A Good Boy

A week ago today I realized I had Strep Throat. Not the most pleasant, but Grandma and Grandpa Holz filled in for me last Tuesday, Kara wrote me a scrip, and as everyone pitched in it's been a speedy recovery. Sadly, this put a bit of a damper on Gabe's social life. In spite of it all, Gabe was a snuggly cute homebody with his mama.

Trust me, it's hard to say 'no' to that face.

First encounter with an Easter Egg

Freedom at last! Today we had a play-date with Gracie at the park.

Still not big on the swing.

A Mixed Bag of Emotions

Blue skies at last! We had to take advantage.

Here Gabe likes the park...though, in the next moment his face turned to terror and I had to remove him from the deathtrap I had so thoughtlessly placed him in.

Here Gabe hates the park...not because it is covered in sand, which he loved, but because his momma won't let him eat it. She's a beast, I know.

And here is the face of pure delight...too much sand in his pants, shirt, coat, socks, and shoes to wear them in the car. Doesn't he look like such a happy little beef-cake. Ohhh those thighs!

***NOTE: His shirt says '100% Fun'***

The Face of an 11 Month Old

Or more accurately, 11 months and 2 days

(Don't worry, that face is nibbled daily)

Not Your Standard Cute

We believe he is exceptionally so.

Just the facts:

1. He has a great smile

2. He makes orange look good,

and I've only met one other person who can do that.

3. He helps around the house.

4. He waits patiently for his daddy to get home from work.

5. He trains aggressively to perfect his hug.

The Great Debate

Baby Gabe seems to insist on growing, stinker. Though he hasn't attempted any real steps he is pulling himself up onto everything within his little arm span's reach. Inevitably, this has led to many falls, and bruises. Andy and I are constantly amazed at Gabe's durability. Living with wood floors may have greatly increased his pain tolerance, or it could have something to do with the club foot casting and braces. Who knows!? But, we like to think that in the world of babies, our little man is the toughest. That being said, the debate is over, and I'm comfortable posting this video. Some time ago, around Gabe's 7th month, I plopped him in the snow and recorded his first encounter. During the filming process I innocently tossed a snow ball at him. Sadly, it pegged him in the face. He took it really well, licked the remains of the snowball from his cheek and moved on. I, on the other hand was sure our neighbor would call CPS, therefore I did not post the otherwise cute video of Gabe and the snow. I have now overcome my insecurity as a new mom, I'm going to screw up and I'm sure you all know it, so I can post Gabe's most recent video displaying my excellent parenting.

One of the many things Gabe climbs are the stairs, I have a heart attack daily. When I was certain he could do it on his own I snagged our camera and caught the moment. It wasn't his smoothest ascent, and as you'll hear I had little sympathy for his mishap. No real injury received, though Gabe's hand might have been a bit red. I love how he raises his hand in victory at the end.

At Last

I've have been waiting almost a week to share the news, Gabe has a new cousin! My sister (Sarah) and her husband (Drew) welcomed Cole Asher Lawes late last Thursday night. Sarah had been in the hospital since Monday, trying to slow/stop Cole's early arrival. The extra days allowed for his lungs to better develop, which is what they were hoping for. You can get more details on their blog: http://lawesfam.blogspot.com/. Please pray that Cole would continue to increase in strength, weight, and ability. He wasn't expected until late April so he's got some developing yet to do. Also pray for the Lawes family, their transitioning into being parents of two and living with one kiddo at home (Sweet Levi) and one in the NICU.

so serious-and teeny tiny

AHHHHHH

I think this last one might be more of a 'grrrrrr', but you get the idea.

10 Months Already

I guess I should start thinking about his swiftly approaching birthday. Time never moved as fast as it does now that I have a kiddo at home. I track time by milestones, major events, and appointments. I can't remember the last time I actually knew the date. I'm pretty good with the days of the week, thanks to my anal schedule and daily happenings, but the actual date...who knows! Probably why Gabe aging each month seems to catch me by complete surprise. He's eight months...no wait, what's today's date?! He's 10 MONTHS?!?!? At which point I turn and look accusingly at my son, 'how could you keep growing!'.

Speaking of milestones and major events. Since the Valentine's Weekend Episode, as I like to refer to it, and Gabe getting sick, it feels like we are finally getting back to normal. Everything was put on the back burner while little man re-grouped. Play dates, chores, grocery shopping, it all became contingent on his temperature, need for sleep, and general disposition. It proved difficult to do some things when Gabe melted down if he wasn't in my arms. I finally submitted to his needs not mine, he was thrilled to have me sit on his bedroom rug and watch him play. He really just wanted some good old fashioned attention. Sweet boy, he has always been such a good snuggle'r, patting my back when I pick him up, rubbing his face into my neck, I needed to chill out and enjoy the moments while he's not embarrassed to express his love for me. He's so stinkn' great! All in all these last few weeks have revealed that I'm a selfish, controlling and a sometimes very angry woman. Praise God for the Holy Spirit and Jesus, there is some work yet to be done in me!

Of course, no post would be complete without some pictures of our growing boy:

He is so proud to be able to reach new heights.

We have had endless hours (no joke) playing this game. I simply put an object on the floor and he laughs hysterically while attempting to reach it!

The bath always get's a smile out of Gabe! Me too for that matter. He also thought it was fun to pass the toy back and forth from his mouth to mine.