Joe at 21 months, 2 weeks, 6 days

Sorry we’ve been silent on the blog lately. Dan and I are both up against the wall with work deadlines (it continues through June). And Dan has been working his behind off to finally get our temporary kitchen in a little less temporary state (we have trim AND it’s painted — woo hoo!), which means that Joe and I have been spending probably a little too much time together. OK, and, admittedly, we’ve also been spending way too much of our very limited free time catching up with old friends on Facebook.  Anyhow, here’s the super quick low-down on the little man:

Joe weighed in at the doctor’s office recently at 26.3 pounds (he’s fine…has a mild case of broncialitis, but otherwise healthy). They didn’t measure his height, but he is definitely getting taller…33 inches maybe? Lately, he’s been sleeping pretty well (and long…), and eating up a storm, so we’re guessing another growth spurt and/or developmental leap is on the horizon. He’s still in size 18-24 months and some 2Ts and his boats are at 7-1/2W and growing. Joe’s fro is another matter and his big noggin nearly fits in 3T hats!

The biggest news: Joe is starting to potty train himself. It’s hit or miss and his interest wavers, but he’s already had several successful efforts. Woo hoo!

Milestones: Thanks to Nanny Nicole and a very helpful Maggie (along with the Signing Time DVDs), Joe is signing frequntly now. He’s also been talking up a storm, though we’re still working on understanding him. On the physical front, we’re constantly amazed at Joe’s speed and agility. A few days ago, we–and the adults around us–we’re all amazed to watch Joe run at full speed through the park, across the grass and sidewalk, off the curb, and into the sand without missing a beat. He also nearly made it to the top of the curved “ladder” climber on the jungle gym. He’s definitely a handful!

Favorite Word: “Da-dee.” We’ve finally moved from Dada to Daddy, but Mama, Mom, and Mommy are slow in coming. The last couple of days, Joe has asked for Daddy about every 5 minutes. He’s still a daddy’s boy!

Favorite Food: “appos” (apples). Not sure what the fascination is, but Washington sure is making their money off this little guy. He’ll eat them whole or sliced, but the sauce is a no-go at home. We’re still having trouble getting him interested in veggies, so we’re sneaking them in as purees in other foods (but we always serve veggies on the side). He will eat some as snacks and still likes English peas (shelled), sugar snap peas, and edamame!

Favorite TV show: Imagination Movers. He’s even developed his own sign for it. He likes to play his guitar when the music bits are on, but he’ll even watch the show and Mommy can finally get some laundry done.

Favorite Music: Imagination Movers. (Duh) I know practically all the words, since he asks for it all the time: in the car and at home. He’s also partial to the punk and metal selections on Rock Band II, but we’re backing off that kind of exposure.

Favorite Toy: Depends on what he’s doing. If there’s music playing, Joe usually is dragging around an instrument, mostly his guitar. He’ll also sit on Dan’s lap and play the tin whistle with him! Otherwise, it’s all about tools or cars. Joe has two toolbenches that keep him pretty occupied. (Thanks Hurleys for the super cool one and all the “power” tools…Joe’s in heaven!) The only problem is that Joe wants to “fix” everything and recently has been obsessed with the fireplace. He broke a toy hacksaw trying to “cut” through the bricks. Yikes!

Favorite “Outing”: sitting in the car pretending to drive. We also take a lot of walks with Joe on the trike or in his super-cool wagon. I’m getting ready to sell most of the strollers, which have been collecting dust for months.

Favorite “Gross” boy things: It must be instinct or genetic or the Y chromosome. Joe is getting really good at trying to pass gas and laughs like crazy when he does. His friend also taught him how to pick his nose. Gross.

Favorite Routine: Bath time! Though sometimes we wonder who’s really taking the bath since whoever is on the outside of the tub seems to get equally wet.

Favorite Chore: Cleaning anything. Give the kid a rag and he’ll wipe up the table. Give the kid a broom and he’ll sweep the floors. Both nanny Nicole and I have figured out that we can give Joe the vacuum with the edger attachment and he’ll keep himself entertained for a good long haul…and he doesn’t do bad with the floors either!

Biggest Scare(s): At the zoo…A couple of weeks ago, in a split-second, Joe climbed under the fence to the elephant pen. I ditched the camera, reached over the thankfully low fence, and caught him by the back of the overalls as he was getting ready to run towards the ditch. Last week, he made a mad dash out of the park–towards a main street. At a full sprint, including a 90-degree turn at full speed, I didn’t catch up with him until he was halfway down the sidewalk. Thank God he didn’t go into the street. Let’s just say that we’re working on “stop” and “go” commands and reinstituting the harness.

OK, that’s it for tonight. Come find us on Facebook if you want updates in between blog posts!