The Zervas Family

Alex's First Steps!

2009-09-10T18:12:00.001-07:00

Alex took his first steps on May 28 when he was 14 months old. We didn't have a camera with us but Mommy got to see it. It was amazing!

This video was taken about a month later when he had really gotten the hang of it. Press Play!

We Skipped Something Important! Nola's 60th!

2009-09-10T17:47:00.000-07:00

I know I've been behind in my updates to the blog. We've just been enjoying the summer way too much. But as I start looking through the next pictures to share with everyone, I realized that I skipped over a very, very important event - Aunt Nola's 60th birthday weekend! The whole family got together and brought a little New York to South Carolina for the weekend starting on May 1, 2009. It was fabulous - just like Nola herself. Unfortunately, it turns out that I don't have any pix from the party but here are some of the family. If anyone has pix from the party that I can add, I need them individually - not via Shutterfly or any other picture service.

First Day at the Pool - May 24, 2009

2009-07-29T17:58:00.000-07:00

We joined the town pool for the first time. We made our first visit there on a beautiful day in June. Alex spent some time psyching himself up for the pool by checking it out from a nearby grassy area.

Alex's dip in the kiddie pool was a lot of fun.

Then the water got in his eyes.

But he recovered quickly. All in all a good day.

Getting There . . .

2009-07-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Alex is almost there with his walking and is babbling up a storm!

These videos were taken May 17, 2009.

PRESS PLAY

Mother's Day Movie Shoot - May 10, 2009

2009-07-28T18:33:00.000-07:00

On Mother's Day, Alex got a chance to be in his first movie!

Thea's boyfriend, Chris, wrote and directed Zero Sum.

Here are some photos from between takes.

Our Little Rock Star - April 25, 2009

2009-06-28T19:18:00.001-07:00

Alex rockin' the mohawk.

Greek Easter - April 19, 2009

2009-06-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

Alex was lucky to get a special Easter basket this Greek Easter - especially lucky because the Easter Bunny knew to deliver his basket to Uncle John and Aunt Susan's house.

He also got some quality time with cousin Jackie.

And then it was time to smash some eggs.

Christos Anesti!

Alex had great aim with his eggs - there are 2 videos below.

PRESS PLAY.

Another Haircut, Another Birthday Cake

2009-06-28T18:35:00.000-07:00

Haircuts are old hat now for the little man.

He had his second snip on March 28 without incident.

(Yes, he is sitting in his high chair at the hair salon.)

Alex was lucky enough to celebrate his birthday again with more family on March 29, 2009.

The Birthday Boy - March 22, 2009

2009-06-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

The goal of this blog has always been to provide you only with the highlights - the best of the best. And while there are many, many photos in this post, I promise you, these are only the highlights! There are hundreds of photos! But you only turn ONE once, right? And Alex did so on March 23, 2009.

Alex's 1st birthday party had an outer space theme.

Mommy made two special birthday cakes for Alex.

Caroline was very excited about the cake!

Time to blow out the candles and

get lots of smushy kisses from Mommy and Daddy!

Let me try some of this cake stuff . . .

Yuck.

Icing's not so bad though.

Alex was lucky to have lots of family and friends there to celebrate.

Charlie came to the party incognito.

Papou - you're so silly!

I'm 1!!!!

Thanks everyone! I had a great birthday.

Fun With Cousins!

2009-06-01T18:40:00.000-07:00

Alex got a special birthday visit from Caroline, Charlie,

Uncle Christopher & Mimi!!!

EVEN THE DADDIES HAD A GOOD TIME!

PRESS PLAY!

Playing With Papou and Presents

2009-06-01T18:16:00.000-07:00

Alex is such a lucky boy - Papou visits him every week!

Alex had fun opening his birthday present from Aunt Nola & Uncle Don!

Thank you everyone!

Uncle Christopher's 40th!! - March 2009

2009-06-01T17:37:00.000-07:00

Mimi threw Uncle Christopher a surprise 40th birthday dinner. Mommy, Daddy and Alex took a trip to NoVa to surprise the birthday boy.

The three musketeers

Charlie Brown

New Member of Special Guest??

2009-03-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

Look out Brad, you've got competition.

Rocket Man

2009-03-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

The Boy Loves His Bath

2009-03-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

Our Handsome Boy

2009-03-05T18:46:00.001-08:00

These pictures speak for themselves.

