Happy Holidays

Some text to go with peter's pics... soon videos (when we figure out how to edit and post them- we got a video camera for christmas- thanks to everyone who chipped for it!) Much activity and news! We spent some time in DC after our respective trips back. Alex got to hang out with his buddies, catch up in music class and all the playground goings-ons.
Good news for Laura, sad news for us- she was offered her own column and full time spot at UPI. We're sure she will do well there but will miss her very much. Alex is extremely attached to her- hopefully they'll get to spend some time together on weekends.
Right before we left for NYC Alex got a real haircut- the new environment, noise and hair clippers scared him. He cried, tried to climb over me to get away from the hair stylist and refused to wear a smock. While trying to soothe him by singing and talking to him, big fat tears and hair chunks fell- it was all over in about 10 minutes afterwhich he was all smiles and charm to stylist and even wanted to give her a star. He looks so grown up now- a real toddler! But... he will always be our baby.
We drove up to NYC for some family gatherings over Christmas. Alex is learning new words daily- right now he's fascinated with parts of the body and faces, dog- he's even saying some of the words in chinese! Whatta baby.
In New York, we stayed with Pat and Bart- Alex had a great time playing on Bart's keyboard- rocking out to the Star Wars theme music. He said "wow" to the Christmas tree and lights- he had a great time opening presents- one of the biggest hits for gifts was a small blue stroller from Pat and Bart that Alex wheels his animals around in. Alex gave presents this year and even wrote a poem to aunt kate. He spent a lot of time on Jill's lap. He got to spend some time with his Uncle Andrew, Aunt Alice and Grandma Lee- we met at hippo park and played there, spent some time in the building's community room.
Grandpa Lee (Gong Gong) was a hit with Alex. We're not sure how Alex knew- but gong gong held up a cookie, then from across the room Alex went running over to him, got the cookie and wandered around eating it. Hes been saying Gong Gong ever since we've been back. On Christmas Day we went to a chinese restaurant with Uncle Allan, Alex, Andrew, Alice and grandma lee- Alex very proudly used chopsticks with smiles, applause and high-fives all around! A very exciting time. Our trip back to DC was filled with traffic... but we're back. Happy New Year everyone!