Hair Cuts: Before and After

Gabe's new favorite place is the bathroom cupboard. He backs into it, stands up, then shuts the door, is quiet for a moment or two, opens the door, then shut sthe door, and the pattern continues for a very long time.

I thought about practicing opening presents with Gabe, but had not gotten to it just yet. It turns out there is no need- it's innate for him. I found Gabe this morning under the tree, admiring one of the gifts for his Great Grandmother, wrapping paper aside.

We received Grandma Egli's Christmas package today, with her famous Peanut Brittle, yummy cookies, and beautifully wrapped presents. Gabe enjoyed the box. He climbed in with his fire truck blanket and "read" Silent Night. I guess he was in the Christmas mood.

Painting

With cold and wet/snowy weather yesterday, we had to be creative with our afternoon indoors. Painting windows was the activity of choice. Here's Gabe in action.

I've never actually asked Gabe to smile at the camera before, but I thought I would give it a try. This is the result. For those of you who are familiar with my camera smile, this may look familiar.

Upon repeated requests, his smile turned into this...
I think his goal was to let people see every last tooth in his mouth.

After awhile, Gabe wasn't too excited about the paint on his hands. He kept trying to shake it off.

Thanksgiving

The other day when I got Gabe up from his afternoon nap, he promptly fell back asleep on the couch and slept for another hour.

We spent Thanksgiving in New Orleans this year, so Gabe got to see his friend, Aaron. They get along really well - I don't think there was one squabble between them the whole weekend, mostly because Aaron's a quite the peacemaker. Here they are the New Orleans Children's Museum.

And here they are looking at Starfall.com

Gabe has an adorable new cousin, Vincent, who he loved to kiss.

Helping with the banana pudding.

At City Park Amusement Park. This was Gabe's favorite ride (with Aunt Scharlotte, Uncle Jeremy, and cousin Katie)

And here's a video of Gabe on his favorite toy at Pop's and GG's. As you can tell, he loves it. He's from Texas. What can we say?

Preaching

We went to a birthday party for a 5 year old on Saturday - Halloween theme. Since the pumpkin costume is safely tucked away in New Orleans for the next Garcia baby, Gabe dressed as a beach bum. He spent most of the party on this dog.

And here's a video of Gabe preaching to our neighbors through the window.

Evidence

Sometimes I find very incriminating evidence that Gabe has been around and taking care of business.

(notice the apple that has a bite out of it in the fruit bin)

(notice the easel in the left picture that has a perfectly good (and clean) piece of paper for drawing)

And now for pictures of the man himself...

We had to whip out the suspenders yesterday for church because Gabe's pants were 4 inches too long and falling off. He has found them twice since and asked for help in putting them back on.

Pumpkins and other mischief

This is a vintage costume GG made for her kids long ago... we loved it!

Ward Halloween party and cross-eyed Gabe.

We were lucky enough to have Pops, GG, Aunt Megan and Uncle Justin in town for Halloween Festivities! Gabe was in heaven with all the extra attention.

Gabe loved the trunk or treat at our church. The moment I put him down, he started running up and down the parking lot (I was right behind him), laughing and screaming. He didn't stop until I picked him up and made him ask for candy so I could eat some later. Although the picture below is blurry, I like it because you can see how fast Gabe was moving.

Gabe loved Uncle Justin. He would cry when Justin left the room by the second day they were here.

On Halloween we went to the Houston. A good time was had by all :)
Gabe got to pet a goat, see lots of animals, pick out pumpkins, and be part of a very large crowd.

Our attempts to get a smile only produced a tea-pot.

Gabe and GG picked pumpkins together. Gabe proceeded to give them away.

A new hobby...
After the distracting camera was put in hiding, Gabe actually put all but one of those pots and pans back in the cupboard. Perhaps he has his fathers love of reorganizing.

17 Months

Gabe turned 17 months 10.23
And 17 month-old Gabe likes to help with anything and everything we do.
He's saying a lot of one syllable words that at least I can understand
He can point to his arm, nose, eyes, ears, hair, wrist, elbow, and knees on command, as well as make the noises for horse, cow, dog, cat, sheep, camel, elephant, snake, and macaw.
He loves to chase anyone and everyone.
He loves to clean and if something is not clean he declares it as "yuck".

A few of Gabe's loves

Gabe really likes putting on swim goggles and wearing them around.

He likes apples.

He likes to rub dirty-food-hands in his hair.

A Day In the Life