What a Wonderful World!

Sometimes it seems like life is going by so slowly; each week meanders by, each day is filled with a thousand jobs, chores, and errands. It takes forever to make dinner, an eternity to drive across town, and the trip to the grocery store takes ages. And then I turn around and my sweet little baby has turned into a sweet little boy! When did that happen? How did he grow several inches overnight? When did the nighttime routine turn into a relaxing and joyful moment that I look forward to and linger over? How in the world did Gabriel learn to empty the dishwasher, set the table, and drink from a big boy cup? We still have temper tantrums and separation anxiety and selfishness and occasional nap refusals, but this phase we are in is so loving and peaceful that I simply can't even imagine it getting better or richer, although I know it will! It's been such a joy getting to know our little "Butter Bean," and we still feel so blessed by all the wonderful things he's brought to our life!

Tonight was especially nice. We had a fun day outside at the park, pool, and on the swing reading books and being silly, so Gabriel was really sleepy and ready for bed. We hopped over next door for a moment (he loves our neighbors on both sides - lucky us!), and he got to play with their little poodle while I had a cup of real Colombian coffee - yum! Gabriel even got to taste his first dogfood... yuck! Okay, he liked it but we all said yuck. Anyway, we finally got him bathed and booked and to bed (with a lot of giggling and snuggles), and Jake and I sat outside on the swing to enjoy the breeze after the sun went down and watched the lightning bugs and the lightning and thunderstorm. It was awesome! We are finally feeling like this is home, and this is where we are supposed to be in this phase of our life. Tonight just made us feel so cozy and at home and at peace.

As for new news, not too much to report. We had a very chilled out weekend. We went to Linganore for the Wine and Jazz Festival which was great! The music was really good, and we met up with some other Stroller Strides families. Gabriel just had a blast and thought he owned the place. He went from blanket to blanket visiting the other families, playing with toys, eating their goldfish, and dancing like a star! We tasted a few of their wines, and found some that were really nice. It's lovely and if you come visit we'll take you there :). I am still running and planning to run a 10 miler in August. Last Thursday I was supposed to drive 15 minutes east of here to meet up with some girls for a hilly run... I got lost and ended up halfway to Baltimore! It took me an hour and 15 minutes to find the place, and the girls were well finished with the run. I ran the route alone anyway and really enjoyed the challenge. It lifted my spirits and boosted my confidence. We'll do it again on Thursday, and I hope to actually make it on time this time!!!

G is just talking away. He now says a few more words: yuck or it's yuck, truck, dark or it's dark, step, stop, and a few others. He can make monkey sounds and a modified fish face. He's almost reaching the pedals on his tricycle, and he can occasionally make it move a bit! He still loves watering the flowers, but he's eating less of the soil and is no longer afraid of the worms. We still smell every flower. He likes to help me clean up and copies everything. It's so fun to see him be silly and we all get the giggles! Tonight he was yelling, patting his head, slapping his knees while crouching, then cracking up -- it's so great!!! There are a million little things he does that are just so big-boy. Our little baby is not much of a baby anymore, but boy we love him!!!

Happy June, now that it's almost July :)

It has been a fun month for us, but busy. We started out the month with a visit to Texas to watch Jake's sister graduate high school. It was a nice few days, but Gabriel's favorite part of the visit was definitely Pippy the puppy. They became great friends, and they loved to kiss. Okay, it's kinda gross, but very cute. Pippy would run up to Gabriel, and G would open wide for a big kiss and giggle like crazy!

We had a layover in Austin, so we had a quick visit with some of my family as well. I got to see my little sister, my mom and my step dad. We also drove up to Rogers to see my Grandma, and Gabriel got a quick visit with his cousin, Aubrey. Gabriel loooooved feeding her cookies!

