Already?

I'm sorry, but I had expectations. Expectations that included a sweet, quiet baby who lays on the mat I provide for him...coo-ing adoringly and playing with his toes.

I met this boy in Ethiopia. But somewhere over the Atlantic Ocean, a transformation took place. My quiet, sweet, skinny, squeaky boy who loved to roll onto his belly and then cry because he wanted on his back has changed. Ohhhh, how he has changed!

There is a new Abel in town. A loud-mouthed, hyper, crawling, pudgy-cheeked dude who never stops moving and squealing has emerged.

And, he is soooo much fun.

But, how... HOW is he already doing THIS?!

First, I find THIS ....

Then, THIS....

Then, THIS!

It's time for some serious baby-proofing.

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(I especially like how he moves that stupid school bus out of his way, and then has to show off holding on with one hand. He's just rubbing it in that I can't sit on my arse anymore and watch him play!)

Proud

Proud to celebrate PRIDE with my cousin Kelly and Rachel.

(No, I do not know what is up with my hair and why Abel is incognito.)

Nanny Granny

I was blessed with a live-in nanny for one week. Oh, how I wish I could keep that up!

My mom joined us for a week and was soon named 'The Granny Nanny'. Abel had a wonderful week hanging with his Grandma and I was able to get lots of work done (and get my hair cut, get the cat her rabies shot, go to the dentist, etc, etc...). It was LOVELY. Wow, did I take running errands for granted before the boy's arrival ?!

Here are a few pics of their week together...

Shopping

Hamming it up with Grandma

Potty training, complete with reading materials, of course :)

Watching for puppies/neighborhood watch

A refreshing beverage after a stroll.

Thanks, Mom! We miss you already.

Please come back... and not just because the dishes are already piling up. :)

The day I cried at Burger King

Yep. I did. I cried over my ketchup.

My mom was holding Abel across the table from me at a pit stop and I saw two teeth in his big gummy smile. And I cried.

Then I cried again today. Three times.

We are nearing the time for me to go back to work and for Abel to officially start day care.

I just can't bear it.

I missed out on so much already and it kills me to miss out on more.

There isn't a choice. I mean, we DO have to eat, so that means someone has to earn some money. And as cute as he looks in a sport coat, I don't think anyone will hire Abel just yet.

One Month of Motherhood.

So, I was planning on writing a long post of updates on our first month home, complete with witty remarks about my introduction to motherhood.

But I'm just too damn tired!

Basically, it boils down to this: Don't ever let your child do his 'business' in his bouncy seat and I didn't think it was possible, but I am loving being a mother even more than I thought I would.

And, gracious, am I tired?!

Abel STILL hates baths, so these smiles after a clean-up tonight were worthy of documentation!

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A selfish wish.

Is it wrong of me to wish that these BFFs grow up, fall in love, and get married so that I can finally be related to my BFF?

You know...when they're both 30 and doctors in something or other, of course!

The cuteness factor is high when these two are in the same room to be sure.

Quote of the Week

I about died laughing when my cousin's daughter, Reaghan (age 4), captured one of Abel's 'looks' so well...

"When I came outside, Abel was staring at me and he was having his really huge eyeballs."

It immediately brought to mind THIS pic, one of my all time favorites, brought to me February-ish by Jen B.

Hilarious. And, MY how he's grown!

Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Milestones

I shared my birthday with Abel a couple of days ago. I turned 33 years and he turned 7 months. And, when I say 'share', I mean he COMPLETELY stole the

limelight! We forgot to cut the cake for two straight days and now I am faced with a full birthday cake and no one to share it with. I am thinking if I eat two slices per day for 7 days I'll get through it. No, I will not sacrifice a crumb of my Donut B@nk birthday cake, and will gladly work off the extra poundage at a later date. I am a person who values commitment!!

Today is the one month anniversary of the day Abel and I met. Obviously, it has been a busy month for both of us, but I think he has been working the hardest. He is so close to crawling... still not an 'official' crawler, but he can easily get from one place to another--it's just not that pretty. He pulled himself up to a stand tonight. He was SOOO proud of himself... he started laughing out loud when he stood up. And these teeth had better make an appearance soon. The poor guy drools his shirt soaking wet and sucks on freezie teething rings all day long!

Anniversaries are recognized so that we take time to remember and value our relationships. I am forever grateful to have Abel in my life. His smile makes my day. I never fully imagined the abundance of joy he would bring into my life.

This pic really makes me laugh. It's from the first day we met and we were looking at the photo album of our family that Joc had given to him a couple of months before. I think it's dawning on him, "Oh,yes...THAT's how I know you!"

Joc giving Abel his photo book, circa March 2010.

Chillin' in his crib at the IAN Care Center with his book. Look how tiny he was!!