Impressive, Actually, and Other Things Gabe Says

I mentioned a few weeks ago that Gabe has exercised some new behavior since turning three, one major change is that he is A LOT more chatty. Andy and I are generally amused but it's also put me in some tricky situations.

A while back Gabe and I were walking into Walmart when he started excitedly pointing and loudly saying "Mom, pirate! Pirate Mom!". Seemed pretty weird to me until I looked over my shoulder and saw an older man with an eye-patch walking in behind us. Awkward.

More recently, Gabe and I were paying the clerk at the gas station. She was in her early 20's with short hair and a lose fitting uniform. Gabe looked at her, then at me and earnestly asked "Is that a girl?". Ah...more awkward than the pirate as she clearly heard his question.

Typically, Gabe's increase in chatter is simple evidence of his brain growing. He's repeating words he hears us say like 'impressive', 'actually', and 'maybe'. If he runs fast he exclaims "That was impressive!", when correcting me he'll say "Actually, I did wash my hands", and maybe has come in very handy when trying to negotiate; "Maybe we go to the park...maybe we read four books, not three" etc.

He's also saying many harmless but amusing things. 

Gabe: Superman makes webs.

Mom: No, that's Spiderman.

Gabe: No, I said it right, you said it wrong. Superman makes webs.

Mom: Gabe, this book is about daughters. Do I have daughters?

Gabe: No

Mom: Oh, what do I have?

Gabe: A Mr. Gabe

This new ability is helping him to make better sense of things. We hear 'Why?' much more often and clarifying questions,  "What bolted mean?", "Is all girls mommies?", "What letter this?", and on and on. 

This stage is fun, and really forcing me to think before I answer his questions. He's a rule follower and systematic by nature so what we say become unchangeable truth pretty easily. Andy is usually the one pushing the limits, so I often overhear Gabe repeating my instructions to his daddy.  "No, those don't belong in here, those belong there Daddy", and "Daddy, you got to ask before you do that!".

Such a sweet face!

Two Months Ago

I just realized that I never announced the birth of Gabe's newest cousin. My sister, brother-in-law, and two nephews welcomed their baby girl Ruby Evelyn Lawes two months ago - sheesh...aunt of the year!

Read more about this princess @ All Because Two People Fell in Love

Being Three

Gabe is now three years and three months old, and the last three months we've noticed a distinct difference. Our house is now filled with a lot more goofy behavior, imagination, exploration and trying of new things. While it's fun to see this side of Gabe, and take advantage of his inquisitive nature with some pre-school activities it's also been draining for me at times. He's like a different kiddo and I'm having to learn how to parent and interact with this new little man. 

In pictures it just looks like a lot more silly.

There were many dancing in underwear pictures for me to choose from.

Playing pirates with his buddy Sammy. I love that Nick and Andy are in the background  maintaining a normal conversation while three toddlers are dancing around in costume.

Grandpas are always willing participants. 

I just wanted a nice picture with my son...oh well. 

I literally asked, 'Let's take a picture of us playing Candy Land' - I grabbed the camera turned around and this was Gabe. Sheesh.

And why smile when you can make this face?

Nothing in Particular

These pictures aren't from any one event, or even consecutive days. Just some photos of daily life that I'd like to remember. They also do a good job of showing Gabe's personality.

At my mom's retirement party Grandpa Roosmann suggested that sometime Gabe and he go to the ocean. Gabe thought that meant after we ate, and was pretty heartbroken to find out that we were not going to the ocean after dinner. Grandpa tried to make amends with a trip to Holmes Lake. Thankfully, Gabe didn't really know the difference and he's happy trowing rocks into any body of water. 

Some friends of ours needed a date night, so we watched their sweetie Olive while they went out for sushi. Gabe has made it his life goal to look like a goober in every picture, here is exhibit 1,206!

After Paul and Sydney's rehearsal dinner we tried to capture a cool picture of Gabe by the fountain. He really loves water this year. In the past he would stand close to water, watch fountains and throw stuff in, but this summer he's more adventurous and wants to slide into it, swim and run through the sprinklers. 

A few weeks ago I was loading the dishwasher while Gabe ate his lunch. When I turned around he had removed his socks from his feet and put them on his hand. No clue why. You might also note that Gabe's dishes match his cup...it's a cheap thrill but Gabe loves when that stuff happens.

Gabe and his girly friend Gracie after story time at the local library. They really could not be cuter together, and I swear I didn't ask them to pose. They honestly enjoy eachother's company as much as two three year olds can. In fact Gracie's mommy (Erin) informed me that Gracie has requested to play pretend as our family. Gracie get's to be me, Erin stretches her acting skills by pretending to be Andy and Baby Ella portrays Gabe. I'd really love to be a fly on the wall when that's going on.

Gabe, Daddy, and Grandpa Holz went camping a few weeks ago. Before the 100+ degree weather set in. One of Andy's coworkers is a fear monger and shared a horrific story about a little boy, I'll spare you the details, but it did led to Gabe getting a life jacket. I wish I had a picture of Gabe sitting on the lake shore in his lawn chair wearing his life jacket...you never know when a wave might jump out and get it. Joking aside, we'd rather be safe than sorry. 

Celebrations

We've had a lot of things to celebrate these last few months, unfortunately I don't have pictures of everything; but lots of great memories.

In April we celebrated Gabe's 3rd birthday. On the official day we were busy moving  into our new house, and while it wasn't really a party it was a great gift. Generously Grandma Holz helped him celebrate the day more appropriately. They spent the day with a trip to the Children's Museum, had a lunch date and Grandma even baked some brownies.

You can see what remains of Gabe's face paint mustache.

One of Gabe's favorite birthday presents, his sandbox.

Souvenirs from his first dentist appointment. 

His favorite accessory.

In May we celebrated my mom's retirement. After YEARS of service in education and administration she and her best friend Cindy West retired. Her colleagues hosted a party for them at a local Vietnamese church. There was delicious ethnic food, lots of well wishers and many many co-workers who went out of their way to tell me how much my mama has meant to them and how much she'll be missed.

Mom and Cindy

 In May we also hosted a Mother's Day/My Birthday/Grandpa Roosmann's Birthday/Gabe' Birthday Celebration. Unfortunately I didn't get a single picture.

In June we celebrated Grandpa Holz's birthday. We surprised him with a picnic lunch in Council Bluff. The boys all practiced their baseball skills, but unfortunately this is my only picture of the entire event.

This Thursday and Friday we celebrated our dear friends wedding. Andy and I have had the awesome blessing of knowing (The New) Paul and Sydney Penke since the beginning of their relationship, which means Gabe has known them almost his entire lift!

The three of us at the rehearsal dinner.

Gabe with two of his favorite people!