Big Things

Gabriel got a few big things for Christmas this year, as well as many other wonderful toys. Paul's dad and stepmom gave him a great book, which Gabriel wanted read twice in a row and again later in the day. We found a great deal on a small kitchen for him. He loves pouring water from the teapot and pressing all the buttons on the microwave. Here he is Christmas morning checking it out while dad puts all the pieces together.
Rachel's parents got him a great train set. Paul likes building with the track (to get Gabriel started for now) and Gabriel loves moving all the pieces around. There's a hill (slide for the trains) and a "heptopter" and yellow cones and a stop light. All the things a little boy could want.
And speaking of little boy! Gabriel insisted on wearing his cape while he played with his cool castle from Paul's mom and stepdad. He loves making the little action figures fight with their swords (and it gives mom a break from being the target). So many moving parts and fun pieces.
Friday, Christmas Day we opened presents at home and then went to Rachel's parent's house for Christmas dinner. Saturday, we had Paul's immediate family at our house for Christmas dinner. Sunday we went to church and then enjoyed Paul's extended family's Christmas dinner. Lots of presents and good food.

Sadly, the fun ended on Monday. Gabriel got a bad stomach flu. I was hoping it was food poisoning and would go away quickly. However, I spent all Monday night changing sheets and pjs and slept in his room. Tuesday he just wanted to cuddle and wouldn't eat or drink anything (I started to worry). Today, Wednesday, he seemed better at first (just me being hopeful). After a terrible morning, he perked up and finally ate and drank something. He was cheerful by naptime. *Update: Gabriel was cheerful after his nap too. He enthusiastically ate a plateful of chow mein for dinner and is running around the house with his helicopter now at 7:20pm. I think he's feeling better.* I'm hoping the rest of the week improves. Happy New Year. :-P

In baby news, Gabriel's younger brother is doing fine and seems most active at 10:30pm, kicking mommy as she tries to sleep. I can't believe I'm almost 30 weeks pregnant now. Ten more weeks to go and I'm happy and excited. Paul and I put up the crib yesterday and it eases my mind to have found a place for it in the office (the plan is that he'll sleep with us at first and nap in the office).

Lots of big things this week: toys, sickness, baby belly. Wishing 2010 is even better than 2009!!

Merry Christmas Eve!

We opened one present this Christmas Eve. Both Paul and Gabriel enjoyed the whirly wheel lights.

Lookitdis

Our favorite phrase right now is "lookitdis" as in "Dad, look at this." He says it all the time now.

Other common phrases:
"Det down, suppose do dat!" ("Get down, you're not suppose to do that!" mostly said scolding the cat on the table/window)
"Det down, fall abonk ahead" (the last word is drawn out "Get down or else you'll fall and bonk your head")

We've been talking about Christmas a lot lately, especially as presents get wrapped and shuffled under the tree. Gabriel knows he can't "opendis?" until Christmas. I keep telling him that Christmas is coming. Today he actually ran to the front door and looked out the window. "Where iszit?" No, Christmas isn't here yet. And it won't be coming in a car like daddy does. :)

Gabriel as Batman

Gabriel is old (tall) enough to wear the cape that Paul got from work last year. I found it yesterday and Gabriel enthusiastically ran around the house declaring himself Batman.

Sugar Cookies

A friend at playgroup let us cut out sugar cookies at her house. Gabriel loved it so much we did it again yesterday afternoon.
In baby news, I had my monthly doctor appointment today. I got to hear the baby's heartbeat again, and both the doctor and I were surprised by how loud and clear we heard it. Gabriel's heartbeat was always hard to hear. She also said I was measuring at 28 weeks pregnant instead of 27. I don't think that means too much at this point.

Building Blocks

Gabriel loves to play with blocks. We bought him a block table this weekend for his Duplo-sized blocks (new for $80 instead of $300, we couldn't resist). Here he is playing with his old bigger blocks before naptime. I was extremely impressed because he built this castle wall all by himself from scratch.
Growing belly picture taken last night (26.5 weeks).

Things That Made Me Smile Today

Things that made me smile today:
Gabriel ran all the way across the house to give me an imaginary piece of candy.
Gabriel counted to ten, peeking between his fingers, and said "ready not, here tome!" as he ran off to find his dad.
Gabriel says "dank you" often and appropriately!
All three of us hung lights and ornaments on the Christmas tree.