New Easel

I get the "tongue sticking out when I am concentrating" from daddy


Alex loves to use his new easel. He made eight pictures in the first hour of playing with it. I am going to have to find something to do with all this "scribble" art. We never really sat down that long to play with crayons, but I am amazed how fast Alex imitates different strokes. After just minutes he had vertical, horizontal, and circular motions down. It amazes me because I have spent hours with kindergartners working on this and my not even two year old has it in minutes? He even made a "T" and said "tee", but I think it was a coincidence. I will have to try that again another day. It's great to have another activity that I can do with him while I am "resting". Can't wait to see what he will draw up next!

Christmas Visit with Great Grandma

Great Grandma came over for dinner and to exchange presents with us. Alex showed Grandma all his new toys from Christmas.

Christmas Day

sitting on Grandpa's lap after brunch


opening presents with Grandma


hugs for the elephant that uncle Andy got him

relaxing on the couch while Christmas dinner is cooking, Alex's favorite toy in hand, a camera from grandpa and grandma Ericson, he ended up taking three hundred some pictures that day

after many presents, still just as excited

more Mr. Potato head from Grandma, luckily a whole other set with even more pieces

Dominic must of told everyone he wanted a knife, he ended up with four

Mr. Potato Head glasses

Theresa and Bernadette

Christmas day traditions were slightly altered too. I used my "ten minute car trip privilege" to go to the Ericson home for Christmas morning. We had brunch and opened presents there. We went home for nap time and then the Porter family came over with Christmas dinner. Thanks mom for supplying us with a delicious Christmas dinner! I know it took lots of preparation.

Christmas Eve

Entertained with Grandpa's glasses at the dinner table


Somehow the racoon made an appearance at the table too


action shot

loving this present opening thing

new truck from grandpa

likes the pop up barn animals from great uncle Tom and aunt Cindy

Uncle Andy excited about the Mr. Potato head that he gave Alex

Due to my lack of mobility, Christmas Eve traditions were slightly altered. We still spent it with the Phibbs side of the family, but Kris' dad brought the food over to our house so that me and baby could continue to rest on the couch. It was a wonderful night, thanks to everyone pitching in to cook, clean, set-up and clean up!

Sprinkles or Dumpers?

Serious concentration needed here!


Proud of his first cookie decorated

Baking with Daddy

Alex takes over while daddy gets another cookie sheet

Just can't wait until its all the way rolled out, how about one right here in the middle

Well even though mommy is "resting", the tradition of Christmas cookies continues this year. My mom made us some sugar cookie dough, Kris took over the role of supervising the procedure, and mommy had some good entertainment.

A Big Space All For Playing!

Just in time for the frigid temps outside. We can no longer get out as much with the cold weather and me not as mobile. It's a perfect space to burn off some energy. We are still in the process of finding the perfect curtains and making the space a little more livable. But, it definitely works for now! I think some of the space may be invaded by all the stuff that is in the soon to be new nursery. That is definitely the next project on the list!

My Lego Castle

Daddy likes to play with these more than Alex as you can see.

Brunch and some Christmas Set-up Help

My sisters came over Friday to help me put up the Christmas decorations since I am suppose to be taking it easy still. We made some of the best breakfast we all had in awhile (baked omelet, apple puff pancake, sausage, hash browns, fruit salad and cinnamon rolls). Thanks to all my sisters for all your help! The decorations look great. Alex is getting frustrated with all the Christmas lights. He thinks he should be able to blow them out as seen in the video above.

Thanksgiving 2009

High fives with Great Aunt Joann


Playing with Uncle Andy

helping Grandpa in the kitchen

Finds the toys that Grandpa has very interesting

Aunt Veronica's Birthday

Playing cars with daddy and Dominic

show off, his typical picture pose

14 candles

ready to go home

Bedtime Song Anyone?

Alex loves to play the tambourine. He turns on his piano (which plays music on its own) and he plays along to the song as he dances. Such great entertainment!

Enjoying the Great Fall Weather

Slides are great!


There is mommy!

Alex was really liked stepping between the green stools. He did it for at least ten minutes.

I think he is enjoying his independence and feeling more like a big boy. Not much longer before he is two. We are definitely getting hints of the terrible twos coming on.

Halloween 2009

The costumes were throw together last minute, thanks to all the trouble baby Phibbs has been causing me. But, they came out pretty good in the end. Only spent five dollars (just sewed the felt onto one of Alex's sweat suits) on Alex's and nine (eye patch and bandanna) on Kris' costume. Guess it pays sometimes to wait until the last minute. We only went to seven houses, but Alex was totally into it this year. He got the hang of it quickly. He was knocking on doors and taking candy and putting it his bag. He loved watching the other people walking by and saying hi to people when they opened their doors. He saw lots of dogs that were dressed up too, which he thought was pretty funny. Alex even did a little dance when we poured all his candy on the floor once we were home. He never even ate a piece that night. He just loved the concept of collecting the pieces and putting them in his bag. It was great fun!