Christmas 2010...

Christmas with an almost-three-year-old is exactly what you would expect... crazy fun and crazy long. Our Santa dilemma was solved... mostly by Alex not seeming to care much. Santa is everywhere, after all. We started by wrapping tons of presents...And getting ready to go to Carmen's for Christmas eve (remember to always smile so hard that it hurts)...
Play, dinner, play and then Alex was off to bed, only to be woken at midnight for gifts. It took a while for her to warm up...But she had a great time and got a car load of booty. Next morn, it was a small Santa session at home, and then pour the sleepy toddler in to a fancy dress...And off to Adrian to have another gift orgy. This time with even more cousins...More food, more fun, more smiling...

She slept for thirteen hours that night. Merry Christmas!!

Holiday Recital 2: Electric Boogaloo...

Alex had her Holiday recital for her daycare again this year... and she was so excited. We practiced her songs for weeks. She had a Santa song, a Hanukkah song, and a Kwanzaa song. She knew them forward and backward. Her teacher even told us that she was the linchpin. On the days that she wasn't there, rehearsal was a disaster. Were she a hockey player, she would have been wearing a C on her shimmery little cardigan.

Then the day came. We picked her up and brought her home to get ready. Max get dressed at our house too...Then off to the auditorium for the big event. We were given some bad directions, and took Alexandra down the stairs where the bigger kids were. She fit right in...But then we had to hustle upstairs to find her class and... chaos. Ten kids running wild and none of their usual teachers to whip them in to shape. Alex flipped. She wouldn't let me leave. Physically wouldn't let me. She cried and sobbed and clung. Finally Miss Jen (a great teacher from an earlier class) grabbed her from me and distracted her long enough for me to escape.

Then the fun began. Infants being twirled and toddlers trying to sing. Alex's class came up and she was still red and puffy from the crying. The first song was tough, but then she started feeling the music and took off. This is long but...


All in all, she swears she had fun and that's all that matters. Merry christmahanakwanzika everyone!!

All I want for Christmas...

From the very first time Alex was asked what she wanted for Christmas (and I am finding out that kids are asked constantly) she had one answer, and one answer only... cheese.

What do you want for Christmas?
Cheese.
What is Santa going to bring you?
Cheese.
What is on your wish list?
Cheese.

A few weeks ago her grandmother was asking the same thing... and got the same answer. My mom responded incredulously, "That's it? Cheese? Don't you want a baby doll, or a teddy bear, or a truck?". Then, and for the next week, she had a new response.

What do you want for Christmas?
Cheese. And a truck.
What is Santa going to bring you?
Cheese. And a truck.
What is on your wish list?
Cheese. And a truck.

Then her friend Bobbo, as a thank you for a gift Alex had given him, gave her a bundle of her favorite Babybel cheese. She was geek. Then, since, and to this day she has a new response.

What do you want for Christmas?
Bobbo already gave me cheese... so just a truck.
What is Santa going to bring you?
Bobbo already gave me cheese... so just a truck.
What is on your wish list?
Bobbo already gave me cheese... so just a truck.

Oh Christmas tree...

We agree on most things in our household. We are on the same page about parenting and food and television. One of our small points of early contention was the Christmas tree. Not real vs. fake or light colors, but timing. Michele would like to have it up the day after her birthday (that is Dec 1st) and down some time after the new year. I, given my choice, would put it up about a week before Christmas and put it all away on the 26th. We have, over the years, found a happy middle... second week of December. That was this weekend, so away we went.This is the first year that Alex has really been involve on a higher level. She helped pick out the tree and then charmed the men helping us load it up.She helped put on lights... and only two were broken in the process! I feared the number would be far greater. She had fun... even though all of her ornaments were placed in one area and needed some rearranging.When we were all done, she was so proud and so excited. She has been informed that it is her job to turn on the tree every day. She thinks she's pretty cool. Merry Christmas!!

Two Georges...

Two years ago Alex got two stuffed Curious Georges for Christmas. My sister's and brother's families each independently got them for her (we called her "monkey" then, and still do) without knowing the other had. It was pretty funny.

As is her norm with many a toy and most stuffed animals, they were quickly relegated to a shelf. There is a zoos worth of animals collecting dust and staring pleadingly and longingly from the corner of her bedroom. She just doesn't play with them (with the exception of Mr. Dinosaur Head and Stripey the Zebra who go everywhere with her).

But then, a couple days ago, she "discovered" one of the Georges. She showed it around, "It's a monkey" she said. "It's Curious George" she happily reported. She carried it around all evening and took it to bed. No idea where that came from.

The next day I reminded her that there was another George. She screamed. "I have two Georges, look I have two Georges!!" Now she takes them both everywhere... including to bed... along with Mr. Dinosaur Head and Stripey the Zebra. We may have to get her a bigger bed.

