The Liesemeyer Brood

The Pookie Dance, So Big, and the One Legged Crawl

2012-01-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

I started journaling about the kids instead of blogging because I felt that it was something both Gabe and I as well as the kids would treasure one day. Despite how much I convinced myself I was going to be more consistent about updating here, I couldn't keep up with both. Since we have all of our family so far away, I will at least put up videos that make us laugh and smile to share with you. This way, our loved ones won't feel like they are missing out on them growing up:)

Little Veronica has developed the sweetest temperament. So easy going, always smiling, and always chasing after Gabriel. They both love each other very much. These are the moments that make the challenging days worth it.

I think I see some rhythm in her furture:)

Carrying on the Zuniga tradition of "So big" ;) She caught on quick.

This crawl is nothing like I have ever seen. I die laughing. She cross country skies with her arms while pushing with one leg. It works for her. So we applaud and let her do her thing;)

2 years too old.

2011-05-11T11:46:00.000-04:00

Every birthday of my children will be bittersweet for me. I just know it. I keep telling Gabe that "this phase is the best. I don't want them to get any older." But the truth is, you can't stop time so you have to just soak it up as it passes. Gabriel's birthday was lumped into Easter and new baby craziness this year.
It was still special though because my family was here for a little last minute cupcake and present celebration:) This blue eyed boy will never know how much happiness and laughter he brings to his daddy and me....

You have always loved stuffed animals. You were so excited to win this one at the Easter egg hunt.

Animals make you happy on any day or time. Your favorites are dogs and lions.

Bear continues to go with you many places and was your very best friend....now baby Veronica is your best friend.

Handsome little man on Easter Sunday with Nanna and Papa.

They were here to celebrate your 2nd birthday with us!

You managed to get out a little blow for your candle;)

Your friends and cousins were excited to see you open your presents! But dad was most excited of all. He assembled your new bike for you and could hardly wait to give it to you!

Your new favorite engine Gordon and Tender! "Mama Yook! Goooordon!!"

Fairy godmother loves you very much. She sent this present that will last you all summer long...a giant pool!

Aunt Tricia and Uncle Phil knew exactly what you would like. You sat and stared at this coloring book all week.

Practicing around the house in your spiderman slippers.

Aunt Mimi also sent you tons of Thomas the tank decor to celebrate your birthday just right:)

There are so many things your dad and I love about you and want to remember....here are just a few:

-"Daddy, I'm huuunnngry" is a new favorite phrase of yours.

-You play with your trains for hours every day. Listening to the conversations you have with them is very entertaining. It usually involves something traumatic."Heeeeeeeelp!!! cried Thomas"

-You are still a waterbug. You will play for hours in the bathtub or pool if we let you.

-You are the sweetest big brother. You always make sure I know when "Baby Monkah" is crying. You give her tons of hugs and kisses and ask her is she wants to watch Thomas with you. I never could have imagined how much joy could come from watching you interact with her.

-If you get hurt, it is only better if I kiss it.

-You are learning what "my and mine" means. Today you looked at me and said "my mommy" with a proud smile and gave me a hug. Melt. My. Heart.

Will have to continue this list soon....

Gabriel and his baby sister ...

2011-04-27T14:49:00.000-04:00

I can't stop watching this video. Its only the start of a lifelong friendship....

Veronica Rose- 4.11.2011

2011-04-27T14:40:00.000-04:00

Veronica Rose became a part of our family on April 11th, 2011, and we are head over heels! I shared the birth story on IHOD. The first few weeks have been really good! So far, she sleeps and eats very well, and loves to be talked to. I loved the time we had as a little family when Gabe got to take off work and help me adjust to being at home with the two. My love only deepens for my husband each year we are married,and as God grows our family. He takes so much responsibility and offers so much care to me and the kids.....He is such a selfless man, and I pinch myself on a regular basis. I am so lucky.

My heart swells just looking at this. Gabe has dreamed of a little girl for a long time.

Gabriel is enthralled with "baby Monkah"...and takes his role as protector very seriously. He asks her "what's the matter baby? Kiss it?" on a regular basis. He uses an extra high pitched tone and whispers when necessary. His love for his sister makes the new baby experience extra fun. Its beautiful to see how God designed the family. The love you can find in your family is like no other place.

We are so blessed to have some family close by. Sharing this time with my sister and her kids has been a small dream come true. We always wanted to have kids at the same time and live next to eachother. Little pudding and Nicholas are so sweet to Veronica.

godmother

godfather

She's all cheek. We think she is going to look like her brother:)

I have so many thoughts, emotions, and pictures to share, but both babies are sleeping so I need to take advantage and catch a nap myself!

I can't get over how you can feel immediately connected to your children,as if you always knew them, that you would die in an instant for them, and that by looking at them you see a part of your heart and soul. Gabe and I always say, we can't wait for the rest of our lives with them!

PAT Program Fun- St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-28T17:34:00.001-04:00

Kansas has a fantastic program called Parents as Teachers. Julie comes to visit us every month and shows us some fun age appropriate activities, and checks up on all Gaber's current skills;) Gabriel LOVES the attention, and the fun activities he gets to do.

They also host play groups with really fun themed activities. This was St. Patrick's Day fun...

He wanted to find every little frog buried in the noodles. He could have sat here all morning!

Green Playdough that smelled good but didn't taste so good as he soon found out.

