** Hello everyone! **

Scott and I wanted to share some pictures after traveling to visit cousins James, Melissa, Brendan, & Derek last weekend . Here is a picture of them, however, Melissa seemd to elude
the camera. Shame on her!!!!!We spent a few fun-filled days in hot & steamy NC....all of us went to the beach at Kitty Hawk, the NC Aquarium, Grave Digger monster truck headquarters, and the Norfolk Zoological Park. Needless to say, Alex had a blast!

To your right is a picture of Brendan, Alex, and Derek sitting in
front of the monster truck. Couldn't they all pass as brothers??


The next picture took place at the aquarium. Alex LOVED looking at the fish and screaming at them through the glass! He also touched a sea urchin at the touch tank- to it's dismay, as he squeezed it before mommy took it away.


Here is Alex's first day at the beach....as you can see, we didn't seem to sure of ourselves. He liked to watch the waves come in, but having them wash over his feet...well, that was a bit freaky. Unfortunately, we didn't get to stay very long and try again, as a storm was rolling in and the rain starting to fall. We'll try again coming up in a couple weekends.
As for the ride home....well, it was long! After stopping for dinner and dancing along to many tunes in the car, FINALLY the little bugger wore out.

We want to thank the Kleins for their hospitality~ we had a great time!!!!! And, we hope everyone else is doing well and continuing to enjoy their summer. Until next time :)

GREETINGS ALL :)

Here's what's new on the ranch~

Alex is continuing to grow and make strides, which makes mommy & daddy very pleased! It is amazing how he is able to see something one time and then figure it out. Also, Alex has now mastered how to climb up and down the stairs as well as get on and off the couch without assistance. Of course, sometimes he finds it entertaining to DIVE off the couch or use the couch as a trampoline....so needless to say- he is all boy!

Yesterday, we met with the staff of Early Intervention (through Chester Co. IU) to develop his Individualized Family Service Plan. This is a listing of goals and objectives for which we hope Alex will achieve/gain over the next 6 months. It was decided that Alex will be receiving OT services once a week as well as his own personal early childhood teacher, who will meet with him once week. So, other than these 2 services, he will be visited by a speech therapist once a month. Top of the line for this little bugger- I tell ya!

So, here are some more recent pictures for everyone:


This one is a picture of Alex the Pirate- ARG!!!!!

The next shot is Alex trying on daddy's shoes after breakfast.... "Hmm, they look like mine, but something seems different."


The last picture I am including took place at my grandparents house this past weekend. I gave Alex a bowl of homemade pasta and a meatball. He took a few bites and didn't seem that interested. Then, my Poppop took over.... that little stinker ate the entire bowl, the meatball, 3 glasses of milk, and some watermelon!!!! I am thinking of having a rotating schedule of visitors to come feed Alex at mealtime, since obviously he enjoys variety! Well, that's all for now. I hope you are all enjoying the summer, as we are~
Tootles!

Happy 5th of July everyone!

Thought we'd give you an update on some things...

First, thanks to everyone for their concern. My procedure was successful, and I am feeling a lot better- which is good, because Alex doesn't give me a whole lot of down-time ;)

Also, this past week, Alex met his cousin Molly for
the very first time while at his grandparents house for a BBQ. As you'll see, the two got along famously!





As for the 4th of July- Alex enjoyed some neighborhood fireworks and sparklers. At first, he was unsure of the loud bangs, but then, then whimpers turned into "OOooosss" and "What's that?" Here is a picture of Alex with his Mommom watching his sparklers in the backyard~
Medically speaking, Alex's CT scan went very well. The doctor called and confirmed the medical records, but was not concerned. She said that in the time that he has been home, he has made such gains already, that the damage has been minimal. So, she told us, barring anything odd we see, that he doesn't have to come back for a year. YAY!

Today we are off to formally submit all of his paperwork to the courthouse to get his birth certificate transcribed into PA vital records for re-adoption. Also, this week, Alex officially received his US social security card. HE'S OFFICIAL FOLKS!

Here are some extra pictures for all of you,
showing Alex tooling around the house.

ENJOY :)