Getting His Walk On...

Gabriel is on the move and there is no stopping him, no matter how much I'd like to slow him down a bit. Today while playing alongside Louis he stood up at one couch and let go, walked three steps to the next couch. I couldn't believe it! His legs aren't ready for independent walking yet but I don't think it'll be long before he's attempting to take more steps on his own. He is also able to climb the stairs so we've been putting up the baby gate on the stairs---something we didn't even think to do until Leah and Louis were a year old. Basically? If Leah and Louis are off somewhere? It is EXACTLY where he wants to be.

Exersaucing

Gabriel in the exersaucer for the first time. He seemed to like it enough as long as I wasn't in view.

Roll Over, Roll Over

Gabriel has been working on rolling back his back to his tummy for a few weeks now. Today he managed to get himself over 3 times. Louis kept cheering him on "Roll Over Roll Over". Hopefully the next time I can get it on video.

He is built differently from Leah and Louis so his way of doing things differs from the way they did them. Leah and Louis used their girth to get themselves over. Gabriel uses his legs more and his long torso.

He's also started to try to stand and bear weight on his legs more. Every day he grows a bit bigger and stronger.

1st Halloween Party

Gabriel came with me today to the PTA Halloween Party at Leah's school. Louis spent the evening with his grandparents. This was my second year co-chairing the party. I think it was successful. The kids had fun. Not much more I can ask for.

We wore coordinating costumes. Gabriel wore Leah's 1st Halloween clown costume.

Happy 3 Months!

1/4 of the year down and only 9 months to go till his first birthday.

Gabriel at 3 months is completely different from how Leah and Louis were at 3 months. There are some similarities as well but I noticed the differences more. I think partly due to the fact that it wasn't that long ago that Louis was 3 months old so it's easy to remember.

3 Month Milestones

Most babies should be able to . . .

• Hold up head at 45 degree angle while on stomach
  

• Hold head steady when upright

• Laugh and smile

• Recognize your face

• Open and shut hands

• Kick legs - Gabriel LOVES to kick his legs. All day, all night.
  

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

• Recognize your voice

• Hold up head at 90 degree angle while on stomach

• Bring both hands together

• Squeal and coo in delight

• Do small mini pushups

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

• Bear weight on both legs - He has started to bear weight when I stand him up. Though it's pretty obvious he does not care for it.
  

• Bat at toys - He bats at the mobile on his swing.
  

• Reach for toys and objects - not quite
  

• Roll over - he is almost there
  

• Turn to familiar voices - pretty much turns to everyone in the family when he hears them. Often times Leah & Louis's voices alone will wake him up from his naps.
  

• Make a razzing sound

Happy 2 Months!

The last 2 months have really flown by. We've been incredibly busy with the kids. Between Leah's dance and school schedule, my PTA responsibilities and Matt's new job? Always doing something and going somewhere. I'm very lucky to be home with the boys so I can still enjoy time with them, even though we seem to always been out and about.

Gabriel has changed quite a bit over the past month. He has started to gain weight more rapidly so his face has changed a bit. He is very expressive. Leah and Louis had these huge chubby faces and Gabriel's is better defined so it's easy to see what he's doing with his face more. He has started to babble some and is smiling & laughing up a storm.

2 Month Milestones

Most babies should be able to . . .

• Smile in response to your smile - He is a very smiley baby. He loves to smile back when you smile in front of him.
  

• Follow objects with eyes -
  

• Make noises other than crying
  

• Repeat Ooohs and aahhs

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

• Hold up head at 45 degree angle while on stomach - He likes to turn his head to the side to look around when he's on his tummy.
  

• Make smoother movements - I've noticed his movements aren't as jerky the past few days.
  

• Smile and laugh in response to you - Best smile and laugh ever.
  

• Hold head steady when upright - He still bobbles quite a bit.
  

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

• Raise chest and head (do a mini push up), while on stomach - I'm surprised but he can push himself up quite a bit. I think it's in part to all the babywearing we do.
  

• Reach for an object - not yet
  

• Roll over one way - He's trying but not quite there yet.
  

• Bring both hands together - He puts his hands together sometimes when he falls asleep.
  

• Bear weight on legs - not yet
  

We went to the beach today. Poor Louis has been asking every day for nearly a month to go. This was likely our last visit for the Summer. Leah had a great time doing her usual beachcombing. Gabriel and I hung out on the sand and walking around the water.

Happy 1 Month!

Hard to believe but it has been a month since Gabriel made his way Earthside.

He is starting to have more awake hours during the day & responds to our voices.

1 Month Milestones

Most babies should be able to . . .

• Lift head briefly when on stomach
  

• Respond to sound - he looks around when he hears Louis & Leah
  

• Blink at bright lights - as all our children, he has a camera in his face quite often and responds to the flash.
  

• Stare and focus at faces
  

Some babies will probably be able to . . .

• Follow objects moved about 6 to 10 inches from face - I've noticed he looks at the dangling toy on his seat if Louis moves it about.
  

• Ooohs and aahhs - Gabriel has started to aahh a lot.
  

• Turn towards familiar voices and sounds

• Look and see black and white patterns

Some babies could possibly be able to . . .

• Smile in response to your smile - only gas smiles
  

• Laugh - sometimes he gets this look on his face like he is going to laugh but hasn't quite figured out how to do it yet.
  

• Hold up head at 45 degree angle

• Hold head steady when upright

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.