Busy month!

Things have been pretty crazy around the Tripoli household. We closed on our new house at the beginning of June and are (finally) getting settled in. The move went very smoothly until I sprained my ankle stepping down from the fireplace hearth (I'm such a klutz!). I am finally recovered from my injury, but was moving slowly for a few weeks! Last week I began teaching mommy and baby swimming lessons at the Community Center. It is so much fun! Alex is my "helper" and we get to play with other babies in the water every day! He loves swimming! He splashes in the water and kicks his little legs like he's been swimming all of his little life! He's a natural! Of course, Daddy wants him to be a wrestler and Grandpop wants him to be a baseball player. I still hold out hope that he'll take up mommy's favorite sport!

This month has also been a big one for milestones! Alex hit 7 months and simply decided he wanted to start GOING! He started crawling at 7 months and 1 week. The next day he started pulling up on furniture and now he is cruising! Slow down little boy! You are growing up too fast!

**I will add pictures of our new house and Alex crawling ASAP! Our home office is not quite organized yet and I can't find the USB cord for the camera.

Cousins!

Last week Alex met his cousins Ben and Tyler Weader for the first time. (Actually, they are Matt's first cousins, but are close in age with our little guy) Ben is almost 2 1/2 and Tyler is 5 weeks old! They are both such sweet boys and we enjoyed spending time with them. I loved hearing Ben say "Baby Alex" in his sweet little voice!

Little Tyler

Alex and Ben

Alex also took his first trip to Knoebel's Amusement Park with Ben, Tyler, Ethan, and Lauren. Knoebel's is a such great place! I spent many, many fun days there as a child. Being there with Alex made me so excited for all of the fun times we will have over the next few years! Alex loved watching all of the activity.

We played the fishing game (everybody wins!)

We watched Ben ride in the red car.

We also were soaking wet because of the unexpected rain! We waited out a few heavy downpours under various covered locations (food stands, ticket stands, trees) and then finally decided to take Alex on the Merry-go-round. Just as the ride was about to begin Alex fell asleep on Matt's lap! Oh well! We will certainly be back to Knoebel's again soon!

Daddy and Alex at Knoebel's

Mommy and Alex

What a big guy!

Alex had his six month well-baby visit yesterday. As we expected, he is at the top of the charts for weight and length! He is 27.5 inches long and weighs 22 pounds. Our pediatrician was very impressed with Alex's development, but was surprised to hear that he still wakes up two or three times per night! She wants us to try feeding him 3 meals a day of solid food and see if it helps him sleep through the night. Mommy and Daddy are trying to hold out hope, but are pretty sure our guy enjoys his middle of the night cuddles. I'll keep you posted!

Six Months Old!

Alex is six months old today! He is growing up so fast. Alex is such a blessing and Matt and I are so thankful for our wonderful boy! Here are some "then and now" photographs to showcase just how much change took place in these short months.

Playing

Then (watching the ceiling fan)

Now

Laying on the Boppy

Then

Now

Swinging

Then

Now

The Little Red Wagon

Spring is here and the weather is finally taking a turn for the better. I've been desperate to spend time outdoors with Alex, but its been a cold spring. I suppose I've gotten used to the warmth of Louisiana, so the cool weather is a shock to my system!

With warm weather in the forecast, Matt and I decided to buy Alex a red wagon this week. I think every little boy needs a wagon! Today was a beautiful day with temperatures in the 70s and plenty of sunshine. Alex and I spent most of the day outside and we took his new wagon for a spin. Alex loved his wagon ride and its something we will do often.

Faster Mommy! Faster!

This is so much fun!

I could get used to this!

Mommy, how many pictures of me in this wagon do you need to take?

Alexander Cole Tripoli arrived on Thursday October 30, 2008 at 12:00 p.m.

First Family Portrait

Alex and his godmother, Mary Noller Gerth

Alex and his godfather, Justin Gerth

Alex meets Papa John and Grammy Wendy

Alex meets Grammy Sue and Grandpop

Soon after Alex's arrival we moved to Pennsylvania.
Alex and Mommy flew together for the first time. What an adventure!

We were lucky enough to be in Pennsylvania for Alex's
first Christmas. We spent a lot of time celebrating with our family.

In January we traveled back to New Orleans for

our goddaughter Frances Gerth's christening.

The Gerths came to Pennsylvania

in March for Alex's Christening

A Blog?

Well, I've decided (after a little prodding from Mary Noller!) to join the world of blogging. It will be a good place to share stories about Alex with our friends and family. Alex is nearly 6 months old and seems to be changing by the second! His first six months of life have been very eventful. We've moved across the country and are about to buy a new house. Here are a few picture "highlights" from Alex's life to this point.