nice day

Sometimes the only way Alexander will calm down is to sit outside. I forget how much that calms me as well. After a few minutes of bouncing outside he drifts of to sleep or becomes happily absorbed in the nature in the backyard.

bath time

Loves the water already

napping in the crib

This morning we sat outside for a nice dose of sunshine, birds, squirrels and fresh air after yesterday's smoky haze. It made Alexander quite happy, happy enough to take a little morning nap in the crib.

sun kissed

Harriet and the lamp

happy warm cat

Harriet

I wonder if other cats do this. Harriet loves to sit with her head right next to the lightbulbs under the lampshade. This lamp has two 75 watt bulbs and puts out a good bit of heat, so I think it is a kitty sauna for her. She will sit there for a long time roasting away.

in the bassinet

He hadn't shown an interest in mobiles or hanging toys but, this week, he is fascinated. He is making little coo noises.

baby fashion show

Alex has grown into some cute outfits - 12 pounds this week and 23 inches ! I hope everyone is doing well !

green baby fashion show

Here is Alexander wearing the "mommy's good luck charm" outfit that Anissa sent to him. Like mom, he looks great in green. Even though the next shot cuts off his head, the smile is precious.

smile monster 1

more smiles

hiking shot

Still trying to move the pictures from the phone...This is coming back from a hike in North Georgia mountains. It started to rain just as we were leaving and made this gorgeous rainbow.

Forever plaid?

Alex is looking more and more like a little boy,especially in the cute plaid overalls from great aunt Joyce

2 am feeding

Alex is a night owl. I love how his face is so sweet and vulnerable in this shot-just this week he has begun to grasp our clothing when we hold him.

good morning

Here he is with his happy morning face. Looks so small when dad holds him.

early picture

Here he is in a state of bliss,well fed, warm and loved

This year started off with a 10-day business trip to El Paso, Texas / Cuidad Juarez, CHIH. I have been sent out to El Paso probably 10 ten times so far, and this is the first time I've been able to squeeze a weekend with a car into the itinerary. The plan was to check out the snow at Ski Apache, since I haven't had the chance to ski since Utah Trip 2003. Unluckily for the Southwest, there has been a major drought this year, leaving the mountain dry and wells low. This lack of snow led to a gorgeous trip up to New Mexico to Carlsbad Caverns, which was fortunate for me- much better experience than I would have had skiing.

I drove up to the area Saturday early afternoon, in relative silence. As I had never experienced "out West" I didn't realize I would lose radio signal about 20 minutes outside of El Paso. I was wonderful to drive through the desert without the chatter of DJ's. I went out of the airport, took a right on Montana, and drove straight for 150 miles and I was there. I don't think I have seen anything like it. About 20-30 minutes out of El Paso I experienced my first Border checkpoint. There was a little sign, something like "8412 illegals caught in 2005", a bit like those drunk driving tally signs. Defintiely not what I am used to seeing in GA.

Along the way to Carlsbad Caverns, I drove past Guadalupe Mountains National Park and decided to pull over since it was so beautiful. I had no idea that this was the location of El Capitan. You can see it gleaming on the horizon as you approach through the deesrt hills. Given the time of day, 2:00 pm, I figured I had time for a short hike, but not one to the peak, so that left Piney Top and Devil's Hall. I opted for Devil's Halll, a hike to a narrow gorge in the hills. The hike runs along the wash, and the rocks sound like chalk marbles crunching and grinding beneath your feet. I saw two deer along this trail, one minute they were in the wash, the next minute up the mountain hidden in the cactus. Also saw hawks and roadrunners. And they were running across the road!