Gabe's post

Okay, so I have decided to write a post about each kiddo, that way you can get to know them better, and I can document a bit about each one and their personality, otherwise it would be a very long blog about all of them. I will start with Gabriel Bethlehem as he is the baby:
Gabe started out very cuddly and quiet, but after we took him into our care he started to blossom. He really needed one on one interaction and time with just a few people, he now talks a lot and sings, babbles and mimics quite well. His biggest problem with us was sleep, he hated it, and us for making him do it! He fought me for hours at a time for naps, he would struggle, kick scream, bite, spit, and flail about, he is very strong and would fling himself so hard backwards that I had to put him down or have him hurt himself. I would put him down on our king sized bed and he would fling around so much and so hard I would have to run around the bed to keep him from falling off, when I got near him he would flail to the other side to be away from me! The rest of the time I had to carry him so he would stay calm and fall asleep, it was rough the first few days. He has a temper too and would throw a fit worthy of any 2-3 year old!! The flop down, head back, fists flying, screaming kind of tantrum, WOW!! I learned to just put him down and let him get it out, then he would be fine and the happy giggly boy I loved.
Gabe really turned a corner when we brought him home now he still has tantrums but gets over them faster and allows us to comfort him now. He has also gotten over his driving need to have his water bottle or cup every moment in his hand, now he leaves it wherever and gets it later or gets a new one. He is much more secure now and really has settle into the house and routine. The dogs were a huge fear for him for about 3 days, then he started to get used to them and now the dogs would probably prefer if he were more afraid, then he would not chase them and constantly poke and prod Cricket, poor puppy!
Gabe is also good about eating, he will refuse things he does not like or want, but also signal when he is all done. He is working on his manual dexterity, he holds a small spoon fine and feeds himself well now, even his applesauce and soup. He is not a big fruit eater, but loves veggies and soups, and the home made grape juice I made and froze last fall.
Gabe now loves to play peek a boo and will run if you chase him, and follows simple instructions to play, or follows the leader type of games, so he is developmentally on target there, and understands "no" quite well, and responds by stopping and looking at you which is great! He is also getting into pretend play, he "drinks" out of a tea pot, or put his milk into a toy cup(pretends to at least), and picks up his baby "G" and pats his back to comfort him and puts him to bed, all on target or just above for his age, YEAH!!
Sleeping is finally becoming a nonissue, he is going down easier and staying asleep, no 2am bottles or play time. We have started being able to put him down while awake and patting his back he will fuss for a few minutes then go right out, for both naps and bed time. His one funny habit is that he gets mad at me and flings himself as far as the crib sides will allow, then 2 seconds later he wants me close again and lunges for me to cuddle again! And he loves to give kisses, fishy kisses, smackers, and soft sweet kisses. If you give him a kiss he will often give you one back, a large wet smacker, but if he is tired he will give little soft kisses on your cheeks, this is what makes the late nights and crying all worth it!
Over all Gabe is a happy, active fellow, and all boy, if there is something to trip on, fall over or bump into he will do it, and then keep going! He is so very boyish, it cracks me up, no tears just all out tank mode for this guy! But he has a sweet cuddly side too which is very nice, and he loves to play with his sisters both a lot, so that is very sweet to see, and makes them both happy.
This has been a long post, but I don't want to forget things when he is older I will have this to remember too. Also we had a pediatric visit yesterday and found the Gabe is now 28 1/2 lbs, so he has gained a bit of weight since coming home, and he cut a tooth while we were in ET too. He is also now 32inches tall so growing on all sides, Yippee!
Jamie