Firsts

As a parent, you get the opportunity to witness a lot of "firsts". First bath, first word, first steps, first friends, etc... In the past couple of weeks, we've had a couple of firsts that I wanted to get down before I forget. Speaking of forgetfulness, this is one of the reasons I blog... I have a horrible memory. I think that's why I scrapbook too - I've got to get these things down so I don't forget to share them with Gabe. I don't want to forget these day to day things that have been so special in our lives together.

We took Gabe and his friends, Will & Patrick, out to Mrs. Hoobler's (she is the local preschool teacher that everyone had - everyone LOVES Mrs. Hoobler!!) because she had 3 baby ducks and several baby kittens that she thought the boys would like to see. First of all, I love watching Gabe with his friends. Will & Patrick are older than him, but Gabe doesn't let their age stop him. He's always keeping up with them, tagging right along. Anyway, back to the baby animals... It was so amazing to see Gabe hold a baby kitten for the first time. He was so excited to hold one, but when we finally gave him one, he got a little scared and didn't really want to hold it. So, we held one of them on his leg so he could pet it. That worked out a little bit better. It was such a neat experience to see him just sit still and pet the newborn kitty. He was very gentle and you could just tell he was being cautious and taking it all in. I remember holding kittens as a child. There's nothing like the warmth of a baby kitten and the soft sound of their cry and wimpers. It was very sweet to see my son experience that for the first time.

Tonight, we took Gabe to Walmart - which is always a gamble (you never know how a 2 year old is going to behave) - and he was excellent! He had a great nap today, which makes a huge difference in how he behaves. Seriously. At Walmart, we told him we would take him for ice cream if he was a good boy. So, we were getting ready to leave, and like always, I had to stop at the restroom first. When I came out of the restroom, Greg and Gabe were standing at the water fountain getting a drink. Gabe was facinated by the water fountain! I had to stop and just watch him because up to this point, I don't think he's seen us use a water fountain. He kept telling Greg, "More...More, Daddy drink". It was so cute to watch him - he thought it was the coolest. Then, Mommy had to have a few drinks, then Daddy again...

Then, we drove through the car dealership on the way home - just to look. It never even crossed my mind that Gabe's never been through a car dealership. He didn't understand why Daddy kept stopping the car and getting out. Then, Gabe wanted out.

I guess I had just taken for granted all of these little things that are new to you when you're a child. It has been a joy watching my son experience all of them. It's been a joy watching the look on his face when he gets a new concept, or when he really likes something, or even when he really dislikes something. As Gabe's getting older, I'm finding that each age is coming with it's own challenges, but also it's own really incredible new stages. I didn't know that I would enjoy his toddler years this much - I really do love it. Yes, the toddler years are challenging and you have the tantrums to deal with. But, you also have new things like, "La U too Mom" or "Gabe do it" or "Peese just one candy right now?"

I'm so blessed to get to experience all of it.

If you're a friend of Gabe's Dad... you're a friend of Gabe's.

This is Gabe with Greg's friend Nolan (aka Buddha). Everytime Gabe see's Nolan, he yells, "Buddha!!!". It is SO cute. Gabe LOVES Greg's friends. He feels like big stuff when he's around them. He's even more fearless and daring. I love watching him with Greg and his friends. What a blessing that they all love him so much too. I am so looking forward to watching him grow up in their shadows... well, it'll be interesting! :)

I just blogged to say...

I love you! Gabers, you and I have had a great week together while Daddy's been on his trip. On his way back, you wanted to talk to him on the phone. I love watching and listening to you talk on the phone! It's the cutest thing. You love talking to your Daddy, your Abbas and Pawpas, and you love talking to whoever Mommy is talking to! ("Uh say Hi!") You also talk to your birth family and they love hearing that too. You're just growing up so fast, my little guy. I love you.

Random Thoughts on Being Two - to catch everyone up!