Although it was a quick trip to Texas, Gabriel grew in leaps and bounds! He did great on the planes (we rode 6 planes in all!) and he slept very well in his pack and play. He loved on everybody and showed off his tricks! He even learned to make bubbles with an electric bubblemaker and a bubble wand and he walked up a small flight of steps without holding on or climbing!!! In Wimberley with my parents, Gabriel got his first little red wagon and he looooved it! We rode around and watched the deer (although G tried his hardest to abandon ship and run after the deer). We even took a little trip down to the river and played on the rocks and in the water. Yay!

Once we got home, we went to our first strawberry farm and picked berries in the scorching heat. Gabriel got a little fussy, but then he realized that all these red things we'd been picking were edible!!! He was much happier after he discovered that!

Gabriel and the Pippy puppy kiss in Amarillo

Angie, Gabriel, and Aunt A'Landra go for a tree climb

Daddy and Gabriel take a little dip

A Mama deer and three babies

A ride in the Radio Flyer



Bubbles!



Gabriel loooooved Gramma Alice's bird bath!



Gabriel climbing the stairs and telling us all about it



Feeding cousin Aubrey

Angie and Gabriel at the Strawberry Farm

Testing out the results


Picking a berry with Daddy Jake


Trying to convince Gabriel to put berries in the basket, not straw!

Memorial Day in D.C.

What a lovely day. We went next door for dinner last night and stayed up late, so we slept in today! We finally got into Washington around lunchtime, so we wandered down to the Sculpture Garden for a picnic lunch and listened to the music festival nearby. Gabriel loooooved the ducks and the fountains, and he was super excited that we let him put his feet in the water. It absolutely tortured him that he couldn't get all the way in for a little swim, but a bit of yogurt and dancing distracted him enough to keep him warm and dry!

We then headed over to the National Air and Space Museum. We thought that a bunch of huge pieces of metal would totally bore Gabriel to death, but he was fascinated! He couldn't get enough of the planes and other aircraft. He pointed, yelled, sang, jumped (kind-of... his feet don't quite come off the ground yet), and danced around all the planes. Maybe he'll be a pilot? Or a plane fixer-upper? I guess we need to invest in a model airplane!

All during this time, the parade was forming up, practicing, and marching by. Gabriel especially liked the horses and drums, but any music is fine by him. Let me put it this way: we did a lot of dancing in public today!

After some museum-ing, we met up with a friend from high school (Brenda) for a nice, relaxing visit and Spanish food. Gabriel loved playing peek-a-boo, and we were very glad Brenda was patient: Gabriel was quite fussy and tired by the end of a long, fun day!

As for last night, it was great! Our neighbor had her family over and invited us to join the party. Gabriel was the center of attention, and he knew it. It was like having a little celebrity sitting in my lap! He danced, pointed out body parts, waved, smelled flowers and demanded others smell flowers, clapped, and pointed to his heart's content. By the end of the night, G had eaten a bit of everything (including some of a brownie, a pill bug, and a bit of dirt from the garden) and shared hugs and kisses and high-fives with everybody present! What a little star! He is great entertainment and seems to liven up any party!!!

Happy Birthday to the Mama!!!

Today is my 29th Birthday... am I really that old??? Anyway, it was a wonderful day! I got to sleep in, then we had a playdate at the park, Jake took us to lunch, I got to bake my birthday cupcakes (yes, it was fun for me), Jake made dinner, and then I got my birthday present: a place setting of my china!!! Yea for Angie! It really helped that the weather was nice today and yesterday. I am soooo affected by the weather, so nice weather is grrrrreat for my mood.

Now about these cupcakes: S'mores Cupcakes. Does that sound decadent and awesome, or what? They have a graham cracker crust, a dollop of Scharffen Berger chocolate in the middle, a rich and moist chocolate cake, and a toasted marshmallow icing. They are fab, but filling. I made some tiny ones so that Gabriel could have one, and he couldn't get enough. It was G's first cupcake, and I think he was very happy with the experience. We put one on his little plate, and he would poke his finger in the middle and lick it off! Then he ate the rest of the cupcake, and when that was gone, he was wiping the plate with his little fingers to get all the chocolate and icing off! What a funny guy! I got the recipe from Martha Stewart, and she got it from a little shop called Trophy Cupcakes. Here's the recipe for anybody interested:

