Day 129

Dear Daddy,

Today was Christmas Eve! Mommy had to work but was off early. She was so exhausted though because she said they were really busy. Everyone said I looked cute with my little reindeer vest while we waited for Mommy. We had to go to Target to pick up some last minute things for the Christmas Eve dinner we were having. It was crazy there! Mommy wanted to get out of there as soon as possible because people were acting crazy and pushing and shoving and cutting in line.

We went home and I ate my lunch and then Mommy put me down for my nap while she helped Grandma cook and get things ready and then she started getting ready. By the time I woke up, Mommy let me run around a bit until it was time for me to eat my dinner. After my dinner Mommy changed me. I looked very handsome, if I do say so myself. Mommy looked pretty too.

She said that we needed to be ready so we could talk to you on Skype. I got really excited because she said that you were going to open the gifts that we got you and Mommy was going to open hers. We waited and waited for awhile and finally we were able to talk to you. It wasn't as great as having you here but we were both so happy that you somehow managed to be with us on such a special day. And we were very happy that you loved your gifts, Mommy said she knew you would love the calendar with the cute pictures of me Daddy and the mug that we painted for you and the funny book we got for you. Mommy was very happy with her Wii, she wanted to set it up right away! I loved my basketball hoop game and Mommy loved the gift card for Gymboree that you got so she could buy me clothes...I can see it already, Mommy going crazy wanting to buy everything there. The best part was seeing you, and you telling us that you might be coming home in February. We would really love having you home already, it's been too long since we've hugged you and kissed you.

Later, Geny came over for a little bit with the girls and brought over a gift for me, it was a t-ball set. Around 9, we had our Christmas Eve dinner with Grandma Koko, Tia Dany, Grandma Adela, Grandpa Toño, and Tio Jesus, Tia Angelica, Beto and Jesusito. I was getting pretty tired but Mommy wanted to keep me up a little longer so we could open gifts. After dinner, we exchanged gifts and I got to go first since I was getting cranky and I wanted to sleep. I got lots of things Daddy! Some toys, clothes, an Elmo potty, two Mickey Christmas DVDs, a portable DVD player and some books.

After I was done opening my presents Mommy told me I could go to bed and sleep so Santa could come. I put out some milk and cookies for Santa, I wanted to eat one but Mommy said those were for Santa. I wanted to see when Santa got here but Mommy said I had to sleep or else Santa wouldn't come. I was tired and ended up falling asleep really soon.

Love,

Gabriel

PS. Can't wait for Christmas next year Daddy! Cause you will be here for it!

We couldn't be happier to find out that

Day 128

Dear Daddy,

Mommy worked again today and when I woke up I was not too happy because I thought she would be home and she wasn't. I kept saying "Mama" over and over again because I wanted her to come home. Grandma explained to me that we would go pick her up later and to not worry about it. I ate my breakfast and then Grandma got me dressed. I watched Mickey's Clubhouse and then played with my Mickey figurines and then went down for my nap because I was exhausted since I started off my day before seven.

Grandma went and ran some errands and she left me with Tia Dany. I was napping though so I didn't even realize she was gone. When I woke up, I played with Tia and then Grandma came home and we went to go get Mommy. We came home and I had my lunch and so did Mommy. I played quietly while Mommy ate and then watched a Baby Einstein movie. I wanted to run around so I did and then I started getting whiny because it was time for my afternoon nap. Mommy gave me a baba and I wasn't happy because we ran out of milk and Grandma had gone to get some and was taking forever because she ended up going somewhere else. Mommy left me in the crib to see if I would go to sleep but I wanted more milk so I refused to sleep. When Grandma got home I drank a little more milk and Mommy and I both took a nice nap.

I had my dinner when I woke up and then Mommy and I played until Grandpa came over. A box came and it was for me but Mommy said that I couldn't see it until Christmas because it was a gift from you. I'm excited to unwrap all the gifts that are under the tree for me! Mommy also said that Santa will be bringing me something on Christmas morning. I really want you home so if Santa tries to come and get you Daddy, don't be scared, it's just because you're the best gift ever.

Miss you so much,

Gabriel

Day 127

Dear Daddy,

Today was a very boring day, again. I went to the mall with Grandma and Tia Dany while Mommy was at work and was excited to see the disney store. I begged Grandma to take me there and she did. I wanted so many things and wanted to climb all over the display of stuffed animals but Grandma didn't take me out of my stroller. Soon it was time to pick Mommy up and we went to Costco to buy things for our Christmas dinner. We had lunch at Costco and then went to Lucky's to buy more things we needed for the dinner. I was so tired so I was happy when we came home and took a nap. Mommy napped with me as well, we napped until almost six!

