The Alexander Family

Back in Michigan

2011-12-12T14:58:00.002-05:00

While all of you are aware Isaac and I are back in Michigan while Aric is in Minnesota, working hard, providing for us and working on making his way back here with us full time. It is a slow and not so fun process but we are making it work. I was terrified to come back here with out him but being back I have learned a lot about my self. I learned I am not as independent as I like to believe I am, I learned that I can do a lot of things I didn't know I could (this does not include building a ginger bread house) and that Isaac and I need Aric back at home to complete our family.

In the mean time we are making it work and our sacrifice isn't as large as many others who can't talk to their family members daily, can't face time with them every night and don't have the luxury of knowing he/she isn't in danger. Aric will be home for ten days in December, one weekend in January and one weekend in February and hopefully a few more times in between. One the weather is nicer and Isaac is done with school I am sure we will be spending some time out in MN as well.

We hope you all have wonderful holidays and amazing New Year!!

Moving again

2011-09-27T15:52:00.003-04:00

Well it is that time again, we will be leaving Minnesota and going back to Michigan. It isn't an ideal move because Aric will be spending a lot of time in MN while we are in MI but the good news is that we are getting back to our friends, family and our home!!

We had some good times here in MN:

We will see you later Minnesota!!

Isaacs 4 Year Check-Up

2011-08-08T18:43:00.002-04:00

Isaac had his 4 year check up today, passed hearing and vision tests, weighs 32.2 lbs (with clothes on) and is 38.7 in tall. He had to get two shots but he did awesome!!

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T10:32:00.002-04:00

Bowling

2011-03-06T12:00:00.002-05:00

Visit with Uncle Brian, Aunt Nicole, Ben and Kaitlyn

2011-03-06T11:55:00.002-05:00

Third Annual Family Day

2011-01-25T21:10:00.002-05:00

I am a little late in posting anything because on our family day was the beginning of a 7 and 10 day stretch of sickness for Isaac and myself. We still tried to make it a fun day, Isaac got a new tent for his playroom which he loves and then we ordered carry out from Olive Garden. Do they have Olive Garden in Guatemala??? Ha Ha!! Anyway, it was low key and wonderful. We are so happy and so proud to be Isaac's parents and we love celebrating this day as much as we do his birthday. We also can't let this day go by with out thanking Isaac's birthmother for giving us the most amazing little boy in the world. She gave us the ultimate gift!! Unfortunately there will be no pictures this year as we weren't looking our best as we were coughing, sneezing and dealing with a fever!! Never the less, it was still an amazing day. We love you Isaac!

NYE 2010 to New Years Day 2011

2011-01-01T11:03:00.002-05:00

We had a great time over at the Jenny, Jamye, Sophie and Lydia's house, thanks so much for inviting us over to ring in the New Year!!Sophie, Lydia & Isaac
Isaac and Sophie stayed up late watching Tangled (kind of).

Isaac was so tired after his late night up this is how we found him in the morning.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T10:12:00.004-05:00

Part 4 of MI visit (Final)

2010-12-25T13:37:00.006-05:00

Uncle Dave and Briella
Aunt Nicole, Isaac, Briella and Ben
Tia, Briella and Kaitlyn
Briella and Kaitlyn
Ben, Uncle Brian, Isaac, Uncle Aric and CJ

Part 3 of MI visit

2010-12-25T13:34:00.002-05:00

CJ
Goofy Isaac
Jaydin
Aunt Cortney
PaPa and Jordan

More of the MI visit.

2010-12-25T13:31:00.004-05:00

Baby Justice
Jaylyn
Aunt Lori and Isaac
Braeden
Connor

2010-12-25T13:31:00.001-05:00

2010-12-25T13:24:00.002-05:00

We had such a great time in MI for our first visit since moving to MN. It was a crazy visit, Amina in the hospital, Debbie sick, Isaac's tonsils inflamed and Jaydin and Braeden had ear aches. But despite that we had a great time and missed everyone so much. There are so many pictures I will attach a few more in some more posts.

Isaac playing with Amina at the hospital on Papa's iPad
Isaac, CJ and Ben
Grandma Karen and Grandpa Marty
Isaac and Alex cuddling up watching Tangled.

Isaac and Little Justin wrestling.

