Alex's First Birthday

As promised, here are some pictures taken on Alex's birthday last Friday. Brent and I both took the day off. When Alex woke up, we let him sleep in of course, we headed out to breakfast at Perkins. I got food that Alex could easily share and dad got a blueberry muffin to share with Alex. So... he had scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, muffin, and apple juice. What a big boy!

After Alex took his morning nap, we set up his gifts in the living room. We got him a little pop up tent from IKEA. We also got him some Thomas the Tank Engine DVDs and books. He is a big fan. Here are some pictures... he started off with some tentative exploration...



He really liked his Birthday Boy balloon...



"HI DAD"



After Alex fully woke up and got going we headed off to Como Zoo. We hit the Carousel first. Here is a picture of Alex looking at the carousel.



I have to admit, Alex was pretty freaked out when the carousel started moving. That thing was fast! But he knew daddy would keep him safe and started to enjoy himself.



A picture of Alex in the new Polar Bear Odyssey. Unfortunately, that was all Alex really liked in the actual zoo. Too many people to really see any animals. It was also really hot so all the animals were sacked out in the shade. Needless to say, we didn't stay very long!



Of course, we had to ride the train before we left in Como Town! If you are wondering, Alex stole my spoon I was using to share Iced Lemonade with him and didn't give it back. Teether.



This is a picture of Alex on the ride home. And yes, he took a bite out of his balloon. No more balloon. And if you are wondering, yes he still bites his parents.



Here is a picture of Alex after he ate his chicken nuggets. His hair looks really red in some photos and this is one of them!



Alex is growing so quickly into a little boy. He is a delight. He smiles all the time and just to prove how social he is, his first official word was "Hi." He says hi to random strangers and they seem surprised and pleased by his greeting.

We are moving away from using a bottle. He has only used one three or four times in the past two weeks. He likes the sippy cups but sometimes he just needs the comfort of a bottle. What else? We bought a canister of 12-18 month formula but after that is finished he will switch over to whole milk. He loves to eat whatever mom and dad are eating. And we MUST share with him. :) Alex is so funny.

Lately I have been making him 1 scrambled egg, 1/2 piece toast, and fruit for breakfast. He eats like a champ but is slow and super messy. Lots of wardrobe changes again.

In short, Alex had a great birthday. He of course won't remember it, but it will be a day I will never forget.

Almost a Year Old

Alex is just moments away from walking independently, climbs stairs, says "Hi" cheerfully, and is eating more and more big people food. He is truly a delight. Here is a picture of his very first real peach. He took a hesitant bite, took the skin out of his mouth and put it on his table, then ate some meat. He repeated that process a few times and then eventually went back and ate the skin. He ended up eating half the peach! He has had lots of diced peaches, but a real peach was a real treat!



He is, unfortunately, still biting his parents. He has 8 teeth now and they are all sharp! He brushes his teeth now with mom in the morning. I started saying "Ahh..." while brushing my teeth to get him excited about this fun new habit... so Alex does it too! It is really sweet.l Of course, he cries every time I take it away from him. Here is a picture of Alex enjoying brushing during a morning bath.



We have had lots of fun in the sun this summer. Our friend Beth bought Alex a wading pool for the backyard and he enjoyed it immensely. We also got some lake time in with family. Just this past weekend, Alex got to try out a slip and slide with the big boys!






Alex is meeting all kinds of babies! Below he is saying Hi to cousin Owen.



And "HI" to Isaac Alexander!



Friday we will be taking the day off of work and daycare to go to Como Zoo. Hopefully we will get some good pictures and post them as well.

Enjoy the video of Alex walking behind Simba:

Alex Climbing the Stairs

Alex is such a big boy that he climbed the stairs TWICE tonight! We caught it on video the second time around. My oh my we are in for a world of trouble. He is 10 1/2 months old and is already climbing the stairs.

Memorial Day weekend

Click on "Mommy's Blog" to see what we were up to over the weekend.

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.