Woke up this morning to lots of rain, falling onto the snow in the yard and driveway... then we all drove down to town to get Titus' nails trimmed and to the drug store. On the way back, we jumped up to Tommy O's for some take out New Year's Eve lunch...
Alex has been having tons of play time with Steve, since he's on vacation. Earlier, Steve dangled the 'binky/pacifier' and Alex turned his head and rolled over. He's sitting without needing much support too. It's soooo amazing to see him developing and gaining new skills. Tonight Alex had his first 'big boy' bath... after I finished scrubbing the downstairs tub to a sparkling shine, Alex played kickers as he took his bath. And tonight's 'surprise' is to watch Warren Miller's Children of Winter DVD! Sweet! This day has been fantastic... we have been having family time together all day... just the four of us! Alexander, you are the BEST part of 2009! And of course, your Daddy is too!
At this very moment we have snow falling outside! Steve's bundling Alex up and they are heading outside to 'play'!
Gramma and Uncle Jon took care of Alexander for a couple days while Steve and I went skiing on Mt Hood... our first night-away from our little boy. We had such a fantastic time and are soooo appreciative that they watched over Alex.
My (Steve's) first try at actually writing the blog..
The first Christmas morning in Washougal: Anxiously awaiting Christmas morning Susan, Alex, Jan, Jon, and I went to bed late Christmas Eve night after enjoying a very fussed over and delicious Christmas ham. Alexander loved his first trial of (way too many) carrots. Before dinner Susan presented Alex with his last "Pre Christmas" present... a Black and Decker Junior Chain Saw! Now before anyone calls him too young to safely take down trees with daddy, his chainsaw is only a toy. It does make cool chainsaw noises though and even comes with safety goggles! Don't worry, little Alex isn't getting close to the real chainsaw for about another 20 years!
Even in the midst of 40-50 mile an hour winds, Santa dared a landing at 1416 and left us all with great stocking stuffers under the tree, and in the stockings hung on the stair railings with care via an old cut up climbing rope. Alex put out carrots for Rudolph and his friends, and animal crackers for Santa. All that was left on the plate were two nibbled carrots and some cookie crumbs. On Christmas morning, after skyping with my Mom/Grandma Elle and Dad/Gramps in NY, Alex, Gramma Jan, Susan, and the dogs and I all spent a very relaxing morning & afternoon watching each other's expressions as we opened gifts and told the stories behind the ideas. All the while, the wind raged outside making the Christmas Tree lights flicker a few times. We even lost power for a couple hours. Alexander loved his Stack and Surprise Silly Town from Santa, Rocking Horses from both Gramma and Grandma & Gramps, pajamas, clothes, and books. Later in the day, Alex took a trip in his new conveyance... the daddy trainer (aka baby backpack). To show Susan the surprise I buckled Alex in the backpack downstairs, and walked back up. Almost by the time my foot hit the top step, little dude was sound asleep. He loved to gnaw on the built in pillow... getting ready for teeth! So there he stayed for the half an hour until we ventured outside. Outside, Alex was snuggled in the backpack in his Elmer Fudd hat from Aunt Maria and Uncle Mike. No complaints were heard and Alex and I went outside to play with Titus. Actually no complaints could be heard since he was way to busy gumming the pad that was conveniently placed right in front of his mouth in the carrier. After napping, James and Jalaine came over for dinner. Alex had more carrots and peas, and the rest of us stuffed ourselves silly with food. Food comas followed. It was a very relaxing and special day... with our best Christmas present ever! Time with family, our boy, and friends!
Gramma, Uncle Jon, and Franny drove down from Bellevue today for Christmas! When they got here Cookie came to play with Titus, and Franny made herself right at home and went for Titus' rawhides. He enjoys sharing! Alexander went straight to Gramma and Uncle Jon and soon decided to rest up for his first Christmas Eve (lately he's been napping quite a bit... must be a growth spurt! Can the guy get any taller... he's already off the charts!)
While everyone made dinner, Alex lounged in our bed and woke up just in time to have some pears and green peas. During our dinner, he sat in his highchair and later, up on Jon's shoulders.