Difficult to know what to get her for Christmas when her most prized possessions have been ignored for two years...

It's beginning to look a lot like...

I think Alex might actually "get" Christmas this year. She has started learning songs for her Christmas pageant, she knows who Santa is, she is ready for snow. But, since she was pretty oblivious in years past, we don't know exactly how our traditions will work out. We do Christmas eve with the Maleys and Christmas day with the Harringtons... always have always will.
So when does Santa come? To our house on a hectic and sleepy Christmas morn? Does he stop by the grandparent's houses to leave a few gifts? Right now, it is all up for debate... thoughts?

The curious case of the bloody ear...

So yeah, the bloody ear thing. The Saturday after Thanksgiving, after watching Michigan get killed, Alex woke from a nap and toddled out to see me. She handed me Mr. Dinosaur Head to hold while she climbed on the couch, and he was splattered with blood. Big drops of blood. I picked her up and spun her around searching for the source... and there it was dripping from her ear. I freaked.

We called the doc, and after waiting an hour for a call back, were told to go to the hospital. On a holiday weekend. At night. Luckily it wasn't too busy and we got right in. Unluckily we got a doctor with exactly the experience that you would expect at night on a holiday weekend. Her diagnosis (after examining Alex with very shaky hands) was a shrug. "Here are some drops to lessen the swelling and see your doctor on Monday." Perfect.

So, after worrying away the rest of the weekend, we went to a real doc... who was not worried in the least. She said there are three things that generally cause bleeding in the ear in toddlers:

1. She stuck something in there (she seems more fascinated with her mouth and nose so...)
2. She has an ear infection (no sign of that)
3. Her tube came out and released some blood (we have a winner!)

No big deal. Nothing to worry about. No issues since.

Timing? Priceless

Hello? Is this thing on?

Hey kids... it's been a while. I know this because people keep saying, "What's up with the blog... it's been a while?".

Here's the thing... I ran into a little problem. At first I thought it was writer's block, that amorphous and difficult to wrangle maybe a real issue maybe not deal you get when you can't think of a single word to write (let alone the long rambly stuff I enjoy). But it was more than that. I started to freak out a little. I got the cold sweats and could feel my heart beating in my chest whenever I sat down to convey the cuteness that is life with Alex and Michele. I started to panic a little. It was no fun.

Here's the why... I started worrying more and more about what people thought. Will this aunt be upset if I tell an Alex story involving that aunt. Will people think I'm overselling Alex's adorablosity. Will friends get upset because I did, or didn't, write about an event. Part of me thought I was crazy, but then it happened... some close friends took offense at an attempt at story telling and decided not to be friends anymore. Suddenly I was staring up at the cliff I had been perched at the edge of for so long.

Last week we had to take Alex to the urgent care. She had woken from a nap and was bleeding from the ear. It was scary. The doctor asked how long it had been since she had her tubes in... and our first instinct was to check the blog. It turns out that it isn't just the ramblings of a madman... it's the chronicle of Alex's life and our life with her. It's not about my fear or what you all think... it's the way that we look back and remember and revel. It's the book of us. And it isn't over.

So, here's the deal. I am going to stop stopping. I am going to write on this blog and brag on my baby and love on my wife and not give a damn what you think. If you are one who is prone to judge, compare, or get angry you are no longer invited. If you just want to see cute pics and read poorly written stories about our boring lives, then you are welcome.

Rock On!!! Alex goes to a concert!

This weekend, while Michele and Wes had to work, I had the opportunity to take Alex to a concert at the Ark in Ann Arbor.
We were going to see the Verve Pipe, a famous rock band from the mid '90's! Only, now that they are older, and have kids, they offer a kids show.
This was Alex's first exposure to a live music concert and at first she wasn't too sure about it, as you can see in the photo.
Eventually she got quite into it! There were many kids at the show and at one point, they invited all the kids on stage to be "Part of the Band!" Alex didn't go up, but that really got her into it!
The concert was really good. The Verve Pipe came up with a bunch of their own kids songs. Alex started out a little scared of the whole thing. Eventually, she asked if she could dance is the aisle to the music. This mean jumping up and down like a mad lady - similar to the kids surrounding us!
From an adult perspective, I appreciated the rock sound to the music and thought they did a good job!
Maybe next time they're in town, the parents can also attend.
In the mean time I got a CD so they can start learning the songs!
The lights were low but I tried to get some video at the end of the concert. By the end of the concert they were singing some songs to get them to Dance around... Like "Jump Around" and "Believer"- from the Schrek films and originally from the Monkeys! Alex jumped up and down for about the last 20 mins of the concert!
This video is sideways... I can't figure out how to fix it.... but here's a taste of her dancing!

