One Year Observations

Checking out a hand-painted Ukrainian spoon

Norah (1 year) & Alekzander (11.5 months)

Observing birthday rocks and pumpkins in front of the house

The last time these two played, they were just learning to roll.

Now they're on the verge of walking.

They have hair and [sharp] teeth.

They eat things like cheese and cheerios and pears.

[They still fiercely love their mamas.]

They're tall, lean, and strong.

They're babbling with purpose.

They flash flirty smiles.

And give little love taps.

They are sweet.  [Oh so sweet.]

And after a year, we've grown to love them 

more than we could ever imagine.

Stripes in the November Sun

Twinsies at the park.

 Surveying his kingdom.

Preshy boy.

Baby Blitz

Scoop You Up

Dear Alekzander,

I will scoop you up.

I will scoop you up the minute I hear the smoke alarm going off in the middle of the night (as soon as I wake up your Daddy, too).  I will instinctively grab a pacifier for you before we run downstairs.  We will stand nervously on the back porch in the cold, dark night.  I will wish I had a hat for you.  I am happy that I scooped you up and you are in my arms.  (There was no smoke, nor fire.  Daddy and I searched and scoped, checked and double-checked things out for a half hour after we put you safely back in your bed.  I scooped you up about an hour later when all the commotion registered in your little, developing brain.  A little snuggling calmed us both down and allowed us to sleep through the rest of the night.)

I will scoop you up.

I will scoop you up after I race Daddy down the church hallways.  You are well cared for while we are at big church, but we miss you.  You have fun with your little friends, while we feed our soul with worship and teaching.  But I can't wait to scoop you up after not seeing you for over an hour.

I will scoop you up.

I will scoop you up after you try to be too big and take a tumble on to your hard floor.  I will kiss your head and distract you with a lion RROOAAARRR and then you will go on playing.  When you play, you are so busy, so fast, so funny.  I long for you to slow down so that I can scoop you up again.

I will scoop you up.
I will scoop you up when you are nine and your soccer team loses five games in a row and your spirit is crushed.  I will remind you of when you were just 11 months old and Mommy and Daddy's soccer team lost six games in a row.  It wasn't the end of the world.  We were having fun and learning, too.  You will learn that winning isn't everything.  You may even be able to scoop up your friends and teach them the lessons that we have learned together. 

I will scoop you up when you are sick, snotty, grumpy, sad, hurt, dirty, happy, crying, winning, losing, small, or big.  I love you and will do anything for you, my littlest love.

Love, 

Your Mommy

Rise and Shine

Sweet, sleepy snuggles for a moo friend.

And a smile for Mama.

Skills ... I Have Some

Our little man impresses us daily.  He is so fun to watch as he explores and conquers his little world.  Here are 11 things he does consistently during his 11th month...

1.  Waves "Hi" and "Bye" to mommy and daddy [and all strangers who  may have admired him in public].

2.  Purposely "unlocks" Daddy's touch screen phone.

3.  Presents us with "gifts" after each nap and in the morning.  [Daddy gets the best gifts like stuffed animals!]

4.  Signs a modified sign for "cup."

5. Understands and responds to my playful request of "Take that paci out of your mouth!" He then regally presents it to me.

6.  Cruises like crazy.  He has shuffle-stepped 1-2 steps a few times for Daddy.  Walking is right around the corner!

7.  Crawls up the steps (quickly) to the tune of "Wild Blue Yonder."  He can make it all the way up before the song ends.

8.  Seriously gives THE BEST HUGS.  They are 100% intentional and so incredibly sweet.

9.  Roars and growls appropriately when he sees a lion or tiger.  Also says his version of "cat" and "dog" whenever he sees Rye-lee, Kaila, or Syra.

10.  Still shares so well.  He gets frustrated if you don't take and keep the toy/stuffed animal that he has chosen.

11.  Dances by bobbing his head, bending his knees and dropping his little booty.  Any type of music gets him moving!  He dances to country, Christian, or rap on the radio, jingles and background music on commercials, and to the music from his toys.

He is so much fun, quite talented ... and oh so cute!

Having a Ball!

 Alekzander and his handsome buddies, Liam and Aiden 

:: having a ball at Liam's house ::