The month started out with a play date with Angelina. We picked her up from school and Alexa was happy for the rest of the night. Alexa learned to climb up the slide all by herself. Her slide is very large for a 1 year old. When she gets to the top she stands up very proud. I have been working on getting her to stay seated. She then goes down the slide and usually right off of it. Typically she lands on her back, but sometimes she turns and its her face. Either way she usually just laughs it off and starts again.
That Friday Alexa had to get her flu shot booster. Of course she was not happy about it, but took it like a champ. Saturday morning was a make up day gymnastics class. This was a new teacher and all new students. Alexa seemed to enjoy this kids and had a good time. Adam asked me to watch the girls this day as well. So they were all at gymnastics class watching. Ariel was not happy about having to watch us. After class I took all 3 girls to the commissary. The younger two sat in the airplane cart and played the entire time. Angelina would run ahead to get items for me. Later in the afternoon we went to Walmart. The little girls were in the double stroller. They were not nearly as happy this time around. We did end the trip with a stop in the toy department.
Sunday was a family day for just Alexa and I. I really needed the slow day after a busy Saturday. My favorite days are just time with Alexa at home playing. I love when she brings me toys to play with or runs up to me just wanting a hug. Sometimes I can even convince her to take a nap with me on the couch. Love our lazy Sundays!
Monday was our normal gymnastics class. Alexa was all ready to play but I was not feeling well. I had my work Thanksgiving lunch and must have ate something bad. I ended up throwing up at gymnastics class. I was able to finish the class but was exhausted. Fortunately Alexa made it easy on me. She ate her dinner by herself, took a quick bath & then went to bed. Not sure what I ate, but I felt much better the next morning.
On Wednesday morning we started our travel to Chicago. We made it to the airport in good time. When we were unloading the car one shuttle came by. When we got to the shuttle station to wait for the next one, it seemed to take an even longer than normal time for us to get a ride. We stood out there for 20 minutes. I knew it was going to be a busy trip from that point on. Checking in was just as busy & security was long. Once we got through, Alexa had a quick dinner & some milk. She then played for a little while. She found some friends and really had a good time. I think her favorite activity was pushing around the stroller. On the plane we were seated in the back (by choice). Alexa went to sleep fairly easily but woke up when a college kid sitting next to us decided to climb over us to go to the bathroom. She was not very happy for the remainder of the flight.
When we finally got to baggage we met up with my Dad & Beth. Alexa went to Beth after only a little hesitation. That evening was spent having a dinner with my Grandparents. Alexa kept looking around the table watching the different people.
Thanksgiving was really low key for us. GB, Alexa & I went to the park for a little while. It was VERY cold for us, but it was nice to get out. Alexa was heading down a slide & GB said turn around. So Alexa turned on her belly and went down. It was super cute. GB meant to say feet first, but I guess Alexa did what she was told. Funny moment for us. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying family. On Friday evening we went to Erin, Herb & Ethan's new house. We were able to see lots of family & even had a surprise visit for our out of town family, Marie & Tom. Alexa and Ethan had a really good time playing. They were even able to take a bath together in their really large bathtub. Both kids stayed awake WAY past their bedtimes. This was an all time late record for Alexa.
On Saturday we went out to lunch with some more family. Alexa did a lot of people watching. She sat for over an hour without fussing. After the hour we walked around the entrance of the restaurant and even got some gelato. She refused to try it. Oh well, more for me. Saturday evening we spent at the house with my Grandparents. We even did some funny photos with my Grandma. On Sunday morning we had a 6:40am flight. The airport was packed. I was very stressed until we made it to our gate. The airplane was next to empty. We had our own row. This is the first time in our 9 trips that we had 3 seats to ourselves. Alexa played for a little while but was asleep before take off. She did not wake up until after we landed. I will call that a success!
Monday the 28Th was another gymnastics class. Alexa was super adorable during warm ups. We were running in a circle and the instructor would tell us different things to do. When she said to bounce or jump Alexa would dance. She would stand really still and bounce her knees. She even got low to the ground before bouncing back up. She was not into stretching that day at all. As soon as I would sit her down she would run away. I guess she does not understand the concept yet. We did enjoy climbing up things and the trampoline. She did not like the bars, somersaults or back bends. After gymnastics, Alexa feel asleep in the car. When we got home I put her in the highchair thinking she would wake up for dinner. She ended up sleeping until 6am the next morning. She must have been exhausted from the traveling.
Alexa had a first this week that was long over due. She cried for the first time ever as I dropped her off at daycare. Of course I went in the room with her and even cuddled for a few minute. It broke my heart that she did not want to go to school that day. I was told later that she was fine the rest of the day. The rest of the week she went to school without any issues. I am not sure what that one day was about, but I am glad it has passed us.