Christiana and Myla:)

Green Jello. He scraped the cup clean and asked for more of course. Completely content eating this while every other child listened to the book reading. Go figure! He looked like such a little boy this day and I just enjoyed watching him be one. He really loves all his little buddies he gets to see here.

Julie brought a giant piece of paper for him to color on. He likes to pretend he knows how to draw a "trianger" or a "sphare".

His vocabulary keeps cracking us up. His latest sayings include "Oh gosh!" followed by a series of babble, "Oh no, help!" when playing with his trains, "Oh cool!" involving anything he thinks deserves an exclamation point, and "Bye, See ya later!" which he says as we put him down for bed.

Really, every day we learn and discover new things around here! :)

Our imaginary friends.

2011-03-21T09:03:00.000-04:00

Some days I really can't believe I have a little toddler. I hope I always remember the sound of his voice and the endless babble and words he uses throughout the day to tell me stories, or make his toys come alive. He has quite the imagination. All of his stuffed animals are now his best friends....

He wanted his sheep to wear his Brewers hat and tried very hard for ten minutes to figure out how to put on the hat and sit next to him without it falling off. He is just a little clumsy;) His chubby large hands are constantly squeezed. I cannot get enough.

"Bear" goes with him everywhere during the day. He brings him to breakfast and makes sure he gets something to eat, brings him to watch Thomas with him, makes him take a nap, and wear socks, and the latest and greatest....makes him sit on the pot and go poop. If I walk in the bathroom and bear is sitting on the potty, Gabriel informs me that bear is pooping.

I just wish I could put him in a bottle forever...I know that sounds crazy but I am sure moms can relate:D

Each day we watch him grow older and it only gets more fun though.

He seems to have turned a corner in maturity as if he knows a baby is coming.

He is ready to be a big brother.

Breakfast Vocab

2011-03-17T03:49:00.000-04:00

Continuing my blog updates from the midnight sleepless spells during this last month of pregnancy....

Do you ever have days when you just watch videos of your kids over and over? I do this sometimes because nothing makes me smile or laugh more. Gabriel is such a blabber mouth, and I just love it. These days, he never stops talking. Only about half of it is words he knows and the other half is babble. He likes to be a part of the conversation. If Gabe and I are talking at dinner, he always has to join in, and we try to seriously respond to him;)

This video was over Christmas break in St. Louis practicing his breakfast vocabulary. He has always been a breakfast boy:) He would eat for an hour if I let him. Currently, eggs and bacon are his favorite breakfast food. (I have to cut him off after three eggs!)

Pregnancy at 6 months

2011-03-13T00:45:00.000-05:00

I was hoping I would be better at documenting this pregnancy. Not so much. I think the Thanksgiving picture and this picture were the only ones I took of my growing belly. I have millions of words I wish I could just have transferred to paper for our little one to read one day. With each day I get more excited for their arrival. This was at Christmas time - 6 months pregnant. Besides the first few months of nausea it has been a really good pregnancy and I cannot complain. This baby has been good to me:)

I have so much blogging to catch up on. I guess I always wait to have an hour when I can focus but who am I kidding? That never happens. My business takes up most of my free time:(

At this point in my pregnancy I didn't see too many differences between the two.

However, cravings were different. Fast food fries and burgers seemed to be pretty common with Gabriel but this baby has given me some pretty strong cravings for either really salty or sweet foods(specifically chocolate molten lava cake). It's not good! I lived on popsicles when I was nauseous and now torwards the end here, I don't have much room in my stomach anymore so I may revert back to fruit and popsicles like I did with Gabriel:) These things seem minor now, but I want to remember them someday..

Christmas Day 2010

2011-03-13T00:25:00.000-05:00

We woke up early and and all gathered in one room to wait for the okay to go see if Santa came. I will never how precious my little boy looked as he got a glimpse of Christmas morning...

The fun started early and didn't end!

Boys may not ever grow out of trains...

Santa brought the right gift in his stocking. He didn't even want to open the other presents. He played all day with these.

And made time for a tea party with Aunt Gi, Aunt Grace, and pudding.

He found this gift in the Bluegrass room that Santa brought:)

Phew! He likes them:)

My happiness was watching him with these all day. Its incredible how easily joy comes to you when you have children. I am so lucky to be his mom.

Got to sneak away with Ange and Joe for Christmas Day mass and pipe time:) Meet Sherlock Hemlock.

Christmas Evening feast:

Christmas day pajamas from Nanna and Papa and a piano lesson:)

I wish the joy of Christ's birth, and the joy that he allows on this day could spread throughout the year. I would take a day like this over and over again.

Just the beginning of many joys

2011-03-12T09:38:00.000-05:00

Gabe requested we find out if wewere having a boy or girl this pregnancy so that he could develop a little bond with our bambino before he/she arrives. We as women forget that we get to experience the kicks, moving, closeness of the baby. The men don't have much to go off of to realize they are having a child! So we went in for the ultrasound and had the tech write down boy or girl on a piece of paper for us to tote to St. Louis for Christmas Eve. I left that very important envelope in a spot that would help me remember only to forget all about it. Hmm....brain cell loss anyone? Long story short, we had the news delivered just in time for our Christmas Eve thanks to the help of a special sister Smange, who also captured the moment on camera for us...

I hope our child sees this picture one day and realizes with what great joy we had in our hearts that night as we got to share the news with our family. Your arrival is coming soon but it couldn't come fast enough! We are waiting for you with open arms!

