August/September Update

It has been too long since my last post, so here I am again with too many fun pics to share! The Gladdens have been busy, busy.

Alexander had an endoscopy with biopsy a few weeks ago, and we finally have a diagnosis. YAHOO that at least we know what has been causing his problems gaining weight/food aversion/vomiting... but BOO that he has Eeosinophilic Esophagitis. Basically that means that food allergies have been causing painful inflammation in his esophagus (you can read more about EE at http://www.apfed.org/ee.htm). Our next step is to figure out what AO is allergic to and eliminate that from his diet. We have a long road ahead, but at least we now know where we are going and why.

On a lighter and happier note, we have been having LOTS of FUN, FUN, FUN. Alexander and I tagged along with the Locys on a fun-filled trip to Ohio to visit family in August. And Steven and I just returned from a much-needed romantic get-a-way for two to celebrate our 5th anniversary. We are so thankful for our loving families, who helped out with Alexander (NOT a small feat) while we were rejuvenating and relaxing. Pics of our trip will be posted soon...

The Locy farm at sun set.

Hanging out by the pond with Erin's cousin's, Heather and Morgan.

We got to celebrate cousin Liam's birthday in the hotel in Ohio. It was so great to spend time with the Madison Locys, and Liam was a cool dude 3-year-old birthday boy!

He even shared his new cars with Alexander.

Playing at the Iler's lake house.

Aunt Beth trying to make the reluctant swimmer smile (the pool was a little... well... chilly).

More Iler fun with Uncle Jim and Aunt Carol.

Mom and Dad in front of the church they got married in 41 years ago. Awwww...

Hanging out with the Ohio Locys- Alexander loved meeting Erin's cousin's son, Grady.

Alexander has taken to doing everything mommy does- he likes to "try on" my shoes and carry around my purse!

We had a Hamburger Cook- Off with friends. Yummy yum fun! EVERYONE was a winner because we ate so many yummy hamburgers (and Steven will be the first to tell you the Gladden Burger was voted #1 by secret ballot).

Alexander wasn't into the hamburgers, but he sure was glad having our friends over meant he had new buddies to play with (not to mention the big boy toys he had never seen before)!

"puters"

Alexander has also gotten into wearing hats...

any hat will do...

especially if it comes with Grandma and Grandpa's dog to play with.

Hugs.

We went to cousin John Gregory's birthday party at Jump 2 It. Alexander was mesmerized by the big kids and had a GREAT time.

How cool- an inflatable throne to sit on while opening presents!

What would we do without the blankie Aunt Beth made Alexander?

Our Enlightened One making a run for "boo-dah"

The Walking Man Walks on By

We have a little walking man! It has been so fun to watch over the past week. He has been physically ready for a while, but he finally got up the courage to walk by himself. At first he seemed like a reluctant marching band rookie, but now he is really pretty smooth. The password to view the video is Orion. More pictures coming soon...

Walking Man from Erin Gladden on Vimeo.

Good Story

Alexander already has a pretty clear opinion about which of his books he likes best. He will "read" his favorites over and over again. Just type in the password Orion to view this video.

Good Story from Erin Gladden on Vimeo.

Dada Kisses

He's such a loving little tiger! The password for this video is Orion.

Dada Kisses from Erin Gladden on Vimeo.

CG and the Kazoo

Check out this video of our little musical prodigy. The password is Orion.

CG and the Kazoo from Erin Gladden on Vimeo.

Bunny Video

Alexander has enjoyed our new security glass storm door. He can see everything that is going on in the backyard and especially loves watching some wild rabbits that nibble on our grass. The password is Orion.

Bunny Boy from Erin Gladden on Vimeo.

Summer Fun

We have had a GREAT week, and I decided I needed to reward myself with a little fun blogging time. Sorry it has been so long since the last update. Despite a diagnosis of Failure to Thrive and Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), our little man continues to be a happy, smart little boy--- definitely NOT a baby any more. He has had a turn for the better over the last week or so and is almost 18 pounds now. HOORAY! He is attending feeding therapy and had a great session yesterday. He chewed and swallowed banana cookie bites, Goldfish crackers, Cheerios, and cheese. Alexander has been trying out several new words. His favorites are "book," "foo" (phone), "bu-bu" (bunny), and "dat" (he points and says "dat" when he wants to know "what is that?"). We have had several opportunities in between seeing doctors and specialists for some much needed grown-up fun time.

Alexander wasn't sure what to think of walking barefoot in Grandma and Grandpa's fancy grass.

Grandpa loves juicy Alexander kisses!

Grandma and Alexander- as happy as can be.

Alexander thought Great Grandma's walking toy was so much fun!

