In my last post, I mentioned how well Alexa was progressing in her potty use. Well the very next day, she called my name as I was straightening up in the kitchen. “Mommy, come here,” she called. I followed her voice into the bathroom where I found her standing, peering into the toilet. “Ick Mommy (Look Mommy), I went poopy.” I looked into the toilet and to my surprise, there it was. “It’s a big one,” Alexa exclaimed! I couldn’t help but laugh. I quickly praised her, “What a big girl you are. I’m so proud of you.” She had a BIG grin on her face. She is so proud of herself. As it turns out, she had pulled her step stool to the base of the toilet, carefully stepped up and sat down all by herself. Wow! That was quite a moment!
Yesterday, Alexa saw an image of a little girl, wearing swimming goggles and diving into the ocean. An ad for Sandals Resort, if I recall correctly. She quickly stated that she wanted a pair of glasses and gestured that she wanted to dive into the ocean too. She then said, “I swim with the humpback whales.” Humpback Whales? Where does she get this stuff? Truth be told, Alexa has become greatly interested in Go, Diego, Go. I think she likes that Diego works at an animal rescue center and she learns about some very exotic animals. As much as she enjoys Dora, she seems to really connect with all things animal. Lately, she’s been insistent upon “being a puppy” almost everywhere we go!
Some days I look at Alexa and can’t imagine how we’ve gotten this far in what feels like the blink of an eye. She has such a unique little personality. She’s so smart, creative and curious. She asks a lot of questions and her memory is phenomenal. She has this amazing way of expressing things through sound effects, something she certainly gets from her dad! For example, we stopped for gas the other day and she reminded me of a noise Minna’s car had made the week before when it was running low on gas (that’s what we think it was at least). Once I picked up on what she was describing I said, “Oh that noise. Did it sound like this, buzzzzzz? Her reply? “No mommy, not like a bee. It was like this, (and then she made the sound of a humming)! Again, I laughed.
This week Alexa put herself on the scale and she’s finally gained a bit of weight. On that day, she weighed 27.8 lbs.!
Alexa began a twice weekly morning (home) daycare in town that has been working out well. We continue to go to gymnastics and found a musical story group last week that we are hoping to make a weekly event. Playgroups are somewhat difficult to find and as the weather gets cooler it will become more important to find social activities.  Alexa loves her new duckie!  My little artist!
So about 3 weeks ago, the potty training thing just seemed to kick into high gear. Alexa really gets it now and we make several trips to the potty each day. As a mom, this gets exhausting, but without a doubt, this is a major milestone to be celebrated. Alexa really is becoming an independent little girl and I am there to cheer her on with each trip to the potty! On some days she even takes the initiative to pull her step stool to the toilet and climb up onto it all by herself. She knows the routine, pee pee, wipe and wash hands...all culminating with the ever coveted "treat." Yes, the reinforcement part seemed to be the hardest thing. Stickers and high fives only went so far. Then it was an M & M, or M's M's, as Alexa calls them. Then it was, "I want hollipop." All that sugar does not do a toddler well. This week Minna bought Alexa a really cute, Fur Real duck (an electronic duck that quacks and drinks from a bottle). This followed a trip to the potty in a department store. Last week, while traveling to CT, Alexa used the potty at Applebee's and upon exiting the bathroom, she announced to one of the wait staff, "I went pee pee on the potty." She is really proud and others are proud of her as well! Today, Alexa wore her first pair of big girl underpants. She picked them out herelf...Dora! She was so pleased when we put them on...  Big Girl! Nov. 15, 2009 In addition to the time we spend in the bathroom, we have been busy in other parts of the house as well! I had a major painting project to complete this week. Always the helper, Alexa was quick to grab a roller and get her hands dirty. I was willing to take all the help I could get and as it turned out, Alexa was the only volunteer! She did a great job, but found it less fun then she must have thought it would be because after a few rolls, she was eager to get back to her Thomas train movie!  We also managed to have some fun this week, including a favorite activity...riding the bike in the house! Now that the painting is done and the house is clean and ready to be shown, Alexa and I can concentrate on finding activities outside of the house and getting back to what's really important!
 egg nose!