Isn't he just delicious?

Ski Weekend - Vermont - February 2009

2009-03-05T17:41:00.000-08:00

Alex made his first trip to Vermont in February. Daddy is hoping this becomes a regular trip that Alex looks forward to as much as he does. Unfortunately, this first trip was kind of a tough start - Alex was sick the entire time. But he made the best of it because his pal Abby was there. While the grown ups were skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing (or trying their best to do these things) at Stratton Mountain, Alex stayed cozy at home with a beautiful view of Bromley Mountain from

the living room.

Abby learned some new dance moves from Aunt Michelle (press play).

Alex's First Haircut - January 31, 2009

2009-01-31T19:50:00.000-08:00

Emotions ran high at Alex's first haircut. Things started out fine.

Hey - I'm cool. I got this haircut thing down.

Maybe not so much . . .

But Mommy thinks it's okay.

John was working fast and focused

Let me check with Daddy.

Alright. I'm cool again.

And I'm even more handsome than before (tough to pull off)!

Thank goodness that's over!

Thank you to everyone at American Hair in White Plains for making this so much fun!

Raspberries!

2009-01-31T19:38:00.000-08:00

and waving bye bye!

A Visit to Aunt Nola & Uncle Don in SC

2009-01-31T18:49:00.000-08:00

We flew South for Alex's first visit to Aunt Nola & Uncle Don's house in South Carolina

Alex showed off his brand new crawling skills

Crawl, crawl, crawl . . .

. . . then turn around and make sure everyone is watching!

Our Little Charmer - January 2009

2009-01-31T18:20:00.001-08:00

Here's Alex rocking his super-cool Batman shirt and the hat that Thea bought him for Christmas

Aunt Michelle knows Alex is truly a rock star (like his daddy)!

But Alex is also proud of Daddy's day job . . .

The New Year's Cake Controversy

2009-01-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

The Annual Christian Family Tradition, the Vasilopita with the lucky dime. Uncle John was up to his old tricks cutting the cake.

Everyone was very excited, including Stacey who was going for her third year in a row.

It's Alex's first year and here he is with his piece...

which seemed to be missing a large chunk!

And here's the piece next to his which seems to have the complementary extra large chunk.

But who's neighboring piece had the dime? Was it the House or was it the former youngest member of the family?

And the winner of the annual lucky dime is Jackie!! Best Wishes to Jackie and the whole family in 2009!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2009-01-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!...

From the best dressed baby in town.

The DePippo and Zervas Families partied it up on 2009's First Night.

Alex, Charlie and Caroline were so happy to see each other.

Caroline was the Belle of the Ball of course!

We're Baaaaaack!!!!!!

2008-12-26T14:09:00.001-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!!!

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TOO!!!!

Update on Playing Catch Up

2008-09-23T19:17:00.000-07:00

So Alex is 6 months old today. But I haven't caught up. I'm trying, I'm trying. Have faith. I'll get there. There's just too many great pictures of Alex and we had a busy summer. Once Daddy went back to work, we had a lot fewer opportunities to photograph Alex with regularity. So I should be all caught up soon.

Uncle Rich's Air Craft Carrier

2008-09-23T18:37:00.000-07:00

We were lucky to visit with the Schmaeling Family in San Diego. We had lunch on the naval base with Rich, Nicole and Alex's new friends, Caleb and Nathan. Then Mommy and Daddy were treated to a tour of the USS Nimitz, Rich's home away from home (away from home - we all know Rich is a New Yorker at heart).

There was some major construction going on the Nimitz.

So we took a few pictures of the other carriers so we could show them off.

Rich and his little man, Caleb.

And here's Daddy and his little patriotic man, Alex.

And the tour begins.

During the tour, there was a lot of Top Gun chatter. Daddy was particularly excited about this "catapult." Mommy needed a translation of Rich's description of what it's for. Sounded pretty cool. I put this picture in for all the boys out there and for all the Top Gun fans who remember more about the movie than the beach volleyball scene. Unfortunately, we weren't allowed to take pictures of much else!

And what a view Rich has from his office.

Our Family Vacation - Alex's First Plane Ride 8/8/08

2008-09-23T18:22:00.000-07:00

We took our first real family vacation in August! All the way across the country from New York to San Diego. Alex was a rock star on the airplane - no crying, no spitting up, no terrorizing the other passengers. He was a smiling, sleepy angel and when each flight was over, he was the most popular guy on the plane.

