Lots of Christmas going on around The Wright Household. I told Ms. Colleen this morning that, "Santa is going to bring me candy for my stocking, and a big fire truck!" I'm definitely ready for Christmas to be here. Only one more week of school left, and then Alex and I are home with Mom and Dad for 11 days straight. Phew. Hope we all survive! (-:
Last Wednesday, we made a trip to the mall to visit Santa. There was NOBODY waiting in line to see him, and I was happy to march right up to his lap and take a seat. Alex on the other hand? She wasn't quite as excited as I was.
(She started off okay...and then decided she was OVER IT)
I also decided it would be a good idea to write a letter to Santa at Macy's...just in case he forgets that I really want A RED FIRETRUCK.
We had a great evening visiting Santa, window shopping, and eating dinner. This is the tradition that Mom and Uncle Doug used to do with Grandma & Grandpa when they were little, and Mom hopes to make it a tradition for Alex and I.
Alexandrea turned 11 months old on Thursday! Only one month to go and she will be ONE.
She is getting closer and closer to looking like she is going to crawl. We thought she might skip it all together, but she might end up doing it after all! She understands quite a bit of what we say. If you ask her where certain objects/things/people are (like Molly & Moses, her sippy cup, the Christmas tree, mama, dada, etc) she will point and make noises. Alex is still not sleeping through the night, and she has had some SEVERE separation anxiety here lately. She only wants to be held, and does NOT want to sleep in her crib. We know she will outgrow all of this in due time.
My Uncle Doug would have turned 29 years old on Thursday. Mom is going to do a good job of teaching Alex and I about him, and showing us plenty of pictures of him. I know many people miss him terribly.
On Friday, we had our Holiday party at daycare. Mom and Dad left work early to come watch my class and I, sing 3 songs:
Pretty cute, huh?
Dad and Alex watching my Christmas performance.
After watching my class, Mom and Dad went next door to eat some tasty snacks with Alex's class.
I also gave Mom and Dad the handprint Christmas Tree that I made:
Alex made a plate with her cute little foot prints. They LOVE our gifts and will cherish them forever.
On Saturday evening, we went to my buddy Jameson's Holiday Party. The kids got to play and run around, and the adults did a White Elephant Gift Exchange. There was tons of good food (and cookies), and Alex managed to hang until almost 8:30!
On Sunday morning, Mom and I went to Little Monkey Bizness for some "open playtime." We took a hot chocolate/coffee break, and I had a blast burning off all my extra energy.
Video of me going down the bouncy slide. Must have done it 93 times!
I had two little girls helping "build a house" around me. Very cute.
I took a nice, long afternoon nap once we got home.
Mom caught some video of Alex enjoying her bath time on Sunday afternoon:
We had Auntie K and Trent over for breakfast casserole, biscuits & gravy, and OJ (mimosas for the adults). It was very nice visiting with them, and everyone had a great time and enjoyed some yummy food.
As Mom mentioned, only one more week of school left. Mom might be taking the day off of work tomorrow, so that we can go to Santa's Workshop. She has TWO tickets that expire on Christmas Eve, so we better use them soon! Time is running out. Hope everyone had a great weekend, and has a wonderful week ahead.
The Wright Family had a very busy week (per usual). Mommy decided to take Wednesday afternoon off of work, and come pick me up from daycare early. We went and grabbed some frozen yogurt, and went to Target so that I could pick out a toy. I was very appreciative of the one-on-one time with Mom, and it really seemed to boost my spirits. After a few rough drop off's at school recently, Mom thought I could use some special attention...and I loved it!
Special date with Mommy:
I picked out some action figures from the Disney show "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" at Target. AND...My teacher reported to Mom on Friday morning, that I had an EXCELLENT day at school on Thursday. That I told Ms. Dacia "I'm happy!" a couple of times throughout the day. Looks like our Wednesday afternoon together was just what my little soul needed.
