Mamas little helper

Alex had a lot of firsts over the weekend. He learned how to climb into the laundry basket by himself. From the laundry basket, he climbed on to the couch. From the couch, he climbed onto me and then tried to climb up me and onto the back of the couch. Once he got to this point, I would put him back on the floor only for him to do the same thing over and over about 15 more time! He has also been pulling up to standing for about a week. This weekend, he would stand and then let go! About 2 seconds after letting go, he would realize that he did not quite have the balance needed to stand on his own and would topple over, laugh and start all over again.

Happy Boy!

Friar Alejandro

While Alex is still pretty bald, he does have some hair that sticks out on the sides when it is wet. At least it is a start!!

Aunt Shelley Rocks!

At Diego's Birthday Party

Big boy snacks

During a recent trip to Kansas City, Alex experienced his first cookie. When we returned, we started giving him biter or teething biscuits. He was mesmerized by them at first but quickly started chomping on them. He even pretends like he will give Alan a bite but then pulls it back, teasing him! It amazes me how quickly time flies and how just yesterday he was breastfeeding and today he is eating big boy food! I need it all to slow down, he is already growing up too fast!

Who needs toys when there are boxes?

Alex has always loved playing with things a little outside of the box. Now, he has discovered the love of playing inside the box, around the box, over the box, and under the box!

Kansas City in the Cold!

I had to go to a meeting in Jefferson City this week and I talked Alan and Alex in to going with me. This was our first overnight trip with Alex and he did so great, so watch out world, we will be world travelers in no time! We planned it right so that he would take his full naps in the car. Those of you who know Alex, though, know that he is just like his daddy and can pretty much sleep anywhere!

We ended up going to Kansas City for some family time and went to the Overland Park Botanical Gardens and Arboretum. Even though it was fairly cold, we had a great time and Alex loved being outside. To our KC friends, we only visited for a short time and will plan on a "real" visit with everyone next time!

Tanyard Loop, Arkansas

Discussing the day's events with my posse

Sleeping

This is Alex's favorite sleeping position and it always cracks me up! He is my little turtle!

Look at those eyes!!

My dad keeps saying that Alex's eyes are green or brown or whatever strikes his fancy that day. However, this picture captures Alex's true eye color . . . a beautiful icy blue.

Santa comes early to these parts

Yes, I know it is early for Santa. But everywhere we go, we hear holiday music. Main Street already has the garland strung from the lamp posts. And Santa arrived at the mall on Saturday. My sister, Shelley, informed me that unless I want the American grandparents to beat me to the punch, I better get to the mall so Alex could meet Santa. She tells me the stories of how, for three years in a row, Nanny and Papa took Ayden to see Santa before his parents had the opportunity (much to my sister's chagrin). So, we joined our friends, Danny, Mona and Maya, to meet Santa. While many babies scream and cry the first time they meet the jolly fellow, Alex and Maya were mesmerized.

Obama babies

While our children do not currently understand anything about politics, in the years to come, we will educate them. We will tell them about this historic election in which millions of people got to the polls to have their voices heard. We will let them know how much their future meant to us and how we worked alongside other citizens to fight for change. We will let them know that they will have their own choices in the future because of the change we helped make today. And while they may choose to support people in the future that I do not, they will have that freedom and I will support and love them no matter what. (But until they can speak for themselves, I get to dress them however I want!)

Weekend fun

ready to bite . . .

mischief is afoot . . .

planning their next move . . .

happiness is . . .

the legs are what keep the girls coming back . . .