Chocolate Graham Cracker Cupcakes with Toasted Marshmallow Icing
Makes 2 Dozen

-ingredients--------------------------------------------------

• 2 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (from about 20 squares)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 9 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• Marshmallow Frosting

-preparation--------------------------------------------------

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 standard muffin tins with cupcake liners; set aside.
2. Sift 2 cups plus 2 tablespoons sugar, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into the bowl of an electric mixer. Using the paddle attachment, mix ingredients together on low speed.
3. In a large bowl, mix together eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Add to flour mixture and beat on medium speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl and continue mixing on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add boiling water and stir to combine; set cake batter aside.
4. Place graham cracker crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter in a large bowl; stir until well combined.
5. Place 1 tablespoon graham cracker mixture into the bottom of each prepared muffin cup. Use the bottom of a small glass to pack crumbs into the bottom of each cupcake liner. Reserve remaining graham cracker mixture for topping.
6. Place 2 teaspoons chocolate in each muffin cup. Transfer muffin tins to oven and bake until the edges of the graham cracker mixture is golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and fill each muffin cup three-quarters full with cake batter. Sprinkle each with remaining chocolate and graham cracker mixture. Return to oven and bake, rotating pans halfway through baking, until tops are firm and a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 18 to 20 minutes. Transfer muffin tins to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool in pan for 10 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pan and let cool completely.
7. Transfer frosting to a large pastry bag fitted with a large plain round or French tip (such as Ateco #867 or Ateco #809). Pipe frosting in a spiral motion on each cupcake. Transfer cupcakes to a baking sheet. Using a kitchen torch, lightly brown the frosting, taking care not to burn the cupcake liners. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container, up to 2 days.

Marshmallow Icing
Makes enough icing for 2 dozen cupcakes

-ingredients--------------------------------------------------

• 8 large egg whites
• 2 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

-preparation--------------------------------------------------

1. Place egg whites, sugar, and cream of tartar in the heatproof bowl of an electric mixer. Set over a saucepan with simmering water. Whisk constantly until sugar is dissolved and whites are warm to the touch, 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Transfer bowl to electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, and beat, starting on low speed, gradually increasing to high, until stiff, glossy peaks form, 5 to 7 minutes. Add vanilla, and mix until combined. Use immediately.

As for baby news, Gabriel is getting so smart. We knew that he knew his body parts, and we make special effort to name them if he points to them or as we change his clothes, etc. I got stuck in a waiting room yesterday, so I started asking him about his body. I started with the usual "where's your nose?" and "where is your eye?" I ran out of the easy ones, and started asking the harder ones. I had no idea that he had such a detailed knowledge of his anatomy! What a smarty pants! When I asked him where his foot was, he was tired of pointing, so he just lifted is foot to me. I pushed for an answer, and he finally pointed to his foot in exasperation as if to say "you know already!!!" It was so funny!

He also has started this thing where he squeezes his rubber duckies as hard as he can. But you really have to see it to get the full effect: he's usually naked and standing in the tub, and then he shrugs his shoulders, smiles really big, sucks his tummy in, and squeezes as hard as he can until his arms shake and his face turns red! It totally cracks us up!!!

And today he helped me empty the dishwasher for the first time. I handed him all the plastic containers to put away. He would take the containers, one by one, put them in the cabinet, clap for himself, and then come back for another plastic container to put away. It was so cute, and actually helpful. He usually just steals all the silverware and hides the forks in funny places. This was so much better than the silverware treasure hunt I'm used to!

I have some new pictures, but I'll add them when they're developed. I know, I know: I'm a bit slow at getting pictures up as I do it the old fashioned way... we'll be digital eventually.

It's a Zoo!

Today was totally fun! We started out at Stroller Strides for a good workout at Baker Park. The weather has been absolutely beautiful, and this morning was no exception. Gabriel had a fun ride in the pram, and we saw lots of dogs, ducks, geese, baby ducks and geese, and other birds of all kinds. G was way excited :).