In baby sister news...Alex had been having a few "rough nights" starting LAST Saturday. Mom had a gut feeling that it could mean that she was possibly coming down with something. Tuesday night, Alex would SCREAM when Mom tried to lay her down. She would only sleep comfortably in her swing. Wednesday night...she was up many times, and was running a 101 fever at 2:00 AM. Thursday evening, after we came home and had dinner...Dad thought she felt "warm." We took her temp and she was running a 102 degree fever )-: Mom and Dad just knew that this meant that she probably had something going on that was more than teething. So, Friday morning...Mom took her to see Dr. Reich. One look at her right ear, and Dr. Reich confirmed that Alex had her first ear infection.
Waiting to get seen by Dr. Reich:
She really did seem her "normal" self during the day...it was just at night when she would get fussy and have a hard time sleeping. Do you remember all the ear infections I used to get? I must have had 5 or 6 in my first 18 months of life. I would turn really red in the cheeks, get super lethargic, pull at my ears, and do a TON of crying. Other than Alex's fever and her frequent night wakings...you wouldn't be able to tell she had anything going on!
Picture taken Thursday evening (running a 102 degree fever):
She got pigtails at school that day. VERY cute:
We are happy to report that Alex is feeling MUCH better. She is back to waking up only ONCE during the night (-: We had to adjust her antibiotics to a more concentrated dose, and Mom has to mix her medicine with baby food...or she will spit it out everywhere and slap your hand away if it comes close to her mouth.
In other news...our new end-table arrived last week. We love it! (Don't mind Dad...he is just checking his Fantasy Football scores):
Saturday morning...happy baby!
On Saturday afternoon, we went to my buddy James' Birthday Party at Aerial’s Gymnastics (same place I had my party). We had a blast running around and playing on all the equipment. Alex had fun watching all the kids play:
James! The Birthday Boy!
Quick photo op:
Alex can't wait to be able to run around and play with the rest of us:
Getting ready to sing Happy Birthday to James. I found my seat RIGHT next to the Birthday Boy and was ready for Birthday Cake:
Let the crazy present opening frenzy begin!
James had TONS of helpers (most from my preschool class---I almost knew everybody at the party):
On Saturday evening...Dad decided he wanted MEXICAN food for dinner! So, we tried out 3 Margaritas. It was...okay. Alex had fun making friends with the little girl at the table across from ours (she has recently learned to wave):
On Sunday, Mom baked close to 90 cookies!! She has a cookie competition at work today, and although the cookies are all "J.R. and Daddy Approved," she is not sure how she will compete against the competition:
Alex, Daddy and I all took afternoon naps around the same time late Sunday afternoon. So, Mom decided to paint her fingernails and relax on the couch. It was OH so wonderful for her to have a moment all to herself.
Alexandrea yanking more ornaments off the tree:
Mom made a tasty Enchilada dinner that I took no part of. While the rest of the family enjoyed dinner...I decided I wanted to color! Mom was VERY impressed with my new ability to color and stay in-between the lines, and to concentrate for an extended amount of time.
She caught some video of me showing off my new skill:
Proud of my artwork:
We have a lot going on this week. This time of year always seems to be full of social events and special projects. I have my Holiday Party at school on Friday, and Saturday we are going to my buddy Jameson's Christmas Party. It's actually starting to feel like Christmas here in Colorado Springs. High of 37 degrees today, and we have snow on the ground (finally). Hope everyone has a fantastic week...after all, it is the MOST wonderful time...of the year (-:
December is finally here! & now I think that Christmas Eve is every night, and Santa is coming...every night! Right? He is bound to show up one of these times. I keep checking my stocking for "candy." Come on, Santa! Bring it!
Let's see...
This weekend was a pretty good one...per usual. Woke up on Saturday morning and went and had breakfast before doing a little furniture shopping.
Didn't have to wait long for breakfast! No iPhone's had to come out with loaded episodes of "Little Einstein's."
