Without a camera you have to rely on your memory.

My memory...something that is slowly slipping through my clenched fist. I am trying to hold onto it tight but something about pregnancy and loss of brain cells..


Maria is borrowing my camera, and I had a few moments with Gabriel this weekend that I want to remember forever-so I have to record them with words:)


Playdough
Julie works for the Parents as Teachers program and comes to visit us once a month to teach us about what Gabriel can be learning at his age, watch his progress, and learn how to make hands on learning activities. She brought him a batch of play-dough. I have never given it to him before simply because I knew he would eat it.... tasting has been his way of learning since he was tiny. In fact, if someone asked me what type of learner he was - auditory or visual- I would say "He's a taster." Anyways, I felt like he had matured enough to let him try:D when I gave him a clump  of play dough, I showed him how to squish it with his hands. He proceeded to imitate me and take his chubby little hands (with dimples) and press down as hard as he could. He started to giggle at the feeling of it. It was a giggle of new discovery. These little moments make me want to keep him small forever. He only tried to eat it once, and when he discovered it was salty, he didn't try again...


Hiiii
I have always greeted Gabriel with an excited Hiiii! whenever I see him peek his head around a door, get him up from his nap, out of the car, etc. A few days ago, I walked in the door and he gave me a very enthusiastic hiii! I melted. You tend to forget how much they pick up on. Their little minds are always at work and you never know when they are going to start being a small mimick of you;) So, for the past few days he has greeted everyone he is excited to see with a heeeey! or hiiii! (extra long vowel sounds)

Watching Toy Story on the football field. This was one of those moments too...I wanted to bottle him up and keep him like this forever and ever! He was so happy to sit on his own little chair, eating his own bag of popcorn. I don't know what was cuter...the constant popcorn stuffing or his squishy little feet swinging...

A whole new life...

When I found out I was expecting a new baby, I was choked with joy. I know it is a grace to see that this whole new life inside of me is nothing short of a miracle. I don't know if it has fully hit me yet! Not until I was driving home with Gabriel from the hospital did I realize the great gift that had just been given to me. It is hard for me to grasp! It still seems somewhat surreal to me, that in about 7 months, I will have sweet little hands and toes to kiss and care for.  It comforts me to know that God already knows every detail of my son or daughter's personhood- the way they will laugh, the color of their hair, and the passions that will grow in their heart. God knew that there was a place in this family for a new life.


I know there will never be another Gabriel. He has captured mommy and daddy's heart. It is hard to fathom having another one we will love just as much! We can only patiently wait:) But just as Gabriel has taught us a great deal about the unconditional love of God, this child inside will teach us great lessons and grow our hearts.

Wearing mudpies.

Mud-smearing became a favorite activity of my 100% little boy this summer:) Let boys be boys!