The More I Know You, The More I Love You

I know
Gabe currently weighs in at just over 30 pounds.
I love
when my arm is crazy tired from carrying his weight around he helps me forget by hanging on around my collar with his sweet paws.

I know
Gabe is 30 and a couple inches tall
I love
when he pulls his 30something inches up to standing at the front window to pound and greet our neighbors

I know
Gabe says: mom, dada, Gav, Gibson, Hope, up, hi, bye, uh-oh, ta-da, and ball
I love
his deep voice

I know
Gabe has 9 sharp teeth in his little grin
I love
the way he readily shares his toothy smile with everyone, earning him the "oh, what a happy baby" label and no one can resist starting a little conversation with him

I know
Gabe sleeps about 11 hours at night, wakes up for a pre-breakfast, and falls back asleep for another hour
I love
that even during the Idon'twanttobeleftaloneinthiscribtosleep screaming fit he will instantly stop, sniffle, and say "thnuggle" if we walk in to reassure him we are still close by

I know
Gabe loves to play Pat-a-Cake
I love
how he tucks his chin and acts shy every time we say "baker's man."

I know
Gabe has really blond hair after spending time in the summer sun
I love
the one giant swirl that is the back of his whole head

I know
Gabe wants nothing to do with baby food anymore.  He only wants "people food" and he prefers fruit to most other foods
I love
how his pincher finger curls around the teeny tiny pieces he is trying to pick up

I know
Gabe's kidneys are looking strong and healthy
I love
that the details of his spina bifida aren't always the first things that come to mind as I spend my day playing with, caring for, and getting to know my baby ONE year old!

Not-So-Wee G

Gavin has affectionately named the brothers: Big G, Little G, and Wee G.  However, there isn't much about the Wee G that is all so wee.  Our mighty fighter weighed in last week at 18.3 lbs. and today, exactly 7 days later, the Dr. weighed him again at 19.3 lbs.    At this rate, he is going to catch up to Gibson before his 5 month birthday!

Other Gabe Updates:
~He is measuring 24.5 inches long.
~He's been rolling over for about 2 weeks.

~Last week he had a Frenectomy (do you know what that is?).  It may not have been such a big deal to him, but his momma is relieved.

~He is working hard on his physical therapy with bi-weekly in home visits and bi-weekly center visits.

~Gabe is still shunt free.  His next visit with the neuro surgeon is scheduled for the second week of February.

~He is scheduled to be fitted for his first orthodics early next week.

~He has an amazing smile that he still shares willingly despite his current double ear infection.

{Gabe Evan: 4 months old}

 

Side Note: I'm still waiting for the comments on my giveaway post to reach the magic number.  It is getting close.  Feel free to add your repeat entries!

Check Up

We are just home from Gabe's 2 month check up with our pediatrician.  Apparently, when we put our little guy on the growth charts it just so happens that he isn't so little after all.  Way to go there in the high 90th percentile for weight Mr. Cheeks!  Gabe's head measurements continue to climb, which is a concern.  He will see his neurosurgeon again tomorrow for a head ultrasound and follow up.  Until we have pictures to compare his growth to, and a consult with the expert, we will sit tight.

This appointment also brought Gabe's first immunizations.  If you're a mom, you know the drill.  Hold down their arms, look in their eyes, and hold your breath while the sympathy tears flow. Except this time was different.  Held my breath, waited for the first pokes, then a big smile.  He felt them.  He knew they poked him and he didn't like it.  And that's a good thing. Now we are cozy together on the couch recovering while the other babes rest and a storm rolls in.

Big Guy

We watch his reactions, 

 study his quirks,

ask questions we never knew we would have,

keep a close eye on the growth charts,

appreciate each movement,

 & celebrate each milestone.

{Gabe Evan 8 Weeks}

We would say we are lucky, but luck has nothing to do with anything.

We are blessed.

We are thankful.