A Bright Spot

Well, I've been attempting to come up with a way to describe our Valentine's weekend with a nice rosy hue for about a week now, but in truth it wasn't very romantic. Andy left for a men's retreat in Washington state the Friday before, so Gabe and I headed to Lincoln to spend the weekend with my parents. Our first night there, Gabe hooked his lip on an ottoman and tore that little piece of skin that connects your gum and upper lip. He really took it like a trooper but it was kind-of a bloody mess, and set the tone for the rest of our weekend.

During an average day Gabe naps around 3 to 4 hours total. But during this trip he maxed out at about 1.5 hours. Additionally, his normal 12 hours of sleep shrank to about 10 or so. Swollen lip, fatigue and no daddy did not make for a pleasant infant. My normally easy going and content little man was clingy and emotionally fragile.

We thought a Popsicle would prevent his lip from swelling.

Some red food dye, but lots of blood as well.

One of his emotional meltdowns.

Once we returned home his attitude picked up quite a bit, and we were able to survive without further incident until Andy came home on Tuesday. Sadly, he developed a fever Friday which has remained into the weekend. In spite of not feeling his best, he's managing to smile and giggle every once in a while. Though, it's mostly cuddles and frequent naps.

His smile returned when we got home.

Last night we were able to capture Gabe during a bright spot. It's not all terrible.

Happy Wednesday! - Love Gabe

I Really Can't Complain

Andy and I have been soo blessed with Gabe's health. Outside of his orthopedic and well-baby check-ups we have yet to make a doctors visit. Little man has spiked a fever once, and had symptoms of a cold for about 3 weeks of his total life. It sounds like easy street my friends-I know, and hearing about all his little friends with high fevers, ear infections, a sinus infection, projectile vomiting, surgery for ear tubes, and RSV really puts it all into perspective.

So I will not complain, but I cannot keep it to myself. My sweet angel has RINGWORM! It's origins trace all the way to Africa, from his sweet cousin Zeke. Who, upon hearing Gabe's news, gave him the sweetest puppy-dog eyes. Both his mommy and I thought it looked like remorse, and no one can stay mad at that face. At least not Gabe and I. I'm telling Gabe it means he's well loved, hugged, and it's kind of exotic, right?

In other news: Gabe was fitted with a new big boy car-seat = WIN!...

and a faux hawk = WIN x 2!!

W-W-W-What?!?!?

The face of an angel

I know, two blog posts in one day...I must not be busy enough. But the moment was too good not to announce publicly. First, I was recently informed by www.myheritage.com that Gabe looks 5% more like his father, which I suppose is a good thing (though I've always claimed he was the love-child of my father and Andy-I see them and not me). It's always been a bit tricky to say just who Gabe looks like, or which feature came from whom? But I generally take ownership of his fabulous personality; and tonight was further proof. Gabe has demonstrated an affinity for cleaning supplies rather early in life, the vacuum, dust buster, steamer, spray bottles. He's completely engaged when I use them...and as I LOVE cleaning supplies and gadgets I'm certain he inherited his feelings from me. But what caused my sheer delight was his behavior tonight when we returned from dinner. As Andy and I watched from the living room couch Gabe strategically removed one toy from his toy box playing with it for a time, then returned it before selecting another to entertain himself. He continued to do the same, remove one toy and play, put it back and find another...until Andy went over to corrupt him. FOLKS my kid was picking up after himself!!!!!! He can do no wrong in my eyes.......at least until tomorrow.

Losing the Baby Weight with Belly Laughs