of an attitude! Especially when dealing with eating and sleeping. But that?s another post in itself, hehe.)

Joshua is fascinated by Jordan. And vice versa! Jordan only has to walk into the room and make eye contact with Joshua to set him on a talking and cooing rant. It?s so beautiful to see them interact with each other.

Well... welcome back to our lives. We are finally feeling back to normal (as much as I think we will for the next 18 years, hehe), so the posts in the blog, and the pictures and video will resume! I?ll write another post about the labor and delivery and different things, just wanted to get something out there saying we?re alive and well.

Until the next post, check out our Photo Gallery and Videos pages!

Blessings,

Jordan, Jessica, and baby Joshua!