Fun at daycare

Miss Toni is using every opportunity possible to get herself and the kiddos out of the house this summer. I think they're all going a little stir-crazy. Earlier this week, they went out for a playdate with one of her friends and her kids. Joey seemed to have a blast, because he was exhausted. Today, they went to Target and had lunch at a mexican restaurant. It looks like my kiddo dined on french fries and apples...picky little man.

Caught Walking

Finally! We caught Joey walking on video. It was really pretty hard, so we finally decided to coax. There's a lot of falling and silly behavior, but we can cross it off the list.

Bubble Gun

On of the many things Joey's obsessed with is bubbles. We can't have them anywhere around or he will cry/beg for them. I saw a bubble gun at Tuesday morning when shopping the other day and thought we'd give it a try...success.

I caught him walking!

Joey: 22 Months

At 22 months, Joey is weighing in at 22 pounds. If he continues at one pound per month, we might get somewhere sometime soon. =) At this point, he's barely heavy enough to turn his car seat forward facing. We are going to hold off for another month or two though.

I spoiled it, but for the past ten days, Joey has been walking. We have noticed a great progression - he's gone from walking to running. He's much more confident and walks very quickly. He has chosen walking as he main mode of transportation.

Verbally, we've noticed a huge growth as well. Joey can and will regularly count from one to seven. He is talking more in sentences as well - want to go outside, where's the kitty/dog, want to go bye-bye. It's really cool because I feel like we're carrying real conversations with him. He seems to understand when I tell him what we're going to do for the day (eat breakfast, change clothes, then go bye-bye). His common response to me is ok. =) He's also started to ask actions from others - sit down, come on, etc.

Not only does Joey ask for high-fives on a consistent basis, but he loves to ask for fist bumps too. He'll hold out his fist and say boom. Joey can point out his eyes, nose, mouth, ears, hands, fingers, feet, toes, belly, boobies and hair. We're working on more complex body parts, like elbows, knees, arms and legs.

As far as eating habits are concerned, Joey's been on a real fruit kick lately - strawberries, grapes, pineapple. He calls them all strawberries and will whine for them. He still has his favorites. He's really been into "dips" lately. Ketchup (which he asks for by name) and Ranch. He loves them both so much he'll eat them by the spoonful. Joey's getting better with using his utensils. Recently, we gave him his own bowl of ice cream and he spoon-fed the entire bowl to himself. We were quite impressed.

As far as sleeping habits are concerned, we've had a few struggles in the past month. Joey goes down great for bed, but wakes up inconsolable in the middle of the night. We've gotten a nightlight and that seems to be doing the trick. He's still down to one nap per day (1-3 hours) and normally sleeps around 11 hours at night.

When I mentioned in the past that he was difficult to wrangle for his monthly photo, I obviously had know idea what chasing down a walking toddler was like. Geesh! Very slim-pickins this month, but enjoy anyway.

M&M's

Not sure, but I think someone loves M&M's!

1st Shiner

Joey came home from daycare last night with his first shiner. It sure didn't take long after he started walking! Apparently he was so "busy" that he didn't make a peep. It looks like he hit the corner of something.

last night

this morning

We have a walker!!!

Joey is walking!!! I've waited months to be able to say this. Tonight, Joe and I were sitting in the playroom and got Joey to walk bath and forth between the two of us. We kept backing up and he kept walking. He did it for an hour! Pictures and video to come - when he'll actually let me snap one or two.

More pool fun

Have I mentioned that Joey's obsessed with the pool? I won't say no when it's a great way to cool us all down during the hot Texas summers.

He has to play with the hose nozzle the entire time and it has to be on. =)

Gotta let the boy get dirty! Lovin the sticks a mulch!

Joey & Eli - Partners in Crime!

Uncle Ben and Baby Eli came out to East Texas today. While Joe, Ben, Nana and Papa worked on the house, I got to enjoy these two little boys together. Boy, they are going to be trouble when then get older! They played, shared snacks, chased each other around and enjoyed a bath. I wish they could have spent more time together this weekend because they really had a blast!

Happy 4th of July!

We had a great fourth of July. Joey loved the fireworks - couldn't get enough!

The sparkler was cool!

Waiting patiently while daddy shoots off the big fireworks.

Nana & Papa's House

Joe and I headed out to East Texas to pick Joey up, spend the 4th with Nana and Papa and for Joe to help his dad out a little on the house.

The house is starting to really look like a house. Nana and Papa are making some serious progress, dispite a few setbacks.

At Nana & Papa's

Joey spent a few days solo at Nana and Papa's. I am happy to report, he had a blast and mama and daddy did better than expected. =)

We talked to Nana on the phone every day (some days a few times) but were reluctant to talk to Joey, for fear he would get upset. He did great, which was so encouraging.

Joey spent three days helping Nana and Papa work on the house and helped Nana in the garden and cook. It looks like he spent a LOT of time in the pool too.

Here's a photo Nana snapped and sent to us while he was there.