I was hungry when I woke up and Mommy gave me my dinner and then Grandpa showed up with Tia Angelica and Jesusito. We all played while Mommy and everyone else ate dinner. Then it was time for me to get ready for bath time and I got to spash around. I brought in all my Mickey Figurines with me and kept saying "Haa Goog Haa Goog" which means I'm singing the "Hot Dog dance song" from Mickey's Clubhouse.

After Mommy dried me off and changed me, we brushed both my hair and my teeth and then read my favorite books and then we said our prayers and Mommy tucked me in. After I drank my baba I decided I wanted to sing so I didn't fall asleep right away. Eventually I did give in though!

Love,

Gabriel

Day 127

Dear Daddy,

Today was a very good day! We got to talk to you on Skype and I was happy because I got to see you. Mommy was very happy too, she said that she misses you too much, I do too.

After we talked to you Brandon came over for a playdate. We had lots of fun, he still can't walk though so he can't keep with me yet.

We also exchanged Christmas gifts. Brandon got me a big cow pillow and I love it! I got him a ball popper like the one I have. We had fun tearing the wrapping paper and trying to eat it.

After Brandon went home I went down for a nap and so did Mommy because she was really tired after cleaning up everything. By the time we woke up it was time for us to get ready for dinner so we ate and then played a whole lot until Grandpa and Grandma came over and we played until it was time to get ready for bathtime and bedtime.

Love,

Gabriel

Day 126

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy worked in the morning and was off pretty early so we went and picked her up and then we went to Target so Mommy could buy some wipes for me and wrapping paper. We saw Grandpa Toño there and he bought me a nutcracker in dress blues. I was so excited and I love my nutcracker because it's a Marine just like you Daddy!

After Target we came home and I ate my lunch and played for awhile until it was nap time. Mommy took advantage of that time so she could clean my toy bins and wash my cloth diapers and then when I woke up she was ready to play with me. We played for awhile and then I told her I wanted to watch a movie so she let me while she got ready for her Christmas party for work. Mommy got all pretty and I thought she was going to to take me with her but she told me that I was going to stay with Grandma for about two and a half hours but I was going to be sleeping. So I took my bath and Mommy got me ready for bed and read me a few books and then tucked me in. I promised I would we good for Grandma and I went right to sleep like a little angel.

Love,

Gabriel

Day 125

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy worked but when she got off we went home so we could get our swim things and then we went to have some pizza. Well, we ended up missing swim class because they didn't bring our food out in time. We ate our pizza and I ate a crust that Mommy gave me.

After that, we went home and I took a nice nap. Mommy took a nap as well and then when we woke up we played for awhile and then Mommy fed me my dinner. Later, Grandpa and Grandma Adela came over and played with me until it was time for me to go to bed.

Love,

Gabriel

Gabriel

Day 125

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy worked so I stayed with Grandma and since she had to work, we went and picked up Alex and then after that we went to lunch at Chipotle. When we were done, it was time to get Mommy so we walked there and I saw her working. I was so happy that I wanted to run behind the counter and hug her but she was busy and I waited until she was off so I could cover her in kisses.

We went home and I took a nap and when we woke up Mommy changed me because we were going to go to Burlingame so Mommy could get her eyebrows done. I was happy to go on a walk, we haven't been able to go on many walks because the weather has been very icky lately.

We came home and then it was time for dinner so I ate. Then Grandpa came over and I played with him and Mommy for awhile until it was time to take my bath and finish getting ready for bed.

Love you so much Daddy,

Gabriel

Day 124

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy had to work and after we picked her up we just played for awhile. Here I am with the milk carton, I was so excited to see a cow on it! I started mooing and pointing at it. Mommy kept trying to take it away from me But I didn't let her!

Mommy got my Baba ready and I drank it and then went down for my nap. When I woke up Mommy changed me because I was all sweaty and stinky and then we went out and played some more. I found my comb and now every time I see a comb or a brush I decide to brush my hair. Mommy thinks it's funny when I do that.

Mommy also let me play some games on here laptop, I was excited. She put the laptop on the coffee table and moved my recliner close to the table. She said I looked like a grown up at an office. I liked playing the game but I wanted to watch some Mickey Mouse videos so she let me watch those on there too.

Soon it was time for dinner so I ate and Mommy let me try and feed myself yogurt. I didn't make such a huge mess but that was because Mommy took about half of the yogurt out and fed that to me herself. She doesn't understand that I am a grown man and can feed myself.

After I had dinner I played for awhile and then started getting ready for bed. Mommy let me splash around in the tub a little extra tonight which was lots of fun.

I was tired even thought I didn't do much today so I fell asleep right away.

