Day 16

Dear Daddy,

     Today Mommy and I had a lazy day. We woke up late, well, I woke up early but she let me watch Baby Einstein in my crib and I let her go back to sleep for an extra hour because she wasn't feeling too well. Then Grandma came and got me and I told her to let my Mommy sleep some more so Grandma gave me breakfast and then Mommy woke up and she had breakfast while I played ball and with my other toys. After she was done she changed me and I started getting fussy because I was tired and wanted boob. I took a nap and Mommy took a shower and cleaned and did other Mommy stuff. When I woke up I ate lunch and then played a little. 

Mommy started organizing my toy bin so when she was done and she went to the kitchen to make herself lunch I decided to see what she would say if I pulled all the toys out of the bins...she wasn't too happy. She said no to me so I decided to mimic her, I shook my head and said "No" right back to her. She was in shock and said I was too young to talk back to to her...I know she cant stay mad at me for long though! I'm way too cute to be mad at!

We eventually took a nap together because Mommy wasn't feeling too well. I love taking naps with Mommy because I get to snuggle up with her. I wish you were here so you could've snuggled with us too! 

After our little nap we had to go grocery shopping so we went to Safeway and bought a bunch of stuff. By the time we got home I had a big surprise waiting for me...Grandma and Grandpa were there waiting for me. When I saw Grandpa I started walking towards him and Mommy let go of my hand and I took three steps all on my own. We went on our walk and when we came back I showed the Grandmas my little steps again. Grandma Gina is being paranoid that I'm going to start walking soon and that I'm going to be all over the place. Buahahaha! Little does she know!

One last thing...I overheard Grandma tell Mommy that she is thinking about getting me a portable DVD player for when we're in the car or going out somewhere! Im so happy! And I think I heard Mom said that she wants to get me another present...I have to search around to find the first present and see what else she's going to buy me! I'm just like Mommy, I want to know what the spize is!

Love,

Gabriel

Day 15

Dear Daddy,

We got to talk to you today! I was so happy. Mommy was getting frustrated because you called twice and she couldn't hear you. I told her that you would be calling again and to just relax but you know the 'ol woman. 

I know Mommy told you already but today we went to Nino Evito's baby shower. It was at Coyote Point and there were so many people. I was tired when we got there around 1 because I hadn't taken a nap all day. As soon as I got there though I saw Grandma, Grandpa, Tia Brenda, Abuela Nena and all my Aunties and Uncles and cousins so I didn't want to sleep anymore. I went on the swings and went for a walk. It started getting really windy, who would've thought that yesterday it was really hot? After awhile I started getting really fussy because I was tired and hungry and wanted to just sleep and go to town on the boob. I played alot though and did take a nap in my stroller. When I woke up I ate some dinner but I wasn't really hungry. And Mommy thinks I have a sore throat and I was getting fussier and fussier so she gave me some Motrin and I hung out with Tia Brenda who took me for a walk, all bundled up in a tinkerbell blanket. I fell asleep later and before I knew it Mommy had put me in the car because we were finally going home. When we got home she made me some chicken noodle soup since I didn't eat well and some prunes because I hadn't pooped since yesterday. Then she gave me a bath and was getting me ready for bed when you called back and we talked to you. While Mommy talked to you I went out to the living room with Grandma and Julia and watched a video. Then I ate the boob when Mommy was done talking and then she put me in my crib. I went right to sleep after switching my Pepe over and over again without even fussing.

Love you Daddy,

Gabriel

Day 14

Dear Daddy,
It was really hot again today but luckily I had my swim class today! I had so much fun even though I had to wear the dumb swim cap again so water won't get in my ears. Mommy and teacher Lindsey say I'm getting much better and I can make balloon faces now but I just choose not to unless I feel like doing it. I am also getting better at jumping off the steps and swimming to Mommy. Oh, who am I kidding?! I'm the next Michael Phelps!
After swimming we went home and had dinner and I played around with my toys. Mommy said Grandpa wasn't coming over tonight so she took me on my walk. She didn't really want to go because it was too hot and didn't want me to get too hot. I got in my car and told her to just go and stop worrying. She's such a silly goose...she says I'm silly...yeah right.

When we got back from my walk I started getting fussy but It wasn't even 7 yet so Mommy figured she'd let me watch a Baby Einstein video while she got my bath ready. When my bath was ready she took my diaper off and decided to go crawl around so I could get some air. 

