Such a big boy

Xander is growing up so fast. Here are some of most recent milestones. Recently, Dolphin introduced him to taking showers. He absolutely loves them. Showers means more time for playing with toys and less time getting clean. They save a lot of time for Mommy and Daddy, too. Of course, baths with lots of bath toys are still fun, too.

This weekend, we picked out a twin bed for him. He's been doing pretty well in his converted crib toddler bed. Rather than buy another crib, we opted to move him up so the baby could use the crib. I was surprised to find it hard to find a good twin mattress on craigslist so we had to buy new. Maybe on the local college students snatched them up. We'll see how the transition goes. I have a feeling that the Spiderman sheets from Grandma and Grandpa are really going to help motivate him. Plus, we'll be able to actually read his bedtime stories while laying in bed with him, which we weren't able to do with the toddler bed.

One of the best pets in the world

Oh poor, poor, poor Peanut and what he puts up with. Really sometimes, I wish he wouldn't put up with it quite so well. The other best pet in the world is Copper who loves to play chase with Xander, and who diligently helps to clean up all of his food messes...sometimes before they even hit the ground.

Yo Gabba Gabba

This weekend, we took Xander to see the live "Yo Gabba Gabba" show. He spent most of the first half just staring. It was a lot of loud noise and bright lights to take in. After intermission, he seemed to loosen up an enjoy the show more.

As for me, I think most of the show was pretty annoying, but I really did enjoy Biz Markie's portion of the show. Not only did he do some really cool beats, but he did some cute stuff with the kids in the audience. He got the biggest cheers from the audience when he did a sample of his hit "Just a Friend."

Happy Feet

At Target, here is a picture Xander helping to feed a baby penguin. Last weekend, we took him to see a free showing "Happy Feet". He did pretty well. Since we went to the Alamo Drafthouse, there were lots of snacks to keep him busy. About half way through, he had to take a bathroom break, and he fell asleep during the last 20 min. He made a lot of commentary and asked a lot of questions during the movie. So, I'd say he's ok for kids shows but not ready for prime time movie watching yet. He would probably annoy other people in the theater way too much.

Checkmate

You have to start early if you want to beat the next generation super computers. Xander's strategy probably works better with humans. He sings "Old MacDonald" to distract his opponents.

Xander-made Christmas cards

This card will be going to one of Xander's teachers at school. He quite enjoyed making the card. When finished, he placed it under our Christmas tree. Hopefully, she will enjoy it at least as much as he enjoyed making it.

Advent update

Xander has been enjoying the advent calendar that I made for him. Each day, we start counting from 1 up to the day.

His favorite items out of the calendar have been the Spiderman temporary tatoos and dried fruit bars. Dolphin put on a couple of the tatoos on Xander's arms and I was just amazed at how long they lasted. I eventually had to scrub to get them off.

He's only tried to sneak a present out once and he was successful. I'm not really sure how he did it because it doesn't seem like he should be tall enough. He managed to get a match box car out of day 20. I guess day 20 will just be empty when we get to it.

Pink update

We just received these super cute booties and bonnet from Great Grandma Margie. Yay, pink! Aren't they so cute?

Grandma Carla also gave us some gigantic swaddling blankets with pink trim over the Thanksgiving holidays. Yay, more pink! These big blankets should come in handy if our little girl comes into this world near the size of her brother. Xander was big that it was hard to find blankets big enough to swaddle him.
Our little girl is doing well and measuring right on track so far. She has taken to some increasingly strong kicking. She is quite a mover, like her brother was, building muscles to take on the world.

Xander likes to talk a little bit about the baby in my belly. Sometimes he gives her kisses or hugs. Today, he used his toy thermometer to take her temperature and a toy stethoscope to listen to her. He decided she was sleeping because she was so quiet.

So much for Santa

My work hosted a holiday event for the kids this year with live music, bounce houses, food, petting zoo, and Santa. Xander was all smiles waiting in line for Santa, ready to ask for "lots of presents", which is what he told us.

The sight of Santa brought some dirty looks.

No sitting on Santa's lap this year, just standing next to him.

All fear vanished when we got to the petting zoo. He loved to pet all the animals.

More Xander Photograhy

I gave Xander free-range with the digital camera again. Here are some of his shots.



And my favorite...