Christmas Eve 2010

2011-03-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

Continuing to play catch up and Photojournaling some very sweet memories of Christmas Eve...

His first experience of snow....

After Christmas Eve Mass....

He loved the hay in the manger and "Baby Jeethuth"

Our attempt at a family photo....Gabe was sick and Gabriel was past bedtime;)

Passing on the guitar skills to godson:

Uncle Paul was teaching him how to smoke a pipe. What he will learn from him aunts and uncles...;)

Soon to be cousins:

The men in the family:)

It was so fun that Gabriel had Paul for gift exchange, being his current fave Uncle.

Nicholas gave Gabriel a pretty sweet tractor!

Angela got all the children matching pj's to wear for Christmas. Who doesn't love a toddler in a onesie??

Gabe had been battling the cold/fever mix for a few days but no one was taking him out of the picture on his most favorite day of the year:) Luckily he was well enough to participate in all of the fun.

Just a few great memories....Driving through lights throughout the neighborhood, gift exchange, setting out the cookie contest winner cookies for santa, carols, I spy, and finding out what little baby we are having in April. It was a magical night.

Christmas Eve has got to be almost even better than Christmas Day at the Zuniga house. So much tradition, cheer, good ood, laughter, and celebration of the newborn king! I cherish these memories so much and hope that my children can have the same experiences.

St. Louis - Christmas 2010 Part 1

2011-02-03T07:34:00.000-05:00

"Bear" goes with us everywhere now. He usually rides in the carseat like so.

This was the first five minutes of our trip to St. Louis for Christmas:)

Breakfast with Uncle Pete and Paul the morning after we arrived:) All Zuniga boys love their cereal.

Baking cookies with Grace and Gi.

Grace very seriously asked me to wear this apron so we could match. I was humbled by the fact she saw me to be small enough to fit.....hmm. I love the way children see things.

Painted nails and very thick lightbulb cookies.

Annual trip to Barnes and Nobles....we were thankful for the train table in

the kids section:)

Gabriel had such a good time that he didn't want to leave. I literally had to drag him kicking and flailing out the door as customers sympatheticaly watched the poor mom with the kid with the meltdown:) Thankfully Uncle Phil was there to help get him to the car. (Gabe was home sick)

Cookie Decorating at its finest!

Andrew and I took a picture of eachother at the same time with our cameras cuz we're cool like that;)

I laughed throughout this cookie contest event because the creations were most original and creative this year....and maybe a little absurd. Some worthy of note.....Phil's "Pregnant Tricia" cookie, Paul's Nutcracker cookie, Madeline's perfect bell, and Grace's giant candy cane.

We had events and fun planned every night....although it changed by the minute, it was just so enriching to be around my whole family. Each and every one of them are such a big part of my heart:)

Family photo outtakes 2010

2011-02-03T06:59:00.000-05:00

I decided not to do family photos this year......and then changed my mind after receiving so many wonderful cards from out of town friends. Its such a great way to keep in touch. So we took them the week before Christmas of course! After 100 shots you are bound to get one that works. Maria did an amazing job with her new spiffy camera and making Gabriel smile. I like looking at all his faces in the outtakes:)

Seeing Snow for the first time through his eyes.

2011-01-19T07:26:00.000-05:00

This year jolly old St. Nicholas granted me one of my ultimate Christmas wishes...A White Christmas:) We woke up to snow Christmas Eve in St. Louis and I knew Gabriel would love it. He had never played in the snow before so I was lucky to get his reaction on tape...

Dad was still sick that day but he made it a point to be a part of Gaber's first snow experience, cuz he is a supper daddy:) And its reasons like these Gaber and I love him so much...

Feast of St. Nicholas

2011-01-17T16:02:00.000-05:00

A day that will be well remembered for us....the day Gabriel got his first train set on St. Nicholas on Dec. 6th. We watched him watch Thomas the train move around the track for hours. Gabe and I agree it was possibly one of the best moments of Christmas Season.

The love affair has not ended either. It has only grown. He plays, sleeps, and dreams all things Trains.

I am so thankful for my little boy. His joy is contagious.

Thanksgiving 2010

2011-01-17T15:46:00.000-05:00

I am way behind, but have to write down and remember some wonderful moments from Thanksgiving..

1) Getting to have Nanna Gennie here for a whole week. She drove so far to spend time with us. Gabriel loves it and so do we. She brought Sophie and Mac this time which couldn't have been more exciting for the kids!
2) Getting to spend Thanksgiving dinner with my sister Maria and her family for the first time in 8 yrs!
They have been a blessing to us these past few years in Beloit. Maria and I collaborated on the meal and made all our traditional favorites.
3) Finding my very curious boy eating crayons while we were eating the Turkey Dinner. Quite memorable.

(Going on a walk with Nanna)

Thanksgiving morning.

What kept Gabriel occupied.

Before getting his own first set of trains, he borrowed Nicholas' :)

We can't wait till you are here baby! You are 20 weeks old here:)

Beautiful table setting courtesy of the hostess with the mostess.

What Gaber decided to eat for Thanksgiving Dinner: black crayons.

You just got to laugh during these moments:)

Moments worth noting...

2011-01-17T15:19:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I wonder why I take hundreds of photos and videos of Gabriel when I never have time to print and post them....but then I capture moments like these and remember why its worth it...

