T I R E D we are...

On the way back today, you and Titus slept... (notice yourself in the mirror in this picture.  You are passed out!  Zzzz) 

When we got home, we ate lunch, Mommy showered, we played outside with Titus, then you had a bath, and we all chilled out downstairs on the couch during your nap time.  Before bed tonight, we Skyped with Gramma.  It was fun for her to watch you and for us to see her too.  She waved at you and you independently waved back!  You also started talking again and saying "ba ba ma ba ba".  We are going to have so much fun "seeing" her and Uncle Jon when we talk.

Right now, Daddy's on his way home from the airport and when you wake up tomorrow he'll be ready to play and hear you talk!

Swinging! Thanks Uncle Jon!

Good times with family and friends!

In the mornings you sure like to snuggle and sleep in Gramma's bed.  She loves waking up with you!

On Wednesday afternoon, you and I drove over to Scott, Erin, and Drew's house to hang out and have dinner.  You and Drew sat together and played (or should I say that you grabbed toys from him?)  You loved his big bouncy ball (sorry you can't have one, or Titus would most likely pop it.)

Uncle Jon set up both the baby gates for you... and now we all don't have to chase you all around the house.  Hooray!  Thanks Uncle Jon!  Plus, with those gates, we can separate Titus and Franny for 'treat' time.  You got on your knees and shook the gate... maybe you like the sound?  or are you using it to get yourself closer to the world of walking and standing? 

We also stopped by to say 'Hi' to Donna and Richard this week.  We LOVE them so much!  Titus explored the backyard for a while and then came in to be with us all... and guess what... he almost got Peyton.  Now Donna has some scratch marks on her chest from Peyton being so frantic.  Sorry little kitty.  Also, Sofia and Nick were playing there... you'll be able to run around with them very very soon.  What fun to have friends up here to play with!  Auntie Jane also came by to see you and to say 'hi'.  Gramma showed her the wedding pictures from the Bahamas and you showed Jane how fast you crawl.  You are fascinated with the guest bathroom!

In the last few days you have been talking a ton!  Saying 'ba ba ba...' and 'ba ba ma'.  Last night you were doing it for an hour plus... and Daddy got to hear you when he called from New Jersey.

After your nap yesterday, Uncle Jon and I took you over to Kelsey Creek park.  We used to play there when we were kids... and it's changed somewhat.  Memories we have are walking and wading in the creek and seeing crayfish, sliding on the super long slide (not there anymore), and seeing Jerome the raccoon and the bunnies, bees, and other animals.  With you, we visited 'Joy' the 4 year old pig, saw the volunteers bringing the sheep into the barn... and also saw a cow, baby chicks, chickens, and the bunnies.  Uncle Jon and I were looking forward to seeing the bees, but the exhibit was 'temporarily' closed.  Do you know what made you smile and giggle?  THE SWING!  I ran to the bathroom and when I came out, Uncle Jon had you in the swing and you absolutely love it.  He pushed you, and oh boy... what fun!  We'll have to get you a swing for our house.  Your Uncle Jon is absolutely phenomenal with you.  He loves you sooooo much!  And we love him soooooooo much too!

Thank you Uncle Jon!  I love swinging with you!

Today we will be heading home... I think your doggy is ready to run with the bunnies and to be outside.  He is soooo patient when we come up to visit Gramma and Uncle Jon.  We make sure to take him for walks in the neighborhood.  So many sounds and different smells to sniff in the city!  What a fun week up at Gramma and Uncle Jon's house.  We'll be back soon!

Big city adventure!

Yesterday afternoon, we took Gramma into Seattle to see a doctor for the insane bug bites she picked up in the Bahamas. You were checking out everything at the Polyclinic and smiled at a ton of people who commented on how cute you are. I kept you all snuggly in the carrier and we laughed and played while waiting for Gramma. While she was filling her prescription you watched people and decided to bang on the glass to say "hi" to her. You are a very healthy boy and haven't been sick (except for one cold this past year.) Country living is good to us! If you do get sick, Dr. Kevin will help you get better. Next week YOU get to go visit the doctor for your 9 month check up!

