Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Splish Splash, Alex was taking a bath...

As I mentioned earlier...Alex is very fond of bathtime!



He really gets those legs a-kickin'!



"Time to get out already?"

Alex and his lamb

Alex not only likes to look at things...but he is starting to grab on too! Thanks Aunt Claire for the lamb blankie.





3 MONTHS OLD!

"Hey everyone, I'm 3 months old today!"



"I'm getting stronger and stronger everyday. Last Friday I was 13 pounds and"...



..."I'm slowly catching up to my big bear."

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

ALEXisms

Big boy Alex is turning 3 months tomorrow. His proud parents would like to show you some of his favorite hobbies.

We call him our "mover and shaker!" Alex is constantly working those tummy muscles, here he is sitting on his own.



Alex loves bath time...watch out dad cuz this little one splashs all around!



He is also very fond of his own reflection...I would be too if I was that cute!



More lights!...Alex can't get enough of the pretty lights.



Finally he sleeps, he likes to be in a warm and cuddly cocoon.

The day after...

After a nights rest in Sturgis, the Dampeer three (Sophee stayed with Aunt Aimee) made a trip to the big city to see Bridgett and Tim Frost. This was Alex's first time in Chicago. Bridge and Tim were very gracious hosts!



After their overnight stay at the Frosts, mom, dad and Alex picked up Aunt Claire and Uncle Mike from the airport. They all adventured back to Gma and Gpa's house in South Bend where Alex got some quality time with his auntie and uncle.



Aunt Claire and Uncle Mike live far away in Boston. Alex had lots of fun bonding with Aunt Claire and...



Uncle Mike!



Every year at this time, Mike has an annual Radiology Meeting in Chicago. The whole Dampeer family looks forward to their visits.

O, Christmas Tree

The Dampeer family stayed the night at Gma and Gpa Arklie's house after their busy Turkey Day fun. Before bed, Alex couldn't keep his eyes off the pretty Christmas tree.



Alex's turn to trim the tree. Aunt Aimee was showing him how to hang the ornaments and boy was he amazed by those ornaments and bright lights.

Monday, November 26, 2007

The Thanksgiving Day Story...

Happy First Thanksgiving to Alex! What an eventful day he had with his mom and dad...

Alex began the day with a little R & R with our neighbor Jim Miller. Jim and his parents babysat Alex while mom and dad went on a jog throughout the neighborhood. Mom, Dad, Sophee and their dog Duncan started the day with their very own little Turkey Trot.



Then the whole fam was off to Sturgis to see Gma and Gpa Arklie. It wasn't long, then the journey continued to White Pigeon where the Arklies and Dampeers met for a delicious Thanksgiving Day meal. Thank you to Great Grammy for hosting the get-together.

As you can see below, Gma D made and gave Alex a beautiful Christmas sweater and hat. Alex also received books from Gma A to add to his expanding collection.



Soon it was time for dinner...looks like Alex had some Turkey King...



...and boy did he have his fill!



Wasn't too much later when Alex was dreaming about his next meal.

Toys for Tots...

Last Tuesday (11/20), Alex began a tradition that we hope will make a couple of kids very happy for Christmas. Alex picked out two stuffed animals, a pink poodle for a little girl and a green dino for a little boy. We hope Alex continues this tradition for many years to come.




While Alex was out and about...he tried out a few of the toys at Babies R Us...



He still has a bit more to grow but...



...he enjoyed himself all the while.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

12 weeks...

...and ready to feed himself...

Problem Solved

Who said Alex didn't like his crib?

Monday, November 19, 2007

All stand...

Alex can't sit still these days...all he wants to do is stand and look around. It won't be long until he is running around after Sophee.

Here Alex is standing on mom and dad's friend, Jamie Webster's lap. Jamie and Russ Webster visited Alex last Friday (11/16). After the visit, the Websters along with mom and dad met up with other friends Jen and Rick Rupp and Heather and Steve Baron for some pizza in Kalamazoo. Alex stayed behind with Grandma and Grandpa Arklie.



Jamie and Russ are moving to Kansas City in February 2008. They will be there a year and then plan on returning home to Cottrelville MI. Their temporary move will be closer to a project for Russ's work.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Alex and his Auntie...

Alex enjoys spending time with Aunt Aimee Arklie. Aunt Aimee has been a big help with Alex.



Out for the count!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

It's a boy!

Friends of mom and dad, Jared and Elizabeth Smith gave birth to a baby boy last Thursday November 8th. He weighed 8 pounds and was 20 inches long.



This cutie was not only welcomed by his mom and dad but by his three older brothers!

kute, kozy, and kuddly kids

Alex and Sophee cuddled up together all on their own.



I think Sophee is enjoying her new friend more and more each day.

Thumbs Up...

I guess two thumbs are better than one!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

A trot to Amish Country

Alex and Mom made a special trip to Indiana yesterday to visit with their friends Jenny and JD Rupp. Alex was a very good boy and enjoyed spending time with his bud JD who is 20 months old.



Rick and Jenny Rupp practiced with two kids as they are expecting another bundle of joy in MAY!



With some assistance, JD gave Alex some loving.



Alex was showing off his ride to JD! The moms and boys adventured down to Shipshewana for the afternoon...



...and ran into Cousin Kim Larimer (mom's side) who also gave Alex some loving. What a fun day!

Monday, November 12, 2007

Me and my Bee...

A little cat nap with the toy bee.



Alex is starting to grab on to his toys.