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This morning when I walked in the door from running, I heard, “Maaamma!” There is just nothing like the feeling I get from hearing our little girl’s voice. Lately Gabrielle has some pretty funny things that she says. When we were on our way to swimming, she continued to tell me, “No Miss Caroline, kay?” When we got to the pool she continued to negotiate and look at me in the eyes while saying “okaay mommy?” All of the sudden, Gabrielle has added the word, “okay” to almost everything she says. She agrees with herself before I can even answer her questions.
This morning I tried to pack too many activities into our day. As we were sitting together on a blanket having a picnic, Gabrielle patted me gently on the back and said, “okay mommy, okay.” She was making sure that I was feeling alright after listening to at least one solid hour of someone crying because they did not want to swim or fussing because they were hot and hungry.
It is amazing how Gabrielle has become a sensitive caring little person. I am just so thankful to have a buddy encourage me through tough moments even if she is the one who creates hardships for me sometimes. Thank you God for little people who do such BIG things!

Tic Tacs

Yesterday was such a difficult day for me as a mom. If someone had a video camera of me with my two-year old at 6 p.m. last night, I would be completely embarrassed for how I was arguing with a little child! If I have buttons that can be pushed, Gabrielle learned how to push them yesterday. I must admit, she is a little mirror of me some times. I do have a rebellious side. If someone tells me to do something, a voice in my head tells me not to do it just because I do not like being told what to do. I bark demands at my child all day long. She wanted to test me yesterday. Some days are just like that. We wake up on a different side of the bed, and we try to do things a little differently. I am so thankful that today was not like yesterday!

This afternoon, I decided to take Gabrielle to play at Madison Square Mall. We have not been able to spend much time outside because we have Baby Eva who can not stand high temperatures very well. I thought we definitely needed to get out and get some exercise. On the way home, I knew I had to keep Gabrielle entertained for a 20-30 minute ride. I told her that I would give her a treat if she answered my questions. I was amazed at all the things Gabrielle could tell me. I will not go into detail so that I do not sound like I am bragging about my brilliant child, but after she told me her multiplication table through the number 3, I just gave her the whole box of Tic Tacs.

Ok, not really... but we had a great time talking, singing, counting, and eating tic tacs together. I came home and reviewed some videos from the night of my birthday when Gabrielle woke up in the middle of the night and shared some ice cream with me. John was video taping us together on the couch with the little Flick camera he gave me. I got so tickled at her rendition of the abcs in the video that I thought I would post it for kicks. She has come a long way in just one month, so I am glad I have this to remind me how "l, m, n, o,p" , must sound to a child who is just learning the alphabet.

Time Flies

Today I have been downloading old photos to my new computer. I came across this sweet photo of Gabrielle, and I thought, "where has time gone?" We had to go to the doctor today for Gabrielle's 2nd year checkup. I thought it was hard hearing an infant cry after getting a shot... I am certain that it only gets worse as the children get older. Gabrielle was so brave. She was actually excited to lay down to get a "shot". We have been playing with the Animal Hospital the Grimes gave us for her Big Sister present. She loves giving the animals a shot. The idea sounded neat until that needle pricked through her little thigh. Speaking of thighs, I can hardly wait to download a picture of Eva's legs. How can four rolls fit between her little knees and hip joints? It looks like she has little rubber bands around her thighs. I really think everything about her is cute.

Anyway, another difficult day is coming to an end, and I am grateful that we had a wonderful visit with Aunt Linda and Ruthie this morning. It was definitely the highlight of our day! Gabrielle and Eva have the most wonderful great-grandmother. Ruthie is one of Gabrielle's most favorite people in the world. I think it is amazing that Gabrielle will grow up having known her great-grandmother with such a strong affection. Ruthie, age 86, sat on the ground outside of Gabrielle's playhouse and watched as Gabrielle ate her lunch on the stove. I enjoyed catching up with my Aunt Linda while she held her other great niece in her arms. I can tell that Eva loves her Tant girls already. The house is quiet and I am listening to the sound of my hardworking husband mow the lawn at 8:26 at night. As much as I want to wait up for him to cuddle into bed, I want my sleep more. Goodnight!

Gabrielle's 2nd birthday

Mommy: Gabrielle, when is your birthday?
Gabrielle: June 13th
Mommy: Gabrielle, how old are you?
Gabrielle: Thirteen!

As fast as time seems to fly, it probably will not be too long before we are celebrating, (and mourning) Gabrielle's 13th birthday. This year however, we were able to party together as a family for her second birthday. When Gabrielle awoke, she discovered her own little playhouse on the back porch. She spent the entire morning in her house, eating oranges and cooking with Daddy.

When we woke Gabrielle for the day, John and I wore silly hats on our heads to remind her it was going to be a fun day. Daddy could not take his off...

The only way I convinced Gabrielle to come inside was to eat her birthday cookie for breakfast.

After breakfast, we took Gabrielle to play on "bouncy castles" as she requested. I think DADDY had as much fun showing us his tricks as we did playing. "It was soooo much fun!!"

Sisters

Gabrielle and Eva seem to have a real sweet relationship already. The first few weeks with Eva at home were a bit challenging for my "love bug". Gabrielle did not know how to express what she was feeling in any way besides laying on the ground and crying, "my turn." After six weeks, I am praising God because these girls have come a long way! Gabrielle has definitely grown patient and more understanding of my responsibilities to the baby.
Gabrielle has become quite the big sister. She gave up helping with changing diapers very early when Eva had to poo at the same time Gabrielle was helping wipe her clean. For a while, she would try helping by STUFFING a paci in Eva's mouth. One time she caressed Eva's head so hard she left a bloody scratch on the top of little sister's head! I don't think anything is done to intentionally hurt the baby, Gabrielle has not mastered the idea of being "gentle." There have been many sweet moments when Gabrielle randomly asks about Eva and runs to check on her. Every morning when she wakes up, Gabrielle has to find Eva first. Today was absolutely precious when Gabrielle crawled the rails of Eva's bed to gently stuff the paci in Eva's mouth. Then, she sang, "twinkle twinkle little staaww" to calm her baby sister. I was totally amazed that it worked!! Eva turned her head towards Gabrielle and just watched her with the most intense look. I can tell these girls are going to be tight friends. I wish I had a picture, but I would not have missed that moment for anything!

Eva Tillman

It has been amazing watching Eva grow over the past five weeks. She looks much differently than Gabrielle did as an infant. She has a tiny little nose and small lips. Her hair (although she has very little hair right now) is light and her skin is fair. Her eyes are shaped like her daddy's and they are still a beautiful blue. Eva loves to study faces. She has started to really respond and smile when she is spoken to. Every minute with her has been a blessing. I fall more and more in love with her each day.