Santa Delivers

Alexandra asked for a ton of things for Christmas this year: a new bike, new Minnie, Jasmine Barbie, Snow White Barbie, a horse and new shoes. She also was nice enough to make Anthony's list for him: Baby shoes, baby toys, baby food - are we sensing a theme? Well Christmas day came, and although Santa did not bring everything on her list, he came pretty close. She was very excited - although did not mind showing her disappointment that Princess Jasmine Barbie was no where to be found. Kids!

Santa is Scary

So, we have a real Santa living next door - or at least he plays a good one on TV. Each year on Christmas Eve, Todd (the neighbor) dresses up in his Santa outfit and role plays for the kids in the neighborhood and this year was no different. It was Christmas Eve and Papa Gelles, Aunt Jeanette, Uncle Billy, BJ, Gamma, and Uncle Nathan were over for dinner. We had just finished and Papa Gelles was leaving out the garage when the doorbell rang - it was Santa. Alexandra was so excited - she almost could not stand it. She told Santa to hold on and ran outside to get Papa Gelles. Anthony, the baby who normally goes to anyone, was terrified of the man in the red suit. We got our picture taken and made sure Santa new everything on the wish list.

Another Minkie Survives!

Christmas was very interesting this year. Alexandra is finally old enough to "get it". She promised to give up her "minkies" (pacifiers). The deal was to leave them for Santa and he would give her a present for each one. It was time to go to bed and she put all three in her stocking. After about an hour of crying, we caved! We got her favorite out of the stocking and she kept it. After that, she fell right asleep. So it might cost us braces down the road, but I think that is a small price to pay for peace and quiet at night!

Who is he talking to?

So, Anthony started talking a few months ago and as predicted, his first word was Dada. At first, it was totally random, but now he really associates the person with the word. Not too long ago, he started saying NaNa when he got really upset or tired. At first, I thought it was a mistake, but after some time, I realized he was calling me NaNa. He must be confused right? I mean that is what most people would call their grandmother. I guess I am going to have to start teaching him what respect means.

The Perfect Tree

Typically we wait until mid December to pick out a Christmas Tree but this year, since we were in town, we went earlier. It was beautiful out and we decided to stop and pick out a tree after a day of running around. As typical, Anthony had fallen asleep in the car seat but we were sure he would wake up for the big event. Picking out a tree is a big event in the Adams' Household - so he was not going to miss it right? Wrong - he slept through the whole thing. We did snap a quick picture of him next to a random tree, just for the memory of it all.

Look Out Punky Brewster

I have been waiting for the day this starts happening, Alexandra is started to dress herself. Typically, she is really good. I am not one of those moms that has to have everything match, so Alexandra dressing herself is not a problem. She has her favorite shoes "sprinkle shoes" that she typically wears each day. We have had an usually cold few days, so Alexandra was going through her drawers and found some "prize possessions" to assemble for her school outfit. She asked me "how do I look" - which she asks everyday. I told her beautiful, that I love her outfit. Then she asked me "do you know why Flounder is my sleepy time friend?" I thought long and hard, but could not really come up with the answer so I asked her if she was pretending to be Ariel today. I really did not get it until I heard her response. "No silly mommy - we all have strips!" Not sure if you notice, there is a theme to her madness - everything has strips.

Halloween 2009

This year we went to Aunt Jeanette's house for trick or treating. Alexandra dressed up at school as Super Girl and Anthony was superman!

It's About Time

I have been getting the evil eye from Anthony for weeks now when I eat something. Lately, he has started screaming and hitting things to get my attention. You see the problem is, Alexandra and Anthony are almost three years apart, so I can not remember when I started food. Since he is six months old now, I thought I would give it a try! First on the menu - sweat potatoes. Let me tell you - he loved it! Either Alexandra was a lot younger, or Anthony really has a handle on this eating thing. I do not think he wasted a single drop.

Check out my new Specs

Alexandra loves her daycare, they are always making such cool things. Right now her "artwork" still consists of a lot of random lines and some pretty good circles. Today, she came home with her newest invention - glasses!

Annie Lives On

Alexandra is totally obsessed with the movie Annie. She has seen it at least 100 times and knows every word to every song. We took the opportunity to take her to see a live show at the Alhambra Dinner Theater. She was so excited - almost could not sit still. She was signing along with the performers. Absolutely loved it! A great time for Alexandra, Mommy and Daddy.

Happy Birthday Mommy Disney ~ Here we come

Today might be my birthday, but today is not about me, it is all about Alexandra. Since Anthony has had so much of the focus lately, we thought it was time to do something with just Alexandra, Mommy and Daddy. We had never been to Disney, so this was the perfect opportunity. Anthony got dropped off at Oma's ~ she was on duty for the day. We drove from Cocoa Beach to Orlando early in the morning. Daddy and I had discussed this, we were not going to tell Alexandra where we were going, it would make for a really long car ride. There is only so many times I can hear "are we at Disney yet?" When we pulled onto the main road and she started seeing all the Disney signs and Characters ~ it was starting to sink in. Something big was going to happen ~ but she was not sure what yet.

