Seriously, I have NO excuse (Gabriel Lee is 3!)

I really wish I had a good excuse as to why I haven't updated in FOREVER. But the honest, blunt truth about it is, I have none...unless you count being extremely tired and busy every. single. day. after chasing around 2 very, very busy boys. Yep, that's my only excuse. Anywho, so much to write about... So much to catch up on. I'm making it my mission to finish the rest of this year out strong on this blog. Let's see... there's Gabriel's Birthday, Jesse's new job, Gabriel starting School, Florida Vacation, Gabriel's first trip to the dentist and of course Halloween (but we still have a week until that!)

Let's start with Gabriel's 3rd Birthday! 

I honestly still cannot believe that my tiny baby boy is already 3 years old. Seriously, how did this happen? It just doesn't seem possible. He's growing and learning so much every single day... it's unreal. We don't take Gabe's birthday lightly around here... maybe that's crazy to some people but the fact that he is a healthy, strong, smart boy is something to be celebrated- considering where we started. My little 2 pound baby is now a whopping 25 pounds. And yes, every little thing he does is cause for celebration. So, on his birthday we take a little extra time to celebrate his life. 

This year, we wanted to do something a little different for his birthday. We've always had a pool party in the past but with this crazy weather and it always being so hot we opted for a party indoors somewhere. SI Bowl was the perfect place for us. They have the smaller lanes for Gabe and his friends and a party package that was a great deal. All we had to do was bring the cupcakes. They did everything else...including clean up. Which I must say, was awesome. All of the kids got to bowl for one hour and then we had the party room for about an hour as well. Everyone also got $1.00 worth of quarters to play games in the arcade and pizza and soda. The only extra thing Jesse & I purchased was extra pizza for everyone. So easy and SO much fun. Gabe LOVED it. All of his cousins and friends got to come and they had a great time. Though the bowling probably would have been more fun if we had just done a free for all instead of making everyone wait their turn...hah! It was SO much fun watching all the kids bowl and play. 

The theme of his birthday was Disney CARS of course. His FAVORITE! I made him a CARS shirt and we had the cutest CARS cupcakes that I bought from Wal-Mart. Seriously, Wal-Mart has some delicious Cupcakes/Cakes! :) At the end of the party, they let all of the kids sign a bowling pin and Gabe got to bring it home. Now, he will forever know who all came to celebrate his birthday with him! That evening when we got home, we played and played with all of his new toys. Everything from Spiderman to his magnatile blocks. He thoroughly enjoyed every single thing! He's so loved by so many people. It's amazing. 

The morning of his birthday, Gabriel woke up to presents, balloons and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY poster hanging in the living room. We're still in the stage of.... I wanna play with the first toy I get. Regardless, he loved all of his gifts. 

My little man is growing up so fast on me. I hate it. I hate that my little baby is gone... but I love watching him grow and seeing the young man that he will one day be. 

Gabriel Lee: 

Weight: 25 pounds

Shirt size: 24 months/2T

Pant size: 18 months-24 months/2T

Movies: CARS, Monsters Inc., Despicable Me, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

TV Shows: Curious George, Mickey Mouse

Food: Macaroni, Pizza, french fries, PB&J

LOVES: 

His "Beet" aka. Blanket
Brother
Rylee
THE MOON
Mowing with Papa
Going to Rodney's 
Watching Tyler ride his vroom-vroom (aka dirt bike) 


Dear Gabriel Lee, 

Oh my goodness, I still can't believe that you are 3 years old. Even sitting here (4 months after your bday) I can't get over that you are growing up on me. You are the sweetest, most handsome little boy. EVER. You have a little bit of both Mommy and Daddy's temper which at the end of the day, isn't always a good mix. You sure know how to drive Mommy crazy but you also know how to be sweet and get your way. You got your daddy wrapped around that little finger of yours... which is quite possibly the reason why you (and Lincoln) have everything you could ever want or need. I love getting to watch you grow and learn new things. You are always coming up with something funny to say or do. You have more energy than anyone and at the end of the day, I find myself exhausted after keeping up with you and your brother.I know I say it every year, but I'm so proud of how far you have come. It seems like just yesterday you were this tiny little baby boy sitting in the incubator (remember that? You told me the other day that you remember your time in there. haha). And now, you're this big boy who runs, plays, laughs and occasionally cries...but seriously, it's amazing. You've overcome every obstacle they said would be in your way. You are so nice and polite to everyone (don't know where that comes from) and you have a heart of gold. I love you more than the universe little man. 

Love, 

Mommy