Happy Birthday my Love!

Well it was Gabriel's first birthday today. It was exactly one year and 16 minutes ago when I gave birth to my amazing little boy. I cannot believe that a whole year has gone by. We never thought we would get out of the hospital. I can still remember what it felt like that first day. He has been a lot of work, but a lot of fun too. I am so lucky to have the family that I do. Gabriel has been through a lot in his first year of life, but it has not all been bad. He is the happiest baby I know. I am so happy about that, well unless you are grabbing his hands, near his nose, eyes, or his ears. He will let you know those areas are off limits. We could not have made it through the last year if it had not been for our family, friends, and all of the NICU staff.

His very first photo right after he was born

Mommy and Daddy meeting our son

We had his first birthday party at Kiddie Park, which is an amusement park for kids, and it was a scorcher of a day. It was 107 degrees, but we had a great time. The cupcakes and cake were not able to take the heat, they melted. Poor Mellie kept trying to move the cupcakes every time the sun moved. Note to self: Eat the cupcakes/cake first.

We cannot even begin to express how thankful we are to everyone that showed up. We are truly blessed with the best family and friends. Gabriel loves all of his toys. Sebastian and Noah have thoroughly tested out each and every toy to make sure is was durable and safe. Gabriel may not realize it, but he had the best birthday ever.

Big Boy

This weekend we went to a birthday party for a friend at Peter Piper Pizza. it was really fun. We went with Grandma Angel, Kayla, Sunny, and Leo. Gabriel got to play one of the games and he rode two of the cars. He had such a good time. He was so taken by all the lights and noise from the games. I am not looking forward to him walking.

Gabriel is getting a little mobile. He is pivoting like crazy, and will just go in a circles for fun. Someday that will turn into doing doughnuts with the car. He is able to get a little distance with his military crawl. he is starting to follow us when we walk away. He has also developed a liking to all cords. I cannot keep him away from my computer charger and breast pump tubing. He just very curious and nosy. If he cannot see where a noise is coming from, he will try to get around what is blocking his view. Today he figured out how to get himself off the couch. He will just slide right down the side. We are in big trouble now.
Tuesday he is having an evaluation with Speech Therapy. He had a swallow study done in April and they are gonna work with him so he does not aspirate when eating. The milk is hitting his vocal chords when he is eating and if it were to pass them he could aspirate. This could be a result of his reflux. We are supposed to be thickening his milk and serving it  a little cold, but he throws up when we do this. So, the Speech Therapist is gonna work with him on this.
He has been giving us problems with refusing to eat his solids. He is always trying to get the food from our plates. Today he was successful at getting his hands on my arroz con pollo and liked it. It probably wasn't the best thing to let him eat, but it's better than him eating my cake (like he tried to at the party). I ended up mushing up the rice and let him feed himself. He got more of it on him than in his mouth, but at least he ate. he is gonna be one. Feeding him yogurt is a fete on it's own. That little boy gets it everywhere. He will rub his dirty little hands in his hair. Good Times Good Times!

He won't use a pacifier, but he will chew on everything else

He is just like Mommy when it comes to sleeping. We will do anything not to wake up.

I think he thought the yogurt was conditioner

That is not where my pumping bra belongs

All that rice everywhere