• Temper tantrums are becoming more frequent... and lasting longer...
• Bedtime is becoming a little more difficult - Gabe watches a movie in his room, but decides that would be the best time for a #2 diaper.
• We still can't shake that baba... even though it is mostly filled with water, he still wants it, scratch that - needs it.
• Hugs and kisses are becoming more frequent. Especially in the last week. He's been very affectionate! It's been so nice.
• He's started saying new things: "No Way!" when he doesn't want to do something. "Um, cuz..." when you ask him a question. "Why?" when he doesn't like the answer to a question (I thought this was supposed to happen later??)
• His pretend play is SO much fun to watch. I love watching him when he doesn't know I'm watching. It is so neat to watch him play with his toys and to actually hear him say what he is thinking.
• Potty training is going great - especially at daycare. He went 3 days in a row with no accidents AND waking up from his naps dry. At home on the other hand, he doesn't want to use the potty. We haven't been pushing it... we've heard when he's ready, he's ready.
• Gabe's appetite is pretty narrow. Lately, all he wants is hotdogs and "putchet" (ketchup). He loves Special K cereal too.
• He's recently taken an interest in drawing with markers and crayons.
• He knows the shapes hearts, circles, triangles and sometimes squares.
• Sometimes if he's in a bad mood, he tells me to "go away" and sticks his foot out and kicks. This was really, REALLY hard for me the first few times he did it. I found that if I let him see a hurt reaction, he knows he's found a weak spot. So, I just stand my ground and tease him and say, "No, you go away!" and then I tickle him and we laugh about it instead.

All in all, terrible 2's haven't been terrible, they've just brought on a whole new set of challenges. Even though it's a tough stage, I still love it. I love hearing my son talk. I love hearing him say "La Yu too, Mommy" when he goes to bed. I love watching him pray, and peek his eyes open every now and then. It was so cute the first time we saw him bow his head and then lift it up to see if everyone else was. Greg and I both asked each other after the prayer, "Did you see that? Were you watching him too?"

Even though this is tough, even though every day brings its challenges, I still find myself tearing up when I stop and think about how much I love this little boy. How when I stop and try and remember a moment without him, I can't. He's changed our lives so much. He's changed our hearts and our thought processes. He's made us a family.

Now that he's much more talkative, we've talked a little bit more about his birth mom. Every night before bed, I ask him:

"Who's tummy did you grow in?"
Gabe says his birthmom's name.
"Where did you grow with Mommy?"
Gabe says, "Mommy's heart."

In preparing for the adoption, we went through a lot of classes. We were taught to teach our children age-appropriate information about their birth parents. So, this is one way I've tried to approach keeping the adoption an open topic of conversation in our house.

One more thing about being two... With the introduction to underpants, Greg thought it would be a good idea to show Gabe how to put them on his head.

Guys Weekend

Gabers, I'm getting ready to head to Chicago for the night to see Wicked with Abba & Aunt Keeker. We're going to meet Aunt Ne and Uncle Rene up there for dinner. You and Daddy have already started your weekend together working in the basement. I'm upstairs getting ready and I can't help but chuckle listening to your conversations. You are such a good boy. Mommy's going to miss you while I'm gone, but I'm excited for you to spend time with Daddy.

Love you guys!

Happy Halloween!!

Happy Halloween from our Punkin'! Can you tell his Dad is a computer geek? (and I mean that in the most loving way possible!)

Halloween Is Near!

Here's the Gabers getting ready to carve a pumpkin with Daddy!

Gabe really doesn't like the pumpkin goop... We thought he'd love playing in it!


Remember this little fellow from last year???

Matron of Honor Duties Begin!

Gabe's Mom is heading up to Aunt Ne's to go dress shopping with Aunt Lindsey and Abba Smith. Gabe and Daddy are going to stay home and play in Gabe's new fort! I just love that he makes Greg get in there with him! We got a new dishwasher, so Gabers has a new playhouse!

I'm so excited to go up and help my sister Jenny plan for the wedding! Have a great weekend!

'Cuz I'm So Happy...

Concentration

I think my son has learned the cutest thing ever. I SO wish our video camera's battery was charged so we could tape this for you and play it because it is SO cute. I will work on that - we can't find the charger! Wanna know what he does? Today I bought him a Veggie Tales CD that has the most common Sunday school songs on it. It has the one "Down in my Heart" (way down in the depths of my heart *where?* Down in the depths of my heart...") Then they sing "And I'm so happy..." So, while that part was on, I started dancing and singing it to Gabe (yes, I'm thankful our video camera wasn't available for that part!) and Gabe says, "ah so appi!" Oh my gosh. Talk about the cutest ever. I ran us both downstairs and said "Daddy, Daddy, you gotta hear this!" Then, we called Abba and PawPaw Herrman and had him do it for them. Then we called PaPa Smith and left a message with Gabe saying it for him. Then, we called Aunt Ne.

