Mini-Man Alexander

It has been a big few months for our little man. He has gone from baby to toddler before our eyes, with so many new tricks and so much more personality.

He loves being outdoors, to the point where we have to lock our back door so that he doesn't escape at will. His single favorite item is the bubble mower, a flashback toy that reminds me of my brother as a little guy. It also brings back memories of our childhood pup, Cindy, and her love of chasing and eating bubbles.

My favorite part of his love of outside is when we're getting ready to head out, I'll tell him to get his "shoeskis" and he'll promptly run to the stairs and sit patiently waiting for me to put his shoes on. He will then run to the closet and grab everyone else's shoes and hand them out. It's precious.

This little guy loves his big sister. He follows her every move, running to her room first thing in the morning, and we have to pull him out of her room for bed at night.

He is also great with hand-me-downs. Some of his favorite items are bright pink and obvious, but real men, they're comfortable with pink.

He is happy, and loving and content with playing with a single toy for a very long time. He has more hair than any baby I have ever known.

He was not an instant fan of the water, but grew to love it over the course of the week. He was better in the pool than the ocean, but loved to feel the waves (below his knees) by the time the week was over.

He also learned some new tricks while we were in Mexico. And a few weeks later he began impressing us with a few words. Cookie, Bubble and a few days later Mama and Dada, although the order doesn't matter, right? He has been saying "Ma!!" for a few months, though it was referring to just about anybody or anything.

And after an abundance of food stuck in his long, flowing locks, we decided to cut Alex's hair after our trip. He had a cool mohawk for a minute and then looked like a totally new, completely older child.

This is our little man. He is silly, he is loving, he is fun and he has found his personality. We love our little guy, and are having so much fun watching him grow!

Acapulco!

We are thrilled to be able to vacation with the Newhooks once again! We were able to join them on a vacation to Acapulco, Mexico for a week in February. This was the kids first time in Mexico, our first time in Acapulco and our family's first time out of the country since we returned last March. Texas wasn't experiencing the winter weather, but we gladly left for weather that could only be described as perfect. 

Gretchen and Talia give our resort four thumbs up! We love the view from our balcony!

Alex loved standing on the balcony and pointing at things that move.

We spent our mornings deciding between the pool, the beach or a really cool waterpark across the street at a sister resort. The outdoor pool area had a number of pools to choose from, so we would set up at a different spot each day.

The kids loved this pool that had a mix of shallow and deep areas, places with jets and long benches and it was great for the big girls and little ones alike. We insisted that Alex keep this highly attractive pink lifejacket on the entire time.  He didn't seem to mind.

We took a trip into town one afternoon. It was a short lived, the kids were miserable and the taxis brought back haunting memories of taxis in Buenos Aires. One visit to town was plenty.

The dads and big girls took one day to go on a fishing excursion, a half day trip out on the only slightly cloudy day of our vacation. Upon their arrival back, Gretchen exclaimed "Mom! I had the best day fishing with Daddy! We caught one fish, and I threw up all over my swimsuit!" She was thrilled, seasick and completely happy with spending time with Daddy. 

The lone catch of the day

I love seeing these two having fun together!

We also spent a lot of time at the beach. Alex was unsure about the water at first, but he was immediately happy with the sand.

Gretchen was in love with every part of the beach. She loved the water, the sand, building things, looking for things, she was in the zone.

Alex eventually warmed up to the water. He didn't want to go in alone - which was fine with me, I was nervous around the vast open water. By the end of the week, he was having fun in the waves, just getting his feet and legs wet, but enjoying himself - which is the most important thing.

Beach Babe catching waves

One major topic of discussion during the trip was Alex's unbelievably long, thick hair. I cannot believe this child needs haircuts as frequently as he does! I thought it could wait, but his hair was seriously out of control by the time we got to Mexico. The length of hair is one thing, but he loves to eat a full meal with his hands, then run his hands with all remaining food through his long locks. It makes for a very sticky, matted mess. So, this particular morning, I took matters into my own hands.

He seemed to take this opportunity to be even more silly than usual. He has recently discovered the reaction he gets when he uses his tongue. It's pretty adorable.

Vacation was a hit, we had a relaxing, fun-filled week. Sitting home now while it's 40 degrees and raining, makes the memories even more sweet. We can't wait to do it again someday.