Joel is 2!

Oh my goodness how has 2 whole years flown by with our sweet Joely Poley, Joelster, Joel Pole, Joley guy!  He is such a blessing to our family and I love spending every day with him. Joel has such a sweet disposition and remains my calm, easy going little man. He entered this world so smoothly and has continued to be my steady little sweet heart ever since! I still remember May 3, 2011 as if it were yesterday...it was such a wonderful day, and I am so glad that I have such clear memories from almost every moment of that day when Joel was born!

How would I describe our littlest guy at 2 years?
-Verbal: He TALKS all the time! There is no word he cannot repeat, and he is our little parrot
-Concise & Precise: he answers questions in simple one word statements when possible and is very straight forward when asking for something or telling you something
-Sweet & Affectionate: Joel loves to snuggle when he has the time :) and is very into holding hands right now which he requests often. He is sensitive to the emotions of his family and friends and will check on you or give you one of his mostly head hugs if you seem sad. He loves to be with his family all the time!
-Busy: he doesn't sit still often and is usually concentrated on examining something, signing or chasing Levi/Penny around the house
-Careful: Joel does not like to be messy and tries hard to keep his clothes clean (that is unless it involes splashing in water or mud) if he gets something on his shirt he will ask for a new one. He is pretty good about trying new things, but usually waits until he knows he can complete the task well.
-Coy: Joel knows how to tilt his head, act all shy and then give that dimple showing smile and get what he wants!
-Sleeper: Joel is a great sleeper! He sleeps almost every night from 8pm-7am and wraps himself in two blankets while holding his stuffed penguin close. Naps at least 1-2 hours every afternoon, also wrapped up (often including his head)

New skills:
-fully potty trained! Hooray!
-eats very well with a spoon and fork, and can drink with a cup (on the rare occasion that I let him)
-runs and jumps easily
-paints and scribbles like a mad man
-can count to three and loves to point out two of anything (2 eyes, 2 flowers, 2 birds...)
-has an interest in letters, and points out when he see "ledders" but can't identify specific ones yet
-can complete simple puzzles
-dresses and undresses himself with minimal help
-puts on his own shoes (and gets them on the right feet 50-75% of the time)
-can identify some colors pretty consistently (purple, orange, red and yellow)

New Stats (will update after his appointment on Tuesday):
-height: 35 in (75%)
-weight: 26.2 lbs (45%)
-head circumference: 51cm (90%) lots of brains :)

The doctors said that Joel is an over achiever and obviously thriving. He was very impressed with his potty training skills and language development. After he finished looking in Joel's mouth, using a tongue depresser, Joel asked him "can I have it, the stick, please?" He of course obliged and complimented Joel's use of a sentence and good manners :). Once again I left feeling very proud and blessed!

 Favorite things:
-foods: chicken, "frentch fwies", fruit of any kind, broccoli, all potatoes, all beans, bread
-treats: jelly beans, chocolate, juice
-books: Dinosaurs Love Underpants, Big Book of Trucks, Rhyme Bible, Elmo Loves You
-toys: puzzles, music set, dinosaurs, trucks/tractors
-activities: swinging, sliding, thowring balls, playing with Penny, watering the garden

We thank God daily for adding Joel to our family. These last two years have had their challenges, but we wouldn't trade them for the world. Joel is a joy to be around, and makes our lives so much fun! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for our little love in the years to come! Can't wait to celebrate with all our family on Saturday!