Outstanding October

Well, it is now late November, so I guess I need to wrap up everything that happened in October. Luckily, I already posted about all our Halloween Fun, the pregnancy, and our fun at the aquarium. So all that is really left to report is a few small activities and Alexander's growth.

The beginning of October, brought General Conference. General Conference is always so great! I just love hearing the words of the prophet, apostles, and leaders of the church. We watched most of the conference at Russ and Diane's and had our General Conference apple pie, which is always a treat! The biggest thing that happened during General Conference was the announcement of age requirements for missionaries. Up to this point, young men could leave on missions at 19, and young women at 21. Now young men can leave at 18, and young women at 19! I was so excited to hear the announcement of the new age requirements for missionaries. I really do hope more young men and young women will choose to serve a mission. Serving a mission, really did have a profound affect on my life. It truly was an amazing experience!

Speaking of missions, the day before General Conference, I was able to attend a mission reunion with my first mission president and his wife, President and Sister Pugh. They have been serving as the Temple President and Matron of the Seattle Temple. They came back for a short trip, while serving. It was so fun to see them, and to see some of my old companions. It is so funny because many of us Sisters have small children now. The picture to the left, is of a few of my companions, with our little ones.

Okay, so here are a few things that Alexander has learned how to do this month! He really is becoming more active each day! He helps push strollers and grocery carts. We had to buy him one of those popper toys, because he just loves pushing things around. He even helps me to push the laundry sorter (that has wheels), over to the washer and dryer, so I can do laundry. He has also been trying to wear his Daddy's shoes! He doesn't usually try to wear mine, but only Daddy's. Adorable! He absolutely loves balls too. I helped teach him how to bounce a ball, and now he takes balls into the kitchen and throws balls on the ground to try and make them bounce. He also learned how to kick a ball, and started kicking it all around the house.

He also learned how to drink from a straw. We were super excited for this, because we had been trying for awhile, and one day it just clicked.

He is learning how to use his hands more each day. One day, while watching Sesame Street, he patted the top of his head, after seeing Elmo do the same thing. He has learned how to fold his arms while we pray. We will say "Prayer" or "Fold your arms" and he will instantly fold his arms to pray. It is so cute! And sometimes he folds his arms for the whole prayer! We are so proud of him. He is learning sign language words too! This month, he learned how to sign the words "Food," "More," and "Please." It is exciting to see him learn more words and to be able to communicate more easily with us.

Well, that about covers the extra fun we had in October. Tune in next time for Nifty November :)