Finally, A Tooth!

Gabe cut his first tooth last night.  Woke up with just the slightest little sliver peeping out of his gums.  I sure hope this ends our streak of restless nights.  We will see. . . Wish I could attach a picture but you wouldn't see anything any way!  Maybe just the slightest little hint of a white cap :)

Sofia had a week off of school for the Thanksgiving break and was SO ready to get back today. It's so wonderful knowing how much she loves it there and makes me feel that I made the right decision putting her in the program.  This morning she woke up and first words out of her mouth were "I get to go to school today!  And play with Ms. Baker and Ms. Bradford and ALL my friends!"

Here is a link to her class blog with tons of pics.  I always wish I could be a fly on the wall to see how she is at school, and I guess this is as close as I'll get!

Kitty Cat Class Blog

Today is Gippie's birthday so I'm off to finish making his cake with Sofia and Gabe's assistance of course!

First Hair Cut

Yes, I finally did it.  I gave in.  Sofia hasn't even had her first hair cut, but Gabe just needed it.  I was fighting it and fighting it and finally this morning at breakfast decided it was time. I just took a few snips off the front so it isn't always in his eyes but even that was a production!  He was NOT happy but he does look pretty handsome now :)  

Before

 During.  He hated this.  Gimmie had to hold his head still for me.

 After. Look how mad he is at me!

Thanksgiving Day Parade and Feast

Yesterday we decided to hit up the Houston Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I was pretty nervous seeing as there were supposed to be 200,000 people there, and the last time we attempted a city-wide event (Race for the Cure) it was kind of a disaster for us.  But, we thought it would be a fun family tradition to start, and we were right!  We got there with 20 minutes to go before the parade began, parked with no problem and made it to a good viewing spot just in time to see the parade begin!  Sofia took her place on Daddy's shoulders and had the best view.  Gabe was perfectly content in the bjorn with his limited view :)  We got home with plenty of time to prep for the big day and had a WONDERFUL family feast.  So great that I was asleep before Sofia, no lie.  I should add that she was completely wound up from all the excitement and pumpkin pie but she slept in this morning so I can't complain!

Army Crawl, Tea Party, Swinging

I finally got some decent footage of Gabe inching across his blanket.  He's definitely on the move!  Mike likes how his feet flutter at a super fast speed while he's using every single muscle in  his body to inch forward :)  I think he bonked his head a little here which is why he got upset.

Click here to check out his new skills

Gabe also had his first go round in a swing this past weekend and loved it.

 We also got invited to go to the Renaissance Festival this past Sunday.  I was a little nervous b/c it's pretty far out and I wasn't sure how the kids would do or what to expect.  I had never been and it's a pretty big deal.  It was definitely worth it and we had a blast!  The kids were completely zonked the whole hour and half home.  The pic below is of a real life princess tea party in the French Quarter area of the festival.  We were off hidden in a corner while I  nursed Gabe and Sofia was playing around in the dirt when some real life princesses came and invited her to their tea party!  Of course we said yes!  They had tiny cupcakes and little teacups of pink lemonade and lots of songs.  Here she is in the lap of one of the princesses.

Dancin for His Dinner

Gabe is getting pretty good at eating.  As you can see, he now loves it :)  

Click here to see him enjoying his dinner

He's also learned the art of sucking his thumb.  It's how he gets himself to sleep, and I think it's so stinking cute.

In Sofia news, I forgot to mention a pretty big milestone that she's been doing awesome with - she's sleeping in a big girl bed now!  We decided it was time to take Gabe out of the pack n play and give him a bigger, comfier place to sleep.  And, since his very own crib is still in Milwaukee, we thought it was a good idea to transition at this point.  Thankfully, it went very smoothly.  They've been in their new beds for a few weeks now.

In other family news, we're still waiting on our house to sell in Milwaukee.  Some days, I feel that I'm at my wits end still here living with my parents since I never imagined it would be this long.  Most days I try to remind myself how blessed we are that we have them to help us (which they do tremendously).  We are blessed that we don't have to worry about paying a double mortgage, or living in a city where we had NO family or help.  We are blessed, period.  And when I get all stressed out I just have to continue to remind myself of that very fact.  This is a season, and it will pass.  Although I feel that some days, we are going to be here forever, I know that's not true.  There is a plan, and it will come to fruition at the perfect time.  In the mean time, we will enjoy the help with the kids and life in general and try not to take it for granted, because we are truly truly thankful.  

La Linda Manita

Sofia learned a new song in Spanish that Gimmie used to sing to her when she was a baby.  Now, Sofia sings it to Gabe and it's just the sweetest thing . . . 

Disney On Ice

We went back and forth on whether we'd do this, and finally decided against taking the kids to Disney on Ice.  That is until Mike brought home super cheap tickets and so we got to go on Friday morning!  What a FUN time, and I honestly must say that ALL of us enjoyed it.  Yes, even Gabe got into it.  We were sitting close enough that Gabe could get into the music, lights, and action.  He jumped up and down and squealed with delight in my lap.  Sofia was SO excited and I was shocked she didn't want to wear her princess costume!  But, she opted for a Minnie Mouse outfit.  She enjoyed the first half just fine, but when the princesses came out for the second half, she barely moved a muscle.  It was truly magical and my mom and I both totally got emotional (I know, we're lame) because Disney is just something special to share with your babies.  I cannot WAIT to take them to Disney!  

Sofia did not let go of her new trumpet for the whole show

 Gabe checking out the sights

 Gimme and her grandbabies

 Sof's trance

Trick Or Treat

Happy Halloween, ARGHHHH!!!! Mike and I actually got to attend a grown up Halloween party this year.  Fun times, but I think dressing the kiddos is still way more fun.









Something that is super awesome about being back in Houston for Halloween is actual trick or treating on Halloween night.  In Wisconsin, there are set times and usually the Sunday before actual Halloween.  Luckily, our neighborhood did a small "night of" trick or treat which was great!  But, here in Houston we had two fun trick or treats for the evening.  First, the Rockets put on a family Halloween party with games, photos, food and fun.  Then, the kids get to trick or treat in the suites at the arena.  Such a cool idea, and so safe which is the best part.  The whole family dressed up and we had a blast.  Gabe had to hit the road early b/c it was time for bed!  So, I took him home and put him down and then we took Sofia out for a little longer in my parents' neighborhood.  She had the best time.  She definitely "got" trick or treating this year and we're still helping her eat her huge pumpkin full of candy!

Sofia waiting to get her face airbrush painted at the party.  We had to do the arm instead :) 

Trick or treat!

 Her feet got tired :)

 Gabe was not feelin it this year