Baby Boy

Summer, Summer, Summer Time

It's hard to believe that we're approaching the end of Summer - it seems like this summer has just flown by. We've been lucky to be able to do a lot with both Gabby and Drake. We've enjoyed many nights at the Ankeny Pool with both kids and many afternoons Brandon or I have taken Gabby to the Splash Park.

This past weekend we did what every Iowan does in the middle of the hottest month of the year - we trekked (with our toddler) to spend multiple hours out in the heat, making friends with anything with 4 legs, eating corndogs and counting mullets - we initiated Gabby into the tradition that is The Iowa State Fair. She had a great time! Much to our surprise she tolerated being in her stroller (for awhile!), ate a crescenti (Dad's favorite fair food), had some shaved ice, saw the "coooowwwwss", ran threw the sprinklers, saw the baby animals/tried to climb into the animal pens and last but not least....went down the giant slide (and squealed the entire way!). So, we'd consider it a Success!

Drake turned 4 months old on the 13th and his latest milestone is rolling over. Even though it hasn't been long, both Brandon and I had forgotten how when a baby masters a new skill...it is all. that. they. do. So, as soon as he gets on his back he immediately flips over which I think he learned so fast as he has an eagle eye now on a certain red head who likes to give him "nice touches" when he's not looking! He's still a super, super happy baby and I'm pretty sure he would win any cutest baby contest as he's quite the charmer.

Gabby is my ornery, sassy, smart little diva! It seems as if every day she learns something new - its almost as if you can see her little brain just getting bigger and bigger. She loves anything flash cards, books and Dora the Explorer. Ahhhh, Dora. The love I have for Dora is undescribable as she is the only person on this earth who can get my child to stop, sit and listen. So, while I'm feeding a baby - Dora is my BFF.

Many people ask me what it's like to have "Two under 2" - to which I say: Everyday is an adventure!! It is constant, rewarding, exhausting and amazing - and that's just in 5 minutes!

The countdown to Iowa Football has begun - so I'll leave you with a little taste of what is to become...

3 Months

It's hard to believe that Drake is already 3 months old (plus a few days - but who is counting!). Life is C.R.A.Z.Y. around here with two little ones - but we count our blessings as we know we are very lucky to have such wonderful little monsters :)



Gabby will be 16 months old on the 25th - she loves to move. move. move. We have been taking her to music class and upon leaving the 1st class one dad simply said: "Wow, she doesn't stop moving". Ummm, yeah!! She is starting to talk a little more - knows most of her body parts and can identify over 20 animals (yeah, I'm bragging a little!). She's a smart little cookie - which can sometimes be mistaken for stubborn :)



Drake is the Happiest Baby EVER. I swear the kids does nothing but smile, laugh and EAT. Man, can this kid eat. It's like a buffet 24/7 around here. At 3 months he weighed half of his sister (16 lbs - Drake and 22 lbs - Gabby). I tell Brandon often - "I think we're growing a linebacker". His personality makes up for the fact that he is still getting up at night to eat - but I'll take it if it means a happy, healthy baby.

I've recently had the opportunity to be able to stay at home with the kids. I like to say I'm "retired". I never envisioned being a Stay at Home Diva/Mom - but I can honestly say that I can't imagine one single day without seeing their smiling faces now (even if said faces are covered in grapes, snot and the occasional grean bean.). I'll take it! I learned with Gabby that the 1st year goes by oh. so. fast...so I'm grateful to be able to share in their every day milestones. Plus - it gives me more time to convince them to someday find me a nursing home with an open bar. :)

Drake Jeffrey Williams

He's here! Brandon and I are excited to announce the arrival of Drake Jeffrey Williams born April 13th, 2010 at 5:31 p.m. He was 7 lbs 15 ozs and 20 3/4" long.

Gabby is enjoying her new status as the "Big Sister". She gets excited to see the baby initially but that excitement wears off as she is then in search of something new as she is ON THE MOVE!!

More details to come - I wanted to get some pictures added of our newest miracle.

Update

Just a quick update - as a result of transitioning the 3rd bedroom into another nursery we have been without a computer/internet at home for about a month! We are making the transition to having our office in the basement - but quickly discovered that I forgot to request phone jacks in the basement when they were finishing this house...oops! So, we patiently await a wireless router (or something like that) that Brandon has ordered and then we will be able to make our monthly updates with pictures.

Unfortunately I can't update the blogsite from work, so we're very far behind!!

Gabby is doing great - very, very close to walking....she'll take about 7-8 steps at a time and then fall down. She's working on standing up from a sitting position too - so many things at once!!

We have 4 weeks to go before we get to meet Baby #2!! Very exciting!!

Until then, we're enjoying the nice days as they come here and there....Gabby loves to be outside and we love to be out there with her!

Cheers to Spring!

9 Months

We're a little late posting our 9 month picture as we kept trying our "photo shoot" over and over. It never failed that each time we were more interested in eating the sign than smiling...so alas - the 9 month picture. I suppose, if anything it gives a very realistic picture as to the attributes of a 9 month old!



Gabby has had a very busy month - as usual. She is getting to be a VERY fast crawler, but is more interested in pulling herself up (a skill she has mastered on EVERYTHING) and cruising around all of the furniture - and even Kinnick. In the past week she has released her hands and even stood for a few seconds - a feat she is quite proud of!





We have been battling her 1st ear infection over the past 2 weeks, one that was accompanied by a very nasty cold. We are thankful that it is getting better and even more thankful for normal sleep again! 4 hours a night for 8 days straight is too hard on this pregnant lady!



We are getting the nursery ready for Baby Boy - Brandon and Darcy are going to start painting this week and then we will get everything assembled and post pictures. It's hard to believe that we only have 10 more weeks before we get to meet the newest addition to our family. I am definitely READY to welcome this little peanut into the world as this pregnancy has been quite harder than Gabby's. As much as I complain (which Brandon might possibly say is ALL THE TIME), I'm thankful my body has lasted this long!





We have receieved over 50 inches of snow here since December 1st...so I'll leave you with some pictures of Gabby and Kinnick watching the snow fall...yet, again.

8 Months & Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Day was very special to us as it marked two very important milestones: Gabby's 1st Christmas and it marked her 8 month Birthday!!



She enjoyed the presents - and even stopped to take some time to rip some wrapping paper and play with some ribbon! She was spoiled by all and everyone and we are so greatful for all of the wonderful gifts she received.

We were lucky enough to be able to see all our families over the Holiday Season - including Christmas with The Mueller Family (my mom's side) and Brandon's Grandparents. Josh and Molly even came back to Iowa so Gabby was able to spend time with them as well. Both Jeff and Darcy were here for Christmas, so that was very special!

This past month has been CRAZY! Gabby has learned to crawl, pull herself up and cruise all in about 5 weeks. She loves to stand up in her crib and SCREAM!! Oh, so much fun for Mom and Dad at 3:00 a.m.! She is starting the teething "routine" again (massive drooling, self applying pressure to her gums) so we're thinking her top 2 teeth will be making an appearance in the next couple of months.

Brandon and I had time to run a few errands yesterday and even grab an "adult" dinner (Thank You Grandma Dawn!) and we found ourselves reflecting back on the past 8 months. It is truely amazing how much Gabby has changed and we feel so lucky to have a healthy and happy baby. We only pray that we are so fortunate here again in 14 short weeks!

We hope all of you had a joyous Holiday Season!