Toadfrogs and Elephants

Alex is showing his independence already. He loves being able to get his sippy cup and take off on his own:

We got Alex in bed and then headed out with the CUMC Young Couples. First stop was BBQ at Silver Spur in Elm Grove. Wade and I both enjoyed dinner, but I’m not sure we would count it as a “real” BBQ place. Then it was on to games at Nate and Amy’s house. The game of choice was Mexican Train. I’m not sure we even made it half-way through before I was too tired to play.

Two of the things Alex loves the most: a lens cap and a power cord.

I had to rescue a lady’s lens cap at Gymboree class today. Alex made a beeline for it as soon as he saw it on the ground.

Happy Birthday Matt!

Alex had his one year check up with the doctor today. He is 30 3/4 inches (80%) and 21 lbs and 14 oz. (35%). He was really excited before we went to the back:

He even did really well with the doctor, but he screamed when the nurse gave him his shots. That lasted about two minutes and then he was back to being happy and kept that up all day:

The facts I found interesting:
1.) It is recommended (not required) children face backwards in their car seats until age 2. My doctor said to try to keep him rear facing until he doesn’t squeeze into that position any longer.
2.) The peanut butter question has no answer. My doctor told me all the studies and his experience and then lets me decide. (We’ll wait till age 3.)
3.) Because we live in an older house Alex needs to be tested for lead.

Happy Birthday Stephanie!

Our neighbor, Abram, loves firetrucks. I’m not sure if it is all little boys or maybe Abram told Alex, but Alex loves his new firetruck:

Alex also climbed from the bottom of the stairs to the top (with me right behind him). I think we are ready for baby gate #2.

Alex’s birthday keeps going. The Hoiums dropped off a gift for Alex and it was an immediate hit:

Wade and I found a sledding hill and took Alex for a ride in the tube.

I think Alex may have enjoyed watching the other kids more than sledding himself, but Wade and I had a great time:

My Mom and Judy joined us for swim class today. They have heard lots about Alex in the water, but never seen him swim. Judy took some pictures

and even a video: