Hangin with Josiah

Happy Turkey Day!

2009-11-26T13:09:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat Time - 2009

2009-11-01T16:57:00.005-07:00

Josiah caught on pretty fast to trick or treating...look cute and get lots of candy! The packages of M&Ms were a big hit...shake'm like a rattle and melt'm in your mouth. Yummmy!

Mommy went along as a leopard and Daddy put on a pith helmet to help him track his dragonsaur and kitty.

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-26T20:58:00.004-06:00

How do you like our costumes this year...pretty authentic, huh?

Bikin Around the 'Ranch

2009-09-27T21:48:00.001-06:00

Josiah loves to hop in the bike trailer...but nothing can stop nap-time.

Grandpa, Mom, and Josiah biked down to Hound Hill, meeting Grandma and Jesse for a little R&R from deck construction.

Hey, is that a power tool?

2009-09-09T22:12:00.003-06:00

Josiah gets a lesson in power tools as Dad shows off his new (borrowed) power nail gun.

Western Welcome Week 2009

2009-08-14T00:10:00.000-06:00

Starting the Parade!

Starting the Parade?

Watching the Parade!

Garden Harvest

2009-08-05T23:58:00.000-06:00

Hangin on Pearl St.

2009-08-01T23:54:00.000-06:00

Steamboat 2009

2009-07-10T23:44:00.003-06:00

Steamboat footsies!

Steamboat jockey rides!

Steamboat doubles!

July 4th 2009

2009-07-03T23:33:00.000-06:00

Whozat?

2009-07-03T23:31:00.000-06:00

Who's up for DQ?

2009-06-29T23:26:00.000-06:00

Father's Day 2009

2009-06-20T23:15:00.000-06:00

Josiah's 1st Gym Opening

2009-06-13T23:03:00.001-06:00

Now we walk...

2009-06-06T22:53:00.000-06:00

How Old is Josiah?

2009-05-13T22:58:00.005-06:00

I'm One!

Is that *really* Elmo?

Daddy knows just what I want!

Super 1 Year Old Tricks

2009-05-13T21:59:00.002-06:00

Gimme Some Sugar!

2009-05-13T21:39:00.007-06:00

Hmmm, maybe not. Josiah's 1 year old taste buds have not yet acquired the taste for the melt in your mouth, sugary delight of Krispy Kreme donuts.

But the hat was pretty cool. Watching the donuts float down the river of deep fry oil and pass through the sugary cascade was a highlight of the 1st outing of Josiah's 2nd year.

Queens for a Day

2009-05-10T21:15:00.000-06:00

Proud Grandma and Mom had a royal good time on Mother's Day with Josiah.

Dad and Jesse pitched in and let Mom and Grandma play a while, too!

What's more fun that a little rubber ducky?

2009-05-01T20:53:00.004-06:00

A big rubber ducky!

Always gets a laugh!

Playin' in the Park

2009-04-25T20:42:00.002-06:00

Sliding and swinging is a great way to work off a big Benny's breakfast. Convenientely, there's a park just down the street from the Denver restaurant with all sorts of fun to have.

Anastasia and Josiah take full advantage while Kevin, Jenn, and Tanya catch up.

Good to the Last Drop!

2009-04-24T20:36:00.000-06:00

Graduating from Stage 2 to Stage 3 baby mush (thinner to thicker), Josiah likes to lick the jar of his Country Vegetables.

I can do it!

2009-04-24T20:11:00.002-06:00

What speed...what agility!

Josiah's getting his feet under him with just a little help from a trusty toy car and watchful Dad.

Easter Fun

2009-04-12T21:18:00.013-06:00

Josiah helps the Easter Bunny decorate some eggs on Friday.

Jesse and Josiah hunt for Easter eggs on Saturday.

Chillin with Grandma Mona after church on Sunday.

Horsin Around in Vail

2009-04-04T20:43:00.006-06:00

People watching at the Vista Bahn in Vail Village was fun for a while. As soon as the breakfast similac and coffee was done, Mom and Josiah cruised down to the shops. Finding nothing that we couldn't live without, we headed down the road to Minturn.

