First off, this little man a/k/a "Broccoli Boy" totally surprised us last night at dinner when he asked for not only 3 but 4 servings of broccoli!! He LOVED it! He even downed the chicken and rice he had on his plate, too. But guess what he wouldn't touch?? -- a kid favorite orange/tapioca/whip cream jello salad. Crazy! We all laughed when Gabe asked for more broccoli and it was all gone! I promise I'll make more next time Gabe!
These pictures were taken last night before bedtime. We all thought it was so funny that all of Gabe's hair can stand straight up when I comb it with water! Thankfully he got a hair cut today so he's not so spikey!
We've also learned that Gabe is a little social butterfly!! Within the last two weeks this little guy has been talking about his nursery class non-stop! A couple of months ago when we'd take him out of his crib, he'd point to the picture of Jesus on the wall and say "Jesus loves you"! Thankfully he is now to the point that he loves going to class -- and out of the blue in the middle of the day he'll tell me he wants to go to class, which means nursery. Today he was telling me about his friends Ty and Phoenix. That Phoenix is happy and Ty is sad. I think it's hillarious that he is telling me all about his social life and he's only 2! He LOVES saying hi to the bishop and shaking his hand. He has memorized my visiting teacher's name, whom he has only met once, and he remembers some cousins that visited back in December and talks about them at least once a week. He remembers "Steph and Abi and baby clothes" who came to visit a month ago. His memory is amazing! Every day he asks to go "bye-bye". He reminds me of our first-born who loved to be with people and always on the go!!
I am treasuring my cuddle time with "Gabe the Babe" because I know too soon that he won't technically be the babe. I already feel sad for him that his world will be rocked a bit by another baby and for the mere fact that he hasn't a clue what's going to happen! Poor guy! I know he will love her, but I'm thinking there will be some jealousy going on about lap time with momma!
As for the 7 year old in the house.... we have recently been feeling like we have a teenage girl on our hands. This last week has been better, but for a while there, we were walking on egg shells -- not knowing what the day would be like with him. We're making progress, but it has been rough. I am really trying to help him become more independent with his morning routine as I know that soon I won't be able to help him as much and I know he's capable of doing it on his own. I am proud of him for taking responsibility this week and I hope it continues!
The 5 year old has been great while we all endured the older brother's tantrums. (It always seems that when one child is going through a hard stage, the other one is very easy)! Tanner is a wonderful help - especially with Gabe- and I have no doubt he will be right there at my side when I come home with a new baby. We have enjoyed doing puzzles, coloring, and today just snuggling together talking about the things he'll be able to help me with when we have a new baby in the house.
As for me I am trying to take it a little easier each day -- remembering to put my feet up for a few minutes and spend some quality time with the kiddos. I am really feeling good, but I can tell each week gets a little more uncomfortable and I need some extra doses of patience! With less than 4 weeks to go, I know there is an end in sight.