Then I spotted Big Bird and sat down with him to watch Baby Lamb until the woman put me in the tub.  She let me splash around for awhile and I got to eat my Peingin and my Ducks and that darn arch nemeny of the blow fish. After my bath Mommy put me in my diaper and we read "Love you Forever" and Mommy started tearing up. I would've made her stop reading but I like that book too. Still, we had to stick with tradition and read "Goodnight Moon" too. Then Momma nursed me and put me in bed. I am putting up less of a fight now with CIO (Crying-it-out) and was asleep within ten minutes of Mommy putting me in my crib. I believe she is quite pleased with me.

Love you and miss you so much. Can't wait to talk to you again, it feels like we haven't talked in a long time but I know you're not able to call everyday.

XOXO,

Gabriel

Day 13

Dear Daddy,

First of all, Happy Birthday! I know it probably stinks for you to have your birthday in the sandbox because your cake probably gets covered in sand. I told Mommy that we should make you a cake but it was too hot today to bake anything. Then I suggested that we go to the bakery and buy a cake but she said it was way too hot to walk to Burlingame Avenue. So out went my plan of eating some cake...

I did go to the park this morning with Julia and it was hot but I still had alot of fun. We went on the swings and I slid down the slide and then we played ball. I love the park, I wish our backyard was a park! I'd have so much fun!

On the way back from the park I took a nap and right before Mommy got home I woke up and ate lunch. We played for a little while and then it was time for my nap. Mommy and I both napped and we woke up very refreshed. I was so hot that I started getting really fussy and Mommy thought I was hungry so she gave me dinner. 

I was still fussing and then we went outside in my walker and I was racing mommy up and down the parking lot.

Finally Grandpa came by and we went for our walk while the ladies stayed and chit chatted. By the time I got home it was time for our nightly routine, bath, book, boob and bed. Mommy said that I left the tub dirty because I was filthy. She called me her little piggy, she's so silly! She read me some of the Curious George book but I wanted her to read Good Night Moon. After my meal Mommy put me in the crib and I fussed for a little bit and then I was down of the night. Mommy was very pleased. We'll see if she is lucky enough for me to be good tommorrow...buahahaha!

Love,

Gabriel

PS: Mommy was doing laundry and I decided to help her so she took me to the laundry room in the rolling hamper. Here I am sitting in the hamper after she brought me and the clean clothes back from the laundry room. She's so lucky to have such a helpful son like me!

Day 12

Dear Daddy,

Today I had a busy day. I played with Julia when I woke up and later we went to the park. I was so tired I took a nap but Grandma woke me up because she wanted me to nap when Mommy got home so Mommy could nap too. 

When Mommy got home I was so happy to see her I tackled her and kissed her alot and she was laughing so hard. I played ball with her for a little bit and then Tia Dani watched me while she took a shower. Mommy was tired she was hoping I'd nurse and fall asleep so she could sleep too but I bit her and she wasn't too happy so she put me in my crib. She just laid in bed while I cried for a few minutes but I was tired so I grabbed my Pepe and fell asleep within five minutes. Mommy saw I was asleep so she took a nap. I woke up an hour later because I wanted the boob and we both slept until about five thirty. 

After we got up from our nap Mommy took me into the living room and let me play while she got my dinner ready. I ate and then Grandma got home from work. Mommy and her had to go buy a present for Baby Alicia because her baby shower is this weekend so we went to target. I was getting cranky and wanted to go home but Mommy was being her usual indecisive self and couldn't pick out a present. Finally we left and when we got home it was ready for our bedtime routine.

Mommy is still having me do the whole crying it out routine and I gave her more of a hard time tonight. I did fall asleep standing up on my crib and Mommy was laughing and wanted to get a picture to put on here but when she took it I woke up. I ended up falling asleep a few minutes later since I was very, very tired.

Love you,

Gabriel

PS: Mommy said that on your half of the world it's your birthday today! Happy third best day evo!

Day 11

Dear Daddy,

Today I had a playdate with Brandon. His Mommy came and picked Mommy and I up at 11 and we headed over to their house. I got to ride in Brandon's big boy carseat so I wasn't all squished like last time! When we got to their house, Brandon and I played for a little bit and then we went out to the swings. His Mommy and Daddy bought Brandon some swings for their backyard and that's why they invited us over! It was so much fun. 

After the swings the Moms put on a Baby Einstein video so they could eat lunch. Brandon and I wanted some of their sandwiches but those women wouldn't share with us! So I guess the only option we had was to watch the movie. After they ate Mommy gave me my lunch  and after that, Brandon and I both took naps because we were pooped after playing and swinging. After about an hour or so, we both woke up and played some more but then it was time to go home so Adrienne drove us home. 