He likes to hold hands, and he was so excited Miss Pudding let him:)

At his buddy's bday party. He really liked the fire dog:)

I want to always remember how yummy his feet looked in his Thomas boots...

We water the dead plants in the winter because it makes him feel useful ;)

So these are just a few reasons why following him around with a camera is so worth it.

Please never grow up!

2010-11-21T22:29:00.000-05:00

As of late I have been insisting he wear his robe and slippers. He agrees only because the robe has a car on it. Right now, he loves to line up his cars in a row. His current obsession is trains. We are hoping Santa will bring him some:)

The game of T-ball

2010-11-10T23:08:00.000-05:00

His new favorite outdoor activity is T-ball.

His daddy gave him a lesson and now he he swings professionaly;)

Cousin Love

2010-11-10T22:55:00.000-05:00

We love having cousins down the road. Christiana was feeling friendly and gave Gabriel a ride, which he took full advantage of as you can see.

He eats and sleeps at the same time...

2010-11-10T22:38:00.001-05:00

Pumpkin Farm Round 2

2010-11-10T22:32:00.000-05:00

Like I said, we love the fall:) We went to Lincoln, NE for the weekend to visit Lindsay and John and head to Roca Berry Farms (insanely huge and fun dream pumpkin farm). Gabe and I had a blast....mainly watching our son enjoy every part of the day.

He was old enough to get a hand stamp:)

He thinks he can lift heavy objects and take them home.

The best moment of my day! Such a thrill seeker. He wanted to go down on his belly-over and over.

I felt sorry for the goat. He survived Gabriel's loving attention.

Of course there were breaks for snacks.

Rose is his favorite friend right now. She watches over him and tolerates Gabriel's need to hold hands at all times:) He asks for "Rothe" on a regular basis.

Hayride!

(Evidence of a fun filled day.)

My Pet Rocks

2010-10-19T14:23:00.000-04:00

Gabriel has been busy scouring our gravel driveway for the perfect rocks to put in his little bug catcher.

Oh how I love little boys! He wonders why I follow him around, but patiently puts up with me laughing at filming everything he does:)

Pumpkin Patch Round 1

2010-10-04T18:32:00.000-04:00

Our family is a little crazy about Fall and all its festiveness. We bake massive amounts of food and put up hay barrels in our yard and such. So, naturally there will be several trips to the pumpkin patch. We know a very kind man who owns a pumpkin depot near by and he lets us head out to his patches and fill our cars with pumpkins and gourds of every kind. I know....so cool.

Gabriel had so much fun in the hay maze..

Of course we got in there with him:)

Notice my concentration. It is hard to pick the perfect little gourdy pumpkins with the right amount of color and texture....;)

The smile that makes me die a happy death every day of my life...

Could these boys be any more handsome?!

Gabriel has been carrying around his little gourd and trying to throw it like a ball. Amusing.

Building Blocks and Practicing Words

2010-10-04T17:26:00.001-04:00

Gabriel gets so excited when he can build something. We have gotten so much use out of these Melissa and Doug stacking alphabet blocks. We take every opportunity to hear him say "yeth" with his little lisp.

Old McDonald gives him dancing fever.

2010-10-03T15:36:00.000-04:00

His laugh is so contagious. I could have filmed him for hours....

Without a camera you have to rely on your memory.

2010-09-11T22:51:00.000-04:00

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...

2010-09-07T23:12:00.001-04:00

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.

2010-09-07T22:48:00.000-04:00

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

Summer is slipping away!

2010-08-26T15:08:00.000-04:00

Fall is my absolute favorite season. The weather, festivities, and coming of the holidays make the Fall most exciting. I am sad however, to see the summer go. It really has been a wonderful summer. We got to see lots of family and friends, and enjoy some lazy weekends. Some of the highlights...

discovering confetti at Jordan's wedding...

being ridiculously cute in his mini tux at Matt's wedding

when you love someone, you go the extra mile;)

our camera always blurs during life's most precious moments. (4th of July)

He's part amphibian. His feet are so yummy.

We got to spend some time with Oma and Opa. We loved every minute:)

Gabriel loved time with Nanna Gennie and cousin Novi:) Wish we could see them more often!

Nothing cuter than a boy and his teddy bear.

No caption is good enough for this one.

See why we don't want summer to end?

I promised myself I would be better about updated my family blog. Something about having to log in with Gabe's email address that always makes it seem more of a task than it really is.

Will be back soon:D

Chunky Summertime

2010-06-15T11:37:00.010-04:00

Well it has been a big week for the Chunk Head and he is really starting to come into his own. This past week we made a trip to Nana and Papa Zuniga's in Saint Louis and it seems that every time we are there he begins something new. I think it is due to all of the insanity, commotion, loud noises, and more playmates than he could ever dream of.

