And she walks.....

She took her first step a few days after turning 11 months and then on June 13th was able to take 4 steps at a time. Still not doing it 100% of the time but I'd say we are about 80/20. I think watching a baby learn to walk, their arms out to the side trying to keep balance is sooo adorable!! I've been trying to upload video for months but for some reason can't so hopefully I can get it working soon!

Happy Fathers Day!

We love you!!!

3 Years Ago Today....

I gave birth to this precious boy...

And here he is today!

To our Sweet Little Man,

Your Daddy and I can not believe you are 3 today! It seems like just yesterday when I surprised Daddy with the news that we were expecting, we were overcome with such excitement and although we had some struggles and bumps in the road prior, we knew God was in control. Every day I am amazed by you, from the moment you entered my life you have made me better. From the sporadic hugs and kisses that you sprinkle throughout every day to the excitement you show in the little things, I am charmed by you! You are such a great big brother to Hannah, you've already taken on the role of her little protector. It just melts my heart watching the relationship between the two of you blossom. Although it's hard for me to admit you are a Daddy's boy, the two of you have such a great time together, you have a wonderful Daddy! God has truly blessed us with you as our son and words cannot express how much we love you!!

Gabe at 3:

• Is starting to try and imitate more words..he had his verbal evaluation with Mrs Rachel (his speech therapist) where he had to repeat 75 words or so (I can't remember the exact amount just know it was a lot) he completely shut down but then in the weeks to follow it seems like he has attempted to copy words we say more!!!
• Tested high in receptive (he finished off at the 6/7 yr old level)
• Sometimes Hannah does not like to ride in the car so she'll cry/scream and Gabe says Boo (his nickname for her) top (aka stop) and covers his ears
• Loves cuddling up with Mommy or Daddy for his bedtime story
• Rambunctious high energy boy who apparently doesn't need much sleep (Very rarely naps..which started shortly after turning 2)
• Loves to be Mommy/Daddy's little helper
• Likes cars, trucks, Curious George, Pooh, trains and is all into "fixing things" even if that means he has to take it apart first
  

11 months

These next four weeks will probably be the last time I refer to Hannah's age in months..she will soon be a 1 yr old! Exciting but yet oh so sad for Mommy, at the end of the day when I'm putting the kids to bed after they are asleep I watch them for a little bit and just wonder where the time has gone and then the tears start filling up in my eyes. I love being a Mom and although there are definitely days where I'm so exhausted that I don't think I can make it through the day..there really is nothing I'd rather be.

Hannah at 11 months:

• still just moving along furniture and using her push walker, she can go from sitting to standing without holding on to anything and will stand for several minutes thinking about taking the plunge but then decides to get on all fours and crawl to her destination!
• In the process of sleep training which is definitely taking a lot longer than it did with Gabe but Gabe loved his paci and Hannah not so much
• Is learning to hold her own with Gabe....she never used to care when Gabe would take a toy away, now she will grab his arm and take it back from him which 8 times out of 10 turns into somewhat of a sibling battle (it sure does start early)
• Nursing about 6 times and eating 3 meals a day
  

• 

The Beach House!!

Last week we were able to go to St George Plantation to the beach house with some friends for a couple days..the kids had a wonderful time and so did we!! It was very relaxing and the beach house was really nice (which definitely helps!) Gabe loved hanging out with Ally, Nicholas and Jonathan but he couldn't get enough of Ally and she was so helpful with him!

Gabe and Ally playing in the water

Gabe loves the beach, Hannah however preferred the pool!

Hannah was able to catch up on her reading

It was only fitting to have Gabe take his picture next to this sign since we have the hardest time keeping clothes on him sometimes!!

10 months

Still in shock that in 2 short months she will be 1 already and this time last year when we were awaiting the arrival of this little girl 2 months seemed like so long...funny how that works.

Hannah at 10 months:

• Says Dada, down and when she points to things it sounds like she is saying dis (this)
• Really good at pushing around her walker
  
• Can stand by herself without holding on to anything for long period of time but has not taking any steps yet....she still seems unsure
• She is going to be one tough cookie...Gabe has been getting pretty rough with her, he usually ends up in time out because he's too rough
• Does not get much one on one time with Mommy or Daddy but when she does she loves it!
• Much like her brother has been challenging me with solid foods...she started off so well but has regressed
• Still waking up several times a night
• Has 4 teeth and is working on 3 more
• Several times a day she will just crawl over to me and lay her head on me to snuggle..it's really cute!
  

We just started sleep training so hopefully Mommy will start to get more sleep!!

She loves the swing!

Just like Mommy she is going to blind someone with those legs!! :-)

NY Trip

A couple weeks ago we drove up to NY to spend some time with my parents and extended family! The drive up went okay, I had to sit in the back in between the kids most of the way otherwise Hannah wasn't very happy. Unfortunately for me it made me feel a bit carsick which is no fun on a long car ride.
We did stop at EJ's dads house in VA which helped break up the drive and it gave them some time to hang out with the kids. Gabe couldn't get enough of the 4 wheeler!
There wasn't much down time once we got to NY, but we had a great time. I was able to spend some quality time with family and EJ and I had a date night and Gabe loved spending time his Nana and Papa. I was really bad about taking pictures but here are a couple from the zoo. The penguins were definitely Gabe's favorite!

Hannah enjoying the beautiful weather

And this is what EJ did when the kids started fussing in the car (listening to pandora on his phone)!! Can't blame him, I'm not a big fan of driving long distances but I have to say when I was sitting between 2 little ones that were over the car ride I was wishing I was driving!!