A few months ago I did a post on our favorite photographer, Amber, owner of You-nique Capture Photography. I wanted to share a few of the photos that she has taken for us over the past year with you all.I'm positive that you'll see why we love her as much as we do when you see these pictures! I must say, I'm a bit obsessed when it comes to pictures- especially of my little man. I think it's a great way to capture Gabe growing up... and they also make great keepsakes. Our house is literally filled with pictures- so much so that I've had to do some rearranging to find hanging space for all of them. What in the world am I going to do when we have 2 kids and all of their pictures!? I'm going to need a bigger house, for sure! One with lots and lots of wall space and hallways to fill! Anywho, here's some of our pictures from Amber! You can visit her webstite by clicking HERE or you can click on the link on the right hand side of the page! :) Enjoy!
{please respect her hardwork and do NOT copy these pictures! Thanks!}
I LOVE this picture!!
Seriously, one of my favorites!
This is a collage from all of Gabe's sessions! LOVE it!!
LOVE this pic of Gabe and Daddy! Gotta support Daddy's USMC days!
Well, after church today, Gabe and I went on a little shopping date. We enjoyed some lunch at Fazoli's and then hit up Goodwill, Target, and Kays. Boy, was Mommy TIRED after all this running around. I must say, I love my little man, but he really needs to learn how enjoy shopping! haha. We started our afternoon off at Fazoli's. This was Mommy & Gabe's first time dining alone- just us. And was I ever in for a surprise! It actually went well, besides the fact that they were all out of highchairs- so I had to use a booster seat for Gabe. Which isn't that big of a deal, except it had no straps to strap him in...which means my little man had free reign to get up and down- whenever he felt like it. And yep, you guessed it, he did just that! haha. Other than that, he was awesome! He enjoyed a few breadsticks, a couple bites of pizza and spaghetti. Mainly, he enjoyed watching all of the people in the restaurant! Next, we were off to Goodwill! I was on the hunt for some more books for Christmas and a few toys for Gabe at Goodwill. It seems that everyone is loving Goodwill these days- so I didn't have much luck at finding anything there today. I did manage to find one book and a new pillow for Gabe's room- but that was it. Nothing like my usual shopping trips to the GW! After GW- we headed to Target! I love Target! We were getting Gabe some new toys with his gift cards from his birthday. My little man was soooo good in this store. I bought him some popcorn when we first walked in- which kept him pretty happy throughout our time there. Once we found a toy he liked- I knew we were set to have a nice shopping trip there. We left with a couple new toys, a book, and some black pants for my little man. Oh & of course the popcorn! Finally, we were off to Kays! This is where my little man started to get a little mad. He fell asleep during the 2 minute car ride around the mall to Kays. I got his stroller out- thinking that he would stay asleep while we were in there. BOY WAS I EVER WRONG! haha. He popped right up as soon as I laid him down. So, I gathered all of our gear and headed inside.... hoping that he would stay calm! What I didn't anticipate was them being really busy. So, we had to wait for about 10 minutes. You might say that nothing can really happen in 10 minutes- but let me just tell you--- that's wrong! Here's what can happen in 10 minutes:: Gabe crawled out of his stroller and took off walking as fast as he could. Mommy chased him and caught him! Gabe took off again. Mommy went after him again and again and again and again. Do you get the picture? haha. Can you imagine just how tired Mommy was!? Of course everyone in the store thought he was the cutest little boy ever. And I won't lie- he is pretty stinkin' adorable. But man, he really needs to learn to stay by Mommy when shopping! Anyway, I want to mention these toys that I just absolutely LOVE. It's the B.Toys Brand at Target. I just love the look of their toys- and find them very well made and intriguing- especially to Gabe. Here's a few of the toys that are on my wishlist for Gabe this year:
Ok- so this is super expensive and def not worth the price since he probably wouldn't play with it that much. But still, it's super cute. I'd go for something just like this- only cheaper! :))
What child doesn't love making music?
Again...can't beat making music!!