It all started one early Tuesday morning. Gaber, his Uncle Pedro, and I were at a secret fishing pond near their house. Pete was fishing while I was ensuring that Meat Hands didn't dive face first into the murky water never to be seen again. Gabriel has an unhealthy attraction to large bodies of water as well as large snarling animals. What can I say, my son laughs in the face of danger... literally, I'm not joking. So any-who, while I am keeping track of my son, Pete is starting to attract some fish. At one point he feels what seems to be a big hit, but looses it and the lure comes flying out of the water. I respond in disappointment, "Ahhhh man!" Then suddenly it is repeated by a small but not so quite voice playing in the dirt and sticks by my legs, "Ahhhhhhhh maaaaaannnnnn." Pete and I both look at each other and question if we truly heard what we think we just heard. We chalk it up to coincidence and move on for my boy has not uttered any words, much less a full expression with two components to it, and refuses to even say please in sign language because he is too stubbern and bull headed, even though he knows what it means and knows how to! So we continue, Pete fishes, Gaber gets dirty, and I protect the one getting dirty and stare at my fishing pole with yearning eyes. Suddenly Pete again feels a hit but looses the fish and we exclaim "Ahh man!" To out amazement our words are again echoed by the voice below me, "aaahhhhhhh mmmaaaaaaaaannnn." Then suddenly it dawns on the two of us! Yes he did just say that, my 13 month old son is a GENIUS! Over the next few days he also began to say "dog," "bark," and "ba" for bath.

Although we are surprised that his is saying words, we are not surprised at his choice of words. He is still obsessed with dogs and animals, and will search like mad any times he hears one. He is still a little water bug. While at Nana and Papa Zuniga's he had lots of pool time and loved every minute of it, throwing a fit every time we took him out. He had a routine of spending some time in the little plastic baby pool then trotting over to the big pool where he would fall into the arms of Anna or I waiting in the big pool. After some time there he would clime out on his own by the pool steps, make a b-line for the baby pool and it would start over again.

By the time we returned home last night he was completely exhausted from all the excitement. Despite his tiredness he refused to stop pacing every room in the house, laughing and babbling as he touched everything and reacquainted himself with all of his toys. He was very happy to be home. So happy in fact that this morning he decided that it was time for him to start learning to draw and color. So he found a pad of paper on the coffee table and a pen and tried to color/draw. We gave him a few pointers and he was off, making a few little scribbles here, then picking up his paper and moving a few feet to a new location. Then made a few scribbles, picked up his supplies, and moved on to a new location, and so on.

It seems like every time we go on a trip he comes back a different and slightly more advanced goof-ball.

(written by Gabe if you haven't already guessed)

2010-03-27T23:40:00.007-04:00

Time really does fly....but Gabe and I have tried to soak up every moment of Little G's first year....I like to say he has one month left to still be my little baby:) I want to capture every moment on video to never forget the most precious moments. He loves to laugh and is always waiting for us to do something funny so he can let out his belly giggle. He also loves to eat and waits for any scraps to fall to the floor as you can see from the picture below;) His favorite things to do right now is look at books and flip through the pages, talk to himself in the mirror, gaze out the window if its rainy, be outside if its nice, and practice his walking skills...he knows he is big stuff. What Gabe and I are enjoying right now...watching his little life unfold. We marvel at the goodness of God in blessing us with such a beautiful gift of parenthood. We wish we could share these moments with our families, but at least we have some pictures to share...

My Valentines

2010-02-15T22:45:00.009-05:00

Today is my husband's birthday. I love celebrating his birthday...and celebrating him...because I love him so dearly. He makes my life beautiful. I did a dedication post to him here.

We had so much fun over the weekend with Valentine's Day and his birthday.

Here are some fun pics to share...

Gaber and all the ladies at our Valentine party.

I woke up Valentine's Day to 5 different cakes and ingredients to design a cake with my husband....he is so cool like that!

This was our result..

Hope you all had a wonderful Valentine's Day!!

The Animal Growl

2010-02-15T22:30:00.002-05:00

We don't quite know where he picked up his growl...or what it means...but it makes us laugh every time...

The Chunk Report

2010-01-10T10:28:00.008-05:00

We like to call him "chunk", "tank", "the boy", etc. He had is almost 9 month Doctor visit the other day:) And here is the report:

Height: 29 in. (95%)

Weight: 21 lbs (75%)

Status: Very Healthy

This makes his daddy so proud.

Here are some pictures from bathtime that give proof to these stats:

I know ....I couldn't help it. These will be the pictures we put in his wedding slideshow;)

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T18:00:00.006-05:00

We had such a wonderful two weeks in St. Louis for the Holidays. It was hard to leave:( Since I already put up Christmas photos on facebook, I wanted to post these adorable pics of Gabriel from New Years with his Nanna Gennie. She drove all the way to see us from Milwauke. He also loves his Uncle Paul:)

Gabriel meets Sophie and Mac!

2009-12-17T16:44:00.002-05:00

Some favorite photos from Nov-Dec.

2009-12-11T15:22:00.006-05:00

When we visited WI for thanksgiving, we got to see Jake, Jessie, and Novi. Gabriel got to spend some quality time with his cousin. He loves her:) ....and he loves her feet....

He LOVED Nanna Gen's puppies. I have never heard him laugh so hard...

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas! Gaber's first Nutcracker

He really is such a goofball...

Halloween Recap

2009-11-04T09:55:00.008-05:00

We definatley had fun turning Gabriel into a stuffed pumpkin....although he couldn't understand why he was in a straightjacket. His mobility was pretty limited so so it was pretty funny watching him sit their like a sedated pumpkin. We went trick or treating with Maria and Andrew and all the Niewald gang. So much fun.

Can you get any cuter than Charlie Brown and Lucy?

And all these fairies? Scrumptious.

My yummy goddaughter:)

Seriously?

Can I feed myself?

2009-10-25T23:59:00.003-04:00

The first time we tried to feed Gabriel Rice cereal a few weeks ago it was like he had been eating it for months. He ate and swallowed all of it in a couple minutes. It was so funny. No spitting out or funny faces. Now he wants to skip to where he feeds himself....

