Santa Visits

Merry Christmas Everyone! This year was a lot of fun. Since Alexandra was a little older, she was actually able to help open the gifts. In true Christmas Eve Tradition - Santa Claus stopped by the house to make sure Alexandra was being good. She was so excited.

Alexandra got really spoiled this year between Santa, Gamma, Oma and us - I do not think there was a single thing she did not get. She loved playing with everything on Christmas morning - and afterall, that is what is important.

Big Girl Room

Alexandra has officially moved out of her crib and into a big girl room. We wanted to make sure this happened well in advance of Anthony's arrival - so she did not feel like she was getting kicked out for the new baby. We decided to make the room fun and paint it her favorite color - HOT PINK!

We went to Ikea to pick out all new furniture - which is good because it is low to the ground so if she tumbles out of bed, she will not get hurt. The transition went beautifully, she loves her new room and loves being a big girl.

Sea World

We went to Sea World this weekend with Aunt Daniela and Hailey and Oma. It was a lot of fun. The girls loved playing together and loved the Shamu show. Although I was pregnant, the weather was nice and cool and I also really enjoyed myself. Since it was around Christmas time, they had a visit Santa thing which was great for the kids.

Daddy played basket ball and was able to win Alexandra a huge Shamu. Great - this should be fun trying to get this thing back to Jacksonville

Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

Today we went to pick out our Christmas Tree. This is my favorite thing to do around the holidays. I love going through and smelling all of the fresh cut trees. Alexandra really enjoyed it and picked out a nice tall fluffy tree.

Happy 60th Birthday Gamma

Today was the big surprise party for Gamma's 60th birthday. We had it all planned out. I was going to drive seperate with Alexandra and we would be meeting Gamma, Daddy, and Papa Gelles downtown at the University Club. At first Gamma thought it was strange I wanted to take my own car, but we just explained that I might need to leave early since I was pregnant and not feeling great - not really the truth but it worked!

I got there a little early to help greet the guests and make sure everything was set up. Tons of people came, and the event was a lot of fun. I think Gamma was very surrpised and had a great time!

Happy Birthday Gamma - you are the best!

Family Ties

We had a great time with the family over the last week. Alexandra did not even really seem to notice the language barrier with all of her cousins. Sibylle came with the girls and Christian. Amelia spoke limited at best English. The twins, Carole and Pascle, did not really talk at all - or at least not anything I could understand.

We went to the Alligator Farm in St Augustine, played at the house and just really enjoyed some quality family time. I hate that the world separates us, but we have made an agreement to try and keep the next generation close as well. It is always good to stay in touch with family.

Tinker Bell

Alexandra was Tinker Bell this year for Halloween. It was an extra special time because we had a lot of company from Switzerland visiting. Our cousin Sibylle and her husband and three girls had been doing a road trip in the US for a few weeks and stopped by to pay us a visit. We had a great time, and all the girls loved dressing up and going door to door gathering candy.

It's a Boy!

Today is the big day - we got to find out what we were having. I had a special surprise up my sleeve for Daddy. When we went to Germany, he really wanted this watch. I told him that we did not really have the money and he did not have to get a watch every time we went to Europe. The thing is, I took my mom back to show it to her, and he thought we bought it. So when we got back to the states and Father's Day came - he thought for sure he was getting that watch. Well it came and went with no watch. What Robert did not realize is that I had made arrangements for my Cousin's to pick up the watch and bring it with them in September when they came. I had recently gotten it from them and wrapped it up. I had a feeling we were going to have a boy - so I thought the timing was perfect.

We went in for the sonogram - we were both really excited. We saw the little munchkin and the doctor was assuring us everything looked great. Then she asked if we wanted to find out what we were having. Sure - why not. She moved the camera down and there it was - A BOY! I started to cry instantly. I was so excited. Part of us wanted a little girl for Alexandra to play with, but I was so happy for Robert to have a son too. He was just going to be perfect. Robert was in shock - he did not know what to say or do.

When we got back in the car it really started to sink in. He was getting emotional. I told him I wanted him to open his birthday present today instead of tomorrow. He said no but I said yes and pulled it out of the backseat. When he opened it he was totally shocked and happy. I told him, now you have something to pass down to your son. That was it - he started crying.

This is a day we will remember forever.

OSS FAIR

Alexandra and I went to Cocoa Beach this weekend for her first trip to the OSS Fair. Since I went to school at OSS as a child, I have many fond memories of the annual fair and wanted to make sure Alexandra went at least once. We had a great time, going on rides and enjoying the food. Funny, I used to think this fair was huge, but walking across it as an adult - it is really a lot smaller than I thought.

Visit from Gampa and Abuela

This weekend was a lot of fun. Gampa, Abuela and Aunt Jewel came to visit. We went and watched Daddy run his first ever 1/2 marathon, picked out pumpkins and all just hung around and enjoyed ourselves. It is nice to see everyone, especially since they live so far away. Alexandra has a very special bond with her Gampa, she loves him very much.

Perfect Pumpkin

We all went on the hunt for the perfect pumpkin today. Since we had finished the Marine Corp 1/2 marathon, we decided to go and grab a pumpkin at our usual stop. Alexandra loves going and picking out pumpkins - especially when she gets to grab a few of the small ones just for herself. I think she has a natural touch - always picking out the perfect one!

Marine Corp 1/2 Marathon

Daddy ran his first 1/2 marathon today. He was so excited, but nervous at the same time. He is always talking about Marine's being able to do anything, so today was test day. He was able to do the run with our good friend Jeremy, which was nice. Grandpa and Abuela came up to watch with Jewel. The run started early so Grandpa went downtown with Robert and the girls followed.

We made it in time to watch him come over the finish line. Great Job Daddy!