After class, we all went to Ijamsville to the petting zoo. It's a nice little farm that started out as a "pick your own veggies" place, but people were more excited about the animals than the vegetables. So now they are rather famous for their kid-friendly animals. Gabriel got to pet a zebra, donkeys, pigs, cows, a duck (whoopee!), chickens, and a baby goat. He could have pet the grown-up goats, but he was totally scared of them. I don't blame him! They scare me, too! He really wanted to pet the emus, but I talked him out of it... and then the emu went potty and scared the daylights out of him! He especially loved the little chicks. I held them and he petted them; I was so scared he would smoosh them, but he was very gentle and loving. So sweet! I didn't think I'd ever get him out of the chicks room, but I lured him out with the promise of ducks and geese. So, we marched over to the ducks and geese pen, and he had a grand time chasing them around the pen with all the other kids. But then the inevitable happened: the biggest goose decided he was tired of being chased, and he decided to pick on the littlest of the chasers! As I was about to take a picture, the goose bit Gabriel and sent him screaming! It didn't even leave a mark, but he sure stayed close to his mama for the rest of the afternoon :).

Next we headed over to the chickens. I didn't think G would care for them at all, especially considering the unfriendly goose. I was so wrong. We pet and followed chickens for 20 minutes, until I got dizzy from running in circles and herded him over to the cow barn. I milked a cow (for the first time in over ten years), but Gabriel wasn't so sure about the squirting milk situation, so we moved on to other animals. It was a ton of fun!

He also had his little Spanish session with our neighbor, and he was particularly loving. I took a few pictures of him cuddling up to Laura. Gabriel insisted on walking her home, and he had a total meltdown when it was time for us to say goodbye. I am so happy that he is making friends and (hopefully) learning a valuable skill. We'll see if it works out the way we are hoping!

Our little guy is growing up so fast!!! If we are using a fork, spoon or knife, then he has to have one of his own. If we are sitting in a chair to read, then he needs to sit in a chair to read. If we are going outside to water plants, then he has to water plants as well. Such a copycat, but it's so sweet! I really like that he likes to set the table -- it gives him a job to do while I finish dinner. And now that he is really babbling like crazy, I just know that one day he's just going to open his mouth and talk like a grownup! His most recent babbles are "yabba-dabba-jabba" and "boodja boodja biedja bidja." We haven't figured out what it's supposed to mean, but Jake insists he's trying for "Yabba Dabba Doo!"

On a non-baby note, we are sending our thoughts to NYC and West Point this weekend. Jake's sister, Diane, is traveling with Lucia (their mom) and the choir group, ending with a performance on Sunday at West Point. How fun for them! Good luck Randall High School choir!!!

And for you photo junkies, here are some of our favorite new pics. Be sure to check out the "Albums" link in the right column for all the new pictures. Have a Happy Mother's Day!!!

Gabriel's first tree climbing!

Our neighbor, Karen, taught him how to smell flowers

He loves to drink from the water hose

Helping water the plants

Cool kid at the Zoo

Chickens!

Sneaking away from those scary llamas

A Big Pig

Little guy, big horse

Soooo sleepy!

Like mother, like son! He cries if he sees a Starbucks logo and we don't let him have it. We used to frequent Starbucks (and other coffee shops) a lot in London when Gabriel was itty bitty and I needed a warm, cozy place to feed him.

A day at Baker Park

Cherry Blossoms!

A cozy spot by a covered bridge in the park

On the swings with Daddy

How exciting! The bridge has windows!

So many rocks to collect, so little time

Barefoot in the grass, eating the leaves under the Cherry Blossoms

Keeping Busy

We just don't stop these days! The weather is improving, and we are really starting to enjoy it up here. Gabriel is sooooo glad to be getting outside more, and he's finally getting to play with kids his own age. I've joined Stroller Strides, which is a Mommy and Baby exercise group. We meet at Baker Park to jog and exercise while pushing our prams, then the kiddoes get to play at the playground afterward. It's great for both of us! They also host little outings, and we are looking forward to a trip to a petting zoo next week. Gabriel looooves animals (but especially dogs and ducks), so that should be a perfect fit!