Summertime . . . and the Living's Easy

2008-09-14T15:14:00.000-07:00

Alex had a great summer hanging with Daddy. Check them out:

And Alex is the King of the Giggles:

Alex at 4 months

2008-09-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

Alex is growing up and learning new things. He likes sitting in his captain's chair and spinning his toys.

He also is just "tall" enough for his activity center - in fact, at 4 months, he's 2 feet, 2 inches.

Right around this time, Alex started "talking" to us. The night this picture was taken, Mommy and Daddy were preparing to leave Alex at his grandparents' house overnight for the first time. Before we left, he babbled beautifully for about 10 minutes. We think he was telling us how much he loves us and how it was okay to leave him with Yia Yia and Poppy for the weekend. We really appreciated that!

Mommy's Birthday - July 20, 2008

2008-09-09T18:44:00.000-07:00

Alex continues to be a stellar gift giver. After spending the day with Jenna in Long Beach, Daddy made a great dinner and Alex gave Mommy a number of fun birthday presents. Highlights were the framed photo of Alex and Mommy just moments after he was born and the really fun book, Clumsy Crab, which Mommy and Alex like reading together.

Binghamton Reunion - July 19, 2008

2008-09-09T18:05:00.000-07:00

It's been 10 years since Daddy graduated from SUNY B so the Bearcats (formerly, Colonials) got together to have a few beers and talk about old times. The reunion was at the Beer Garden in Astoria (Alex's first beer garden!) and it was HOT out! But we didn't let that get to us and Alex did his best to keep cool - washclothes dipped in ice water was our best weapon. Doesn't he look delicious?

Cuddles for Alex

2008-09-09T16:15:00.001-07:00

In July, Alex got to see lots of people and get lots of cuddles. In addition to the hugs and kisses he got Fourth of July weekend, Alex also got some love from:

Craig

Yia Yia

Jenna

Rose Anne

Sunshine, A Bath and The Force

2008-09-07T12:17:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Papou

took Alex to the park

on yet another beautiful

day this summer.

Check me out!

Mommy loves bath time!

Look at our

little Jedi!

Independance Day Weekend 2008

2008-09-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

We spent July 4 at the Christians' house in East Northport followed by a fabulous fireworks extravaganza at the Matsons' in Wantagh. Then we saw Mommy's cousins in Ronkonkoma and back to Wantagh for play time with friends at the Malone house. Good times.

Thea with Alex wearing his red, white and blue with pride.

Marilyn giving

Alex some love.

Chilling out with cousin Susan.

Uncle Ollie

Aunt Karen

Aunt Jen

Uncle Cort

Playing Catch Up

2008-09-07T10:36:00.000-07:00

I know, I know . . . the blog is way out of date. But did you notice when it slowed down? Mommy had just returned to work. So, that's my excuse. Instead of sitting at my computer at work all day and then coming home and sitting in front of the computer in our basement each day, I wanted to spend some quality with my little, smiley, drooling baby boy. But, since I don't want to send out emails all the time with lots of pix of the boy, it's my responsibility to keep this thing up to date. So here's the deal. I'm going to try to get the site up to date by the time Alex is six months old. Which is 17 days from today!!!! I've definitely got my work cut out for me but Daddy did his part. He set me up with a wireless Internet connection so that I can work on the blog on our laptop while watch Brett Favre's first game on the Jets while Alex naps or struggles to roll over on the floor. But enough from me. You just want photos anyway!

Mommy and Daddy's (Second) Wedding -6/22/08

2008-08-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

When Alex was three months old, he was tasked with a very important responsibility. On June 22, 2008, when Alex was just about three months into his time in this world, Daddy asked him something special: Will you be my Best Man? Alex accepted gladly and was on hand when Mommy and Daddy tied the knot for a second time - this time in church. And while Alex was exceptional, his gurgling and spit up can't hold a candle to Jason's Best Man speech at the first wedding!

Alex got a bath the morning of the wedding - in Yia Yia's bathroom sink! Then he napped until the festivities began.

At first, Alex was overwhelmed with his responsibility.

But he settled in just fine and Father Cappuccino put him at ease!

