Halloween Fun - A look back

2014 marks Alex's 4th Halloween, 3rd that he's dressing up.

He is Thomas the Tank Engine this year.  He declared that back in the summer and stood firm in his decision

Here's a look back at the last 3 years of Halloween fun....looking forward to making more memories tomorrow and hopefully some wonderful pictures.

 

2011 - 1st Halloween - 2 1/2 months old

2012 - 2nd Halloween - 1st one Dressing Up - 14 1/2 months

 

Winnie the Pooh

 

 

2013 - 3rd Halloween - 2 years 2 months

 

Jake the Pirate from Jake & The Neverland Pirates

 

This was the first year he had any opinion on what he wanted to be.  He decided Jake months before Halloween and was the one to find it in the Halloween store (Mommy & Daddy couldn't find it!)

 

He insisted on the wig too, couldn't do Jake without his hair.  When the wind would blow, he'd grab it to keep it from blowing away.  He's a "go big or go home" kind of kid - just like his Daddy.

 

 

I can't wait for tomorrow to see him in all his Thomas the Tank Engine glory.  Happy Halloween!

Haircuts

8.9.2014

Alex,

You got your 3rd haircut of your LIFE today.  There was a little boy screaming like a banshee in the chair next to you - which freaked you out - but you didn't cry or act out - you just kept looking at him with a "what's wrong with him?" look.

One part of your haircut routine is that you always wants me to hold your hand, under the cape, while she cuts your hair (the clippers tickle you).  Since you know you have to sit still and can’t turn your head, I think it’s your little way of knowing I’m right there.  And it has to be me, Daddy is not good enough, it’s gotta be Mommy (which makes me feel so special / important / loved).

Thank you for being my little boy and for needing me for the big and little things.  I hope that you will always know that I will ALWAYS be there for you.  I love you peanut.  I can't believe you're going to be 3 years old in a week!

August 2014 - Update

It's been quite a while since I've posted anything on here, but it's a new month and I'm hoping to change that.

Life has been all kinds of crazy and hectic lately.  The good kind of busy filled with warm nights at the playground, walks around the neighborhood and weekends filled with celebrations and good quality time with friends.

The next celebration on the horizon is Alex's 3rd Birthday!!!  He is so EXCITED about his birthday this year - so much more aware of the whole situation.  He LOVES singing Happy Birthday at his friends parties - it's his absolute favorite part of the party - he practices singing it (inserting person's name into song) on the way there and eagerly awaits the time to belt it out!

I LOVE planning his party.  It's the only party I get to really do each year so I'm in my happy place deciding all the details (I'm a details person).  The party invitations are out, it took me months of trolling through Etsy and Pintrest to find on that matched the vision in my head.  I have all the decorations planned and goody bag contents decided - now just finding time to get it all done by the 16th!

Year 2 of Alex has been an amazing adventure.  I am daily amazed by the things that come out of his mouth - in a good way - the things, concepts, songs, memories that he recounts astound me.  He's such a little sponge.  I don't want to forget all that he is in this very moment (hence why I'm writing this down).  His love of books makes my heart sing.  I have always loved books, was an English major in college, enjoy writing (can you tell?).  Each night, after bath and pajamas, we read a book before bedtime.  When I finish reading the last page he responses.... "one  more  time" - pausing between each word for more emphasis.  This is followed by "please Mom, one  more  time".  So yes, we usually read the book at least twice that night - and I wouldn't have it any other way!

One last thing for today - I got the most exciting email - my person for 2014 Mug Swap!!!  It's an awesome annual tradition hosted by Cuppa Kim - www.acuppakim.com/ - this is my 1st year participating and I am so excited.  I can't wait to go pick out the mug for my person!!!

And because pictures are just plain fun, here are some recent ones of Alex in all his almost 3 year old glory:

Anna & Elsa from Frozen visited the "At The Movies" series at church

Checking out the 4 wheelers at the motorcycle store

Alex's Heaven - aka sandbox at Memom & Pop Pop's house

Little hands

He was watching Mickey Mouse, standing next to me as I was sitting on the sofa. Out of nowhere he put his hand on my lap, patted my leg and rested his hand. His eyes never left the TV, in that moment he was just so happy to have Mama there with him, and in that moment I was so thankful for that chubby little hand asking be to stay a while. To be present in the moment, enjoy the weight of that little hand in my leg and marvel at this person my son has become. He's become my teacher, my hope, my reminder to enjoy the little things in life, my biggest fan, my little boy.

