So, I stupidly posted Alex's Easter photoshoot to my Flickr site a couple weeks ago, before I really wanted anyone to see the pictures, thinking, "No one ever checks my Flickr site". Well, even if that were the case, which I found out it is not, I forgot that the slideshow I added to the blog automatically updates as I add pics to Flickr. So, basically anyone who checks the blog probably got a sneak preview of Alex's Easter outfit, which is a major bummer. But in the event that anyone missed it, I thought I'd post a slideshow of the shoot on the blog, in its entirety, so you don't have to link to Flickr to see it.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Easter '08, Part Two
We had the foresight to attend church Saturday evening so that, during Alex's morning nap, we could help get things ready for our afternoon guests. After his morning nap, it was time for Alex to don his Easter attire. Once he was dressed, Dad, Alex, and I took a quick walk down the block to check out the weather, which was relatively mild considering it had been snowing the day before.
The extended family started to arrive around noon, most of them bearing even more Easter gifts for Alex. None of them had seen Alex since Thanksgiving, when he was about four and half months old. I think it's safe to say that he's changed quite a bit since then, so they were all excited to see how big he'd gotten and how his personality has bloomed over the last four months.
A had an especially good time hanging out with his Poppo.
And so did I! Apparently he and I were the only ones that got the memo about the dress code.
Naptime rolled around so Alex had to excuse himself to bed for a couple hours. Before getting in bed, he slipped into something more comfortable so he'd be really be ready to party once he woke up. And party he did.
He's always interested in what the older boys are doing, so he was quite taken with my cousin Ben (who would be Alex's first cousin once-removed). And luckily, Ben was more than willing to keep him entertained and out of trouble.
The Wii tournament was in full swing by this time, and A was utterly mesmerized by the images flashing on the screen. It's funny that he can recognize the difference between a normal cartoon on the TV and the characters in a video game. He certainly never watches cartoons with such fervor as he watched those Wii games, and frankly, I'm not sure how to feel about that...
Time flies when you are having fun, and Alex learned that firsthand on Sunday. Before he knew it, it was time for dinner. Grandpa volunteered to do the honors and served A his sweet potatoes.
Although it was already past his bedtime, A begged to stay up a few minutes longer. He was enjoying the company of his family, and in particular, the goofy faces that his Uncle Nick makes that always make him laugh. Like this one:
Here is Alex's response to Nick's faces from across the table:
Uncles can be so funny. Unfortunately, after just a few more faces, the night had to come to an end. A went to bed without protest, likely exhausted from the day's events. We had planned on leaving Monday morning to come back home, but that decision was made when past experience suggested that Alex would not sleep well away from home, and so for his sake and mine, we didn't want to keep him away from home any longer than absolutely necessary. However, since we were having so much fun and Alex was sleeping like a...teenager, we decided that another night would be perfectly fine. And you know what that means?! Another day worth of pics to blog about!!
The extended family started to arrive around noon, most of them bearing even more Easter gifts for Alex. None of them had seen Alex since Thanksgiving, when he was about four and half months old. I think it's safe to say that he's changed quite a bit since then, so they were all excited to see how big he'd gotten and how his personality has bloomed over the last four months.
A had an especially good time hanging out with his Poppo.
And so did I! Apparently he and I were the only ones that got the memo about the dress code.
Naptime rolled around so Alex had to excuse himself to bed for a couple hours. Before getting in bed, he slipped into something more comfortable so he'd be really be ready to party once he woke up. And party he did.
He's always interested in what the older boys are doing, so he was quite taken with my cousin Ben (who would be Alex's first cousin once-removed). And luckily, Ben was more than willing to keep him entertained and out of trouble.
The Wii tournament was in full swing by this time, and A was utterly mesmerized by the images flashing on the screen. It's funny that he can recognize the difference between a normal cartoon on the TV and the characters in a video game. He certainly never watches cartoons with such fervor as he watched those Wii games, and frankly, I'm not sure how to feel about that...
Time flies when you are having fun, and Alex learned that firsthand on Sunday. Before he knew it, it was time for dinner. Grandpa volunteered to do the honors and served A his sweet potatoes.
