How can he already be 4 months old?!

Boy does time fly! 16 weeks ago today we were welcoming Gabriel into the world. He is changing and growing so quickly. Seems like everyday he does something new...and is learning all the time. Just this week he stuck his tongue out at me, a trick his father taught him, he reached and grabbed a toy in front of him and now loves to "stand." His version of standing is really just bearing weight on his legs while we hold him up....a milestone none the less. By my estimations (our home scale) I believe he weighs around 12 pounds, which is a long way from where he started 4 months ago. I am loving every minute with my angel!

Who me?!

We have been having so much fun with Gabriel lately. He is definitely becoming more and more of an active participant in his day. His naps are shorter and he is way more interested in what we are doing. He was making some pretty funny faces yesterday. I think he is trying to figure out what the camera is. I call these pictures the "Who me" series!

Holy cow another first!

On Friday night Gabriel slept through the night for the first time...from 10Pm to 6AM! If only I had gotten in bed before midnight. It may not be his new schedule quite yet but at least I know he CAN do it!

A first!

So we were hanging out in Gabriel's room yesterday...kicking back, having tummy time, the usual Tuesday stuff. He has been getting closer and closer to pushing up on his arms and yesterday he did it! I was filming him at first and he was basically just getting mad with his face on the floor. I put the camera down for one second and he popped up! I am so proud of my little man! Like I said before...he doesn't know that he is a preemie! You have to watch Part 1 first to appreciate Part 2.

Competition for the blue bear...

Gabriel makes friends where ever he goes...I tried to film him talking to the toys but everytime I turned the camera on and pointed it at him he turned into a silent movie.

Gabriel's First Father's Day

We had great plans for today...brunch at Flemings, afternoon shopping and then an early dinner with friends. Unfortunately Keven and I both had a bit of a stomach bug. So far Gabriel seems safe! He didn't seem to mind staying home, he still got some quality time with his daddy. This was the day before...still Father's Day weekend. Father's Day eve ;) It may be Father's Day but I still have my eye on my mommy!

Cruel and Unusual punishment...or cute as heck?!

I vote cute!

A week with Grandma...

This past week our regular sitter had a vacation planned...no worries, grandma to the rescue! My mom was on a plane before I finished asking :) It was perfect, no anxiety for me and they got to bond for a week. Gabriel can't quite talk yet (coherently anyway), and therefore unable to confirm it, but I am pretty sure she spoiled him! Fine by me! Apparently their daily routine involved lots of wardrobe changes (so grandma could see him in all of his cute outfits), lots of kisses, chatting about life lessons and chatting with his bear of course. I think they both miss each other now. Thanks Mom! We are also pretty sure he grew almost an inch while she was visiting ;-) He is thinking, "oh crap, what are they doing to me now!"

Happy Boy

The pictures are a little blurry but look at that smile! How could I not share them?

Gabriel's best friend...the bear.

One of our neighbors gave Gabriel a blue blanket with a head on it. Little did we know it would become Gabriel's confidant. Everday after lunch, and most evenings, Gabriel has a 20 to 30 minute conversation with it. I am not sure what the bear says but it must be hilarious because Gabriel laughs and squeals and laughs some more. Man do we need a video camera! This will definitely be one of the toys I keep forever ♥

Things parents say.

K: "You are so cute, I just wanna squeeze the air out of you and make you into a teddy bear." Gabriel smiled!

Day one with the sitter

Since Keven and I did not win the lottery while I was on leave I had to return to work on June 7th. With lots of deep breathing I was fine...until I got to the sitter's house. As soon as she opened the door and the realization of why I was there hit me I was in a panic. Tears were streaming down my face and could barely talk. Luckily Gabriel's sitter, Teresa, was very comforting. Assuring me that this was normal and that everything would be fine. She took him and was immediately rubbing his back and swaying with him. I cried all the way to work and then luckily got very busy. The day went by quickly and I raced back to pick him up in the afternoon. As soon as he smelled me he let me know that he was very happy to see me. Ahhh, made my heart melt.

Day two my nerves have been much better!

This was Gabriel this morning before we left for the sitter....


This was Gabriel when we got home!

Beach baby!

This past weekend we headed to Puerto Penasco, Mexico (Rocky Point) for Gabriel's first beach trip. We went with our CV (Campo Verde) family...23 of us in all! We had two houses side by side full of activity. At first I thought with this being my last weekend before returning to work that I might be crazy. It actually turned out to quite nice because I was distracted. The weather was perfect...and the water warm. We even took Gabriel's travel bed down to the sand so he could join in the fun. I slathered him in sunblock and kept him under a tent! Great trip and Gabriel is now international! Check out Gavin in the background...must be the exploratory stage?

This little piggie went to market...

12 weeks to the day Gabriel has decided that he is STARVING! Nothing could make me happier. The boy who once had to stay at the hospital because he needed to learn to eat now gulps his bottles (3 1/2 - 4 ounces) and then often asks for more! I can't wait to add more fat rolls to my chunky monkey....then he actually will be!

His Aunt "Tiffy" was visiting this week, and in efforts to get her baby fix, fed him quite a few meals this week. Hopefully when she goes home he will still be a good eater. We did learn that he has quite an eye for blondes ;-) He couldn't stop smiling at her, it was pretty cute.

Siblings...at heart

Me and my kids...the furry one and the babe ;-)

Weight check

10 pounds 1 ounce and 22 3/4 inches long. Good work Gabriel!

Reminder: at birth 4 pounds 9 ounces, 18 inches long.