He's learning loads of new tricks these days. Today he helped me to load the dishwasher, then he closed the door, I locked it, and he turned it on! I guess we've found his second chore. His first is sweeping the floor, although Jake and I do a *bit* of touching up afterward... he kinda just moves the dirt around all over the place. It's amazing that I can ask him to do something and he does it. He also loves to help me put things on the table for a meal or a snack, so I'll hand him yogurt, silverware, plastic bowls and plates, etc., and most of them end up where they're supposed to be. He really thinks he is one of us, and is frustrated that he can't always do what we do. It's really frustrating that he can't see what I'm doing when I'm cooking or cleaning, so sometimes I let him stand on a stool and help me "chop" veggies or "clean" the counter with a paper towel. He likes to use his silverware properly (and he wants silverware like we have, not kid stuff), drink from a glass, and sit at the table. It is a lot of fun for us -- although a bit messy at times -- and he's learning, so we indulge him as often as we can. He's such a great little person!

Another little trick he learned today was how to take off his pants. Uh-oh... what do we have to look forward to??? He was happily typing on the laptop. I glanced at Jake, and when I looked back, Gabriel was stepping out of his pants, then carefully piling thim on the computer. He turned to us as pleased as pie! What a silly-willy! We got to giggling, and he followed suit. He's learned to throw his head back and laugh like we do, so it only makes us laugh more. What fun!

We try and create an environment that is conducive to learning and creativity, and we think it's really important that he is exposed to different languages. Luckily, we live next door to a family from Colombia!!! Laura is in Junior High, and she's coming over every week to give G Spanish lessons. He loves her and has totally accepted her as a member of the family. Not only does he happily give her kisses and cuddles, but he fully expects me to give her hugs and kisses as well! If we don't, he'll take our hands and pull us together. If we still don't, it's meltdown time. Needless to say, I am happy to give her a hug as well!

We've also started a little potted plant garden. Gabriel has really gotten into it, and his favorite job is watering the plants. We have carrots, artichokes, chives, lavender, and a few different flowers coming up, so we'll cross our fingers that we should have a pretty little crop of plants in a few weeks. Unfortunately, he also loves to play in the mud that is created from his watering, so it's a messy job! On occasion a bit of that mud ends up in his mouth, which he doesn't like, so he'll point the water hose at his mouth to take a drink. He's gotten really good at it, but he's usually a sopping mess before it's all over! After a particularly messy and muddy session, we came in to clean him up. As I ran over to grab some towels to clean him up, he reached up on the table and grabbed a huge cup of water and decided to take a drink. He's not used to full cups of water and ended up dumping the whole cup of water on his face! He was momentarily surprised, then very proud to have accomplished his task of cleaning up and getting a drink. I didn't even know he could reach that far on the table, so we will have to be more careful in the future!!!

Sorry for yet another week without posting. Gabriel was a little sick (and waking up constantly), now he's teething, and then Jake got sick, so I'd rather sleep than type these days! Thanks for your patience!!! We're all better now, and we are back in business.

It's rather late, so I'll leave off with a few recent pictures of our cutie.

His bear and new best friend from the Boones -- he's named Rillo (pronounced rijo) after Amarillo!

Gabriel and Nana at Mien Yu in Georgetown on her Birthday

"ME LOVE COOKIES" --Cookie Monster

"Baby Baby" by Amy Grant... we listen to this musical card over and over and over and over and over.....

He loooooves eggs!

A close relative of the Easter Bunny

Our first Easter in Frederick

Even practices the drums in his sleep!

Mr. Cool in his new sunglasses

G and his little sandcastle set that we take everywhere

Beside the YMCA's gorgeous dogwood tree

Peekaboo!!!
This is the bike we have to ride every day, rain or shine!!!