Christmas Concert

2010-12-09T20:38:00.004-05:00

The crowd
Isaac walking to his room before the concert.
Isaac had his first Christmas Concert this year. As he put it, he is a bit shy. The video is a bit shaky (a new camera is on my wish list) but he is on the far left with his head down. We are very proud of him, it was a huge audience for a first concert.

Santa 2010

2010-12-04T16:34:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-26T20:33:00.003-05:00

We had the most fun Thanksgiving this year. Scott, Kathy, Connor and Braeden drove all the way from Michigan to weather the cold here in Minnesota. We went to the Mall of America, Nickelodeon, a movie, the aquarium and then back to our house for some turkey. Thanks for making our Thanksgiving so much fun!!!

Halloween

2010-11-04T14:08:00.002-04:00

Isaac had a great Halloween here in MN. He got to carve a pumpkin with daddy, go trick or treating at Coburns and through out the neighborhood. All though he enjoyed passing out the candy more!!!

First Bus Ride!!

2010-10-08T15:09:00.003-04:00

Isaac got to take his first bus ride today, he was so proud and had such a great time. He seemed so small on that big bus but he loved every minute of it. He said it was his favorite part of his field trip. He is just growing up so fast.

Field Trip

2010-10-08T15:04:00.003-04:00

Isaac had his first field trip with his school. He got to go to a pumpkin patch, a buffalo farm and a tree farm. He had a really good time and enjoyed his day with his class.

Sports Sampler

2010-10-08T15:00:00.002-04:00

Isaac had a 4 week sports sampler and he had a blast. Week one was soccer, week two was football, week three was track and field and the fourth and final week was baseball!! It went fast but was a lot of fun for everyone.

First Day of Pre School 2010

2010-09-09T16:17:00.003-04:00

Isaac had his first day of school today here in MN. It was a bit of a rocky start with some tears but once we left he opened up and was fine. He loves his teacher (Mrs. Freahle) and even made some friends. Believe it or not he even has homework and can't wait to go back on Tuesday. We are so proud of you Isaac, we love you so much!!

Our visit with Uncle Brian, Aunt Nicole, Ben and Kaitlyn

2010-07-28T11:49:00.001-04:00

Uncle Brian

and Ben!

Relaxing!

What a cute family!!

Our visit with Uncle Brian, Aunt Nicole, Ben and Kaitlyn

2010-07-28T11:46:00.002-04:00

Karate Kid Ben

Ha Yah!!

Isaac and Aunt Nicole playing word puzzles!

Our visit with Uncle Brian, Aunt Nicole, Ben and Kaitlyn

2010-07-28T11:44:00.001-04:00

Super Isaac and Super Ben!

Our visit with Uncle Brian, Aunt Nicole, Ben and Kaitlyn

2010-07-28T11:40:00.003-04:00

Kaitlyn is playing iwth Dinosaurs.

Awwww!!

Isaac took this picture of the adults!

Museum of Natural History

2010-07-28T11:37:00.002-04:00

Our Trip to DC

2010-07-28T11:32:00.002-04:00

The First Family is in the helicopter coming back from a short vacation!

That is the helicopter leaving! It flew right over us!!

The US Capitol

Aric and Brian at the US Capitiol.

a few more...

2010-06-26T19:19:00.001-04:00

Birthday Pictures (just a few)!

2010-06-26T19:14:00.002-04:00

3 year check up

2010-06-24T18:59:00.002-04:00

Isaac had his 3 year doctors appt yesterday and he did amazing. He received one shot and only cried for a second. He also now weighs 28lbs which puts him in the 13% and his 35.75 in tall and in the 14th%. He is a smart and healthy boy. We are very lucky parents.

Pictures of his birthday to follow!!!!

Isaac got this scooter for his birthday and he LOVES it.

2010-06-24T18:58:00.000-04:00

3 years old

2010-06-13T20:33:00.002-04:00

Isaac will be 3 years old on June 24th...here is our attempt at his 3 year pictures. Man was it a lot of work getting these but they are worth it. : ) Here are just a few!!

Just a few pictures of the kids playing in the pool.

2010-05-31T09:44:00.003-04:00

Isaac has been having a blast in his new pool.