Being late-season, and early morning, everything in Minturn was closed, so we continued up Hwy. 24 to the Battle Mountain summit and beyond to the turn-off to Red Cliff. All that driving turned out to be the perfect opportunity for a nap.

Before we knew it, it was time to meet Dad and friends at the best apres ski venue in Vail, The George. Oversized leather couches, March Madness on the tube, and lots of people to giggle with made for a great end to a lazy day.

Weee, Swimming is Fun!

2009-02-27T09:29:00.001-07:00

Josiah loves the water.

Jumping in, kicking, and splashing around make us laugh pretty hard.

The noodle thingy is not our favorite, though. Josiah opts for the safety of Dad's strong arms when the water crests his chin.

Ridin' with My Valentines

2009-02-15T09:09:00.001-07:00

Josiah and friends hangin out on the slopes of Sol Vista Ski Resort on Valentine's Weekend.

Sunday was the perfect day for getting out the sled and schussing around the base area with Mom and buddy Jenna, while Dad snowboarded with the big boys.

A New Buka on the Block!

2009-01-07T22:26:00.010-07:00

The state of Colorado has finally caught up to our merry household and declared officially, Josiah is now a Buka!

Today, we all piled into the Subaru, including Jesse the dog, and went to court to hear what the judge would say about these two wanna-be parents.

Waiting outside the courtroom actually took longer than the hearing. Within 5 minutes, we'd all been introduced, our lawyer and adoption caseworker said their peace about our qualities as prospective parents, the judge asked us some choice questions about our abilities, and then it was done...all legal and binding.

The judge was pretty happy for us, coming all the way down from the bench to shake hands and say congratulations! Maybe it was the beaming smiles on our faces that drew him down or maybe he wanted to get a better look at the cutie in our arms.

Josiah gave the judge a hearty smile and a profound... "Gaaaaa!"

Cozy at Home

2008-11-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

Zzzzzzzz!

Josiah's 1st Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, these keys don't look or taste like mashed potatoes. Who's the turkey cooking this Thanksgiving meal? Where's my similac?

Keystone Adventure

2008-11-22T22:18:00.005-07:00

Josiah loved hanging out at Aunt Tina and Uncle Paul's place in Keystone. Not even a sniffle could stop us from exploring the evergreens (even if they were fake)

...

and bundling up to have a snooze in the sun.

Clownin' Around Town

2008-11-16T21:59:00.001-07:00

Josiah and Anastasia clownin' around in the Denver Washington Park neighborhood after a big breakfast at Benny's Restaurant.

Bathtime - 5 Months

2008-11-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

No, not bathtime every 5 months. This baby's not going out with the bathwater. Josiah likes feeling the water and making big splashes.

It's those crazy kids!

2008-10-31T21:22:00.003-06:00

Jinky's, Shaggy! Doesn't Josiah make a fine Scrappy-Doo?

Zoink's, Velma! I don't know about you, but it looks to me like he wants my last Reese's peanut butter cup!

Now That's a Pumpkin

2008-10-26T21:17:00.000-06:00

Pumpkin Buddies

2008-10-18T21:02:00.005-06:00

Josiah hangs out with fellow May birthday buddy, Ryland, on pumpkin carving night. While no pumpkins were actually carved that night, Josiah and Ryland took care of representing the pumpkins.

First Day at Dayschool

2008-10-09T20:32:00.003-06:00

After an exhaustive search for just the right playground, Josiah finally found just the right school.

The search for daycare lead us from Montessori and Creme de la Creme to homecare options. We finally decided on a charming new place just down the street from us. They've got a staff who deeply care about child development and the fun factor of learning.

We're so proud of our little guy, bringing home his first report card. He's doing just great at sleeping and tummy time. We'll be working on crawling in the next few months.

Who needs a pacifier?

2008-10-08T20:26:00.000-06:00

Josiah's latest discovery...the thumb. Way better than the pacifier.

No matter where you go...it's always there!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2008-10-01T20:17:00.000-06:00

Mom got a little help blowing out candles this year. Josiah seemed a bit perplexed by the number of candles. Isn't mommy a little older than 13? Well, who's counting?!?

Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit, Der Gemutlichkeit!