Back to School Season & A Walk Down Memory Lane

As many students head back to school this week and next, I think of my own school memories.  I don’t remember to many specifics about kindergarten or elementary school.  I remember enjoying it, the images of the school hallways and some of my childhood friends.  My years in middle school and high school are easier for me to remember.  I remember certain people, events, class projects and trips.  There are things that marked that time in my life.  A time when I was very uncertain of who I was.  When it came time to go to college I had great aspirations and dreams of what it would be.  These dreams collided with reality upon my arrival and the sheltered world I had grown up in was shattered.  My parents were older when they had me and my sister – older in the sense of my Dad was 44 and my Mom was 42.  This is not so uncommon today, but in the 1980’s it made for a very different upbringing. 

When I went away to college I was not stylish; I wore baggy clothes, my hair pulled back in the proverbial pony tail and didn’t know how to do makeup.  I had gone to private school my whole life in which you wore a uniform every single day.  I didn’t know what was “hip” or flattering.  At this point in my life, I didn’t put much stock in my appearance nor did I realize that the whole world was judging every detail of my physical appearance.  I had no real social skills and was oblivious to this fact as well.  My college experience was a culture shock.  I went to a liberal college after being in a private Christian school my whole life.  My roommate was so incredibly different from me that I had no idea how to relate to her.  My conservative Christian values did not mix well with her world view.  I had a “not in Kansas anymore” moment at least once a week.  Sometimes I wish that me that I am now, someone who knows who she is, what she stands for (you know, the older wiser version of 17 year old me) could go back and tell myself 2 things:

 

1.       Tell my 17 year old self that it gets better and that life is amazing at age 29 1/2 and that this experience is going to teach you more then you realize in of this moment.

 

2.       PRAY.  Pray for her.  That roommate.  The one that was an only child who had no concept of shared space.  Pray for the anger that seemed to rage inside her.  Pray for peace in the midst of conflict.  Pray for wisdom and guidance.   

 

Looking back now I realize there was serious spiritual warfare going on in that dorm room.  As much as I want to just hate her, for not being kind, for making such snap judgments of me, for not including me – I know that God allowed her to be in my life for that season for a purpose.  Perhaps to help me see the peace that he brings to my soul.  Perhaps it was to teach me about others, ones from different upbringings and that not everyone in the world is going to agree / like / understand you.

My entire experience at college was not all bad.   I learned a lot about people, personalities, myself – my sheltered world was shattered, but it allowed me to see what was out there.  To see the hurt that was in the world.  To help me understand more fully the mighty power and sovereign grace of God.  Through my darkest days there, He was with me.  He allowed me to walk through difficulties in life so that I may learn.  Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t learn or realize these things in and of any of the moments in that dorm.  In that dorm I was hurt and angry and confused.  Some days now when I think back to that time in my life I am still hurt and angry.  Things did not go the way they were “supposed” to.  My plans did not pan out.  Silly me, God’s plans are better than ANYTHING I could have every dreamed of.  Here I am now with a good job, a nice home, an amazing husband, an awesome son, friends and family who actually care about me, my day, my life.  I am surrounded by people who encourage me, lift me up in prayer, help me focus on God and what’s truly important.  For this, I say Thank You.

PJ's & a Fedora Hat

7.30.2013

Alex,

You know what you want.

You want what you want.

You don't want what you don't want.

This decisive opinion about things is something that I think has always be intertwined into the fabric of your being. 

You specifically want your blue shoes, not your black ones. 

You want a particular car or train - not some random one - you search with purpose until you find the object of your desire and then beam a radiant smile upon finding it.

The other morning, you had one of these moments.  A hat on your head has become a standard part of your attire.  You have 4 baseball hats that we rotate depending on which somewhat matches what you are wearing.  You also have a collection of fedora style hats, but you haven't been into letting me put them on you when your dressed more "fancy".