After getting our tickets and making our way through the gates, we instantly greeted by Daisey ~ Alexandra was very impressed. So, like good little soldiers, we waited in line for about 30 mins to have our picture taken with her. What happened to the days of the characters just randomly walking around the park? Now they are assigned areas, you have to wait in line and they get "snack breaks." The next stop was the parade and then story time with Belle. She just could not believe all the princesses were at one place ~ so exciting. She was not thrilled about the long lines and the heat, but she loved the experience. Daddy and Mommy really enjoyed watching her. Her favorite part was the Dumbo ride and of course ~ meeting Minnie and all the Princesses.

Alexandra loves Disney and was completely spoiled rotten during the whole thing. She deserved it ~ she has been very patient with the adjustment of welcoming Anthony to the family. It is hard going from center of attention to sharing the attention. I can only hope that she was always be patient with her brother ~ time will only tell.

First Night At Home

Alexandra went to Oma's house for the first few nights while we brought Anthony home. This was the perfect suggestion because it gave Mommy and Daddy a little break and made Alexandra feel special and not so left out of the mix. They had a great time together and even got to go to the zoo.

Meanwhile, back at the Adams Household Mommy and Daddy quickly remembered what it was like to have a newborn baby around. What happened to that sweet angel who slept all the time in the hospital? Anthony had jaundice so we had to make sure he was eating and getting enough sunlight. I had decided to nurse again, which was a little troublesome but we worked on it.

And the People Shall Come

Anthony's second day on this earth has proven to be a little busy. We had a lot of visitors come to the hospital. Alexandra was starting to warm up to the thought of a little brother, and loved all the attention she was getting for being a big sister. We had Gamma, Oma, Aunt Jeannette, Becky, Gampa, Abuela, and Jewel all come to meet the newest member of the family. Anthony was a good sport and mostly loved the attention as well.

Anthony was a great baby right from the start. While in the hospital, he did a lot of sleeping and not too much crying. His cute little button nose and perfect facial features would melt every one's heart as soon as they walked in the room.

I am a big Sister

Alexandra and Oma got to the hospital a few minutes before I got taken back. I could hear her coming all the way down the hall telling everyone that her baby "brodder" Anthony was finally here. She came charging into the room, and of course, demanded all the attention go on her. She was jumping up and down with excitement and could not wait to see him. I was not sure how impressed she was, he was so tiny and fragile - she did not really know what to do. Time will tell if they become close, but for now, the excitement of the hospital was the main focus of Alexandra

The Big Day

Robert and I got to the hospital around 5:30am - the C-section was scheduled for 8:30am. What a morning. Oma stayed at home with Alexandra, there was no need to have her wait at the hospital for all that time. It would have been too distracting. Since I developed Gestational Diabeties with Anthony, they had extra tests and checks they had to perform. All I could think about was let's get this over with. I was so excited, so nervous, and completely overwhelmed with emotions by the time they took me back. I got the spinal block by myself, Robert patiently waiting back in the room. This time I was sure to mention that they needed to grab Robert before they started. When we had Alexandra they started the c-section without him. It was only a few moments and I could hear that welcome scream and cry. What a beautiful sound

Last Minute Prep

We are anxiously awaiting the 18th for Anthony's big arrival. Another C-section allows us to really prepare and make sure everything is in order. Oma has come up for the big event, and Gamma is also on pins and needles. It seems like this second pregnancy has just zipped by, and our little man will be here before we know it. Since you all know Robert, he has to make sure the house and clean and even has the girls working out in the yard ~ as if someone was going to come by the house and notice leaves or weeds! Although, everyone is welcoming the distraction.

11 days and counting

Typically I would not take pictures of myself pregnant, but since I have been feeling so good with this pregnancy, Anthony got lucky. This is a little preview of what he looks like, still in the toaster. This whole pregnancy has been so different from Alexandra - I carry different, he is way more active and slightly violent at night. I have only gained 7lbs and holding strong. Since I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes, the strict diet and exercise has really helped me out. Looks like this pregnancy is agreeing with me ~ this is all baby!

Visitors from Abroad

We had some company from my cousin Tina and Wolf this weekend. They always come to Florida to get away and relax. The drove up to Jacksonville for the day and we all went out to dinner together. It is always great seeing the extended German family.

Sticky Faced Monster

Kids can not be trusted. I was on the phone today and not paying attention to what Alexandra was doing. Typically she is in the other room playing with her "people" or just watching TV. After a few minutes, I realized it had gotten way to quite in the house. I called for her, but no answer. That promptly informed me that she was into something she should not be. I started my search in the bedroom - no Alexandra. Keep in mind she has been testing us like crazy since I am so tired from working all day and being pregnant she has been getting away with a lot more than normal. I moved into the kitchen, still no Alexandra. Checked the guest room - nope not there. I walked back into the kitchen and the little Sticky Faced Monster was looking right at me. I thought it was so cute, I could not even get mad about her wasting all my sticky notes.

Safety 1st

Alexandra got her first scooter this weekend. She was very excited. We are all about the safety element. She proudly put on her helmet and knee pads. Alexandra is not always the most coordinated kid on the block, so it was important that she learned the rules quickly, no riding the scooter without her protective gear. After a few adjustments of the helmet and knee pads - we were ready for fun! She loves this thing, although I am wondering how long it will keep her attention. She was asking if it had a place to put her "people".

First Big Hair Cut

Alexandra got her first big haircut today. We have done little trims here and there, but it was time to get a big cut. She was so very excited, could barely sit still. We went from mid back to a short bob. The only sad thing is she lost her baby curls. I think her favorite part was the lollipop at the end.