Alexa doesn't have cousins, at least not in the traditional sense. Mike and I have some extraordinary, close friends whose children we consider like family. So, in that case, Alexa has cousins. But among her family tree...none...yet! Last weekend (Nov. 7-8th), Alexa, Ptah and I made a trip to Connecticut to visit Ptah's cousin Adam and his wife and children, Connie, Sofia and Joseph. Adam is Michael's second cousin. We were looking forward to the opportunity the children would have to play with one another. Something we hope to do more of as the kids grow up. We are lucky to call them Alexa's cousins!  Joseph & Alexa  Sofia is 5 years old and Joseph is 2. Together, the three enjoyed playing on the swingset in the back yard on a mild November morning before getting on the road to the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan. Despite an incredibly long ride (gotta love NYC traffic!), we finally arrived and had enough time to check out the butterflies and some dinosaur bones!
 Wow! Those are big bones!  Connie & Alexa  Beautiful! From the moment we entered the butterfly exhibit, Alexa had her arms outstretched determined to lure a butterfly to her. She even called out to them, "Here butterfly, come a me." Although no butterflies landed on her, Connie and Mike were lucky enough to be chosen by some. This was very exciting for the kids. As it turns out, Alexa was much happier that the butterfly chose her Daddy instead of her!  March 1, 2008 This was Alexa's second visit to the AMNH Butterfly exhibit. Well, actually her third if you count my visit in Feb. 2007, just about 8 months pregnant! It seems her curiousity for these beautiful creatures has remained a constant!
 Feb. 4, 2007 nearly 8 months pregnant! After the butterflies, we went on to see the Mammals of Africa, some old dinosaur bones and the Under the Sea exhibit.  Mommy, Alexa & Ptah  March 1, 2008 Although it was a brief visit (both at the museum and with the Mahoney's) we found enjoyment in the day. We are looking forward to many more trips to the wonderful museums in NYC, allowing Alexa to explore and gain knowledge of our history, art and culture while having lots of fun at the same time! It will be great to do those things with her cousins too!
It's hard to believe that the year is coming to an end so quickly. Before we know it, the holidays will be here. Oh and of course that little thing we call SNOW!! In the meantime, we continue to go about our days as usual. Gymnastics, daycare, riding bikes, playing with blocks, coloring, painting, etc.  Like I said, the usual...except that we have to be conscious of the H1N1 virus that has been lurking around Shelburne. Well, not just lurking I suppose, and not just in Shelburne. Call it mass hysteria or reasonable awareness...whatever it is, we have been careful not to become victim of the dreaded Swine Flu! Alexa received her seasonal flu vaccine yesterday. This year it was in the form of a mist administered in both of her nostrils. I explained that we would see the doctor today and that she would be getting some medicine in her nose. Her reply? "My nose? I not hurt in my nose."
Upon our arrival, Alexa expressed excitement to play with the toys in the waiting area. Unfortunately, to her disappointment, the toys are no longer present. Another precaution against spreading yucky germs. There was even a basket with these (fashionable), practical face masks! I couldn't resist taking one home with me!
Once our name was called, Alexa followed the nurse in the room, slouched shoulders and a grimmace upon her face. I promised her a sticker at the end. I could just read the thoughts in her head..."A sticker? Hardly worth the impending pain and discomfort, Momma!" But just like that, it was all done and over with! Or so I thought...
The door opened and as we stepped out of the room, Alexa dramatically fell to the floor and exclaimed, "The doctor hurted me!" Coincidentally, we were in full view of the waiting area and reception desk. Every Mom and her child could see the horror they were in for!!!
Needless to say, Alexa survived her trip to the doctor and we enjoyed lunch afterward followed by some play time at home. I have a feeling the month will go by quickly and soon we will be approaching Christmas, the New Year and another birthday! Wow...time flies!
 Minna, Alexa and I carved out pumpkin masterpieces on Halloween afternoon. Minna grew her own pumpkin from a tiny seed planted back in the Spring. Strangely, it never turned orange, but that made for a great canvas for a spooky skeleton design. I carved a monster design and Alexa refreed to each cut out piece as cheese! We placed candles inside and they adorned the front porch fro trick-or-treaters to enjoy! Despite the rain earlier in the evening, we did get out for a bit of trick-or-treating ourselves, along with Eva.
