A Stepstool for Silas

My dear friend Martisha asked me to paint a stepstool for her best friend’s son’s 1st birthday. This is how it turned out. I may be hanging up my paintbrush very soon as it is getting much harder to find time to paint and I’ve had trouble sealing the last three stools I’ve painted. This generally requires either sanding or repainting. I’m not a fan of either. Luckily it turned out okay in the end after repainting some of the top. Thanks mom and dad for watching Alexa during our recent visit to Dallas so I could paint this stool. I hope Silas enjoys it for years to come.

Alexa’s 1st Trip to the Zoo

Layton, Alexa and Rylen ready to take on the OKC Zoo.

While Ama was visiting, we met up with my sister’s family to take Alexa on her first trip to the Oklahoma City Zoo. Alexa absolutely loves animals so we knew she’d enjoy seeing them up close and personal. Needless to say, Alexa enjoyed her visit – especially since she got to share in it with her cousins and Ama.


“Look at the pink flamingos!”


The girls – Mommy, Holly, Rylen, Alexa & Ama


Mark, Layton, Daddy & Alexa. I love how all the guys are representing OU.


Alexa saying “cheese.” Layton didn’t want to cooperate . . . he was STARVING! I think at this point he was telling us his stomach was going to explode. Poor thing.


This may be my favorite pic. Alexa is really working the “cheese.”

Alexa preferred walking with her cousins much more than being in the stroller.


Aunt Holly trying to show the baby elephant to Alexa.


The Mama and baby elephant. Alexa loved making her elephant sound – wooooo.


This was the perfect ending to new adventures at the zoo. What a day!

Ama & Alexa

Chris’ mom, Karen, (better known as Ama around these parts) paid us a visit in mid-June. I’m sad to say we didn’t take many pictures during her stay – we seemed to keep very busy – which happens with a 15-month-old running around. Chris finished up his summer school class while Ama and I managed to do some baking, strawberry freezer jam making, catching up and lots of playing with Alexa. Ama didn’t mind watching Alexa while I ran much needed errands and Chris projected around the house. We also enjoyed Alexa’s 1st dip in her little swimming pool and her 1st trip to the zoo (which I’ll post later). But perhaps the biggest blessing (for me at least) was her willingness to cook several dishes for us to enjoy now and later. Ama – I’m so, so grateful for your servant’s heart! We continue to benefit from your tasty and nutritious treats. What a blessing!! Alexa loves her Ama (and she missed her Opa)!! We look forward to seeing Ama, Opa, and Great-Grandma Rachel very soon.


Alexa and Ama at the OKC Zoo. I just love Alexa’s “cheese” smile.


Alexa and Ama “painting” the cement with water.


Ama took Alexa to the local park several times. Alexa loves to swing & slide.


I don’t think we need to worry about Alexa staying hydrated (see the 3 sippy cups).


“Cool . . . this is way more hair than Daddy has.”


A true expression of love & care = a full freezer of yummy meals. THANK YOU AMA!!

Jeff’s Visit & Adventures in OKC

In mid-May, Jeff Gulden, Chris’ lifelong friend from California, visited our family on his way to NYC. The last time he visited Oklahoma was just a few days shy of Alexa’s arrival so it was special for him to see the result of my big belly from over a year ago. We had a wonderful time staying up late to catch up and laugh as well as do a bit of local sightseeing. Jeff, we’re so thankful you took the time to visit us and love on our little Alexa. We are praying you have a wonderful 1st semester of grad school at the University of Utah. Here’s a rundown of some of the places we visited during Jeff’s stay (Thanks for sharing your pics with us Jeff!) . . .


Our first stop was the Oklahoma Capitol. The House & Senate were actually in session so there was a lot of buzz and security inside. Apparently, we just missed Governor Mary Fallin – maybe next time.


Another view of the Capitol with a statue by Allan Houser – As Long as the Waters Flow. As evidenced by the flags, the wind definitely blows in OK.


Jeff, Alexa & Chris at the Capitol’s entrance.


Alexa could have gone up and down the steps all day. I’m not so sure about Daddy!


A nine foot tall replica of The Guardian by Enoch Kelly Haney. The actual statue, which is 22’ tall, stands proudly atop the Capitol’s dome. (Nice photo Jeff!)


We’re not so sure what Alexa is doing here but she seemed to like The Guardian.


Alexa didn’t get the memo that Governor Fallin had already left the building.


Alexa “cacking” at the ducks at the Bricktown Canal.


She also enjoyed feeding these ducks as much they enjoyed eating her Cheerios.


Chris and Jeff standing in front of the Oklahoma Land Run Centennial Monument near Bricktown (commemorating the historic land run of 1889). It was created by Paul Moore and is one of the world’s largest bronze sculptures including 38 people, 24 horses, 3 wagons, a buggy, a sulky, a dog, a rabbit and a cannon.


Another view of the Land Run Monument. You can see figures all the way to the right.


I love this shot Jeff took. It really captures the movement in the piece. It’s amazing to see in-person.


The day ended with a trip to the OKC National Memorial. It was a beautiful sunset.


Alexa avoiding the paparazzi. However, she can’t escape the wind.


These are beautiful images courtesy of Jeff. This is the reflecting pool.


The perspective of the reflecting pool from the other side of the Memorial with the lit chairs to the right representing those who died in the bombing.


The following day, we joined Chris on OU’s campus for lunch and a little walk. Alexa loves to walk on campus. A glimpse of Evan’s Hall (home of President Boren’s office).

