Mardi Gras 2006

Mardi Gras has always been something my family participated in. I remember when my Dad and uncle built a tall seat for us little ones to sit in so we could see the floats and actually catch some beads. It was so much fun going to the parades and seeing all the costumes and amazing decorations on the floats. Of course when you are little, you don't realize all the crazy adult things that go on during this time! This year we wanted to take Gabe to some parades and let him experience it for himself. I knew he would not understand much about what was going on, but I wanted him to see the floats and have some fun with us. The first parade we went to was in Biloxi. Jennifer and her daughter Peyton were in this parade. They are in our Mommy and Me group and so we wanted to cheer them on. It just so happened that this Saturday was one of the coldest and nastiest days of the winter. It was so windy!!! But we were there and cheered on our friends. Gabe was very intimidated and did not seem too interested in what was happening. The only thing he really responded to was a little weenie dog dressed up. He cried when the police came by and were blaring their sirens. We got him a few beads, but he would not even wear them. Thank goodness he was more receptive to the second parade we attended.

Mom was here for a few days and we went to the Diamondhead parade with Aunt Debbie, Uncle Keith, Victoria, Meghan and DeLance. Gabe ran around with Jeremy and Mom and seemed to be really enjoying himself. We had fun just hanging out and seeing all the kids anxiously waiting for the parade. Once it began, Gabe seemed scared. But after a few minutes he was putting his head down every time Jeremy caught a bead so he would put it on his neck. When it was all said and done, Gabe looked like Mr. T with all his beads! We all had a great time and I was so glad that Mom got to spend time with Gabe. And a few days later he found them in his room and decided to put them on again and show off his "shinyyy beesss."

Our Busy Life

Since meeting several families over the past few months, our whole family has gotten a lot busier. From playdates every Wednesday, to hanging out at someone's home we are two little social butterflies. Gabriel certainly has blossomed and really gets along with most of the children. And of course, the friendships have been great for Jeremy and I as well! We all have definitely gotten into a routine, which is very comforting. Jeremy works plenty of hours and when he comes home, he belongs to Gabe!! I get such a laugh from watching them run around and scream their heads off. Gabe and I are usually at the library, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and anywhere else other moms and kids are during the day. Other times we just stay home in our pajamas and watch PBS all day. I am so thankful for my Mommy and Me group that I started along with another mom. Most of us have just moved to the area, so it has really helped everyone. We also spend a lot of time with my Aunt and Uncle in Diamondhead. They have Gabe over to spend the night often, which is nice for Jeremy and I to get some alone time! I cannot believe that we have lived here for almost eight months. Gabriel's 2nd birthday is quickly coming and we will be celebrating big time. I cannot believe that he will be 2. He is becoming more independent and tries to dress himself and dress me too. And with another baby on the way, I need him to be as independent as possible! When Jeremy told him there was a baby in my belly, he stuck his paci in my belly button and said, "BayBee." I cannot wait to see him doing his big brother duties. The way he hugs on babies whenever sees them, assures me that he will be protective of the baby and maybe a bit unwilling to share mom. We definitely don't know how long we will be in Gulfport, but for now we are content here.

Gabriel's Obsession

I have never seen a toddler love dinosaurs or King Kong as much as Gabe. He carries around the movie covers and even sleeps with them. That may sound strange, but Jeremy and I think that it's sweet. He gets extremely excited when he reads a dinosaur book, sees them on TV or when someone even mentions the word dinosaur. My Uncle introduced him to King Kong this past week and Gabe is having a hard time choosing his favorite! Whenever Jeremy comes home from work, Gabriel runs right up to him and shows him the movie and starts yelling, "Dino" or "Kin Kon!" It's amazing to us that he does not get scared of these animals. They are scary to me! But my little boy is truly obsessed. It is so wonderful to see Gabe's imagination developing more and more everyday and to watch his mind "connect the dots." He also loves Sesame Street and looks for "Bi Bir" wherever we go. But the dinos and King Kong are first in this kid's world (besides mom and dad).