Blogging Alexander

2012-01-13T15:59:00.001-08:00

Riding his bike to Vincents

2012-01-08T21:47:00.000-08:00

Alex had a very big day today. After a power struggle with Ben over riding the trailer bike (Ben wanted to ride it instead of his own bike), I decided to let Alex ride his own bike - on the sidewalk - over to his best friend Vincent's house. Vincent's house is 8 blocks away and a pretty decent steady uphill slope.

Alex stopped a few times to rest, remarked about how heavy his backpack was (it was) and arrived extremely proud over to his friend's house.

Alex also helped Grandpa Chuck take Elie for a walk (with Alex holding Elie most of the way) and helped Grandma Zannah and Ben pull lots of weeds from the yard.

Ellie and the boys

2011-12-30T16:38:00.001-08:00

Drum!

2011-12-25T08:04:00.001-08:00

Charlotte's Web, Santa, the Bad List, and the sidewalk sale

2011-12-12T21:11:00.001-08:00

Last weekend, the boys watched a Christmas special video that introduced them to the idea of Santa's Good and Bad Lists. The boys didn't talk about it much, but I think they had been stewing on it.

On the way home from ice skating last night, Ben, Alex and I arrived at the colorful 16th and Mission Bart stop plaza after dark. As is usually the case, an neighborhood entrepreneur had set up a sidewalk sale of used CDs, phone chargers, etc. When he saw the boys, he got really excited (in a good way) and called after us that "Santa is coming! He is coming soon! Make sure you are good!"

Around the corner, Alex calmly states: "We are on the good list for when Santa comes"

Hmmm....."Alex, does that mean that you are good and listen to me and Mommy?"

"Yes"

====================
Later that evening.....

Ben, Alex and I read the first chapter of Charlotte's Web. You may recall that the story starts as the father heads out to the hog shed with his ax to "...take care of the runt..." [What!? Is this OK to read to a 3 year? Too late, forge ahead.]

Fern, the girl, then runs after him, and confronts her dad, as artistically depicted in this image from the book:

There was some silence at this part. And then Alex proclaims: "That girl is going to take that [referring to the ax], and run back inside the house and hide it. Then she is going to be on Santa's Bad List."

Hmmmm....."Alex, do mean because she wasn't listening to her dad?"

"Yes."

Alex gets his own library card

2011-12-05T19:48:00.001-08:00

Alex was thrilled to get his own library card and pick out the design.
He had hoped it would work on muni and bart (like Ben's new clipper
card).

Fun at museum

2011-12-02T12:53:00.001-08:00

Alex ice skating !

2011-11-28T11:05:00.000-08:00

Bmx bike park

2011-11-25T11:16:00.000-08:00

Age 3 1/2

Alex's capoeira moves

2011-11-21T09:41:00.000-08:00

Alex and Santa

2011-11-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

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Alex picnic

2011-11-17T08:56:00.001-08:00

Alex set up his very own picnic!

Alex sends his Halloween candy to Santa

2011-11-06T11:07:00.001-08:00

Halloween Story

2011-11-02T18:54:00.001-07:00

Tonight Alex helped to tell his own bed time story. It was a holiday tale of sorts and went something like this:

A hippo went trick or treating with Santa Claus. The hippo dressed up as a Cheetah. It was the biggest cheetah ever. They went down lots of streets and got huge bags of candy. The hippo ate all his candy and had a tummy ache and then went to bed. Santa ate one piece and gave the rest of his candy to his reindeer.

Then the hippo went to visit Santa Claus at the North Pole. Alex thought he should drive there, but then realized a plane would be better. They had hot chocolate while it was snowing and then went iceskating. Then Santa gave the Hippo a present. It was "Real Candy Land".

Fwd: Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T12:48:00.001-07:00

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Tom Kramer <kramer_tom@yahoo.com>
Date: October 31, 2011 9:09:14 PM PDT
To: Megan Freund <megan.freund@gmail.com>
Subject: Happy Halloween!

Why we love you at Three!

2011-10-29T19:18:00.000-07:00

Dear Alex,

You are three. You are almost three and a half. This is why we love you:

1) Your unabashed enthusiasm. Every day you run to school, you can't wait to get there. You insist upon riding a big bike. Last week, during Sunday streets, you didn't want to turn around after we had already ridden many blocks! you were tired from riding your own bike but you wanted to keep going to see all the sights down 24th street.

