HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEL!!!!

Yay! Joel is one today!

Here are Joel's current stats:

-Weight and height are currently unknown. We will find out what they are at his doctor's appointment tomorrow.

-Joel crawls all over the place and loves for you to chase after him on all fours.

-He can stand up on his own for about ten seconds at a time.

-Joel took one little step while in the pool a couple days ago. (We were very excited!)

-Joel's third toe is his longest toe.

-He really likes the vacuum and will follow me all around the house while I sweep the floors.

-Joel will eat anything.

-Joel can drink out of a straw. (We discovered this at Sonic a couple days ago.)

-He has eight teeth in front and two top molars.

-Joel loves the water. We enjoy playing in the pool in the backyard (we recently upgraded to a larger pool- thanks, Nanny!) Also, whenever Joel is crawling around the house, his path always leads to the bathroom because he loves the tub.

-Joel enjoys reading. He is an excellent listener and he loves turning the pages. Some of his favorite stories are: Bear Snores On, I Love You Stinky Face, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Five Little Monkeys, Opposites, Touch and Feel Farm, Polar Bear Polar Bear What Do You Hear?, and many more.

-His hair is getting very mullet-y, but I don't think he could handle a hair cut just yet.

-Joel has said mama and dada, but he is currently only saying dada whenever he wants me or his dad or anything else.

-Joel likes being pushed in his swing in the backyard. I can't take him outside (not even to get in the car) without him diving for his swing. Which brings me to the next stat...

-Joel is very strong! He is also a little daredevil. A dangerous combination; I always have to be on my toes with him. He falls down, dives head first, stumbles, and bonks his head multiple times each day.

-Joel snorts and growls and grunts a lot. He is also has a lot of facial expressions. (see above photos)

-He now clings to me when I am holding him and try to set him down. (I absolutely love this and pretend to set him down all the time so I can feel his little hugs!)

-Joel gives high fives and kisses. I love kissing his mushy cheeks, and he will sometimes turn his cheek towards me to get a kiss. :o)

-When Joel gets excited, he sits on his knees, bounces up and down, and flaps his arms up and down. The things that excite Joel are: wheels spinning, getting to eat bites of grown-up food, toys spinning on the floor, the sweeper, arriving at our destination when he gets to get out of his car seat, his swing, splashing, and steering wheels.