Seriously Mom?

This is the look I get when I'm taking a picture while Joey's "busy." This time he's trying to watch TV.

Joey: 20 Months

At 20 months, Joey is right around the 20-21 pound mark. I am looking forward to the next doctor's appointment so we can detect what the actual weight is and get a height update. Hopefully we won't have to make a trip to the pediatrician before his 24 month well check appointment though.

I am noticing quite the change in Joey's vocabulary. He's really repeating what we say and starting to take on more complex things. He will point to the the sky at a plane and say "plane" when he hears one. He will repeat sentences after we say them. "Want a banana?" He says chicken nuggets, banana, cheese (which is what he calls mac & cheese), water, etc. He's starting to ask for things as he wants them. We're really encouraging asking for things instead of whining for them. It's a work in progress. =)

Still not comfortable on his feet, Joey is seeing an occupational therapist for walking. He will walk when he's in the mood as long as we're holding his hand. We've seen progress after the first couple of appointments. She has encouraged us to have him go up and down the stairs. Initial fears aside, he's doing just fine. Stairs aren't that scary, especially if they're carpeting, but ours aren't and that's what has scared me. He's now scaling them at an insane pace and doesn't seem to be scared of them at all.

Joey's broken us of two naps and is onto just one big one. It was an adjustment for me, but we've gotten used to getting things done during one long nap instead of two. He continues to be a little trooper at bedtime and goes down really easily (most nights). I attribute that to the routine and schedule he's on and don't really like to stray from it because we pay the price if we do.

His eating habits are the same, although he's getting more picky. I can't bribe him to eat vegetables, although they are offered every day. The dog gets more veggies than Joey does. Bananas, chicken nuggets, fish sticks, corn dogs, baked beans, muffins and waffles are among his favorites.

I'll be honest, it was hard for me to narrow down the shots of this month's picture. Joey cooperated beautifully and they all turned out so well. I forced myself to choose just one, so this is my fav.

Finally playing nicely with Elmo Rocks

So Joey's been a little rough with Elmo Rocks since he got him. Knocking him over, taking the instruments away from him and trying to shove his had in Elmo's mouth. Until now. Finally! He's playing nice with Elmo Rocks and actually enjoying it. I knew he would love this toy, just didn't think it would take this long for him to actually be nice to it.

Daddy built me a fort!

When I got home today, I came into the playroom to see that Joe had converted Joey's slide into a fort. I love it! To see him get in touch with his "inner child" was such a cool thing to witness - and Joey loved every minute of it.

Hog Dog Dance

We've recently discovered that Joey loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse (which is fine, because I can actually stand it). At the end of every episode, they do the "Hot Dog Dance." This is Joey's rendition.

He requests to watch this show constantly by either saying "O-Toodle:" or "Hot Dog!" It's adorable!

Cookie Monster!

Joey's love for Sesame Street characters continues. While reading his books, he's started to point out Cookie Monster, which he calls Cookie. Naturally, I had to go looking for a stuffed "Cookie" exactly like the Elmo he loves.

 

Happy Mother's Day!

I had a fantastic Mother's Day. Joe & Joey let me sleep in, then we had a wonderful breakfast together (one that I didn't have to cook), I was surprised by two bouquets of flowers and cards. Then we headed out to lunch and enjoyed an afternoon of shopping. I had a fantastic day with my boys. On Friday, I picked Joey up from daycare and Miss Toni had been crafting. I love it when she and my little buddy make something super sweet.

Jabber Jaws

Our little talker. Check out the jabbering. Not too sure what he's saying, but he's chewing my ear off about something.

Play time!

Joey's really into riding on his toys lately.

Mohawk!

Joey's hair has gotten a little long, so I spiked it in the bathtub...he was less than pleased.

Tackling the stairs

As instructed by the occupational therapist, Joey has been going up and down the stairs (assisted, of course). Once I got over the fear of him falling, we're good to go. Joey loves crawling up and down the stairs and seems to have no fear of them at all.