Gabe's Day

One year ago today we got off the big blue plane from Korea as a family of three into the arms of our loving family. Here's what's happened since...

We are so thankful for everything that had to happen in the universe to bring us together as a family. We love every minute with our son and constantly wonder what we did deserve such riches!

That's My Family

This past week, we headed up to Wisconsin for my family reunion. My mom is one of seven, who all get along and love to spend time together. This tradition of family love has been passed down to me and my cousins and it clearly has made an impact on the next generation as well. Most people were there the whole week, though some could only come a few days, but all made a huge effort. One day everyone was there and that total was 27 adults and 10 kids...quite a group! It's a very diverse group too. We have everything from a toy designer, a retired Pentagon employee, an animal control officer, mechanics, a hair stylist, a dress designer/event planner, a teacher, a landscaper, financiers, restaurant owners, waitresses, a legal secretary, speech pathologists, salesmen, to musicians (which there are quite a few of).
Gabe loved meeting this side of his family. Sometimes he seemed to look at me like 'why have you been holding out on my, mom? These people rock!' Here are some of the highlights...

The Seven Sibs:

Me and my first cousins:

Our kids (most of which have some Korean blood):

The whole fam damily:


Meeting new cousins:






Loving every minute with Uncle Mitch:



Cruisin' on Uncle John's boat:




Dancing by the bonfire with a rockabilly soundtrack:






Random pics:

Me and my awesome Cousin Cathy:




Toasting the one year anniversary of us boarding the plane to Korea:

21 Months!

Gabe is 21 months today and it's been awhile since we've had an update:

*'No' or as he says it 'No-ah,' is in heavy rotation around here.

*He says two word sentences: more-egg, more-pillows (when he buries himself in them), more-juice, bye bye-dada, bye bye-Po (our cat).

*Speaking of, he says 'bye-bye' to everyone and everything. When we leave the store he waves to the store, the people, the items in the store, etc. When he's done with his food he pushes it away and says 'bye-bye.' When he's going to bed he says 'bye-bye' to the cat, the wedding ducks, the computer, everything.

*He whistles. And says 'cheese' when he sees a camera. See below:

*He also chews gum, which he learned when Spencer was here. Though, it does cut down on the constant snacking. And no, he doesn't swallow it. He either spits it out or hands it to me when he's done. Actually the gum phase seems to be waning...we're moving on to mints.

*He is getting more strong willed and approaching the terrible twos. He knows what he wants and then sometimes he doesn't want what he wants.

*Thanks to his friend Noah, the only kid's program he likes is "Yo Gabba Gabba." He really likes Biz's Beat of the Day and he mimics the beat boxing.

*He's a bit fastidious. If there is a piece of trash on the ground...'uh-oh.' If he has some dirt on his hand...'uh-oh.' If *something* looks out of place to him...'uh-oh.'

*He understands everything. It's so great to be able to talk to him and know exactly what I'm saying.

*Puzzles are his favorite toy. He likes to dump over 3 puzzles and put them all together at once.

*He is a great sharer. If he his having a cracker, everyone else must have one too.

*He is now calling me 'mom.' I love hearing his loud voice calling me 'MOM!'

A Day at the Fair

Yesterday we headed up to West Allis, WI for the Wisconsin State Fair. Coincidentally, both Dave and I went there was kids every year. So, it was a thrill to be able to take our son this year. Gabe seemed to really enjoy himself, particularly the animals. When we were walking through the cow barn, he would say 'moooo.' When we hit the sheep barn, he seemed to look up at me like 'wow, they really do say bahhh.' It was so neat to actually show him these animals we have talked about that aren't at the zoo.
We had to do a lot of eating. Obviously, the residents of Wisconsin love their dairy. Only in WI is there a loooonnng line for a glass of milk. It is flavored (cherry, banana, root beer, strawberry) and it is only .25 cents, so that does add to the appeal. We also chowed down on pork sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, corn on the cob, fried cheese curds, and of course the world famous cream puffs.

Grammie, Pops, Gabe and Hot Wisconsin Cheese:


Mommy, Daddy and Gabe:

Sheep:


Watching a Horse get a bath:


Petting a Cow:
The Milk House:

Taking a snooze:

Playing games on the midway:

Cream Puffs:

See ya next year, Fair!:

Unfortunately, we weren't able to meet up with a new blog friend, Grace, who was also at the fair. Gabe and I had met her in the city on Thursday and had a great time! Gabe took to her right away, which doesn't usually happen when he meets new people. He was smiling and playing with her and showing her all his tricks. She is obviously a natural! Grace and her husband are waiting for their adorable son to come home from Korea. We chatted about all things Korean, adoption, what to expect, what not to, and just got to know each other. I knew we would click (I mean, her blog title is a pun too!) and we did. She is funny, has a good perspective, stylish, and easy to talk to. Yay for new friends! Boo that sometimes they live far away.

I Love My Hanbok

As you may know from a previous post, we hang Gabe's Hanbok in his room on the wall. About 2 weeks ago, he started to pointing to it and then to himself. We figured out that he wanted to wear it. I think he was a bit confused as to why clothing was hanging on the wall. When I take it down he starts to laugh and say 'ooooo.' Then when it's time to put it back he claps and says 'bye-bye Han-ba.' He loves to put it on and then admire himself in the mirror. Who can blame him really? It's gorgeous and I bet it IS fun to wear. He only wears it for about 15 minutes at a time, and he knows that he can't eat or drink in it.

The Hanbok's resting location:

The top and vest, no pants:


Just pants:


Just the top over a collared onesie:


Just the vest over p.j.'s: