Holiday Picture Time!

I don't know the last time we had family pictures taken on either Paul's side or mine so I figured this was a good year to get it done! We got LOTS of pictures and luckily Alexa participated pretty well! Here's some of my favs:

November Updates

The big news in November was that Alexa turned ONE! At her 1 year appointment, Alexa weighed in at 19 pounds and was 28.5 inches long. This month Alexa learned a lot. She started using the sign "more", she started crawling up the stairs (with Mommy close behind), was able to find Mommy & Daddy's nose when asked and she started swimming lessons.

She absolutely loved the pool and wasn't afraid of the water at all!! She probably would've liked to stay in the water for longer than 40 minutes each lesson but Mommy just got too cold!!

"Hello, is anyone there?"

One day, Alexa woke up from her nap with her hair looking like this. I laughed so hard I almost fell over and Alexa didn't quite know what to do other that look at me like I was crazy...

I learned something this month too....that 12 month old children are probably too young to fingerpaint. Oh well, it was fun and I have her first piece of artwork hanging on the fridge.

"Uh oh, I've been caught!"

I love my little 1 year old!!!

Alexa's First Birthday

So I know I am way late in getting this posted, but better late than never right? On November 5th, Alexa turned ONE!! I could hardly believe it - it seems like this year has flown by and she has changed so much.

My baby is ONE!

Alexa absolutely loved her birthday cake! We hadn't given her much for sweets before this time so it was pretty funny. She was leery at first but once she had a taste she couldn't get enough.

Opening gifts. Alexa wasn't too interested in opening gifts so her cousins Loghen & Foster helped out. I'm sure this will change as she gets older.

The kids (Savannah, Foster, Alexa, Madysen, & Loghen). Each time Savannah has come to visit, Alexa REALLY wants to play with her and this day was no exception. We told Alexa that Savannah is too little to play but she just didn't understand. Everyone thought Alexa needs her own little brother or sister to play with but Daddy says "No way". Do you think he'll change his mind?

My parents (Tom & Celia) and my brother (John) with Alexa

Paul's Mom & Dad (Donn & Cheryl), his sister (Taryne) and niece and nephew (Foster & Loghen) with Alexa

I love my Grandpa's smile in this picture. He's with my brother John

My grandpa Gene & his friend Cathy with Alexa and I

My great-uncle Dick, uncle Duane, great-aunt Edith, and aunt Kathy with Alexa and I

My co-worker & friend, Angela, and her daughter, Savannah.

Our friends, Drew & Suzanne, and their daughter Madysen!

Alexa and Madysen playing (I absolutely love Madysen's hair!)

October Updates

In October Alexa turned 11 months old! This was the first month since she was born that we didn't go to the Dr. so I didn't get an official weight on her this month. This month Alexa really enjoyed getting to eat what Mommy and Daddy ate and experimented a lot with table food. She didn't have any negative reactions to anything which was a relief. Alexa started pointing at things a lot more to get her wants/needs met versus crying. Alexa also learned how to clap this month. She was able to stand alone momentarily and took a couple of steps on her own a couple of times (when she didn't realize Mom and Dad weren't still holding on to her). She started making a lot more new sounds and we enjoy guessing what she is saying. Going on a stroll. If you look carefully, you can see downtown Lincoln in the distance.

Alexa with Grandma Dorn

Priceless Expressions!

Nebraska weather in October is a funny thing. One day you can go for a bike ride outside and then....

A few days later it snows!

Alexa loves playing peek-a-boo in the curtains!

Grandma & Grandpa Ladd

Smooches from Daddy

Drivin' along in my automobile

Trying to get Alexa to pose with a pumpkin

Playing with Uncle John with her lopsided bow

Happy Halloween!

Grandpa Tom's Birthday is on Halloween so this year we got together with him and Grandma the day before to celebrate & while Grandma Celia was teaching Alexa how to play the piano...

I suggested the boys carve pumpkins. I really like family traditions and this is one of them and to my surprise, Paul particpated! Go Daddy!

Didn't they do a good job? Grandpa Tom has a very scared look on his face.


And then for Alexa's First Halloween she was a.....

GIRAFFE!
And to be quite honest, she didn't particularly care for the costume, but she played along pretty well when it came time to get her picture taken.

And then we took her trick or treating to visit...

Grandma & Grandpa Ladd

& Grandma & Grandpa Dorn

I wonder what she will be next year...