2) You carry yourself like a big guy, but you're still a little one at heart. Your shoulders have puffed up this year, and *especially when you're wearing your soccer jersey* you carry yourself like a big guy. You can kick a soccer ball with the best of them - just discovered you can hop on one leg with a little leap - and will bravely scramble up any hillside - especially with a friend at your side. But you are still a cuddly little monster, and most nights will request that we lay at your side as you fall asleep, or bring you upstairs to cuddle if you wake in the night.

3) You know how to play. Let's play, mom and dad! You always exclaim. You dumped a pile of your coins on the floor, we washed them with vinegar, and then you bought a cheap ball set at the dollar store. You love pushing around "baby" and "ga ga" in the stroller and shopping cart. You can make a mean meal of "chicken bones" and brownies. And spin paint makes you spin with joy.

4) You love hard. You are very shy in public, and will reserve your judgement for those you don't know. But once you love, you love hard! Vincent has become your die-hard amigo, and you have great conversations together. You struggle against your brother, but you love him much (and sometimes you'll tell him). You love Mame and Kerry and will shout goodbye to them from many leagues down the path. At school now that you're comfortable, you welcome in others to play.

We love you absolutely and completely, for who you are! You are Alex, and you are (almost) three and a half.

Love, Mom and Dad

Alex's Update: Halloween

2011-10-29T19:09:00.000-07:00

Alex has, as usual, been making big strides these past few months. Starting preschool has been full of pure joy, especially because his best friend Vincent is there. They can (and do) spend hours walking in and out of the canyon, playing with the doctor kit in the house, and jumping in the ball pit.

Halloween has been full of excitement for Alex, as he is starting to remember the holidays. He's getting them a bit confused though - at first asking if Santa was coming for Halloween, and then insisting that we hang up lights on the railing (like we do for Christmas). I finally gave in and bought some pumpkin flashing LED lights for the railing so we didn't have to dig the xmas box out.

My favorite friend scene so far this year, with Alex (A) and Vincent (V):
A: Vincent, when I'm four and playing soccer, you want to be on my team?
V: Yes.
A: Vincent I love you.
V: Alex I love you.
They hug and both fall off the concrete curb they have been balancing on.
End of scene.

Dinner helper

2011-10-20T17:16:00.001-07:00

Cow at the pumpkin patch

2011-10-08T11:16:00.000-07:00

Breakfast bounty at Mission Kitchen

2011-09-26T09:17:00.001-07:00

2011-09-22T18:28:00.000-07:00

Stagecoach

2011-09-19T12:34:00.001-07:00

Pure joy on way to school!

2011-09-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

First day of preschool

2011-08-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

2011-08-05T13:39:00.000-07:00

2011-07-27T13:07:00.001-07:00

The Monkey and The Cowboy

2011-07-10T09:54:00.001-07:00

Cal train in the rain!

2011-06-28T10:04:00.000-07:00

Pirates in ship

2011-06-15T16:11:00.000-07:00

Chasing the geese in Fremont

2011-06-13T13:20:00.001-07:00

Hey, look at me, I'm weightless!

2011-05-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

Viva Le France!

2011-05-16T12:28:00.001-07:00

Alex got a soccer uniform, complete with name and number on the back, for his birthday. It is all he ever wants to wear....

His socks are held up with rubber bands :)

Alex's new bike and soccer jersey

2011-05-12T18:51:00.000-07:00

Baking with gram

2011-05-11T11:59:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd birthday alex!

2011-05-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

Alex on Easter

2011-04-24T14:49:00.001-07:00

I asked Alex if they talked about Easter today at church. "Yes," he
said, "Jesus in the hut". "Oh," I said, then putting it all together,
"Jesus is in your heart?". "Yes," he said. "Jesus is in my belly,
right here!" (pulling up his shirt). Amen!

Alex crosses the creek by himself!

2011-04-22T11:12:00.000-07:00

Alex on Easter

2011-04-20T07:03:00.001-07:00

Mouse Rodeo

2011-04-18T10:38:00.001-07:00

Alex Monkey

2011-04-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

Visiting Portland

2011-04-01T16:16:00.001-07:00

Bunk beds!

2011-04-01T13:44:00.001-07:00

Super Shopper Alex

2011-03-30T12:55:00.001-07:00

Academy visit

2011-02-15T09:31:00.001-08:00

2011-02-13T22:18:00.000-08:00

Ski boys

2011-02-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

2011-02-06T19:22:00.000-08:00

Tired monkey

2011-01-28T14:31:00.001-08:00

Bye bye diapers: Hello Mr. Dora

2011-01-25T22:09:00.000-08:00

Alex has been showing signs for weeks that he was ready to be done with diapers, although after being a bit gun shy after our first time around with Ben, Jeff and I were a bit hesitant to make the big move.

