Family and Friends Favorite Memories

 

If you have a favorite photo or memory of Alexander, please send it to me.  I’d love to post for all to see. 

 

From Rachel

I babysat Alexander from the time he was 4 months old.  I absolutely loved going to “his” house to spend time with him. Every time I came over he would at first pretend to be completely disinterested in my presence, but this didn’t last long!  He just couldn’t resist reciting the new words he had learned or showing me a new toy he was mesmerized with.  Even before he could walk he loved to play games, I remember playing peek-a-boo with him for hours. After he learned to walk, he really gave me a workout when I would come to visit.  I would chase him around and marvel at how fast he could climb those stairs.  He especially enjoyed throwing a tennis ball down the steps and laughing his adorable laugh as I ran down the steps to retrieve it, only so he could throw it down again. I also loved Alexander’s hugs and kisses – he was such a cuddly baby with an unforgettable toothy grin.  I felt like each hug and kiss was my reward for coming to visit. I will never forget the time that I was  able to spend with Alexander. His memory will stay with me – and everyone else who was lucky enough to have met him – forever.

From Alysia

 

 

My first memory of Alexander is from before he was born.  My husband was rooting for Alexander to arrive on May 4, his own birthday.  Alexander had different plans and made his debut a day earlier on May 3!  

 

 

When Alexander was just weeks old, I needed to pick up or drop off something to Michelle.  This was my first opportunity to meet Alexander.  Being that I love little people, I was all too anxious to hold him and say hello.  I thought for a brief moment “Maybe I shouldn’t ask to hold him since he is so young” but I couldn’t resist!  I know that first time parents can be hesitant to allow people to “handle” their most precious gifts.  I fell in love!  I thought that I would make away with him, if only I had a car seat….

 

 

Dan and Michelle were very supportive of my run for elected office in early 2008.  Of course, young Alexander was a great supporter as well.  When Dan and Michelle generously hosted a fundraising event for me at their home, I said a few words and I’m not sure if Alexander was cheering me on or heckling me but it was amazingly cute!  I also had a fundraising event at Trenton’s fantastic Italian restaurant, Settimo Cielo, and Alexander was there again with Dan while I said a few words.  I believe I made a statement about not wanting to raise taxes or something to do with the fiscal state of things and as if on cue Alexander burst into tears!  Amazing! 

 

 

I found the way Alexander crawled – with one knee and one foot – hilarious!

 

 

A funny memory that I have of Alexander from his birthday party was when he kept eating sand with a shovel from his sandbox.  Yuck!  I guess his palette was not yet refined…  I never found the texture of sand good in my mouth!

 

 

On July 4, 2008, Zac and I hosted our annual cookout.  Of course Alexander came and brought his parents along.  Though I didn’t witness this myself, I understand that Alexander enjoyed pressing the buttons and adjusting the volume on the stereo we had set up outside!  When it started to rain later in the day, we moved indoors.  That is where Alexander enjoyed some time with my then 7 year old neice.  He was squeeling and tugging at her skirt – I think he was smitten!

 

 

In the summer of 2008, Michelle and I would go for bike rides along the Delaware/Raritan canal.  Alexander had a great compartment with wheels that attached to the back of Michelle’s bike and would enjoy the outdoors with us.  Alexander had quite the set up, sippy cup, snacks, remote control, books and other toys.  Of course he also had his trusty bike helmet, which I’m not sure if he was entirely fond of wearing.   Before our bike trips would end, Alexander would doze off, it was funny to me to see his little head leaning to the side in his little compartment.  I’m not sure it he fell asleep because of the relaxing outdoors or because he got tired of listening to his mommy and me chatting!

 

 

There was a time that I spotted Michelle and Alexander as I was leaving Wegman’s and they were either coming from or going into Target.  I stopped and chatted for a bit and offered Alexander some of the dried mango that I was snacking on. 

  

I had a brownie tasting at our home in November 2008 and Alexander attended with his parents.  He was his normal, happy adventurous self and he and I had a little fun playing a combination of chase and peek-a-boo in the kitchen.  I asked those who attended to fill out a brief comment form and I suspect that I know which one was Alexander’s.  There was one form that I could not quite make out but it was written in multiple pen colors!

