Skpe

Sitting up!

Alex sitting up! He learned yesterday - sitting in the sand, Ben
holding him watching the Aquarium together, and finally sitting all by
himself.

Uncle Sly Dog and Growing Up

Today Uncle Sly Dog wore baby Alex in the bjorn - for most of the day! Alex was quite pleased, and so were his parents. Sly Dog (Steve) is the best uncle ever.

I also realized today that Alex is getting much more sturdy - so much so, that I occasionally leave him and Ben together for a moment at a time not in eyesight. Alex is starting to hold his own and is growing up.

Gears, Gears, Gears

Alex has been fascinated watching Ben play with his magical gear game (think lots of spinning gears, noise and bells, and colors galore). Today I left Alex in the middle of the rug for a few minutes when I went to help Ben. When I got back he had rolled over, scooted himself forward a few feet, and in a final magical lunge - turned ON the button for the gear game. I think he looked more surprised at his feat than pleased this time.

Rolling Over, Double-time

You have been rolling over from your belly to your back for many weeks now (especially when you did not want to sleep), and this week you discovered with a bit of effort how to roll from your back to your tummy. I was working in the kitchen and with your new double-roll maneuver you managed to travel 4 feet! Watch out mama and dada, I'm on the move!

This week we also put you in a few new contraptions:
1) the swing at the park - a bit of happy wonder
2) the door bouncy chair - wowzers! you were so pleased you could turn yourself around, not quite as pleased when Ben spun you in dizzying circles
3) quasi jumbo chair (keeps you in a sitting position) where you were happy to watch mommy cook dinner

Feet, Found!

A few days ago it was clear Alex was honing in on his feet - he would watch them when he was in a reclined position and move them slowly.

Today his feet are firmly found! He laid on his back, and with a bit of effort, managed to grab both of them in his hands, looking quite pleased with himself in happy baby pose.

Aunties and Uncles

You had lots of great time with Aunties and Uncles in Minnesota, but this past week has been a highlight. First we headed to Santa Cruz to visit Uncle Sly Dog - and though he claims he has been traumatized by forced babysitting in the past and also claims to never have changed a diaper - he played with you by himself for a whole hour AND gave you your daily bottle (which was met by a bit of reluctance on your part, as it often is). We think Uncle Sly Dog is an expert and are waiting to give him more chances to build his confidence and earn even more smiles from you.

Meanwhile, Aunt Hilary stepped up and became your chief smile generator for the whole week that she was here - THANK YOU! She carried you around, fashioned a new way to get you to sleep (back rubs while lying in the crib) and generally was a rock star. In addition to making new configurations of your playmat, I came home one day to see her teaching you how to grab your feet (see next post). You both were quite pleased!!