Poor Gaby

Seems like Gabriel is constipated, I assume because of the Nystatin he is on for the thrush. Worst part is, he either re-infected himself with the thrush (despite my sanitizing all his bottles, and buying him new pacifiers), or it hasn't cleared up in the first place. His bottom lip and tongue are completely white, and his voice is so pitifully cracked and hoarse. I hope that thrush can't do permanent damage--does anyone know?

Either way, today we will be braving the heat for walks, as the motion helps his uncomfortable-ness, and I will continue to bicycle his legs and rubbing his tummy and hope it passes.

I guess apple juice wouldn't hurt either....

=) hope your day is going better than his!

~Andie!~

Jolly Little Sir

I have been wondering what Gabriel's "thing" would be--Emerald has her art and dance, Michael has his programming and graphic novels...I want to know what Gabriel will be passionate about. During my pregnancy, I was hoping I could forge a little Dave Matthews--devastatingly beautiful singing voice, talented at a number of instruments, creative and romantic. It may be my own wishful thinking, but he is all ready showing a love for music--perhaps my dreams for him have come true!! (*Side note--I am being as realistic as possible about this, and know that he is just an infant and cannot show too much preference for any one thing, this is just my observations).

Gabriel's absolute favorite songs--the ones that can't help but bring a giant grin to his face (see picture above)--are The Sausage Man Song (proof that he is a male from the Wagner clan--there hasn't been a little boy yet that hasn't responded to that song) and You Are My Sunshine (Mama's special song for him--in case you are curious, Mama's special songs for Emerald are Crazy for This Girl and She's so High Above Me).

Every time I sing to him, he coos along, very obviously trying to sing along with me, to the point that he stops when I stop, and restarts when I start singing again. Whenever Emerald watches her Wiggles, he sings along with that as well. He is just such a happy baby!! He reminds me of stories of Amber (my sister) when she was an infant--she was forever singing, and she has such a beautiful singing voice.

The only hang up I have is that though his Daddy has a lovely voice, most men in my family are ::cough:: not the best singers. They love singing, but they couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, if you know what I'm saying. Maybe he got the right genes--Granny (my grandmother) has the most beautiful voice in the world. I may just have my Dave Matthews yet! I'll get on teaching him "Let You Down" right away.

(And I'll see about getting a video of him singing for me to post!)

--Andie--

Family Dinner

As Sunday was Macy's birthday, and Monday was DadDad's, last night found our little Weard-o's over for another family dinner! 

Gabriel was his usual sunny self, getting loves from everyone. He couldn't give his patented Gaby kisses because he is still contagious with the thrush, but he was generous with his smiles and throaty chuckles.

Emerald announced moments after we arrived at Steve's that she was going to starve if she didn't eat immediately, signing to anyone that would pay attention "more food". She ended up ruining her appetite gorging herself on vanilla wafers, and didn't end up eating the ribs and corn-on-the-cob, which attempts I am convinced would have been very comical. Of course, she made room at the end for ice cream with fudge sauce. :p  

I think it bugged her a little bit to watch other people open presents when she wasn't getting to, but she held herself in very well, especially for being really very tired. She has been trying to wean herself off naps, which I full-heartedly believe she is NOT ready for. She gets so worn out with the short little cap-naps she's been taking.

It amazes me sometimes how much Emerald understands and how social she is becoming--we told her to go "fist bump" a girl Emerald had never met before and she passed by everyone else and headed right for her! It shocked me--she grows up so faster than I am comfortable with!! 

All in all, we had a good night with well-behaved little children. Maybe next time, Emerald will eat more than just sweets! 

--Andie--