Need Your Help

Eric took this picture today. And it is crying for a caption.

Any ideas?


For some reason, the look on his face just makes me laugh.
I do love this kid.

Practice Makes Perfect

In two weeks, Mommy and Alexander are going to take their first plane ride together. We will be going to Arizona to visit Big Papa and Umma.

Someone decided he should practice using his backpack.

We chose his blankie, binky, 3 books and 2 cars to help us figure out weight. Alexander decided fruit snacks would be a good addition, too. He walked around, said, "ok",and took off the backpack. And then proceeded to eat the fruit snacks.

Any suggestions for the first time flight of a toddler and mommy would be greatly appreciated!

3 days and counting...

On Sunday, we put Alexander in underwear and put the diapers away. FOREVER! We are pleased to report that, in three days time, we've only had TWO accidents! The little man has been dry for three days and using the potty with very little complaint. He still wears pull ups for naps and bedtime which beats cleaning up in the middle of the night. We are just so happy that he's doing great with potty training. The true test will come when we no longer have to remind him to go but we'll take what we can get for now. For a kid who resisted so much a few months ago when we first attempted t potty training, he's doing AWESOME!

So proud of you, kiddo!

*never did I imagine I would be posting about potty training. However, it saves us the cost of diapers so this is an event to celebrate!

Read to Me, Mama

Blog Overhaul

According to Eric, simple is better. So, the look for year three of this blog is a simple one. Since I couldn't figure out how to remove the blue background, it stays. Eric made the header. Alexander was the model. And I pieced it all together.

What's gonna work? TEAMWORK!

Birthday recap - and it's a long one!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEXANDER!!

Even with all the busy birthday excitement, Alexander was able to get a nap in for a few hours. We finally had to wake him up. It's not every day you get to cuddle in and wake up with your papa, ya know.

Soon, the guests began to arrive.
We were sad that several friends couldn't celebrate with us due to illnesses. But we understood and hope everyone is feeling better.

Auntie Kim and Lorelli


Fidelia and Jo-Jo


Jeffy and Alexander


Ho-Ho Papa and his girls

A preggo Fidelia and the Grandma-to-be. She doesn't look like she's due in April, right? Simply beautiful.We have passed on a few baby items to Fidelia and Casey. And I love the idea that a little bit of Alexander will be with them as they enjoy life with the new baby.


And Jodie teaches her mom some cool phone apps. Pretty serious business, as you can tell.

Before too long the party was underway. Cousin Lorelli, Addie, Cole and the birthday boy played together like gems. Truly wonderful.

Gift giving was next on the agenda. All the little fingers were involved at one point or another to help.


Alexander led us in a wonderful rendition of Happy Birthday.


And then the kids just played and played and played...

Cole couldn't wait to try the new tool belt.
He even fogged up the goggles for us!

So Alexander tried out the new wheelbarrow.


Soon, there were monkeys in the house.

And finally a viewing of Polar Express rounded out our evening.

It's hard to believe that our little man is three.


It's been the best three years. Ever.
We love you little man. To the moon. And back.

Birthday Prep #2

Every year, the night before Alexander's birthday party, Jo-Jo hangs out and helps with decorating.

This year was no different. Jodie and Mama went to an early dinner and when we returned, we opened a bottle of wine, found the tape, and the decorating began.

However, Alexander had a plan of his own. Within minutes, Jo-Jo was in the play room to play with the woo-woo tracks and hang out with the toddler, leaving Mama on her own. So, Jodie and Alexander played while Mama decorated. And Eric might not have helped as much as in years past but the set up was much easier so all was done quickly and efficiently.

Here is my personal favorite moment of the night - Jodie and Eric on their iphones while I worked. So funny. Don't, don't, don't bite your friends.

This poster was made by one of my students as a thank you for writing her a letter of recommendation. I do love my students!

We used primary colors as the theme, hung up some streamers, put butcher paper on the table so kids could color and Voila! It's party time!

Finally, at the end of a very fun evening, Alexander opened his presents from Jo-Jo. Thanks for the books! We are always looking for more books to read to this kid!

Next up - Birthday party!!