The rest of the day was very uneventful, nothing out of the ordinary, I played with my toys and worked on one of my cars, I had dinner and I went for a walk with Grandpa. After our walk I took my bath and got ready for bedtime. Mommy fed me boob and then she put me in the crib. I cried because I don't understand why she wont let me sleep in the big bed with her. But I only cried for a few minutes and then I just went to sleep. I'm sure Mommy was quite relieved since I didn't put up a big fight like last night. 

Miss you so much Daddy and can't wait for you to come home.

Love,

Gabriel

Day 10

Dear Daddy,

Today we got to talk to you! I was so excited to hear your voice. I miss you so much and hearing your voice made me miss you even more. I kept looking around for you but when I couldn't find you I would just kiss you through the phone. Mommy was happy to talk to you too. She's been having a rough time lately so I know how hearing your voice makes her feel better.

I took a long morning nap and skipped my afternoon nap which Mommy hoped would make me tired enough to sleep earlier. I was in bed by 7:45 and fell asleep right away but around 8:45 I woke up screaming because I had a night mare. Mommy and Aunt Dani ran in to see how I was because I was shreiking. Since then I've been up and Mommy is trying to make me cry it out but she's reaching her breaking point, I can tell. Its almost 10:15 and I'm still awake crying. I wonder how much longer it will be until she takes me out of this darn crib. 

Love you Daddy,

Gabriel

Day 9

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy was off so she and Julia took me to the park after my morning nap. I went on the swing and was swinging so high I almost flew away! It was so fun! I love the swings and got mad when Mommy stopped pushing me. She doesn't get that I want to touch the clouds when she pushes me...I'm telling you, she's such a worrier, but I'm sure you know that, right Daddy?

After the swings we went on the grass and we played with my ball. 

My pitch is getting better and I'm throwing harder and farther. Mommy says that I will be in the major leagues my the time I'm three but I keep telling her that she's wrong, I will be in the majors at only two years old...just watch. I still don't like the grass much, so I mostly stayed on the blanket. I felt so trapped! I wanted to crawl around but the grass felt icky on my knees and

 hands that I just stayed put. 

Mommy and Julia laughed because I was crawling around in circles on the blanket and was making car noises. 

I don't understand how that's funny but you know old people, they think everything I do is cute and funny. I know I'm funny, but crawling? Um, not too much of a novelty there Sherlock!

After the park we came home and took a nap since I was exhausted and didn't wake up until

 6:30! By that time it was dinner time. I had some rice and beans that Grandma made and I also ate mango puree. When I was done with dinner Grandma and Grandpa came over so I left with Grandpa for our daily Macho Time while the ladies stayed at home and gossiped. WOMEN! After our walk it was time for my bath and bed but I gave Mommy a hard time today. She got tired of my fussing and just left me in my crib to cry. I don't know why she doesn't use the crib, I hate it! I like sleeping on the big bed but Mom says I need to sleep in my crib. Again, I hate that darn crib!

 Eventually, after about half an hour of crying Mommy gave up and put me on the bed. I got to spread out and fell fast asleep in less than five minutes. 

Sweet Victory!

Love you and miss you so much!

Gabriel

Day 8

Dear Daddy,

Today was not a good day, everyone seemed like they were in an icky mood. Mommy was mad because she had to close and they called her to tell her that she needed to start an hour earlier. She said she was mad because she hates having to leave me to go to work. I like spending time with Mommy and I miss her too but she looked sadder than I did. So at 11:15 we went to go drop Mommy off at work and I knew I wouldn't see her for the rest of the day. Poor Mom was so tired and Grandma was mad that Mommy was so sad, I don't think she understands what Mommy feels. Mommy said that I'm growing up so fast she doesnt like to miss out on a second of it, that you're already missing out on enough and it's not fair but her having to leave me the whole day only makes that worse. 

After dropping her off, Grandma took me to a birthday party at a park. I

 went on the swings and had a really good time. I played with Tia Dany and Stephanie and Mimi and was having fun being a silly boy. It's so funny that me being so small can make big people smile and laugh so much! 

After the party we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa where I played some more. I played with the girls and Grandpa and Tia Brenda. Then I tried to explore the kitchen there but they wouldn't let me so I started to screaming to throw them off track to no avail. Oh well, I tried, that mission will be put on hold.