I actually bought him this for Christmas!! shhh....it's a secret! :))
It's amazing how God's timing is perfect. He knows exactly when to remove certain things in life in order to provide us with a better future. I must say, now my family can have some actual peace in our lives. For the past year or so- it's been a battle- with people continually talking badly about our marriage and me as a mother. We've had to bite our tongues more than once and fake a smile a million times- just trying to do the right thing. I've listened to people say that I'm a bad mother and wife and that they believed the could raise MY son better than I. I've also been threatened with rights that don't even exist in the state of Illinois. Hmmmm, interesting, huh? haha. I've also had the oh so great opportunity of listening to someone tell me that I need counseling- only because our views, opinions, and way of life are different. It wasn't always easy being a bigger person- and I'm ashamed to admit that sometimes my temper got the best of me. However, with a lot of prayer.... I hoped and prayed that one day things would get better and we as a family could go on with our lives in peace. It's amazing how God knows exactly the right time to take things away and put them in your life. I'm at a point where I don't need stress in my life in order to keep my blood pressure down. God knew that- and he removed the point of stress for me. Now, I can live in peace and not have to constantly worry about when the next ball will drop. I'm so thankful for that. And I'm thankful that my family will now be able to live our lives how we want and not try to please anyone. I'm thankful that this all ended before Gabe was old enough to remember anything- and now he can live a full life surrounded by the people who truly love him. I'm thankful that now, finally, Jesse and I don't have to worry about stabs at our marriage or at our parenting. We are now living the good, peaceful life we deserve!
Yesterday, Gabe was 16 months old- or 1 year and 4 months old. Isn't is strange how we do everything in months for babies/toddlers? It's like instinct and everyone knows what you're talking about. Interesting, huh? Anyway, I realize that I haven't done an update like this on Gabe in several months. However, my little man is doing SO much these days, I feel it is only appropriate to do an update now. SO.... Dear Gabriel Lee, Yesterday, October 20th, you were 16 months old (that's 1 year and 4 months). You are getting bigger every single day. It also seems as if you learn something new everyday as well. You LOVE Cheerios and Goldfish- your 2 favorite snacks! We have recently started letting you eat bigger pieces of things as well- such as crackers and a few chips. Mommy and Daddy were nervous about this at first- but you seem to do just fine with it. You L.O.V.E. Cheddar Pringles, Macaroni, the Squeeze fruits, and Apple Juice. You started walking about a week ago- and have not stopped ever since. You are so proud of yourself- and clap whenever you are walking. Jumping on Mommy and Daddy's bed is also a favorite- as well as playing peek-a-boo in the tub! Speaking of bath time- it is still your favorite part of the day. You especially love getting to brush your teeth on your own after Mommy gives them a good scrub! Another favorite thing to do while in the tub- throw all of your toys out for Mommy to throw back in! You have SOOOOOOO many toys. In fact, this past week- we finished up getting your room all "baby-proofed" so that you could play in there without us worrying about you. You LOVE the freedom. I'll often look in your room and see you playing with all of your toys- going from one to the other. I must say, baby boy, that between Mommy & Daddy, Mama & Papa, and Gma Kim & Papaw Gary- and all of your aunts, uncles, and great grandparents... you are one well taken care of child. haha. I don't think that you will ever have to worry about not having anything that you could ever want. And you know what? We wouldn't have it any other way. You are so very special to all of us. You have proven the doctors wrong since day one and have grown into an amazing, smart, loving boy. We are so very proud of you. You greet everyone, even strangers, with a smile and nice "Hi." People would be just plain silly to not want to be a part of your life. You are so loving and kind and you have an amazing personality. Your smile can literally light up the room- and all of that talking you do puts a smile on my face. You've mastered a few words so far. Mainly "Daaa-daaaa" for Daddy- you will walk all through the house yelling Dada until you find him. You always say "Papa" all of the time. You even know when we get to Mama & Papa's house because you instantly start saying "PAPA" whenever we turn into their driveway. You've said "Momma" and "MaaaMaaaa" several time as well. While in the bathtub you will say "Duck" when I ask you what the duck is- and you will point to the fan and say "Fuuhh" for fan. We're still working on light- mainly light is "Buu." But I'm sure you'll get it in your own time. Besides playing with your toys- you are also very fond of the toilet. Seriously! I don't understand your fascination with the toilet but we have learned to always keep it shut... just in case. One thing that you have taught me is that I will no longer be able to use the restroom in peace. haha. Wherever I go- I am certain that you will always be right behind! But that's ok- because I love you. You are very fond of Rylee- however, Rylee is not very fond of you. You scare her- and she mainly runs away when you come after her. Recently, however, you have started to feed her your cheerios. I think that you are beginning to get back on her good side since doing this! You love to climb on the couch- and you are particularly fond of throwing things behind the couch. So far, just today, Mommy has found her wallet, remote, your shoes and food behind there. Well my precious baby boy. Time has certainly flown by. I can't believe that you are already 16 months old. Where does this time go? You are growing up way to fast. I'm so amazed at how smart, kind, and loving you are... you are truly one incredible little boy. Mommy and Daddy Love you very, very much! Love, Mommy & Daddy
