Morning Ritual

I went home to be with Michael last night and let Gabriel stay at his grandmother's house. While I loved the time spent alone with my honey, I didn't realize how much I miss the morning ritual I have with my little munchkin. Every morning, Gabriel wakes me up and I bring him back to bed with me. I change his diaper while Grandmom gets a new bottle. Then he and I cuddle while he finishes the bottle and we both drift off to sleep until my alarm wakes me for work. I love our cuddle/nap time more than anything. It's like a special bond we're creating, and I hope he doesn't outgrow it too quickly.

Vaccinations for things I cannot spell nor pronounce correctly

Gabriel Michael
9 weeks, 2 days
12 pounds, 11 ounces. 23 inches.

You had your two month checkup today, and got 3 shots. You're such a little trooper; barely even cried during your doctor's appointment. It was heartbreaking later when the fever started to set in though. Your doctor forgot to tell us the dosage of Tylenol to give you, and we couldn't get ahold of her. You screamed and cried for two hours. I felt so bad for you baby. We finally did get the doctor on the phone and were able to give you some medicine. I think it was only fifteen minutes later, you were cooler and sleeping peacefully. I was so relieved for you! I know what it's like to be sick and how miserable you felt. I'm sorry it took us so long to help you feel better. But at least now we know a little better for next time.

Month Two

Dear Gabriel,

Wow, you're two months old already! I am really not looking forward to going back to work next week instead of staying home with you all day. I am sad that I won't get the chance to spend every minute possible with you, but I know you will be well taken care of when I can't be around.

You have learned so much in this past month, and had a few firsts. You started sleeping through the night (5-6 straight hours) while mommy and daddy were away. I can say that it doesn't bother me to have missed that. It was a wonderful thing to come home to. There are still some times you wake up when you hear me come to bed, but they are definitely less frequent and you go back to sleep more easily and quickly now. Because you have been sleeping better at night, you stay more awake during the day. My favorite time is when we first wake up and you come back to bed with me for some cuddle time while you have your breakfast. I hope this can continue as we grow older together. You have also been able to stay awake more while in your carseat. I know this was a place that meant naptime to you in the past. I love watching you take in the world with such awe and wonder.

We started taking walks in your stroller without having to put you in your carseat. That is still going slowly. You're still a little small for the "big" stroller, but it does work. You cry sometimes, but I think that is because you are used to being able to see who is pushing you. You must feel a little lonely in that big seat by yourself. I promise it will get better. You still unsuccessfully try to crawl and turn over on your own - this frustrates you to no end. You have gotten better about sitting propped up - you don't fall over as easily now, but still can't sit on your own. When we hold you in a standing position, you'll bounce up and down, and try "stepping", and you climb all over us when we let you. Sometimes it seems you can't get high enough!

In the past couple weeks you have also become fussier about things. You've learned to voice your opinion when you need a new diaper, or your tummy feels empty (even if you just ate!). That said, you have been drinking more formula and more often. Just the other night, your grandmother and I decided to try feeding you cereal - from a bowl! The box said if your baby can sit with support, he is probably ready to try cereal and first stages foods. While you did only get half of it in your mouth, most of it that didn't make it, didn't get all over either. I am very proud of the success we had with the cereal. One problem we need to work on is your lack of patience. You still don't understand that the spoon must leave your mouth in order for more food to get in! We tried to tell you that it was okay, but you didn't care. I have to laugh about it now, but it was frustrating hearing you complain about it. In the end, we got through it alright and with little mess, and you slept very well afterwards.

Everything is so exciting and interesting, I know you are in a big hurry to experience it all. All I ask is that you slow down and enjoy every moment. I know that is what I have been trying to do. While I can't wait for you to reach all of your milestones, I don't want to rush it. I want to enjoy these days as long as possible. In your first two months, you have already grown up so much it's unbelievable. As I will constantly remind you, your daddy and I are very proud of you and love you very much.

Love, Mommy

Housekeeping

I have recently decided to make this my personal blog and keep the other posts for my other blog: Michael and Elizabeth. I had a few posts here that Michael thought were irrelevant to our family, so I am doing a little bit of rearranging.

Time for the Gifts

While the dinner wasn't what I originally had in mind (there's always next year), I think I struck gold with Michael's gifts and cards. I almost thought I wouldn't be able to find a decent card since I waited til the last minute. In fact, I didn't find one decent card, I found three great cards! Granted, there wasn't much to choose from, and I know it's the thought that counts, but I am proud of what I found. Two of the cards were from Gabriel. The first card featured the Simpsons and was a card with sound. It said something about "are you going to have a happy father's day?" and Homer is arguing with Lisa. The other card from Gabriel has a photo of a pouting baby on the front. It says something about not wanting to "say cheese" and the inside says "all I want to say is Happy Father's Day!". The third card was from me. I don't recall what the card said except it was something about getting all your wishes or something. I added a note thanking him for being so wonderful and putting up with me all this time, and wishing him a happy *first* father's day.