15 1/2 months of Alexa Hope

CHEESE!! Alexa bears a toothy/gummy grin.

It’s been a while since we’ve devoted an entire post to Alexa Hope (and let’s be honest, that’s why you check this blog). Her 15 month check-up to the doc gave me the perfect opportunity to fill you in on all the latest stats and excitement. The last couple of months with Alexa have been FULL of activity. A friend ask the other day, “Does she ever slow down?” My answer – “Only if she’s asleep.” Our little girl is always on the move – full of curiosity, full of spunk, full of personality and full of independence. I wish I could capture in words just how much she is changing and learning every day. It’s so much fun! Chris and I are constantly swapping stories of her antics and adventures. She brings us great joy and lots of laughs. Probably what amazes me most is how much she understands & how often she mimics whatever we do. Although her vocabulary is still developing, her grasp of it is pretty amazing. Here’s a rundown – with plenty of pics – capturing the last two months o’ Alexa.

Alexa enjoys wearing Dada’s hat. What a “cool cat.”

Alexa’s current stats:
Weight – 19.8 oz (6%)
Height – 30 1/4” (45%)
Head Circumference – 17 1/4” (5%)

Alexa’s Highlights & Adventures:
--Getting her 4th tooth (a central incisor on the top).
--Having Jeff Gulden (Chris’ longtime friend), Ama & Pop visit us.
--Visiting Oklahoma’s Capitol, Bricktown and the OKC Memorial with Jeff Gulden. (A separate blog to come).
--Experiencing the OKC zoo for the first time. (Another blog on this one too).
--Celebrating cousin Layton’s 8th birthday.
--Playing on her new play yard in the backyard.
--Swimming in her little swimming pool and the big one too.
--Using a spoon all by herself.
--Brushing her teeth (all four or them), of course, by herself.
--Enjoying a jog or two with Mommy (in the jogger stroller).
--Pushing the regular stroller on walks instead of sitting in it.
--Eating more big girl food including – green beans, broccoli, asparagus, pineapple, yogurt & peanut butter . . . hooray!! The girl loves mini muffins too.
--Developing a distinct “Alexa” vocabulary and signing “please,” “more” & “all done.”
--Singing – it’s so sweet. She loves “Oh How I Love Jesus” & “The Itsy Bitsy Spider.”
--Throwing her first temper tantrums. Oh my – discipline, here we come!!
--Drinking entirely from sippy cups (I weaned her at 15 months. . . sniff, sniff).
--Still enjoying two naps and 12 hours of sleep at night (Mommy enjoys this too).

A Sampling of Alexa-speak (spelled phonetically):
--Cack – the sound a duck makes or a cracker
--Outh – outside
--Side – inside
--Dowh – down
--Baah – ball
--Cuck – truck
--Bubo – bubble
--Nana – banana
--High – saying “hi” or a chair of any kind (originated from high chair)
--Baybee – baby, her Praise Baby DVD, or “bitty” for Itsy Bitsy Spider
--Cowd – cloud
--Baloo – balloon
--Bees – green beans
--Pees – please
--Eyes – eyes
--Taku – thank you
--Pi-ap – pineapple
--Wuhee – whee (expression for sliding, spinning, or swinging)
--Cheese – cheese, string cheese, macaroni & cheese
--Gapes – grapes
--Ah-Ah-Ah – pacifier (it’s from a game we play with her)
--Ry-Ry – Rylen
--Pop – Alexa’s Pop, my Dad
--Shuus – shoes
--Yow – Meow
--Hooo – sound an owl makes
--Cock – sound a rooster makes
--Beep-beep – sound Alexa’s belly button makes
--Roar – sound a lion, tiger & bear make
--Woooooo – sound an elephant makes
--She also does a brilliant airplane impression

Why we change outfits many times a day. Alexa loves to pour water from her swimming pool on herself with her princess bucket.

Here she goes. Ahhhh – so refreshing!!

”Yeah, Mommy, I think it’ll work.” Alexa giving her forward facing car seat a trial run.

Alexa’s not for sure she wants to get into her swimming pool. The water’s cold!

Alexa’s getting ready to swim in the “big girl pool” with her buddy, Eva Westerman.

”I love this rocking chair. It’s just my size!” Ty Aunt Hol, Uncle Mark, Ry-Ry & Layton.

”Me want cookie – me want cookie!” Alexa enjoying her first chocolate chip cookie.

She’s trying to get every chocolatey crumb.

Alexa will make sure there are no remnants in her Greek yogurt container.

Here she is enjoying her first chocolate pudding (and her nose - another favorite pastime).

Alexa enjoys pushing rather than pounding the pegs into her toy. Such a little lady.

Alexa loves chairs – even if it’s a Boppy. Here she’s pointing to a “cuck” (truck).

”Please join me in my house.” She thought it was fun to close the flaps like a gate.

Alexa loves watching the American flag wave in the wind. We do too!

Pounding on the garage door – a favorite outdoor pastime.

It’s a tight squeeze in the Outback with Alexa and her cousins – Layton and Ry-Ry.

She adores her cousins. Such a cute trio.

Alexa with her Dada. I had to include this sweet pic.

How many adults does it take to install a play yard?

Hmmmmm . . . looks like five. Thanks Hol & Mark for letting us borrow the big toy.

Alright – even more pics coming your way this week of our trip to the state capitol, the OKC zoo and a special visit from Ama.