colleen writes: No Winter Blahs!

January is my least favorite month of the year. However, with a 2 1/2 year old I find it nearly impossible to experience any "winter doldrums." With the hustle and bustle of the holidays over, we have been enjoying the simple things over at our house. On January 17th, we found out some very, very exciting news. WE'RE HAVING A BOY!!!!!!!!! Adam, my mom, Gabrielle, and myself of course we to our ultra sound appointment together. I was one day shy of 19 weeks, but the ultrasound technician was able to see everything she wanted. He looks great, which was the most important thing. The night before the appointment I had a dream that we were having a boy, but I really didn't believe it until we saw the proof on the ultrasound screen. I figured we'd probably have a girl just because that's what I have! I think a boy will really balance out our family--that's for sure. I am hoping for less sibling rivalry, and the prospects of being able to enjoy "girl" activities and "boy" activties and of course lots of family activities. We are looking forward to family ski vacations and biking vacations and Disney World (well, in 5 years anyway!)

Another big thing that happened this month was that Gabrielle didn't have Grandma all month. Grandma and Grandpa Sexton went to Mexico for the 2nd half of January, so Gabrielle went to our next door neighbor's house. This meant that Gabrielle had to get up at 6:15 every morning, and had to be ready to leave the house with Mama at 7:00. She was a trouper, and there were very few tears (and none when I dropped her off!) Just a few in the kitchen before we left the house, which is totally understandable. She did awesome at the neighbor's! Sabrina is a "Super Mom" with 4 kids of her own and several that she watches during the week. Gabrielle got to play everyday with Lilliana who is only one year older than she is. Gabrielle took a nap everyday, ate well, didn't use a binky during nap time, AND used the potty everyday!! YAHOO! Poppy was able to take a day off and take her to preschool which was awesome, too.

Here are a few cute "Gabrielleisms" this month...
...at church while getting ready to go up for communion, Gabrielle said very loudly to the usher and others around us, "It's time for Mama's snack!"

...with her index finger raised, she said, "Speaking of which" when I asked her if she was hungry or needed a snack

..."Holy Moly Spicy Macaroni" (I have no idea where she came up with this one

..."You're way off target!"

..."You're absolutely right!"

That's about all I can think of at the moment---Until next month!

BABY BOY PICS!