Joe is 10 months old!

This has been a BIG month for our Joe!

First, he took a very long road trip to Maine, added seven new states to his list and experienced some amazing East Coast sightseeing!  (We're so sad he won't remember that trip...but we'll have lots of photos to document it!)

 

Within a few days of returning to Ohio, we reported in for his ear tube surgery on July 14th.  He was such a good boy!  He was up so early, yet was cheerful and pleasant for the medical staff.  The anesthesiologist carried him back for the surgery and he was still cheerful.  (Even though Mama was in tears!) We knew this would help relieve a lot of the discomfort he's been dealing with due to the continuous fluid in his ears.

 

This month he also got two new teeth, started pulling himself up to a sitting position and prepared all month to get ready to crawl!  He loves being outside and enjoys coming along with us to different parks and on nature walks.  

He also loves wrestling and playing on the living room floor with Daddy and the boys. 

We took a trip to the Dayton Art Institute this month, where all five kids enjoyed the Expericenter designed for youth.  These bean bags were a hit for reading time. 

And we all got a kick out of Joe dressed up as a princess!  :-)

Last Friday morning, while outside on a blanket reading books....Joe finally took off crawling on his own...into the wet grass to reach the wiffle ball!

Finally, this month, he's begun to enjoy eating foods!  He tries just about everything and particularly loves raspberries, watermelon, blueberries, black beans and gluten free pasta! 

And giving him an empty cup will provide lots of entertaintment!

Though he is most often our "Jolly Joe", he does have some sad moments.  For instance, he was NOT happy when we tried to sit him in this antique rocker that belongs to Aunt Maddie!

Joe is an extremely busy, observant, curious, engaging little guy.  He is already keeping us on our toes as he tries to keep up with big brothers.

Here are some morning cuddle/wrestle shots! 

He has an endearing little tuft of hair that often stands straight up.  We love it!

What a face to wake up to in the morning! 

Today, on his 10 month anniversary, we were able to take a trip to the Columbus Zoo as a gift from some friends.  Joe's favorite thing to see was anything in water.  Here he is watching the manatees!

Our busy boy in the DVD cabinet...one of his favorite places to crawl to. 

Doing pushups before actually crawling!  I just love his little toes curled up! 

We are enjoying every day with our busy, happy little guy.  We pray that in this next month, especially with the help of ear tubes, he'll be able to enjoy good health as he learns and crawls and develops even more!