Guess Who?

I couldn't resist taking a picture of Alex on the same toy as Gabe after glancing through past photos. Can you tell who is who?

Winter Photos

Happy Alex Take II

I love this photo. This boy never stops smiling.

Cooking with Mama

Mmmmmmm, pizza. My boy loves his vegetables!

Potty Training Update

Because I know you are all so interested in the toilet habits of my 2 year old:

Gabe is now peeing in the toilet 100% of the time!

Of course, he is also pooping in his underwear 100% of the time.

Which leads me to wonder...Is is worse to change really messy pants 1-2 times a day, or to change only slightly messy pants 6-7 times a day. Hmmm, the things we mothers ponder.

Seriously though, this child will go to the bathroom to do number one, and then but his underwear and pants back on only to poo himself 2 minutes later. What gives, Advice?

"I'll do it all by myself"

If I had a nickel for every time I heard those words out of my sweet boy's mouth, I'd probably have enough for a pedicure. He *MUST* do everything by himself these days, from dressing to using the toilet, to getting in the car.
It wouldn't be so bad, if he could just be happy with a little help. But the slightest bit of assistance with a zipper will cause him to rip off his coat, and start the process all over, so that he can "Do it all by myself." He is driving me just a little bit insane!
However, the look on his face is priceless when he does "Do it myself." Apparently, I do a good job of congratulating him, because he said to me a few days ago:
"Mom, you put a new paper towel (toilet paper) on. Great. You did it all by yourself, I am so happy for you."
Thanks, honey.

Finally Ready!

Alex, on the other hand, still lets me do everything for him!

Leaps and Bounds

I have been nothing short of amazed at how much Alex has grown in the past month. Just a short time ago he was rocking back on all fours *thinking* about crawling. Since then, he has taken off on his hands and knees and hasn't looked back. He can scoot from one end of the house to the other in the time it takes me to pour a cup of coffee. My days of peeing with the door closed have come to another end!
Not only does he crawl, he pulls himself up to standing, and will even let go for a few seconds at a time. This week he even made it up a few stairs before I noticed. He obviously is doing his best to keep up with his big brother!

Gabe.. getting his groove on

Obviously

Gabe: Mom, what's that?
Me: Those are Pumpkin seeds. I just made them.
Gabe: I feed them?
Me: You mean, you want to eat them?
Gabe: No, I feed them!
Me: Feed them to who, honey?
Gabe: The pumpkins.

Obviously.

Pumpkin Patch Take II

Of course, this trip to the Pumpkin Patch didn't actually involve Pumpkins. Instead there were ponies to mount, animals to pet, trains to ride, and snacks to eat.

Too Much Target

The alternate title for this post is "The second best deal for $1.50 in town." Of course, everybody knows that the best deal for $1.50 in town is Costco's polish dog and a soda. But, Target comes in a close second for popcorn and punch. Going to Target is on of Gabe's favorite things to do. What kid wouldn't love playing toys, eating popcorn, and drinking punch? Passed out in the car seat is usually how these trips end.

Farm Store and Pumpkin Patch

This last weekend we decided to make a visit to our local Farm Store. I am not sure why I get the urge to visit these stores in the fall. Perhaps I'm genetically trained to collect the bounty of the harvest, or maybe I just like a good deal. We bought tomatoes, corn, apples, pears, a pumpkin, and several types of peppers and squash, all for about $20. I'll have to admit that the timing is great, because I am trying to keep up with making baby food as fast as Alex can eat it. He is quite the 'chunky monkey,' as Gabe calls him, and eats at least 4 ounces, 3 times a day. Here are some photos of our adventure.

Happy Alex

Alex is the pretty much the perfect second baby. He is calm and patient. He sleeps well and wakes up happy. Pretty much, he only fusses when he's hungry, poopy, or tired. I'd like to take credit for his adorable-ness, but it's probably just a result of him learning to "self soothe" as I can't always be two places at once. His favorite thing to do is sit on the floor and play with his toys while watching his big brother and squealing with delight.

Big Gabriel

Sometimes when I stop to think about how big Gabe is getting it makes me tear up a little. I mean I remember his baby days like they were yesterday. He is so kind to his brother, has a great sense of humor, and is especially smart too. When he doesn't know the word for something, he just makes it up. And in Gabe's world things make much more sense!
Examples: Sky Wall = Ceiling, Swing Bed = Hammock, Ball stick = Crosse (Lacrosse stick), Swim Glasses = Goggles, Monster Doggie = Master Yoda. Makes sense to me!.

Another weeked at the Beach

Another beautiful Septempber Day at Cannon Beach. Thanks to Travis for teaching Gabe how to stomp down sand castles and jump the waves. And Alex tasted sand for the first time. What a beautiful day!

Alex is 6 months old!

Alex was 6 months old last week, and he is growing into such a happy, healthy, boy.
Here is a list of things that has done-

Rolls from front to back & back to front
Sits all by himself (he actually loves to sit criss-cross-applesauce)
Has grown 2 teeth (1 on 9/6/09 and 1 on 9/11/09)
Smiles at everybody, showing 2 dimples
Belly laughs, especially at Gabriel
Squeals with delight, and babbles hilariously
Loves to bounce and hang upside down
Eats baby food, especially sweet potatoes and carrots
Takes baths with his big brother
Sleeps like a champion (most nights)

Airshow