Finally Alex *refused* to put back on his diaper at the park, and we had to face the truth that the time was now. This time around, we read a few books, talked to some friends, and embarked on the one day "potty party". Alex and I first went to pick out underwear (he picked Dora, spiderman, and Toy Story) and then went to the grocery store to pick out LOTS of treats. He also got to pick out a balloon for the party, a huge one that he affectionately calls "Mr. Dora"

We spent the whole day running to the potty, treats for dry pants and successful attempts. The biggest push though came from his new doll Emma (a coveted Christmas present that he picked out in the store, complete with doll-sized potty and diaper) - who we were also training - and who had accidents, and successful attempts in the potty herself. Alex took this all in stride, though Ben was a bit baffled about this whole thing....

So far so good! I think another milestone has passed...

BMX Bike Park Adventure

2011-01-03T09:23:00.001-08:00

Go Alex Go!

Megan and boys interviewed at Museum

2010-12-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

http://sancarlos.patch.com/articles/after-13-years-the-largest-aviation-museum-in-the-bay-area-thrives

Alex's new baby, Emma

2010-12-13T11:45:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving at the Werners

2010-11-30T10:07:00.001-08:00

On God

2010-11-30T00:26:00.000-08:00

We were driving home from the boys' first Stanford Football Game (lots of clapping with mittens on, much fun) when Ben was falling asleep and Alex started a philosophical discussion.

Alex: "God no bite me" (see Santa comment below, a recurring theme)
Mommy: "I don't think God bites people. God is good."
Alex: "I see God in tunnel. God scary."
Mommy: (wondering what the tunnel thing is recalling...) "Umm, most people can't see God. God is a good guy."
- we went on this way for a good ten minutes, with lots of talk about biting and such, good stuff! -

On Santa

2010-11-26T10:27:00.001-08:00

Last week we went to a holiday party downtown, and Santa was there
taking pictures with kids. Neither boy was too keen on getting their
picture taken, but Fiona was game and got her picture taken.

This morning, out of the blue, Alex said "Santa no bite me." and then
when we talked about it more "Santa scary" and then asked if he was
hiding in the closet.

It sounds like we have some work to do to restore the grey haired man
to his honored place!

2010-11-24T14:57:00.000-08:00

Pirate Family

2010-11-03T16:28:00.001-07:00

Left to Right: "Blue Patch Kid", "The Pirate Cook", "Captain Daddy", "Yellow Hook Beak"

Let's go giants

2010-11-01T10:48:00.001-07:00

Talking, Making Jokes

2010-10-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

Alex's language skills have exploded this past few months. Yesterday he combined his language skills with one of his other favorite obsessions: his private parts - and he made a joke! It went something like this:

"Do I have a penis?" "Yes"
"Does Ben have a penis?" "Yes"
"Does Daddy have a penis?" "Yes"
"Does Mommy have a penis? "No"
"Does the bathtub have a penis?, Heee hee hee"

Ah, life with three boys in the house....

Visit to CJ's

2010-10-29T13:17:00.000-07:00

Light the Night 2010

2010-10-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

Glenridge Parrot

2010-10-29T12:56:00.001-07:00

New Shoes

2010-10-28T23:09:00.001-07:00

Alex and I were returning some things to a store when we found a pair of saddle shoes his size on sale. I told him they were for parties and church, and Alex was pretty thrilled. And since he's been home, every day is a party! He's refused to take them off, wearing them to Glen Canyon, Ben's soccer practice, and "to show Grandma and Grandpa my new shoes".

Stanford Reunion

2010-10-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

2010 Light the Night Walk - aka the "Night Parade"

2010-10-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

Happy alex

2010-10-06T15:18:00.000-07:00

Their idea....

2010-09-15T09:45:00.000-07:00

It only took a minute for Mommy to find them like this

Hide and Seek with Alex

2010-09-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

Alex has been really into playing hide and seek lately - in a two-year-old style - which is boldly announcing where he is when you are looking.

Tonight we are visiting Uncle Sly Dog's new house in Williamstown, and Alex called "Uncle Sly Dog, come find me! I in closet!"

Celebrating summer with Max and Henry!

2010-09-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

Proud boy

2010-08-27T11:12:00.000-07:00

Put shoes on all by himself!

Summer in the city

2010-08-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Note the fleece jackets

Good One!