Alex is eating just about ANYTHING these days. I also started out as a very NON-picky eater...
Mmmmmm...chili!!! & Pancakes! & potatoes!
Alex has also learned the sign for "more," and she is pretty darn good at communicating when she wants "more" of something. She also LOVES drinking water out of a sippy cup now. She takes a sip...shakes the cup and soaks herself...takes another sip...shakes the cup and drenches her face...takes a sip, rinse & repeat x 50 until Mom or Dad takes it away.
After breakfast we went looking at American Furniture Warehouse for a new end-table for our family room. Mom is pretty sure our current end-table would be rejected if we tried to donate it...it is in such UGLY condition. It was time, people. It was time. The new table arrives for pick-up today!
Dad and Alex taking a break:
We also looked at possible options for my next bedroom set. Mom and Dad didn't get very far considering Alex and I were present. They are going to have to take some time off of work to REALLY be able to focus and shop...
Alex enjoyed some time admiring the front Christmas Tree.
She likes to scoot up right next to the tree and taste-test the ornaments.
Jingle Bells!
Taste test:
The Loomis Family joined us at the house Saturday evening for On The Border Take-Out and fun! Mom tried out a new Crock-Pot recipe on Sunday, a new cookie recipe on Sunday, and made corn-bread on Sunday! Whoa, Mom. WHOA. Step away from the kitchen.
This next weekend will be busy. A trip to the Bear Creek Nature Center for some Holiday fun, a Birthday party, and more cookie baking. Hope everyone enjoys their first week of December.
Hey, Everyone! We are back from our trip to Dallas, and ready to get back into our "normal" routine. We had a fantastic time visiting family, hanging out and enjoying our time together, and eating/drinking until our bellies almost popped. The beginning of the trip started out a little rough. Mom's cat allergies were REALLY bad, Alex caught a cold, Dad was having issues with his sinuses, and Devin ended up with Strep Throat. Luckily by the end of the trip...everyone was feeling much better (and sleeping much better too).
We left for Denver International Airport bright and early Sunday morning (the 19th).
Alex ready to get on an airplane for the first time:
After we finagled our way through security (I decided that was a good time to start being difficult), rode about 82 elevators and a train...we finally made it to our gate with about 15 minutes to spare before boarding started. I was a total angel once on the plane because I had my shows and my games loaded on the iPad, along with some of my favorite snacks to keep me entertained.
Alexandrea slept all of about 15 minutes during take-off, and then was WIDE awake the entire flight. Mom and Dad had to pass her back and forth and find random objects nearby to keep her happy.
Silly girl!
We arrived in Dallas right on time, got all of our luggage...and were on our way to Mumsie and Granddaddy’s house. We quickly unpacked, and then went over to Momma and Poppa's house for a Thanksgiving Feast. Mom and Dad were STARVING as they basically ate Cheez-Its all day (they kept thinking they were going to have time to grab a bite to eat...and that time never came). Mom was able to get a very tired Alex to take a nap on the floor so that she could enjoy her meal with everyone.
Thanksgiving Feast #1! Delightful!
Everyone smile for the camera!
I of course, was not interested in eating...AT ALL. I did have a lot of fun playing what I referred to as "The Pie-ano." LOL.
Outside waiting for Devin to arrive and throwing acorns:
Here is one of many pictures of my baby sister not happy being held by somebody other than Mom or Dad. This is Taylor. She is Mumsie's adorable little niece, and Momma and Poppa's 2nd Granddaughter. Taylor's Mom and Dad are Uncle Larry and Aunt Amy!
Taylor was about my age when Mom first met her. Amazing how fast time flies!
Oh, here is Alex crying while Mumsie is holding her:
And...Alex crying again while Momma is holding her:
Distracted for the moment!
"Oh...where was I? That's right! Crying!"
Mumsie and Alex:
Devin was dropped off right before we left Momma and Poppa's house. We were all very happy to see her.