The best trip ever to a pumpkin patch!

2009-10-05T16:04:00.009-04:00

We had such a fun time this year at the pumpkin patch. We met the owner so he lead us to his private fields and basically told us to "load up as much as we want." sweet. So we filled our car.

Little Gaber didn't quite know what was going on...but his head blended in with all the pumpkins. Him and his daddy wore their flannels and vests for the occasion:)

Gabe saw it as a serious mission.......

I was literally sitting on pumpkins on the way home...

The girls were sporting their new hats...

My little old man....

Why we just can't get enough

2009-09-14T11:46:00.002-04:00

Our "Ninja Turtle"

2009-09-11T13:18:00.010-04:00

So we have lagged on our blogging....I blame it on summer, travel,and moving states...now I have too many great moments to capture on here, but I will try to post a few. Our little "ninja turtle" (appropriately coined by Aunt KSteph) is growing before our eyes, and seems so old already. I would say he lost his newborn look and has filled out into a mini version of his dad. I simply love being his mama. He is the sweetest baby, and his personality is so funny (we are partial I guess;) I always have my camera handy to capture the best moments of my day. Hmmm a few things about his personality lately...He loves to sit up on the couch next to us, he hates his carseat, he loves to be sung to, he is really curious, so he always has to crane his neck back to hear voices or sounds. His favorite toy right now is a crinkle book because of the noise it makes (He tries to eat it). He sleeps a ton, He loves talking to his daddy, and like father like son...does not like shoes....Here is a few of my favorite pics as of late:

3 month birthday surprise

2009-07-28T16:24:00.003-04:00

Gabriel actually gave us the coolest gift on his 3 month birthday:) He got his daddy's laugh...so contagious.

Loudest pooper of his class;)

2009-07-14T17:34:00.005-04:00

We can't get over how vocal Gaber is when he does his business. It gives us belly-laughs every time we watch him.....here is some comic relief for your day.

My Loves

2009-07-14T16:59:00.007-04:00

I can't seem to catch my breath this year. It has been such a whirlwind, but every day this year I have woken up happy because I have a family. Its amazing how much love can be circulated in a family no matter how big or what type. My little family has given me the desire to become more self-less, more loving, more courageous, and Christ- centered. "My heart is restless until it rests in you, O Lord" -St. Augustine's quote has been my motto in life when I was searching for my vocation and trying to figure out what my life was meant for. These pictures I guess can explain in a small way why I have found complete happiness and rest...

4th of July Fireworks

Gabriel's baptismal day.

RE-LOCATING

2009-06-12T12:48:00.003-04:00

We are heading out...for now. We are hauling our little fam to the Sunflower state, Beloit, Kansas to join my sister and brother-in-law in the land of cows and corn;) Well I hear there is more to it than that...
Gabe has accepted a job at St. John's school teaching religion to 6-12th grade. We feel blessed that God has been clear in leading us here, but we are so sad to leave all the wonderful friends we have made here and say goodbye to the city we got married, got our first home, and had our first baby. But in all things we trust in HIM, and allow God to continue to show us what is better for us anyways! A new adventure...and closer to family, which makes us so happy.

Summer dayz!

2009-06-12T12:07:00.006-04:00

We went to a picnic with friends a few weeks ago and little Gaber wanted to be with his daddy but couldn't quite make it to the top of the pouch:) Makes me laugh every time I look at it.

Going to miss Atlanta friends.......
Our good friend Mike joined us for the game.

He loves being with daddy. Gabe had him in his Blue Crew Brewers colors so as not to be confused with a Braves fan!

The outfit he ALMOST wore to his first baseball game before daddy saw him in Braves colors...

Whenever I put him in my sling, he cuddles up and falls asleep. He loves it.

My handsome little man in his Sunday best....

I could spend hours gazing at him.....

FAIRY GODMOTHER ANGE!

STAYIN' SAFE IN THE SUN..

Nanna and Nanna

2009-05-30T12:21:00.004-04:00

I was so blessed to have my mother come and stay with me after the baby came. I didn't want her to leave. There is nothing like a mother's care. I always feel like all is right with the world when I am with her. I also got to catch up on some much needed sleep as she bonded with her new grandson:)

Nanna Gennie came soon after (my mother-in-law) which was an incredible blessing. She did a lot of cooking, cleaning, and holding the baby. She calls him "Gabey Baby" :) It was so wonderful to have the help, love, and support of our mothers.....but especially to share our new pride and joy with them. These women are who gave us the qualities to be the parents we will become. Their strength, patience, and unconditional love has gotten us here. Now it is our turn to pass that along to our children. We thank God deeply for them. And we also thank them now that our son wants to be held all the time.....;)

Check up with the Doc!

2009-05-30T11:55:00.005-04:00

This week little Gabriel had his 1 month check up:) We are happy to report that he is now:
10 lbs. 12 oz.
23 inches
He is in the 75-90% range for his age. Definately his father's son. (Daddy is VERY proud)
We Zuniga's never made it past the 10% range as babies!

We have literally watched him grow from day to day. Every day Gabe comes home from work and says, "He looks different today", and I respond,"I thought so too!"
I have started working from home part time again, but find it extremely difficult to focus when I have such a scrumptious little plum next to me that i just want to stare at and hold all day long. you know you are a parent when you find something like a yawn or a grunt extremely amusing...