We got together on Friday night for a pumpkin carving party at our friend Sara's house. Alexa, Anna and Charlotte, along with a friend of Anna's, colored pumpkins before the mom's carved them! We enjoyed seeing the girls in their costumes, although Alexa was not keen on the idea of dressing up!  Painting a pumpkin for Halloween 2008  Just as we finished carving our pumpkins, the skies opened up and it didn't look like we wold be trick-or-treating this year. We waited it out and at about 6 pm we put our costumes on and ventured out into the windy night. We met Eva at her house and headed up the road to Jane's house and then back down to Kathy's and a few more neighbors before heading back home to have pizza and check out the treats that Alexa had gotten! Despite lots of rehearsing, Alexa was a little reluctant to say "Trick or Treat" at the doors of our neighbors. Eva did a great job of taking Alexa by the hand and helping her up to each doorway!
 The 3 Witches of Shelburne!  Eva & Alexa  Ptah & Alexa
 Alexa and the birthday boy, Wyeth We drove into Brooklyn on Saturday, October 24th to celebrate Wyeth's 2nd birthday with Jamie, Kate and friends. Despite the (very) long drive, Alexa had no trouble diving right into the fun of decorating pumpkins with the kids. It was great to see everyone and especially fun to watch Wyeth and Alexa interact once again.
 Decorating a pumpkin at Wyeth's party Now that we are back at home, Alexa is slowly getting back into her routine. We were happy to get back to gymnastics class Monday morning and play in the leaves afterwards. Tammy (our favorite neighbor), uncovered these mushrooms with her leaf blower! Alexa thought they were pretty neat! The leaves are a beautiful, bright yellow, but falling quickly. Alexa seems to like them better on the ground!  Some things never change! Alexa has spent so much time inside this little cabinet. For as long as I can remember she has squeezed her little body into this small space, closing the door behind her! Whether she is playing with one of her many figurines or enjoying a snack, Alexa has always found comfort in this cabinet. Believe it or not, there was a wooden bottom (see photo below) when I first purchased it. If I recall correctly, Eva managed to fit into the cabinet sometime last year and the bottom gave out. Lucky for Alexa because now she can continue to sneak into her favorite space without the inconvenience of the bottom!
 March 4, 2009  Today, Alexa began daycare...again! Feeling guilty that I couldn't possibly provide her with as much fun as others her own age, I enrolled Alexa in a small, home daycare where she can spend two mornings with some other toddlers. She never noticed me sneak out after kissing her goodbye this morning and when I returned to pick her up, she was all smiles. Her new provider is another Tammy and there is even a little girl there named, of all things, Mina!
 Eva Just like last year, the kids are enjoying jumping in the leaf piles. Today, we covered the kids up and watched as they popped out of the pile. Will, Eva and Isabel entertained Alexa by running and leaping into the pile. It's crazy how quickly a year passes! I remember last year watching the kids run across the yard and into the leaves while Alexa laughed a great big belly laugh as she gleefully watched!
 Alexa  Oct. 10, 2008  After a long trip, Alexa's toys always end up in disarray. She chooses several toys to bring along with us, all of which wind up all over the car and once they are back in the house I begin the task of organizing! Blocks back with other blocks, Chloe reunited with her horse buddies, Thomas train back on the train table, etc., etc. Tonight while I was straightening up, Alexa did a little organizing of her own, lining up all her farm animals in a row. When I asked what they were in line for, she replied, "to take a picture." I got my camera and Alexa posed for me with her farm animals! She was so pleased with the arrangement, she even added Daddy and sister (see below).
P.S. I posted some old video clips on the Videos page. Wow...I can't believe how many memories flood back when I watch even the smallest clip of Alexa's early months!
 On Wednesday, October 14, 2009, we boarded a plane for Tampa. This would be flight # 5 for Alexa. Coincidentally, Jamie had a flight to Rochester at the same time as ours and so we had a quick get together in the Continental terminal before leaving Newark. Alexa was so well behaved on the airplane. She sat with Daddy to check out the sights below and put a smile on several faces! We arrived on time, Carrie and Tim greeting us with iced coffees from Starbucks! The heat was overwhelming. Little did we know it would not last long.
 now this is the way to travel!  Our first stop…Baby Jillian’s house! Jillian is 3 weeks old and I knew Alexa would be so excited to get her hands on her. Jillian is beautiful and so peaceful. We just loved her! We visited with Jenny and Jillian for a bit, went out to lunch at Hooters (yup, Hooters!) and then set out for Carrie’s house in Lake Wales.
 Alexa & Jillian  Mike & Jillian  At Hooters! Don't ask!!!  Carrie & Tim's house in Lake Wales  coincidental Hang Ten pose! On Thursday, we picked up Joseph after school. Excited doesn't begin to describe how Alexa felt when she saw Joseph! Joseph was equally excited but less willing to demonstrate it on camera! We all went to Wet ‘n Wild in Orlando, minus, of course, Jenny and Jillian.