2010-05-31T09:29:00.003-04:00

Soccer Certificate

2010-05-22T13:44:00.003-04:00

Isaac completed his first soccer course (Little Thumpers) and has the certificate to prove it. He loved it and has a few weeks off until summer session starts (Cottontails).

Splish Splash!

2010-05-01T20:35:00.001-04:00

Isaac got to meet his new cousin Briella and he loves her all ready!!

2010-04-24T18:35:00.001-04:00

Some more of Isaac at soccer!!

2010-04-24T18:32:00.001-04:00

Dentist

2010-04-22T14:03:00.006-04:00

Isaac had his first dentist visit today, it wasn't his actual appointment (that will be in August) but it was his trial run and he did great, in fact he didn't want to leave.

Easter 2010

2010-04-04T17:44:00.002-04:00

Isaac had a great Easter Weekend. He had an Easter Egg scramble with family and friends. Then the Easter Bunny came to the house and hid a lot of eggs, some dinosaur eggs, and brought Isaac yet MORE dinosaurs!!

Soccer

2010-03-13T11:19:00.002-05:00

Isaac had his first soccer class today, he is in the Thumper Class. All though he was really shy at first he ended up loving it. He especially loved getting his first jersey!!

Jurassic Park

2010-03-13T11:18:00.003-05:00

Isaac's own Jurassic Park. Isaac has to bring certain animals to bed every night and they all have a place.

Lola Bath

2010-03-13T11:15:00.003-05:00

Isaac helped me giving Lola a bath in the kitchen sink. He thought it was pretty funny and he was a big help!!

Amina

2010-02-27T13:07:00.002-05:00

We loved having Cousin Amina visit...here are a few snap shots!!

Outside in the snow with his buddies.

2010-02-27T13:04:00.001-05:00

Super Jump!!

2010-02-27T13:00:00.001-05:00

If there is one thing Isaac likes besides dinosaurs it is jumping and man, he is pretty good at it!!

Snow Day

2010-02-10T16:39:00.009-05:00

Isaac had his first snow day today, but he is just like mom and dad....he wants no part of the snow!!

Isaac would much rather stay inside and bundle up!!

2nd Annual Alexander Family Day

2010-01-17T18:08:00.003-05:00

We can't believe Isaac has been home for two years now. It is so amazing and wonderful that he is ours!!! We really can't imagine or remember our life with out him. He is a great boy who is full of giggles, so smart and just fun to be around.

We spent our family day by taking Isaac to see his first "BIG MOVIE". We went and saw Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 and he loved it!! He sat great through the whole movie and just one time yelled out "were at the BIG MOVIE". It was very cute. After the movie the three of us went to Blue Fin for lunch. Isaac loves it there because they cook right in front of us and do all sorts of tricks.

Once we got home we got to relax a little bit and of course play dinosaurs!! We will end the day with a nice desert but most importantly all together.

Monster Kisses

2010-01-02T18:37:00.003-05:00

Isaac playing Dinasaurs with Grandpa Hall

2009-12-27T10:46:00.003-05:00

Isaac waking up Christmas Morning!

2009-12-27T10:43:00.003-05:00

Visiting Santa!!

2009-12-15T19:45:00.003-05:00

As you can see Isaac wasn't to happy about our visit with Santa. All though we had a great time visiting and looking around when it came to actually sitting with Santa poor Isaac was terrified. Needless to say we have a family portrait for his official sit down with Santa.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-27T13:42:00.004-05:00

Isaac really wanted to help out with some cooking so he had to get on the oven gloves!!!

Our adorable little Indian.

At school they did a mock Thanksgiving dinner and had Pilgrims and Indians, obviously you can see what part Isaac had.

Miami, Florida

2009-11-13T21:47:00.005-05:00

We had a great time in Miami. We got to visit the Seaquarium and see the dolphins, sea lions, killer whales, turtles and many more animals. We also go to play in the sand and swim in the pool. We were sad to leave the warm weather and the sun but we were very happy to get home.

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T14:40:00.001-05:00

Isaac had a great time trick or treating this year. We went to a few houses around the neighborhood with Batman and Robin, aka, Connor and Braeden.

