A final day of maternity that we'd wished could go on an eternity

We are now officially back in "the real world" as Josee's mat leave has run out and she's returned back to work this morning. Luckily Joshua made last night a fairly uneventful one with just one wakeup early in the evening and then decided to sleep just until Momma came out of the shower so he could give out his good morning smile.

We decided to make yesterday a big family day and had Joshua play hooky from daycare to hang out with Dada, Momma and Shadow for one last day before were thrust back into the rat race. Since it was such beautiful weather we decided to take the LBM out cruisin' in his new wheels (courtesy of Grandma and Poppa).
Suffice as to say, he dug it. This was not posed, this is how he eventually settled himself in to be comfortable. We sang the tune Low Rider as we drove him around.We figure the vibrations and coziness of the wagon gives him little reason to want to anything *but* kick back and enjoy the ride.
After the great walk/ride around the neighborhood we decided to venture over to the Aylmer pool for some chaotic splashing and fun before the big 1 year doctor's appointment (in which a needle would be needed in *each* arm)
There were hesitations due to how close we were to naptime but I'm so glad we did since Joshua had a spectacular time plashing it up. And now with his new found walking skills the pool is even more interesting since (which some guidance) we an wade through the water. This kid is a runaway boulder with his life getting enriched with new stuff these days and is taking it in total stride.

The doctor's appointment went very well as he got to show off his walking and pulling himself tostanding unassisted and even did very well with the needles with only a slight cry out for the first and a bit more of an outburst for the second (I mean..who wouldn't get a little upset) that was quickly quelled by a soothing and comforting Momma.

Even to the point where he had big smiles for needle ninja (who quickly gives the needles and then disappears to let the Mom comfort) Maureen when she gave him his big boy cookie. The day was capped off with a great meal at Kelsey's where Joshua had smile and flirts for anyone within range and we received all sorts of compliments on how well behaved and happy he was...this is after TWO needles and a poking prodding doctor's appointment! He makes us prouder each day this Little Big Man. Final put down was tough but only because Momma didn't want to put him down. I can't imagine the emotions coursing through her but we are both comforted by the fact he's very loved and cared for and we'll take advantage of any time we have with him and appreciate it that much more.
We love him immeasurably.

Finally,as a promised, the video of Joshua now doing his thing. The new fascination seems to be walking with something in his hand(s) but in this case he's displaying his teasing skills with Shadow (the bulk of the time Shadow whining results in Joshua giggling so much he doesn't throw the ball which results in more whining, etc ad nauseum)
The music actually came from a fun keyboard of Joshua's but we liked the way it added an almost Benny Hill mood to the scene with Joshua wonky walking.

Anyways, my turn to head to work so take care everyone. I should only have a few more weeks of the evening shift and then be able to get back to a day shift which will go a long ways to helping Josee back to integration into working again, allow us 7 evenings a week together and finally giving us the weekends off together. I can't wait!

Take care and enjoy the sunshine!
Mark