Mommy, Daddy and Alex walked back down the aisle together and headed off to the reception - which was at the bar formerly known as Lily's.

Party time!

Great job Alex!!!!!

Daddy's First Father's Day

2008-07-24T06:03:00.000-07:00

June 16, 2008 - Papou and Thea came to our house to celebrate Daddy's first Father's Day and Papou's first (Grand)father's Day. As is often his way of communicating, Alex showed how he feels about Daddy right on his shirt.

Alex sat in his special chair - he still wasn't great at holding his head up though.

But Alex sat with Daddy when it was time for Daddy's presents.

Thea worked on getting some smiles out of Alex.

But Alex had no problem getting a smile out of Daddy with his present. They're going to learn to speak Greek!

A Day at the Park With Mommy

2008-07-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

June 13, 2008 - On the Friday before Mommy had to return to work, Alex and Mommy spent a beautiful day in the park. Well, it was beautiful when we weren't getting chased around the park by the sprinklers. Anyway, Mommy totally overdid it and took 46 pictures and 4 videos of the little guy - in about 20 minutes! Aren't you glad you're only looking at the best of them????

Are those his Daddy's lips or what?

11 Weeks: Smiling, Meeting New Friends and Visiting Yia Yia and Poppy's House

2008-07-23T19:48:00.000-07:00

June 8, 2008 - Alex has been smiling for a while but at 11 weeks we figured out a way to elicit a smile: gentle taps on his cheeks!

But it's not all smiles all the time!

June 10, 2008 - Alex had a fun time meeting Samantha (Mommy and Daddy went to high school with Sam's Mommy, Jenn).

After making a new friend, Alex went to visit his Yia Yia and Poppy. He had fun kicking and playing with his grandparents - and showing off his smile.

Little Miss Marleigh and the Hi-Life Girls

2008-07-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

June 6, 2008 - The girls from the Life of Hi took Valhalla by storm (June 6) and likely took Alex by surprise! So many ladies! He survived just fine and lucky us, we got to celebrate Little Miss Marleigh's first birthday. Check her out!

Alex's Morgan Stanley Friends

2008-06-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

May 30, 2008 - When Alex was 10 weeks old, Mommy and Daddy went to Marianne and Jeff's wedding (Mommy works with Marianne). Alex wore a collared shirt for the occasion (even though he stayed at home while Mommy and Daddy partied)!

One week later, some of Mommy's friends from work came to visit the little man.

As usual, Alex looked very handsome and happy for his special visitors.

9 Weeks and the Weather is Beautiful

2008-06-27T20:04:00.001-07:00

Alex spent a lazy afternoon playing in the grass on Memorial Day. It was a beautiful day and Alex had a great time.

Here's 30 seconds in the life of Alex at 9 weeks (the toy on his foot is a rattle):

Memorial Day in Virginia - 2 Months Old!

2008-06-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

Alex took his first road trip Memorial Day weekend. We headed down to Uncle Chris and Mimi's house in Alexandria, VA. It was a special weekend because it was the first time that all 9 of the members of our recently grown family were together and because it was Yia Yia and Poppy's 40th wedding anniversary! We had a lot to celebrate.

The Ruddy Cup (May 17 & 18)

2008-06-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

Daddy played in a special golf tournament with his friends when Alex was 8 weeks old. Alex was really excited for Daddy and when Daddy left to start playing, he told him "to bring home the Cup!" And that's exactly what Daddy did.

Alex's Silly Faces (8 weeks old)

2008-06-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

And super-cozy with Yia Yia.

Mommy and Daddy's Wedding Anniversary

2008-06-27T18:18:00.001-07:00

Alex joined Mommy and Daddy for a special dinner at Harvest on Hudson for our two year wedding anniversary on May 13. It was a magnificent evening and Alex got to watch his first sunset on the shore of the Hudson River.

Looking Good at 7 Weeks!

2008-06-02T11:52:00.000-07:00

Mommy's First Mother's Day

2008-06-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

Daddy and Alex made sure that Mommy had the best Mother's Day ever! We all spent the weekend at Yia Yia and Poppy's house - Alex's first visit to his grandparents' house and his first overnight slumber party (given that he sleeps everywhere he goes, it seemed necessary to point out that it was an "overnight" visit)!

Alex wore a special outfit to show Mommy how much he cares.

