Baby Gabriel

This is my little-big Gabriel Bruce born one year ago tomorrow. I know I'll be saying this for the rest of my life, but it's crazy how fast the time flies.

Gabe has been such a blessing in our lives. I know it goes without saying and that most every parent feels this way, but I couldn't imagine my life without him. It's overwhelming to think about how much joy one human being can bring into your life and within a matter of minutes at that. One minute he's in my belly and it's hard to imagine that he's not really an alien living in there, and the next minute he's screaming and crying and you know in that instant that you could never love anybody more. Some people think having your kids so close is crazy but for us it just works. It's been so much fun to see how close Gabe and Cai are. I think the greatest gift you can give your child is a sibling and it's been really neat to see them already forming that brother/sister bond. 

Gabe started out more mellow than our fire-cracker Cai but he was just foolin' us all. He's just as big a ham as she is and just as silly!! He's already walking! Craziness. Cai didn't walk til 13 months and Gabe's been doing it for almost a month already. He doesn't say mama except on occasion but he says dada, claps, waves and speaks lots of gibberish. He also has 5 going on 6 teeth already. More than Cai had and he is such a boy. My mom was right when she told me you don't have to teach them to be a boy it's in their genes. Even though every baby gets into things and likes to make messes I definitely think boys have a knack for it. They're also avid climbers, without ever needing an example he has learned to climb on SO many things. I for sure have to keep my eye on him just a little bit more than I did with big sister. He is the biggest daddy's boy ever and although I get jealous sometimes it's really really fun to see him interact with Chris. Him and Cai both get really excited to see Chris when he comes home for lunch and from work. Gabe will cry if he's not immediately picked up by daddy and once dad is home for the day he won't leave his side, or I should say hip since he LOVES to be held. We haven't had his one year check-up yet but I'll post his stats when we do.

I can't believe it's his 1ST BIRTHDAY!! Just in time to be a big brother! We love you SO MUCH Gabe and are so grateful for all the happiness you've brought our family. Happy Birthday!

 I'll tell you what, having babies never gets old! It feels like the first time every time. I wondered if it would feel different but it was just as monumental!

 All set to come home for the first time.

 Grandma Kelly and Gabe right after we got into our room.

Look at all his hair!!

Birthday Cake Face

Oh yeah, this is just a little sneaky peaky of his one year photos courtesy http://ciara-richardson.com/blog/.