Although it was already past his bedtime, A begged to stay up a few minutes longer. He was enjoying the company of his family, and in particular, the goofy faces that his Uncle Nick makes that always make him laugh. Like this one:
Here is Alex's response to Nick's faces from across the table:
Uncles can be so funny. Unfortunately, after just a few more faces, the night had to come to an end. A went to bed without protest, likely exhausted from the day's events. We had planned on leaving Monday morning to come back home, but that decision was made when past experience suggested that Alex would not sleep well away from home, and so for his sake and mine, we didn't want to keep him away from home any longer than absolutely necessary. However, since we were having so much fun and Alex was sleeping like a...teenager, we decided that another night would be perfectly fine. And you know what that means?! Another day worth of pics to blog about!!
Easter '08, Part One
I don't know how it is for most families, but in my family, Easter is essentially "Christmas lite", meaning it is a pretty doggone big deal. As a kid, I remember waking up before sunrise and running up to my parents' room to wake them up and let them know that we were ready to see what the Bunny brought us. Apparently Alex has already caught on to this tradition, because I heard him stirring in his bed around 5:45am. He would squeak a little, then get quiet again, so I let him marinate for a while so the rest of the fam wouldn't have to get up so early.
I heard him again at 6:45, so I finally woke up the rest of the clan and let them know that Alex was up, and he was ready to see what the Bunny brought him. However, when we went in to get him, he was looking a little rough and not exactly "bright-eyed" or "bushytailed".
Of course, when he realized he had such a large audience, he sucked it up and played to the crowd.
After a diaper and a jammie change, A was ready to go downstairs for his egg hunt. Almost...
There are only a couple times a year, or rather, a handful of occasions when I will intentionally subject my child to the humiliation resulting from a bad fashion decision. Easter is one such occasion.
Lucky for him, G'ma and I searched high and low for a bunny costume, complete with ears and cottontail, and came up empty. Is there not a market for parents wanting to humiliate their children on the blessed Easter holiday? Anyway, silky blue bunny ears had to suffice. This time.
Finally, it was time to head downstairs.
The Easter Bunny was very clever, and instead of hiding individual eggs like she might do for older kids, attached all the eggs to a ribbon and attached the end of the ribbon to a basket, theory being that Alex would follow the eggs to find the basket. That smart Easter Bunny. I guess that's why she is still Head Hare and I am just an apprentice...
Basket #1 and 2 were from Timothy and I and they contained some snacks, some eggs, and a colorful patchwork elephant named Elmer. I actually bought Elmer for myself cuz for some reason, I love him, but I had to pass him off as a gift for Alex so Timothy wouldn't a) be mad that I spent money on a stuffed animal for myself, and b) think I was a weirdo for wanting a stuffed animal for myself. Oh well, guess the cat's out of the bag now, isn't it?
Basket #3 was from the Easter Bunny and was full of awesome things, like a custom, hand-painted jacket with his name on it, a coloring book and pencils, and an antique spinning top that is too cool for words.
A was intrigued by the top, although he couldn't figure to how to spin it and just wanted to grab it when we spun it for him. He did, however, enjoy smacking it into G'ma and G'pa's hardwood floor over and over. And over.
Basket #4 was another from Tim and I. This one had a Baby Einstein DVD, some crayons made especially for little hands, an army inspired hat just like his dad's, and a jigsaw puzzle book that A picked out himself the last time we were at B&N.
Apparently he loves his Baby Einstein DVD and is not afraid to show it.
The next basket (#5) was also from the Easter Bunny, although it was not technically a "basket". It was a large drum that contain a variety of musical instruments, including drumsticks, a tambourine, a shaker with bells attached, and a glockenspiel. But the cool part was that the instruments were bold and brightly colored and have funky shapes like that totally appeal to the graphic arts lover in me. Man, I love this thing. Alex loves it too, so I have a feeling that the two of us will have good times making music together.
We let Murph sneak in his basket before Alex got to his next one. His was a combination of items from the Easter Bunny and I, including a squeaky newspaper toy, a skinny loofah dog that he and Alex can share without risk of finger-biting, lots of good rawhide bones and snacks, and some gourmet treats from the Three Dog Bakery. He got a mini carrot cake, a "peanut mutter" cookie, and a box of sandwich cookies that he will have to fight me for. Technically, they are "made for dogs", but they are all natural, flavored with vanilla and carob, and are delicious for humans, as well. No joke, you will find me kicked back with a cold glass of milk and a handful of "Lick 'n' Crunch" doggie treats as poor Murph looks on with a bewildered expression.
