Another Cold

For the first year of Gabe's life he was the picture of health, as was I for that matter. Wait, I take that back, around 4 months Gabe did have some weird stomach thing that forced me off dairy for about a month, I missed cheese so much I felt sick, but Gabe was un-phased. Unfortunately the second year of Gabe's life has not been a repeat in the health department. This week Gabe has yet another head cold. Poor guy's nose has been runny, his bed has been at an incline, and his lungs have been attempting to flush out phlegm on and off for months. It seems like he he'll go one week without a cold, then two or three weeks experiencing some phase of a cold.

In general he just hasn't been himself, most notably, he isn't eating well and doesn't want to be alone. Neither of these behaviors are normal. For the most part Gabe eats what's in front of him, tries new things and runs to his chair when I say the word 'eat'. But lately he shakes his head and says 'no' - even when I tempt him with a hot dog. Before the lingering colds, Gabe and I finished breakfast and immediately afterward he run downstairs to play alone with his toys. Every once in a while he'd run to the bottom of the stairs to show me something, or bring something up he wanted me to play with but generally enjoyed time alone. That has not been the case lately. After I attempt to force feed him breakfast, he immediately wants to be held. The he requests that we sit side by side and watch some cartoons. If I attempt to leave or turn off the TV there are tears, so not like my little man.

I've posted multiple times about Gabe's love for books and his habit of sitting alone in his room reading. I was only needed for reading at nap time and bedtime, in fact he'd shew me away if I tried to encroach on his alone time. But the last few days he tugs at my hand saying 'bi-be' (Bible) and leads me to the couch where we can snuggle and read.

Andy's really noticed a change when he comes home. This time of day has always been the highlight for Gabe. He runs to the door and wants a hug from Daddy while he jabbers on and on about the adventures he's had with Mommy. Sadly, the last few days he doesn't even want Dad, just Mom. Poor guy and poor Dad.

This winter has shown me what a blessing health is and how long I took it for granted. And the truth is, this cold is minor compared to the average or what we're due . Gabe has only been prescribed one anti-biotic, never had an ear infection, or a fever that wasn't reduced by Tylenol, he's yet to vomit or experience diarrhea. We've had it pretty easy, which is also why I know how awful I am when I realize I just want Gabe well so I can get back to normal and get stuff done, rather than so he'll feel better. Sheesh.

Anyway, no good pictures of sick Baby Gabe or his Itching-to-move mom.

He's Mine/Me

Don't let his blond hair, kissable lips, sweet cheeks and droopy left eye lid fool you. I know Gabe sure looks a whole lot like his daddy, but he's really just a little me inside. We had our suspicions his 2nd week home, when we discovered his favorite place in the house was laying in front of the space heater. But at that point we chalked it up to his cold wet casts needing to dry.

But as time went on and Gabe displayed more personality the evidence has been mounting. It might not seem like such a big deal but the truth is, I kinda like Andy's personality more than my own and I've got some flaws. I know, it's hard to believe, and I'm sure most of you will have to think really hard to come up with any examples. But if you put your mind to it you might come up with one of the following: I'm kinda' bossy, a bit controlling, neurotically tidy, awkward in large groups, and generally impatient.

We've seen each of these joys rear it's ugly head in Gabe - though it's a lot cuter when he does it.

For starters, Gabe likes things just so. In Gabe's world there is a home for every thing, and every thing should be in it's home. Picking up with Daddy can be a bit stressful since Daddy doesn't always know exactly where things belong. It's safest if Andy just hands things to Gabe to put away.

If you walk into our house with wet shoes, Gabe will likely complain and follow along behind you with a towel.

For Christmas he received a broom and battery operated vacuum. The demo batteries were replaced but he's already killed the new set.

He's thrilled when I ask him to put things in the trash.

He enjoys laying in his bed and reading alone.

Dried cranberries and yogurt are a recent favorite meal.

His security item is a stuffed dog.