The gifts were a little more special I suppose, or less, I'm not certain. I know that I got Michael things that either he needs or wants. First was a pair of khakis that he needs for work. He kinda knew that he was getting them because I had to call him to make sure I was getting the right size. I also got him the first season of House on dvd. I knew he didn't have them, but I didn't know he hadn't seen most of the first season. Score! Who's an awesome *wife*?? I love that man!

Family Dinner

Well the dinner I was supposed to be making for Michael's first Father's Day turned out to be a whole family meal. I was pretty surprised that my grandmother didn't have a problem with the idea of me making dinner, especially since it is her house and her kitchen, which I was never really allowed to be in or to do any cooking. She usually hovers around and has to do everything for you. Everyone seemed really impressed at the meal, and that I was the one who made it. Of course Michael did help, partly because I don't cook often, and partly because I was nervous about what my grandmother would think. But even she was impressed! I'm surprised my grandmother complimented my cooking. Sometimes she can be a tough critic, or rather she just never seems to have an opinion.

Happy Father's Day!

Michael is on his way over, and Gabriel is at church with his grandmothers. I have about an hour left to myself to get things together. I'm planning on cooking dinner for the family. Wish me luck! I'm not sure how it will turn out, but I'll try anything once. I already have Michael's other present wrapped. I still have to go to the store and buy a card or two, and the rest of the groceries for dinner. I guess I should get going. before it's too late!

Digital Photography

I found a wonderful program that can transfer photos from my cell phone to my computer via a usb cable. There are only two problems however: 1.) My computer at home is broken, and 2.) My mother's laptop that I have been using recently will not accept the software. I have dozens of Gabriel pictures to share that I cannot get out of my phone. When I finally figure out what I am doing, I will post new pictures.

Father's Day

Sunday is Father's Day and this year I actually have reason to celebrate! Gabriel will be 8 weeks and one day old so I'm planning a special day for us to spend with his father. I hope the weather is nice. we have been having clouds and rain all month it seems. I know Michael said he would like an outdoor picnic with just the three of us. I know I would love to give that to him. After all, how many first Father's days does one person get? The only problem is I have not had time or money to plan since I'm trying to juggle bills and such from Mom's house instead of my own where we belong. Also not being scheduled to work this week is going to hurt too. Sometimes I wish I had just left when I had the chance, then we would never even be in this situation. Oh well, hindsight is 20/20 I suppose.

My family seems to be against me

I recently moved back in with my mother so she can help me out with Gabriel since Michael is now working two jobs. After the past several weeks, I'm not so sure this has been a good idea. The house belongs to my grandmother and she has voiced her opinion numerous times (never to me mind you) that she does not want me here. Obviously I'm upset about this. She says I'm lazy and never do anything. Nevermind that I always offer to do things for her, but she acts like I'm treating her like an invalid. I really can't win in this situation, can I? That's the whole reason I moved out in the first place, so I wouldn't be a *burden* to her. she says I don't care about her, that all I care about is her money. She told my aunt she's going to look into assisted living and leave the house to them and kick us all out. As soon as we get everything together, I'll be more than happy to leave with my son.

Month One

Dear Gabriel,

This first month with you has definitely been eventful. Nothing could have prepared us for everything we would face in the days ahead. But we all have made it through to the other side, without losing everything, and I believe us to be stronger because of it.

Your first days were the most frustrating. you are the first baby I have ever really interacted with and been responsible for. We're still trying to get a sleeping schedule together, but it's getting better.

No matter how little sleep I get at night, or how often you cry for no reason, or how frustrated I get, I will always love you. you were named after the great Angels, and you will always be our angel baby.

Love, Mommy

Excuses, Excuses...

Yeah, I know I'm horrible at updating - but now I have a good excuse. Our little man made an appearance 2 weeks ago, in the middle of the night after Mommy had been working all evening. I introduce to you Gabriel Michael, born 4:10 am April 25, 2009, measuring 6lb 13oz 19in.

Baby Shower #1 . . . .

My aunt and cousin threw me a shower last Sunday (March 15) -- I had such a wonderful time (even though Michael had to work and couldn't make it). I will try to post pics soon, as my mother's Picasa albums are not public. I finally managed to update my registries since the shower. Unfortunately, I am still trying to get the invitations mailed. Work has been busy, and I just can't find the energy to get anything done. My living room still looks like a baby store exploded -- been trying to sort everything out, and get the thank-you's all written and addressed. Thank you so much to everyone who has been helping me out with this pregnancy. You have no idea how much I appreciate all of you!