Oh, this kid! Probably one of the most amazing moments is to know that your child is happy. I was able to see that quite a bit this weekend. Gabe's Dad took care of Gabe quite a bit this weekend to give me a little "me" time. I was able to get groceries, get the house picked up (it's already a mess again, but that's ok - it felt good while it lasted!), and even get some things planned for the Momma Retreat I'm going on with my girlfriends. I have the best husband. Seriously. He is so good with Gabe.

Today, Gabe's Dad let me go back to bed and they ran to town to get some things. They came back with an alligator pool that they got on clearance at Menards. $12 sure bought this kid a lot of happiness today. I bet it also had something to do with the fact that he was playing with his DaDa and PawPaw and Abba came to see him. Gabe's Dad also let me run with Tami today too. It was just nice to get out with my friend and have some spontaneous girl time. All of the pictures in this post are from the alligator pool. Wanna see some more?

Had to include this one too - this is how Daddy's morning started out! Yesterday, mine started with Gabe body-slamming me - WWF style.

Campin'!

We went on our first camping trip this weekend and it was definitely unforgettable! Friday, Greg took off work at noon and came home so we could start getting ready. I never realized how much work it is to prepare the camper, pack the food, pack the bedding, etc... For years, my parents did this for us kids and until now, I never realized what a big job it is. We got out to the campground a little later than we'd hoped due to not having the battery charged enough, but that wasn't a big deal... just a little frustrating at the time. Greg and his dad got the camper backed into our spot relatively easily, so that was good too. We had some trouble right away though, when we found out that the air conditioning wasn't working. This was not good news for me & Gabe! We both have similar heat tolerance issues!

Gabe & his "funny face".

Campin' breakfast - Pancakes & Sausage

(& Ketchup - Gabe'll eat anything with ketchup on it)

Long story short, Gabe and I went back home to sleep (thankfully we are not very far at all from the campground) and Greg stayed at the campsite with the repairman until 12:30. Then, Gabe's Dad was up really early because he couldn't sleep. We all headed back to the campground yesterday morning and enjoyed a delicious breakfast of pancakes and sausage that Gabe's Dad made. We spent a lot of the day inside the camper playing with Gabe, watching Toy Story, organizing the camper (Greg's parents had furnished the camper and we took some time putting things where we knew we'd find them). Once it cooled off in the late afternoon, we took Gabe to an awesome playground area that was perfect for toddlers. He had a great time but was totally worn out!

Gabe had a blast emptying Jinxi's water dish - onto himself.

After Gabers went to bed, Greg and I enjoyed an awesome campfire and a spectacular sunset. We had the opportunity to just sit and talk - he on his laptop and me playing my handheld Yahtzee game. Greg had music playing lightly and we just sat and talked. Since becoming parents - especially parents to a toddler - our relationship has kinda been put on the back burner. Often times, there isn't time for "us" anymore. So, it was really nice to just sit and talk - to rediscover my best friend. We absolutely crashed once we turned in (with the air conditioning set REALLY COLD) and had a great night's sleep. Gabe was so worn out that he slept all night too. Camping sleep is great.

So, were we roughing it? Ummmm.... air conditioning, laptops, Yahtzee, well.... Maybe not, but hey, if you don't have to, why do it? We had a fantastic weekend as a family and I am so looking forward to many more trips like this one.

PS to Gabe's Dad: Are you cooking something?
PS to Julia: Happy Birthday, Nutroll!

Julia Marie - 7 years old

The Cousins: Katie, Gabe, Braden, & Julia

1st Father's Day

Gabe's Dad,

Today is your 1st "Happy" Father's Day. Today you don't have to worry about an upcoming court date. Today, you can rest assured that Gabe is ours - that he is your son. What a wonderful feeling, huh? Here are a few pics of you with your boy:

Thank you, Gabe's Dad for always being such a great father to our boy. He loves you so much - and so do I.

Love,

Gabe's Mom

Oh Where Oh Where has Gabe's Mom Gone??