2010-08-07T14:25:00.000-07:00

Alex's language has exploded the past two weeks, particularly since returning home from great visits to Illinois and Minnesota to see cousins and grandparents. In the car Alex returned a phrase he's likely heard many times from Ben "Don't want talk now. Sorry Ben."

Alex's new language really shined when he was playing with one of his favorite friends, Vincent. They had a blast creating games together all morning, including stacking a tower, and riding bikes on the patio. Alex asked Vincent "You ride back peddle car?" to which Vincent gamely replied "Yes" (though the logistics were a bit tougher).

Alex also initiated a game of ball. "You play ball Vincent?" and after Vincents throw "Good one Vincent!"

Legos

2010-08-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

2010-07-23T08:33:00.001-07:00

2010-07-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

San Diego friends

2010-07-04T10:01:00.000-07:00

Two boys in boxes

2010-06-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Alex's masterpeice

2010-06-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Fathers day project

2010-06-20T21:33:00.001-07:00

Beach

2010-06-10T19:16:00.001-07:00

Ben's track he built for Alex

2010-06-01T15:58:00.001-07:00

Ben is turning into quite the big brother....he wanted Megan to take the picture "when the train was close by".

Berries!

2010-05-21T14:31:00.001-07:00

Birthday Wishes

2010-05-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

Alex is now getting the idea of birthdays. Last week, when he was looking at a book with Jeff, he pointed to a fire truck and said "Birthday!". Today at the library he saw a picture of the red cars he loves to drive at Tot Time class and said "Birthday!". The wish list has begun.

He is also practicing singing happy birthday and blowing out the candles.

Building!

2010-05-01T11:26:00.000-07:00

Rugby game

2010-04-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Fevers

2010-04-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Alex has been pretty sick since Saturday, with a 104 degree fever, and off and on miserable. One of the things he's been doing a lot is whispering in answer to questions, which we think is pretty adorable. Alex do you want to go night-night? "Kay" Or when he wakes up "Breakfast" - in a plantative whisper....

Growing Up and Growing Out

2010-04-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

As I write, Alex is asleep on our bed after escaping from the pack-n-play (after crying in his downstairs crib).

Alex is fast-approaching two, and big changes are afoot. The most profound, in mommy and daddy's world, is him learning to escape from his crib! We have Ben to thank for this in part, since Ben showed him how to get his leg up and over the side.

Ben and Alex are having more and more fun playing with each other, and although there are still moments of frustration, they love being partners in crime (today ripping into a box that was a gift for Dani, and hiding together for impromptu games of hide and go seek).

A Day in the Life

2010-04-19T20:13:00.001-07:00

Two cuddly boys
Twelve games of hide and seek
One trip to the gym
Seven chicken apple sausages
One poop on the floor
Eight dirty diapers
Four pees on the floor
One playdate with Fiona
Eight thrown legos
Nine slices of bacon
One escape from the pack and play
Two tired boys
Six Books
One Tired Mama

Alex rides a pedal bike!

2010-04-13T10:41:00.001-07:00

He is still too short for the pedals to go any distance, but he got it
going 3 or 4 rotations by himself!

Peanut butter and jelly

2010-04-13T10:33:00.001-07:00

Cuddlebugs

2010-04-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Hanging out with uncle sly dog

2010-01-14T15:09:00.000-08:00

Closeup of first haircut

2009-12-25T15:16:00.001-08:00

Followed by volumnous vomit at megan's dermatologist appointment

All Wrapped Up

2009-12-07T21:12:00.001-08:00

Alex learning how to steer his bike

2009-12-02T15:47:00.001-08:00

A fat lip, and balls at the Providence Children's Museum

2009-11-24T10:29:00.001-08:00

Tantrums

2009-11-17T20:55:00.000-08:00

Sweet Alex has decided he needs to be heard a bit more in the family, and the tantrums have begun. Often they involve his beloved tennis racket (found at the preschool garage sale, and purchased by Ben from piggy bank proceeds) - like when one of his parents want to take it away to wash hands.

Alex is saying more words every day - and is getting better at expressing himself. In the middle of the night, he'll clearly say "Up! Up!" (much to the dismay of his parents). When we rode the carosuol earlier this week, he was super excited at first, and then cried loudly "All done!" (said the same thing after a LONG bus ride to pick up Ben).

His latest word, is following any statement to him with "Why?" - it's gotten quite a reaction so far from the whole family.

Fall in the city

2009-11-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

Ben and Alex playing at the Crissy Field beach

2009-11-02T12:30:00.001-08:00

At the Playground

2009-10-21T12:47:00.001-07:00