Alexander — yoga, snowsuit and food!

As is starting to become a theme, these images of Alexander are a little out of chronological order.  But, I couldn’t resist.

So, we start off with a little baby yoga, courtesy of his guru (AKA, his mother).

He’s got Happy Baby pose down pat!

I came home one afternoon and Alexander was sitting on Anna’s lap … it was too cute, and here’s the result.

Anna was getting him packed for a weekend trip to Switzerland … this is his snowsuit.  His expression says it all.

Although he’s still working on his balance, X loves to stand.  Anna was actually trying to get him to sit down … he cutely refused.  Here he’s showing off his cute new outfit.  Thanks, C.C.!

So happy.  You can see the evidence of drool.  His teeth are coming in … just a question of when they break through.  By the amount of drool, you’d think any day now.  Of course, they may still be months away.

Go Air Force!  He doesn’t know what’s coming, but he’s about to eat his first solid food:  quince (or coing in French).  So, perhaps these images aren’t the best quality, but I hope the significance of the event outweighs that.  🙂

Hmmm … not so sure about this stuff.

OK, now I’m digging this fruit stuff.  It’s pretty good!

So good in fact, I want to use that blue and green thing!

Mmm… so happy.  We’re since tried a number of other foods, and fruit is definitely still his favorite.  Perhaps that has something to do with the sugar content.  He’s just like his parents.

I also made a short video of this episode.  I am going to do a few other posts, then will finish uploading the video … if these pictures left you wondering what it was like at Chez Gingras for Alexander’s first meal.

Next up will be a couple short trips we took in the past month.

Until then…

–Jim

Sponsoring USAFA Cadets

So, I’ve learned what it felt like for my sponsor family 14 years ago … and I have a new found appreciation for what they did for me.  Thank you Leitz Family!  I owe you … big time!

Part of my job here is to help the USAFA cadets who come on exchange.  That means I’m part AOC, part sponsor family, part teacher.  It’s a unique mix.  Fortunately for me, they are a good group.  I kinda enjoy hanging out with them.  🙂  OK OK, I really like hanging out with them.  However, unlike my sponsor family in Colorado, there’s more of a professional line to maintain.  Again though, the cadets are very good at respecting the rules.

Anyway, I’d like to introduce them to you.  Here they are:

Working clockwise from the back, left:  Scott, Laura, Dustin, Margo, Nancy, Kaeli, and Maggie.

Speaks for itself…

Yes, they like chocolate, can you tell?  This was the chocolate they brought over for Anna … fortunately, Anna didn’t mind sharing.

More fighting over the chocolate.

OK, so there they are.  Lots of fun and as long as they’re not getting in trouble, a pleasure to be around.  I’ve enjoyed getting to know them this semester.  I can only hope that future groups measure up.  We’ll see…

Up next will be more images of the little guy… Alexander of Aix-en-Provence.

Until then…

–Jim