Spontaneous Photo Shoot:)

2009-05-11T21:50:00.005-04:00

This was little G.I. Joe's first photo shoot. Our dear friend, Christina came over one night to show me pics of a wedding she just took pictures for, and it turned into a fun little baby shoot session in our living room. These are the photos I will pull out when I need to embarrass him in front of his girlfriends;) He is just so precious and each day he changes so much. I value these photos incredibly because the sweet sweet infant days are so brief...

Bright Eyes

2009-05-11T21:47:00.000-04:00

Gabriel's First bath

2009-05-11T21:29:00.003-04:00

We have arrived... or should I say he has arrived!!!!

2009-05-03T14:49:00.006-04:00

Sound the trumpets! Bang the drums! Clash the symbols! Shout to the mountain tops for Gabriel Joseph Liesemeyer has arrived!!!!! On April 27 2009 Anna woke me at 5:45 saying, "Baby, I think I'm having contractions. I think the baby is coming." I replied still in a sleep-drunken stupor, "HU! Wait, its coming now? NOW?!" I quickly collected my self and as Anna called her midwife, Diane. Anna said that we were to meet Diane at the doctor's office at 8:30. Knowing we had some time, and seeing that Anna was doing ok for the time being, I rushed to school to prepair materials for the substitute teacher. Shortly after arriving Anna calls to exclaim calmly, "I think you need to come home now." So I rush home and there is my incredible wife calmly waiting with the bag at the door. So we jump into the car and fly to the hospital just in case something is "not right". Longest drive of my life. I think we hit every red light at the same time as every old, slow, and dangerous behind the wheel person in all of GA suddenly chose to converge in Alpharetta. We finally arrived and rushed Anna into the Woman's Center of North Fulton Regional Hospital... well I shouldn't say rushed. We briskly walked in between contractions. Anna being the bullheaded woman that she is refused a wheelchair three times. So we arrive, they whisk us into a room and start doing a few tests. One concern was a bladder infection for the signs were not like a normal labor, although there were a few signs of labor. If it was a bladder infection we would probably have to go home and wait for the "true" contractions. Knowing us and our life, we automatically assumed this was the case. In the mean time Diane (the midwife) arrived. Immediately I see Anna relax as Diane starts lovingly joking with us calling Anna a freak for this is "not normal." Around 8:45 am the lab tests came in and wouldn't you know it, bladder infection. Anna and I look at each other and sigh/laugh at our situation... nothing can ever be easy! But at that moment Jesus was laughing at us. They start pumping Anna full of fluid through the IV and Diane checks Anna just in case. To our surprise she suddenly says very calmly to us, "Well, your wife is a freak of nature...she is 5 cm dilated! I didn't think you possibly could be in labor because you are way too calm. Your having a baby today!" Our jaws dropped and spirits soared. Today was the day that Jesus picked for us to start living out our vocation! Today we fully experience our little personal gift from our Father! Hearing those words was an indescribable experience. Soon we are in our own private delivery room patiently waiting. For the next few hours nurses and Diane come in and out in preparation, and we wait. Around 1:00pm Anna receives the epidural like a champ as I struggle to watch the procedure and prepair myself to crack the anasteziologist with a flying roundhouse to the face if he messes up. All goes well and Diane soon followed to check up on Anna and exclaimed, "Wow this baby is moving fast, and I feel a full head of hair." We about died, a full head of hair!!! Things are becoming fully tangible for we have the first information to describe what our child looks like. The baby we are told, will probably come around 4:00 of 4:30 pm. So again we wait, passing the time by watching the move "Big" staring Tom Hanks. Suddenly around 4:05 Anna softly says "I think its time. Can you go get Diane." Being a good little soldier I walk into the hall to find Diane waiting. She asks "She is ready isnt she?" I reply, "Looks that way." And off we go. By 4:10 Diane is coaching Anna through the delivery. 10 min and a few pushes later I see this blue, shiny, seemingly lifeless baby doll in Diane's hands. My mind starts to race, "is it ok? is this real?" Then suddenly I am snapped to for I remember that I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night! No... just kidding. Diane snaps me to by asking, "Well dad, what do we have?" I look, start to tear up, turn to Anna and say, "We have a baby boy!" With that the flood gates open, emotions are running high, tears are flowing as the first sounds of our child are heard as he is placed in his Mother's arms. I immediately collect my self, grab the camera, and start snapping away. We were in a tornado of bliss and awe for we finally got to see the little ninja that was beating Anna's insides daily. It was at that point that I noticed his feet and said to myself, "WOW, those are ginormous!" They then whisk our little one to the other side of the room to clean him up, measure him, weigh him, and try to make him cry (up to this point he has only made little whimpers). And they try and try and try. The resilient little bugger refused to cry, and at that point I couldn't have been prouder I was thinking my son is already hardheaded and a tough guy! I'm liken this. Not only that be he turned out to be 20 in long and 8lbs 11oz. We were expecting a child no bigger than 7lbs. I was thinkin "yes... already breaking the odds!" I think I'm going to like this dad thing.

The Waiting Game...

