It’s been too long! Gabe learned a new trick today, as you can see up above. What a quick learner.

Since we last checked in, Gabe has cut two more teeth–one on bottom and another on top, and aside from some mild crankiness, you wouldn’t even have known it. I know people give me [...]]]>

It’s been too long! Gabe learned a new trick today, as you can see up above. What a quick learner.

Since we last checked in, Gabe has cut two more teeth–one on bottom and another on top, and aside from some mild crankiness, you wouldn’t even have known it. I know people give me crazy looks when they ask about Gabe’s amber necklace, but every time he cuts another tooth, I can’t help but wonder if it’s what’s helping us through it. It certainly can’t hurt.

I’d started signing with Gabe a couple months ago, and he’s started to pick up on it and sign back to me. So far, he clearly signs to nurse, and he will sign for “more” and “all done” at mealtime. Unfortunately, his motions on those two aren’t terribly precise, and are actually pretty much indistinguishable. I’m hoping that with time and practice, we’ll be able to work it out. In the meantime, I’m just excited that we’re communicating with each other, and I’m beginning to be able to meet his needs and wants without guesswork or frustration. I’ve just introduced the sign for “water,” so we’ll see how well he picks up and demonstrates that one!

Witness how they walked around the living room shaking around their prized possessions–for [...]]]> David came over for a visit the other day. He’s just started walking, so we now have two walking little boys! Which means that my job as photog has gotten a lot harder these days.

Witness how they walked around the living room shaking around their prized possessions–for Gabe, David’s sweater. For David, Gabe’s sock. I’m not kidding.

David would not let go of it. Not for anything.

Look at this face! (And note tooth #5 popping through on bottom!)

“All of this is mine!”

“Wait, what?”

And yes, that is a copy of Twilight on my shelf. Don’t judge.

I decided to keep the box we brought home rather than putting it in the recycling right away. It seemed like a good idea.

And this is what happened as soon as I pulled out my camera. Taking pictures…it just isn’t as easy as it was when he had no idea what this big black thing was.

This guy is less interested, which is nice! He’s more focused on sucking on his two fingers, and watching his cousin toddle around.

David also fell in love with the toy remote Gabe got in his stocking from Santa this year. I think he’s going to find a new one at his house soon.

I mean, come on. Look at this face. I don’t think his mama can deny him.

Thank heaven for little boys that sit still…if only for a few seconds at a time.

In fact, we have been busy–this guy doesn’t stop moving for one minute, when he’s free to roam (he hangs out contentedly in his pack & play occasionally, which lets me take care of things without worrying about dropping everything to chase him at [...]]]> We have not disappeared!

In fact, we have been busy–this guy doesn’t stop moving for one minute, when he’s free to roam (he hangs out contentedly in his pack & play occasionally, which lets me take care of things without worrying about dropping everything to chase him at the same time). He’s continuing to get better and better at walking, though Michael and I are still leery of letting him try out his skills outside the home–say, on sidewalks.

Michael and I were at Chili’s with Gabe yesterday for lunch, and since we had to wait a little bit for a table, Michael took Gabe outside for a little bit of playtime. They walked along the sidewalk together, holding hands, which made Gabe feel quite confident in his walking skills–he moved around much faster than normal. When we walked back toward the door, a gentleman stepped out with his party, took a look at Gabe, gave him two thumbs up, and exclaimed, “Lookin’ good!” . At lunch, we were seated next to a table with a little girl that looked to be about Gabe’s age, and the two couldn’t keep their eyes off each other. Seems little ones don’t quite get the concept of “playing hard to get”!

More funny faces from Gabriel:

Hampers are awesome!

It was actually full at first, and I was trying to put together some clean diapers, but he wouldn’t leave the hamper alone. So I emptied the clean stuff [...]]]> Gabe found a new favorite toy the other day.

Hampers are awesome!

It was actually full at first, and I was trying to put together some clean diapers, but he wouldn’t leave the hamper alone. So I emptied the clean stuff onto our bed, and brought out the hamper for him to explore. Verdict? It’s awesome.

His other most favorite toy? The toy remote control that was in his stocking from Santa.

If you look, you’ll see that when he isn’t playing with it, he still drags it with him everywhere. When he’s downstairs, Michael says that he sounds like he’s got a “peg leg”. Silly boys!

And when the crawling toward me starts, the camera has to go down. There is no more focusing on this boy. Literally.