Pumpkin Time

2009-11-01T14:36:00.000-05:00

Isaac with Great Grandma McClendon and Aunt Cortney

2009-11-01T14:35:00.001-05:00

The Apple Orchard

2009-10-18T19:06:00.001-04:00

Halloween costumes....2009

2009-10-14T19:39:00.002-04:00

So Isaac and daddy tried to find the perfect costume for Halloween, don't worry we are going with a Fisherman over any of these! Hugh Hefner?

Rasta guy?

Man?

Robber?

Toledo Zoo

2009-09-22T19:39:00.004-04:00

We took Isaac to the Toledo Zoo with his cousin CJ and his Aunt Janette and Uncle Dave. He had a blast. By far his favorite was the turtles (can you see his excitement as he is running towards them)!!! It was a great zoo and we will definitely visit again. Pointing at the turtles.

Watching the monkeys with daddy!

He likes the sea lions, they didn't seem dangerous to him!!

Big Boy Bed

2009-09-07T18:48:00.002-04:00

Well, Isaac starting trying very hard to climb out of his crib so we decided it was time for his bog boy bed to go up. He has done great so far with it and we are sleeping better at night knowing he won't be falling out of his crib.

Isaac being cute!!

2009-08-23T14:09:00.003-04:00

Isaac had a really fun weekend. He got to go to the fire department picnic and "drive" the fire truck and then he got to go to the arcade with his cousin CJ!!

Swimming!!

2009-08-16T19:16:00.006-04:00

Jason and Debbie were nice enough to invite us over on a perfect, sunny and HOT day. Isaac had so much fun playing with everyone and pretty much watching everyone else swim. It was a great time!!

An all around guy!!

2009-08-06T14:22:00.002-04:00

Isaac can fix things and bakes!!! : )

(while balancing on his alphabet toy)!

Jumping, Riding & Driving

2009-08-06T14:13:00.002-04:00

First Isaac got to jump on CJ's new trampoline which he LOVED, then............................ He got to ride on CJ's Tricycle which he enjoyed, then..............................................

he got really angry when we wouldn't let him take the quad home (he has his own, this just wasn't it)!!

Well that really wasn't why he had this face but it fit the story line, ha ha!! I don't remember what caused this reaction but it makes me laugh everytime I look at it.

The Alex Visit

2009-07-20T19:52:00.003-04:00

We had such a great time with Alex, we miss her SO much. She did a lot of visiting with people, she saw a ton of fireworks, went to a water park, got to meet her newest cousin, Justice, and PLAYED!!!

4th of July weekend, 2009!

2009-07-06T19:42:00.005-04:00

Isaac had a great time this 4th of July weekend!! Here he is with Uncle Dave and CJ.

A bunch of kids at Grandpa's house.

Alex being goofy at the parade. Isaac was so happy to share this with her and they had a blast.

Isaac with Connor and Braeden all sharing a snow cone (in a cup)!!

Isaac getting ready to run in the ducking dash with Alex, Connor and Braeden. It was his first mini marathon.

Serious Yard Work!!

2009-07-06T19:26:00.003-04:00

As you can see, Isaac takes his yard work very seriously. Yes, he is wearing a T-Shirt, Underwear, safetly glasses and gloves all to leaf blow!!!

Isaac & Braeden

2009-06-25T21:32:00.001-04:00

I just love this picture of Isaac and Braeden, it depicts their personality perfectly. It is so great that he has his best friends living right next door!!!

Just a few more pictures from his Birthday!!

2009-06-25T21:29:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Isaac

2009-06-25T16:02:00.005-04:00

Isaac had a great time on his birthday. A party was not planned but it ended being one. Thank you to everyone who could join in the day and those who couldn't, we missed you!!!

Isaac's 2 year Doctors Appointment

2009-06-18T17:20:00.002-04:00

Isaac had his 2 year check up today and all is good. He is still little but that is just our Guatemalan boy!! He is 33inches tall (17%), 21lbs 8oz (0%) and his head is in the 5%. He did great while he was there, he gets to start using tooth paste, so I am sure he will love that, and we are going to keep him on whole milk for at least another 6 months and then do a weight check. Other than that he is a happy, healthy and smart little boy!!! : )

I am sorry but he is just too darn cute!!