New discoveries for you!

Oh little buddy... you are having fun exploring Gramma and Uncle Jon's house.  New things to play with:  floor registers for the furnace (we have radiant heating so this is new for you!), lots of furniture to pull yourself up on, rug corners to lift up, and all sorts of crawling pathways and corners turn (versus our big great room at home.)  You are very strong and pulled the bathroom's floor register right up out of its hole in the floor!  Wow!

Our day yesterday was mellow.  We woke up and ate breakfast together and then you, Titus, and I walked down to visit Donna.  They have a new car and boat in their driveway... how fun!  Titus had some of his own fun when wandered in their backyard and then, inside, discovered Peyton in the back bedroom... OOPS!  Good thing that cat is fast and got away... and good thing we had a leash for your friend.  


Lately you've been screaming and crying around bedtime when I'm not home to do your routine.  Last night, Gramma and Uncle Jon hung out with you.  I feel so bad when you get upset when I'm gone.  After I got back from Seattle and fed you, you went to bed and were still sniffling as you sleep.  I love you so much!

Good morning!

Last night, the two boys and I ventured up north to Gramma and Jon's house for a visit.  Daddy's out of town this week in New Jersey... so, we thought we'd take a road trip!

Since it's so nice outside, I think we'll take a walk around the neighborhood this morning before you nap!

Standing boy!

Tonight when I was on the phone, you stood up and leaned into your toy basket, grabbed your "Who loves Baby" photo album.  WOW! (I think you were leaning on the couch a bit.)  Go Alex go!

Healthy

Almost 9 months ago you were born, and Mommy was very BIG.  What did I eat when I was pregnant with you?  Pretty much whatever I wanted.

Now, Mommy has changed her eating habits completely... and I am healthy for you, me and our family.  And promise to make sure you are healthy too!

Such a good eater!

Every morning we sit down by the window and have breakfast... I eat first, and then you and Titus "dine" at the same time.  That way, Titus doesn't have to worry about you grabbing his food.  

Sometimes you are content and want to play in your seat after eating...

Other times, you are ready to party and want down to explore!

Daddy's helper

You thought it might help Daddy if you sat on his lap while he trained for work... and at one point, I think you even thought you could help by banging on his laptop.  Not so much little one.  

We are so lucky to have Daddy work from home sometimes.  When he does, he's down in the office and you, Titus, and I have adventures outside and out and about.

Titus' tail!

Now that you're a little speedster on your hands and knees, you are following Titus everywhere he goes.  

At times he picks up the bone he's chewing on and turns his back to you.  Other times he lays there and lets you harass him by petting his back, tugging on his collar, or grabbing his tail.  You literally crack up with laughter when he walks by you.  You sure love your brother!

We love Jenni, Wes, Coen, and Lily!

Today you hiked Lacamas Creek trails with Daddy, Wes, and Coen... 

and when you got to the end of your adventure, you and Coen hung out in the dirt.  What fun!  

 That explains why you now have dirt under your fingernails.  You also smell like campfire because we had our first official BBQ and campfire in the camp circle tonight with your hiking buds and Jenni.  We all had dinner together and then went outside in the awesome weather.  And, Coen brought you a little bulldozer-tractor.  So sweet!  

You sure enjoy having a buddy to play with who's your age and your friend! 

Lily (in the background above) even came to play with Titus... and those dogs literally played for hours.  Someday, you and Coen (pictured directly below) will be old enough to have smores and stay awake til the sun sets.

We just love our new friends and can't wait for more time with them!

Today's plans

At this moment, you, Titus, and Daddy are all asleep in bed... it's Saturday morning and the house is quiet.  Today you and Daddy are going to meet Wes and Coen for a hike!  What fun for you four to have some boy time... and later, we're all going to have dinner and a campfire with their family.  And, Emily's coming up to get to know us and to play with you while Daddy and I do some work outside.

************************

You had so much fun with Emily today.  She took you for a walk down to where Mommy was cutting the grass and you both got to see exactly where I temporarily broke the tractor.  Oops!  I ran over a piece of old barbed wire fence.  Daddy had to lift the back of the tractor up to unwind the wire.  What a mess!  Eventually everything was back up and running.  From now on, Emily will come visit you every Saturday for a few hours while we work on the property.  Maybe we'll even get you a sandbox built. 

