Our happy 6-week-old Joel

Nothing melts the heart like a baby's smile - especially when it is your own little one smiling at the sound of your voice or as he looks at your face! Wow!!! It overwhelms the heart!!!

Joel's 2nd Week

Joel & Mommy are doing well - you can click on this link (new album of pictures) to see many new pictures from Joel's second week, but following are a few of our favorites.

Welcoming Joel

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born…” (Ecc. 3:1-2).

We’re so thankful the Lord has purposed this blessed time in our lives and would like to share our joy with you through the following video and photos!

Pictures of Joel

Sorry for the slow turn-around time in getting these photos posted; we're finding out that there's a lot to do taking care of child! :-)

Since it's impractical to upload many pictures through blogger.com, we've posted over 100 pictures here: Joel Douglas Makaio.

And thanks for all your congratulatory emails - they were a lot of fun to read while we were waiting around in the hospital!

Shower of Blessings!

Thanks to my dear friend Amy (Herman) White,


I had the sweet blessing of celebrating the soon-to-be arrival of our little Joel with my precious home church family and friends & family in the New Castle area. It was so special to be able to share this joyful time with these dear people who have watched me grow up and prayed us through the difficulties of my illness.

Staci (Storie) Small and her 11-week-old son Gavin came from Indianapolis. Staci and I became friends when my family moved in next door to her – we were 3 years old! Now we will have sons the same age!

Heather (Young) Harvey and her mom came down from Hartford City, IN. Heather and I have been dear friends since I was 5 years old.

Of course there were some fun games (hosted by Amy (Boyd) Golliher):

How many squares of toilet paper around is Alisha's baby belly???

Who can drink apple juice from a baby bottle the fastest???

We so deeply appreciate all the gracious gifts and the work that went into making the day so special.

Handmade baby gifts are a treasure:

baby blanket made by Lynda Spicer (from church)

burp cloths made by Linda Branham (neighbor of my parents)

Adorable outfits!!

And all those special baby "goodies" - like shampoo, washcloths, toys, bibs, etc!! What fun!

I love reading to Joel! Amy had each of the ladies bring an unwrapped book for little Joel. What a wonderful idea!! Joel has already been enjoying them.

Joel's Nursery

I thought you might enjoy seeing the way Joel's nursery has come together. I just love it! Because my dad has called me "Pooh" since I was little I've always wanted a Winnie the Pooh nursery. I decided to go with Classic Pooh because I liked the colors and the calmness it gives. I just love sitting in the nursery with the light of the little Pooh lamp reading and singing to Joel and eagerly awaiting his arrival. What a precious time!

Practicing!

Jeremy and I were able to get some "baby care practice" in while my whole family was together last weekend. As we held my nephew Jack we couldn't help but become more eager to hold our little Joel!(Yes, Jack got some good kicks from Joel while he was lying on my belly!)