The Toddler Days of Summer

The last days of Summer are winding down, and for the first time in my life I'm not willing them to last longer. It's been ridiculously hot, and with a 16 month old who dislikes cold water, these temps have forced us inside too often for my liking. Though, in truth, my new found eagerness for fall may have something to do with the fact that for the first time ever I'm not a student or teacher...Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring it's all the same to me! Glorious!

The few days we haven't had a heat index of 109* Gabe and I try to take advantage.

We meet friends at the park for some time in the sand.

(Speaking of willing: I'm willing these two to fall in love one day, get married, and make grand babies that Erin and I can share... just kidding; sort of).

Can you see the chemistry?!? Oh the curly haired delights these two could create!

Anywho.

We play outside for a few minutes, then run inside just before heat stroke sets in. Cool baths help but clearly Gabe was melting.

We also try to stretch out bath time, testing new toys, water games and hairstyles.

And, we head to the indoor mall, play area.

Gabe favors the tunnels where he can yell really loud and hear his voice echo.

Clearly the heat hasn't been the end of us, and today it was the rain that kept us inside. But, with a new season so near I begin to think of the new experiences Gabe will have. Not to mention, that Bath and Bodyworks' has a new 'Creamy Pumpkin' candle that I need a seasonably appropriate time to burn.

But it's mostly about Gabe I swear.

Ouch!

Within a few days of each other Gabe and I both took a spill. Friday I was gracefully descending the stairs when they disappeared, I twirled and basically slammed myself into the rail post, OUCH! I thanked God I wasn't carrying Gabe, laid on the entry way rug and thanked Him again that there weren't witnesses.

Then Sunday Gabe was running down the isle, tripped, and planted his forehead directly on the metal leg of the chair. He definitely cried but just over an hour later he was contently eating pancakes at The Garden Cafe.

The remainder of our week has been much more accident free, phew!

We Meet Again

You may recall that our camera died the first week of July. It was a sad day, made more sad by the knowledge that Andy and I just didn't have it in the budget to replace the camera. Looking back at our photo folders I discovered that I take anywhere from 51 to 119 pictures of Gabe a month, but, for the 15th month of his life I only managed 20!

And those 20 pictures would not have been possible if not for our dear generous friends Kyle, Jessica and Gavin Hovermale. Late one night Andy and I arrived home to find a BRAND NEW camera in our mailbox. Talk about blessed! Thank you Hovermale Family, it is humbling and wonderful to be loved by YOU!

In addition to being without a camera, the months of July and August have been pretty hectic for our little family. Our house is still on the market and getting lots of traffic but no offers...grrrrrr! Andy's mother was hospitalized and underwent surgery, Andy's paternal grandmother Maxine passed away, and days later Andy's family had a small reunion. It's been busy but also emotional. It feels like we live an transition with our house, it's ours but we would like it to be someone else's; there were a few days when we didn't feel confident that doctors knew just what was going on with Julie, which leaves you feeling very helpless, and observing the challenges that come with Grandpa Marvin losing the love of his life is just tough.

Life is messy, and has felt especially so as of late. It's a good thing we have such wonderful friends, family and Gabe! Speaking of Gabe, much is that same, and much has changed.

He still LOVES reading, or flipping through the pages of books. He pulls one down from the shelf, skims through it then moves onto the next. This is actually the first picture I took on our new camera, his room blew up books and Gabe sat contently in the middle.

Some morning after breakfast Gabe and I sit together at the kitchen table with our drinks, me tea and Gabe milk. I check blogs while he catches up on some reading.

Gabe continues to grow, looking more like a little boy everyday. That means that he looks more and more like his daddy. I love how this picture captures their same expression.

And again, the exact same eyes!

Gabe still enjoys trips to the park. He prefers the sand to the spray park, which is fine with me except that sand seems to follow us home a lot easier than water does.

Gabe has spent the last few weeks attempting to increase his tooth count. We've been at four for some time now, but five cut through and I can see and feel 6, 7 and maybe even 8 are making a strong push. Poor baby Gabe, I can't imagine what that must feel like. I do know that it effects his diet, mood, and poop though. Shesh.

Until next week. I feel like I'm actually getting used to using a camera again. After several weeks without one it's taken me some time to remember to use it.

Milwaukee // The Family

Over the course of our 4th of July weekend in Milwaukee our little family was able to spend more undivided time together than normal. We drove together, slept in the same room, and basically did all activities together. It was a treat, and left Gabe and I feeling kinda lonely when we got back home.

Needless to say, our group got some looks. But we had fun!

Gabe now walks completely unassisted. I think it looks more like he leans forward, then just before falling throws his foot in front of him.

Milwaukee // Old Friends

As I understand it, Andy and Matt became friends over Lincoln Logs, or Pick-up-Sticks, or something along those lines. I envision they reached for the same toy, locked eyes and the rest was history. They've been fraternity brothers, Best Men, and best friends for as long as they can remember. Andy's memory of his childhood is very rosy, and Matt is always part of those memories. Around 7th grade, Nick was given special rights to join the duo and for the last 15 years these guys have been great friends. So, to say Andy was pumped about our trip is an understatement.

The reunion was all Andy had hoped for, and as an outsider of their relationship it was fun to be a part of it. An added bonus was watching these guys with their boys. Both Nick and Matt are proud daddies to two year old boys, Sam and Will. Nick also has sweetie Anna (9mo) and Matt and Stacy are expecting a girl in September. I feel no pressure to keep up, don't worry.

Andy(Gabe), Matt(Will), Nick(Sam)

Exploring the lake front.

Trekking to our firework view point.