2008-09-26T11:50:00.005-06:00

A toast, a toast to happiness!

Josiah had a fun time at Denver's Oktoberfest, especially the part about sitting in the food tent and drinking his favorite beverage, Similac. We couldn't resist the merry-go-round but he's still just a little unsure of the fun factor.

Next year, Josiah will probably be riding on each of the carousel animals while singing his favorite oompa songs.

Ein prosit, ein prosit, der Gemutlichkeit!

Look Ma, I Found My Hand!

2008-09-22T16:01:00.003-06:00

It's the first day of Autumn and Josiah is showing off his latest feat of dexterity...

He's found his hands and makes sure they're still there constantly by putting them in his mouth. He can also grab his toy, Chicken Lips, and bring it up to his face, wave it around wildly, and nimbly gnaw at it.

Talent, I say, the boy's got talent! (A Chicken Lips picture will be coming soon to a blog near you. )

Coffee and Similac, with Cousin Voni

2008-09-22T11:39:00.000-06:00

Visiting from Seattle, cousin Voni takes time Monday morning for coffee with Josiah. It was great to get to hang out and chat about the half-marathon she just completed with Aunt Kellie, fun things to do in Seattle when we visit her, and compare notes on spiritual schools of thought.

As they say in Seattle and in the nursery, stay dry! :)

Bronco Sunday!

2008-09-21T15:55:00.001-06:00

Go Broncos!

But first, a little brunch with the Dozier fam. The Golden Corral serves up just about anything you want for breakfast... except Similac. What's up with that?!?

Walking for JDRF

2008-09-14T15:49:00.001-06:00

Not quite aware yet of the impact his participation has, Josiah accompanies Mom, Grandma, and cousin Taylor on the JDRF Walk for a Cure.

Though he slept through most of the walk, his heart was in it, and next year he can say...been there...done that.

Meeting New Friends

2008-09-13T15:45:00.001-06:00

The annual Dolan party was so much fun with all of the new babies. Jarick gives Josiah some pointers about bib adjustment while mom, Shannon, looks on.

Hold Your Head High

2008-09-13T15:40:00.000-06:00

4 months old today!

Josiah holds his head high as we celebrate his 4 month milestone... that's about 90 degrees, wouldn't you say?

In Training

2008-09-03T14:39:00.003-06:00

Keeping up his training with some tummy time, Josiah does his best head lift for the camera. This awesome Adidas sweat suit is just a tad large on him, but it is fit for a 6 month old. At just under 4 months, it is clear that Big Jo is a name that fits, even if his clothes don't.

Happy Birthday, Anastasia!

2008-09-01T14:56:00.000-06:00

There's nothing more fun than a good birthday party. Josiah had lots of fun at his big sister, Anastasia's 7th birthday party. There was cake, ice cream, and lots of Hannah Montana.

Hanging out with his Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins was pretty awesome, too! Here, Josiah gets hugs from the birthday girl and cousin Monique.

Future President?

2008-08-24T21:49:00.001-06:00

Or, future exhibit designer? Who knows...but it was fun to tour around the mock oval office at the Presidential Experience exhibit at Denver's Democratic National Convention.

Included in the exhibit were mock exhibits of not just the oval office but also Air Force One, complete with a former Reagan aide.

Hail to Josiah!

Future Olympic Hopeful?

2008-08-22T18:25:00.005-06:00

Elfie: Watch this move by the newcomer, Josiah. Can you believe this guy...just 3 months old and already lifting his head and looking around.

Tim: That's right, Elfie. You would never know that this guy was 5 weeks early.
It's an Olympic moment. ;)

Today was Josiah's first workout at "The Little Gym," a franchise gym that teaches motor skills, dance, gymnastics, karate, and sports skills to children ages 4 months to 12 years. Josiah was doing inverted somersaults (with a little spot), the log roll (shown below), tummy time, and stretching movements. The class ends with a cute little song and lots of clapping and cheering. Kinda like an Olympic moment...ok, that may be a stretch, but even 3 month olds can dream.

Go Big Joe!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

2008-08-20T10:54:00.000-06:00

Josiah helps Dad celebrate his birthday, Aug. 20th, at Washington Park.

