Gabriel is curious, growing more independent and has a bit of mischievous streak. He enjoys helping me around the house, things like answering the phone, vacuuming, throwing out trash (and things that aren't trash too--thank goodness for the lock of our trash can), sorting laundry and wiping down the tabletops. He is a nonstop whirlwind of activity. One thing to the next. He loves to play with blocks, especially Duplo/Mega Blocks. Our daily dance parties continue to be a favorite.
He is becoming more social. He'll shout at you, pinch, poke at you to get your attention and see your reaction. He has learned to give kisses with his mouth closed, he makes a 'Mmmm' sound as he does it. He'll kiss each person one after the other. Cutest thing ever! He's found his sense of humor and will often just do things that he finds amusing and laugh. The whining has started a bit but it isn't on overdrive yet. He loves to go wherever Leah and Louis are off to. He loves going outside to play and gets excited when he knows he is heading out with his grandparents. He has developed a wonderful relationship with Matt. I'd say the first year or so Gabriel was all about Mommy but that has changed quite a bit. He runs to Matt as soon as he gets home. Wants to head up to bed when Matt goes to sleep at night. Daddy is fun.
Gabriel's food tastes are developing. Over the past few months he wouldn't touch cheese but now eats it with gusto. It has opened up a whole new range of dishes he is now willing to eat and enjoy doing so. He loves coconut and almond milk. Continues to nurse throughout the day. He won't start to eat his meals without the proper utensils. He eats most of his meals independently.
He's started to talk more and words are becoming easier to understand. He had added 'me', 'mine' and 'up' over the past week. He also says 'uh uh' when he means no. He says 'cat', 'dada', a version of Leah and Louis, a very whiny version of "I wanna get out". He says 'mama' or 'mommy' if prompted but hasn't really said it to me yet. I'm always around and honestly I can see he has very little need to ever call me. He sings a lot. I noticed the ABCs and Twinkle Little Star melody. Old McDonald Had A Farm, Row Row Your Boat and Part of Your World (Little Mermaid) are some of his other favorite songs to sing along to in his baby talk.
