Pieces of Autumn

It has become our yearly family tradition to head out east to Water Mill and visit The Milk Pail and Hanks Pumpkintown. We spent the afternoon picking apples, posing for pics, picking out some beautiful pumpkins and playing.

Gabriel couldn't wait to get his hands and mouth on an apple.

Nom Nom

1st Birthday Party Time!

This year we decided to have a more low key birthday party for the kids. Leah had a tea party with some of her friends and for Gabriel we invited our immediate family over for some grilled food and cake. I feel some guilt about this. We had a big party for Leah with all our friends and family and then the same for Louis for his first birthday. It wasn't an easy decision but we decided a family trip to Sesame Place, a road trip to Canada at the end of the summer AND Hershey Place in September made for a lot of special family time.

I think it turned out to be a nice day. Gabriel had fun running around and enjoyed spending time with everyone who was able to make it. And at the end of the day? That is what matters.

Sesame Place 2012

We headed to Sesame Place this weekend. This was our first trip there as a family. We packed up and got on the road in the early morning. Made great time and the boys slept through most of the ride there. Leah was as excited as Louis and Gabriel freaked out pointing at all the characters as soon as we got there. It was an overcast day with storms in the forecast so I expected it wouldn't be as busy as other weekends. It isn't a large place so it was nice that it wasn't packed.

We weren't sure what rides Gabriel would be able to go on. As a walking baby but not quite a toddler he met some requirements but not others. He isn't really a handheld infant as he does walk independently but he isn't the size of most kids who do the same thing. Fortunately there were still plenty of options for him. Eventually we did do a few rides together. He wasn't really into them so we stuck to the water sprinklers.

Winter Snow 2012

Finally had some snow and took the kids out in it. Gabriel was happy to head out for a bit. I was concerned the snow falling would bother him but it turns out he's just like his older brother and sister-LOVES the snow.

Day Two

Louis and Leah spent the night at their grandparents' house while Matt and I got to know the new baby. It was overall a good night. I couldn't sleep at all, just kept looking at the baby. I can hardly believe he's here and that we are home. I really missed Leah and Louis and was very happy to see them today.

So in love...

Attempt at first family photo of all of us together.

Gabriel's First Day

Shortly after birth, covered in vernix.


Gabriel took to nursing right away. Always an incredible moment, when you see your child nourished by your body for the first time outside of your womb.

Matt was a great support during everything. He is a proud dad of another baby boy.

Dressed after bonding with me, skin to skin and nursing.

All wrapped up in Dad's arms.

Louis went right to the baby and wanted to love on him, kissing him as much as possible.