When the Aunts come to visit

I LOVE these two pictures!

When Aunt Shan and Aunt Kayla come to visit, everyone has a blast!! :) I think Gage probably enjoys it a little more because he gets all the extra attention. Shanna and Kayla flew into Milwaukee and stayed with us for about five days. It was a full five days of fun, shopping, sun time, movies, good food, and of course, never ending attention for Gage. Gage quickly bonded with both of them and loved each minute he got with them. Countdown to Auntie Kay's wedding starts now! :)

Gage anxiously awaiting their arrival at the airport

 Finally they arrive

 And greet Gage just like this :)

 We didn't even make it out of the airport before they already had Gage laughing

 We  loved having Shan and Kayla around because they gave us a break as they:

Cooked

 

Cleaned

And got up early with Gage

Beach Day 1

 Gage did so well going from store to store to store

 

Aunt Shan forgot about Gage in the dressing room for a few seconds and when we opened the door back up we saw that Gage was having a blast keeping himself entertained!

 Auntie Kay was paying a little more attention to the lotion then Gage and with swift hands he grabbed the sample lotion and squirted it ALL over the floor, tablecloth, and himself.

Aunt Shan rocks at giving fun rides

 

Gage's new favorite thing walking, with a little help of course

Finally home after a long day of shopping

 Beach Day 2

Gage loves the beach and had fun walking around in the sand

 Aunt Shan putting Gage down for nap



Packing at 4:30 am, :(

 Waiting in line to check in

 Running to security as the plane was already boarding

Thanks for coming! We loved it and can't wait to see you again.

Ten Months

Wow!!! This time last year we were putting the crib together and getting Gage's room ready for his arrival. Infact, we hadn't even decided for sure what his name was going to be. We were calling him "Leo" in the interim. If someone knows how to slow down time PLEASE let me know, this little guy is growing up too fast!!!!!
Some of Gage's favorites this month:

 Trains; especially when he can push them around and around

 Of course nothing tops playing with trains like having your trusted spatula with you!

A puzzle with sounds! I got this at a rummage and Gage loves it

Walking; with a little assistance of course! Gage loves to walk -- whether it's with a push along toy or us holding his hands and guiding him

 Yes, cooking utensils are still making the list :)

Coloring/Drawing: I should have put this picture towards the top because coloring is a top priority for Gage right now

Gage likes to load his toys up in things and then push them around: Take three for the spatula in hand! :)

 Gage loves to help mom in the kitchen, especially if he gets to help unload the utensils

 Gage is adjusting to table food very quickly and is loving it. Infact, when Rob and I eat, if we don't share, Gage will let out a few squeals to let you know you are not getting away without sharing.

 Things Gage is not fond of:

 Gage doesn't like it when daddy goes outside without him

 He doesn't like to sit when taking baths

Being in a room without mom or dad. If we leave the room he is quick to crawl right behind us.

 You will feel a tug on your leg

 And as you look down you will see little baby boy reach up for you

Teddy

Teddy and Gage have become best buds! Gage loves to have Teddy around, and he HAS to have Teddy to sleep. Grandpa got Teddy for Gage for Valentines Day and Gage wasn't too sure of Teddy back then, crazy how things have changed. I definitely think we need to have "back up" Teddy's just in case we forget one or for the times when Teddy needs to be put through the wash!! :)

This is a flash back picture of what Gage first thought of Teddy!

More Days Like These

I had a few clients cancel one day a few weeks ago so I got to spend an extra day with Gage. It was a fun and laid back day. I want/wish/need more of these days!!!! Here are some snapshots of our extra day together.

We started out the day playing with the Leap Frog table (and of course the beloved spatula was in hand)

 Then we moved on to playing at one of Gage's favorite spots; the steps that lead into the kitchen

 Gage loves to play with his cooking utensils while on the steps

Gage's second favorite thing to do: Climb the stairs!

Once Gage almost reached the top, he would always look back to make sure I was right behind him (and of course I was directly behind him the entire way up!)

Gage would get to the top, smile and laugh and then look at me so I could carry him down and we could start all over again! I think we went up and down about twelve times :)

After all that work he was ready for a juice break

One of mine and Gage's most cherished summer activities is going to Rob's softball games. Gage LOVES to look at people so it was hard trying to get a picture of him looking at the camera.

Rob had a great hit (Rob is in the teal, running to first base)

Daddy and Gage after the game.

This picture is one of my all time favorites so far!!! I put this one in Gage's room

We ended the night with a little more play time right before bed.  

The tongue: Yes this is a trait Gage got from mommy. Every time I concentrate, I subconsciously stick my tongue out. Looks like I passed on this lovely trait to Gage!

 This picture makes us smile