I can't believe a year ago today we were welcoming this sweet baby boy into the world. Born Feb 17, 2009, 9:36 pm, 7lb 7oz and 20 1/2 inches long, he was all heart. He was our sweet baby, protected by Jesus until the day he graced us with his presence. Joshua has a loving and fragile heart, and a gentle spirit. He has kept us on our toes since the day we found out we were pregnant with him.
Shortly after moving to Germany and a tough beginning of 2008 with the loss of a previous baby, we were ready to try for another. Low and behold, a month after trying we were blessed with a positive on the pregnancy stick, and so began our journey. Our first few appointments were rough, as Joshua was not growing according to schedule and was much too small for his gestational age. they kept telling us to prepare to lose him also, as I had a large hematoma on my uterus that didn't appear to be getting any smaller and that was pretty much suffocating his gestational sac. We prayed and prayed for little Joshua and went back to the OB to check my hormone levels 1-2 times a week. Then when I was 8 weeks pregnant (Joshua was still only measuring 3-4 weeks at this time, and my levels were just evening out) we were in an awful car accident. I had 5 broken bones in my foot and a broken wrist, and the hematoma in my uterus grow. The doctors at the hospital here in Germany told us they were playing the waiting game for us to lose the baby so they could operate. We were so worried, but prayed and prayed. After getting out of the hospital I was seeing the OB 2x a week, and each time he was shocked to see that sweet Joshua was beginning to grow. They were continually telling us all of the complications he could have at birth as a result of the accident, but we continued to pray (as well as our amazing prayer warrior friends!), and he continued to grow more and more perfectly. During labor Joshua's heart kept dropping into the 60's and they were worried the labor was going to be too hard on him and we were going to have to do an emergent C-section, but sweet baby boy fought on and was able to be delivered naturally.
Since he was born he has had a tight hold on this Mommy's heart. He is like a breath of fresh air. A sweet kind heart that loves to snuggle and sleep and be next to Mommy and Daddy and brother. He loves to laugh and go with the flow. He has Mommy's demeanor but Daddy's ability to read those around him. he is strong, yet gentle in spirit-and a sensitive heart. He is his Mommy's child, and while he is strong, there is a fragile-ness about him. I think he will have the ability to be broken hearted for people. I think he'll be able to see people simply-the way Jesus sees them, and be able to love them with an unconditional love. He is an empathizer and even at this young age is full of compassion. He is a beautiful soul.
He loves to eat, can't keep his hands off the guitar, loves to dance and listen to music, is the most ticklest child I've ever met, and finds pleasure in the simplest, silliest things. He LOVES to have his shoes and socks taken off and laughs hysterically. He loves to be praised when he does new things, and he is quick to learn. He is heartbroken if you return home without acknowledging him, and gives the warmest welcome home hugs and kisses in the world. He demands attention, but only to affirm that he is loved.
He is fragile, a gentle and humble heart. Protected and loved, he is going to be an amazing tool for the Kingdom. He is my littlest sunshine-growing much to fast for this Mommy's heart. I love you, sweetest Jo Bean. Thanks for bringing sunshine, happiness and lots of giggles to my life. You bless me every day, and I am so happy that Jesus protected you-for I know he has great plans for you. I love you, wee man.
Our first photo of sweet Joshua.
3-D image taken at 36 weeks.
Joshua Michael Oeth 2-17-09 9:36pm 7lb 7oz. 20 1/2in. Pure perfection.
First family photo!
My boys. Joshua about 1 week old.
Tired baby. A couple weeks here.
Crashed.
Precious. No other words.
Back with Daddy in Germany! Eating Schnitzel in Zell!
With Mommy on the tire swing at the park. 2 1/2 months-ish.
Playing! About 3 months!
Hanging out with brother!
Silly boys! About 3 1/2 months!
First food! 4 months!
So happy!
Hanging out on the couch together. Clearly Joshua thinks he is number 1.
Sweet baby.
Getting so big. Almost 5 months. Camping in the backyard.
6 month photo shoot. Sweet feet.
6 month photo shoot.
In Brussels with mommy for her birthday in the Grand Place.
Getting ready to swim at the hotel in Brussels! This is when we learned he was a water dog!
Crashed out.
Enjoying his toes at the Cologne Chocolate Museum!
A little over 6 months old at Edelweiss in the Bavarian Alps.
Before a hike with Mommy and the boys. Bundled up for the rain!
Loving the bouncer! This one didn't get flipped! Whoops!
Edelweiss. So handsome.
Sitting in the chair all by himself! Bavarian Alps behind him! Lucky kid!
Going to the top of the tallest Bavarian Alp in a cable car. He looks a little scared, but he was excited when we got to the top!
Apparently he's ready to feed himself! About 7 months!
Daddy love. Almost 8 months here, I think!
Getting SO BIG! In the valley at the castle in Manderscheid.
Fall photo session for the family. Go Chiefs!
Uh Oh! This is when JoJo got into the green marker! About 9 1/2 months old! Silly boy!
First taste of apfelsaft at the apple festival in Ulmen! Yum Yum!
Halloween 09'! Our little rocker!
Thanksgiving! He was just having to much fun to sit still!
Thanksgiving session! About 9 months-a little older!
From his 1 year. It's a little early in the line-up, but oh well!
Enjoying the snow from the sled-because he doesn't like to sit in it!
Snotty nosed baby. So precious.
First Christmas 2009! Rockin' Stocking!
His first snow experience! Love my baby blues!
Playing with Grandma when she came to visit-11 months!
He has 5 teeth here! About 11 1/2 months old!
Meeting his "Uncles" and his namesake-Josh, JoJo and Mike. Days shy of a year here.
From his mini 1 year session-OH NO Mommy!
From his mini 1 year session! Adorable!
I love you Joshua. Happy 1st birthday, miracle baby!
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