23 Months!

Oh my! What a month! And just think...one more month until my baby is 2!

Gabrielle is officially talking in sentences. She puts them together herself. Today: "I got you, Momma. I got you, Poppy." "Where'd the shirt go?" I am quite impressed with my little "Gabba" as she calls herself. "Gabba" is a good name for her! We are working on remembering things. I ask her what she had for breakfast or lunch, who we visited/who visited us...things like that. She remembered the Salsa CD was in the DVD player. I was the one who forgot!

Since last month, Gabrielle has discovered Max & Ruby on Nick Jr. She loves, loves, loves this show. "Wooby Show" as she calls it. She loves Ruby's grandma, and her favorite episodes have the grandma in them. While I have never been a big fan of TV, I love that Nick Jr. has no commercials. It's so pleasant! Another show that Gabrielle likes is Wonder Pets. They're these silly half animated/half real-looking animals. She calls this show, "Wo Pets." There's also good 'ol Sesame Street. However, I have no idea when SS is on-we always watch the On Demand version, and Gabrielle insists that we watch the opening song about 5 times so she can sing along. After that, there's not much interest in the show, so I fast forward to Elmo's World, which she loves. Lastly, Gabrielle has a favoite DVD-The Potty Movie starring Hannah. We talk about Hannah like she is a member of the family. Gabrielle loved the book, and so I thought the DVD might be cute too. It is. And it works! Gabrielle is so interested in potty training.

Gabrielle has a silly habit of saying "I'm sorry" for pretty much everything. I really don't think she got it from me or Adam. She'll bump into you or something like that and say, "Sorry Gabba" or "I sorry." It's funny--but a passing phase I do believe.

Just last week, we played hide & seek for the first time. I hid first, and Poppy helped Gabrielle count. Next it was Gabrielle's turn to hide. She put her face into her bin of play food with her behind sticking straight up! We are working on good hiding places. :) Gabrielle loves to play in the Jeep. She plays in there almost everyday it seems. When I get in the car in the morning and turn it on, my turn signals are on, the fog lights are on, the bright lights are on, my vanity mirrors are down with the lights on, my garage door opener/closer is missing, my sunglasses are missing, my bluetooth is missing, the fan in on full blast, and usually the glove compartment is open. If I wasn't already awake, this does the trick!! HA!

She's too cute and too funny. We love that little girl!! Here are a few of her most recent pics!

Gabrielle loves Grandpoppy.


Eating at the table "big girl style"


She looks so grown up in this picture!

22 Months!

Happy Almost Valentine's Day, Family & Friends!

Gabrielle is 22 months old today! She is getting so close to her 2nd birthday! Adam and I are just amazed and often reflect on her first few months of life and how much she's grown!

We are getting accustomed to the "Wonderful World of Talking." Gabrielle is a chatterbox with a capital C! I used to be able to list all of her words, but I cannot do that any longer. Her vocabulary is too big now! Her recollection for the names of things just amazes me. If you ask her what anything is, she'll most likely be able to tell you. She is especially good at counting to 3. We have been working on how old she is going to be in April. Whenever she says "two", her little lips curl out. It's so funny/cute/only a mom would notice these things. She also likes to practice her ABC's. "A-B-C" sounds pretty good.

This month Gabrielle has actually gotten songs stuck in her head, and she will sing them throughout the day. The most popular ones are, "Rock-a-Bye Baby," "Silent Night," "Elmo's World," and the Sesame Street theme song.

Besides holding strong to her prayer convictions, Gabrielle also is like a mini Emily Post. Little Miss Manners says "please", "thank-COO", "welcome", and "bless you" at all the right times. How long will this last? I think I'm in heaven!

I had a snow day on Wednesday, so I got to take Gabrielle to Rollerama for a pre-school skate and lunch with Elmo. Normally, Gabrielle loves Elmo. (Who doesn't?!) However, this Elmo looked like a "carnie Elmo" so she was terrified of him, and I really don't blame her. (Elmo is not supposed to be 6'1" with a mustache!) Other than that, she really enjoyed tooling around the roller rink with her stroller and Bun-Bun. Rollerama is awesome-we did the hokey-pokey, the chicken dance, and rocked out to the Ghostbusters song. I think we need a disco ball in our basement.....

Speaking of which, we continue our basement rituals of dancing to techno music and jumping in and out of the tents. Now Gabrielle likes to be pulled around on a sleeping bag. I taught her the difference between "push" and "pull." There are teachable moments all the time!

Hope everyone is doing well. Until next month, stay warm and healthy!

Poppy's Shoes




Happy Bday, Mama!




Grandpa Sexton's Sneakers


ROLLERAMA!!


Too cold to swing??! No way!!


Meet the newest addition to the Sulkowski family...our niece, Aili Mary-Irene born on Jan. 26th. She is the absolutely precious! Gabrielle and Aili will have lots of fun together someday!

21 Months!

Yikes! I keep getting later and later with my posts. I really need to get back to the 12th of every month. Or the 14th...not too much later than that though!

Happy 2010 to all our dear family and friends. I sincerely hope that the year is going well for you.