This morning in particular, I brought your motorcycle hat up with me to get you up in the morning and dressed for the day.  Your love of bikes is great so I figured you would be happy.  I was wrong.  You weren't sad, but you were insistant that you were not wearing that hat today.  You were wearing the burlap fedora that has been sitting atop your dresser for months that you have refused (up until today) to entertain.  The tags were still on it from when I happily picked it up for you at Target months ago.

Once the tags were removed, I placed it on your head and you grinned.  You were the happiest little boy with your crab footed pajamas and your fedora hat.  I went with it.  It wasn't going to hurt anything and I've learned to choose my battles.  This wasn't worth fighting.

So here you are, in all your pajamas and fedora hat glory - happy as can be!

Mama & Alex ~ 2011 - 2013

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21 Months ~ Alex ~ May 2013

Dear Alex,

How did you get so big? It amazes me that 21 months ago you came into my life as this tiny peanut of a baby and now you are this incredible person.  You have a giggle that fills a room and echos as it bounces off the wall.  For the most part, you are just a happy kid.  The littlest things in life make you happy, such as pancakes.  When informed that you are having them for breakfast, you squeal with joy and shout pancakes with the largest grin spread accross your face.

You are ALL BOY - dirt, bugs, bruises, climbing to the top of the tallest things and jumping off - yup, that pretty much sums you up right now. 

At the same time, you are so sweet and loving.  It makes me so proud when I see that tender side of you.  You exhibited this towards Riley the other day and I couldn't wipe the smile off my face all day.  Upon his arrival (he is 6 months old and in a car seat carrier), it's your job to pull back the blanket cover the carrier and to push bag the "awning" to reveal your buddy.  You do so with such gentle care and such pride.  Once Riley is visible, you sit down in front of him and smile and talk to him. You pointed out his monkeys on his PJ's and gently patted his head.  You were so happy to see him.  After he was removed from the carrier, you replaced the blanket and put your hand on it's handle.  Riley's mama put her hand beside yours and you "helped" her take it to the corner where it sits until it's pick up time.  You were so PROUD of yourself.  You did your job so well. 

One of my favorite things about you right now is the sound of you saying "Mama".  You say it with such excitement and joy as well as such love and warmth.  You will be playing in the other room and stop, run in yelling my name with a grin on your face, run up, give me a hug and kiss and then go back to playing.  As if in that moment, you wanted to be sure I was still there and when I popped in your head, I was the most important thing in that moment.  I love your hugs and kisses.  I love you smiling at me at bedtime and saying "night night" so sweetly.  I love the incredible joy that exudes from ever fiber of your being. 

It is my prayer that you keep that joy, that fierce love of life, the tender kindness towards others - you are going to make such a difference in this world baby boy.  You already have in your 21 months here.  My world is better with you in it.  I am a better me by being your mama.  It is a role I was born to play and I am so honored for the privilege. 

All my love,

Mama

Alex - Day in Your Life - February 3, 2013

Superbowl Sunday - February 3, 2013 - Baltimore Ravens are in the Superbowl

sleepy boy * must get out all riding toys at once * pantry is you new favorite hiding spot * checking out Daddy shoveling the snow * wishing you were out there too

Alex & Elvis, best buds * checking out the snow * watching Daddy shovel * dying to get out there

1st Ravens jersey * Superbowl party at Grandmommy & Pop Pop's house * Maddie came to play



Trying on Daddy's hat * returning Daddy's hat * snuggles with Grandma * family photo

Alex - Day in Your Life - January 4, 2013

I set myself a goal, 1 day a month (weekend since I work full time) take pictures of Alex throughout the day to document the everyday existence.  We take pictures at holidays, birthday parties and other milestones.  This is my way of capturing you in your element, at this age, to preserve that which I may take for granted now but want to remember when you are all grown.

