Some background: While we were in Italy on our “baby moon,” we happened to be in the town of Panzano the day they were celebrating the 483rd anniversary of overthrowing the evil lord.* To honor said event, they have an elaborate parade. While I was watching the parade, Alexandra kicked in time with the drummers. This was a sign.

Alex’s Italian inspiration.

Eleven months after that parade, my mom captured this on film:

Ian would like it noted that she could be the next Max Weinberg (of Bruce Springsteen the E Street Band). Or, the next Tico Torres, for you Bon Jovi fans.

Not much else to report here. We’re both still recovering from our colds. Mine has morphed into a sinus infection, complete with a rocking cough and a very sexy voice. Alexandra seems fine, as she is completely nonplussed by her runny nose (though she does protest when I try to wipe said nose).

Also thought you’d enjoy a few more of the pictures from the session we did on the 19th at the Picture People:

Why, hello there, Blue Eyes.

Oooh! These look edible!

I thought it was super cute to have her wear bunny ears. Who doesn’t love babies wearing animal ears? Then, while showing the pictures to Ian, he pointed out that girls in bunny ears can have other connotations. Stupid Hugh Hefner.

*Editor’s note: 483rd is an approximation. But it was a long time ago.

For whatever reason, this seems to be the standard question people ask you when you tell them you have a baby. It’s like the new parent equivalent of the pregnancy “when are you due?” and the engagement “when’s the wedding?” questions.

For the last few weeks, the answer to the question is “not great.” As you know, Alexandra has started pulling herself to standing and she’s finding that to be WAY more fun than napping. We’ve had some nap strikes over the last two weeks or so, further complicated by her second tooth breaking through her gums (ouchie!) and then her catching a cold over the weekend. Here’s to hoping that we’ll get back on-track with her napping (and me blogging) soon.

Today is also her eighth-month birthday, so we did the standard “bear” photo shoot. Those will be posted shortly–in the meantime, enjoy these from the last two weeks:

S’up. (March 6th)

Bo, still the world’s most patient dog. (March 7th)

Yay for swim class! (March 10th)

Playdate at our place. (March 11th)

Getting ready for St. Paddy’s Day. (March 11th)

Music class with Grandpa. (March 14th)

Bundled up for a walk with Daddy. (March 16th)

That’s how the text from Ian started. It’s important to lead with that.

Background: I was getting my hair cut on Saturday and Ian was hanging out with Alex. Around 1:00, I got the following text, which is quite possibly one of the funniest and best-worded texts I’ve ever received:

“Ok. Everything is fine… but Alex’s head had a bit of a disagreement with the changing table railing and things escalated, so your adorable daughter is now sporting a bit of a black eye. She’s down for a nap and didn’t need Motrin or anything, but you’ll notice. Love you.”

Needless to say, she is indeed fine and the black eye isn’t all that bad (but he was right–it definitely is noticeable):

The black eye isn’t too visible, but this is the best picture we have of it. (March 4th)

In other news, we’ve been trying out the Ergo (it’s a type of baby carrier), which Alex seems to enjoy:

Mommy and Alex go for a walk. (March 1st)

Daddy and Alex go for a walk. Mommy clearly had the better weather. (March 5th)

Plus, Alexandra has been working on standing:

The best part of this picture is the look on Bo’s face. (March 3rd)

And, she continues teething (i.e., drooling):

Hi! This is my CMU shirt … my 12M-sized CMU shirt. Looks like I’m going to be tall like Daddy! (March 1st)

And just because it’s too cute not to share again (this is a repeat for those of you also on Facebook):

Further proof that the best part of any toy is the box it came in. (March 1st)

Hope all is well with you!