And introducing...Alex!

I gave Jeff the news of our second pregnancy at Christmastime in 2006. I tried to keep the news a secret from him until Christmas Day, but was too excited. But I made it to the 22nd! I think I should get credit for keeping it to myself for an entire 36 hours!
We were thrilled to be expecting our second child, but I found I had a few concerns as well. Would I be able to handle 2 children? Especially 2 children who would be so close in age? How could I possibly love a 2nd child as much as I loved Jacob? This 3rd question plagued my thoughts as I worried about having a favorite or not finding enough love in my heart for another. Now I can look back and realize what a ridiculous concern that was.
John Alexander (Alex) was born in August 2007. He's named after my grandfather, John (my dad's dad). He is exactly 2 years, 2 months, and 2 days younger than Jacob. Where Jacob was born at a whopping weight & height, Alex was much closer to average at 7 1/2 lbs, and 21 inches. He has, however, continued to grow quickly, and supersede the average heights & weights of babies in his age bracket. I guess I just make big boys!

As he continues to grow up, I know we will learn a lot more about his personality. But at 9 months old, I can already tell you he is adorable, sweet, loving, is absolutely crazy about his big brother, and has quite the little temper (that of course he gets from his mommy, according to Jeff). He gives hugs & sloppy wet kisses that make you feel so special. And when he lays his head on my shoulder, I just melt. He absolutely loves bathtime, and if Jacob's in the tub, you can forget about the idea of a solo bath. Alex has attempted many flying leaps into the tub, and if you try to deny him of the bathing experience, you'll get a glimpse of that aforementioned temper. :) He's a great eater & is particularly enjoying the new experience of "big people food". He loves Cheerios, crackers, pasta, potatoes, chicken, green beans, & carrots. He just started drinking out of a sippy cup, which he also loves. If he sees Jacob with his cup, then I know I need to get him one of his own, or else Jacob can't enjoy his drink in peace. :)

He loves his mobility now that he's a professional crawler. Watching a baby crawl toward you (or away from you with that little diaper butt) is one of my favorite forms of entertainment.

And watching him & Jacob both smile & laugh as Alex chases after him is so cute. But it sure was easier to plop him in the middle of the floor, surround him with toys, and know he'd stay there unless I moved him! And don't get me started on how excited he is by his newfound ability to pull up on furniture & cruise around. I've found myself forgetting that he has reached this new milestone, and absentmindedly putting something "out of his reach" on a table. I'm sure he was laughing in his head at my stupidity when I put a full sippy cup he was reaching for on the couch up high on the end table. I'm also pretty sure he deliberately waited until I turned my back, then easily pulled himself up and got it. He's a clever little one. :)

He's also at the stage where everything goes into his mouth. It may start off in his hands, he'll bang it on the floor, shake it around, look at it, but it will always end up in his mouth. Babies are the best vacuum cleaners; he can spot any little piece of dirt or an object that seems camouflaged against the carpet. He's also pretty vocal. His favorite thing to say is "Babababa" and high pitched squeals that almost reach the decibel levels only dogs are able to hear. He is a very happy, smiley baby. In fact, Jacob's nickname for him used to be "Smileypants." He has chunky little feet & hands that I'm in love with. And I could kiss on his chubby cheeks all day.
I'm sure I rank high up on his list of favorite people, but I have no doubt who's at the top: Jacob, hands down. He lights up at the sight of his big brother. He doesn't even have to SEE him to get excited. If he even just hears his voice, he stops what he's doing. If he's nursing when this happens, he'll pop right off, and look around upside down to find his best friend/big brother. The upside down smile I get to see when he finds him is priceless.

And Jacob LOVES being adored. He tells Alex, "I love you", and on several occasions has said, "Alex is my brother and my friend." When Alex wakes up from a nap, Jacob always follows me into the bedroom to greet him. You should see the reunion that takes place! You'd think Alex had been napping for an entire day. I should leave it at that and not mention the times Jacob has been eager to leave on an outing, but we had to wait on Alex to wake up from a nap. Impatient to leave, Jacob will ask, "Leave Alex here?" See, it was sweeter if I had left out that little tidbit. :)
As it is with most, if not all, siblings, sometimes they play beautifully together, and other times..."Mommy, no want Alex to play with my toys!!" And naturally, Jacob's toys are WAY more exciting than baby toys. But when Jacob does share, it is awesome to watch. During my pregnancy, and when Alex was a newborn, I daydreamed about the boys playing together. These are just a few of the moments I daydreamed about:










I look forward to many memorable moments between Alex and Jacob. I know I'll have to break up many arguments & fights in the future, but I also have a feeling they'll be the best of friends. Alex is my sweet baby boy, and I am so happy he is a part of our family. What a perfect addition he is! His precious one-toothed smile you can't help but smile back at, gorgeous big blue eyes, dimples, and giggle are completely irresistible. Add all that to his sweet disposition, and you've got one adorable baby that I love just as much as his big brother. Turns out it was no problem to love TWO little boys as much as I do. I can't wait to meet the big boy he's quickly turning into!