Paragraph. After watching Joseph on the waterslides, Alexa grew curious and decided she would give it a try. I was apprehensive, but I knew Joseph would hang on to Alexa tight so, we watched as the two came sliding down with grins from ear to ear!  On the kiddie water slide!  in the wave pool  Joseph took a break to meditate  We even took Joseph on a BIG waterslide and he seemed to really enjoy it! We took a float around the lazy river which was more work than it should have been considering it was a “lazy” river! Unfortunately, thunderstorms rolled in and our day came to an end.
On Friday, we visited Tina at work and she made this for Alexa…  Joseph embellished it and Alexa was kind enough to wear it briefly to oblige Joseph!
 Leanna, Joseph & Alexa Friday evening, we packed into the car and drove to Tampa for Zoo Boo at the Lowry Park Zoo. Carrie’s stepsister, Amber, and her daughter, Leanna joined us. We went last year to this annual Halloween event. The kids rode the rollercoaster and Joseph and Leanna jumped around in a big house filled with foam. As usual, Alexa loved the pony ride and this time she was unaccompanied as we were not permitted to walk with her. Wow…she really is a big girl now!
 Leanna & Joseph in the Foam House  Saturday, the weather turned chilly for Florida standards. We went to a local historical site, Bok Tower, for the first annual “Boktoberfest.” Bok Tower Sanctuary is comprised of beautiful gardens, a butterfly house, live Oak trees covered in Spanish moss and views of Lake Wales and surrounding areas. It was a gorgeous day! Joseph picked out a pumpkin to carve, the kids “caught” butterflies and had their faces painted! Alexa fell asleep and the afternoon was growing colder so we headed back to Carrie’s house for the evening.
 Bok Tower  Jenny and Jillian came to Lake Wales on Sunday morning and we stopped by some flea markets. While Tina watched all four kids (and baked sugar and peanut butter cookies), the adults drove to find the pieces necessary for Joseph’s Halloween costume. Tina helped put together a tail and crown to complete Max from “Where the Wild Things Are.” I can’t wait to see pictures. Later that afternoon, we said goodbye to Joseph, Jillian, and Jenny. We are going to miss seeing them so much!
 Alexa with Gary a.k.a. Paw-Paw It was a really cold night and when we woke up on Monday, everybody was feeling a little under the weather. We couldn’t decide whether to go to Disney or not, but we finally made the decision to go. Carrie stayed behind to rest.
This was Alexa’s second visit to the Magic Kingdom. She was just over 1 year old the first time we came back in April 2008.  April 2008  We headed for Fantasyland to ride It’s a Small World, Cinderella’s Golden Carousel and The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Then it was on to see Mickey and Minnie’s houses and a ride along the Walt Disney World Railroad. Alexa drove a race car at Tomorrowland Speedway and we visited Monstropolis. Or final ride was the Magic Carpets of Aladdin.
Here is Alexa on “It’s A Small World” in April 2008 and on October 19, 2009…  First pair of Minnie ears!  they are even personalized!  future race car driver! So here we are, on our plane home. As I type, we can see NJ below…  NYC  Giants Stadium (new and old) Alexa did great on the plane. She kept busy with her blocks and occasionally tickled the young man (an NYU film student) sitting next to her. He didn’t seem to mind!! Some random updates: Alexa pronounces “l” as “h” and I think it’s the cutest thing. For example, “like” is “hike” and “lollipop” is “hollipop.” Another one of those things that will soon be just a memory. She also adds the letter y to many words lately, for example, “blocky” or “coldy.” So many quirky little Alexa-isms!!
 Gramma Carole turned 60 years old on Friday, October 9th! On Saturday, we arranged for a party to celebrate this milestone. We invited friends and family to the Mountainside Inn for dinner and dancing. It was a surprise for Gramma and she was so pleased to see everyone as she entered the room…Alexa on the other hand, must have found it overwhelming as she began to cry as soon as she was greeted with a loud, “SURPRISE!” It was a matter of seconds before she discovered the great big dance floor and caught a glimpse of her “cousins”, Brian Anthony, Gianna, Alexa Rose and Mya. Now the party had begun for Alexa!
