I Think I Can...

Well, last week I decided to make a major life change... I'm returning to LA Weightloss. Before when trying to lose weight, it was always about my looks. Now, it is about being around for this little man. I don't want to have a heart attack and I don't want to have diabetes... both of these things are all over my family history. At the rate I'm going, I won't live that long. I want to be a healthy mom. I want Gabe to grow up with good eating habits. That has to start with ME. How much more motivation do I need?

I'm so excited!

This fabulous item came to our home via UPS yesterday... I'm so excited! This is a Cricut Expression machine used to cut paper. To the seasoned scrapper, this is a BIG deal. I have been scrapbooking for over 10 years and this is probably one of the coolest tools out there.
When I was 17, I began scrapping using 3-ring binders. I have scrapped my high school years, my courtship with Greg, our wedding, etc... I have completed 19 albums. WOW. I'm so glad I started to scrap before Gabe was born. I finished Gabe's first book. I wasn't really planning how many pages per month or anything. I take a lot of pictures... maybe too many because his first album - 20 layouts - only made it to 3 months.

I just really enjoy scrapping - so much so that my nickname is Scrappy. Even if I'm teased about it, I think one day Gabe and my future children will really be glad that I took the time to write about our moments together.

AND... One more reason to be happy today... Papa Noisy is coming home from the hospital tomorrow! He's still got some serious health issues, but he can come home and hopefully manage them with diet and medication. We're so thankful that Papa Noisy is ok! Gabe said "Papa" again today. How sweet.

My Cute Crawler...

A baby after my own heart...

This cutie pie thought it would be fun to try and steal my lens cap while I was snapping pictures of him crawling. Everytime I tried to get a picture, he would crawl closer to me trying to reach for my lens cap. What baby wants, baby gets. Of course, I let him have the cap. He's so stinkin' cute.

Papa Noisy is doing better today. We went to see him tonight at the hospital. I think grandchildren are good medicine. Gabe said "PaPa" tonight - I swear - I have witnesses. How can that not make you feel better?

I told Greg tonight that lately I've really realized what a wonderful life I have. I have a fantastic husband who only wants the best for our family, I have wonderful in-laws that I wouldn't trade for the world, I have a family that loves me for who I am, and I have been blessed with a healthy, happy child. Who could ask for more? It's unfortunate that we forget how blessed we are sometimes. Lately, I've realized it and I want to remember it everyday.

Hugs to Papa Noisy!

This is a picture of Gabe's Papas at the hospital seconds after Gabe was born. Gabe loves his Papas. We had a scare with Papa Noisy, but he's going to be ok. Papa Noisy, we love you and we hope you get better soon. Hugs are sent your way!

Gabe spent the day at the farm with Grandma. I picked him up after visiting Papa Noisy and some of the family friends at the hospital. By the way, "Papa Noisy" is in reference to his loud Harley! Mom advised me that my son said "da da" a few times... Ok, not fair!! Actually, I'm thrilled to know that he is starting to speak even if he doesn't know what he's saying yet. The other night, he said, "MA!" really loudly - it definitely got my attention! It's so weird to hear him speak. For so long, all he did was blow raspberries... now he's talking. It's amazing.

Each day, I am suprised by this child. He is changing so quickly. Gone is my infant who couldn't hold his bottle or hold his head up. Instead, is a little boy who is moving all over and doesn't want to cuddle much with his Mommy anymore. I'm happy that he's developing and becoming more and more independent, don't get me wrong, but I do miss my little baby. I know what some of you are saying... Just wait until he's a teenager... he'll never cuddle with you then! I know. I am still fortunate though to cuddle when it's time to go ni-night.

Do other Mommies feel like this? I don't know. I just believe my parents now...

it really does go by so fast.

It's FINALLY Official!

Gabe's adoption was finalized this morning by the judge! We couldn't be happier. I feel like I can finally breathe... Our son is ours. One of the lawyers asked us while we were on the stand, "Do you realize that this means Gabe is no different to you than if you had given birth to him?" I realize he meant as far as legalities go... But to me, it feels the same on all levels. I would feel no different than if I had given birth to him. I love him with all of my heart. I am his mom and he is my son. How blessed are we.

Go Uncle Dan!

Well, the shirt fit and we had a great time. Gabe posed for some pics with Uncle Dan. We had porkchop sandwiches and all was good. It's that time of year, and I love it.

It's that time of year...

FOOTBALL Season! This is my little brother's senior year playing football. So, since this is Gabe's first year as a high school football fan, I had to make him a little shirt to wear to the scrimmage tonight. Buddha is my little bro's nickname, so Little Buddha seemed appropriate. I messed up on the L in Little a bit, but Walmart didn't give me enough L's! I thought using an I would work, but then it just looked like "littie"... not what I was going for. I'll get photos of Gabe later... He's sleeping now and I'm enjoying some time to pick up, wash bottles, etc...

Being Gabe's Mom

Well, it is official... I am a blogger. I'm not really sure what this blog will become or even if anyone will read it, but I thought it would be fun to share the adventures of being Gabe's Mom. I'm so blessed to have this beautiful, excuse me, handsome little boy as my son. Just looking at him can cheer me when I'm sad - make me laugh when I want to cry - and make me go on when I want to quit. This picture was taken at the park last weekend... I say this all the time, but this is probably my most favorite picture yet. He just looks so innocent and full of thought. He constantly studies new things and this just reminds me of that thought-full little boy.