“Wherezhe?” he says the question like it’s one word with both hands palm up and a little shrug. He’s hidden his Snoopy stuffed animal, whom he calls “Snoop” in his crib and closed his bedroom door. When I find Snoop, Gabe happily claps his hands, “Night night Snoop!” Snoop has become his best friend. He insists he put shoes and socks on and even pats his back when it’s time for Snoop to go to bed (gotcha, Gabe! This is really a trick to get you in bed.) He brings Snoop everywhere and he couldn’t have chosen a more adorable little pal.
In the garage underneath our apartment, he sees two of the apartment building’s maintenance men. They wave at him from across the garage, yelling, “Hi, Gabe!” He happily waves back, then lifts Snoopy up to be acknowledged. “Hi, Snoopy!” they yell, arms waving.
We stop at a wooden bench while walking on a trail in the woods. Fallen leaves litter the bench and Gabe carefully removes each one and places it on the ground. He did the same thing last week when mulch had fallen outside the mulch bed; picked each little piece up and placed it back inside with the rest of the mulch. This boy dumps his entire train set on the ground, but loves things to be orderly.
His right armpit is more ticklish than his left. When I’m taking off his shirt, he flinches and giggles hysterically when I accidentally touch his right armpit. Which only makes me tickle him more, of course.
He studies us intently and imitates what we do. He pretends to shave. He picks out my nail polish color and asks for some of his own on his toes.
He wants to hug us all the time. “Mama! Hug!” he runs over with open arms multiple times a day. He pats my back gently when I hug him. He is so sweet and so full of love that sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky. How I could deserve this sweet boy.
He wants so much to be helpful and make us laugh. He is calm and measured and I’d say responsible if I thought barely-two-year-olds could be considered responsible.
This is Gabe right now. He is more delightful than he’s ever been.
Gabe turned two on Saturday and I’m so lucky to be his mom.
YOU should be one proud mama, Ashley. That video was awesome. Gabe’s eyes slay me. His giggles make me want to laugh, too. And I might have teared up a bit at the end, thinking my baby is almost two, too. (Yes, I just said tutu, sort of, hahaha). Also, that video? Amazing. I wish I had the patience to put something like that together. Instead, I’m working on a photo book of Gavin’s first year. Yeah, I’ve got some catching up to do. =) Happy happy, Gabe, you’re one lucky kid to have such amazing parents!
This is the sweetest thing! Happy birthday to Gabe!
Happy belated birthday to Gabe! Two is AWESOME – Topher’s really become his own (very independent!) little man. I love watching him grow and learn :) Do you let Gabe wear nail polish on his toes? Topher asks for some sometimes but my husband would probably kill me if he found pink on his son’s toes …
Happy Belated birthday Gabe!!
He is such a beautiful, wonderful little boy. And what is it about that little pat on a back when a child hugs you? It’s just so touching. Happy birthday, Gabe, you are so lucky to have such wonderful parents and such an amazing life!
It is so good that you are recording Snoop-love and ticklishness and all the rest. These things have a way of running from one child to another as the years pass, and I find myself saying, “One of you used to ____.” :)
I really can’t believe that he’s two! I remember when he was just a secret DM :) I definitely cried my way though that video…I feel like it’s weird to like a kid I’ve never met, but I just adore him (and you). What a sweetie!
Okay I second Amy in that I feel like it’s weird that I like your kid so much when I’ve never met him, ha. But really this post, this video, that little guy, just the cutest and the sweetest and cannot believe he is two already. Happiest of birthdays Gabe!
Oh man I’m crying over here now! The dancing, and leading you by the hand, and the kiss at the end! He is awesome, and this is such a special thing you’ve put together.
Though we’ve never met “irl” I just love your lil’ family so much! Love the video. Love!
What an incredible post! Happy Birthday Gave! (Although it wouldn’t let me watch the video…boo!)
Happy Birthday Gabe!
Awesome video.
I have been following your blog for sometime now, but this is the first time I’m commenting. Had to wish the lil dude.
SO freakin’ cute!! :) Happy birthday Gabe!
So cute!! We used the same song for Elizabeth’s first birthday video.
Aww Gabe is soooo cute. Love it!
Lately I’ve found myself wondering if I’ve been taking care of just myself for too long to adapt to having kids. This is weird, because for most of my life there are few things I’ve wanted more than to be a mom. I think it’s probably a combination of exactly what I’m wondering– have I gotten to used to being able to be and do whatever I want, whenever I want? But I also suspect it’s partially my subconscious trying to adjust my life expectations given the combination of my age, and the unexpected upheaval in my life this last year.
Anyway, this seems like a weird comment, but I’m saying it because this post is so beautiful. Reading it (and many of your other posts about Gabe) make me think “how could I ever want to give up the idea of having a family!?! Look at what a joy and a blessing it is, despite the trials!”
Yep. Beautiful post, Ashley. It’s made me emotional in a way I didn’t anticipate. You guys are so lucky to have each other, and so blessed to have Gabe! (And, the Ray LaMontagne song you used? SO PERFECT! Also perfect: Gabe blowing a kiss at the end of the video!)
Happy Second Birthday to Gabe! (And congrats to you and Mike for not just surviving during this time, but thriving!)
Happy Birthday to you both! He’s so adorable.
Happy 2nd birthday to your sweet little boy! He’s so precious!
I’m so behind on my Google Reader, but happy birthday Gabe (and Mike!)! And happy day o’ birthing a baby to you, mama!
P.S. MORE GABE VIDEOS PLEASE!