New Things Gabriel is Doing

Gabriel is lucky enough to get hand-me-downs from his cousin Will...like this jumperoo. It's the same one he plays in at daycare, so he is a big fan.

He's also experimenting with solids now. We've tried oatmeal and sweet potatoes so far. He's mostly interested and liking them, but he is rather particular about the temperature of his food. When it gets too cool, he makes a face. A quick warming and he's back to liking it again. We have our own little Goldilocks here.

G is a little less like himself in these two pictures because he's been sick. He tested positive for RSV (bronchiolitis) and has an ear infection...so his usual smiley demeanor is a bit compromised. But I'm sure he'll be back to himself soon.

Halloween 2011

Grammaw helped us outfit our little Monkey for his first Halloween.

Pumpkin Patch

Grammaw took Will and Gabriel to the pumpkin patch.

Will -- 1 year old

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Will considers pulling Gabriel's hair.

Gabriel watches his big cousin.

Three/Four Months

More photos taken by Aunt Joanah. Thank you again, Joanah!

At G's 4 month well-check appointment, he was:
weight: 17 pounds 6 ounces (91%)
height: 26 3/8 inches (90%)
head circ: 42.7 cm (52%)

Four Month Old Letter

Dear Gabriel,

Today you are 4 months old. It is amazing to me that you’ve been here for such a short time and have already changed so much. Sometimes I look at you and you look like you’re a little boy instead of a baby.

You’re becoming a lot of fun to play with now. You smile and laugh at us when we interact with you. You laugh real laughs now that make your daddy and me feel so happy. You talk a lot now. We have whole conversations! Daddy and I realized that our days of relative quite are probably over now that you’ve found your voice.

I still have moments in which I am in complete disbelief that I grew you in my body and brought you into this world. Watching you change everyday is just the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced. Your chubby little hands reach for me sometimes and my heart just melts.

You supposedly rolled over from your back to your tummy while at daycare, but I haven’t seen you do it yet. You’re not a huge fan of tummy time, so I can’t imagine that you actually rolled over on purpose. But I know you’ll be mobile soon enough and no one will be able to stop you. You are a lot like your daddy in that you are always moving and wiggling unless you’re deep asleep.

You’re fascinated by the flashing lights on the tv. We probably shouldn’t encourage that… You also play piano on my iPad. It’s pretty cute. We read a number book the other day and you looked at the pictures as I pointed to them. We will start reading more now that you’re bigger and show interest.

I love that you still like to cuddle and be held, but that you sleep in your own bed at night. Right now you’re still a momma’s boy…you fuss when daddy is in charge. But you recognize daddy’s voice and face and you smile at him when he comes home from work and says hi. I’m sure the day will come when you prefer dad…until then, I don’t mind being the most important person in your little world.

I can’t wait to teach you things and play games and see you grow into who you are. You’re just amazing.

Love,

Mommy

Random Photos 2

These pictures are from two and three months old.

At G's 2 month well-check appointment, he was:
weight: 12 pounds 12 ounces (75%)
height: 23 1/2 inches (75%)
head circ: 40.2 cm (50%)

I hope this is the first of many mohawks!

G is a very smiley, happy baby most of the time.

It's pretty easy to get him to smile and laugh.

He doesn't really splash and play yet,
but he doesn't dislike bathtime.

Sleepy little baby. This was at the Rojo
Family gathering in Houston. Gabriel got
to meet one of his new cousins named Easton.
(Yes, there are two.)

Three Month Old Letter

Dear Gabriel,

You are now 3 months old. You are growing like a weed and already weigh 15 pounds. They say a baby should double his weight by 6 months old…you’re a bit of an over-achiever, I suppose.

I felt like our emotional relationship got off to a rocky start because of the breastfeeding issues we confronted, but now when I look at you…wow! My heart is full in a way I never imagined.

Sometimes I just stare at you in wonder. How did you get here? Did I really make you? Are you really a part of me? I just think you’re so beautiful. Your smile is amazing. The way your eyes light up when you recognize me is the most wonderful thing.

The other day you started making a sound that is oh-so-close to a laugh. I cannot wait to hear your full-blown laughter. Can’t wait.

You’ve been holding your head up pretty well since about 7 or 8 weeks old. You’re still not a fan of tummy time unless it takes place on my tummy. Your legs are getting strong, and you sometimes practice “standing” when we hold you in a standing position.

You’re now sleeping in your crib for most of the night. You fuss when you wake up, but if I come put your pacifier back in your mouth and pat your tummy a bit, you usually go back to sleep. Sometimes I pull you into bed with me for the last hour or so before we get up for work and daycare. Don’t tell anyone, but I kinda like to have you with me for just that little bit. When we both finally wake up, I like to see that first smile of the day.

You are a pretty happy baby. You generally only cry or fuss when you need something, and getting that something usually calms you. Sometimes the thing you need is to be held…all the time…which gets a little tiresome for your mom and dad…but we’ll take that over an inconsolable baby any day.

Being your mommy is really pretty wonderful.

I love you,

mommy