Soon it was time to pick Mommy up. She was so tired but she gave me the biggest smile when she saw me and hugged me and squeezed me until I was just about ready to puke. I was happy to see her too...after all, I hadn't "eaten" almost all day! Grandma tried to get me to drink from the bottle but she know I hate it! When we got home I went to town on "the girls" and then I played catch with Mommy and she gave me a bath, read me some books and then it was time for sleep even though I was giving her a hard time. I tried kissing her and hugging her to convince her to let me stay up and play all night but I had a long day and eventually I just fell asleep. 

Miss you so much!

Gabriel

Day 7

Dear Daddy,

We finally heard from you today. Well, I didn't hear your voice because I was out for a walk with Grandpa when you called but Mommy told me that you called. I'm glad you called because she was being, what you both call, a "poop" since she hadn't talked to you. She told me you are doing good and that you told her to give me lots of hugs and kisses, which I received by the way. 

Today I had swim class. I hadn't been to class in about a month so it took some time getting used to the water. Plus, Mommy put those wretched earplugs and a weird rubber hat which I hated. But teacher Lindsey was patient with me and helped me swim even though I couldn't hear a thing that they were telling me to do because of the earplugs. 

Mommy hasn't taken any pictures of me lately because she forgot where she left her camera charger. I would give it to her since I know where it is but I wont because she keeps putting those ear plugs in my ears. She's too paranoid and needs to loosen up...you know how the old lady is.

The 49ers won against the Raiders today, Daddy, so I was really happy. Mommy bought me a 49ers outfit today and I can't wait to wear it. Hopefully next year we can go to watch a football game as a family and then we can go get some chickie wings at Hooters. I can't wait. And I'll make sure Mommy gets a picture of me wearing that outfit...I guess I'll give her her charger back...

Love you so much and miss you more each day,

Gabriel

Day 6

Dear Daddy, 

Today I turned 11 months! Mommy was sad because she said I am growing up too quick. I don't get it, does she want me to stay little? She says I will always be her beautiful baby boy even when I'm your age Daddy.

Guess what? Grandma and Grandpa came to visit today and brought me my Mickey Mouse pinata for my birthday. I loved it and they had to take it away because I wanted to play with it and they thought I would squish it or rip it before the party. I can't wait till I can play with it. They bought a stick for me to hit the Mickey too! 

We still haven't heard from you, Daddy, but I told Mommy to not worry because you're probably just really busy out there in the Sandbox. I know when I go to the sandbox at the park I'm busy because I have to play with all the kids in there and squish sand in my toes and try some sand and then I throw some at Mommy, so I 'm sure you're doing the same too. 

Love you so much,

Gabriel

Day 5

Dear Daddy,

I started the day bright and early today again and Mommy wasn't feeling well last night so Grandma took me out to the living room so Mommy could rest and sleep in. While she was sleeping I played with my toys and ate breakfast and did my daily duties. By the time Mommy woke up I was so sleepy and cranky but she ate breakfast and took a shower and did some

 laundry which I helped her with. She let me ride in the rolling laundry hamper while she loaded up the washers and then when she was done she put me down for my nap. After a long three hour nap,  I woke up we went to go give out my birthday party invitations. We went to Grandma and Granpa's house and I crawled around and played with Anita and Quetzali and Grandpa. Tia Brenda and I danced around and then they put me in Quetzali's walker and I almost ran over her! Everyone is saying that I'm lazy because I don't walk yet and Quetzali is taking some steps but I don't care, I'm a fast crawler and I'm all over the place. If I was able to run it would be different but walking seems too slow and boring for me. I'll master running soon enough though...that will show them!

We left Grandma & Grandpas house because we still had more invitations to distribute but I was pooped from all my crawling so I decided to take a nap. Mommy said she and Grandma stopped at Jamba Juice so I missed out on it which kind of made me angry since I love taking sips of Jamba Juice. 

Finally when we got home we ate dinner and I played some more and then we went for a walk in my little car. Soon it was time for bed and after my bath mom put me in the crib and I was screaming because I was so happy. Mommy thought it was hilarious because my hair was sticking up all over the place and I was screaming and squaking like a bird.

You had said that you would call or email if you could today since you would probably be in Iraq by now but we still haven't heard from you. Mommy said that we wouldn't be able to hear from you as often as when you were in North Carolina and that when we would hear from you it would be a special treat. So now I can't wait to hear from you! Mommy seems worried though, but I'll make sure to keep her positive and reassure her that you are ok.

Love you and miss you more each day,

Gabriel

Day 4

Hi Daddy! Today Mommy had to go to work so I stayed with Grandma and Julia in the morning. I love playing with my baseball with Julia. I'm practicing for when you come home we can go to the park and play catch.  When Mommy got home from work she ate lunch while I played with my toys and after she was done I showed her how my pitching is getting better.

