Pumpkins, Football, and NICU Reunion Party!

Pumpkins
Friday night we went out between raindrops to Sonny Acres to get our pumpkins. Last year Joey was there as well, but he slept the whole time. This year he was a lot more interested in the pumpkins, decorations, and animals. It was a little on the chilly side, so we weren't there long. Uncle Chris, Auntie Christy, Andrew, and Grandma were there too. Since we still don't have counter tops and a sink at our house, Auntie Christy invited us all over to carve our pumpkins together. Grandma ensured we had enough energy with taffy apples and candy, while Auntie Christy washed and cooked the pumpkin seeds. Joey enjoyed watching Daddy carve his pumpkin, and tried to help Grandma with hers.


Purdue wins again!
On Saturday Joey, Daddy, and Grandpa watched the Purdue vs. Illinois football game. Daddy rooting for the Boilermakers and Grandpa the Fighting Illini made it a fun afternoon. Joey enjoyed the snacks more than the game, but hung out with the guys nonetheless. Daddy was very happy that Purdue won! Thank goodness since Joey is revving up to be Purdue Pete for Halloween next weekend!


NICU Reunion Party
Sunday was the CDH Halloween NICU Reunion Party. All of the graduates from the NICU, nurses, doctors, and therapists got together for the big bash. It was so nice seeing so many people again. The NICU is definitely a family to us. They have seen us at our weakest and strongest moments and have done so much more than medical care. We have made some lifelong friends and definite memories that will forever be in our hearts. It was great to see other parents and kids that were in the NICU for an extended amount of time like Joshua. We caught up on their children's progress and they were able to see Joey again (some barely remembered him being there), and informed them of Joshua's passing. They all remembered Josh and his uplifting spirit. We spoke with some of the doctors, some of the nurses we don't usually see (it was so nice seeing Stephanie and Theresa!), and of course saw our favorites (Bethany and Tina). We missed Amy and Cathy (ST), but will catch up soon. There was so much going on and everyone was having fun. Joey got a t-shirt, a pumpkin to decorate, a family picture, there was a percussion band playing (nurse Jan rocks!) with bubble machines, face painting, cookie decorating, coloring, food, drinks, and more! It really was a great afternoon, and we could feel Josh beaming from above (may explain why we finally had a mild, sunny day!).