Goodbye 3 Day Class

This year flew by. Gabriel ended up embracing preschool with his two "Jen" teachers. He called one "Old" Jen and the other "New" Jen (she arrived in January after maternity leave). He worked so hard on their cards. 

A Jellyfish for Scilla (Priscilla the Director), a Pumpkin for "New" Jen, and a Person for "Old" Jen

Jen said it was by far her favorite note. Her daughters found it very charming!

Nature Lesson

Gabriel watching the hawk on the left side of the roof. 

Coming home from Bowen, we start to turn left into our driveway when all of a sudden a large red tail hawk swoops down in front of our car with a morning snack in his claws. Startled, he drops his snack in our front yard and flies up to our neighbor's roof. Picking our jaws up, we hurry inside to watch the hawk. The hawk patiently waits for about an hour and half before determining that the snack is in too dangerous a position to fetch. She flies away leaving a large headless rabbit to be disposed of - gross.

Kicking Back

Gabriel has taken to resting wherever and whenever he pleases. The baseball diamond during Maddie's soccer game, fine. While we are walking to school in the middle of the sidewalk, not fine.

Success!

With grapes in cheeks, acting like a chipmunk

To say Gabriel has had a challenging time adjusting to preschool is an understatement. The tears, the monkey hold on me, the hands entwined in my hair, the teacher peeling him off of me as he sobs and I turn my back and leave the classroom. Not. Fun. In fact, quite awful.

I was very impressed with his ability to articulate what he was feeling. We refer to it as 3 year old cussing. As we'd walk up to the red doors, he'd say under his breath: "Stupid school, I hate this. Poop" And yes, I realize a three year old with command of the words stupid and hate says quite a bit, I can only say he is the third and try as I might, those words come out of certain childrens' mouths (poop is popular no matter the birth order)

I had a bit of solace when I'd pick him up and he would be happily playing on the playground (though he always spotted my car and by the time I walked up the hill, he'd be waiting at the gate for me). He'd even admit that he had fun. But, on his days off, he behaved like a perfect angel and often said how he just wants to be with me - sigh.

I realized that he had developed a habit at drop off of tensing up and getting upset. The reports from the teachers and friends said that he's engaged and happy during school.  So last week at coffee with some old friends from Bowen, Denise, who is always quite creative and positive in her solutions suggested bribery. But, in a positive way mixed with role playing. And by golly, it worked. Maddie and I role played and discussed how a smooth drop off would go over the weekend. I mentioned that there might be a special treat if he transitioned to school seamlessly. And voila, he staunchly marched into class not looking back (brave boy). I picked him up and he was so proud of his success. He said, "I didn't cwry, Mama." We jumped up and down, and he slyly grinned and said, "I get a tweat." I told him to chose ice cream, donuts or cookies and he chose donuts. I thought he'd want a large frosted sprinkled one but he decided he wanted the little balls. So I ordered four munchkins and we sat at the bar stools to celebrate. He popped one out of the bag and offered me one as well. We did cheers with our munchkins and enjoyed Gabriel's victory.

He's Our Underwear Guy!

It's such a big deal to say goodbye to diapers. After five successful days, we decided to have an special party for Gabriel. How lucky to celebrate this milestone with Nana. Gabriel was very tickled to be the center of attention.

A few thoughts -

• I cannot believe we are at this stage already. Though when I think about 8 1/2 years of diapers, I can believe it.
• Gabriel has done an amazing job with potty training - very few accidents. Of course, one was about an hour after his party...
• He just loves all of his special underwear and is so good at running to the potty or giving me a bit of notice when he needs to go. Hooray!!!

He's Three!

Our little angel! A boy who loves balls, sports, music, kiss attacks, his sister and brother and playing outside. He's not too fond of chickens or getting in trouble (he'll moan "I'm tired" when he's been reprimanded). His memory is astounding and his little sense of humor tickles us. We are so blessed to have our Gabey in our life.

His birthday was low key after our crazy weekend. Family dinner and presents were just what he needed. Maddie and Theo spent the afternoon wrapping about 40 items for him. To quote Theo, "Well, it was just a bunch of stuff I didn't want." That said, I know that some special treasures that Theo did like were added into the mix. Tough guy.

Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

The Future Van Morrison

Gabriel has taken to playing duets with Nathan. He asks to bring out Maddie's guitar and they play together. This time he even composed his own songs. He'd state the name of the song and then sing it while strumming the guitar. Look for the following on his debut album:

• Eating Strawberries
• Playing Basketball
• Birds and Singing
• Vacuuming with Mommy

The songs are easy to sing along to - mainly the title repeated continuously!

Sanders Super Heros

What's better than flying into Daddy's arms before bed? Not much! Both boys put on their super hero capes and took off from the changing table. I have the cutest video if I can figure out how to upload it.

Terrible pic but look at the joy on his face!