And the outfit also reminded everyone how much Mommy cares - it says "and mommy loves me" on his bum. (I think you can click on the photo to make it larger.)

Alex bought Mommy a special necklace for Mother's Day that has his birthstone in it. And Daddy got Mommy a Dustbuster!

Yia Yia also got some fun presents for Mother's Day.

Papou came to visit with Alex also. Check out the three generations of Zervas men!

Finally, we ended the day with a visit to the Careris' house where we wished Rose Anne a very happy Mother's Day and Alex left with some great presents, including a really cool hat.

Alex at 6 weeks

2008-06-02T08:53:00.000-07:00

Alex is extremely huggable. And while he can't really hug back yet, you can pretend by placing his arms on either side of your neck. Either way, it just feels really good to hold him.

Alex had some more fun visitors - Nicole, Ryan and best of all, Abby Lynch!

Alex has also gotten pretty good at taking baths. While he still looks a little terrified at the proposition of a bath, he seems to enjoy the warm water and rarely screams his head off any more! Plus, he loves the post-bath cozy towel and baby massage.

He's just an all around fun to be around guy.

More Changes in Alex

2008-05-14T17:33:00.000-07:00

Alex is changing right before our very eyes. The most noticable change is his weight gain. He is also more alert than he used to be, following us with his eyes. He is also flirting with a real smile - we can't wait!

Here he's doing his best impression of Mommy when Alex was still in her belly:

And here he's doing his best impression of Poppy - Alex lost his hair - but only on the top!

Yia Yia doesn't mind! She loooooves Alex no matter what!

Kristos Anesti!

2008-05-14T17:16:00.000-07:00

Greek Easter! Alex attended his first family gathering at the Christians' house on Long Island for Greek Easter. He got to meet cousins Ellen and Andrew for the first time and spend the day with his fun, loving family.

And Daddy got to celebrate his birthday again.

Alex also got to meet the new puppy, Casey.

Daddy's Birthday

2008-05-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Daddy's birthday was at the end of April and some of his friends came over to help celebrate. Alex kinda stole his thunder though.

Doesn't Aunt Michelle look cozy with a baby?

And Charlene was excited to finally meet the little man.

Alex likes hanging with the boys . . .

Mommy had her first beer in a long, long, long time.

But Alex made it all up to Daddy with a present and by helping to blow out the birthday candles.

Wanna see my room?

2008-05-14T16:40:00.000-07:00

Daddy worked very, very hard to make Alex's room as beautiful as it is. And Mommy spent a lot of time picking out all of the little details that make Alex's room outta this world!

Other special touches came from Alex's great family and friends.

And then the capper: Yia Yia's paintings of little boy astronauts, playing in outer space (You can click on the photo to view them close up):

Cutie Patootie!

2008-05-09T08:55:00.000-07:00

Alex just lies around all day being cute.

He's even cute when he's frustrated.

Alex's hand looks big here:

But not here:

We're told that it's good for babies to "self soothe",

get tummy time,

look preppy,

and watch Color of Money in their swings:

So Alex must be doing okay.

Alex's Visitors

2008-05-09T08:04:00.001-07:00

We've got lots of pictures to add - sorry it's been so long. It's been difficult to get back to this since Alex doesn't have a routine yet and he's more and more alert every day allowing us time to interact with him but not leaving time for much else! Plus, we've had lots of visits and made a bunch of trips. Here are pictures from some of the visits we've had:

Masi came for a visit. She also has given Alex lots of cool presents. Check him out rocking his baby crocs!

And Aunt Dorothy, Uncle Chris and Cousin Lisa came to visit too bringing Alex great new clothes and a special book from his cousins Zachary and Jake. They also brought Mommy and Daddy yummy bagels!

We also had a visit from Daddy's friends from Binghamton, Dan and Jen. And lucky for Alex, they brought Collin and whole bunch of toys too!

And a vist from the Malones and Jen!

Could Alex be any luckier to have all these special people love him?

Getting Bigger!

2008-04-29T11:43:00.001-07:00

Alex has grown out of most of the preemie clothes he was wearing because he was such a peanut. Some of the first things he was able to wear are on loan from Cousin Charlie - such a generous guy.

Like many babies, Alex is a champion sleeper - just not all night. He gets his love of sleep from Mommy. He gets his inability to sleep straight through the night from his Daddy.