Here is January 2013:

happy when you wake up * your hair is filling in * you still love your bottle in the morning

fun with new toys * mommy's phone & Alex's phone * getting ready to race * cars * choo choo

breakfast * LOVE blueberries * independent & determined to use that fork

Noah (who you refer to as "Ho Ho" because he has a beard) & his animal friends

Alex & Elvis waiting for a snack from Daddy's popcorn can



Little Moments & Forever Memories - 1.30.2013

The summer I was 13 my Dad promised me we would go to Hershey Park (for those not from the East Coast it's a theme park in Hershey, PA).  My dad did odd jobs for the neighbors all summer - driving little old ladies to their doctor's appointments, fixing the neighbors steps, handy man kind of things.  All the money he earned from this he set aside specifically for our trip. 

When the day came I was so excited.  When I asked why my mother and sister weren't joining us on our adventure, my Dad shook his head and said they wouldn't enjoy it.  (I think he just wanted a day for me and him, even more so he wanted to go and I was his best buddy along for the ride).

We arrived at the park (a 2+ hour or so drive from our home) when the gates opened and didn't leave until the park closed for the night.  We rode every ride we wanted, some repeatedly over and over again.  We screamed on rollar coasters and giggled all day long.  Our day was filled with feasts of hot dogs, cotton candy and funnel cake.  This is a day that I will always remember.  As we drove home, I kept reliving the day in my mind and talking to him about all the fun we had.

As we came in the house that night, my mother was in the kitchen and the expression on her face was not a happy one.  She asked my Dad how much we spent on our little adventure - I learned in that moment that my parents did not see things the same way.  I realized that my mom thought it was frivolous to do what we did and spend the money we spent.  In that moment, I spoke up and said something so profound I couldn't believe it came from 13 year old me - in the most "matter-a-fact" tone I uttered these words:

"Mom, you can always get more money; you can't always get more memories"

With that I turned and went to my room.

These words that I uttered back then have been etched on my very soul since then.  Life is about the simple things - usually they don't cost much money but have a lasting impression and create the most wonderful of memories.

Buying ice cream off the ice cream truck in the summer
Going to the park
Spending TIME with my son

All this is background to what I really want to tell you today:

Last night, I had 2 whole giggle filled hours with my little guy.  Daddy went off to Bible Study and it was just the two of us (+ the dog).  Alex has mastered turning the Ipod Jux Box on and off and he turned it on last night (Ke$ha was set to play).  I began to dance around like a fool and before I knew it Alex came up, took me by both hands and begain to dance along with me.  He grinned up at me and wiggled back and forth.  We ended the night playing with cars on his ramp in the basement, followed by bath (his FAVORITE thing) and bed.

Lately our nights together have been busy and our time together has not been very long. I've noticed him being clingy at bedtime, wrapping his arms tightly around my neck and nuzzling into me.  He will cry when I place him in his crib with his blankie; he's tired, wants to go to sleep but his desire to spend time with Mommy trumps all that.  He misses me and it breaks my heart.  I work full time, which is the best thing for my family right now, for 4 years I was the sole provider - alot of pressure.  Last night was just the salve for both of ours souls; when I laid him down last night he gladly welcomed the embrace of his crib and looked up at me with a smile in his eyes and across his face. 

He may not remember tonight when he is all grown, but I will and it's these little moments - dancing around the living room with my boy - that I will cherish forever. 

Today's little moments become tomorrow's precious memories.

17 Months - January 2013

January 16, 2013

Dear Alex,

Happy 17 Months baby boy!  You have grown so much and embody the label “toddler” a little too well for Mama’s liking.  You are still your happy giggly self who makes his presence known.  You are continuing to become more and more independent and are growing into quite a little person.

Your love of books is continuously growing – you will pick one out, bring it over and hand it to me.  Then you will proceed to plant yourself either beside me or in my lap and go through the book.  Once this one is done (if you find it interesting enough to let me get all the way through) you will then get up and select another and the process starts all over.  Your current go to favorite is:

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

-          You know duck and dog by name and the sound of dog, cat, sheep and fish.  As we go through the book, you wait excitedly for the pages you know and chime in accordingly.  Mama was so proud that it only took you being shown one time and you picked up that sheep says “baa” (though yours is more of a short “ba” rather than the typical Baaaaa).  When I taught you what I fish says I just showed you the movement with my mouth, you giggled and did it right back at me.  You are such a copycat (I fear this will get you in trouble at times).