Many apologies to regular readers! We've had a very busy week. Greg was gone on business this past week and every night, me & the Gabers had something going on. I was getting up around 5:45 every morning and not going to bed until after 11:00 each night. (That's not much sleep for me!) Gabe really missed his Daddy. Greg got home Friday night around 9:00 and woke Gabe up to see him for a bit. Gabe was so excited to see him. Now, if Greg leaves Gabe's sight, Gabe kinda has a fit.

This morning, Gabe started saying "Tractor"! It was so cute. His vocabulary now includes: Mama, Dada, Papa, Tractor, Diaper (Bi-per), & ball. Sometimes he'll say Bye Bye, but not very often. His sign language now includes: More, please, thank you, good (he just claps his hands together one time) & milk. It's hard to believe he's 15 months old already.

Monday night, Gabe's birth family is coming over to visit. I'm very excited to see them. I always like to see their reactions when they see Gabe for the first time in 3 months. It seems like he changes so much between the times that they see him. I always struggle with what to fix when they come over for dinner. Even though I don't have to, I still want to impress them. I probably shouldn't worry about it, but I do! Even though they don't have to, I want them to really like me. I am pretty sure they already do, but I guess I just need the reassurance. I know they're happy with the decision they made and I know we couldn't be happier with Gabe in our family. I'm just so thankful to her. So very, very thankful. She gave me the gift of being a mommy to a wonderful, happy, intelligent little boy. I hope each time we see them, she can tell how happy she has made me. I also hope that she can see that Gabe is happy.

Well, I promise to do a better job blogging this week. I apologize for my absence!

Kisses from Jinxi

Kissing Papa's Picture

Daddy's Outfit

When Gabe was born, Greg's mom gave me some of Greg's baby things. Today, while we were getting clothes together for pictures this afternoon, I remembered that we had this one! It's a little small, so I don't think we'll take it for his pictures at the studio today, but I was able to get this one good shot. I tried an action on it that is for a vintage picture since Gabe's parents' childhood items are now vintage (ugh.). I do want to try some other actions with it to see what I can come up with. My computer is nearly dead, so I'm not able to do as much photo work as I'd like.

I can't believe he actually left this hat on! Happy Friday to you all and have a GREAT weekend!

It's An Original.

Ok, definitely one of my favorite pics of Gabe. One of my best friends, Tami Lyons made this adorable Cars-Cars blanket and pillow for Gabe. He LOVES it.

We have a funny story about this awesome blanket. When we were on the plane heading to Arizona, Greg was sitting next to a guy that noticed Gabe's blanket and an interesting conversation took place:

Guy: "Wow, that blanket is so cute. My son loves Cars. Where did you find it?"

Greg (eagerly giving a sarcastic response): "Oh, well, they're really hard to find. It's a local artist in Illinois. She's really pricey. She does a great job, but she's in high demand."

Guy: "Oh." (sulking a wee bit...) "Well, what's the name? Could I maybe get one?"

Greg (loving every minute of this): "Well, it's a Tamilyon's original. There's only one like it."

Guy: "Oh".

It was just so funny. Greg couldn't resist calling Tami to tell her that he had totally talked her up to this guy. Tami, it is an original... you da' bomb-diggity. Gabe loves it and we all love you!

About that time

Little Gabraham is getting a curly do in the back of his hair. I think it's so cute. I have to admit, when he gets out of the tub, I sometimes curl it with my finger, just because it's too cute. It's about that time - time for the first haircut. I love this picture of him... you can see his curl and he has his lion up on its wheels so he can work on it. I remember when my little brother used to do stuff like this. Greg said to me today, "He's growing up..." and he said something about him not really being a baby anymore. I think that's right, but I still call him "baby". I still want to cuddle him like a baby. It is just going by way too quickly. Before we know it, he'll be running. Before we know it, he'll be talking - a lot. Before we know it, he'll be in kindergarten! How does it go by so fast?