And in case you're wondering what Alex is like when he's awake . . . here's an exciting 30 seconds in the life of Alexander Christian Zervas:

Rolling Putts and Visiting the Office

2008-04-29T11:26:00.000-07:00

The string of beautiful days continued and we took advantage of it by having lunch at Saxon Woods golf course. After Mommy and Daddy ate lunch, Alex did too- his first outdoor meal. Daddy spent the time rolling some putts.

Since we were so close to the high school where Daddy works, we stopped by to introduce Alex to a few of the teachers there. Mommy got jealous and wanted to show Alex off at her office too. So we made a surprise visit to Morgan Stanley and while not everyone we wanted to see was there, there were plenty of people who were excited to meet the little man. Alex was a huge hit in both offices.

Walks at the Kensico Dam Plaza

2008-04-19T13:18:00.000-07:00

After a few weeks of rain, we've been blessed with a string of beautiful days just perfect for visiting the park. Mommy and Daddy have taken Alex for a few walks at the Kensico Dam Plaza. But the adventure happens when Yia Yia and Mommy take Alex to the park - we got halfway there and realized that we forgot the stroller. Then when we got to the park, we had no idea how to open the stroller. What would Mommy do without Daddy?

And here are some more of Alex, just looking cute.

Another Bath

2008-04-19T13:08:00.001-07:00

The poor boy starts out sleeping comfortably . . .

and then Mommy decides its bath time!

But it's all worth it for a comfy (and clean) walk in the park!

Just Because He's Fun to Look At

2008-04-15T16:22:00.000-07:00

Today we had a very happy trip to the pediatrician's office. Alex is almost 7 pounds, showing a weight gain that puts our minds at ease that he's getting enough to eat and he's growing just like a little boy should. After many trips to the doctor's office in the first three weeks, we don't have to go back until Alex is two months old - very exciting and just a bit scary! But we're feeling pretty comfortable with having a newborn and we're just have to work on the crazy sleep schedule.

Alex has also discovered his hands - and he loves putting his fingers and thumbs in his mouth to soothe himself when he's fussy.

Isn't he so damn cute?

Aunt Nola Comes to Town!

2008-04-15T16:08:00.000-07:00

Alex had very special visitors this weekend. Jimmy's Aunt Nola made a special trip from South Carolina to spend the weekend getting to know the little man. Aunt Nola brought one of Daddy's baby blankets and a bunch of books from when Daddy was a tiny boy like Alex. She was also a huuuuuge help, cooking and giving Mommy and Daddy time to rest. We loved having Aunt Nola visit.

In addition to Aunt Nola (and in part because of her), Alex was also visited by Jimmy's Uncle John, Aunt Susan and cousin Jaclyn who had all made the big trip to the hospital to meet Alex when he was first born. This time around, Jaclyn spent a ton of time making sure that Alex was comfortable. Oh, and Uncle John forgave us for naming our son Alexander Christian rather than "Uncle John Zervas" which we have to admit, made it to the final rounds of name selection.

Alex does not mess around when it comes to eating (like his Mommy). Here, he shows off his strong grip by making sure Aunt Nola doe not take away his bottle before he is good and ready.

Here you can see Alex cozying up to Mommy and Thea. Visitors bring out the best in Alex's sleeping skills.

Fun at Home

2008-04-12T16:18:00.001-07:00

Alex is doing wonderfully. He's regained his birth weight and is now continuing to gain weight as expected because he's eating well. We've noticed that he's more alert after feedings and we can stare into his baby blues for longer than ever now. He also smiles in his sleep and we know we're just going to melt when he smiles at us for real.

Alex LOVES the swing that Jenna bought for him. And Mommy and Daddy couldn't live without it - especially in the middle of the night when Alex is wide awake after eating.

Alex has played for a little bit on his playmat that Mommy's cousins Susan and Jo Ann bought for him. Looks like he's going to have a lot of fun times on the mat. Daddy too!

Alex likes to cuddle and "dance" with Daddy. And we had a good time at another one of Alex's outings - at a Greek restaurant for lunch. Alex had his first gyro.

Meeting The DC DePippos!

2008-04-12T15:53:00.001-07:00

On April 5, Alex had a visit from some very special people. Uncle Chris, Aunt Mary, cousin Caroline and cousin Charlie made the long trip to Valhalla from Alexandria, Virginia to meet the little man. How excited do Uncle Chris and Aunt Mary look?

