Genuine Pacifiers

Grandma Kinsinger and Grandma Monika each succeeded in calming the roaring lion before either of Joshua's parents. Above, Grandma Monika goes to work on a feisty fledgling. Below, Grandma Kinsinger relishes a few more moments holding her grandson on the eve of her departure. She spent a weary week serving two rookie parents. How could we have survived the first week without her!

Scrub, Scrub, Scrub

In general, Joshua is a rather modest and mild-mannered individual, reserving passionate outcries for only his most detestable activities. So far, he finds the compromise of his modesty most objectionable. We observed this during his first sponge bath, when he demonstrated for us his full volume (or at least what we hope was full volume).

Grandpa Al

Three of four grandparents managed to see Joshua within two days of his birth. Josh found Grandpa Al's lap to be quite a haven for slumber. Note Grandpa Al's ultimate apparel protection cover.

Here for the Holidays

This picture is the subject of controversy. While most hold that Joshua is gazing at the Christmas tree lights (one of his favorite pastimes), his proud father argues that Joshua's focal point is actually Chief Illiniwek, the mascot for the University of Illinois. Incidentally, Josh's first sporting event was to watch the Illini defeat the Tarheels at North Carolina. Nothing like starting a life off on the right foot with an Illinois win.

Mommy's boy

Our little bandit captured his Mommy's heart right away.

Blissful Slumber

After an alert and active first hour of life, Joshua settled down into a sedative state, as shown here, in the hospital bassinet. Nothing like stretching out horizontally after nine months of being cooped up.

Into the Light

Enough of these penny-ante philosophical quandaries. Who wants to listen to a chemist muse? Let's get to the original purpose of this blog. WE'VE GOT A BABY! Joshua Lawrence Kinsinger entered this world on November 29, 2005 at 12:10 p.m., and he is a BOY! At birth, he weighed 6 lbs. 15 oz., and measured 20.75 in. His labor began fourteen hours before, and continued through the night into a rainy, cloudy November morning. Just after noon, the sun broke through the clouds, brilliantly illuminating the delivery room. Joshua was born into the light, and just a few minutes later, the rain resumed. However, life with Joshua has been anything but dreary!