Onto Alex's next find, basket #6. This one was from the Easter Bunny, and it was chock full of swim gear for when we're hanging at the pool this summer. Swim diapers, post-pool shampoo to prevent his lovely locks from going green, SPF 600 sunblock to keep him nice and pasty, a pool float, some foam "Splash" balls, Illini orange swim trunks, and two pairs of bad apple shades. Look out, ladies. This guy is too cool for school.
There were a few other baskets here and there, mostly containing puffs and crackers and such since A is not allowed to have candy yet. After all the baskets and eggs were found, we had a few minutes to relax before we had to get ready for all our guests who were coming over for Easter lunch. To Alex, "relaxing" means, "acting a fool and making my family laugh 'til they pee their pants."
I swear, his behavior is totally unprovoked. I think he just instinctively knows what's funny. Then he does it. Anyway, stay tuned for Easter Day, Part Two, coming soon...
I heard him again at 6:45, so I finally woke up the rest of the clan and let them know that Alex was up, and he was ready to see what the Bunny brought him. However, when we went in to get him, he was looking a little rough and not exactly "bright-eyed" or "bushytailed".
Of course, when he realized he had such a large audience, he sucked it up and played to the crowd.
After a diaper and a jammie change, A was ready to go downstairs for his egg hunt. Almost...
There are only a couple times a year, or rather, a handful of occasions when I will intentionally subject my child to the humiliation resulting from a bad fashion decision. Easter is one such occasion.
Lucky for him, G'ma and I searched high and low for a bunny costume, complete with ears and cottontail, and came up empty. Is there not a market for parents wanting to humiliate their children on the blessed Easter holiday? Anyway, silky blue bunny ears had to suffice. This time.Finally, it was time to head downstairs.
The Easter Bunny was very clever, and instead of hiding individual eggs like she might do for older kids, attached all the eggs to a ribbon and attached the end of the ribbon to a basket, theory being that Alex would follow the eggs to find the basket. That smart Easter Bunny. I guess that's why she is still Head Hare and I am just an apprentice...
Basket #1 and 2 were from Timothy and I and they contained some snacks, some eggs, and a colorful patchwork elephant named Elmer. I actually bought Elmer for myself cuz for some reason, I love him, but I had to pass him off as a gift for Alex so Timothy wouldn't a) be mad that I spent money on a stuffed animal for myself, and b) think I was a weirdo for wanting a stuffed animal for myself. Oh well, guess the cat's out of the bag now, isn't it?
Basket #3 was from the Easter Bunny and was full of awesome things, like a custom, hand-painted jacket with his name on it, a coloring book and pencils, and an antique spinning top that is too cool for words. 
A was intrigued by the top, although he couldn't figure to how to spin it and just wanted to grab it when we spun it for him. He did, however, enjoy smacking it into G'ma and G'pa's hardwood floor over and over. And over.
Basket #4 was another from Tim and I. This one had a Baby Einstein DVD, some crayons made especially for little hands, an army inspired hat just like his dad's, and a jigsaw puzzle book that A picked out himself the last time we were at B&N.
Apparently he loves his Baby Einstein DVD and is not afraid to show it. 
The next basket (#5) was also from the Easter Bunny, although it was not technically a "basket". It was a large drum that contain a variety of musical instruments, including drumsticks, a tambourine, a shaker with bells attached, and a glockenspiel. But the cool part was that the instruments were bold and brightly colored and have funky shapes like that totally appeal to the graphic arts lover in me. Man, I love this thing. Alex loves it too, so I have a feeling that the two of us will have good times making music together.
We let Murph sneak in his basket before Alex got to his next one. His was a combination of items from the Easter Bunny and I, including a squeaky newspaper toy, a skinny loofah dog that he and Alex can share without risk of finger-biting, lots of good rawhide bones and snacks, and some gourmet treats from the Three Dog Bakery. He got a mini carrot cake, a "peanut mutter" cookie, and a box of sandwich cookies that he will have to fight me for. Technically, they are "made for dogs", but they are all natural, flavored with vanilla and carob, and are delicious for humans, as well. No joke, you will find me kicked back with a cold glass of milk and a handful of "Lick 'n' Crunch" doggie treats as poor Murph looks on with a bewildered expression.