Mr. Gabriel

Gabriel is such a love. He loves kisses, hugs, snuggles and unlike the other two, I actually rock him to sleep for his nap. Can you believe it? But, it's probably my favorite time of day, watching him fall asleep. Of course, when he doesn't fall asleep it's a frustrating lengthy day...

I asked Gabriel, "Are you adorable?" He looked at me and said, "No, I'm Gabriel."

He loves to mimic Theo. Even falling down when Theo does. He'll cross his arms just like Theo. And they can get each other very riled up.

He likes to play pretend, especially to be a kitty. And he really likes to be involved in everything the family does. He is quite chatty, similar to his brother. When he throws a fit, he wants no one. He'll scream in his room for a good 15 minutes until he finally calms down and calls for me.

He loves his "school," the little music and art class we go to together. In the beginning, he'd nestle into my neck during music not participating. Now, he's requesting songs. He methodically works the art room, going from project to project, making sure he completes them all.

And he loves his Daddy. He used to be in Daddy's tummy and Daddy nursed him. No comment. And Nathan doesn't think he looks like him - um hello?

What a sweet loving boy we have!

Yankee Cowboy

Who's the cutest little cowboy?

We were headed to dinner at church and Gabriel wanted to wear his boots and hat (and his rock and roll shirt with a guitar like Daddy's). Once we arrived, like a proper cowboy, he hung up his hat while he ate dinner.

Gabesy and the Chickens

I've mentioned the Newton Community Farm before (we had a LOVE group out there). I really love it. It's this farm in the middle of Newton that farms organically and is just a slice of the country in our city. I didn't get the CSA this year (weekly vegetable pick up) but I was able to get a 9 week fruit share (all apples). We've had fun stopping by the farm where they have swings, toys, chickens and a bunny. It also just smells so nice and farmy (in a good way).

The first time we went to pick up our apples, Gabriel was pushing the lawn mower around and up walk the chickens. I'm thinking to myself how cool is that! Well, he completely freaks out! Screaming, shaking, can't wait to get away from those chickens. They were simply walking up toward him like a chicken does and I guess, they are just the right size and just strange enough looking to freak out a 2 year old. Anyhow, he was scooped up and we hustled out of there. The next week, we parked on the side of the road near the compost pile where guess who was a peckin and a pickin? The chickens! He peered out the car window with his big blue eyes and said "No chickens." He wanted Theo to carry him away from the chickens.

We had much progress on our last visit. While he was very excited to see the bunny (I have such a cute video of the bunny and Gabriel but I can't figure out how to get it uploaded), he wasn't as fearful about the chickens.

Gabriel asking the bunny for a "tiss."

The chickens steered clear of Gabriel until he was playing in the tire with the trucks. I waited cautiously to see how he'd react. He warily stared at the chickens and then proclaimed proudly that he played with the chickens! He even laughed when they tried to peck an apple in our bag.

Our Baby is Two!

Cannot believe that Gabriel is two! It seems just yesterday we welcomed him into our family. We couldn't wait to celebrate our little guy with a trip the Ecotarium, a museum we hadn't been to before. Science, animals, and a train - perfect for our little guy.

Daddy's boy through and through

Happy 2nd Birthday to our joyous loving boy. We adore the tight hugs, I wuv yous, and kisses. We love watching you play with your brother and sissy. You complete our family!

Me and Tay

Whenever you ask Gabriel something - like, who's been eating cookies? He'll shout an enthusiastic "Me!" I also love how he says okay - tay. I tried to get it on video to remember his sweet little voice.

Cutie Puttutie

Gabriel is turning into quite the little guy. He is a great helper, likes to clear his plate just like the big kids. And we have daily lessons for Maddie and Theo about how Gabriel is watching everything that they do. His latest we heard in the car. As Nathan was loudly making strange noises/trying to be funny, Gabriel shouts, "Shush!" If you ask him something, like, "Who made this mess?" He'll answer with a loud, enthusiastic, "ME!" If you ask him not to do something, you'll hear, "Tay." He is also very adept at telling stories with little words. He'll use the words that he knows along with movements and actions to get the point across.

Happy messy boy reading the newspaper

Yummy pasta

The Boys

I love watching them play together! They are starting to have such fun interacting. Theo is very patient as Gabriel learns how to play. I must admit, there's nothing I enjoy more than watching a boy plop down on his stomach and zoom a car or train around.

Christmas Elves

Two of my elves. So sad I didn't snap one of Theo.

Maddie, 22 months

Gabriel, 17 1/2 months

The Climber

This boy is into everything. He pushes a chair around the kitchen to get where he wants to be, right in the mix of whatever is going on. Rearrange the spices, sure no problem; climb up on the counter to grab a banana, easy peasy (as Theo says). He is a full blown toddler with all the ups and downs!

Two Boys in a Boat

There's nothing like an empty box and some wrapping paper for fun!

We Heart Vanessa

She's a lifesaver!

All Nighter

Doesn't Gabriel look like he pulled an all nighter?