 Alexa, Tim & Aunt Chrissy  Carole, 'Queen of the 60 Year Olds' We danced and ate and danced some more. Alexa seemed like she would never quit. It was really fun to see all the kids play and really get to spend some time together.  Alexa & Mya (8 mos.)  Alexa and Alexa (front) Gina, Brian and Gianna We added some special touches to the party including photographs of Carole when she was a child. And thanks to Luanne, Jeremy and Mya, Carole got many products that a 60 year old should never be without!  Eventually sleep caught up with her and Alexa was out cold! We were all tired by the end of the evening and left with many memories of a special celebration!
I knew September and October would be busy months. Most weekends offer festivals and family events that we just can't resist. On October 4th, we met up with some of our favorite (Or "fabrit") friends, Charlotte, Anna and Jailee to pick pumpkins at Sam Mazza's Harvest Festival in Colchester, VT. Despite overcast skies and dampness in the air, the girls appeared to enjoy themselves, riding ponies, jumping in the bouncy house and taking a hay ride to the pumpkin patch.  All smiles in the bounce house!  Jailee, Alexa, Charlotte & Anna  Once in the pumpkin patch the girls picked the perfect pumpkins while the mom's did their best papparazzi imitations trying to get the perfect shot, hoping the girls might end up in the newspaper again!
 Anna & Alexa and their pumpkins  this one went to the paper (minus the random kids in the background!)  Sara, Rachel, Me & Lisa We even managed to get a photo of all of us moms!
The day ended with a hay ride back to the festival and some cider donuts from the farm store. Alexa took one final pony ride and another turn in the bounce house. I took a quick look for some friends I was hoping might have come while Mike stayed with Alexa. I returned to the bounce house to see Alexa crying. I was told that she did not want to come out on her own and that Mike had to crawl in to try to retrieve her. What a sight that must have been!
 On the ferry Last Friday (Oct. 2), on a whim, Minna, Alexa and I decided to take the ferry to Plattsburgh, NY. This was Alexa's first trip aboard the ferry and despite the chilly weather, we decided to take it in from the observation deck! We were hoping to arrive in time to visit a few museums, but after leaving rather late and hitting up a garage sale on the way, we didn't make it to any of the museums we had set out to see. It wasn't entirely our fault though, these places have some interesting Friday hours!
Instead, we happened upon a beautiful, historic horse farm, accessible to the public. Yo can check it ot here: http://www.whminer.com/heritageexhibit.html Heart's Delight Farm dates back to 1903 and consists of 15,000 acres of land. Today it was empty other than the people actually working there. A total of 25 Morgan horses reside in the old barn and they were some of the friendliest horses we've had the pleasure of meeting! That said, we do still very much adore our Morgans, Oakleigh, Teddy, Pecos and all the others at Meadowsong!!!  The old Store house  This one became one of Minna's buddies!  Despite the 2 dozen plus horses surrounding us, Alexa was quite taken with one of the barn cats and, it was pretty clear, the barn cat was taken with Alexa!
 Well, really it was a toss up between the barn cat and the dandelions!
 Minna's 'fabrit' Before we left, we walked to another pasture and Minna found, and fell in love with, this mare. She appeared quite content to simply stand there and have Minna stroke her silky coat! Alexa continued to entertain the cat, or the other way around, and I found the plaques explaining the expansion of the property to be very interesting, especially the photos of the various structures that once stood in the now open acres of pasture.
 Mt. Mansfield covered in 3 inches of fresh SNOW! Alexa continues to build her language skills and with each new development, I find myself amazed and often laughing! Some of the new things she says are..."That's my fabrit" These days several things are her favorite, but she usually uses this phrase when she has received a certain food, such as Vanilla mini scones from Starbucks (I have a bit of an addiction to Starbucks). Alexa call Starbucks, the coffeehouse! Additionally, last week I sneezed and from down the hall, I heard her little voice call "Bless You, Mommy!" She also has begun recognizing the need to apologize for some of her behaviors, saying "I'm sorry" when, for example, she has excitedly thrown a block at my face!
Today Alexa jumped on the scale and she weighs a whopping 26.6 lbs. I'm pretty sure she hadn't had her diaper changed yet! So, she's still very much "Minna's Fabrit Peanut!"
At the end of the week, we pack p the car for another trip to NJ to wish Gramma a Happy Birthday, then vacation to visit Aunt Carrie, Tim, Jenny, Joseph, James and new baby Jillian in Florida and then back to NJ to celebrate Wyeth's 2nd birthday in Brooklyn. Look for posts along the way!
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