Random picture of Alex napping on Monday morning:
After Alex woke from her nap, we all drove out to Irving to see Nanny, Adie, Great Uncle Paul, Great Aunt Linda, and my Great Grandma and Grandpa! They were all there and very excited to see us.
Alex and I showcasing our "Pie-ano" skills:
Of course she is smiling! Look who is holding her!
Devin and Alex:
Devin started feeling sick Monday evening. Her throat and ears were hurting her, and she had a fever. Turns out she had strep throat! Poor Devin. By some small miracle, nobody else came down with strep after being exposed. Phew! She is feeling much better now, but our visit with her was cut short. We all thought it would be best if she went home to rest, and not expose anyone else to Strep. We were sad we couldn't have enjoyed more time with her. )-:
Nanny picked up these lovely cake balls in honor of Devin and Mom's Birthday's!
They were DELICIOUS!
Dad being super goofy while eating a cake ball:
Of COURSE I decide to be silly when Mom wanted to take a picture of me with my Great Grandma:
We had a wonderful visit with the Shanahan/Charlton side of the family.
Did I tell you that Mom had a swing shipped to the house so that Alex would nap? Oh, and Mom decided to "break" Alex of her swaddle while on her trip. She is now "swaddle free!"
Here is some video Mom caught of me putting on a little concert for Alex. I decide to double instrument-it at one point! Too funny:
On Tuesday we just hung around the house, and took a walk to the park. It was unseasonably warm for Dallas this time of year...almost 80 degrees!
Alex outside enjoying having no clothes on:
Swinging with Mumsie:
Dad and I have a blast:
Mumsie and Granddaddy hung out with Alex and I on Tuesday evening, while Mom and Dad met cousin Micki, and her boyfriend Rob (who visited us a few months ago), for dinner. They all had a lovely evening out, and Alex and I did great for Mumsie and Granddaddy.
On Wednesday morning...we had a special delivery sent to the house from Aunt Carol! Fruit from Edible Arrangements and two cute little stuffed animals for Alex and I.
Wednesday afternoon, we went and visited the McCrate Family. They live right around the corner from Mumsie...and they have little Grayson (age 5) and Caroline (almost 3). I had a great time playing with all of Grayson's awesome trucks and toys and climbing all over their swing set. The adults sipped cold beverages and enjoyed snacks while catching up. Mom was able to get Alex to take another short nap, before we left to meet Mumsie, G-Daddy, Aunt Amanda, and her boyfriend for dinner in Grapevine.
Alex enjoying breakfast on Thanksgiving morning:
Thanksgiving was a wonderful day. We got to see almost all of the Wright side of the family, and everyone got to meet Ms. Alex for the FIRST time.
Let Thanksgiving Feast #2 begin!
Mom's beautiful plate:
Of course I...did not eat anything. Matter of fact, I wouldn't even sit at the table with everyone )-: I actually went missing for a bit...and guess where Dad found me? You guessed it! AT THE DESSERT TABLE LICKING FROSTING OFF OF MY FINGERS!
(finger prints courtesy of...ME!)
Alex on the other hand...ate great! She enjoyed mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and rice casserole.
First Thanksgiving!
A picture of the dessert table:
There was Peach pie, Red Velvet Birthday Cake, Cherry Cream Pie, Strawberry Cream Pie, Chocolate Cream Pie, Pumpkin Pie, German Chocolate Cake, and Pecan Pie. Can you say "Sugar Rush?"
I was...EXHAUSTED, and took a super long (much needed) 3-hour nap:
Aunt Amanda, Mumsie, and Alex:
Alex playing with our 2nd cousin, Paisley:
Mumsie, G-Daddy, Aunt Amanda, and Daddy relaxing and watching the Cowboys play football:
Having fun and hanging out:
Great Uncle Russ lovin on Alex (she was okay as long as Daddy was holding her):
Cousin Anthony lovin on Alex:
It was a fantastic Thanksgiving Day full of wonderful family and amazing food.