I decided to let Mommy have break since she was really tired after a stressful day at work and we both cuddled up and took a two hour nap. Mommy wanted to sleep longer but by the time I woke up, Grandma said dinner was ready so we went to eat. I ate some pieces of chicken and couscous that Grandma made and I had some of my s'getti Mommy made for me, and some mango. Oh, and guess what? Mommy let me try some grape juice and it was so yummy! I got mad when she took it away. She said it's one of your favorites too. 

Grandpa and Grandma came by later and Grandpa and I went for our daily walk. He took me to see the train and I had a good time with him. 

I miss you alot Daddy and I am already looking forward to seeing you again.

Love,

Gabriel

Day 3

Dear Daddy,

I started off the day before the crack of dawn. I decided to wake up at four in the morning and I didn't want to go to sleep. Mommy was not happy at all! She tried feeding me and patting me to sleep but she didn't understand that I had so much to do today that I wanted to get an early start! I mean, I needed to go play with my ball, and my truck. Then I had to have her build a tower for me so I could knock it over. Then I had to go close all the doors in the house and try to knock all of grandma's decorations off the tables. And she wanted me to sleep?!? I started to cry but the woman thought I was teething, which come to think about it I think I am, and thought that maybe I wasn't feeling well. So around 5 gave me some motrin and then put me in my crib and put a movie on for me so I could get drowsy. She fell asleep while my movie was playing and then I decided to wake her up when it was done. I decided, hey, she's up already, why not leave her a gift? So she had to change my diaper at 5:30...reminded me of the good old days when I was a baby and my diaper had to be changed throughout the night. I decided to give her a break and go back to sleep until 9.

After breakfast and getting dressed and resuming my daily duties of knocking all my toys out of the toy bin and then finding a water 

bottle to play with, Mommy decided it was time to go buy some things at Target and other places. Soon it was time for lunch and Mommy, Grandma & Julia decided to stop at Red Robin. Here I am looking over at the menu and trying to decide on what I wanted.  I wanted some clucks and fries but Mommy said no. I did get some pieces of hamburger meat though and it was good! I wanted some freckled lemonade but Mom says I can't have strawberries yet. After that, we went to Burlingame Avenue and I got some yummy frozen yogurt at Harmony's. Its all organic and is super delicious! Mommy says that soon she is going to have to buy me my own cup because I don't want to share anymore! It's too good to share!

Mommy said that she got your message that you're in Kuwait already and that you're safe and will call us or let us know when you get to Iraq. I cant wait to hear your voice and send you kisses through the phone! I love you so much and miss you more and more each day. Mommy does too. We both can't wait for you to come home so we can have a Mommy, Daddy & Gabie sandwich hug! Take care

xoxo, 

Gabriel

Day 2

Dear Daddy,

  I woke up really early today and Mommy wasn't too happy about it. She was hoping that I would sleep in since it was her day off but after throwing all my toys out of the crib and screeching like a bird and yelling at her I decided to poop and stink up the room. You'd think after 10 months, almost 11, she would have learned by now that I'm the boss. 

We had a really busy day Daddy. Mommy is going party crazy and we ran all over the place buying party supplies and stuff. Mommy painted flower pots and picture frames for the centerpieces and by the time she was done she had paint all over herself. I got some paint on me too, I wanted to help her but she kept saying "No" so I went to play with Elmo and my cars and then proceeded to biting into a candle. Mommy wasn't too happy about that and when Grandma got home she wasn't either. 

I woke up with a runny nose today and Mommy is hoping that I don't get sick again. She said I was being a pooper because I was kind of fussy all day long. 

I miss you and love you so much. I hope you're doing OK too.

Love,

Gabriel

Day 1

Dear Daddy,

   Mommy says today is officially the first day. She explained to me how you are going to be away for  a while a few weeks ago but she said today you actually go bye-bye. I don't know what she means. She seemed really sad and seeing her this way made me sad too. You have been gone for a while already. I miss you a lot but Mommy says that you will be back soon and we have to be strong for you. She says that writing here about what happens every day while you're gone will be good because it will seem like you're with us and not missing out so much. 

  I know you miss us too, that you miss our kisses and seeing us and that you'll miss many firsts but I promise Daddy, I will be the man of the house and take care of Mommy. I promise that I won't forget you and that I will give you tons of hugs and kisses when I see you. Daddy, no matter how far away you are and how long you're gone, I will always love you. You're always in my heart.

    Love,

Gabriel