Ritual Nighttime Conversation

LT: Am I clean, Mommy?
Mom: You need to take a bath tonight, Ted.
LT: AGAIN!?!
Mom (with a sigh): Yes, son.  Again.

Watch Out World!

Gabriel is on the move:


And he's very proud of his new skill:

Two Breaks

Spring Break and Easter Break - the two main holidays for the spring semester - have already come and gone.

Spring Break was a little less than enjoyable.  We passed around a stomach virus (I'll spare you all the gory details), and that superbug attacked everyone except LT and had us down for the better part of the break.

While we'd all like to forget that illness, we did manage to get some memorable photos taken at our local JCP.  Apart from his hospital photos, these are Gabriel's first professional pics.

Easter was far more fun, but far too short.  We started off the holiday with the arrival of this:

Believe me when I say that LT was the happiest boy in the city that Thursday.  The best part about this swingset - LT gladly puts down his electronics in favor of spending time on his slide and swings.

Grandma and Grandpa Gonzalez and Matthew arrived that afternoon.  They helped us celebrate Gabriel's birthday on Friday, and on Saturday, we had our Easter egg hunt.

We always enjoy their visits.  LT especially likes running around town with Grandma, Grandpa, and his cousin, and we like having a good excuse to BBQ and enjoy lots of sweets.  

It will probably be a good while before we enjoy another break like this, but we certainly look forward to it - whenever it comes up!

The Little Boy Turns One

One year ago today, on a stormy spring afternoon, Gabriel made his grand entrance into the world. Where did the time go? Has it really been a year? Indeed it has, and what a year! If I had to sum up Gabriel in one word, it would be "playful." He loves to be silly and have fun. One minute, he'll let out a squeal and chase down his brother's abandoned iPad. Then, you can find him tossing a throw pillow over his head, giggling the whole time. Next, he's crawling around the living room at full speed, head down so that he can go faster. If he happens to bump into the couch, no matter; it just makes things all the more fun.

But as I write this, I realize that reading about Gabriel is not sufficient. You have to experience him. He might be small, but he can let out mighty squeals, screams, and shouts. Sometimes they're the result of him copying his brother. Other times, he's letting you know that he needs your attention . . . now.

Experiencing Gabriel also means that you might receive a bite on the chin or a swipe across the face. He's an active little booger, and he channels much of that energy into roughhousing, just like the big boys. He'll lean into, tackle you, and grab your cheeks, so if you want to play with him, be sure you're on your toes.

But don't get the wrong idea. Gabriel is an all around sweet and happy boy. He's full of smiles and will make sure that he makes you smile, too.

Happy birthday, precious boy!

Citizenship Award

For the second year in a row, LT was chosen as a "Pillar of Citizenship" for his class. That probably has something to do with the fact that he's a big believer in following the rules and loves to help his teacher. Keep up the good work, buddy!

(LT is in the center of the back row in this photo)