Bounce U - "you go ahead...

...I am going to hang out on the sidelines." Today we went to Max's 2nd birthday party at Bounce U with someof Gabriel's friends. I wasn't quite sure how he would feel about bouncing but since he seems pretty fearless and likes his jumper I thought why not. He is definitely not a fan...yet. I think he was totally overwhelmed and just didn't know what to think. It is amazing we got a couple cute pictures because he spent most of his time in the bounce house either climbing on me or Jena so that his feet didn't touch the ground. Poor thing..but kind of funny.



He did not like the tunnel at all!


Other than being scared to death of bouncing he had a great time. He talked, danced, clapped, ate pasta and even drank water from a real bottle (since mommy forgot his cup).

He definitely had a good time when he got home...playing with the remote!


Checking to see if he turned the TV on.


I think he is claiming the remote by licking it...sorry Keven, Gabriel called it ;-)

Egg-ceptional!

As Gabriel gets older and eats more and more solid foods it is nice that we can share meals. This morning we had eggs and toast. He cannot eat the egg whites until we get the go ahead from the doc, which works out fine...I eat the whites and he eats the yolk. His eggs got a bit crumbly but that didn't slow him down one bit.









He knows what is next...washing hands and face which he HATES!

Hooray!...and big yay!

My mommy is home again! I felt like the world was standing still yesterday when I was trying to get home to Gabriel. Delayed flight, slow baggage claim, slow shuttle bus and of course traffic. It all went away when I walked in the door and Gabriel saw me and gave me that squeal! He was grinning from ear to ear and crawled over as fast as he could. It was past his bedtime so even though he really wanted to talk and play sleepiness was creeping in. I was just glad I got home in time to tuck him in. He woke up twice during the night, not crying..talking. I would go in and he would smile, almost as if he was checking to see if I was still there.

He slept in this morning (8AM), which was good since my mom and Jenacca said he had been getting earlier and earlier and napping less. All of that seems to be back on track today. Grandma and Jena did a great job while I was gone! I have no immediate plans to leave again but at least I know I can...and he can.



I decided to work from home and not go into the office...no way was I spending another day away! Here are some of our lunchtime adventures.

grabbing the remote of course!


grabbing a snack


pause to stand alone...


off to the kitchen..


trying to feed Rahja...


and into the cabinet...


He had a real interest in the doors and drawers today and how they work.








Time for cabinet locks I guess!

How low can you go?

Gabriel's crib mattress is now at the lowest level possible. Doesn't he seem upset about it?



Gabriel's eyebrow expressions crack me up :)


Of course since we lowered the crib this morning he passed out on me during his lunch and I had to get on my tip toes to get him comfortably to the mattress. He was undisturbed...and adorable.

Say it isn't so!

"what do you mean BOTH of my parents are going out of town all week?!" What are the odds that both Keven and I have unavoidable work trips next week. Mine was planned and Keven's was a bit last minute...Grandma to the rescue! Let's not pretend like she won't love it. I can't wait to see what she teaches him while I am gone. And I of course can't wait to get back!

Peek-a-boo!

Quick Videos

Unfortunately colds and runny noses have been taking over our house the last week or so. Today I was having a sneezing attack and Gabriel just thought it was the funniest thing ever. He fell for it again and again when I fake sneezed to get him to laugh again. Just ignore his runny nose...I have been wiping it constantly for several days now. Poor guy :(



This is Gabriel's caveman crawl. I fear that sooner rather than later is walking and then I really will never sit down.

11 minutes with my 11 month old!

Can you keep up? This is actually more like 7 minutes (and 7 laps around the kitchen)...then a break and move to the playroom.

I love this picture! Gabriel is crawling and laughing and squealing all at once. When he thinks he is "getting away" this is what he does.








We have to put Rahja's food up once she eats because it has become a favorite attraction.


Only a matter of time until this gets knocked over and Rahja is really Gabriel's bestfriend!


I think he saw some lent.








"I am sure mommy didn't really mean to NOT touch these."




"I have been reading this book for months. Are they ever going to buy me a new one?!"


"Ooo a camera!"




One last dance to the frog before a nap.

"My nose is running and I scratched my cheek...

...and I just want to hang out with my mommy." Gabriel had a rough day today. My guess is a combination of teething and a runny nose. Thankfully no fever and a good appetite so I wasn't too worried. He just didn't want to be away from me today. Normally he is fine as long as he can see me but today was a "hip" day. I recently met a woman who had her daughter's name tatooed on her hip...because that is where she spent the first 2 years.

I hated that he had a bad day but I didn't mind all the hugs and eskimo kisses ♥

Gabriel did end the day on a high note. We went to Claim Jumper for dinner and he dined with us! No bottle! Claim Jumper has a free baby plate which consists of a piece of turkey, cheese, applesauce and oranges. He loved turkey and is no stranger to cheese and applesauce (we skipped the oranges). He also ate about half of Keven's mashed potatoes...and no, I am not exaggerating. Full tummy!





hanging onto my pants.


No day is too tough for a little music...

"leftovers?!...we have leftovers?!"

If there is one thing that motherhood has taught me thus far...if it works once, try it again! Tonight's dinner was more spiral pasta. Gabriel loved it just as much! His cheeks were a little shiny from the oil in the dressing.



"just shove it in right?"


"but I don't feel full..."