Got sprinkles?

One of the perks of being four, sprinkles and strawberry ice cream = instant happiness.

His first real photoshoot

A couple weeks ago a photographer friend of mine mentioned that she was looking to photograph some babies to build up her portfolio. I readily volunteered Gabriel. Professional photos of the babybear? Of course, thank you! Obviously he's no stranger to the camera but it was so much fun (and relaxing) for me not to be behind the camera for once. Letting someone else do the hard work? I could get used to this.

We met at Joyner Park on a beautiful Friday morning. When the shoot started out with me letting Gabes pull the prop chair on top of himself... I was doubtful that we were going to get any good shots. Waiyi really knows her stuff though and was able to get some amazing pictures! Not to mention, she was really good with Gabriel (always important from a family photographer!)

Now the hard part. Trying to decide which ones to print and put on the wall!

Family - choose your favourite and let me know and I'll get you some prints.

If you're in the Raleigh - Triangle area and you're looking for a good photographer, I can definitely recommend Osbrink Photography! 

Gabriel - 9 Months

11 days late. Not too bad considering we just spent a week traveling to Kentucky and back to visit family.

Stats: 18lbs 13oz 32%
           27.5in 12%
           47cm head circumference 93%

           2 teeth, bottom front

You should never ever assume that because you've had one child you'll know what to expect with a second child. Oh. My. Gosh. Night and day people! For starters, this boy child opens every cabinet he can find, chases the cat, throws things (seriously folks, actual over his head throwing!), eats like a horse... a horse who likes to cover himself in food, pushes the test button on the carbon monoxide alarm...  and then laughs and tries to  investigate EVERY outlet in a mile radius. 

He's going to be a handful. A laughing, smiling, living life to fullest, HANDFUL. It seems like at least once a week someone asks us if he's always this happy. I love that when we answer it's always the same. I look at Mark, Mark looks at me, we nod and reply. "Yes!" It's amazing. I'm not saying he doesn't cry. Don't try to put him in a crib or leave him by himself, but honestly, the majority of the time he is one crazy happy baby. 

He stands perfectly and he can cruise at will but I don't think he'll be walking as soon as Jessica was. He doesn't see the need. He crawls like a speed a demon. Faster than she ever did. 

He's started babbling more but his only consistent words are still Mama and Dada. I'm super curious about what he's going to start calling Jessica. He's still smitten with her and she's taken to calling him her prince. 

He did really well on our trip... almost no crying in the car at all. It was awesome. I was very impressed with him. 

oh Starbucks, the problems you create

I got my free birthday drink from Starbucks last month. It was set to expire Friday but I was out of digestive enzymes... What's a girl to do?

Make a special trip to GNC with two kids and pay $32 for pills in order to enjoy a free latte.

Anyone see a problem here? No? I didn't think so. Move along. ;)



ps. what do you think of the new blog design?

8 Months

Dear Gabriel,

I'm not even sure how it happened but suddenly you're 8 months old already. 

Still no teeth and hardly any hair to speak of. At 18.8lbs you've barely gained any weight this month, but as active as you are now that's no surprise. I can't put you down without you instantly appearing on the other side of the room. You are definitely a speed demon. 

You're adorable, you're funny and you love to laugh. No one makes you laugh like your sister. I love how your eyes light up when you see her. You don't exactly talk a lot but when you do it's a LOT of mumumumumumums. I can't tell you how precious is it to see you crawling across the room towards me calling for me. Heart melting stuff there baby. 

You're way more of an eater than your sister ever was, you totally expect to be fed real food at least 3 times a day. J could care less if she got one solid meal or not. 

With the amount that you're pulling up and standing I'd be surprised if you're not full fledged cruising by next months update. 

I love you little boy, I love watching your personality develop, I love how much you love your family.

I think his name is Harry.

There are two Harris Teeters in my world. The one we went to when we lived in the rental house and the one literally 3 minutes from our new house. I prefer everything about the first Harris Teeter except that it is now a 10 minute drive. Jessica also prefers this Harris Teeter. Why? Because of this guy.

This look says, "What is happening? I had no idea this thing could move!"

"If I push this button again what happens?"

"but seriously people.. how is this moving?"

If she follows directions and behaves during the shopping she gets to sit in the dragon for a couple of minutes on the way out. We've been doing this for a while. If I ever find them I'll add in the other photos of her in the dragon I've taken over the past two years. I have at least three that I'm sure of. I'm not sure why they decided to choose tonight to be stubborn and hide from me. 

haha! It wasn't just me! These photos from October 2012 have no one cent sticker!

I've long been a proponent of the "don't ever put money in the machine and they won't know that it actually does something" school of thought. However today I noticed something. That giant 1 cent sign up there. Has it always been there? Surely not. Does it really mean ONE PENNY?  Upon closer inspection I can see a 50 cent label taped over at the bottom of the machine and this new coin slot jury rigged up top. I don't mention anything to Jessica and hesitantly pop a penny in. Nothing happens. Relived I didn't mention anything I hope the cart boy didn't notice me putting a penny in the machine. Then I hear a disembodied voice that does not seem to be coming from the dragon, reminding me not to leave my child unattended. I tell Jessica to try the start button. Nothing happens. About 20 seconds later the start button starts flashing green. Jessica stares at it. I stare it. I tell her to try it again. Poof! It moves! Her whole world has changed. It wasn't crazy excitement, it was a more a whimsical "Oh my!" It was precious. The whole time she was trying to figure out what was causing it to move and wondering out loud what would make it stop. This was definitely worth a penny. Granted... a penny EVERY time we go will now be required. Meh, still worth it. :D

Gabriel - 7 months

13 days ago that is. Did you think I'd forgotten?

February is a busy month. Between all the preschool social occasions revolving around Valentines and then a certain special girl's birthday, which seems to last at least a week, the days fly by. I've heard people say that February is the longest shortest month. It's true, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I love February. My daughter was born in February, my parents were married in February (actually it's their 35th wedding anniversary today, impressive isn't it!) February brings snow AND 70 degree days. I don't care if I was 25 before I learned how to consistently spell it correctly.

The hardest part of the photo shoot this month (other than trying to edit some light in because I didn't manage to get them taken till the sun went down) was trying to keep this boy still. Since he's figured out how to move he's become unstoppable. He's up on he knees and tearing off at nscar speeds.