Family time

This afternoon we all went for a walk along the Columbia River and went to the beach.  Titus had a blast fetching sticks and your Daddy even waded into the water with his socks and shoes to play.  So nice!  

Next, we did some grocery shopping and bought a couple of lotto scratch tickets.  You wanted to eat them... good thing you didn't because one of them was a $5 winner!

 

 

When we got back home, Daddy gave Titus a present... a new basketball!  You slept in the car while they played and I put away groceries.

We love you sooooo much!

 

Up up and back and forth!

Today you pulled yourself up onto your knees!  Daddy was sitting on the couch and I was in the red chair... and suddenly you reached across Sillytown and up to get the baby wipes (you love the crackly sound the package makes.)  Then a few minutes later, you got onto your hands and knees and rocked back and forth a bit!  Pretty soon you'll be exploring home on your own, versus being carried! 

Carribean dreams

 

Alexander!  Get ready for excitement... Daddy told me that if I give up Starbucks, then he will take us to the Carribean!  

 No more trips through the drive-thru to get hot chocolate.  If we want any, we'll be making it at home! 

Daddy time

This weekend you've spent a ton of alone time with Daddy while I've been taking care of some things.  He gave you a bath this morning and after you wake up from your nap, we are heading to town do a bunch of shopping/errands. 

Neighborhood Friends!

Yesterday we took a stroll over to see Stephanie, Gabe, and Josh.  Gabe said he talked about you all day at school (he's in 3rd grade) since he was so excited you were coming to visit!  He held you and so did Josh (he's in preschool)... and they gave you a tour of their bedrooms.  Gabe is excited for when you're old enough to play with them on your own.  Both boys drew you a picture too!  I bet you will have fun times with them as you're growing up.

7 months old today!

Your patient friend

Titus is such a patient friend & brother.  He often has to wait for us to let him out when we're changing or feeding you.  At night we watch him race around outside with his red blinker on his collar.  That way, we know where he is in the dark!

Everyday Titus waits for Daddy to come home... he listens for the sound of the car or waits til we say "Daddy's coming home."

Then he goes out to the porch and looks down the driveway.

His tail begins to wag. 

And he sees Daddy's car and he runs to meet him at the gate, where he gets pet and either hops in the car with Daddy or leads him to our front door!

  

 

 Often times, your Daddy brings me home flowers!  He's very thoughtful and romantic.  I love him!

Reading rules!

Alexander, we hope that you will continue to LOVE reading!  We have a lifetime of reading together and so many conversations to have about books we'll read, together and separately.

You love reading your Smile! book and the touch and feel dog & cat book.  Sorry, that's the only cat we'll ever have in our house since I'm allergic.  You can always visit James & Jalaine's kitties!   

You are such a smiley and friendly boy... even to the people in your books!

A little outing

Today we took a short walk around downtown Camas and then had lunch with Julie, Liam & Matthew.  At the restaurant you sat on my lap and were content the entire time.  Next time we get together with our friends, we are going to hike!

Our little gardener

Today you really helped us out with the fence and garden!  Doesn't it look like you got a good workout?

 

You used one of my baby blankets to keep warm... a windy and super sunny day! 

 Daddy and Titus worked on the fence while I worked on the garden bed.

  

Daddy accidentally ran the rototiller into the garden shed... oops!

 And he tilled the soil for us.  Thanks!

 

 

A view of the garden bed from up top... And two taken from below!

After lunch, we all took a walk to the mailbox & checked out where Daddy hung the hammock.  I can't wait to relax in it with you and look at the mountain on the next warm day. 

Long lost brothers?

You sure love playing with Curious George at Gramma's house!  You kept looking at the back of his head today and we snapped a picture of you two!  You look almost the same from the back!

No more secret!

We've been "hiding" from this blog/book for a few days... because of a secret!  (Scott's 40th birthday surprise party)  We didn't want to spill the beans by saying we were heading up to Seattle.  Now we're back home and here's the scoop!

  Thursday night after Daddy finished working we headed north.  You slept the entire way and when we arrived at Gramma and Jon's, you were ready to party!  Actually you were exhausted and didn't like sleeping in the pack n' play, so you ended up sleeping in bed with us.  Eventually, around 1 a.m. you finally went to sleep.  Uncle Jon also played guitar for you.  You absolutely LOVE it when he plays for you.  I keep asking him to make you a special CD of his songs he sings.  He had a great new tune about traveling up I-5... maybe he'll read this and surprise you with a special Alex album someday!  

On Friday morning, you hung out with Gramma while Uncle Jon and I went shopping, and later you went shoe shopping with Gramma and me.  We also stopped by Donna and Richard's house to visit & had ice cream.  (Nick and Sophia said they will play with you next time you're in town!)  Around suppertime, you, Gramma, and I drove to Seattle to meet Daddy at Scott, Erin, and Drew's house for the surprise party.  Scott was sooooo shocked to see everyone at his party.

 It was a fun night!  We had pizza and talked with friends.  You and Drew were looking all around and finding it very hard to believe that our dear friend Scott is a day over 25.  He's so fun and looks so young!  Next time we go up, you'll get more best buddy play time with Drew for sure!  When we got home from the party, you went right to bed and Mommy watched Grey's Anatomy that Uncle Jon recorded.  Hooray!  Then Daddy snuggled with you all night so I could catch up on some deep sleep.  Go Daddy!  And this morning, Gramma made us a tasty breakfast while you played.  Franny came over and gave you kisses too... and Uncle Jon sure made you smile and laugh!

After that we were on the road for back home.  Titus whined a bit so we had to stop like 4 times for him.  We only stopped once for you!  As soon as we got home, it was snack time for you, followed by play time with Daddy, while I took the tractor down to the orchard and cleared a 12 x 18 foot section for our garden.  Uncle Jon's going to plant seeds with us... we are excited!

P.S.  Gramma fed you this morning while Daddy tried to sleep in.  Titus wanted to play so that didn't happen. You enjoyed hanging with Gramma.  Also, you got up on all fours this morning!  A first!  Then you went back to your 'skydiving' belly position.  

Another thing you're enjoying doing is grabbing the spoon while you're eating.  You even fed yourself a bit of squash tonight!

It was a quick and busy trip!  Family and friends are so important!

Oh so proud!

You've been trying the sippy cup lately & today we went straight for drinking from a cup.  WAY easier and you are so happy!  What is this 'water' stuff?

How low can you go?

Last night, Daddy lowered your crib!