An Artist's Hands

The {first ever} masterpiece.

Pure

 Pure happiness.

 Pure silliness.

Pure love.

Sudsy Stud

Fourteen Months

Fourteen months old.

Each month is a celebration of something new.

New words, new signs, new movements.

Chattering is incessant - and incredible.

{And what he comprehends is even more amazing!}

Alekzander talks to the dogs, to the cat, to his Daddy,

and calls Mama! Mama! Mama!

when he needs something.

"Nana" is his favorite food and he requests it, passionately, at each meal.

Grilled cheese, spaghetti, and multigrain toast are new foods ...

all of which can be chewed better with his eight teeth!

Four on top, two on the bottom, and a top and bottom left molar.

His newest sign is "please." 

It is the sweetest thing when he rubs his little palm on his chest.

It is nearly impossible to say no to his request when he "says" please.

"Milk" is also a favorite, frequent, and often fervent sign.

Walking is quickly being replaced with running.

Hands in the air, full steam ahead!

Alekzander can also now climb into his great grandma Ann's rocker.

One foot on the stepstool, the other knee hiked up on the seat.

Two seconds later and he's up! 

Proud , smiling, precious.

Rare but sweet nonetheless

Happy fourteen months, Alekzander!

Fourteen months ago, these sweet little piggies were kicking inside of me.

Now they're running, walking, and climbing.

GO, feet, GO!

Heart Steeler

This little guy steals my heart. 

A Steeler fan in the making :: wearing his knit 'helmet' 

 :: taking a break from playing :: staring as the Steelers secure their spot

in Superbowl XLV.

A New Friend Named Thomas

We were lucky enough to be given tickets to Thomas and Friends Live! this weekend.  Alekzander hasn't ever sat in front of the TV to watch any show nor does he know who Thomas the Train is, but we decided to indulge his little cultural senses.  It could have been an utter disaster, but it  he was absolutely amazing.

He was enthralled with the actors, the songs, and of course, the moving, talking trains.  A few moms around us missed part of the show as they were blatantly watching him sit perfectly still, eyes locked on the action.  I was as shocked and impressed as they were - and uber-proud of my little 14 month old theater go-er.

 

We tried to get some wiggles out during intermission.  A walk around the coliseum turned into a run for our cutie who did make it through the second half without a problem.  He hopped from lap to lap, spilled some food on himself, and said "Hi!" to some of the kids around him, but especially loved the singing and clapping.  He clapped his little hands like crazy and looked at us to make sure we were participating.  We absolutely were - with smiles on our faces and joy in our hearts that is best taught and modeled by a child. 

Without a doubt, Thomas {and his friends} will be a friend of the family for years to come!

Gold Digger

{{Mad at mama for trying to get yuck out of my nose 

:: so I went digging for gold myself}}