Your love of food was evident from the time you had your first jar of Gerber.  Fruit is still a big favorite – when you see bananas in the store you get excited, holler “nanna”, and point until we reach the display.  You like to hold the bananas as we go throughout the store as if they are a trophy you have just won.

There are days I look at you and still see my little baby; you still love your milk in a bottle on the morning car ride, you still have chubby round cheeks, your hair is slowly filling in but not enough to make you look older just yet.  I cling to these things as I know I will blink and you will be this tall young man.  Oh how I love the sound of you excitably saying “Mama” as I appear in the doorway each night, it warms my heart and I look forward to the smile that spreads across your face as you run to award me with hugs and slobbery kisses.  With every fiber of my being I love you sweet boy…you are my world, my soul, with you I have such purpose and I finally feel like I am who I was created to be.

HALLOWEEN 2012

Alex,

This year was the first time you got to go trick-or-treating and boy were you a fan!  Once you got the hang of the fact that you got to keep the things you put in your pumpkin pail, there was no stopping you.  You exemplified the term "big boy" on halloween night; needless to say I was proud of you but also stood in awe of this little person you have become.  You wanted to walk up and down the sidewalk to the houses, you would fuss and flail if I attempted to carry you.  You wanted to carry your own pail - expect you had to cave and let Daddy take it at the end of the night as it got to heavy for you to pick up!  If allowed, you would systematically empty someone's bowl one piece at a time into your pail.  You were picky too; if someone handed you candy, that was fine you would put it in your pail and be on your merry little way.  If YOU got to pick, you would dig through until you found the brightest colored package and select that one.  Daddy and I noticed that YELLOW seemed to be the theme of your choice.  I guess with all the brown and silver found commonly on candy packaging, the yellow of Peanut M & M's stood out.  At one house someone had a whole plate of Full Size candies and you moved things out of the way to claim (using both hands) a box of lemonheads.  You were very decisive in your choices; in that when we went to one house where there were two bowls - one with candy and one with Scooby Gummy Snacks - you started for the candy bowl then saw the other one, put back the candy and took a Scooby Snack package as your prize.  All in all we're guessing we went to about 25 houses (I took you up one side of the street while Daddy held down the candy distribution at home and then he took you on the other side).  You got quite a loot too - 78 pieces of candy / treats and 4 little tubs of Play Dough!!! 

Crazy to think that this time last year you were in 3 month PJ's and now you're walking around in your Winnie the Pooh costume charming your way into another piece of candy. 

All my love,
Mama  

Halloween 2011

Halloween 2012

1st Treat

 Checking out contents of pail at the end of the night

Family Photo

3:48 am Wake Up Calls

October 22, 2012

 Alex,

You woke up at 3:48 am with a cry; me being Mama I’ve learned what your different cries mean.  It’s strange, I can tell by the pitch, fervor, sound what is going on and what you need.  Before you were born, people told me I would learn.  Over time I would know what was a hungry, sad, scared, tired, angry cry – each different in their own way.  Last night, it was a cry of pain, I think those darn teeth (your lower molars) are trying to make their way into your mouth and are giving you a fit full of pain.

When I came in you just looked at me with a sad expression and reached your arms up to me.  As I lifted you up you snuggled close knowing that everything would be okay because Mama was there.  I gave you your “teethy medicine” (Orajel) and we settled into the rocking chair to see if you would go back to sleep. 

As you very well know by now, you are a wiggle worm.  You are constantly on the go and won’t sit on my lap or allow anyone to rock you.  In one way it makes me proud as I see your fierce independence and I am so amazed at how much you have grown and learned.  The other side of me feels the bittersweet tinge of reality that my little peanut is growing up.  I say at that to say that last night, you let me rock you.  You laid your head against my chest and sucked on your fingers as you do when you’re tired.  You would occasionally look up at me as if to check and see if I was still there.  You then moved to lay in my arms, as I cradled you I found myself amazed at how big you had gotten.  The legs that used to barely reach across my lap now dangle off to the side.  For what seemed like forever you just laid in my arms and stared at me, as if you were memorizing me in that very moment.  You reached up and touched my nose, my lips, and my hair – as if to be sure I was not just a dream.  In that moment I didn’t care that in an hour the alarm would go off to tell me I needed to get up and start my morning routine (shower, get dressed, pack lunches, etc.).  In that moment time stood still and you were my peanut again; I need those little reminders for the days when you’re testing limits and being “curious” … I am thankful for those moments when time stands still and I am reminded that you are and will always be my little boy and I will always be your Mama, a title I treasure with every fiber of my being. 

