19 Months!

Well, we finally had to get some cabinet door locks. Gabrielle took my mascara, and I have yet to find it. How is that possible? I have looked everywhere. I rarely leave the house without a coat of mascara, so I had to take an emergency trip to the drug store--LOL!

Here's something funny and what I consider to be rather interesting/unusual...When Gabrielle is mad, she threatens to bite, but she won't-thank goodness. She'll hold my hand right up to her little teeth, but she has never bitten me. And she has been reallllllly mad too-milk instead of apple juice, no binky during the day, getting mommy's make-up taken away-her restraint in not biting is amazing to me. I don't think she'll have anger management issues! She is dramatic though. She drops down to her knees and puts her hands in the air like "Why, Mom, why must you be so unreasonable?!"

On Oct. 17th, Gabrielle attended her first MSU football game and tailgate with Uncle Don, Aunt Kristin, and Uncle Jim. I must admit, I was very nervous as to how she would like it. Boy, was I ever surprised! We made it mid-way through the 4th quarter, and only left because we wanted to avoid the crowd getting back to the car. She would have made it to the end if we really wanted to. (A note to all moms out there: if you are ever attending a big stadium event with a little one in diapers, do NOT use the bathroom for diaper changes. Go to the first aid station. There's no line, it's cleaner, and more comfortable!)

Halloween was pretty much the most fun day ever. The weather was fantastic, and Gabrielle looked adorable in her monkey costume. Because she loves monkeys so much, she loved dressing up in her outfit. She actually got to wear it 3 times at various events such as a pumpkin party and to her Kindermusik class. On Halloween night, we set out to the houses in our neighborhood. There's about 20 homes. Gabrielle insisted on walking the whole way. The most perplexing part of the night was not why people were passing her dressed up in all sorts of costumes; she couldn't figure out why I didn't want her to sit down and dump out her loot after each house. I can completely understand though--she really wanted to see what she got!! She had one little pouch of M&M's, and I think she was in heaven. My middle schoolers enjoyed the rest of the candy--at least those who got a 100% on their spelling tests!

We made a 2nd trip to the apple orchard. (It's the only place to get the best cider!) The weather was much nicer this time around, and Gabrielle got to enjoy the fun stuff there is at Spicer's. They have these HUGE slides made out of plastic tubing, and lo and behold, our little dare-devil thought they were the coolest things ever. I take my camera everywhere, but alas, I did not have it this time around!

With all the wonderful weather, we have enjoyed several playdates, and Grandma & Grandpa Sexton have taken Gabrielle to the park multiple times. Last week, Gabrielle had her first gymnastics experience with G & G, and then went Big Boy for breakfast. She loved Bounce so much, that Grandma had a hard time getting her to leave! Gabrielle will be enjoying her new hobby every Friday!

I guess that's about it. Until next month, stay healthy, and have a wonderful, bountiful, blessed Thanksgiving.


First MSU Game


Taking care of business...




Trick or Treat!


We've always wanted a 3 car garage!


@ Gymnastics--Wearing a leotard, leg warmers, and a pink tutu:):)

18 Months!

Hello, Friends & Family,

It’s been 6 months since my last “monthly” email, but in honor of Gabrielle’s 18th month birthday, I thought I’d break out the magic markers and make a little sign. It’s so hard to believe that she’s been with us for a year and a half! I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, we love that little girl more and more everyday!

There are lots of fun things to report this month. As of yesterday, Gabrielle weighs a whopping 21 pounds, 13 ounces. That’s a whole pound she’s gained in the past 6 months. It’s hard to gain weight when you grow like a weed—3 inches since April. She now stands proud at 32 inches.

I’ve officially lost count of all of her words...which is a good thing! She is very verbal and will attempt to say or repeat anything except for the words that she signs. So, that means she will not say “more” or “milk” among a few others. While I loved baby sign language for the past year, we are going to stick with spoken words. But I must say, the diaper change sign is so darn convenient. We’ll be at church, when it’s really quiet, and she’ll flash me the “change my diaper” sign—a time when I’m glad she doesn’t know the verbal version!

Speaking of church, Gabrielle is an absolute stitch on Sunday mornings. She sings along with the choir, dances in the aisle, and always seems to know when to say “Amen!” very loudly. I keep meaning to drop her off at the nursery, but overall, she is pretty well-behaved and so darn cute!

This month we went to the apple orchard for apples, cider, and a pumpkin. Gabrielle got to see her favorite animal for the first time—a bunny. She was all smiles especially when she got to feed it. She doesn’t leave the house without her own “Bun-Bun.” That beloved stuffed animal deserves its own post on my blog.

Everyday after I get home from school, Gabrielle and I head down to the basement where we play in Poppy’s tent, listen to music, dance, and bounce on my balance ball. She dives into the tent on the sleeping bag and just squeals with delight. We dance so much down there that I have contemplated wearing my HRM (heart rate monitor) to see what kind of workout I am getting. Let’s just say it is 100% fun. If you need a little boost of sunshine, please consider an afternoon play date! All ages welcome—no dancing experience necessary!

