Alex is really starting to become a full fledged toddler. Just Tuesday (1/24/12) Alex started repeating nearly everything I said... garbage, eight, ocho, hola, bird, Lauren, Lea, Trent, purple, truck etc. The list goes on. Today (1/26/12) when you asked him what a sheep says he said 'bah'. So, so much fun!! Below are all the pictures from the holidays. We had so much fun visiting with friends and family. We basically got to see everyone in Chicago and we also got a brief visit from my parents once we came home. Thank you to everyone for all the awesome gifts and amazing support we received while in Chicago.
Alex was all about helping to put decorations on the tree. Here is a great video of that as well - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PPbrzBeJro&feature=youtu.be
When we first arrived in Chicago we spent three nights with the Pieper's. Alex and Lukas had a great time playing together. While the big boys went to the Bears game the rest of us head to the Children's museum. Alex really liked driving all the different Fire Trucks, Buses, etc.
He especially liked the water exhibit. He got really soaked but had a blast doing it.
Driving the cta!
Shopping with Lukas.
Sausage anyone!
Alex took some time out to smell the flowers.
Driving the safari jeep.
Like mother, like son - Alex is admiring the gems!
So when we were walking around the mall we came across this Thomas train. Despina talked to the guy running it and he said that the moms could go with the kids so we paid our money to go on the next train. When we got ready to go the guy is like kids only! I thought there was no way Alex would go with out me and Despina thought Lukas would be fine without her. Boy were we both wrong. Right when it started Lukas started making a fuss and Alex just sat there like he'd done this before. Then even when Lukas got off Alex was fine riding by himself. Needless to say I was shocked and so proud of my little guy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YthvGJbqNS4&feature=youtu.be
Alex and I dressed for the cold Chicago weather. It was actually pretty mild for Chicago. I don't think it ever got below 30 while we were there - just the wind that made it feel colder to us Southerners!!
All loaded up and ready to go!
Bundled up!!
Alex's first visit with Santa. He didn't really know what to think but he didn't cry!
Although he sure doesn't look happy!!
Alex really enjoyed opening presents. He would open something and then do the sign for more. Here he is opening his first camera from Auntie Kay and Uncle Gregg.
Here he is opening a gift to an audience!
He loved giving hugs to Hannah and Leo!
Christmas Eve with Uncle Mike.
Alex and Auntie Lauren
Me, Alex, and Busha
Alivia and Alex - both named after Grandpa Studz
Love this picture!!
Alex LOVED the oplatki! If you are not familiar with oplatki here is a little blurb on it...
Family members and friends break off a small piece of the opłatek wafer and give it to one another along with a blessing. Breaking off and exchanging part of opłatek with someone is symbol of forgiveness between two people and is meant to remind participants of the importance of Christmas, God, and family.
It is something we do every Christmas Eve with Pete's family. We get in a long line - oldest to youngest and everyone gets the chance to exchange oplatek with each member of the family. The wafer taste like a crispy piece of paper so I was shocked at how much he ate. He must of had about 4 or 5 sheets of it.
He also wanted to wear Alivia's bow!
Mike and Becky having some family fun.
Alex having a ball opening gifts.
He didn't let it stop him from sucking his fingers. One of his favorite gifts was a set of bowling pins from Lauren (ah I mean Santa). Check out his bowling skills - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMsLrfGMdd0&feature=youtu.be
Here is Alex signing 'more'!
More!!!! And he had PLENTY to open!!
Alex had a fun time carrying the garbage around... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SoF2kFxevU&feature=youtu.be
Busha and all the great grandkids!
Hot Mammas!! Megan, Lauren, Becky and me.
Christmas Day at grandpa Mikos'. Alex liked playing santa's helper.
Back in Atlanta Alex got a 4th Christmas with GG and Grandpa Cooley. He has enjoyed his new bear - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3COheOuzM70&feature=youtu.be
Alex received a music set from my mom - he has really enjoyed it. Next month I'll have a great video of him dancing to the drums.
Cool Dude!
Alex has really enjoyed playing with his blocks lately. He REALLY likes knocking down big towers. Here are a few good videos... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKtg0PP0zvg&feature=youtu.be and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv5OtG3V6qU&feature=youtu.be
The Alpharetta Fire Stations in our area had an open house. Alex and I went up there to check out the trucks.
Alex's second hair cut. He didn't cry again.
After the hair cut we went for Alex's first carousel ride at the mall. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s955Kp9VQA&feature=youtu.be
Alex playing the drums. Most of the time he likes mom to play while he marches around but her was a good picture opp of him playing the drums.