2009-06-11T19:55:00.003-04:00

We tried big boy underwear on him today, just to start to prepare for potty training. He loved them. It didn't hurt that Elmo was on them. He rushed to the mirror with his tractor to check it out for himself!! See....CUTE!

Yes he is jumping!! : )

Isaac doing yard work with dad, he had SO much fun!

2009-05-08T20:02:00.003-04:00

Isaac and the Toad!

2009-05-08T18:25:00.003-04:00

Isaac at his friends house!

2009-05-07T16:28:00.002-04:00

Isaac got to go to Connor and Braeden's today while I went to the gym. He loves it over there (never wants to leave and he makes it known) and has so much fun. He made me a special card, got to ride on Bailey and partied like a rock star (kid style of course)!! Thank you guys for watching him and taking some pictures.

My little Man!!!

2009-04-19T20:23:00.003-04:00

Well, I didn't get the camera out in time for everyone to see Daddy giving Isaac high 5's but as you can see Isaac couldn't stop watching the swimsuit part of Miss USA. I honestly didn't know he had that long of attention span. He was watching a good 3 minutes before I got the camera out and distracted him. Such a BOY!! What am I going to do????

Easter

2009-04-12T16:02:00.003-04:00

Isaac had a great time coloring eggs and hanging out with some family. He loves to play with Jordan and Jaylyn and was very excited to see Aunt Cortney, Uncle Jason, Grandma and Grandpa. Isaac was also pretty excited to see that the Easter Bunny had brought him a basket full of goodies. He spent the rest of the day watching some of his new DVD's and playing trucks with daddy!!

Isaac at the Fire Department

2009-04-10T14:27:00.002-04:00

Isaac went with dad to the fire station and had a blast. I think he thought he was an actual fireman by the time he left. Aric had a blast showing him around too.

I LOVE this picture!!!

Isaac and Mike

2009-04-04T12:56:00.003-04:00

We had dinner at Mike and Tiffany's last weekend and Tiffany got this shot and it is so cute that we just had to share.

Potty!!

2009-03-26T19:07:00.002-04:00

Strange that we announce this stuff to the world BUT.....Isaac had his FIRST Pee Pee in the Potty tonight and mom and dad are very proud. Hopefully this is a sign....a sign of diapers disapearing from our home in the next few months or so. All though, we did start the bath water to help him along so it may just be a sign or wishful thinking. Either way we are proud.

Haven't you heard, eating the remote helps the picture on your movie!!

2009-03-26T19:05:00.002-04:00

Isaac playing with Grandpa A.

2009-03-21T16:46:00.002-04:00

Grandpa Alexander stopped by and got to play with Isaac for a while, Isaac got to show him all of his toys and his Elmo movie too.

Too Cute!!

2009-03-09T20:11:00.001-04:00

It has been a while since we posted anything so we decided to take a few snapshots tonight. We have been good over here (now that we are all done being sick), Isaac is learning more things every day! He talks a lot more and has fallen head over heals for Elmo. Anything and everything is Elmo at our house! We all have spring fever and can't wait for Spring/Summer to get here so we can play outside more!!

Being followed by the papparazzi!!

2009-02-06T08:48:00.002-05:00

More....Turks and Caicos

2009-01-27T18:37:00.003-05:00

We had a great time on vacation. We had a little bit of a rough start and rough ending but we wouldn't change the in between except to maybe have more time. We went with Isaac's Aunt Nicole, Uncle Brian and Cousin Ben. The four of us had a great time and the boys had a great time together. Our days consisted of playing with the kids, then they would go to camp for relaxation time and then a nice dinner. Aric scuba dived one day and then Brian, Nicole and Aric snorkeled one day and I sat at the pool and read my books, it was wonderful. It was difficult to come back to the snow and cold.

Turks and Caicos

2009-01-25T22:05:00.001-05:00

Here are a few quick pictures of our trip. I will post more once we get home. The short story is we are having a great time and are sad to leave...back to real life!!

Home Forever Day!!

2009-01-18T18:21:00.004-05:00

Isaac celebrated his first year home forever day on January 17, 2009. We had family in from out of town (Nicole, Brian and Ben) and also Dave, Janette and CJ were able to come over and celebrate with us. The boys played in the ball pit, with the Manny car and in Isaac's crib. Isaac had a great time and was so happy to play with two of his cousins and we were so glad they were able to spend this special day with us.