The list could really go on, but what sealed the deal for me was a small event that occurred last week. Many mornings Gabe will play alone in the basement playroom while I get myself ready for the day. He's happy to entertain himself and there isn't really anything down there that he could hurt himself with. The only thing he can't do is turn on the TV. He knows the buttons but he's not supposed to use them.

A few days ago I heard the TV turn on in the basement...A clear violation of the basement rules. So I headed down to discuss the disobedience and dole out the discipline. However, when I rounded the corner I saw this.

Gabe, lounging on the couch, pillows just so while he watched Kathy Lee and Hoda on the Today Show.

For those of you who don't know, my maternal Grandmother warned my mom that one side of my head would be flat from watching too much TV. So, when I saw Gabe (aka Couch Potato Jr) I really struggled to scold as he made it look so appealing. As a result, I quickly grabbed the camera, snagged some pics, gave him a reminder of the rules and joined him for some veg time.

"Come on Mom! Join Me!"

21 Months

Do you know any other almost two year old who looks tough with a duck on his head?!

Don't worry, I'll hug and kiss him for you.

Pictures c/o Andy

Last week when I downloaded pictures from Andy's phone for our Christmas post, I discovered some gems that I hadn't seen before. None of these have any context or connecting thread, except that my son is super cute and I'm positive you all want to see every picture of him we take, right?!

Here's Mr. Gabe with some serious bed head. I do the hair maintenance around here, usually while Gabe's in the bath. I've found that for the most part his waves are forgiving and his mop usually looks decent, but this makes me wonder if a professional cut is in the nearing future.

I have no idea what we had done to tucker him out so much but clearly he was a sleepy boy. Thankfully he transfers easy from car seat to crib, and he didn't mention a stiff neck when he woke up.

Gabe and his 'girlie-friend' Gracie watching her daddy warm up the car.

I'm guessing this isn't from any special event, just my boys needing to get out of the house and taking a short walk around the block. Gabe does look pretty cute, special occasion or not.

Grandpa Holz with his four very special grandsons. You can see 'E' and Blake looking longing into the Little League award ceremony on the other side of the glass. We went ahead and crashed their private room looking for a place to sit, they were gracious and we figured it out. I love how Zekey is holding onto Gabe, he's a well loved baby cousin.

In other news, I've caught some kind of stomach bug and have firmly planted myself on the couch. I couldn't handle the complete lack of productivity so ventured a blog post. I think I'll be back to normal this weekend, but prayers for a speedy recovery and that Andy and Gabe don't fall victim to the same bug would be much appreciated.

Christmas - Round Two

Last weekend we loaded our car and drove to Lincoln for a long weekend at the Roosmann Spa, celebrating Christmas was on the agenda as well...which explains Gabe's face, he could barely contain his excitement at the prospect of more gifts! His playroom is beginning to look like the hideout of neighborhood robbers.

We made Gabe wait to open gifts until he had napped and eaten dinner, he needed all his strength for the task ahead.

After he opened his first present, a remote control car, our camera battery died. What kind of mom doesn't check the battery first...sheesh.

As a result the remainder of our pictures are courtesy of Andy's phone camera, sub par but the day was recorded none the less.

You can tell from the expression on his face in these pictures that he was nearly overcome with joy, every piece of wrapping paper, every box, bag and every toy was a thrill!

He was a little disgruntled to discover further wrapping after getting it out of the bag.

The morning after, Gabe was experiencing a gift hangover. He sat next to me (in all my camou glory) for nearly an hour. I didn't complain, I'm not sure how much longer we'll both fit in one chair comfortably, or how much longer he'll sit with me willingly.

Now that we're home Andy is convinced we need to donate toys, and I'm positive the situation could be managed perfectly with just the right organizational system. In about 4 months we'll be heading back up to Shriner's Hospital, and as IKEA is practically on the way it seems my solution will win out! Playroom storage here we come!