Caroline really wanted to give Alex a kiss when she first laid eyes on him. They're going to be great pals.

Added bonus? Aunt Amy and Uncle Jimmy got to meet young Charlie D for the first time! What a handsome guy! We were so excited to finally meet him.

And then there's always the great fun of spending time with the beautiful, full of personality Caroline (or Caro-lion!).

We're expecting great things when these two families get together!

Alex's First Weekend at Home

2008-04-12T15:33:00.001-07:00

Just a few days after coming home, Mommy, Daddy and Alex went for their first walk outside. Keeping warm with a blanket from Gabby and strolling the neighborhood in his new wheels (courtesy of Aunt Kay, Aunt Allison and Aunt Kristeen), Alex took the neighborhood by storm - for about 7 minutes. We walked around the block and then returned home. A big first step post-surgery for Mommy and Alex's first extended exposure to fresh air.

The next day, Alex was again visited by Yia Yia, Poppy, Papou and Thea.

And then Alex's favorite part of the weekend: his first bath at home. Can't you see how happy he is?

Alex calmed down once we wrapped him up in one of his fluffy hooded towels.

Headed Home!

2008-04-12T15:00:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, March 27, the new Zervas trio headed home from the hospital for the first time. Having friends with small children, Mommy and Daddy were warned that this is one of the scariest moments - when the hospital staff just lets you leave with a newborn!

We handled it okay though. Daddy was all ready with the car seat and Mommy rode in the back seat to see how Alex handled the ride. Again, like many other babies, Alex is born to cruise around a car - he immediately falls asleep and spends the rest of the trip in comfortable slumber. It helps that Yia Yia bought Alex a comfy outfit for his trip home and his Aunt Nola made him a beautiful blanket to help keep him cozy.

Home at last!

Getting cozy with Mommy and Daddy at home. These were taken before we went shopping for some preemie-sized clothing. The Lynches are responsible for pointing out that Mr. Alex might be more comfortable in clothes that fit - even if they are preemie-sized!

And then right back to sleep in his new bed in Mommy and Daddy's room!

Alex's Stay in the Hospital

2008-04-12T14:42:00.000-07:00

On Monday, March 24, while Daddy was trying to get the house ready for our early arrival and Mommy was trying to get up and around after her surgery, Alex was visited by tons of friends and family. While a little overwhelming for the little man, he got his first dose of the attention and love that comes with being part of such wonderful families and an amazing group of friends. There are actually too many people to name who came to visit but we thank you for making the trip to meet our beautiful boy.

Like most babies, Alex spends a lot of time sleeping but Mommy can spend hours watching him do just that. He's so peaceful and beautiful. Because he was breech, he spends a lot of time with his legs curled up close to his body.

Here's a picture of when I first showed Alex a picture of his cousin Charlie who was born just seven and half weeks before he was.

Alexander Christian Zervas is born!!!

2008-04-11T09:33:00.000-07:00

We're trying to find the best way to share information and more importantly, photos of Alex with everyone. So bear with us as we try to work out this blogging business. Not even sure what a "blog" is but it seems like a good way to share the latest news and pictures of Alex.

As you know, Alex was due on April 11 (today!) but chose to make an appearance 19 days early. We already knew he was in the breech position (feet down, head up) so we had scheduled a c-section for April 3. However, on Easter Sunday, we had a little surprise in store: Alex was ready to meet the world! On Sunday, March 23, 2008, Alexander Christian Zervas was born at 6:21 pm, weighing 6 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 18.5 inches long. He was perfect!!!

Here he is just minutes after he was born. He was doing great and already making the funny faces we've grown to love.

Mommy and Daddy were so very happy to finally meet the little guy! As many of you know, since Alex was a bit early, Mommy and Daddy had not decided on a name for him yet. But we were very excited to finally meet the our son and we only took a few days to choose the perfect name for him.

Because it was Easter, Yia Yia (Amy's Mom) and Poppy (Amy's Dad) were already on hand for Alex's arrival. And lucky Alex was able to meet Thea (Jimmy's Sister) and Papou (Jimmy's Dad) the day he was born. While everyone left Mommy and Daddy to bond with the baby that evening, Yia Yia was soon back in town and she was an incredible help to all of us - still is in fact!