Mother and Son

Mischief and Fun

Alex is becoming more and more interactive. He is crawling quickly, climbing like a pro, and wants to sample everything within arms reach. He is up to 22 lbs, 11 ounces and has 8 teeth! He is curious, smiles easily, and clearly loves people. Right now he is playing in his crib while I am waiting for him to fall asleep... he likes to play before bed time every other night now. He just plays happily until he is tuckered out... then I creep in to cover him up. He sleeps with his butt stuck up in the air and his arms and legs tucked under him. Very sweet.

Here are some recent pictures of my growing little boy:


This one was taken in Chisago. We all go together for Mother's Day. Ashley and Alex had a good time with each other... and the moms did too! :)


Alex climbing up on a storage tote. If you are wondering... this storage tote is needed because Alex kept getting into our shelf with our nick nacks and pictures. Needless to say it was safer for everyone to get a tote and hide the stuff until he not only knows the word "No" but listens as well.


Alex playing with his mobile in a whole new way. This picture was taken a night by the way. Alex was supposed to be sleeping.


Alex was saying, "Hi Daddy! See what I can do?"


Alex getting his legs going with Simba. He is getting better and better at standing and Simba helps a lot with his diligent practicing. He also likes to crawl behind Simba on his knees. And of course, big bro Marty is supervising in case things get out of hand.


Alex terrorizing the linen closet. He adores making a mess of my already messy closet.

Walk 4 Animals

On May 1st, we went on a 5 mile walk in support of the Animal Humane Society. It was a great day! Alex really enjoyed supporting his big brother Marty and loved seeing all of the different dogs, cats, bunnies, ferrets, and even a baboon! He was smiling all day and especially like the big dogs!

It was windy and bright out... just the right kind of weather to expect in Minnesota in early May.


Picture of the boys waiting on the shuttle service


Yes, Alex and Marty are both on my lap on the bus!


Hum...


Makes sense to me, right?


Alex hanging out at the half way point


Boy does he love his daddy.


Picture of the crowd and many dogs.

March of Dimes, March for Babies

Alex and I recently walked on April 25th in the annual March for Babies to support research to help premature babies or babies with special needs. This year it was located at Boom Island. It was a dreary day, but Alex and I really enjoyed seeing all of the babies we raised money to support! It is such a great cause and I am sure we will enjoy it even more next year!

Here are some pictures from the day:



Alex with Vikings Cheerleaders!


Happy little guy


The Crowd


Pleasant views...


Mom and baby


Alex passed out cold on the last leg of the walk. He was exhausted!

Climbing

Alex has really started to climb. He climbs on things like boxes and Mom or Dad, he climbs under things, and he is starting to feel more and more confident up on his hands and knees. He is still Army crawling, but he is starting to understand there is a better and faster way to get around.

I love the picture of Brent and Alex because there is a story that quickly developed. On the trip, Alex started biting. He bit me twice on the way home and drew blood both times much to my dismay. I was told I wasn't moving fast enough. Last night was the first time he bit daddy.... right in the upper thigh almost immediately after we took this picture.

We are calling him "Vampire Baby." He likes it.

Alex's First Vacation -- To Kentucky!

We recently traveled to Kentucky to see Grandpa and Grandma Bryant- and boy were they happy to see their grandson! They hadn’t seen Alex since he was 1 week old so I am sure they cherished every moment with him. It was awesome because he recognized them. We Skype often enough that he sees their faces and hears their voices… the wonders of technology.

Alex had a great trip – other than being stuck in a car seat for 4 days! He did really well considering and was happy to just touch things at rest areas and flirt with EVERYONE that came in his line of sight. Alex does not discriminate that way. He is such a cutie pants.

On Easter Sunday, Alex got pretty sick. He was projectile vomiting all over the dining room and running a fever. Brent laid down with him for a nap but he wasn’t quite himself for the next day. Then on Monday Brent got the same bug, and then Tuesday I got the bug! It was a family affair of puking and feeling icky for 24 hours. Luckily, my parents didn’t catch whatever we had. Other than that, the trip went well. We got to spend plenty of time sitting on the porch enjoying the weather and Alex even got to see ducks and chickens for the first time. We also took a walk to the catfish pond on my parent’s property which he seemed to enjoy.

The best part for Alex, of course, was spending time with his family. He loves getting snugs! He seemed to develop a stronger attachment to mommy throughout the week and is officially a “Momma’s Boy.” Overall it was a great trip. Kentucky is just beautiful and it was awesome to spend a holiday with my parents, even though the star player was sick and missed the Easter egg hunt. My friend Tabitha and her family were there as well, so they at least got to enjoy the hunt. Alex and her youngest boy, Taylor, really hit it off! Taylor literally hit Alex, and then Alex bit him! It was awesome!

Enjoy the pics of our travels…

Alex totally wants to be a dog.

You wouldn't believe how Alex really does want to be a dog. We have daily evidence. He follows Marty. He lights up whenever Marty is around. He instantaneously crawls to Marty's water bowl when placed on the floor. He used to play nicely with the water. Now he picks up the bowl and makes a huge mess! What else? He regrettably loves playing with Marty's toys (especially the ones that really smell like dog breath) and he has unfortunately sampled some kibble. That was totally my fault. I wasn't moving fast enough that morning.

Oh my.

I keep telling Alex, "You are a boy, not a dog." He just smiles.



We attended Alex's first birthday party for one of his many girlfriends. Her name is Klarissa and she just turned 1!





First we went to his friend Abiniah's house for the morning so mommy could visit with one of her best friends Sugantha. He took a nice nap and had a great time. He really likes pretty girls. And that Saturday was full of them!



Another fun event for us was Cousin Ashley's third birthday party! She had a blast meeting up with all of her friends, opening gifts, and seeing everyone. There had to be a thousand kids there! LOL. Seriously though, lots of little ones = lots of fun.




Ashley got a sweet Power Wheels Mustang for her birthday. It freaked her out at the time, but I heard that Matt convinced her to drive it the next morning after putting Minnie in the passenger seat and a juice box in the cup holder. That can't get any cuter. That was a big gift for a big girl.



Alex, of course still being a little guy, had tons of fun with this stick.



The last big event in the past few weeks, and yes, it has been super busy for us lately- was a trip to see the great grandparents. Lee and Marlys really love seeing Alex. He is such a happy baby and just wandered around, took a little nap, and was very sweet the entire time we were there. Lee especially likes Alex. He seems to be the type of man that just adores babies in general. I caught him in action...



Here are some more pictures from our visit last Sunday:







This picture was taken out in the hallway. Lee and Marlys keep their apartment pretty warm... Sue and I escaped with Alex for a little while to cool off!

I just love this picture.



We have had such a busy time lately but it has been totally worth it. We love visiting with family and friends! Tomorrow we are celebrating birthdays with a family dinner and then next weekend we are off to see Jessica play volleyball and then the big trip! Kentucky! I cannot wait for that.

Big things are happening for our little guy. He is currently with his grandparents in Chisago. He had his first overnight away from his mom. I am hosting a baby shower for Jacquie this afternoon and needed the time to get the house and food ready. I am sure Alex is happy and playing right now as I type but boy do I miss him. I cried, a lot, last night but I trust Sue and Larry completely so that is very comforting. Brent and I took advantage of a baby-free home but we still missed our son.

Alex is a joy, a real blessing. Even with another tooth coming in (5 now!) he is a happy baby. He is starting to climb now. See for yourself...



And I will leave you with this excellent picture taken by Brent. My boss saw it and said, "He could be a baby model."

Gotta admit- he's pretty darn cute!