The first Saturday of the month was an exciting one for us. We got up early and helped decorate the gym for Justin's homecoming. We were able to hang our sign right of the door. Besides that we really just hung out and socialized with all the other anxious spouses and children. The homecoming became very really on this day. We stocked up on some snacks for Justin and spent the rest of the day preparing the house. Of course it was raining outside so I could not hang our banners until the next day. Saturday night we headed to bed early. I woke up at 3am on Sunday to only find out that Justin was going to be delayed 3hours (1pm instead of 10am). I could not sleep so I got up and did some finally preparing. I hung the banners, put out the streamers, lite some candles (to make the house smell good) and then started my day. Alexa and I were dressed and ready to go by 8:30am. We were told that the gym was getting full so we decided to head over there. We arrived at 8:45 and found what I thought would be good seats. Alexa spent the next several hours running around playing with different toys, people, decorations, watching movies & eating. I was exhausted but running on adrenalin. Around 11am we found out the guys were not going to be arriving until closer to 2pm. Alexa took a nap on my friend Denise's shoulder for about an hour. It gave us both a much needed break. As the time went on the gym because increasing loud from all the families packing in. At 2pm all the excitement began. We were told they were in Leavenworth and getting close. They had motorcycles and police escorts. They did not stop at traffic lights but were driving slowly. When they made it through the gates we all got really excited. We could hear the loud noises but could not see anything. Once they arrived the company commander (our other neighbor) pounded on the garage and it all began. Apparently I stood up on my folding chair while holding Alexa and watched at the doors opened and the guys walked in. Justin did not see us until he circled back around. He was exactly in front of us but 3 rows back. It was really cool to watch. Alexa clapped for awhile and then got overwhelmed. We listed to a few cool speeches and then they were dismissed. Alexa was afraid of Justin at first. She went to him but was very hesitant. We had a Colonel offer to take pictures of us. I am really glad he was so generous, the pictures turned out great. We were all three ready to get out of there. We had to look for Justin's bags in the gym across the parking lot & then we were on our way.
Once we were home Alexa realized who Justin was. We spent the afternoon doing some playing before we went to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant. The evening was nice and quiet. Alexa was jealous when I was holding onto Justin and not her. We were all very tired and called it an early night. Monday was an interesting day for all of us. It was the coldest day of the year with a high of only 28*. We attempted to do some Christmas decoration shopping but were very unsuccessful. We had a nice brunch at the Lighthouse Cafe & then spent the rest of the afternoon decorating for Christmas. Alexa did not care much either way for the Christmas tree. I am glad the ornaments are not appealing to her. The high light of the day was watching Justin panic when he realized he caught tissue paper on fire in the candle that HE LITE. He took the tissue paper and ran to the front door. He opened the wooden door and ran into the storm door. This caused his to drop the burning paper on the carpet. Luckily no one was hurt & the fire did no damage.
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday have progressed into our new normal. Justin and I both have been spending some time at work and Alexa has been at daycare. We have shared meals with friends and evening with our family. Justin has picked up Alexa all week & even dropped her off on Thursday. But he forgot her milk & had to make two trips.
Our first full weekend as a family was a challenging one. We are all three still getting used to the change in dynamic. Friday night we took our first formal family pictures in 11 months. Alexa had a great time. She was smiling, laughing and clapping the entire time. We ended up with some great pictures but we were exhausted.
On Saturday we went to "Pancakes with Santa." We arrived early with the Acred's and got in line to see Santa. Ariel and Alexa were terrified. I tried to snap a few photos before taking Alexa out of her misery. We went downstairs and waiting for the pancakes. It ended up being a REALLY long line so Justin and I took Angelina, Ariel & Alexa to IHop. I can tell that Justin was a little nervous with the idea of taking 2 toddlers to a restaurant. However, it turned out great. All three girls ate their meals and behaved wonderfully. I do not think it convinced Justin to have another child, but I also do not think it discouraged him. Saturday evening we had dinner at the Acred's. Like always we had a good time & Alexa was worn out when we went home.
Sunday we went to church with the Acred's. Alexa spent a few hours in the nursery and did alright. I was told she got upset for a few minutes and was happy the rest of the time. At one point the teacher held her up so she could look out the window. She then proceeded to blow kisses even though no one was out there. She also discovered a rocking horse that she fell in love with. I think we may need to get her one. After church we went shopping for some new furniture but came out unsuccessful.
Monday was our last day of gymnastics. Alexa was very excited as soon as we got into the gym. We could not get her jacket and shoes off quick enough. She was off running around in no time. Through out the entire class she was shouting in excitement and hard to keep up with. She still does not like to sit still for the stretching. She enjoys climbing the different mats, crawling through tunnels & jumping on the running trampoline. She does not care for the bars, hand stands or cartwheels. At the end of every class the teacher blows bubbles from the large fan. Most of the children chase the bubbles. Alexa walks over to the fan and sits right in front of it. She enjoys the wind in her hair or at least enjoys studying it.
On Tuesday Maureen came for the final time. She released Alexa from occupational therapy. Maureen has been a true blessing to us. Over the last 3 months she had caught Alexa up on her eating and even gave us some advise on how to handle the toddler years (in terms of eating).
Next month we are looking forward to traveling for Christmas, Vegas & maybe seeing some family on weekend trips.