Keep in touch & have a happy autumn!
Colleen, Adam, & Gabrielle



Mommy's little hooligan


Check out the outfit here-leopard coat, rainbow leggings, pink sparkly shoes, and her Coach purse. Ha!






It's hard to tell, but she is laughing hysterically:)

17 Months!

HAPPY BACK TO SCHOOL!!

Our little princess never ceases to amaze us! At her 17 month birthday she is so much more "little girl" rather than "baby" it's not even funny! (Actually it is funny--Gabrielle is hilarious!

We had the most amazing summer EVER-so much fun everyday. Now that summer is "over" and I'm back to school, life has quickly settled into our old routines, and Grandma is back on the job. I still get home super early which leaves plenty of time for Mommy/Gabrielle time. Grandma is getting some really fun time as well. On Mondays, for the next 8 weeks, they are going to Kindermusik. Both Grandma and Gabrielle loved it and had great things to say about it. Gabrielle dances when we mention "music class," and today I asked her how class went and she started bopping around and kicking her feet. Also, on Thursdays, they are going to story time at the the Howell Carnegie Library. Now that Grandma has a car seat, you are more likely to find them out and about and at various parks around town!

The biggest change with Gabrielle this month is her vocabulary and her recognition of so many things. I think she has 15 words that she knows really well. One of the funniest words she says is "underdog" when I am pushing her in the swing! She says all 3 syllables, and I am very impressed. She would probably say that word even if it had 5 syllables because she loves underdogs so much! We do reverse underdogs too, but she hasn't quite learned to ask for that yet. I think she is finding that talking is much easier than using sign language--she can still hold onto the swing with both hands!

Another things that just amazes me is the fact that Gabrielle can pick out any pictures in her books. Granted, I do work with her, but I have never showed her or talked about a rolling pin, and she was able to point it out in a book. There really are too many objects for me to list. One of Gabrielle's newer fascinations are airplanes, helicopters, trucks, cars, and especially motorcycles. If it says "Vroom," she likes it. She's her Poppy's daughter! ;o)

I must mention that Gabrielle knows all her body parts. From her head to her hair and her feet and her toes, she's mastered Baby Anatomy 101. She struggles with elbows, but by next month I'm sure she'll have it. She'll point out your body parts too, if you ask her! My potty training endeavors have slowed down a bit, but we are making progress. Gabrielle will tell me (using sign language) when she needs a new diaper.

We just love, love, love that baby! More and more everyday!

Happy Fall, Everyone.

In the laundry basket!


@ the Imagination Station in downtown Brighton


Grandma took this one...


My Little Pianist :o)

16 Months!

Summer is such a gift. Since my last post, life with Gabrielle has been the best ever! Each day is filled with some kind of fun-even if it's just the swing hanging from the garage! Every month Adam and I are more amazed by Gabrielle! She seems to learn countless things everyday.

We went to swimming lessons at the Brighton H.S. pool. It was pretty fun, and Gabrielle is quite the water baby. We also had several play dates and went to a water park, too. Gabrielle loved the wading pool and the water slide. We also spent another week in Houghton Lake. This time, Grandpoppy Sulkowski joined us for the week. Gabrielle and him were good buddies. She got to go on the Sea-Doo, kayaking, and in her inflatable boat. Maybe she'll tube next year:) She was also pretty interested in Bocce ball and horseshoes. Let's just say we had a very fun and relaxing week! (Also, Aunt Beth came to stay for a night, too!)

Gabrielle has taken off verbally. She is going to be an early talker. She repeats as many letter sounds as she can. Just after the 15 month post, she started saying, "Mama." It's too cute. We are also working with her on "Poppy." She *almost* has it. She likes to try to say "avocado." Four syllables is a lot for a little girl!

The last bit of interesting news is that we started potty training! Gabrielle has her own potty and has started wearing pull-ups. She knows the sign for diaper, and she will tell me when she needs a diaper change. Pretty convenient, I'd say! Even though we are in the early stages of potty training, she is very aware of the potty process. Without getting into too many details, we have been flushing and saying "bye-bye" to #2's for many months. Whenever Gabrielle hears a toilet flush in the house, she waves. (She also waves at her bath water as it goes down the drain. :) Too funny.

We love that little girl. She brings us more joy than I can even write. I just love to squeeze her and hug her and kiss her!!! Enjoy some of our pics over the last 4 weeks of summertime fun!


The Cozy H2O Coupe @ Jammie & Grandpoppy's


This hat melts Poppy's heart!


The FAM



Kayaking w/ Grandpoppy





Ride 'Em Poppy

Gabrielle's 1st Year

I'm a little late posting this, but I wanted to post Gabrielle's newborn photo through 12 months!