While Dad played a mean game of volleyball with his team, Josiah got to hang out with Grandma and Grandpa.

Feed Me And No One Gets Hurt

2008-08-17T12:30:00.000-06:00

Brunch at the Country Buffet! While Josiah's options are still limited to Similac or Similac, the rest of the family gets to peruse aisle after aisle of yummy breakfast treats. If the conversation happens to extend into lunchtime, then, oh well...we get to go another round at the buffet table full of yummy lunch grub!

Having been gone on vacation for a couple weeks, Anastasia finally gets to share a chair with her little bro and tell him all about her trip back east.

Got Spinach?

2008-08-14T15:16:00.006-06:00

He's strong to the finish cause he eats his spinach!

Over the past two months, Josiah has been a busy boy; growing up and out, and other very important baby tasks, including play time with cousins Jackson and Spencer.

He is now 14 lbs and 22 inches and maintains a healthy appetite of 6-7 oz of spinach (aka formula) every 4-5 hours.

Josiah, the Growing Boy...toot toot!

Outdoor Adventure

2008-08-10T15:47:00.002-06:00

Josiah is up for just about anything that his car seat or frontpack can handle. Picnicing creekside at the Eldorado Canyon Visitor Center or hiking the "easy" trail in the canyon make for a fun outdoor adventure.

Being Josiah's first hike, we took it easy and safe and had great fun identifying the flora and fauna.

Making a Splash

2008-08-08T12:33:00.009-06:00

Josiah's first venture into the pool was a splash! The experience seemed to go well, with no crying or even a wimper. Josiah's face just seemed to say, "Well... this is new."

Even though we barely got our toes wet, Josiah is off to a good start at the pool.

The cousins, on the other hand, are veterans of the slide; Spencer even got in a game of hoops with the older kids. Way to get in the game, Spence!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

2008-08-07T12:05:00.003-06:00

No peanuts and cracker jack for Josiah just yet, but we all had a great time root, root, rooting for the Rockies. Josiah got his first taste of the ballpark atmosphere with the help of cousins Jackson and Spencer and Grandma and Grandpa.

Before we know it, Josiah will be big enough to put on his Cardinal colors and play a round of hot box with the boys. That is, if the Rockies aren't playing. :)

Happy Birthday, Grandpa Buka!

2008-08-04T11:53:00.000-06:00

Love to hang out with Grandpa Buka!

He makes funny faces.

2 Months and All's Well

2008-07-19T11:08:00.001-06:00

The anticipated 2 month checkup, where multiple vaccines are to be administered, came and went without incident.

All in all, Josiah took the 3 needle sticks and 1 dose of cherry flavored goop with an, "I can take it!" attitude. Just a little restlessness for about 24 hours and he was back to his old self;

Eat well, play hard, sleep long!

Josiah's 1st Steamboat Trip

2008-07-10T11:30:00.001-06:00

Over the mountains and through the woods, to Steamboat Springs he goes! The annual Steamboat volleyball tournament was a little different this year for the Buka's. Instead of the usual volleyball activities, 24/7, we...

(a) ...were up early enough to see the balloons off the balcony of our condo.
(b) ...made it to the art festival for the first time in 10 years.
(c) ...stayed home from the players party to play tunes on the toy piano.

It's a whole new world to explore with Josiah.

Comin to America...Today!

2008-07-04T23:06:00.000-06:00

Hooray! Josiah really gets into a verse of Niel Diamond's "America" for the 2008 Fourth of July celebration at John and Ginny's cabin at Chautauqua Park in Boulder.

The excitement wiped the poor little guy out and he was out before the fireworks even started.

Back at Aunt Kristi's for a little quiet time. Ahhhh.

San Francisco Treat

2008-06-29T22:09:00.000-06:00

Josiah is ready to travel in his new San Francisco t-shirt and Teddy diaper bag.

All he needs is a tour guide. Maybe someone who's been to San Francisco lately? ...Aunt Gloria??? :)

Hey kids, what's shakin?

2008-06-28T21:31:00.000-06:00

Gunther Toody's is a 50's themed diner chain in Denver that is a rockin' good time for the young and younger. Great burgers and shakes.

