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.