Giant Isaac

2009-01-14T18:57:00.004-05:00

Look at my big giant hands!! Okay, your right, they are daddies.

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-26T10:27:00.004-05:00

Isaac had a wonderful Christmas despite us being sick. We made the best of it. Isaac loved all of his gifts and loved being home with mom and dad to play with everything together. Santa brought him a lot of stuff including a lil' quad, a train track village and lots of cars and trucks. Oh and some PJ's and a shirt but he wasn't too thrilled with those, ha ha!!

Isaac's 18 month old check up!!

2008-12-18T21:17:00.002-05:00

We went to Isaac's doctors appt today and it went PERFECT!! He is now 20 lbs, which not only means we can officially turn the car seat around BUT he is actually on the charts, okay, so maybe it is only 1% BUT....HE IS ON THE CHARTS!! He is also 31 inches tall and in the 16%!! We no longer have to go for weight check ups because as the doctors said there is nothing wrong he is "just Isaac". He keeps going up and is doing great. He is on track with his speaking skills, mobility skills, social skills etc... He did have to get one shot but he was a real trooper!!!

He is talking a lot and here are just a few words he now says; Hot, Up, Momma, Dadda, Abby, Georgia, That?, Isaac, Duck, Dog, Uh-Oh, Up, Bye, Hi and Yeah. I know there is more but that is all I can think of. He doesn't always do it when we want him to but he can say them. You can ask him what Isaac says and he says "Ho Ho Ho".

I guess that is the update for now!!

Meet the newest member.

2008-12-14T10:16:00.005-05:00

Yes, I am crazy but she was so darn cute. She still doesn't have a name. I wanted Pipa but Aric doesn't like it. Then we thought LC for lil' cutie, but it just doesn't seem right. Who knows!!!

Take two: Her name is Lola Pipa Dog Alexander, but she says just to call her Lola.

She will fit in great here, she blinked in the picture!!

This is Isaac attempting to hug her.

Thankfully she is great with Isaac, it is the puppy we are worried about because Isaac isn't so gentile with her. But we are working on it.

Putting up the Tree

2008-12-13T15:30:00.003-05:00

Are you looking at me??

2008-12-07T19:49:00.000-05:00

Runny Nose

2008-12-07T19:47:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T23:09:00.002-05:00

We had a great Thanksgiving at my moms' house. My mom, dad, sister Cortney, Jason, Jordan, Jaylyn and Bobby were all there. We missed Amber, Justin, Alex, Amina and JD A LOT but it was still a nice time. Isaac followed Jordan around like he was the king, anything Jordan did Isaac was trying to do and poor Jaylyn was just trying to play with here baby doll. Poor thing, who would have ever thought that she would be the out numbered one in our family. But she holds her own. They really all played so great together, and if that isn't enough to be thankful for I don't know what is. Isaac "brushing" his teeth.

Jordan and Grandpa

Jaylyn, Grandma and Jordan

What are they doing?

Can't be anything good, do you see those guilty faces??

Got Milk?

2008-11-24T09:18:00.002-05:00

Our Visit to Montana

2008-11-10T19:42:00.005-05:00

Isaac and I went to visit Nicole and Ben in Montana. We had a great time. We left on Thursday and on our second flight Isaac and I upgraded to First Class which was awesome. That day we just hung out at the house and the boys played, it was great. Friday we went to gymnastics and then Babies and Books. That tired Isaac out so much he actually fell asleep in his highchair while eating at a restaurant. It was pretty comical. Saturday we went around town shopping and then that night we had a sitter so we could go out with Nicole's friends for Tori's birthday. It was a lot of fun but nothing like around here, it was interesting to say the least : ). Sunday was just a lazy day which was needed. We left for home on Monday which was pretty uneventful, all though our second flight again we upgraded.

We had so much fun with Ben and Nicole, it was sad to have the boys say good bye again. Thanks to Nicole and Ben for being such great hosts!!

Just Bouncing Around

2008-11-05T16:24:00.003-05:00

We went to the U Bounce the other night and Isaac had a blast. I forgot my camera so we had to steal this one from a friend but Isaac LOVED it, he had a blast and didn't want to leave. Needless to say I am sure we will be going back soon.