An Amazing Journey: Ch. 26 -- Crawling and Standing! About This Page:

[Jennifer Marx]

Has it really been four months since the last chapter in the Alexander story? We've been so busy finishing up the cruise guide and working on our new titles, and of course Alexander is keeping me on my toes, too! Speaking of toes, he started crawling on his 8 month birthday (a week ago) and is now pulling himself into a standing position! It's like I blinked and he went from being an essentially helpless baby to an almost-toddler. In fact, he only learned how to roll over confidentally about a month and a half ago. Here's a photo of him taken this evening -- he pulled himself up while holding onto his sister Allie's leg, then proceeded to stand there holding on with just one hand:


Look ma, one hand!

We've been going to "baby classes" together since the start of the year. We're now taking the "Wiggle Worms" class where we sing songs and play with interesting toys -- the moms also get to discuss things on their minds. I'm really enjoying it, and I think it's great for both Alexander and I.

Most of the time Alexander hangs out with me while I work. I baby-proofed my work space so he gets the run of the room. I think this may be why he's progressed so rapidly in the last week. He's got space to move and the freedom to explore. And, believe it or not, I'm finding time to get work done as well as spend time with him!

I'm doing the PassPorter Weight Loss Challenge and I try to take Alexander for walks with me around the neighborhood. I love pushing him in his stroller! Today we stopped at our little neighborhood park and tried out the baby swing -- he sat in it comfortably while I pushed him gently. He giggled like there was no tomorrow!


Allie and Alexander play with bubbles

Allie is a wonderful big sister to Alexander! She plays with him daily and really seems to take a lot of interest and joy in him. She also changes diapers and even watched him by herself once for 30 minutes. And as for Alexander, his face truly lights up when he sees her. I think these two siblings are off to a great start!

Our trip to Paris and London at the end of February was wonderful! Taking Alexander along was a breeze -- he was happy to be pushed in his stroller or toted about in the sling. Disneyland Paris was particularly memorable -- it was snowing and c-c-cold most of our three-day visit. We still had a great time! It was interesting to see the changes they made, such as adding very useful arcades (broad alleys) behind the stores in Main Street, U.S.A.


Dave and Alexander at "it's a small world" in Disneyland Paris

We also took a two-day jaunt up to London, where Guide chezp and her husband gave us a wonderful tour! We really enjoyed London. In fact, I think I liked it better than Paris and I'd like to return again soon -- this time for longer than two short days.


On the London Eye

Our next trip is to Disneyland in California for the 50th Anniversary Celebration media event. Alexander is coming along, but Allie is staying home with Aunt Nikki so she can keep up with schoolwork. It'll be interesting to take Alexander to Disney at 9 months old!

Other interesting tidbits about Alexander:
* He has two teeth on the bottom -- he got these around 6-6.5 months
* He's now sleeping in his crib, usually through the entire night (hallelujah!)
* He stlll smiles and giggles -- a very happy baby!
* He's an absolute delight and I LOVE being a mommy!

Lfie is good.

[Jennifer Marx]

Here are some of the faces of Alexander...



Can you see why I'm in love with him?

[CRCrazy]

Wow!!

Jennifer, he is just incredibly beautiful! He seems so good-natured too! What a lucky baby he is to have two such caring parents!

Treasure each day - they pass so quickly - but the next step is always an adventure to enjoy!

[Disneynutinlondon]

Jennifer

Alexander looks just edible, great for you that he's so good natured. You are right it all passes in a blink of an eye. I can't believe my 'baby' turned 7 this week !!!!

When you next come over to London please let us know 'cos I would love to say 'Hi' personally and I just know that Joshua would be thrilled to meet the people that actually wrote his beloved Passporter that he treats as a bible. He refered to it every day on our last trip and is already researching our next 10 day cruise even though it's still 20 months away.

[Jennifer2003]

Such a cutie! In some pictures he looks like you, but in others he looks like Dave! I'm sure he's going to love Disneyland!!!!

Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer

[Stephanie P.]

Jennifer - he is SO cute!! You must be having the time of your life!

[TiggerTails]

What a little star!

[chezp]

Thanks for the update Jennifer - and having met Alexander, I can vouch for the fact that he just took to travelling like a duck to water. The whole day we spent with you guys in London, we barely heard a murmur from him - he really was good as gold.

I can't believe how much he's changed even in the couple of months since we saw you - the picture of him holding himself up with one hand is too cute!

And on the subject of a return trip, I do hope you make a return visit - and for more than two days. That's just not long enough to do London justice.

[wdwlovers]

Thanks for the Alex update Jennifer! I always check for one. It sure is amazing how fast they grow. That is so great you get to spend so much time with him and see how he changes each day. You blink, and the infant is gone. (I know, mine will be turning "2" in less than 3 weeks)

Those photos are priceless! What a ham! He sure likes the camera. Looking forward to many more updates on Alexander, and hopefully we'll see some "walking" photos soon!

[loobyoxlip]

I spy a Mickey pacifier there! He is just way too cute, Jennifer and Dave! Thanks for updating us on his continued growth. What a loved, lucky little guy

[Shell_of_the_South]

Drop-dead gorgeous blue eyes!! Life is good - and so good to know you're enjoying it all!

[DreaminDizney1002]

Those pictures are absolutely priceless! How adorable! So glad you are having the time of your life! He is one lucky little guy! Thanks for the update!

[vsonnier]

He is so beautiful! Thanks for sharing with us!

[DopeyGirl]

OMG . . . he is just too cute!!! I can't believe he is already 8 months old!!! Believe it when you hear that time flies!!! My baby just turned 4 and it seems like she was that little just yesterday!!!

I am sure you will all have a blast at Disneyland!!!

[stretch2864]

He is so cute! I can't believe he is eight months old already. Thanks so much for sharing the photos with us.