Alex is no longer a baby and officially a toddler. I started a new 'chapter' in my blog called Alex's Toddler Triumphs which you can find here:
http://alexanderwillisoneyearold.blogspot.com/
Don't forget to bookmark! Happy Reading!!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Goodbye Old Friend
By now you probably already heard the news, our beloved Mau of over 13 years passed away sort of suddenly about a month ago. Our entire family was devastated. She's been through it all with us. We got Mau when I was in high school, she saw me get my driver's license, graduate college, go to England and back, get engaged, married, have a baby and buy a house.
We had a feeling something was wrong with her during the last week of March. I really don't feel like talking about the details because I still miss her and it's hard not to be sad. But basically I took her to the vet one morning and they said the prognosis wasn't good, they saw jaundice, dehydration and anemia. They asked if she could stay over night for observation while we got the blood test results. The next morning, the vet called and told me Mau didn't make it through the night. I felt totally off guard. I knew she wasn't well but I didn't think she'd have passed away that night. In a way I felt like I abandoned her in her last moments but I know if I had kept her at home, she probably would have crawled under our deck or bed and left us silently. The whole image of her curling up in my lap and going to sleep peacefully and forever is obviously not realistic.
She had a really happy life though and I'm glad she went fast. I think the diagnosis in the end was cancer but I was so shocked to here that she was gone I actually tuned out. Matt and I went to the vet to go see her, say our final goodbyes and decided to have her cremated.
She had the best quirks ever and I will truly miss them. I loved that she had so much for patience and love for Alex. It's a shame Alex won't get to grow up with her but we know that in kitty years she was pretty old.
I'm getting a bit teary writing this so I will keep it at that. I still miss her a lot and she will always have a piece of my heart. Cat owners, I know you totally understand.
Love you Mau Mau.
We had a feeling something was wrong with her during the last week of March. I really don't feel like talking about the details because I still miss her and it's hard not to be sad. But basically I took her to the vet one morning and they said the prognosis wasn't good, they saw jaundice, dehydration and anemia. They asked if she could stay over night for observation while we got the blood test results. The next morning, the vet called and told me Mau didn't make it through the night. I felt totally off guard. I knew she wasn't well but I didn't think she'd have passed away that night. In a way I felt like I abandoned her in her last moments but I know if I had kept her at home, she probably would have crawled under our deck or bed and left us silently. The whole image of her curling up in my lap and going to sleep peacefully and forever is obviously not realistic.
She had a really happy life though and I'm glad she went fast. I think the diagnosis in the end was cancer but I was so shocked to here that she was gone I actually tuned out. Matt and I went to the vet to go see her, say our final goodbyes and decided to have her cremated.
She had the best quirks ever and I will truly miss them. I loved that she had so much for patience and love for Alex. It's a shame Alex won't get to grow up with her but we know that in kitty years she was pretty old.
I'm getting a bit teary writing this so I will keep it at that. I still miss her a lot and she will always have a piece of my heart. Cat owners, I know you totally understand.
Love you Mau Mau.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Party # 2
Alex woke up full of energy and ready for party # 2 on Sunday. Notice the Advil bottle in his hand? That's for mommy!
Some set up for the party.
Putting salsa out again
Fruit and chocolates
And we can't forget the soup spoons
At 3pm our guests start to arrive
Here's our neighbor, Tom
Our former neighbor, Rebecca
And Colleen with her daughter Jane
Alex personally greets Jake and Jane
Not a party without Brian and Bijal
And of course here's our little family. Alex is ready to party.
Our guests help themselves to some food
We decided to get to the cake early since Alex technically skipped his nap that day.
Since we were loosely going with a safari theme, we ordered a lion cake and an alligator cake
Lighting Alex's special little cake. He must think we're obsessed with cake.
This is the third one this week!
Singing Happy Birthday.
Blowing out the candle
Alex and his cake. Of course, the first step is to inspect it.
And then stick a hand in
Daddy gives Alex a taste
Getting a bit messy
And messier
Did any of the cake actually end up in Alex's mouth?
Just like the day before we decided to stick him in the bath.
Have you seen a more exhausted baby?
Jane comes to check in.
After his bath, a quick round of goodbyes.
Post party pic
Presents from day 2
and here are all his birthday cards
After a nice refreshing 2 hour nap, time for some presents again
He instantly took to the classic corn popper
He got all these toys
and clothes
In the end, he wanted his favorite toy of all time. MAU.
Alex did not want the party to end. We on the other hand were totally pooped! We tried to get him to go to bed but he decided otherwise.
The parties were so much fun but we're so glad that we have nothing planned for next week!! Looking forward to a nice lie in and lounging around.
Some set up for the party.
