Here I am, again...

I'm back! Not because I have the time, but because I'm making the time. There's so much to tell. And, no, I won't remember it all. I started making a list of things to "document," but of course I can't find it anywhere now! And yes, I know EXACTLY who to blame.. she has tiny little fingers and runs around getting her hands into EVERYTHING! My curious, energetic Hallie bug :) OFTEN, I hear people say, "You have your hands full with two babies." I'll admit, I certainly do. But, really, my hands were full with just one baby! Hallie doesn't have the quite, laid back, anything goes type personality like her brother (and myself). She's like her daddy. Curious, talkative, has her hands in everything, and refuses to live the "slow-paced" life. I'm very glad that she took after her daddy! He's a dreamer and an over-achiever! I see that in Hallie already. And it's wonderful. But some days, mommy would like to relax, kick-back and watch some Mickey Mouse or cartoons with both of her babies! That doesn't happen often ;) Usually, we are exploring! Seeing what we can get our hands into! It's a different life for me, she challenges mommy, and I need that. Hallie bug is 16 months old now. And still loves her Wocket. He goes EVERYWHERE she goes. Last week, around nap time, we lost him. I ran around the house FRANTIC searching for him. All I could think was that she dropped him at the grocery store earlier that morning. Finally, I found him in the garage. And that's when I realized the reason she stood at the door for AWHILE talking "Hallie" (which not even I understand yet) or "jibberish" and whining! He's a really good friend to her. He takes EVERY picture with her and allows her to suck on his nose. It's her thing, and it's really GROSS. Now we know why it was so easy to take the pacifier away from her! She had Wocket's nose! ;) She's a lover. It melts my heart seeing her love on Gabe. It's precious. He doesn't always like it though! Sometimes she's a little rough. Even though she doesn't mean to be. Gabe watches her every move and smiles at her a lot. It's very sweet. Gabe is growing so fast! I can't believe he's 5 months old. I started spoon-feeding him cereal a few weeks ago. He LOVES it! And started sleeping 12 hours at night. Mommy LOVES it too :) He's started baby food too. He's tried bananas, applesauce, and pears. I plan to introduce some veggies soon. Trying not to rush things this time. I want him to stay a baby as long as possible! I tell him all the time that mommy will do everything for him and he doesn't have to grow up. Although, I know that he does and he is... Like sister, he's not a fan of tummy time. He'd rather be sitting up. And he is now, all by himself! It's so cute. One more thing- Gabe is a blanket man! He loves the warmth and security they provide. We stopped swaddling him around 3-1/2 months, but I really think he'd let us do it now if there were a blanket big enough. He loves a blanket close to his face and tucked around him while he sleeps. Actually, anytime. Playing, swinging, sitting up, watching tv- he wants to be covered up. Because of this, he has quite the collection of "blankies!"