Christmas in Mt. Carmel

This year was much more interactive than last Christmas when Alex was only three months old and not mobile. He had lots of fun with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins. He got to try the traditional ravioli dinner, although he wasn't quite sure what he thought of it this time around. He had fun playing with toys, books, and even Grandpa's hat!

Happy Hanukkah!

Alex was a little fussy for the lighting of the menorah (he wanted to play with the candles), but he really enjoyed the sweet potato latkes (despite what it looks like in the picture) and had lots of funny playing with his new Duplos with Daddy.

Brusha, Brusha, Brusha

Alex got his first toothbrush this week. It is green with trains on it. He's been really good about letting us clean his teeth with a washcloth, but he was not so sure about the brush. He'll get the hang of it eventually.

Dum Ditty, Dum Ditty, Dum, Dum, Dum

Alex has been loving the book "Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb" and all the drumming monkeys. (He likes to dance to the rhythm when we read it.) And now he has his own drum to play on as well. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa D!

Fifteen Month Check Up

Other than the shots, Alex had a great check up at the doctor's today. He is 24 3/4 pounds and 31 inches tall. Very healthy and doesn't have to go back for a check up until he's two. After having to go in so regularly for the first fifteen months of his life, it's going to seem strange to not have a regular visit for so long.

Fun with Felt

Alex likes the felt board at school so much that we decided to make one at home. He's been having lots of fun with it!

Alex 0, Gravity 2

Alex had two separate mishaps at school today. His eye is pretty swollen, but the doctor said it's okay, and, thankfully, he didn't need any stitches. Then this afternoon he fell again and split his lip a little (you can barely even see it in the picture). He's taking it all like a trooper. Mom and Dad are a little more traumatized, but we know this is just the first of many cuts and bruises.

ZooLights

We braved the rain and went to the Zoo tonight for ZooLights. There were lots of really fun displays and Alex seemed to enjoy the spectacle.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a fun time with the Diamond side of the family for Thankgiving. Alex had a blast playing with his cousins, his Aunt and Uncle, and, of course, with Grandma and Grandpa.

Fun at School

This week there was a special Thanksgiving lunch at Alex's school. It was fun to visit his classroom and have lunch with him during the week. The teachers have told us that he likes playing under the changing table, and sure enough, he went under there and just grinned.

Brrr...

All bundled up for the cold!





P.S. For people who weren't too sure about blogging, we sure have adapted. This is our 50th post!

Our Basement, Now with Extra Fun

For a long time now, Alex has really liked sitting in adult chairs. Now he has his very own kid-sized adult chair. Dave took the box the chair came in and made a clubhouse for Alex. He's having lots of fun with both.

Happy Halloween!

Look at how things change in a year!

I Love a Parade

Alex went to his first parade today. He enjoyed watching all the kids and the dogs, and we think he even kind of liked the marching band. We joined in at the end, and next year, I'm sure he'll be marching along in costume. Happy Halloween!

Simon Says

Dave took very good care of his toys when he was a kid, so Alex is quite lucky that lots of Daddy's toys can now be his toys. We brought Simon back from our Iowa trip, and Alex loves the sounds, lights, and buttons. Of course, it also brings out the kid in Dave and me, and we've been having fun playing with it too.

Saturday in the Park

Alex had his first official play date on Saturday. We met with our friends, and Alex, Nicholas, and Cecily all had fun playing together. Or, more accurately, playing near each other since at this age there's not much playing together that happens. Plus, Alex loves his new walking skills so he was all over the place, while Nicholas and Cecily are still more self-contained. We did manage to get the three of them together on the swings for a photo op though.

After the kids had had enough fresh air and activity, Dave and I took advantage of Chicago's early voting program to go vote. Between waiting in line and the actual voting process it took about half an hour. Alex was a real champ for the whole thing. Since he's too young for his own ballot, he helped his Daddy in the voting booth and got to participate in his first election.

First Visit to Iowa

We spent this past weekend in Iowa for Dave's high school reunion and to visit Grandma and Grandpa D. We had a great time. Alex had lots of fun playing with Daddy's toys, meeting his friend Olivia, and spending time with Grandma and Grandpa.

Secret Passageway

In our basement we have a raised section that is kind of like a step along one wall. Most of it runs behind our couch, and Alex recently discovered this space. He really likes exploring back there.

Road Trip

Alex went on a road trip with Mommy and Auntie Laura this weekend to visit Grandma and Grandpa C (and also got to see Aunt Carol, Uncle Paul, Aunt Jane, and cousin Forrest). Alex had fun playing with Mommy's Little People house. He also helped pick apples, played cards, and just generally had a great time. Family visits are fun!

Happy First Birthday!!

Alex is one! Happy birthday little man!

Birthday Parties are Fun!

Alex had a great first birthday party with his Aunt, Uncle, and cousins (Mom and Dad, too)! He had lots of fun smashing the cake and playing with his new farm set and Radio Flyer.

Taking Steps!

Alex started taking steps about a week ago and has been taking a few at a time for a couple of days now. (The most at once so far is nine!) We finally got some good video of several steps at once. Enjoy!

Library Boy

Alex loves the library! We go almost every weekend. One of his favorite things there (in addition to all of the books, of course) are the wooden bins, which are full of books and great for climbing.

Tug of War

Alex and Dave had lots of fun playing tug of war this weekend. It had Alex laughing quite hard, as you can hear in the video.

Is It a Ball? It's Kind of Heavy....

Alex had fun visiting with cousin Carolyn (on her birthday!), cousin A.J., and Auntie Laura. His introduction to watermelon was lots of fun.

Baby of the Month

Alex is the Baby of the Month for August in his classroom!