Lex, Again

Do you remember when we shared that Lex was becoming mobile? He must have known we posted that and wanted to get further ahead. A week later he is everywhere and anywhere he wants to be. I caught up to him roving through the kitchen trying to follow his siblings outside!

Paul was recently teasing him about being just a baby, who couldn't even cross the midline. Crossing midline is an important neurological and physical developmental stage in infants.  It usually occurs between 8-12 months of age.  I, as the proud, frivolous, indulgent, mother have decided that Lex crosses midline on a regular basis and is advanced for his age.  Paul, as the cold, callow, and objective, yet highly experienced and handsome, wheelchair professional who has done what it takes to help small children as well as adults cross midline for their first time, bases his more realistic opinion on actually observing Lex as he moves and plays.

This is not an example of crossing the midline.
Not even close.

This is an example of how cute Lex is sitting and playing with the alligator. Oh, did I mention the sitting? Yes, he is able to do that unsupported now. Yes, I am a proud mama chatting about her baby doing everyday things that every baby does.

Lex Developments

Lex is growing up. He is much more fun to be around. Now when I leave him in ChildWatch at the gym, he doesn't cry the whole time. He has begun to play and have an interest in things. Like computers.

They start so young.

Lex is also becoming more mobile. The first clue is when you go to get him in the morning and he is not where you laid him down. We find he is on the other side of the crib, facing the other direction and flipped over. Instead of the "army crawl", Lex began moving with a full body "worm" motion. Now, he is working up to actual crawling.

Giggles, squeals, coos and babbles are his new form of communication as well. His favourite babble seems to be "ma". This means he says it more than once and I get to hear "mama" often! While I'm sure this is not actually a first word, I will take it.

Don't let the pictures fool you. This child stills retains a lot of resentment and anger over something. That much is evident in his screams. Happily, the interludes between crying jags are growing longer and are beginning to be filled with some pleasant indicators of personality development.

Cavell

Cavell loves the camera. Cavell prefers to take pictures of himself. He seems to be most interested in his mouth.















I think it may be time for a lesson in the basics of photographic framing, composition, light and focus. Any volunteers?

Flamenco!

Alayna has been taking a Flamenco dance class for a couple of months. This evening she participated in a demonstration at the library.

A few pictures before everything started.




Her teacher, Cristabell, gave a demonstration with the castanets.

Alayna danced.


and the finale with the whole class.


Alayna received many complements from the crowd of spectators.  One lady was so impressed she commented that, "You can tell that she dances from her heart."

Original Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate Cake

We made German Chocolate cake, gluten free. It was delicious!

We used the recipe from the Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate bar, but subbed in our gluten free flours*.

We did "cheat" and used Betty Crocker's Coconut Pecan frosting.

Gluten Free flour substitution
*2 cups flour =
1 1/4 c Rice Flour
6 Tbs + 2 tsp Potato Starch
3 Tbs + 1 tsp Tapioca Starch
2 tsp Xanthum Gum

Original Baker's German's Sweet Chocolate Cake

1 pkg. (4 oz.) BAKER'S GERMAN'S Sweet Chocolate

1/2 cup  Water

4 Eggs, separated

***2 cups  Flour

1 tsp. Baking soda

1/4 tsp.  Salt

1 cup Butter, softened

2 cups  Sugar

1 tsp. Vanilla

1 cup  Buttermilk

Coconut-Pecan Filling and Frosting

 

HEAT oven to 350°F.
COVER bottoms of 3 (9-inch) round pans with waxed paper; spray sides with cooking spray. Microwave chocolate and water in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until chocolate is almost melted, stirring after 1 min. Stir until chocolate is completely melted.
BEAT egg whites in small bowl with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; set aside. Mix flour, baking soda and salt. Beat butter and sugar in large bowl with mixer until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, 1 at a time, beating well after each. Blend in melted chocolate and vanilla. Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating until well blended after each addition.
ADD egg whites; stir gently until well blended. Pour into prepared pans.
BAKE 30 min. or until toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Immediately run small spatula around cakes in pans. Cool cakes in pans 15 min.; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Spread Coconut-Pecan Filling and Frosting between cake layers and onto top of cake.