18 Months

Gabe is now 18 months old! CRAZY! This little bug has been in our lives for a year and a half, and Andy and I have found the time to be our most contented. He's such a gentle little guy, with great facial expressions, an easy laugh, and little bits of both Andy and I! It's such fun to watch him develop and witness little mannerism and personality traits that are just like his daddy, or even me in some cases.

He has a ready smile and laugh just like Andy, and some pretty serious cleanliness neurosis like me :) .

At his 18 month appointment Gabe had his most emotional reaction to date. He did not want to be weighed and he definitely DID NOT want to lay on the examination table. Poor guy, I don't think I've ever seen him scared before, this doing things for kids good is gonna be rough.

Apparently he's measuring 72% (33") in height and 18% (23 lbs 7oz) in weight.

Sadly, less than a week later we had to return to the Doctor's office. Gabe went in Monday and has had a fever between 101*-103* since. We've filled his first ever prescription for an anti-biotic to clear up his congestion and treat the possible infection.

Not feeling himself. Lovey and Binky had been reserved for bed and nap, but the last few days he can't bring himself to leave them behind.

Clearly he's lost his appetite. I pulled out all his favorites, grapes, honey nut cheerios, and a waffle.

He was willing to touch it, but not ingest.

Our Little Helper

One of the biggest changes we've noticed in Gabe as he's gotten older/bigger is his desire to help out around the house. Gabe's always been great at playing independently but recently he's been a little shadow. It took Andy and I some time to figure it out, but eventually we realized he wasn't more needy, he wanted to be involved.

Since then, we've been more intentional about finding ways he can help us out. He's thrilled and it's really pretty cute.

Helping Daddy take out the trash.

Whipping up some cookies* for our Monday small group.

(*Which reminds me of a recent discovery: If you want to bake some cookies but only have cake mix, simply mix the dry cake mix with 1/2 C marg. and 2 eggs. Dollop spoonfuls onto a lightly greased cookie sheet and cook for 10 min @ 350*)

He's really getting into it. Notice his manly Husker apron - it was his daddy's.

Though I didn't get pictures of it, he helped me collect sticks in the backyard for our FREE Halloween wreath.

A Few Snapshots

The Holz household has been busy, but sadly none of our activities have been all that noteworthy. To keep you abreast of Gabe's busy world I thought I'd post a few snapshots of the comings and goings of his past few weeks.

Overall Gabe has handled the late nights, evenings out and visitors in stride. We both like our schedule and routine and general bristle a bit when it's modified. On top of that Gabe's cutting teeth and experiencing allergies which makes him a bit more irritable. Thankfully he's still Gabe and makes up for most of it with snuggles, good smiles and giggles.

Gabe & his Daddy cheering on the Millard South Patriots

Gabe & his gal (Gracie) enjoying the zoo.

Waiting for Daddy to get off the phone and play.

On Thursday Gabe and I watched our little buddy Noah (7mo), Noah spent most of the day in the Bjorn. As a result Gabe thought he should carry around his bear most of Friday in the same fashion. He started clapping when I got the Bjorn to fit just right so Bear wouldn't fall out. He also claps when the bank teller counts back our withdrawal, after prayer and just before his first bite, and when I bust a move on the dance floor, aka living room.

He still enjoys his books, sadly his current favorite is a Sesame Street Easter story. Out of season and generally annoying. But I suppose anything can get a bit annoying after 20+ readings.

During the day it's normal to hear Gabe chatting to himself in his room, only lately when I peek in I discover that he's actually 'reading aloud' - too cute.

Reading Aloud from Katie Holz on Vimeo.

Apple Picking

Last Saturday while Andy watched the Huskers at Memorial Stadium, Gabe and I ventured to a local apple orchard with some friends. We packed a picnic lunch, bag for our selected goodies, and headed to the orchard.

Gabe wasn't strong enough to pull apples from the branch, but was happy to collect them off the ground, or from Sam's basket.

He even tried using two hands. Good thing he brought mom.

Gracie liked to sample her pickings, but Gabe wasn't as interested. They did however, both like attempting to climb the trees. The trees were not afraid.

Clearly Sam was the most skilled!

Feeling Outnumbered

Today has been much awaited. Andy has in fact been counting down to this day, probably since last year, but only out loud since last week.

Today is the first HUSKER FOOTBALL GAME of the season!

Though Andy has not confirmed this, I think I can safely assume that he has been praying for God to place a love of Husker football in Gabe's heart. Until last night, I hadn't thought much about the impact this answered prayer could have on my life.

Truth is, I've lived in Nebraska 28 years, five of which I was a UNL student during. However, I have yet to attend a NU football game (There is a rumor that I attended one with my Dad in my youth, but I have no memory of this). In college, I loved game day. Everyone left the sorority house and I had the place to myself! Glorious quiet.

But game day for Andy is totally different. It's red clothes, big TVs, lots of food, friends and...well...yelling. You can clearly see we have different game day histories.

So far we've married these two concepts by meeting somewhere in the middle, and that's worked out well, as we only have two voices determining our plans. But last night, things started leaning in Andy's favor. To kick off the season, Andy wanted to take Gabe to a Millard South vs. Millard West football game.

I wasn't there, 'cause like I said football just isn't my thing, but I've been told Gabe thought it was GREAT! He was thoroughly entertained from 6:30 - 9pm, and this kid is usually in bed by 7:30. He spent his time giggling, snuggling, switching laps from Grandma and Daddy, pointing at the sights and being a Rock Star.

Looks like this could be a recurring event, especially since my vote may now be a losing one every time it comes up against football.

Clearly enthralled

He wanted to stand and get a better view.

WOW!