The Definition of:

Determination (noun)
de·ter·mi·na·tion
Fixed intention to achieve a desired end.
See also, Alex Pulling Red Wagon:

Accomplishment (noun)

ac·com·plish·ment
A special skill or ability acquired by training or practice.

See also, Alex building Mega Blok Towers:

Drenched (noun)

drenched

Becoming wet through and through.

See also, Alex playing in the rain:

Adhesive (adjective)
ad·he·sive

Sticking fast; sticky; clinging.
See also, Alex discovering stickers:

Ready to go, with a monkey on my back!

Alex wanted to GO this morning.


He was still wearing his PJ's when he went over to where we keep his diaper bag & jacket on hooks. He pulled the jacket off to find Monkey. I don't know if you've ever seen one of these, but it's so hilarious that I can nearly ignore the fact that I'm putting my child on a leash! And it seemed only fitting, since we like to call Alex our 'little monkey' for the monkey-style hugs he gives.


So, you can't see it very well, but Alex has Monkey on his back (over his pajamas) and is trying to get ready to GO by putting on one of Stan's socks... Now, I don't think that you could ball up one of Stan's socks small enough to fit into one of Alex's shoes even without a foot, so I'm not sure how this was going to work... but he was GOing!!!

(And, yes, this is the same monkey backpack that Alex stashed Stan's keys in)

October...?

So, how did it get to be October already? Sometimes life just seems to whir by... I was showing off pictures to a customer yesterday and it dawned on me that it's October... that my last update was the middle of September... So, here's the latest, in no particular order:

We went to Grandmother & Granddad's new house, as soon as the sale closed, to make sure all was in order. Alex walked in the door, sat down in middle of the living room and took off his shoes. I guess it already felt like home! Smart kid.

Amber had a baby girl, Abigail!! Abigail Nicole, adorable, right!? (I know Papa, and it's about as close to Abby Normal as you're going to hear). She's adorable. So, while they're settling in, Alex is spending 3 days a week with Martha and her crew. Alex thinks he's a big boy, running around playing with Brennen. He's been so busy playing that eating and napping have been suspended! The first day Stan & I laughed so hard... We got him home and all he did for the first hour was sit in his chair at the table and sign & say "more". He ate and ate... making up for lost time. It was hilarious.

Alex has entered into the helping and sorting phase of toddler-hood. He lines up his blocks, single file across the living room. He also picks up anything he deems to be trash and throws it away. He thinks the laundry bin in our room is trash too. He tosses my nightstand water bottle in there every time it's empty (at least he waits 'till it's empty and at least I know where to find it). Last night he was pulling diaper wipes out of the dispenser and bringing them to me to throw in the kitchen trash. Helpful. That's our Alex!

You can ask him to put something back and he will. He carried in a box of Jell-O for me the other day - I had to give him something helpful to do while I assumed my role as pack mule with the remainder of the groceries. As though scripted, he followed me into the house and put the box on a pantry shelf for me! (followed by an "I di-it") No running out to the street, digging in the front planter, or throwing a fit because we weren't going to have a ride in the stroller - I'm a tricky Mommy! hehe

He's also learning right from wrong! He will stand in front of something he's not allowed to touch (the remote) and wring his hands. It's as though he's having a little conversation with his hands - one trying to convince the other to behave. It's so funny to watch.

We're all getting ready for Nate's wedding. There will be lots of family in-town and of course, Val sent a package of goodies in advance! (thanks) The question came up as to what size clothes Alex is currently wearing and what he'll need for the coming season. I think I can add a list to the side bar of this blog, so I'll do that and try to keep it updated. We've also begun a short list of things that would be neat to have, but that we won't spend the money for! So, all you Grandparents (and just plain grand people) out there can peek at it for Christmas/Birthday gifts. It seems weird to say outright what he'd like/need, but I get so many questions that it's just practical. And I'm not asking for me... right... I'm asking for Alex... that makes it okay, I think.

Love and "monkey" hugs to you all!

Busy Day

It turns out that speeding thru the gym was just the beginning of an adventure filled day for our Alex...


Along with "helping" Daddy get the mail and change a lightbulb, he also swiffered for me, cleaned out a kitchen cupboard (asking for water in every cup he found), wiped down a dining chair (after he spilled on it, but that's beside the point) and put away a few groceries!

He also did some gardening:
(yes, he got a bath - hooray for Grandparents giving us a night out)

And some vacuuming:
(he's a very helpful little boy)










That or they were all distractions for a little boy who's teething and has a cold. Whatever the motivation, he loves to help! If only we could trust him to scrub toilets...

Life with (I mean) AS a toddler!

This is life as a toddler:

It's a Two Speed life.

Going (above), and Sleeping (yet to be captured on film).

Fashion challenged, but surprisingly coordinated...

How funny is my boy? I guess that's what I get for leaving my shoes in the living room!

The funny part is that when he started walking around in them I was on the phone with Stan so I got a little play-by-play action.

(In sports commentary style)

"He's playing with your heels, OH...

he's got one on...

he's lining up for the second, YES...

YES, he's got it - and he's making good speed."

(As I hear clack, clack, clunk, clack, clunk in the background and demand a photo!) And then he filled his diaper. haha

Good Morning Daddy

Most mornings Stan wakes to Alex fussing from his crib. It's not really screaming, that would be much more dedicated. It's really just fussing.

Friday, "Daddy" was the word of the day, but Alex had yet to use it to call him. It was just another word - he hadn't figured out it's power! But he's now put it all together...

This morning Stan got to wake up to Alex calling his name! "Daddy"

This morning, Stan sent me a text message to relay that Alex let out "one fuss and 2 daddys". Stan was so thrilled that he jumped up and ran into Alex's room before he could start fussing again!

Hooray for Daddy!!!

Mornings with Alex are really special. He's a little extra cuddly, he loves to sit with you and watch a show or read a book. He asks for his milk and some cereal to munch on and alternates playing and hugs almost equally. He's just so content. Life is good for the baby.

I felt really special this weekend when Alex demanded that I get up with him. Stan was trying to let me sleep in, but how could I refuse? We had a lovely morning all hanging out in our PJ's.

Who needs sleep when you could have hugs from your baby?