Pumpkins!

Today we went to Elgin to check out Evergreen Christmas Tree Farm's Pumpkin Days. Gabby had fun picking out some pumpkins in the pumpkin patch.







In this picture she's showing us how she "lets go" of Daddy's head. (She's getting very good at understanding opposites, and for 5 minutes, alternated between "hold on" and "let go."













Gabby hung out with Auntie Marta while we escaped from the mosquitos in the pavilion.














Then, not to be shown up by her buddies Luke and Martin, Gabby did a little dance for us.




After that, she visited with some goats and a donkey.












Then we all took a tractor-pull ride to the tree area for a "Pumpkin Hunt" where kids (and some of us grown-ups) picked mini pumpkins that are hidden in the Christmas trees. In this picture, Gabby's riding with Uncle Shaun, Auntie Sally, and Gayla.

Swimmingly

Hello out there, loyal readers. I just wanted to drop y'all a quick note about our doctor visit today. B had the 20 week ultrasound and everything is a-ok. The baby was kicking and stretching and even waved hello. Seriously. When you visit our new pad we'll show you the video, it's only 40 minutes long. Seriously.

Also, G's starting school tomorrow. We thought it would be a good idea to reacquaint her with the finer art of classroom experience even though B is still job-hunting. She'll go 2-3 days a week for now, and we'll see how things go from there. Later!

Here come the ABCs

See Luke and Gabby Play

Gabby rules the house

Unfortunately, we haven't been able to talk to all y'all personally, but let me tell you a few things Gabby's taught me about our new house.

1 - A toddler can get lost in there. It's freaking huge!
Shortly after moving in, we learned that in a large home, Gabby will go everywhere she can. We quickly lost track of our little munchkin, and actions needed to be taken. "Marco!" "Polo!" She learned quick, and now we can find her, if she lets us...

2 - Gabby can open and close doors with handles.
Within minutes of entering the house with Gabby for the first time, she went to a door, pulled the handle down, entered the room, and closed the door behind her. Yikes! She's got control over unlocked doors. That means Gabby-proofing every room in the house, pretty much. BUT THAT'S NOT ALL!!! Twice in the first few days, Gabby went to an undeadbolted front door, opened it, and walked right out. That's a problem. Don't worry, I've since installed some nifty auto locking handle thingees.

3 - When given the opportunity to run laps, Gabby will.
From the kitchen to the dining room to the entryway to the living room to the kitchen, etc.
or
From Gabby's room to the bathroom to the baby's room to the game room to Gabby's room, etc.
or
Round and round the couch and ottoman.

4 - Gabby wants to go potty, sometimes.
About a month or two ago, Gabby started asking to go to the bathroom to pee or poop. Now, we thought it was cute and all, but didn't really take her seriously. One day, I dropped her pants and her diaper, and placed her on the toilet. I looked away and sure enough, she fruitlessly went for it. Well she's come a long way since then. (one day she's kill me for writing about all this...if she finds it...Gabby, remember that Daddy loves you :)) She now has two potty adapters and sits on the toilet solo. When she wants to go, she asks us to bring her, and then instructs us to leave her in there alone. We wait outside until she declares, "All done." She can't get onto or off of the seat herself, nor can she drop or lift her pants. It time...

5 - With full access to a carpeted staircase, Gabby will ascend and descend the stairs at will...
We've installed a gate at the top of the stairs, but it hardly seems necessary.

6 - Gabby prefers to eat at the table to using her tray.
We've been pushing her booster seat to the table and having her eat with us on the table, sans tray. She seems to dig it.

That's all I've got for now...it's late. Night night.

No Way Daddy!

This will hopefully begin to catch y'all up on Gabby's exploits over the last month. Her vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds. I've noticed that our little one will pick up words and phrases when you least expect it...

For instance, B apparently says, "No way!," when she really means "No." I've never noticed it, but lo' and behold, Gabby has. A few weeks ago, Gabby has been exercising her will with me by declaring (in the cutest little voice), "No way, Daddy!" It's really so adorable. Let me give you a scenario...Gabby has a dirty diaper. I ask her, "Gabby, do you have a clean diaper or a dirty one?" To which she responds, "Dirty diaper." So I naturally say, "Okay honey, let's go change your diaper." With sudden concern, Gabby shakes her head and says, "No. No," and continues doing whatever she was doing. I say, "Come on Gabby, let's get you a clean diaper. Your dirty diaper is yucky." That's when I'm pushed too far. "No way, Daddy!" And she runs away. Precious, no. (FYI - I chase her down and scoop her up. My little G shouldn't be running around with a dirty diaper.

Some Gabby photos from this weekend!!!

Here're some photos from our weekend!
Click on this picture, or the small link below it, to view the entire album!

From Gabby's Weeke...