Smartest. Baby. Ever.

Because no would would believe me if I simply told you how smart Gabe is, here's proof. Of course, he loses interest after about 20 seconds. But... you get the idea.

So far he's mastered A, B, E, J, L, M, N, P, R & W.

Seaside

So, after his first day of getting to know the ocean, we couldn't keep Gabe out. Finally, we took off his wet clothes, and eventually his diaper so that he could have some "free play."

Cannon Beach

Gabe, meet the ocean.

Petting the "Goaks"

As no trip to the beach would be complete without a visit to Tillamook, we decided to visit both the Cheese Facotry and Blue Heron petting zoo. You would think that the Ice Cream would be the highlight of the day, but for Gabe, it was definitely the "Goaks." He thought that they were the greatest thing ever and actually tried to climb in to play with them.

Hot, Hot, Hot

Who doesn't love a Slurpee on a hot day?

No, we didn't let him drink the whole thing, although he totally would have!

Swim lessons

My water-baby and his second set of swim lessons.

Airshow time

Well it's official, Gabe thinks that Uncle Ryan has the coolest job ever. Here are the boys, at the cockpit of an Air National Guard F-15. If you look close enough, you'll see Ryan's name painted just to the right.
Posing for more pictures.
A closer look at the underbelly.
Wrenching. The mechanics are getting younger and younger every year. Looks like the recruiters are desperate :)

Sugar and Spice

So, Chris was quick to point out that this pregnancy is not exactly the same. While 2 years ago I was a complete carnivore, craving all kinds of meat (especially meat I could eat directly off the bone, mmmm....ribs). This time around I have quite the sweet tooth. Although, I know that Milk Duds, Red Vines, and Sour Patch Kids do not a balanced diet make, I can't seem to get enough. I actually justified spending $12 on Jelly Bellies from the "chose your own flavors" bins at the Orange County Airport. I mean, it's totally worth it not to pick through the licorice or buttered popcorn in order to get the yummy cherry, right? So if little girls are really made of sugar and spice and everything nice, I am well on my way to getting a little girl.

Happy, happy news

Because every bad news should be followed by good news, I'd thought that I'd share that we are expecting baby #2. While we are fairly early (11 weeks), things are going swimmingly. In fact, this pregnancy is pretty much exactly like the last one, lotsa sleep, not much nausea. When we ask Gabe whether he wants a brother or a sister, he responds "sister" without fail. Although, I don't think that he knows what he's asking for, here's hoping for pink come March 1st!

Sad, sad news

Well, as life can do, it has dealt our family a devastating card last week. After several tests and biopsies, my father was diagnosed with Stage IV pancreatic cancer. He began chemo on Monday this week and will continue this course for the next 8 weeks. Please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.