For the past couple of days we've hit the D.P. (dog park) in the morning and after your nap we've been walking with Titus down to the mailbox.  It's been unusually summery around here... and today you wore your Hawaiian shirt for the first time.  The hose is one of your favorite 'toys' and whenever we pass a garbage can you say 'ga'.  You are saying so much and we all can communicate pretty well with gestures and grunts/babbling... 

"Your" secret language isn't quite matching up with ours.  

What fun it is to listen to and to talk with you!

You scored some sugary sweets (a rarity around here) and had an orange Otter Pop.  You liked it!

A few days ago we returned from our 2 week road trip!  What fun it was!  Daddy and I would LOVE to turn around and go out again... next year for sure!  Later today, I will post some pictures and work on this some more.

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Since we've been home you've had a couple big events take place in your life.  1) your first haircut, and 2) your first bee-sting.  Ouch!  Both events made you cry.

The haircut
After breakfast and some playtime, we put you back in your seat with some Pirate's Booty (you love to eat that!) and then Mommy snipped away your long curls by your neck.  You didn't seem to mind until I asked Daddy to hold your head so I could make things even.  Then you started to cry.  Sorry buddy!  Later in the afternoon, I snuck some snips in while you were looking at books in your play area.  You are so handsome!  Your curls are now preserved in a labeled ziploc!

After...

The bee-sting
After we took a trip to town to run errands and hit the dog park with Titus, you played outside with Daddy while I cleaned the leather seats in our car.  You also had a blast throwing things out of the car (you were sitting in the front seat playing).  Then you watered the plants on the porch with the hose and a bit later, you broke into tears and kept pointing to your arm.  Daddy took off your shirt and discovered that you had a stinger under your arm by your armpit.  Ouch!  We called a nurse line and gave you some children's antihistamine and some snuggles.  After keeping a close eye on you, to make sure you weren't having any crazy allergic reaction, and after your bath...  You went to bed and didn't even want to read a book... you just kept pointing to your bed.  What a tiring event!

Our road trip has begun!

We are now on our first official family road trip!  Whoo hoo!  Yesterday, Daddy worked with a rep in Tigard and then we drove down to Medford that afternoon.  You were so patient and were packed in the car like a sardine (surrounded by pillows, storage containers, etc.)  Good thing we brought your toys and books... you kept yourself entertained with the Fischer Price Farm that Uncle Jon gave you.  You love opening up the barn and putting things in it and then taking them out. 

After we got all set up at the hotel, Daddy put you to bed. 
He does such an amazing job with you!

The hotel we're staying at is very nice and has a mini kitchen... so it's super convenient for us!  They also serve breakfast and a light supper.  An extra bonus for sure!
I think you were thrilled to see four ceiling fans at breakfast.  You kept pointing to them and saying something... "Look Mom!  Fans!  Fans!"

Oh, I forgot to write that we have lost your "Alexander" sippy cup.  After we got on the freeway last night, we heard a rattling noise.  Daddy and I looked at each other and wondered what it was and then we saw the bright orange cup in the rear view mirrow.  Daddy was sad to see it bounce down the road... and even got off the next exit to see if we could retrieve it.  It was shattered.  Bummer.  Today at Safeway we bought a couple new cups for our trip.  You and I had planned on exploring town today, but all we ended up doing was finishing our grocery shopping and then coming back to the room to nap.  You slept for a good couple of hours and had fun playing while we waited for Daddy to come home.  The air conditioner was a highlight for you.  After you took the panel off it, I decided you needed a new distraction.  Of course, the kitchen cupboards called your name.  Pots and pans rule!

You have 8 teeth now!  And when we say 'laugh' you smile!

And tonight you clapped!  Did Gramma teach you that?!? 

Tonight Daddy and I took you to the pool to swim.  The water was chilly, so you fellas walked in the water and then came back and we gave you a bath in the shower.  Well, you took a shower with Daddy and Mommy scrubbed you clean.  And all you wanted to eat was Pirate's Booty and avocado.  You haven't been feeling well for the past 24 hours... diarrhea!  Tomorrow it's back to the basics that you often eat... no more premade toddler meals.  Instead, you'll have your favorite bowtie pasta with parmesean cheese. 

Tomorrow afternoon Daddy will officially be on vacation with us!  We are going to have sooooo much fun at Lassen Volcanic National Park.  Awesome!

Ni... Night, Ni... Night...

"Ni... Night.  Ni... Night.  
Now it's time for Ni... Night.  
Ni... Night.  Ni.. Night.  
Now it's time for bed."

That is the song we sing to you before bed each night.  Daddy has been putting you to bed most nights and you have transitioned from falling asleep in our arms to falling asleep in your crib.  

Your betimee routine is: bathtime, then books, and then into your crib with your rainforest lullaby machine on.  You push the buttons and then Daddy curls up on his Thermarest next to the crib and you play "drop the binky" with him.  You are getting so big and are so smart.  Sweet dreams little one!

Everyday we point at pictures on the fridge and say people's names.  You recognized Gramma and Jon and now you don't even cry for them!  Gramma was able to put you down for a nap when she visited at our house last week and this weekend at her place too.  After we visited Donna and Kelly this morning, we all came back to Gramma and Uncle Jon's and you snuggled right up with Gramma and took a long nap.  Daddy also rested with Titus, and Mommy and Uncle Jon napped too.  It was nice to relax before we began the trek back home.  What a peaceful morning.

Daddy put on his sunglasses to rest.

And on the way home, we stopped for a snack on the road and you tried on Daddy's headlamp.  How cute are you!?!

Uncle Jon played guitar and sang for you... you LOVE it!

And you used Mommy's highchair... 

notice that Daddy secured you with Titus' leash.  

 Tonight at home, you boys played outside while Mommy made dinner.  The leaves are starting to change colors!

Here comes the bride!!!

Paul and Christy are now Mr. and Mrs.  Hooray!  We have been friends with Judi and her family for 35 plus years... amazing to think it's been that long!

 At the wedding there was a photo booth... we all took pictures and then pasted them in the guest book.  What a cool idea!

 

Thank you Erin (and Drew!)

Last night was Paul and Christy's wedding... and you had your first evening playdate with Drew and Erin.  

Your godmother is so patient and watched you for many hours while you cried and wondered where we went.  Mommy and Daddy were able to be at the wedding, not only in body, but also in heart and mind... because we knew that you were in the best of care.  Someday soon, Drew will hang with us while his parents have their own hot date!  Thank you so much Erin! 
 

Nose Picker

A couple days ago I said, "Alex... show me your nose."  And you did!  Then we asked you about your ears, hair, and feet too, and you pointed to each!  Amazing!  When you show us your nose, you often pick it too.  Gramma wonders if it tastes like root beer.