Love,
Mama

Mama's Wish List

When Alex turned 6 months old I quickly realized my baby was growing into this little person and I started to put together a Mama's Wish List for him.  Just things I was looking forward to.  I found this list recently and started to update it with notes as many of these wishes have already happened:

Mama's Can’t Wait List (as of February 2012;updated 10/2012):

1.       Watch you take your first steps – 7/16/2012 – the day you turned 11 months old, you began to walk; your first step without falling was on 7/9/2012, then on 7/10/2012 you took 2 steps, but on 7/16 you walked from Daddy to Mommy without missing a beat. J

2.       Your first word - DOG

3.       The first time you say “Mama / Mom / Mommy” - saying Mama came quickly after Dada....and it makes me smile every time.

4.       The first time you say “Dada / Dad / Daddy” – you called your papa “Daddy” on his birthday 4.13.2012 – that totally made his day!

5.       1^st time in a swimming pool (since you love your bath, I think you’ll like it!) – Verdict is in – YOU ARE A FISH; You love water, the pool, your water table…yup, it’s a big thumbs up on this one J

6.       1^st time at a playground (hopefully Annie’s Playground – it’s really cool!) – ended up being at Lynn Stacie Getz playground since it was closer to our house; we’re planning to go to Annie’s Playground sometime soon 5/2012)

7.       Take you to the circus (and get a light up twirling toy and cotton candy)

8.       1^st baseball game (hopefully the O’s will be better by then – 10/2012 – the O’s are in the playoffs for the 1^st time in 15 years….hopefully they’ll continue to do well and we’ll catch a game at Camden Yards in the next couple of years)

9.       1^st football game

10.   1^st time fishing

11.   Dance in the rain / jumping in puddles

12.   Watch a thunderstorm through the bay window

13.   Run through sprinklers on a hot summer day

14.   Introduce to you to the wonder of bubbles! - another thing that you LOVE, and another word you say "bubbles"; you will say this at the sight of bubbles, a bubble wand, a bubble bucket, a bottle of bubbles...yup, you know and love your bubbles!!!

15.   1^st haircut (supposedly on your 1^st birthday, but it will depend on how much hair you have, still waiting for more hair to grow 10/2012)

16.   1^st McDonald’s Happy Meal (really hope they still have the toy in it by then)

17.   1^st piece of artwork

18.   1^st Ice Cream  / Ice Cream Cone (perhaps at Brooms Bloom J) – you had bites of mine on the OC boardwalk (it was strawberry banana from Kohr’s Brothers); looking forward to the day you get one of your very own J

19.   1^st time playing in the snow…10/2012 I think that’s going to happen this winter – they’re saying we should get 20+ inches of snow!!!

20.   1^st time buying an ice cream dessert off the ice cream truck

21.   1^st yoohoo and car ride with Daddy (childhood tradition)

22.   1^st cupcake at the bakery

23.   1^st time at the state farm

24.   1^st visit to a theme park (Hershey Park has to be your first, it’s a tradition…there’s a story)

25.   Dancing on the big piano at FAO Schwartz in NYC

26.   Visiting Santa at the Macy’s in NYC

27.   Dressing up and going Trick-or-Treating on Halloween – 2012 Can't wait!!!! J

28.   Visiting the zoo

29.   Visiting the aquarium

30.   Teaching you how to bowl / taking you bowling for the 1^st time

31.   1^st Merry-Go-Round ride

32.   1^st ride on an airplane

33.   1^st ride on a train

34.   1^st Bible Verse memorized

35.   Visiting the train garden this year (2012) – last year you were only 4 ½ months old and didn’t really get the whole concept.

