Man Down

In the span of Gabe's 18 months we've lost one small plastic ball, ripped the pages of one book, and misplaced one pacifier. It's a pretty good record and due in part to my anal behavior which I've managed to train to Gabe in a very short time. Gabe and I like when everything has a home and everything is in it's home. He's quick to point out dirt, spots, and things he finds where he doesn't believe they belong. The verdict is still out on whether this is good or bad, it's worked in our favor so far, but already my 18 month old can be a rude guest.

Anyway, I was cooking in the kitchen the other day when I heard a 'snap' and 'uh oh' (Gabe's most often word used correctly). Knowing something bad had happened I snagged the camera, rounded the corner and found Gabe looking pretty guilty. Apparently in his brute force Gabe ripped the hoop off the backboard.

I watched as he attempted to re-attach it without success.

After giving up he walked around the room holding the hoop and babbling to it. I couldn't tell if it was an explanation of his justified aggressive behavior or an apology, but it was heartfelt none the less.

Thankfully, with some packing tape, I was able to make it like new!

Shriner's Hospital: Trip 2

November 1st we had our second appointment at Shriner's Hospital in Minneapolis. Last time we were able to attend a pro baseball game (Thanks to the Duensings!), but this trip was a little less eventful. The highlight of our trip were Gabe's improved sleeping habits. During our first round, Gabe vetoed the car nap, and fought us at bedtime. But round two, Gabe slept for several hours in the car and went right to sleep at night! AMEN!

For those of you who don't know, Andy and I share a King sized bed at home. It's saved our marriage and ensured that we both get a quality nights sleeps. During our last trip however, our reservation was for a queen and I didn't want to say anything as I was high on gratitude for the Shriners, but this time, I requested the king bed! Not only did this give me the sleeping space I needed, it also provided a couch which we pulled away from the wall to create a barrier between Gabe's pack n' play and our spacious mattress. Who know's if it was the better arrangements, or the fact that Gabe has become a pro at sleeping in the last 6 month; whatever it was we're doing it again in 6 months when we return.

Gabe and his Daddy had just finished some wrestling, and clearly he was having troubling focusing w/the TV on in the background.

After Gabe's appointment we introduced him to IKEA. He's a believer. But he'll put his faith in just about anything that gives him breakfast first.

Believe it or not, these two pictures were take before and after we stretched our legs at a rest stop. And yes, I did take the pictures while driving...we made it home alive. Is it not the cutest thing that they both sleep with their heads leaning to the left!

Again, we received our new shoes less than a week after our appointment. Gabe moved up from a size 1 to a 3. He still doesn't complain or fight us at night when we put them on, but the extra weight has taken him some time to get used to. He was able to swing his old brace and shoes around in his sleep, now we can hear him bang them against the crib and wake himself up trying to get comfy. A week or so of interrupted sleep is a SMALL price to pay for free medical care, and corrective treatment for Gabe's club feet. We feel so blessed not only to have delivered Gabe in 2009 when his condition is completely treatable, but to have received such excellent care both in Omaha and from Shriner's.

This visit was particularly humbling for me in the waiting room. So many other moms sat there with their very loved children who face challenges far more complicated than Gabe's. And it's nothing I've done, but God's grace that has enabled Gabe's club feet to not only be 100% correctable, but also minor on the scale of this condition, we are truly blessed.

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.