Little Swimmer Man

About a year ago, we started Alexander in swim lessons. After a six week session with Kinder Swimmer (thanks, Pam!), we moved over to the local pool. Since that point, Alexander has been swimming, with the exception of occasional family vacations. One of my greatest fears has always been Alexander around water. So much so, that I HATED giving him baths as a baby. Just one of those irrational Mommy fears, I guess.
After his last session, I posted here.

Anyhow, I can honestly say, all my fears have been washed away.
I am SO proud of our little swimmer man!

At the end of every session, there is a safety lesson. The kids strap on life jackets and swim alone. They jump into the deep end and swim, swim, swim.

Alexander has just about mastered P-2 and should be in P-3 by the middle of the summer. This summer, I plan to enjoy the lessons, rather than perch myself on the edge of my seat, preparing to jump in and save my kid everytime the instructor takes his eyes of my kid.

Alexander's wordless world

Bouncy House

Alexander was invited to a birthday party at a bouncy house on Saturday. For those of you who have no idea what a bouncy house is, it is the home of several inflatable toys, where kids...bounce. Having never been to one, I predicted Alexander would fall in love.

I was right.

My apologies for the terrible pictures. I forgot our camera and had to use my phone.

It started with a 20 foot high slide. The kids went up and down this thing at least a dozen times in a row.

I took 2 year old Kieran up it and man, that climb is a work-out! Between the toe holds being the size of toddler toes, the steep climb, or the fact that the 2 year old kept sliding back down the ladder, we had a heck of a time climbing it. But we made it...but I only made that climb one time. Alexander must have done it 20 times or more.

The little man spent quite a bit of time tackling the obstacle course.

He would reach the top and be in such a hurry to do it again, that he slid down head first.

Every time.

He spent quite a bit of time, trying to tackle the slide, climbing up the middle section.

Having a birthday party here, is not a bad gig. The kids play for about an hour, and then they herd the group into a side room for cake and presents.

At the end, as predicted, Alexander was worn out and started crying. He couldn't understand why we weren't opening the birthday presents to play with and why we were leaving the bouncy house. As we left, one probably overheard this conversation:

Alexander: "Mama, can I have a Bounce It Up birthday party?"

Mommy: "Of course. But I thought you wanted a pool party."
Alexander, sobs, "NOOOO! I love Bounce it Up."
Mommy: "Ok, ok. We can have a Bounce It Up party. And maybe we can have a play date this summer with Addie and Maya at Bounce It Up, too".
Alexander, with a deep sigh: "Oh, I hope so, Mommy. We should come back here twice a day this summer."
Mommy: "Sure, buddy. Twice a day."

We went to the zoo, zoo, zoo!

Mommy and Alexander went on a field trip today. It was the last preschool trip of the year so how could Mommy pass up a chance to play with preschoolers? Typically, Eric and Gypsy chaperone and have one or two kids added to their grouping.

Not this time. This time, we scored a sweet deal and it was just Gypsy, me, Alexander and Addie. By 9 AM, we were packed up and ready to go. Within 10 minutes, we experienced what would be the first of several meltdowns. But after a quick stop at Starbucks, the mommies stopped crying were ready for anything.

The sun was shining and it was the perfect day for a trip to the ZOO!

Little Monkeys!

Alexander immediately took off running to see the penguins. Unfortunately, these penguins aren't near as exciting as others we have visited so he quickly moved on to the next exhibit. And the next one. And the next one.

Within the first four exhibits, Mommy was reminded just how quickly Alexander runs/walks/climbs. Fortunately, it didn't take long for her to re-adjust and she soon matched him, stride for stride.

We finally contained him the bird house, where he and Addie took time to feed the birds.

Addie loved feeding the bird.


Check out her cute leopard-print leggings, selected specifically for a day at the zoo. Too cute.

Alexander did not love feeding the bird.


Before he could drop the feeding stick, Mommy grabbed it and all was well again.

After watching a bit and finding his brave self,

Alexander fed the bird.



I wish I had pictures to show of the frollicking tigers, playful polar bears and swinging monkeys we saw at the zoo.
But I was too busy chasing a busy monkey of my own.

After four fun-filled hours, we headed home, curled up on the couch for a rest and enjoyed our evening at home.
It was a good day.

You make the mess

You clean it up.

F me....

So today Alex and I are doing a puzzle....

And he starts practicing his "An F says...." sound....

After several minutes of "FFFFFFF's" Alex ads a "uuuuuu".

I look up from the puzzle....

"What are you saying?"

"fu..."

I have to confess, I didn't read this chapter in the book yet... I don't quite know how to respond.

He then says something into his arm.

"Where did you hear this word?"

"From PJ at school. Mrs. Stromberg said it was a bad word."

"Yes... yes it is. We don't say it until we're 15." I reply.

"Fu... fu... fu."

"Yes. That one. If you say it you're going to lose something you like."

I'm sure Alex will be bringing home many other treats from school over the years. I don't know if I was ready for this one.

More Family Photos? Yes, Please!

The other night, we were just hanging out, finishing puzzles, reading books and lovin' the family time. Alexander decided we needed to take family photos.

You're welcome.

anyone know tips for photoshopping out dark circles and baggy, tired eyes? Sheesh!

Family photo!