 

 

In October 2008,  I was the 5th wheel on a playdate that I coordinated with Michelle and Alexander and a client of mine and her young son.  Alexander wore his orange coat (orange is my FAVORITE color and Alexander had plenty of orange stuff) and I had fun playing a little game we made up with him where he would put a plastic store card in my boot and then take it out over and over.  I guess you had to be there…

 

 

Alexander and I were both a part of the wild and cool, unruly hair club.  I enjoyed teasing Dan with the idea that I would cornrow his hair.  Lucky for everyone, I don’t know how to cornrow.

There are plenty of times that I had a chance to hang out with Alexander at Dan and Michelle’s, at our home, at meetings or about town.  He was such a welcomed fixture in my world and will continue to have a place in my heart.

 

From Denise

One of the very many memories I have of Alexander was when Michelle would bring him over. We have three dogs and Alexander loved them, he was so curious about them. My one dog Ruby was very protective of Alexander, curious yes, but protective. Ruby would follow Alexander around and sniff and lick him. Alexander would smile. He loved the dogs and was not afraid to be around them. Alexander had no fear, he was all smiles.

 

 

I remember when he first started climbing the stairs, I was a mess – and Michelle assured me it would be okay. That is how he will learn to walk. Sure enough, she was right.

 

 

And last but not least my favorite memory was when Alexander was a baby and Michelle brought him to Starbucks. We were meeting for a coffee. She had to go to the ladies room so I had the honor of watching Alexander while he slept. Except he woke up, only to find this unfamiliar blonde haired lady looking at him and smiling. Well his smiles soon turned to tears because he realized I was not Mommy. He loved his Mommy and the minute she left his side, he knew it. I tried to soothe him, but I think that only scared him more. Thankfully, Michelle quickly returned and all were smiles again.

The memories of this precious boy will forever be in our hearts, our minds, and our prayers….Blessings

From Molly

 

 

My favorite memories of Alexander…

 

 

I recall finding out the joyful news that Michelle and Dan were expecting their first child. I think it was at their annual Martini Party. Michelle is a great consumer of martinis, so the fact she was not having one set off the possibility that she was expecting. I remember Michelle saying that she was pregnant and she just had this great glow and peacefulness about her. I was over the moon for them as I had known them for six years at that point- they were some of the first friends I made in NJ when I moved here in 2000 (they were newlyweds and had taken a great trip to Paris!) I was thrilled to be on this wonderful journey with them as they started their family.

 

 

Michelle was a natural at being pregnant and just looked beautiful and radiant the entire time, and she really seemed to enjoy the experience. She was reading all sorts of books and learning as much as she could. Dan was really excited to be a dad too. We had the pleasure of throwing a joint couples shower for them at home in March 2006, and all of us were just so exited as we prepared for the baby’s arrival and to meet him/her.

 

 

I remember getting the call (or maybe it was an email!) that Michelle was in the Princeton Hospital and had delivered a baby boy. I was so glad the baby has arrived safe and sound and Michelle’s labor was OK. I went to meet him in the Princeton Hospital and just adored him at first sight, he had beautiful brown hair and these sweet, soulful eyes and such a regal name- I thought it sounded very Presidential! Michelle and Dan were just beaming and I even got to hold him. I felt such happiness that day, it was wonderful.

 My memories of Alexander are numerous, and I always wished Michelle would bring him to Junior League meetings or out wherever we were just so I could see him. It was wonderful to watch him grow. And even if I did not get to see him, I always enjoyed hearing about his latest new discovery that he had made or some neat event that Michelle and Dan had taken him too. He came to our Junior League GMM in Dec 2007 in a santa hat and was the center of attention- too cute for words!! He has this beaming smile and fun laugh. I remember watching him play at his first birthday party with the other children, pushing trucks and playing in the sandbox. He was always so sweet and was giving lots of extra hugs that day. I had fun with him at a wine festival this past Fall, he was wearing yet another cute outfit. He was always well dressed, but I always especially loved him in brown, those cute little feet of his wiggling in brown socks, I won’t ever forget.

I miss him dearly, each and every day, as we all do, but I know that recalling all of the fun and special times we were able to share with him will keep him alive in all of our hearts.