lions, tigers, & bears...oh my!

It was all new for Josie. From the smell of wild animals, the sights, and the sounds, senses overload for our little girl. While on maternity leave, I have been doing as much as I can with Josephine to make the best and most out of our time together. Plus, I hate being trapped in the house all day. My mom, her friend, and her grand kids, with Josie and I, all packed up for a fun day at the zoo. It was absolutely beautiful weather with no rain and just the right amount of sun. (on a side note, St. Louis weather was absolutely fantastic this summer...no complaints from me). My mom has not been to the zoo since I was a kid...time to show her the updates.


I came fully prepared for a crabby baby to the happiest on the block. Josie is not a huge fan of her car seat, so when she was ready, I had the front carrier waiting and ready to go. I am still breastfeeding so bottles are not an issue. Plus, I loved going to the zoo with tons of kids, therefore tons of moms, and many like me, feeding as they walk. Go girls! That's what they're there for!


It started with the monkeys. She just woke up, not sure what is going on. The monkey was curious too.
Then quickly, it was time to ditch the car seat, grandma to the rescue.

The giant hippos were fascinating to mom. What a cool site. There was a giraffe sitting close to the edge of his area, making him an easy insertion into the photo. His spots almost looked black. He was a neat one.
Grandma got her a hat to shield the sun, but it did not last long, the little one needed a nap. She was pooped out. All the sights and sounds made for a great day, and a sleeping baby. YEAH!! There are little giraffes and elephants on her hat. It is adorable.

a child of God

Her Godparents: Deacon Jerry and Sara Whitlock

On Sunday, the 13th, Josephine was baptized into the Catholic Church. She is official!!! It was a wonderful ceremony, celebrated during the mass. It had a very holy feel with great things happening. And who would have guessed that our child was quiet the entire time. She was a bit startled when Father poured the water on her head, but she did great. She continued her awesomeness when many friends and family gathered at our house for a celebration. They got a chance to browse the house, check out here scrapbooks, and hold Josie. It was so special. Dave and I are very blessed to have such a beautiful girl who now is a child of God.

our smiling baby

The first time Josie was caught on camera smiling.

She is getting so big! We woke up yesterday and noticed that she has grown. Josie is turning 8 weeks on Monday. On Sunday, she will be baptized and put in God's care. At the last doctor appointment, she gained almost two pounds and is in the 50-60th percentile for weight, height, and head circumference. She is going through a period that she is fighting sleep. She will cry, very loudly, if she makes it to extreme tired. We pay more closely to her signs to help her nap before this crazy time begins. She goes everywhere with us...from the grocery store, to the mall, to the Cards game. She has been to her 2nd game (which was more comfortable than the first). Josie is cooing more often and loves to lay on her changing table (thanks Lindsay!!). Josie still eats about every 2-3 hours, but is sleeping through the night in 6-8 hour spans. This is awesome! I am actually getting some good rest. Thanks for checking up on us!

Josie's first trip

Not only did Josie take her first trip...she also had her first trip out of Missouri.
Overnight during Labor Day weekend, the Whitlock clan packed up and headed for Springfield, Illinois. Before we got to Springfield, we stopped in Arthur, IL to visit the Amish town. What an interesting society!! We were a bit fascinated by their culture and the way they live. Can you imagine no electricity. You could not be reading this right now. Dave and I both agreed, we could handle all the other aspects of their lifestyle, but no electricity would be real tough. Josie thankfully slept the whole ride up there. (She doesn't love the car as much as we would like...probably 70/30 on that she will cry the whole time in the car).

After Arthur, we drove to Springfield. We tried to hit the pool for the first time, but she was very tired and the water was abnormally cold for an indoor pool. Maybe next time. In Springfield the next morning, Dave and I toured a house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright...very fascinating. Then, we visited the Abraham Lincoln museum. It was the most interesting museum we have ever been to. The way they present the information was very awesome. Highly suggest that you go and check it out.

There was a giant sculpture of Lincoln...Josie looks even smaller.
Papa Whitlock with us and young Abe.

Nana and Papa Whitlock enjoying time with Josie.

Dave, Josie, and I taking our first family portrait with the Lincoln's. Watch out Abe, John Wilkes Booth is close behind!