Date Night with Joey

Joey is headed to Nana and Papa's for a few days, so the two of us headed out for a dinner date. We went to McDonald's, ate chicken nuggets and played on the playground. I even got Joey to say "Date." =)

Joey's First Friend Birthday Party

Today we headed to Joey's first non-family birthday party at My Gym. It was Ella's 3rd birthday (Ella is the daughter of one of my co-workers). We had a blast! I will definitely remember this place for a future birthday party for Joey. He loved the ball pit and trampoline the best! I got some great shots of the little man and another co-worker snagged some shots of Joey with her daughter, Stella.

Joey: 21 Months

Joey is 21 months old and a little over 21 pounds. I feel like he's grown quite a bit height-wise.

Joey's appointments with the occupational therapist continue and we're seeing some real progress. He's becoming more and more comfortable on his feet, still not ready to take those steps without holding onto us or something else. His ankles are strengthening and we're seeing increased mobility. We're hopeful that it will happen soon. =)

Vocabulary, on the other hand, continues to grow. Joey is continuing to ask for things - water, milk, snack, etc. He will ask us where the doggy or kitties are. He's also started to say "I love you" which completely melts my heart!

No real change in sleeping or eating habits with this little guy. His favorite parts of the day seem to be bath time and story time. Since we're in the height of the summer, we've been spending a lot of time outside in Joey's baby pool. He loves it! Most of the time, I'm ready to come back inside before he is. He loves to splash, play with his toys and is obsessed with the hose. I've started to put a nozzle on in a light mist mode so he can continue to play with it after the pool is filled.

I've realized how much Joey's starting to look like a "big boy." This month's photo confirms it.

Headed to see the Lippens'!

After the reunion, we headed over to see my Aunt Linda, Uncle Dave and cousin Katey. Joey enjoyed them and playing!

Portz Family Reunion

It was great to see so many faces at the Portz Family Reunion! So many we hadn't seen since Joe and I got married five years ago, and some others I have no memory of meeting. It was an emotional, but great time.

All of my cousins kids and Joey - 23 and at least two weren't pictured.

8 cousins with 23 children!

More Family Fun

My Grandma, Uncle Fred and Yihan came over for dinner. Fred and Yihan got to meet Joey for the first time. He had a great time with them!

Smith action

Joey really enjoyed spending time with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Travis!