Reading with cousin Anna. Alexander will bring us or point to a book and say "book, book" when he wants us to read to him. He LOVES to be read to!

Playing mini-golf with the Mitchell kids when they were in town... just for the record, I beat Grandpa on the last hole!

Alexander loves musical toys.

Skinny-dipping at CG and Padre's.

Goofing around with CG.

Alexander gives wet tongue kisses- so cute!

Like his own daddy, Alexander will make a good father one day. He loves to hug and give loves to his "baby."

Beep-beep!

Mr. Independent thinks he can comb his own hair and brush his own teeth.

Staring contest with Great Grandma turned into a giggle contest!

Enjoying Grandpa's water feature on a hot summer day.

Cousin Sarah celebrated her third birthday.

She loved the new rain boots CG got her for her birthday. Too cute!

CG and Alexander

Smiling at the Atlanta Zoo with cousin Sam.

The Petting Zoo

Zoo Fun

May Merriment (with a little late April fun in there too)

I have been a lousy blogger this month. We have had so much going on that I have hardly had time to shower, let alone post pictures. So this post is a little on the excessive side because there were so many great pictures I just had to share. Happy Summer!

Alexander is quite the chatter box these days. His favorite thing to say is "dada." He sometimes says "mama" but most of the time it comes out sounding more like "baba." Once he even said "up mama" (which was followed by considerable praise and oohs and ahhs, but has not been duplicated since). Lately he loves to say "uh-oh" and "bye-bye." He also says bird but it sounds like "birt," and he growls like a tiger (very cute).

Recently, we had a fun visit with the Locy side of the family in Madison, AL. We stopped at Peach Park on the way up, and Grandpa let Alexander "ride" the pony.

Alexander always finds Grandpa's glasses case when he is around. Who needs toys when you can have a...ummmm... glasses case?

Staring Contest

Hanging out with cousin Liam in his room

Grandpa has a lap full of boys!

We got to see Sam and Thomas play baseball while we were in Madison. What athletes!

Anna performed in her dance recital. She is quite the super star!

The kids and Uncle Steve played an entertaining game of backyard baseball for all their adoring fans. Uncle Steve was definitely sore for a few days!

All the Gladdens took a family vacation to the North Georgia Mountains (Blue Ridge) in early May. The chalet where we stayed was beyond amazing. This is just PART of the game room in the basement.

Padre playing hide-and-go-seek with the little ones.

Those goofy Gladden brothers.

Alexander and Daddy taking in the georgia mountain views.

Steven took Alexander to check out the hot tub, and Alexander was so excited he got in to splash around for a few minutes.

Our chalet had a stunning view and awesome deck to take it all in.

Steven and Padre

It is hard to believe, but our little man celebrated his 1st birthday a few weeks ago. He had a great time partying it up with his family.

The happy birthday boy enjoying Aunt Shannon blowing bubbles.

I crown you "The Birthday Boy Who Does Not Like Wearing Hats."

Sweet daddy kisses for the birthday boy.

The satisfied (and a little sleepy from all the excitement) birthday boy!

Yum!

Grandpa taking Alexander for his first wagon ride.

Birthday Party Eve- what is it with babies and balloons?

So proud of himself that he can easily push his little walker toy. Still not walking on his own yet, but he's getting awfully close...

Our good friends Heidi and Michael tied the knot in late April. Heidi's 80's themed bachelorette party was a hoot!

Alexander was a huge flirt at the wedding rehearsal.

Michael and his best man.

The Gladdens at the wedding.

Alexander normally LOVES Ms. Heidi, but he just wasn't too sure about the wedding day updo.

My two smiley-faces at the reception. You should have seen Alexander party it up on the dance floor with his daddy!

A few other pics of little man all dressed up...

I have been telling my devoted blog-readers for months that it was about high-time little man got his first hair cut, but I was just too in love with those little baby boy curls. I figured he needed a trim before his big birthday, so we finally made it happen. He was such a trooper!

So proud of himself for being such a big boy...

He can't believe she is STILL cutting his hair!

I celebrated my big 30, and my fabulous husband took me out for sushi and sake. Yum! My hunk of a date even came with a tie and a freshly-shaven face. Wowee!

The Locy clan gave Steven an awesome Christmas/birthday present this year: a travel photography class in Atlanta held by National Geographic photographers. He came home and took this incredible picture in our backyard. What a talent!

Unfortunately, we came home from a fun weekend with family to find our home had been burglarized. Safety Steve has been diligently working to make a few changes around the homestead that will hopefully ward off any thieves who decide to make a return visit.

This was the temporary fix that has now been replaced with a brand new door, courtesy of All State and our homeowner's policy.