Love you lots,

Gabriel

Day 123

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy was off but she had to run some errands so I stayed with Grandma. I even went to work with Grandma to the house where she works! I played with Alex and he let me borrow some toys from when he was younger. I also got to see all the nutcrackers they have there. I was so excited and Alex let me hold one! Nutcrackers are my favorite! Around 1:30 Mommy and Adrienne came and got me and we went to Mr. Pickles to get some lunch. I got to hold Mommy's bag of chips and I squished the bag so hard in the car that they popped

everywhere. We had to pull over because Mommy didn't want me to eat a chip and choke, plus the chips were jalapeño flavored. Mommy and Adrienne at their sandwiches at home and then a little later Adrienne left and Mommy put me down for my nap. Mommy took a nap too because she was very tired too.

After our nap we played awhile and then Mommy fed me my dinner and then let me run around for awhile.

Love,

Gabriel

Day 122

Dear Daddy,

Today was a pretty boring day. We stayed at home until it was time to pick Mommy up and after that, Mommy fed me my lunch and then we got ready for nap time. Mommy did some laundry while I napped and then just relaxed because she was really tired. When I woke up we played and then Mommy and I sat down and read about twenty books. Mommy says that she loves that I love books like her.

Later, Grandma and Grandpa came over. Mommy had asked Grandma if she could pick up the new pictures (for the invitations and the christmas cards) before she came home so Mommy was happy and started working on both of those. They turned out great! Here is a picture of our Christmas card!

"Wishing you the simple joys of love and laughter this holiday season & always.

The Maganas

Jesus Melissa & Gabriel"

Mommy was not as pleased with the outcome, but you know how she likes it to be PERFECT and hates a single little flaw. I told her they look good, I think she was just upset because she couldn't put a pretty picture of the three of us this year, but I bet next year's card will be awesome. I just can't wait till you come home Daddy!

Love,

Gabriel

Day 121

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy didnt work but we had tons to do! We had to go to Michaels to buy some things so Mommy could so work on our Christmas cards and on Brandon's invitations. Then we had to stop at the mall for the pictures for the cards. Mommy was not happy because they messed up our Christmas cards and Mommy had worked so hard on them. I felt bad for Mommy, she was very upset and when we got home she started working on new ones. When she was done with the design she started working on the invitations for Brandon's birthday party. I let her work while I played quietly and after she fed me lunch I wanted to watch a movie. Mommy relaxed with me too because she said she had a headache. Soon I took a nap and I thought Mommy was going to take one too but she said she had too much to do.

After my nap Mommy was finishing making dinner and it smelled so yummy. She made some yummy pasta. I told her that I wanted some for dinner too. I gobbled up my pasta and had some fruit and also a yogurt. Grandpa came over and played with me. Mommy finished the invitations and then after she was done she realized that she misspelled something on the invitations so she was even more upset because she had to redo everything. She was not happy at all. I was tired so we went to get the bath ready and I splashed around and then Mommy got me dressed and ready for bed.

Love,

Gabriel

Day 120

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy started work late so we got to sleep in. Mommy gave me breakfast when we got up and got very frustrated because I refused to eat my egg so she eventually gave up and made me an oatmeal because it's my favorite. After breakfast we sat on the couch and watched Mickey's Clubhouse. When it was done, we played for awhile and soon I was getting cranky because I wante to take a nap so Mommy put me in my crib and then I napped while Mommy started getting ready for work.

At lunch I ate lentil stew that Mommy made for me and I also had some applesauce and a yogurt. I was hungry! Mommy changed me and got my diaper bag ready because I was going to go to a party at Geny's house with Grandma and Tia Dany. Then we headed to drop Mommy off and headed to the party.

I had so much fun Daddy, because I played with Chocolate, Geny's doggie. I loved the doggie and the doggie loved me. I told Grandma that we needed to convince Mommy to get me a dog. I ran around all through Geny's house because there is so much room to run. I was so tired because I skipped my naps but I was having too much fun to nap! Soon it was time to go home but Grandma cleaned me up and put me in my pjs because she knew I would fall asleep in the car. She was right, last I remember we were pulling out of Geny's driveway!

When we got home Mommy was with us and she gave me my baba and I sat on my recliner while I watched Baby Einstein. Mommy say's I look like such a little man here!

After I finished my Baba I was ready for bed so Mommy brushed my teeth and read my book. We said our prayers and then she put me in the crib. I was so tired I fell asleep right away.

Love you lots Daddy!

Gabriel

Day 119

Dear Daddy,

Today we had another rainy day so when we went to pick up Mommy I wore my raincoat that Mommy got for me. She says she hates the rain but looking at me wearing my raincoat makes the rain seem not so bad because I'm so cute.