Churches and castles and sunsets...

Friday in Switzerland was a packed day. We loaded up in the morning and headed to Einsiedeln where we toured a beautiful church. We wandered around (trying desperately to keep Alex's volume down while in the church) and checked out all the over the top art. Alex, of course, was most impressed with the fountain that she could drink from...Then we headed on to Rapperswil where we meandered around a huge castle. Alex was quite melty by this time, but we had fun checking everything out. Then we settled in for some tapas, and had a very relaxing meal full of beer and laughter... in a castle. It was pretty cool...Finally we headed home, but had to stop on the way to appreciate this sunset...It was the kind of day that you will not have in the states. A church that grew around a hermits shack over centuries. A castle now used mostly for museums, weddings, and tapas. A roadside sunset view to take your breath away. One more day left...

Because it matters to people like us...

I defy you to read this and not donate some small bit of your tax deductible dollars.

Lugano...

Thursday of our trip. Robin, Bob, Jenny, and David graciously offered to hang out with Alex while Michele and I took a trip by ourselves. We took the train to Lugano. A train ride with no worries, no wrangling, and even some conversation. It was nice. The train ride alone was a fantastic break.Then Lugano. A beautiful lakeside town. A little touristy, but lovely to wander around. This is the kind of town, we decided, that we could stay in for a week. Have coffee in the square. Walk along the lake. Lunch with wine. A nap. And then some cocktails. Every day. We could do it.
We saw cute churches...Adorable sloping streets (with cafes and shops)...
Art!...The lake front...
It was a great, relaxing afternoon. We may have to visit this little place again...

Waking up on the wrong side of the world...

I will continue the story of our vacation when I have a few minutes, I promise, but for now this aside...

We are still adjusting to the time change after returning from Switzerland (six hour difference). Yesterday I was up at 2:30am, and Alex at 3. Today I was up at 3am, and Alex at 3:30. I thought I had convinced her to go back to sleep, until I heard a sing-songy little voice from across the house chanting, "Daaaaaaddy... I'm not tired anymore." over and over.

At this slow rate we might be back to our normal 5am wake up by the end of the week. For the record, I am tired anymore. Very Tired.

Luzern...

Tuesday we went to Luzern. We got an early start and met up in Bruenen to catch a boat. Jennie convinced us that it was worth the extra money to upgrade to first class... and she was right! We had a lovely table away from the riff-raff where we spent the leisurly trip back and forth across the lake sipping beer and eating cheese. The sights were beautiful, and we had a blast.

Our first stop in Luzern was the Transportation Museum which was pretty awsome. There were serperate buildings with displays on trains, boats, planes, automobiles, and gondolas. We spent quite a bit of time looking around and Alex was very impressed (especially with the trains). But, since I am a child, I mostly liked this sign...

We left the museum to head for lunch and had the worst part of the day befall us. I won't describe in detail, but Alex drank a bunch of water and then was riding on Michele's shoulders while we ran to catch the bus... Michele then had to wash her hair in the WC and buy a new shirt.

Luzern was old and beatiful and charming. Churches and bridges and statues. We had lunch, at which Alex napped.

We walked around for a while and then caught the train back to Zug and met David for pizza. Great day.

Catching up...

Monday we went to Zurich. Jennie gave us a ride to meet up with Robin and Bob at the train station. There is an area with "Kiss & Ride" stencilled on the street to stop and drop people off... cute. We found our train and settled in for the short ride (usable public transportation is a dream, and we have committed to trying to use what we have at home more often).

Zurich is beatiful. We walked around Old Town, through narrow cobble streets filled with shops. We contemplated buying a Coo-coo Clock. We checked out a gorgeous old church... and Michele & Robin braved the claustrophobic stairs to the top of the tower.

Then we caught another train to do some shopping. Robin got a couple bags, and Michele a wallet, all made from recycled truck parts. It was an intersesting shop. Then back on the train to Zug, a bus to the bottom of the hill, and a long, slow nine minute walk up the stairs to reach the apartment. We had dinner in, drank wine and laughed...

Mountain time...

Yesterday we went mountain climbing. Well, we climbed down a mountain. But up a few little peaks. But mostly down. Fear not, the combination of altitude and sloth made going down difficult enough.

We took the train almost to the top of Rigi (we climbed up the last 500ft, so technically we climbed it). We had a coffee and watched some crazy people jump off the mountain wearing parachutes.

Then we walked down for a bit and, after some debate, climbed up on a little ridge for a view. It was tough, especially with a toddler strapped to my back, but we made it. Alex was pretty relaxed. If you look over her sleepy shoulder you will see the peak on which we started.

After a rest we headed down more. Saw many cows (they seem to be on any tiny scrap of undevelopped land here) and one very vocal donkey. Alex woke up and was entertained. We had lunch in a tiny enclave. Walked some more. And, to David's dismay, chose to take the train the rest of the way instead of walking for another two hours.

