Bed and Toy Video

So Alex is a WILD sleeper...most nights!!! The doctor says he'll grow out of it, but in the meantime, Charles and I are trying many tricks to try and get him used to his bed (again). Sometimes when Alex sleeps he turns over several times (back and forth), sleeps on his knees, throws a leg in the air and could even end up facing the complete opposite way you lay him down. I'm wondering if the mattress isn't comfortable, but before we buy another we had to see how long he could last sleeping on the current one.

So last week, we took the mattress out of the crib so that he could no longer bump up against the sides, startle himself and wake up. We put pillows around the sides since he didn't really know the proper way to get off. Little did I know that it would be the green mattress sheet with a little swirl on it that would have Alex running in circles. One night when trying to put him to sleep he looked down at the sheet, started tracing his finger along the lines and started laughing. Then he TRIED to walk off the mattress (which he wasn't good at) as if this were some kind of GAME. Laughing and smiling each time. Uhhhh no, it's 9:30pm. Time to go to bed!

So this weekend, I changed the sheet to PLAIN YELLOW, put the mattress in the middle of his room so we could see what would happen. This dude was walking all over this mattress! You would have thought he had on tap shoes. After Charles and I finished laughing and shaking our heads at him, I said "this is the stuff we should be taping." So here's a little piece of what he was doing. He finally figured out how to get off properly. But only slept for about 45 mins on it. Woke up crying. Put him on our bed. SLEPT 2 more hours. Now you tell me...is it the mattress?!

 

 

Alex got this great inflatable toy for his birthday. He knows how to put balls into the basket and the other little hole on the side. However, he's discovered something else...what a boy. Well girls may do it too, but I'm gonna go for BOYS...

 



The "First" are still happening

It's hard to catch them all, but Alex's "First" are still happening. When thinking about documenting the "first", I didn't think of the not so pleasant ones too. However, when I told a friend about Alex falling on the sidewalk and scratching up his face, she said well you gotta put his "first" war marks on the blog. What show the world these AWFUL marks on my child's face? Who does that? Well to thine own self be true. I hear that it happens to the best of the boys.

Still thinking he can run, Alex was walking beside dad on the sidewalk in front of the house when he all of a sudden licked that cement. I was driving down the street and saw it happen. Dad picked Alex right up and slammed the door going into the house. Not sure if it was to make sure the door was closed or because he knew I was coming and didn't want to hear my mouth. Hahahah! Because I saw it happen I couldn't blame anybody but....Alex.

"First" time at the bowling alley...Happy Birthday Mr.Sousa!

Alex actually let Aunt Clarice put some cornrows in his hair. We just wanted to see if he would let her. Just keep him busy with books and food!

Oh Wow! Who's that guy? "First" time with cornrows.

My new babysitter...Cousin Will! Hahaha! How about you give me a few snacks.

Uncle Will and Cousin Morgan show Alex how to play in his new birthday toy.

What is that look?

 Later on that night, Dad started taking the cornrows out himself. "You not going no wear with me looking like that."

 "First" time heading to the water at Uncle Bob and Aunt Net's house with Cousin Lania.

 This isn't the water that I'm used to Uncle Bob.

"First" time on a homemade swing.

BIG Milestones

Oh what a joyful, busy, fun, tiring, exciting 4 days! I have heard of adults who celebrate their birthdays all week or even some dramatic ones celebrate all month, but this birthday guy had 4 days of fun at 1 year old. Glad he's 1 and not 11 because I'm not trying to keep up that trend. Alex had a birthday, birthday party and dedication all in the same weekend! As always pictures are worth 1000 words so enjoy.

 

This is probably the last time you will see the picture every month with the sign and the elephant. This brother is on the MOVE and it is HARD to get him to stand still.

Get back here

Alex and his cousins on his birthday. Aunt Joy, Aunt Kim, and Nana Bernice were there also.

Silly Birthday Guy!

Ok Alex, let's smash the cake!! We're gonna get some great pictures. (My plan).

After he put his hand in it, he ran away. So much for that.

You put me in this chair and I STILL DON'T WANT IT!

Chicken and Peas, yeah I can get with this

Thanks for the outfit Grammy.

 

Hey today is my birthday party!

Remember Taylin from the flower pot picture?

Well here she is walking around sharing toys with Alex.

And here's Alex's secret handshake friend.

While the adults made ice cream sundaes, the kids had italian ice. Clearly Alex is a fan.

Here's looking at you birthday guy!

Hey what's this toy? I can push it. Thanks Auntie Ryann and Auntie Ty.

Good choice Ryann. All the kids love it!

 

Marley built a tower.

 

That's right clean up clean up everybody clean up.

Happy Taylin! Just don't say the word "NO". Tears will flow.

Everybody follow Marley and the wagon.

 

Dig in.

Can I have your attention please?

 

Just a little walk with Mom

Rollin! 

 

Uhhh this isn't a easter egg hunt. What ya'll doing?

 

Yes!

 

Oh my goodness, so much stuff!

 

Come on Ryann, don't you play with kids all day?

Cousin Penny (and Cousin Aaron) came threw.

Alex running those fingers threw those "locs".

Alex and Uncle Joe chilling with the shades

I'll do a little bit of reading before this here dedication.

 

Parents and grandparents assembled at the front as Pastor Long reads us our

Christian parental responsibilites. We Do!

 

I'm so Fresh, Fresh!

 

Ok Pastor Long, he's in your hands. Let's just say the prayer didn't last long.

Oh I get a gift? Thanks Pastor Long, Mrs. Long and New Bethel Baptist Church.

3 generations

How about ya'll let me rest for a minute.

 

Back on the move!

This might be one of my favorite pictures (Tameka saying)

My shirt says "Girls Dig Me", but my grandmas were some of the first who were digging me!

 

Watch me now!

 After 4 great days, we'll end it with some clean teeth!

Thanks to all who have shown love and enjoyed Alex with us.
We Love You Back!
Charles and Tameka