 With the holiday season just around the corner, I am looking forward to sharing / introducing Alex to our favorite traditions.  I know they will be a little bit sweeter as he will be able to participate in more of them and is more aware of things now.  I'm hoping he won't be frightened of Santa this year (since he's more aware); last year he sat there and was perfectly content (as you can see below). 

Holiday Traditions in our family currently include:

October:

- Visit Webers Farm and pick put pumpkins (while eating cider donuts and drinking apple cider)

- Carving pumpkins

- Decorating the house (inside & out) for fall & halloween

- Dressing up & giving out candy to trick-or-treaters (including 4 giant bars given for best costumes, winners decided on the spot by myself and hubby).

**New this year** - Dressing up Alex and taking him trick or treating

November:

- Pumpkin flavored baking (bread, pie, etc) & Pecan pies :)

- Thanksgiving dinner with the family

- Our wedding anniversary & my birthday are both in this month

- Black Friday shopping & lunch

- Visiting Santa the weekend of my birthday (started tradition last year)

December:

-Decorate house (inside & out)

- Christmas tree

- Baking Christmas cookies

- Stockings

- Christmas gifts at Grandma's house

- Christmas Eve with family

- Christmas Dinner with family

Freeze Frame Moments

The thing I love about photographs is that they freeze time, capture the essence of that moment and help to maintain a memory long after the event is passed.  This is something that was very important to me when i had my wedding because at the end of the day when the flowers fade, the gown is packed away, tuxes returned; the only evidence left of that day would be in the pictures.

As Alex's 1st birthday is quickly approaching, I find myself pouring over photos and videos of him when he was first born.  I've been putting together a timeline of images to display for his party and am amazed to see him grown in size and in personality.  The older he gets the more evident his happy and laid back personality shines through. 

When Alex was almost 2 months old, we went to visit his cousin Carter, who is 3 months older then him.  We, his Mom and I, took this picture below:

October 2011

Left: Alex, 8 weeks old - Right: Carter: almost 5 months old

I look at this string bean of a boy, with those skinny arms and legs and remember how tiny he once was.  Even though he's pint sized next to his cousin, you can see his smirk and personality shining through.

The boys spent the day together earlier this week while I was at work and Carter's Mom took an updated photo of the boys on that very same sofa (they swapped seats though!):

July 20112

Left:  Carter: 14 months old - Right: Alex 11 1/2 months old

Needless to say, these boys have grown quite a bit.  They are each other's best buds and playmates.  I have a feeling that in years to come there will many stories of the adventures of the Jones Boys and they will be the stuff of legends!



Father's Day - James' Gift - June 2012

Since this was James' first Father's Day as a Daddy I wanted to do something special to commemorate it.  I had a wonderful friend and talented photographer Mandi Loranger take some photos of Alex.  The concept Mandi had was to have Alex hold the letters D and A and spell out Dad in a series of pictures.  It turned out so great and James was really suprised.  Here are the pictures we used:

Alex is 9 1/2 months old in these pictures.  Mandi also took pictures of Alex when he was 6 months old and will be doing his 1 year photos as well.  If you are in MD, check her out:  Mandi Loranger Photography

Little Fishy - June 2012

We introduced Alex to the POOL for the first time this month.  He reacted as we expected - with a big GRIN.  For a boy who loves his bath so much he gets upset when you take him out - I have a feeling he'll be living in the pool this summer! 

Alex - 1st Carnival

As the warm weather has taken up residence, we are doing our best to enjoy all that it has to offer.  This time last year Alex was still snug-as-a-bug inside me and we were anxiously awaiting his impending arrival.  As we walked around the carnival at a local church last year, we talked about how much fun it would be the next year with a little one.  We had a wonderful time taking Alex to that same carnival this year.
 
He was a little sober when we arrived, it was alot to take in; but he quickly warmed up. 

He had fun playing PLINKO (the homemade version of the Price Is Right game) and pick a duck (he LOVES rubber duckies). 





The first of many yearly visits to the St. Stephen's Carnival.  I hope that Alex's childhood is filled with lots of good memories of this carnival in the years to come.  I am someone who loves tradition, certain things to look forward to year after year.  I hope this tradition will soon become on of Alex's favorites!