On August 18th, we celebrated Alex's first year of life. How did we get so lucky to get such an amazing little boy?
From this:
To this:
This is how we usually find Max. Busy playing with cars, trucks, any type of tracks, building, games, etc.
This is how we usually find Alex. Climbing, dumping, unloading, climbing, destroying, banging, climbing, falling, giggling, climbing, etc.
A few days ago, Erik tried to wash the car alone. It didn't take long for Max to figure out his sneaky little move. (Especially since Max follows Erik around like he poops chocolate. This actually goes both ways). So, I sent him out and I don't know if I've ever seen a happier kid. He's still talking about washing the car. "My biiig heaw-per!"
(See our brave attempt at potty training there? Hanging out of the top of his shorts? Yeah, that didn't last.)
Sound asleep, busy playing with bag clips (and apparently chewing on them?), cosy on his throne (broken office chair), watching Geo Trax...
It's all about to get really ugly...
... of what my day was like today. They were out to get me. All. Day. Long. I realize I only have two. But there are days when these two feel like an army.
Just as I was rocking Alex to sleep I was thinking to myself, "Self, it's not that bad. They were rough today but at least they didn't find paint, scissors or fire." Hmph. Close enough.
The photo above is Erik on his first day of paramedic school. (HERE is the post about it)....
...two years later....
The photo below is Erik on his first day of WORK! He was hired by a local ambulance company to work part time as a Paramedic. He is keeping his job at the hospital as well. So, we won't be seeing much of him. This week is his orientation/academy. So I will post another photo of him in his uniform (hubba hubba!) when he wears it.
We are so incredibly proud of him. It makes me so happy that he completed his course, received his license and gets to work in a field he loves. It makes me so happy to see him do what he loves and do it well. It makes me happy that I have confidence in him that he will do a fantastic job and use his knowledge to have success. It makes me happy that he is advancing in his work and continuing to make and achieve goals, all while I get to stay home with the kids (how cool is that?). It makes me happy to be able to tell Max and Alex that their Daddy will be inside/driving the ambulances they love to see around town, saving lives and comforting those who are sick. It makes me happy that he is that "special type of person" you hear about that can handle this type of work.
HE makes me so happy.
We love you so much, Erik! Well done, kid.
Alex loves Obi's crate. I can't keep him away from it. He's constantly getting his little arm stuck between the bars so he can splash in her water and food bowls. He eats any kibble he can get his hands on and she licks anything he has lingering on his fingertips. Luckily Obi is very gentle with him, she usually just sits back in her crate and lets him have his fun.
Payten and Riley have a brand new baby brother, Blake Ryan, (best part? He was born on my birthday...BEST GIFT EVER!!!) so my Mom brought the girls up for a day to give Carla a little break and alone time with him. After lots of lunch, playtime and movies, we headed outside and of course turned on the water. It wasn't a very hot day but that doesn't keep them out of the water. Max loves playing with these two.
Seeing double? One of the boys most favorite thing is this slide that my parents gave them for Christmas. Alex climbs up and watches everything going on. Any other kids playing on it just have to go around him because there is usually no moving him.
Growing is exhausting. He's been falling asleep everywhere lately. He grew another tooth and is starting to take steps. He can do about 5 or so without falling. He's getting much better with his balance as he practices.
There. A little update.
Trying to keep the boys cool on a hot day, my way. (I'll spare you the photo of the way to keep cool on a hot day Alex's way...the toilet. Ew.)
A few weeks ago we went to the A's game with Erik's Mom and Grandma. We had a WONDERFUL time. We had great seats and the boys (all three) had a blast. It was a flashback to the 70's night so the 70's were seen all over the ballpark. We got Joe Rudi jersey's upon arrival, disco ball necklaces, stick-on mustache's, small soft baseballs for the boys, live music, old cars, lots of stadium food and playing in Stomper's playground. It was SUCH a fun night!
