Cruisin' the House...

This is some video of Alex playing with his new favorite toy- his walker. Thanks to the Murphy crew ;) for the awesome birthday gift!

Fresh Picked

Alex loves being outside. Apparently, crawling over scratchy concrete does not bother him in the slightest. On this particular day he decided to make salad out of our caladiums. He loves to help me tear up lettuce and use the salad spinner, so I delighted in the connection that he had made. That is, until he decided to eat it. Then it was time to be "all done".

Alex's Birthday Part Deux

We had what I guess was a "make-up" party for some of our dear friends who couldn't make it out the weekend before for the big birthday party. Alex had a great time with everyone. He got a lot more toys and, thank goodness, some clothes. He loves his ride-on airplane, since that's what he is into now. He also got a little push-toy "lawnmower" that he tears around the house with. He's really good at walking with it- when he gets stuck he scoots it right back straight and keeps on going. It won't be long before I'm running after him!

Second Annual Dugan Rib-Off

Last Saturday we went to Ryan's Second Annual Rib-Off. Besides the fact that its a great time, we had to continue our tradition, since last year's rib-off was Alex's very first outing at 5 days old! We heard some great live music- "Downhill Racer" played. Alex was dancing pretty much the whole time. And he enjoyed getting "sauced" from all the different rib entries (I think his favorite won). Made a new friend, had lots of fun on the hammock and in the swing. Myah got some special attention from Daddy Ryan, and she knew it!

One Year Old!

He's come a long way!

New stuff:

Walking!!!

Gets down "feet first", and loves to practice

Says "uh-oh" when he poops

Makes car sounds

Still loves cows- "moooo"

Favorite toy is a barn with farm animals (Thanks Nathan!)

We find things in strange places. Ex- computer cords in the meat drawer, bra in the toilet, etc.

Signs for "airplane" and never lets one pass without letting us know

Has just started to sign "help"

Sits on the floor and uses his feet to spin himself around

Its been an amazingly hard and amazingly wonderful year. It is exciting to watch our little guy grow. Happy Birthday, Alex! We love you so much!

More of Christina's First Birthday photoshoot pics to come. This one is a teaser!

First Year Stats

20 lbs

28 3/4 in tall

Doc says he needs to gain more weight to keep up with his height. Is this our kid?

And teeth are finally on the way! Probably another week or two...

Alex's First Steps

Alex took his first steps today- on his first birthday, no less! Get your neck pillow ready, since uncle Chris video taped it sideways. Ha!

It's hard to see, but he takes 5 steps without holding on. Better video will be coming, of course, but this is the first!

Alex's First Birthday Party

We threw a party for Alex on the 7th. He had such a great day. Uncle (Chef) Chris and Christina (mizphoto) were in town to celebrate, and our friends and their kids came over to celebrate, as well. He got some great gifts- just what he needed. And the boy loves his cake. Thanks, Uncle Chris!

All these fabulous photos were taken by Christina!

More Party Pics

Alex could not get enough milk after his birthday cake! I think He may have his eye on Izzy...

More amazing Christina pics!

Grandma and Granpa's Visit

Yes, yes, another trip for Alex to the vineyards.

Grandma and Grandpa were in town last weekend for a pre-birthday visit, so we took them to Pinnacle Ridge Winery and stumbled upon the Berks County Wine Trail. Had some Amish (?) food and generally enjoyed the scenery.

Wine country on Saturday, and the Adventure Aquarium on Sunday...

Adventure Aquarium

Alex loved the aquarium with Grandma and Grandpa. We spent about 5 hours there, I think.

Hippo!

Alex was mesmerized by the Hippos. We watched for nearly an hour.

Sharks!

Alex was diggin' the shark tunnel.

Random shots from the weekend

I just had to post these. Alex was picking up older chicks by the penguins. He also had his first "big boy" spew all over Dad as we got out of the car to go to the aquarium, but he did great and really enjoyed himself. And hey, Omar got a new Tshirt!

We are so glad you came, Grandma and Grandpa!

Omi's Little Masterpiece

Omar loves to mess around with photoshop, so here are a few of his latest creations. Good stuff- but the boy always gives us good stuff to work with!

Grandma and Grandpa's visit pics coming soon...