BYU most popular?

I just came across this article from U.S. News and World Report. I'm actually surprised that BYU ranked 1st in popularity in the entire country! Who knew?

I'm proud to say that I graduated from BYU and that I have worked there full-time for almost four years. BYU has blessed my family immensely, both the one I grew up with and the one I have now. I know there are things about BYU that could and probably should be changed, but it still is a great institution. It'll be weird to someday not have such ties to BYU--I mean, I'm sure that we'll eventually move away from Utah County (even if it's just to SLC), I'll no longer work at BYU, and BYU football won't be so prevalent anywhere else. But anyway, just wanted to say that I'm grateful for BYU and it makes me happy to see it getting national recognition =)

My not-so-little-anymore boy

Just a few random pictures of Joshua...watching TV:

And all dressed up for church yesterday--we finally found a white collared shirt that fits him! =)

Moose!

I promised pictures of Joshua yesterday, so here's one. Just trying to whet your appetite =P

My sister and brother-in-law went to Yellowstone over Valentine's Day weekend, and they brought back a moose puppet for Joshua. As you can see, he loves it. Thanks, Aunt Kirsti and Uncle Rich!

We're alive...

Just wanted to reassure everyone that we are still alive (though I hope most of you already know that). Things have just been really busy lately, what with school, jobs with opposite schedules, Cody's internship, classes at KOTM, us being sick...maybe someday we'll find time to catch up. I'll try to post some pictures of Joshua one of these days--that should make up for it, right? :o

Dexter Law

Cody decided late Saturday night to send his resume to a random law firm (he really needs an internship to complete his degree). The firm he chose was Dexter and Dexter, which is right here in Orem. Well, one of the Dexters (I believe they're brothers) called Cody Monday morning, they met on Tuesday, and he offered Cody an internship right there. Yay! It's unpaid, but will be great for his resume. The hard part is Cody has to put in 150 hours before the end of this semester, which means he needs to work about 15 hours a week.

So...we've been scrambling like mad, trying to figure out what kind of childcare situation we want--and can afford--for Joshua. We toured a daycare place but decided the pre-school setup was a little too advanced for Joshua, and his speech delay wouldn't get the attention that it needs in that setting. My sister Kirsti has been so sweet to offer a few hours on Fridays, and our neighbor Sarah may be able to do Mondays. I met with a few women this morning, and I think we've found someone to watch Joshua on the other days. So hooray, problem solved (almost--just need to work out a few details)!

Cody starts tomorrow. He's nervous, I can tell, but also excited to get a chance to work for such a versatile firm. Hopefully it'll give him great experience that will then land him a great job offer this summer!

Silly bathmat!

A lot of people have already heard this story, but I had to document it here too. I injured myself! It's kind of embarrassing, but the truth is, I slipped in the shower. We have a bathmat that doesn't really stick that well to the floor of the bathtub, and it totally went out from under me on Tuesday night. I have a wicked-looking purpley bruise on my tailbone and a bluish one on my left arm. I would post pictures, but...yeah, not exactly an ideal area to display publicly. I'm much better today than yesterday, no need for ibuprofen, so that's good. It's just hard to keep Joshua from touching me near there, because it's super sensitive...

Side note: Joshua said "car" tonight! It sounded more like "gawah", but I knew what he was trying to say. And he mimicked a few consonants, which is huge for him. He really is making progress! =)

Progress...step by baby step

I know it's only been a few weeks since we really started working with Kids on the Move, but I can't help wishing things were going faster. I know I should be patient because such a significant delay will take awhile to overcome, but I really want to see huge progress NOW. I want my son to talk to me! I want him to let me know that he recognizes what things are around him instead of just grunting or making (while still very adorable) animal noises. I want to point to a picture in a book and ask him what it is and have him at least attempt to name the object. I want to hear him call me "Mama." I want to be able to talk with him, not just to him. Is that too much to ask?

Well, I've learned in the past couple of days that yes, it is too much--for now. Joshua IS making progress, and I need to recognize that fact. He can sign a few things already, and we're trying to teach him more and get him to sign without being prompted. And he understands so much of what we say. It helps that he's really curious, so he's pretty responsive to new things. It's good to know that he is able to communicate with us, even though it's not in the ideal method yet.

Realizing this, I have come to a conclusion: as much as I want to see the huge steps forward immediately, I need to be satisfied with what progress he is making. And I need to count my blessings, because he is such a sweet, loving little boy, and he brings such joy to my life. So if you ever hear me complain about the situation, remind me of how fortunate I am to have such a son. And I'm sure that, within a year or two, he'll be talking so much that I'll wish he would be quiet for a few minutes. At least, that's what I tell myself now during the frustrating times.