Onto Alex's next find, basket #6. This one was from the Easter Bunny, and it was chock full of swim gear for when we're hanging at the pool this summer. Swim diapers, post-pool shampoo to prevent his lovely locks from going green, SPF 600 sunblock to keep him nice and pasty, a pool float, some foam "Splash" balls, Illini orange swim trunks, and two pairs of bad apple shades. Look out, ladies. This guy is too cool for school.
There were a few other baskets here and there, mostly containing puffs and crackers and such since A is not allowed to have candy yet. After all the baskets and eggs were found, we had a few minutes to relax before we had to get ready for all our guests who were coming over for Easter lunch. To Alex, "relaxing" means, "acting a fool and making my family laugh 'til they pee their pants." 
I swear, his behavior is totally unprovoked. I think he just instinctively knows what's funny. Then he does it. Anyway, stay tuned for Easter Day, Part Two, coming soon...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Easter Eve
Saturday. A woke up at 7, ate breakfast, then set off to explore every square inch of Grandma B's house (the inches below three feet, at least). He tugged all the electrical cords to make sure they were all securely attached to something, then proceeded to unattach them. He tested all the buttons of Grandpa B's vast collection of remote controls, giving extra attention to the pause, volume, and power ones. He even tasted a few for good measure. He also discovered that hardwood floors are more slippery than carpet, and that soft, cushy ottomans are great for cruising on, while hard, sharp-edged blanket chests are not.
All that exploring left him exhausted and ready to relax, so he and G'ma read a book together.
After his nap, he got dressed for the day and was ready to wreak more havoc. And don't let his innocent "Who me?" face fool ya. This kid can cause some real damage if you're not careful. (Btw, notice front tooth #3 has revealed itself and is now neck and neck with his goofy "Dracula fangs".)
After wreaking havoc, he reeked some more. This time a stinky, blow-out diaper was to blame, hence the wardrobe change.
Uncle Nick drove down from Chicago in the afternoon, so the two of them got some rare bonding time.
A bath was in order, considering the stinky blow-out and all, plus I wanted Alex to be extra squeaky clean for Easter.
We let him flop around in Mom and Dad's big tub, which he loved.
Mom and I chuckled as he tried to figure out how to get water from the spout into his mouth. He tried to put his face directly in the stream and succeeded only in getting water up his nose.
Finally, he discovered that his hand could be used to divert water towards his mouth. I'm not sure how much he actually drank, but it sure was entertaining to watch him try.
Finally, it was time to put Alex to bed so that the Easter Bunny could assemble baskets and hide eggs. Although having a child of my own has bumped my rank to "Easter Bunny's apprentice", there is still only one real Easter Bunny in my mom's house. So once I helped as much as Ms. Bunny would allow, she sent me to bed so that I, too, would have a few surprises awaiting me Easter morning.
All that exploring left him exhausted and ready to relax, so he and G'ma read a book together.
After his nap, he got dressed for the day and was ready to wreak more havoc. And don't let his innocent "Who me?" face fool ya. This kid can cause some real damage if you're not careful. (Btw, notice front tooth #3 has revealed itself and is now neck and neck with his goofy "Dracula fangs".)
After wreaking havoc, he reeked some more. This time a stinky, blow-out diaper was to blame, hence the wardrobe change.
Uncle Nick drove down from Chicago in the afternoon, so the two of them got some rare bonding time.
A bath was in order, considering the stinky blow-out and all, plus I wanted Alex to be extra squeaky clean for Easter.
We let him flop around in Mom and Dad's big tub, which he loved. 
Mom and I chuckled as he tried to figure out how to get water from the spout into his mouth. He tried to put his face directly in the stream and succeeded only in getting water up his nose. 
Finally, he discovered that his hand could be used to divert water towards his mouth. I'm not sure how much he actually drank, but it sure was entertaining to watch him try.
Finally, it was time to put Alex to bed so that the Easter Bunny could assemble baskets and hide eggs. Although having a child of my own has bumped my rank to "Easter Bunny's apprentice", there is still only one real Easter Bunny in my mom's house. So once I helped as much as Ms. Bunny would allow, she sent me to bed so that I, too, would have a few surprises awaiting me Easter morning.
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