At the time of my last update, Gabrielle was anxiously awaiting the arrival of Christmas. We had a party or dinner plans on the 23rd, 24th, 25th, and 26th. Gabrielle got to celebrate Christmas at Grandma & Grandpa Sexton's, our house, Jammie & Grandpop's, Aunt Tui & Uncle Joe's, and then Great Nana and Cousin Cadyn's birthdays. Talk about a lot of excitement!! Gabrielle loved her gifts this year. Some of her favorites were: a kitchen from Jammie & Grandpops, an American Girl doll from Grandma & Grandpa, play food from her Godparents, a tunnel and tent from Aunt Bethany and Uncle Anson, and a garbage/recycling truck from mommy & poppy. With all these new toys, Gabrielle didn't even know where to start....Needles to say, she keeps herself busy.

It was so nice to have a couple weeks off work--Poppy too--that we were able to spend a lot of quality family time together. Gabrielle is talking up a storm now. I know I said that last month, but it's really exponential, as I'm sure it will be next month too. She refers to herself as "Gabba." So, she'll say "Gabba more milk" which is awesome because this is the first time I'm having a conversation with her. I'll say, "What do you say?" and she'll say, "please!" and I say, "Coming right up, my darling dear!"

For as sweet and angelic is my angel-baby Gabrielle, she is a little more fiesty lately. I fear we are entering into a little "terrible twos." She wants her shoes off, and then when I take them off, she wants them on. I pick her up, she wants down, and then she wants up as soon as I put her down. She is testing her limits all the time and showing her little strong-willed personality. It's ridiculousy cute (right now!)

One thing though--I know I have said it before-this kid will dance 24/7 if you let her (or if you have the energy!) Her favorite place to dance is in your arms. So Adam and I definitely get a workout bounding around the house to various techno beats and salsa tunes. If she can't get her groove on, she'd rather not listen to it. So as much as I like "Jelly Man Kelly" and "Puff the Magic Dragon," she much prefers remixed Abba. (Must be from my spinning days when she was in utero...is all I can think of!)

This is so great...Gabrielle loves to pray. She likes to pray at every meal. She holds our hands and always says "Amen." She reminds us to pray if she thinks we might forget. This is just too precious-if I look at her through one open eye during prayer time-she will sneak a quick blown kiss to me. She's just too darn cute.


Happy Winter!
Colleen, Adam, & Sister Mary Gabrielle

Super Cutie!








Gabrielle ADORES her cousin, Victoria!


Staring at Vic...










Papparazzi Shot

20 Months!

Well, we are decked and ready for Christmas at the Sulkowski household! The tree is trimmed and the gifts are wrapped! Gabrielle is loving every minute of it...

Last month we had a wonderful time at Thanksgiving. We all had a lot of time off from work. My dad came to stay for several days and joined us for dinner. Gabrielle didn't have the best Thanksgiving: She decided that she didn't want a nap, so the afternoon into evening was a little rough. Grandpapa got to baby-sit the day after Thanksgiving. He was in seventh heaven. Poppy and I ran in the Fantasy of Lights 5K, so Gabrielle stayed home where it was WARM! She got some early Christmas gifts from Grandpapa that she loved, especially her new guitar.

This month marks remarkable gains as far as Gabrielle's vocabulary. She has said a couple of short sentences..."Mama's coat" and "Eat ham"...(not sure why it's always ham-we don't even have ham here about 90% of the time!) I love listening to all her new words. Language acquisition is so fascinating!!

This is funny-Adam cracks his knuckles quite a bit, and I never even notice. Not Gabrielle, however. She is thoroughly disgusted with his little habit! When she hears him, she grimaces and says, "Crack!" She really detests the noise. I don't blame her!

She is enthralled with the Christmas tree. She loves to point out the broken lights. She'll say "off" or "broke" to let us know. (We have an old tree-what can I say? There are a lot of lights out! For the record though, I think it is the most beautiful tree!) Gabrielle loves this little ornament that I loved when I was little. It's a plastic bulb that opens and closes and inside is a little bear. I remember playing with it when I was her age. She'll point out her new Elmo ornament from Grandma if you ask her. She also loves the train. What kid doesn't like a toy train? She helped make the pine boughs for the stairs.

Gabrielle had her first Christmas party of the season a couple of weeks ago. That day I baked some Pumpkin Chocolate Crunch Cookies. She loved them. At the party, she helped herself to a few other sugary indulgences. I was none too happy. She consumed more sugar that day than any other day of her life. It brought out the WORST in my little angel baby...running around like a mad woman, pulling my hair, she poked Adam in the eye, and then tried to poke me in the eye after we told her to be more careful, you name it...she did it. I mean obviously sugar isn't good for you, so do not feed your children sugar, people. We're back on our regular diet here-FOR GOOD! Unsweetened everything!

I am also pleased to report that Gabrielle now says the words that she normally signed. "Mo Milk!" YAY!! Oh gosh-one more thing...I taught her to blow her nose about a year ago. It's very useful. Last night she blew her nose and she said, "Good Girl!" It was very sweet and cute. I love her...that's obvious! :P

I will have pics posted soon. It's on my to-do list along with a mill.+ other things;)

Wishing you a very merry and blessed Christmas! Until next year...
Colleen, Adam, & Gabrielle

Gabrielle loves shoes. I'm sure pictures like this on the blog will be very common!






I love this one with Grandpapa!


Gabrielle also loves bows...Oftentimes, Adam and I forget we have them in our hair, too!





What a work out!!

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)