We ended staying in and resting in the evening... healing up. Today, Zurich.

Filling in the gap...

Since I can't get Michele to post, here is Robin's version of yesterdays adventure...

Switzerland...

We have been planning and looking forward to our trip to Switzerland for the better part of this year. We are going , along with Robin & Bob, to visit our friends David & Jennie just outside of Zug and climb mountains and eat chocolate. But first we have to get there...




Alex had an annoying cough for the last week or so. No fever. No sick. Just cough. But we decided to take her to see the doctor just for piece of mind (certain that the doc would roll her eyes at us). Here is what the doc told me after listening to her chest, "She has Bronchitis. I guess, technically it's Pnemonia, but I don't want to freak you out so I'm calling it Bronchitis." Amazing. But she also said that the little one would be fine and was okay to travel... good deal.



The flight was scheduled for Thursday evening... we thought alot about what we needed to take. Especially for Alex, to keep her occupied. What we didn't think about until Wednesday night, was where our Passports were. We were up most of the night looking for them, and then scheduling an appointment in Detroit for the morning of our flight to beg for new ones. It was a long night. And then, as we were getting dressed to go do the impossible, Michele found them... in Alex's dresser... in a bag full of Crayons. Of course.

The flights were uneventful, but not restful. But we made it. We ate, and napped, and walked up the hill (hill = holy cow this is steep), and ate, and drank , and went to bed. What a pleasant, beautful place.
Then, of course, I awoke in the middle of the night with a raging, shaking, miserable fever. Par for the course. So, on our first full day of vacation, everybody else went up hiking on a mountain while I stayed in bed. It can only get better though, right?

More to come.

Ladies and Gentlemen...

...the front roll.

Up Norf...

Last weekend we went up to Leland to relax and hang out with our friends Tom & Phyllis... we trade them a parking space for Michigan football games for easy northern getaways. The trip started like this...which was planned. Makes for a quieter trip. We arrived, settled in, had a great home-cooked meal... and Alex took to our hosts like they were family. The next day we made the short walk to Lake Michigan...Alex swam...It was cool...But Tom was still searching for Petoskey stones...then we went out on Lake Leland on the boat... Alex was very excited to drive...and ten minutes later was sleeping...The next day was rainy. Good day for going to the bookstore, napping, reading, and splashing in puddles...Then we headed home. Bellies full of delicious viddles made with love. Bodies thankful for less humidity. Batteries recharged. Back to life in the lower half...

Thank you Mendenhall's!!! We would like to make a reservation for next August in advance, please.

Separation anxiety...

Last week Alex started in a new room at daycare... Preppers. It was not explained what they "prep" for. Presumably the next room. Of course, the next room is Pre-School, which preps for Pre-K, which (as denoted by the name) preps for Kindergarten. So yeah, Preppers.

Alex has been excited for a long while to go to Preppers. Max was there (though he has moved on). Many of her friends had already graduated. They use the potty like big girls. All kinds of fun stuff. She was clamoring for it.

I worried the first day that drop off might be difficult... new surroundings and all. But she took it like a pro. Put stuff away, snack, kiss, goodbye. Like it was completely normal. Then, when I picked her up that afternoon, the real problems started. It turns out that the number one reason she has been looking forward to Preppers is that they have slides on their playground. Twaddlers did not. Worse, Twaddlers playground is just on the other side of the fence. The fence through which Alex gazed upon the forbidden fruit that was the slides. So when I went to pick her up, and they were outside, instead of running into my arms screaming "Papa, Papa!", she ran to the slide. And again. And again. Again, again, again, again, again.

I finally had to threaten to leave alone before the spell was broken. Our new rule is "Five Slides After I Arrive". As yet, this rule has not worked... but we're working on it.

Late explanation...

Michele has been working crazy hours lately. She worked the week of the fourth, which was supposed to be vacation. She worked this weekend. She is gone early and back very late. She recently moved to logistics at work, and when things go wrong all hell breaks loose.

Until tonight, the explanation of, "Mama has to work late" has been sufficient... that is she accepted my answers to "why?why?why?". Tonight she needed more detail, so this is what I came up with...
There is a plant in Mexico (eraser) that makes parts to build a car. It ships the parts by train (train) to a plant that puts the cars together (black box). There was a flood and the river swelled and broke the bridge (note broken bridge). It was too dangerous for the train to go on the tracks...
So Mama and her friends have to figure out other ways to get the parts to the car plant. They use other trains, planes, and trucks to move the parts before the plant gets shut down...
I left out the part about the banditos robbing trucks at the border... all I had left was Mrs. Potatohead and it wasn't to scale.