2009-04-22T10:56:00.003-04:00

We can finally say we are on the home stretch...and we are SO READY!!! My poor husband can't sleep anymore because everytime I move, he wakes up and says, "Is the baby coming?!" It is getting harder for me to move around, but I feel fantastic. I have more energy than I did a few weeks ago, and no more back pain:) With my due date on Monday, the baby could come any day now, and I have started some pre-labor symptoms.
We had a few days of frantically running around getting Gabe a phone(his died at this very inconvenient time;), finding a video camera so we can capture the first days of our babies life, and selling my car and looking for a new one that is safer for the baby(mine was on the brink of death). The fam has all submitted their guesses of what the baby will be, when it will come, and how much it will weigh...the guesses have been nothing short of comic relief for me. I am now left to the longest days of my life awaiting the birth of our little Gabe or little Anna. Prayers are needed to prepare us for what is to come no matter what-so please don't forget to toss up a few or more;) We know that whatever He has coming is what is the best possible thing for us. Hopefully, you will be hearing so me good news soon! Until then I remain a beached whale....

The 9th month...

2009-03-25T09:22:00.005-04:00

We have arrived....the 9th month of pregnancy. My baby seems to have outgrown me already. The constant kicking and squirming makes me wonder if its trying to kick its way out of my stomach. Along with the 9th month mark comes the realization that parenthood is just around the corner. Yes, I have been "nesting"....and Gabe likes to remind me of that because he thinks the word is funny. We sometimes have to take a deep breath and remind ourselves that we can do this....God isn't asking us to take on anything we cannot handle, and in that we rest and rejoice. I don't think there is anything you can read, or classes you can take that will prepare you for being a parent....except I think one of the best qualities to have is being somewhat of a kid at heart. This is why I know Gabe will be an incredible father:) And the other key factor- self-lessness. I thank God for husband I know will equally pour his heart and soul into this little bundle of responsibility we are about to receive. My family is in town this weekend, and I haven't seen them since Christmas so I am in heaven:) I will have to post some more pictures of their visit. Just being around my mom gives me the courage I need to take on life change. She and my dad have had eleven children, moved and started over in 5 different cities, and kept the faith throughout it all....

Our Little Ninja.

2009-02-19T17:52:00.005-05:00

OK, so Anna and I were sitting in mass yesterday (a spanish mass, which means el gringo understood next to nothing. Thank the Lord the mass is universal) when suddenly I place my hand on my wifs's stomach. Now as you already know the baby is a little fireball of energy, and it must love Jesus uberly because it is always extra active when with Him, but what you may not know is that this little atom bomb also has a bit of an attitude. "How do you know, gringo?" you may be asking... well I'll fill you in. As I was feeling Anna's belly I suddenly came across a large hard ball lurking under the surface. I wanted to yell out, "I found the head!" for it was my first experience of the noggin. I refrained and simply whispered it to Anna as I proceeded to rub and gently push on that spot. Suddenly the head shifted away from me so I went in search of the feet, and found it due to a few light kicks and a little bit of pressure. So I shift my fingers over the exact spot where I felt the activity a waited. Suddenly I felt two distinct little feet pushing on my fingers... so I push back. Wrong idea to mess with the "Seed of Hansel," for suddenly the feet retreat only to return with 4 pounding ninja kicks that come as fast as lightning and reverberate through my fingers like lingering thunder... BLAM(left) BLAM(right) BLAM(left) BLAM(right). Then just like that... whooaa (you have to do that sound effect like a soft whisper) it was gone, retreating back into Anna, leaving me in a state of shock and awe. Believe you me, this one's got an attitude!

Hope and Grace

2009-02-08T13:07:00.006-05:00

Here is why we are given motivation to seek the face of God more in our lives, and live our faith at a deeper level than before. It is people like my cousin Luci and Chris that inspire those in their lives to reach higher and love truer. We look up to them as role models......

http://klarefamily.blogspot.com/

"You have a very active baby"....

2009-02-04T22:15:00.003-05:00

This is what every nurse and doctor has said about our baby when trying to catch a heartbeat or during an ultrasound. Now I just warn them ahead of time that they may have a hard time finding the babe. It is crazy how much I feel this little one moving now. I seriously think somedays its doing Tae-Bo. I am getting constant punching and kicking, which makes my day to day life so much more entertaining....especially when its in the ribs or the bladder! Its incredible though. I love it b/c its those little constant reminders that there is a baby person in there! Gabe gets jealous because he can't feel it as much, and often times when he tries to catch it the baby will suddenly stop moving:p
One of the coolest parts of it all is that for a couple months now, when I go to Mass, the baby will inevitably start kicking after I receive Christ in the Eucharist. Call it ironic but Gabe and I agree that it only makes sense that babies, the purest of souls can recognize its creator:)
Looking forward to meeting the face behind all this activity inside!

And God said, "It is good....."

2009-02-01T16:39:00.001-05:00

So we are joining the bandwagon. We thought the time has finally come to create some space to keep all our friends and family updated on the many adventures and misadventures of our new family:) We are taking each day of our new life as an opportunity to seek and understand God's infinite love for us shown through the people we meet and the places we go.....and especially through our nearest and dearest. To say Marriage has been a blessing is an understatement, but the closest word to describe what amazing love God can reveal through his will in your life. We look forward to the arrival of our baby, aka "Lil' Liese" , "Gabanna", or "Hanseletta" as it has already been nicknamed. Well, we not only look forward to....we are practically jumping out of our skins to meet the baby that God has planned for us since the dawn of creation(in Gabe's words). We have decided to wait to find out whether it is a little girl or boy in order to keep up with the family tradition of surprise in the delivery room:) The baby reached 28 weeks yesterday already! We have less than three months to prepare for the greatest adventure yet.......