Putting salsa out again
Fruit and chocolates
And we can't forget the soup spoons
At 3pm our guests start to arrive
Here's our neighbor, Tom
Our former neighbor, Rebecca
And Colleen with her daughter Jane
Alex personally greets Jake and Jane
Not a party without Brian and Bijal
And of course here's our little family. Alex is ready to party.
Our guests help themselves to some food
We decided to get to the cake early since Alex technically skipped his nap that day.
Since we were loosely going with a safari theme, we ordered a lion cake and an alligator cake
Lighting Alex's special little cake. He must think we're obsessed with cake.
This is the third one this week!
Singing Happy Birthday.
Blowing out the candle
Alex and his cake. Of course, the first step is to inspect it.
And then stick a hand in
Daddy gives Alex a taste
Getting a bit messy
And messier
Did any of the cake actually end up in Alex's mouth?
Just like the day before we decided to stick him in the bath.
Have you seen a more exhausted baby?
Jane comes to check in.
After his bath, a quick round of goodbyes.
Post party pic
Presents from day 2
and here are all his birthday cards
After a nice refreshing 2 hour nap, time for some presents again
He instantly took to the classic corn popper
He got all these toys
and clothes
In the end, he wanted his favorite toy of all time. MAU.
Alex did not want the party to end. We on the other hand were totally pooped! We tried to get him to go to bed but he decided otherwise.
The parties were so much fun but we're so glad that we have nothing planned for next week!! Looking forward to a nice lie in and lounging around.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Alex's 1st Birthday - Part One
We had back to back parties last weekend. Since we know so many people, we decided to split up Alex's 1st birthday into 2 parts. On Saturday we invited our family friends, people I've known for over 20 years. I decided to wear Indian clothes since I don't get too many opportunities to wear saris. My cousins in India sent me a new outfit especially for the party.
Here are some of our decorations.
Can't go wrong with tacos
and lots of salsa options
The Willis Family, ready to party down (especially the men, look how happy they look)
Grandpa is amongst one of our first guests
The ladies sit in one room
while the men sit in the other
Alex hangs out with the men (and his musical table). Grr.
Only 20 more years to go Alex... or 17 if you're visiting the UK
A family photo
Alex's best buddy from daycare, Vandan came. Alex was so excited.
Here he is doing his big boy "I'm well 'ard " face.
Time to sing Happy Birthday to the birthday boy!
(click on the photo below to hear out of tune singing)
Here's Daddy and Alex in his highchair.
An ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins
And a little cake just for Alex
Grandpa offering Alex a bite
Still relatively clean
Spoke too soon
After a couple of minutes he really went for the cake
We decided to stick him in the bath after this and scrubbed all the frosting off.
He is sweet enough without it.
Alex changed into some Indian clothes for a bit.
Here's how he thinks the party is going so far
(click on the photo below to hear Alex)
Look at all those presents!!
A small thank you we sent our guests home with
After everyone left and Alex had some down time, we opened presents
He got all sorts of neat stuff. Clothes, a laptop, a Mickey Mouse ride along car, some mega blocks!
After a busy afternoon, mommy and daddy were pooped. Alex had a ton of energy though. Here he is putting daddy to bed.
Better rest up because there's another party tomorrow!
Here are some of our decorations.
Can't go wrong with tacos
and lots of salsa options
The Willis Family, ready to party down (especially the men, look how happy they look)
Grandpa is amongst one of our first guests
The ladies sit in one room
while the men sit in the other
Alex hangs out with the men (and his musical table). Grr.
Only 20 more years to go Alex... or 17 if you're visiting the UK
A family photo
Alex's best buddy from daycare, Vandan came. Alex was so excited.
Here he is doing his big boy "I'm well 'ard " face.
Time to sing Happy Birthday to the birthday boy!
(click on the photo below to hear out of tune singing)
 |
| From All About Alex 2011 |
Here's Daddy and Alex in his highchair.
An ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins
And a little cake just for Alex
Grandpa offering Alex a bite
Still relatively clean
Spoke too soon
After a couple of minutes he really went for the cake
We decided to stick him in the bath after this and scrubbed all the frosting off.
He is sweet enough without it.
Alex changed into some Indian clothes for a bit.
Here's how he thinks the party is going so far
(click on the photo below to hear Alex)
 |
| From All About Alex 2011 |
Look at all those presents!!
A small thank you we sent our guests home with
After everyone left and Alex had some down time, we opened presents
He got all sorts of neat stuff. Clothes, a laptop, a Mickey Mouse ride along car, some mega blocks!
After a busy afternoon, mommy and daddy were pooped. Alex had a ton of energy though. Here he is putting daddy to bed.
Better rest up because there's another party tomorrow!
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