Josiah, a little too young for the full effect of the joint, still had a great time with Uncle Jack, Aunt Gloria, Anastasia, Tanya, Kevin and Jenn.

Got Milk?

2008-06-17T12:30:00.003-06:00

Nevermind the little spittle, Josiah's doctor says, bottom's up! He's gaining a healthy 1 oz per day since his last checkup two weeks ago. Let's see, that's 7lbs, 9oz...Way to go, Josiah!

1st Father's Day!

2008-06-16T22:45:00.010-06:00

The boys are in the house! Grandpa Bukacek, Grandpa Daesch, and Kevin and Josiah enjoy Sunday brunch on the deck with their girls.

Josiah and Kevin will have their hands full doing all of the activities in the Dangerous Book for Boys.

Meeting Josiah!

2008-06-16T21:34:00.009-06:00

Fun times are ahead. As he grows stronger, Josiah is able to receive visitors and even venture out to meet his Friends and Family.

Pretty soon, he'll be bowling on the Wii with the neighbor girls and Anastasia...

Playing volleyball at the Island...

And strollin around the Highlands with buddies...

Can't get enough Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, etc!

2008-06-09T23:35:00.012-06:00

Just can't get enough! Josiah doesn't mind. The more hugs, the better.

Grandma Mona and Grandpa Clayton, Grandma and Grandpa Daesch, and Grandpa Buka all seem willing to provide plenty of love and hugs, whenever he wants.

And, needless to say, he's a hit with the girls!

How you doin?

2008-06-09T23:14:00.005-06:00

Girlfriend, Kristi, gets woo'd by those beautiful brown eyes and a charming glance. Watch out, SV!

Hey, Watch it down there, lady!

2008-06-09T23:00:00.002-06:00

Josiah's 1st doctor's visit at Kaiser was mild mannered, except during the examination of, ahem, down there. Not too happy with that. He soon got over it and moved on to showing off how much weight he'd gained since leaving the hospital; 2oz in 2 days.

The next visit just 3 short days later; another 8 oz gain! That may not seem like much, but it is much better than losing. (Unless, of course, you're an adult suffering from a McDonalds addiction.)

All is well in other departments, eyes, ears, nose, lungs. He's got'em and is using them well.

Settling In

2008-06-08T20:30:00.005-06:00

1st Car Ride

2008-06-08T19:32:00.009-06:00

Safety first! Josiah gets one final test before going home, sitting for 40 minutes in his car seat without leaping out of it, or maybe it was to see if he would fit properly. No problem.

On the ride home, Kevin keeps an eye on the road, Jenn keeps an eye on Josiah, and Josiah keeps an eye on the cool red convertible.

Home, Safe and Sound! Josiah arrives at his new house and gets a warm welcome from the neighborhood.

Finally, Big Sis Gets Her Day!

2008-05-27T17:55:00.007-06:00

After a long night practicing feeding, swaddling, and holding baby (doll), Anastasia finally takes a break.

Finally, she gets to hold and help feed the real deal, little brother Josiah.

What a great helper Anastasia will be. Josiah, you're one lucky brother.

More Watchful Eyes...

2008-05-27T17:49:00.002-06:00

The teddy bears stand watch like the guards of Buckingham Palace.

Watchful Eyes

2008-05-27T16:30:00.005-06:00

The nursing staff at North Suburban Hospital is top notch. Their attention to all of the babies that come into their supervision is amazing to say the least; careful, nurturing, and downright loving. You thought your Mom had eyes in the back of her head...just try lowering your heartrate or reducing your oxygen saturation below 90 on their watch. Not gonna happen, little mister, or miss.

Thank you, Carol, Shanda, Amanda, Kathy, Trish, and all of the other nurses who were attending our precious Josiah. Your helpful advice and professionalism is truely appreciated.

Whatdya say?

2008-05-27T14:29:00.004-06:00

Josiah passed his hearing test with near crystal clear precision. While he wasn't too thrilled about the ear muffs, he managed to stay still for the audiologist long enough to get a passing grade.

