Next Level

Oh boy... Gabriel has discovered climbing chairs (he's been climbing the couch for a few weeks). He's been doing pull-ups on the table a lot lately, but his foot caught a chair this time and he worked his way up. This opens up a whole new world... of trouble!

(Yes, he's biting the cup without using hands.)

(And that's his knee on the table... and that was the end of that!)

Father's Son

Gabriel played in the game room with the video game controllers yesterday. It's a toss up between the buttons and the cords.

Needless to say, not much new going on around here.

Wading Pool

We finally used the wading pool that we got for Gabriel's birthday. He has splashed in shallow pans in the house and in the bathtub before, but this was something new. Besides, he got a set of swimming trunks for his birthday and we had to try them out.

Baby Shower

Gabriel and I went to Julia's baby shower on Saturday. It was great to see her and we went to a fun little tea party place called Butter Cream in Albany. Gabriel had fun hanging out with a bunch of women and the place was surprisingly kid-friendly. Sorta. Here is a picture someone took of Gabriel that Julia posted on her site (had to steal it!).

Ouchies

Parenthood is full of surprises. I love when Gabriel makes funny faces at me. I love hearing Gabriel sing. I love seeing his face as he discovers being able to do something new: like climb onto his truck, stand with both feet on the seat, and just hold on to the handle with one hand, and then wiggle while on top of it!

I'm not sure how to handle other things. A few weeks ago, Gabriel needed his first bandaid. No problem, it was just a small scratch. He is constantly bonking his head, but recovers quickly. Today, Gabriel ran too fast and tripped and fell onto the step in the front room. It was carpeted, but he got a bloody nose. I'm not sure I'm ready to handle bigger ouchies. (Scraped knees from bike falls and climbing trees.) So far all I do is grab a cold washcloth and try to use it to reduce swelling while fighting Gabriel because he wants to suck on the washcloth. And hold and comfort him. Learn as I go, I guess.

Santa Cruz

We went with Paul's dad and family to Santa Cruz yesterday and Paul met us on the boardwalk after work. Gabriel had fun crawling on the sand. He'd crawl and scuff up the sand with his hands, and then bend down to get a mouthful of sand. Here he is walking in the sand. He found several sticks to chew on. He'd chew on them, dip them in the sand, and put the sand-covered stick back in his mouth. When do they outgrow the need to put everything in their mouth?! And he looks very unsteady when walking here, but he's much better on solid land (aren't we all?).

Balloons

The birthday party on Saturday was perfect! We had lots of family come and celebrate. My parents brought crayfish and corn on the cob. Paul made a delicious two-layer orange and chocolate cake. Paul's mom and family brought a strawberry jello cake (yum!). Paul's dad and family came all the way from Arizona and spent almost a week with us. We went to San Francisco and had Dim Sum with them, had fresh SF crab and sourdough, and are going to Santa Cruz Boardwalk tonight. Gabriel received many wonderful things for his birthday. Thank you to everyone!!

At Gabriel's 12 month appointment on Monday, we found out he weighs 23.5 pounds (56 percentile) and is 31 inches tall (95 percentile!!!). He still only has 6 teeth but is walking and running around the house.

Sweeping

Happy belated 4th of July! We organized our church's Flag Raising and Pancake Breakfast for the morning of the 4th. Then Paul didn't go in to work that day, so we had fun together. Gabriel and I are now cleaning the house for his family birthday party this Saturday. He's turning the Big ONE. It's hard to believe a year has gone by!

New Game

Gabriel discovered a new game to play with his Cherrios! He cracks me up!