Attack on Sillytown 2010!!!

Not only are you crawling like a little speedster... you're also climbing!  You are able to pick up Sillytown and yesterday you tried to climb right over it... just lift those legs monkey!  

Lettuce have some fun!

As I cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the kitchen... you often keep me company by exploring new things.  

 Last night you heard the plastic lettuce container make a noise so I gave it to you, thinking you wouldn't be able to open it.  Oops!  Mommy was wrong.  You opened it and dumped the lettuce on the floor... I think you weren't sure what to think of it.  We know for sure you like veggies... just maybe not lettuce...yet!

The WAVING wonderboy!

Jenni and Coen came over to play today and you waved goodbye to them as they were leaving.  AWESOME!

Busy Mommy

Lately Mommy has been busy with night meetings three times a week and that's definitely impacted my time spent on this book for you.  

 Your Daddy is such a supportive, incredible man.  I know he is demonstrating to you how you too can be such a loving and strong person.  We always talk about how much we love YOU... and I want you to know how much your Daddy and I love each other.  Our marriage isn't always perfect, and we've definitely had our ups and downs... that's part of learning and growing together.  Today, our marriage and love for each other is stronger than ever, and we are striving to be the best we can, individually, together, and as a family.  I thank God that I have you both in my life.  I love my boys (You, Daddy, and Titus!) 

 

Time for bed...

Every night before I put you to bed, you and I read these two books together... I Love You Through and Through and Goodnight Moon.  You are excellent page turner and are a good listener.  I absolutely love reading with you!

 

 

Up, up, up!

 (I'm realizing that since Gramma borrowed Daddy's camera for her upcoming trip, we haven't taken many pictures of you in the last week and that's gotten me out of the habit of downloading pictures and doing this book for you.  So I just pulled out the 'old' camera and will continue!) 

*******************************

This morning your Daddy said, "Well, that's something I haven't seen yet."  What was he talking about?  You were on your knees in your crib and hanging on to your crib.  And a few days ago when he was getting ready to give you a bath, you pulled yourself up using the tub's edge.  AND, when I went in to get you from the nap you wouldn't take today... you were SITTING up in your crib.  That's another first.  Perhaps you're mastering the art of sitting up from laying on your back.  You are so very active!

A couple days ago Daddy was showing you how to crawl out of the front door and every single time the door is now opened for Titus... you make a super speedy crawl to get out too.  Oh Daddy, why did you show your boy that? 

Titus is always on the look out for us... he's our protector and friend!

Where did the week go?

Looking back at this past week... it's gone by so fast!  Each day turned into another day and I'm realizing we didn't post any pictures or updates on what we've been up to!  Gramma came to visit for four days, Uncle Jon's still here too, we took a music class that we will not go back to, we met up with Jenni and Coen for playtime, and have spent a good chunk of time outside.  You are a crawling machine!  Uncle Jon is amazed at how FAST you are.  This week you did laps with Daddy.  From one end of the house to our bedroom, over and over again.  Gramma also thinks you may be a dentist because you love to grab people's mouths when you're snuggling in our arms.  You also like to grab noses and stick your fingers in our nostrils... so maybe you'll do that line of work too.  Whatever you decide to do, we will always love and support you.

Today, Mommy went in the water with you for swim lessons and was amazed at how warm the pool is.  You splashed and kicked all around and sure are smiley (as usual).

Also, this week... both of your lower two front teeth have popped out of your gums.  You are pulling on your ears every so often, and we wonder if you're hurting.

This afternoon it was in the 60's and Daddy, you, and I all literally "hung" out in the hammock for a while.  The sunshine felt so warm and relaxing.  Titus roamed around us and you kept trying to pull our sunglasses off our faces.

Now it's Sunday night and you are asleep in your crib, and we are going to go to sleep too! (And, Grandpa Frank, we heard you are feeling a bit under the weather...we hope you're starting to feel better.  Hugs and love to you!)