Forgive the lack of technical details here, but basically, they placed one sensor on his octive nerve, one on his forehead to measure brain activity, and one grounding wire on his shoulder. Then, covering his ears with super-cool headphones, they played different sounds and measured his auditory brainstem response to the sounds.
Good job, Josiah!

Bath-time!

2008-05-20T00:35:00.000-06:00

As Tanya documents Josiah's first bath, Carol, his nurse, instructs Jenn in the fine art of baby-washing.

Poor Josiah, one minute he's so warm and cozy in his swaddling cloth, and the next...surrounded by women with washcloths!

Even though the water was warm, he still is not a big fan.

Don't worry, bath-time is lots of fun! As soon as we can, we'll replace the shock and sterile bathmat with laughter and a rubber-ducky.

There, now that wasn't so bad!

Ah, a loving hand can help you though anything.

Hey, that's my brother!!!

2008-05-19T23:52:00.000-06:00

With Aunt Gloria/ Grandma's help, big sister, Anastasia, peers through the nursery window at little brother, Josiah. We're all eagerly awaiting the day when Anastasia can finally give her brother a big hug.

Anastasia deserves a lot of credit for being patient while Josiah recovers and grows up enough to leave the nursery. Being the big brain behind the name, she's got to be overflowing with excitement.

Not only has she helped pick out a name for her brother, she's already inspected his new digs in Highlands Ranch and selected several awesome outfits for him to wear, in and out of the nursery.

It'll be lots of fun watching these two hang out and grow up together; up north, down south, or anywhere in between.

Bring on the O2

2008-05-19T22:30:00.000-06:00

What's better than a breath of fresh air?

At 35 weeks old, it's a breath of supplemental oxygen from a nasal canula and a firm grip on Dad's finger.

Josiah has been steadily weening himself from the tube and will soon be breathing the good stuff. The altitude is just a little much for his premie lung power. Another week or so and he'll breathing Denver's air, probably wishing he was back on the O2's.

Let's Eat!

2008-05-19T21:27:00.000-06:00

How many adoring parents does it take to get a little boy to eat? Let's see...

Whew! I gotta rest...he says! Everyday he get's a little bigger portion of formula but still, being a little early and new to this whole, suck...swallow...breathe thing, he's not quite ready for the whole enchilada.

He's been doing pretty good getting down between 20-40 ml from bottle feedings, then taking in the rest with the help of his fancy eating machine (the nasogastric tube). He gets lots of love and cuddles during his feedings, to which he responds, with those big beautiful peepers..."blink blink...I'm a cutie."

Reflection on Open Adoption

2008-05-18T22:12:00.000-06:00

"One day while I was hanging out with one of my friends the topic of our parents came up. My friend always knew that I was adopted through open adoption but we had never discussed it. I guess on this particular day he was feeling rather brave and launched into a slew of question, like do I see my birthmom, and, how often. You could tell that he was relieved that I felt so comfortable talking with him about it. Then he asked me, between my adoptive parents and my birthpartents which did I feel were my "REAL" parents. I was sort of surprised by what seemed should be the obvious answer. I told him, hey, they're both my "REAL" parents."

~Young Man. adopted through Open Adoption

Happy Birthday, Josiah! May 13th, 2008

2008-05-14T15:19:00.000-06:00

Josiah John was happily born into the world today! He's a healthy 6 lbs, 18 inches - 5 weeks early! Tanya, Birthmom, is recovering and doing ok. Thank goodness for modern medicine and pharmaceuticals. Jenn and Kevin are excited to be parents so soon. (Evidenced by the expression on Kevin's face below.)

We've all been hanging out with Josiah in the hosipital while he transitions from the cozy warmth of Tanya's tummy, to the cozy warmth of the hospital baby warmer and oxygen tent. (his first tent!) He is needing just a little bit more time to get his lungs adjusted to the new surroundings. Just as soon as he's ready he'll be snuggling up with his sister, Anastasia, birthmom Tanya, adopting mom Jenn, and adopting dad Kevin.

It may be another week with the security and capable monitoring of the North Suburban Hospital nursing staff. Then, he'll be able to go to his new home with Jenn and Kevin to begin his first year.