15 Months!

I'm a couple days late posting Gabrielle's 15th month entry because we have so much fun during the day I sometimes don't even turn my computer on for several days in a row. Gabrielle had her 15 month check-up yesterday. She stills weighs 20 lbs., but she is 2 inches taller. So much for 'baby fat'. She is tall and skinny for her age. If you have seen her recently, you would notice how much taller she looks. She is growing like a WEED!

We have had a lot of fun this past month. TONS of play dates! The last week in June we had a play date everyday. Boy, was I tired. Gabrielle loves going to the park. She is so coordinated. She runs all over the place including UP the slides. That is one of her favorite things to do.

A couple of updates from last month. I had mentioned that Gabrielle likes to throw food. Well, now she will throw something and then look at us with a huge smile and shake her finger at us. It is so funny, but I don't let her see me smile:) Last month she perfected her owl sound, which she still does, but now likes to "woof" and "vroom."

Her new favorite words are, "Apple," and "Garbage," (what is it with garbage?? She still loves the garbage can, the garbage trucks going by-even though she is terrified of them and clings to my leg, putting things into the garbage--we hardly even have any garbage because we recycle pretty much everything! I am trying to shift the focus to the recycle bag, but it's not shiny and doesn't have a cool foot pedal! LOL) She also loves to say "Hi" to pretty much everyone (especially at church) and she also says "Oct-TOE"--obviously referring to her purple octopus bath toy:) She is pretty good at letter sounds. She has this fun little phonics "computer" and she is really good at repeating letter sounds. I am so impressed. Gabrielle also has starting singing along now with her Alphabet Dog and Singalong Puppy, in addition to her dance moves. She likes to hold her arm up and bob it up and down to the beat when she doesn't feel like breaking out all her moves.

We also had a wonderful vacation to Houghton Lake over the 4th of July. We might just have to make it a tradition. Grandma and Grandpa Sexton joined us for the week which made it even more fun! We stayed on a cottage right on the lake, so it was easy for Poppy to take the jet-ski out whenever he wanted. Gabrielle even got to go for a ride on his "boat" which she LOVED. She also had a fun time in her zebra boat and going for lots of stroller rides. We had such a great time that we are going back the first week in August!

I think that's about it. Happy summer still!

@ the park






Play dates = Great Naps!


Gabrielle loves her sandbox


@Houghton Lake








HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

14 Months!

This has been the best month yet! And it didn't go by quickly at all! How wonderful is that?!

Gabrielle is such a smart and funny little girl. I think she gets about 90% of what we say; she just can't respond in decipherable words. She says "Amen," "Apple juice," and "Bless you." It's so cute because at dinner when Adam and I take turns saying 'Grace' she can tell by our voices when we are about to say "Amen." She'll sometimes beat us to it!

When I ask her what an owl says she'll say, 'Whoooooo, Whoooooo!' She has two owl puppets, owl jammies, books with owl pictures, and we have an owl decoy in the garage. Imitating an owl is her first official animal noise.

She knows the names of all her toys and she will go and get whatever we ask for. She also knows different foods and gets excited at the prospect of some of them. She is definitely a veggie girl. She loves green beans and broccoli. She kept asking for more tonight and ate half a bowl of green beans. She doesn't care for bread or meat.
While sitting in her highchair, she chucks those unwanted items across the room. It's amazing how far they go!

She was so funny the other day when I left the fridge open and walked away for a second. She went a grabbed a pint of blueberries, stuck her hand inside, and had a little snack. I caught her "blue-handed" and took a picture. See below.

The week before school was out for me, Grandma and Grandpa Sexton took her to the farm at Kensington. I was able to meet them there on my way home from work. Talk about some good ol'fashioned fun. Gabrielle had great time seeing all those animals live and in person. She loves to imitate animals noises. I like how she tries to "Baa!" She got to see a calf, piglets and pigs, bunnies, goats, chickens, and horses. We will definitely be going back!

We have also been having fun outside the house. Gabrielle loves sidewalk chalk and bubbles. We went to the neighborhood garage sale and found a play house, teeter totter, sandbox, slide, and climbing gym. (All for $60-what a steal!) That's in addition to the slide/climber combo we purchased before. Our back yard is PLAYLAND! It is so fun. We play out there for hours! She is pretty coordinated. She can climb up on the gym and get down going frontwards. I am so impressed. She cries when we have to go in. We love our little outdoorsy girl. Mama just got a jogger stroller, too, so no more boring treadmill:)

Tonight when we put her to bed, she grabbed her binky, walked up to her crib, and waved bye-bye to us. We put her in her crib and that was that!

Stay tuned for more summertime adventures!!

Gabrielle's 1st campfire at G/G Sexton's


Wearing Mama's Socks


Gabrielle loves Curious George.


Wearing Poppy's (old) Oakley's


Loungin' in the backyard


The Blueberry Thief!


G. loves to press all the buttons and turn all the dials in Mommy's Jetta


Having fun w/ sidewalk chalk