We went to the airport mid-morning on Friday to catch our flight home! Getting through security and getting to our gate at DFW Airport was sooooo much easier than leaving from DIA. We like the DFW airport MUCH more than Denver's Airport.
Alex decided to sit in my seat while Dad took me to the toilet:
"I'm a frequent flyer, now!"
Our return flight was very smooth...even considering the iPad battery was dead and I had to entertain myself "the good old fashion way."
This is how we roll (one of a million elevators that we had to get on to get back to the parking garage)!
Alex and I slept the entire drive home from Denver to Colorado Springs. It was very pleasant and quiet. We were happy to see Molly and Moses who were being cared for by Lisa. She did a great job, and Molly and Moses were SUPER excited to see us. "Molly just kissed all over me!" -J.R.
Saturday was Mom's 32nd Birthday! We decided to journey on up to Santa's Workshop. It was a beautiful 72 degrees...and LET ME TELL YOU...IT WAS THE BUSIEST WE HAVE EVER SEEN IT. There was TONS of people. We started at the very back of the park, so I still got to ride all of my favorite rides as many times as I wanted.
I rode the Candy Cane rollercoaster 2 times with Mom, and then talked Dad into riding it with me for ride #3:
Snack Break:
Dad and Alex enjoying the beautiful morning:
This picture was taken at the very top of the Ferris Wheel. This is the HIGHEST Ferris Wheel in the World (elevation wise). You can see the black on the mountain where the Waldo Canyon burned over the summer. Very sad.
Mom and I were up HIGH. I LOVED IT! You see Dad way down there? He looks TINY.
"Heeelloooo Dadddddyy!!!"
I was trying to make a wish:
Around lunchtime...I decided I was "over it." I was hungry and tired and there were SO many people crowding all of the lunch and snack areas, that it took FOREVER for us to get our food. I crashed right away once we got in the car and left. Too much fun!
Grandma and Grandpa came over to hang with Alex and I while Mom and Dad went to see the movie "Argo." They really enjoyed it...had them on the edge of their seats! After the movie they had a nice, quiet, and tasty dinner at Carrabba's.
Very pretty Christmas Decor is now up all around the First & Main Shopping Center:
After dinner, they came home and enjoyed Birthday Cake with Grandma and Grandpa (I was already in bed).
On Sunday morning, we took down all of the Fall and Thanksgiving decorations, and put up all the Christmas decor! I was quite entertained decorating the tree this year. I had a tendency to want to put everything in ONE spot on the tree. LOL
More on the backside:
We decided to put up TWO tree's this year. One for the front room where you can see the white-lit tree from the outside, and one in the family room where we spend the majority of our time. We already had both trees, and all the lights and bulbs that we needed! The red-lit tree is the FIRST tree that Mom and Dad purchased together for their First Christmas in their apartment together...8 years ago! (2004).
Alex's "Baby's First Christmas" ornament:
And some footage Mom caught of me decorating the tree, and going back for more:
While I was napping on Sunday afternoon, Mom went and met some lovely friends for pizza and beer at Old Chicago's. Karissa, Amber, Hannah, and Junior were all able to attend...and made Mom's afternoon quite lovely.
Auntie K holding Baby Cami who is almost 6 months old!
We made a late afternoon Trip to Target for Stocking Hanger's and a tree-skirt. We all really enjoyed our time off together, and it was VERY difficult for me to wrap my brain around being dropped off at daycare this morning. There was a lot of tears and grabbing onto Daddy's leg. Alex seemed to do just fine, as she is now officially in INFANT 2. Sniff. Next move will be the Toddler Room once she is walking.
OH, and Mom picked up Alex's "school pictures" this morning. She looks less than thrilled, wouldn’t you say?
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Next up? CHRISTMAS!