Weekend Recap

It's kinda been a yucky weekend at Gabe's house. Gabe's Mom had to take Gabe's Dad to the ER Friday night because he had fever of 105.4 degrees. We found out that he has influenza and there's not much the doctor could really do for him. We just have to wait it out. Gabe has a cold right now, but thankfully he hasn't had any fevers. I feel fine, but I've been taking Tamiflu just to ward off the bug. Gabe's Dad has been really sick. Poor thing has been a trouper. Yesterday, my sister came home to the family farm to visit for a while. She hadn't seen Gabe since his birthday, so she wanted to hang out with him for a bit. We had a really nice time. Thankfully (I guess you could say...) Mom and Jenny have been exposed to the flu several times this year because they're both nurses, so we didn't have to worry about passing anything to them. Unfortunately, we did have to miss Gabe's cousin, Braden's birthday party. We didn't want to risk any kids getting what Greg has. I'm sure the parents don't want that either! Today, we just kinda bummed around and watched TV. Greg's getting better, but doing just a bit seems to wear him out quickly. I took this picture of Gabe Saturday morning. I'm getting ready to send Nick & Jordan a care package of baby things. Well, Gabe might be a little attached... I told him that we need to share... Maybe he's just sending his soon-to-be buddy a big hug to go with the baby stuff!

The Things about Gabe's Folks...

• We have tattoos. Yes, just one each, and do we regret it? No way.
• We have been together since high school
• We share a love of Rat Pack music
• We love museums
• We love Family Guy, South Park, House, American Idol, and Growing Pains (you know you love it too)
• I (Gabe's Mom) always say "Be Careful!" to which Gabe's Dad must respond "I will be!"
• Gabe's Dad hates when I say "anyways"
• We both love music from Cake - we fell in love while "The Distance" & "I Will Survive" were popular... oh, and they have a song called "Frank Sinatra"!
• We share the same friends
• We play 20 questions before going to sleep
• We laugh every day
• We are raising a handsome, wonderful, strong-willed, intelligent little boy
• We can't give up pop
• We can't diet together
• We can sit and cuddle at concerts
• We can share a bathroom without fighting
• We both like popcorn fixed on the stove
• We both love sugar in our spaghetti sauce

Sometimes, it feels good to list the things you and your soulmate share. I could probably list a lot more. It's a nice reminder that we are who we are. We are US. We are Gabe's parents. We are happy. I miss you, Gabe's Dad.

xoxo.

Gasp/Hmphf (Momma pout)

Love this little man. This is the best we can do as far

as mohawks go at this time. The boy's hair will not grow.

Daddy - aka Bob - is home! I have never seen Gabe smile as big as he did when he saw Daddy walk in the door! Seriously... He even gasped! I'm sad to admit it... he's never gasped for me! Wow Gabe's Dad - you should feel special, very special. Daddy and Gabe sat down to read/sing Snuggle Puppy.

Gabe's Dad is catching some z's now, glad to be back from his trip. Gabe' s Mom is tired and going to bed.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

What about Bob?

This. Picture. Cracks. Me. Up. No doubt about it. I was laughing so hard when we took it. Gabe always like to take my glasses off and put them on. (no these aren't my glasses). So, today when Gabe did that with my glasses, Gabe's Dad said, "Hang on, I've got just the thing..." And he ran downstairs and grabbed these beauties. We were all laughing. It was just so funny.

Gabe thought Dad was funny too! Speaking of Dad, you're probably wondering why is this post titled "What about Bob?" Well, Gabe calls his dad not dada, not daddy, not dad, but Bob. Yep, Bob. I have no idea where he got that! He will walk around calling for Dad saying, "Bob! Bob!" I think that is just too cute. Just another "Gabe Thing". Only Gabe. Man, I swear this kid gets cuter and cuter every day - and way more fun.

New Blogger

Ok, I apologize to any regular visitors... I am constantly changing the header to my blog. I can't help it! I am just really enjoying learning new things about photoshop and Blogger. It's too fun. Not much news with Gabe & Gabe's Parents. Gabe & I are still sick. He's getting over it, but I'm dragging. Thank God for my dear hubby... he has really been helping a lot. I've been SO tired. He took Gabe to his 1 year doctor's appointment today. I guess he probably sees now what I go through when taking him by myself! It's tough... There isn't a good way to pay your co-pay because you've got a baby on your hip, a diaper bag on your shoulder, and the slip they leave for you to take to the front desk. (I personally think THEY should carry their paperwork to the front desk - I've always got too much I'm trying to juggle!) Oh, and the baby has just had his shots, so he's very clingy and needs his bottle. Oh, well. You make it through it!

Hopefully there's plenty of rest and relaxation in store for Gabe's Mom & Dad this weekend! And a couple of pics:

Here is Gabe "fixing" our new computer desk - too cute! Aunt Ne got him these tools for this birthday.

Love this picture! Quality isn't the greatest on these photos, but dang is he cute!