Josie

Its been quite a while since I've put an update in, so I'll fill everyone in on everything!


We've just loved having little Josie! The past month has flown by so fast! My family: Mom, Jenny, Mike, and Becky came down and we had Josie baptised at the end of January. Jenny and Becky were really happy to come and see their little nice (mom and Mike had already seen her) but Dad had to stay home because he had planned a big party and had to be there to host it!


After the baptitsm we flew up to Minnesota for a few days to visit Great Grandma Erbe, Great Aunt Marilyn, Great Uncle Tom, Great Aunt Becky, Cousin Christy and Grandma Maurer (Again!). We had gotten word a week or so before that Grandma Erbe was not doing very well and I really wanted her to be able to meet Josie - Her first and only great grandchild. When we got there, she was very weak and couldn't get out of bed, except for very brief periods, but when she saw Josie she just lit up. She was so happy to meet her, I'm so glad we were able to go up and visit. Here's a picture of the 4 generations of Lauras.


It was so cold when we were in Minnesota that Josie had to get a special snow suit! My mom found her the smallest snowsuit she could find - a 0-3 months size - but it was still Huge on her! One night it was so cold that we couldn't even go outside, so we had to book a special guestroom at my grandma's place so that we could stay overnight.


We got back home from Minnesota just in time for a visit from Aunt Jessie! Aaron's sister came into town for a wedding and to visit her new little niece! We had a great time and played a lot of 'Settlers of Catan'. Hopefully we'll be able to go visit her and Maya up in Washington sometime soon.


At her one month checkup, Josie weighed in at 6lbs 8oz. Still small, but growing!

Sadly, shortly after we got home from Minnesota, Grandma Erbe passed away. Although we were all very sad about this, we feel very happy and blessed that she didn't suffer long. Josie and I made the trip up to Boone, IA for the memorial service and to see all our relatives. We had a good time seeing everyone and considering the circumstances, we had a really good trip. It was very cold, but Josie got to meet Grandpa Maurer, Great Aunt Kathy and Uncle Jeff and her Hawkins Cousins, and all the Erbe friends and relatives.


Now we're back home and taking a break from traveling. Mostly just spending time at home and enjoying the time before I return to work on April 1.


Monday Aaron and I took her to the Strawberry Festival. She was really good and we had a great time. we got lots of fair food and a whole flat of strawberries. We even rode the ferris wheel.


We went to the doctor today and Josie is doing great! She's up to 8lbs 8oz. and 21 inches! The doctor says she's doing fine, she's just small. She had to get 4 shots today and 1 oral vaccine. Now she's not feeling well and feels like she's got a fever, but we've given her some baby tylenol and I think she's feeling better.

That's all for now. I'll try and be better with my updates, but I can't make any promises!

Here we are, at home together. We got everything moved from the old place into the new town home. Josie is doing well, she's up to five pounds four ounces, and she's eating really well. She hasn't been sleeping through the night yet but she gives us a few good hours of sleep at a time. One night she blessed us with about 5 and a half hours of sleep - but that seems to have been a one time gig.


I've been feeling pretty well and getting around fairly well. I'm still not allowed to lift any heavy things, but I'm getting a lot of stuff done. Josie really loves being held, and enjoys her special mommy and daddy time. She's been on a few outings, but Monday she and I are going to Minnesota to visit great grandma. Grandma has gotten little Josie a big warm coat so she'll be nice and cozy. We'll be up there for a few days, then back to Tampa in time to visit with Aaron's sister.


All is going well so far. We've ben really busy, but we've been enjoying the company and are loving the time we get to spend with our girl!