We went home and I had my Baba and then took a short nap. When I woke up Mommy got me ready for swimming lessons. I had a new teacher today with bigger kids and since I hadn't gone in a few months I was kind of iffy and didnt want to let go of Mommy but I had fun once I got comftorable. Mommy hopes that I start swimming better and not swallowing so much water as a did today, I told her not to worry, that I will be bringing home the gold medal from the olympics when I'm older.

On the way back home I fell asleep and it was raining outside and Mommy needed to stop at costco so she dropped me off with Tia Brenda and Grandpa so they could watch me for an hour or so. I ended up waking up when Mommy dropped me off and didn't want her to leave but I did have lots of fun. Mommy came and picked me up when she was done and we went home. Mommy fed me dinner and then surprised me with something she got at Costco for me.

It's a recliner! Mommy said she wanted to give it to me for Christmas but she couldn't wait so this was an early Christmas present. I loved it and I love sitting in it and drinking my Baba while I watch a movie. You need to get one of these when you get home Daddy!

Love,

Gabriel

Day 118

Dear Daddy,

Today I stayed home with Grandma while Mommy went to work. It was rainy so we had to stay indoors all day and I was tired of being inside so when it was time to go and pick up Mommy I was so excited to get out of the house. When Mommy got home we ate lunch and then we played for awhile. I played with my ball and then Mommy and I played hide and seek. I had lots of fun but I got tired so Mommy put me down for my nap.

After an almost two and a half hour nap, I woke up and ate my dinner and then played some more. Grandma came home and I watched a movie while everyone else ate dinner. We were all wanting some yogurt so we went to harmony's and Mommy and I shared some yummy and delicious yogurt. I started getting tired so I took a bath and then got ready in my PJs and then started drinking my BaBa and soon I was fast asleep.

Love,

Gabriel

Day 117

Dear Daddy,

Today was another boring day. It was very cold out again so we mostly stayed indoors except for when we went and got Mommy. I came home and took a nap and so did Mommy and when I woke up I was ready to run around. Here are some pictures of me doing just that, and pointing to the nutcrackers I love so much. I can say nutcracker now, by the way, but I say "Nuh-caa-caaa" and Mommy thinks it's the cutest thing ever!

Do you like my shirt? "The cool kid just got here"

The rest of the after noon I just ran around and played with Mommy. When Grandpa got here I played with him and after that we ate dinner and played some more until it was time for bed.

Love and miss you,

Gabriel

Day 116

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy didn't have to work but we had errands to run and went to Tanforan. I had a good time people watching and Mommy bought me new socks because my socks seem to always mysteriously disappear (and Mommy tries to blame me for it!). After the mall, we were kind of hungry so we stopped at Benihana's for lunch. I just love that place Daddy! I love watching the chefs cook and I just love the rice and noodles too! Mommy says it doesn't surprise her that I love going there because we all love it.

We went back home after lunch and I took a nice long nap so I was very happy when I woke up. Mommy and I played with my trucks and we read a few books. I was running around being silly and making Mommy laugh until her tummy hurt, she says I am her little ham.

I ate my dinner and then Grandpa and Grandma came over and played with me for awhile until it was time for me to get ready for our bathtime and bedtime routine. I was so tired from running around that I was asleep in no time!

Love,

Gabriel

Day 115

Dear Daddy,

Today was a very boring day. Mommy had to work so Grandma and I stayed at home and did some chores and I got to play with my toys. Soon it was time to go and get Mommy from work so we did and then came home and did a whole lot of nothing for the rest of the day since the day was pretty yucky and cold. I did take a nice long nap and when we woke up we played some more and then cuddled up because it was very cold. Mommy kept saying that she wishes that you were home to snuggle up on the couch with us, I told her we probably won't fit on the couch and to stop being silly. But really Daddy, I miss you a whole lot too. I wish you were here and I'm sure you do too. Mommy tries to be strong but sometimes I hear her cry at night, I try to make her happy and give her tons of kisses, she says I'm the only reason she hasn't gone completely insane during this deployment. What a silly woman you married Daddy!

Love you so much,

Gabriel

Day 114

Dear Daddy,

Since Mommy was off today I got to wake up and see her. She fed me my breakfast and we watched Mickey's clubhouse together on the couch. Mommy got me dressed and told me that we were having Brandon and Adrienne come over so we could play. I was very excited because I hadn't had a playdate with Brandon in forever because we all got sick! I had lots and lots of fun playing with him today and I got to show him my walking. He still can't walk but I told him he needs to hurry up so we can run away from the Mommy's and play football outside. He promised to work on it.

After they left, I took a nap and when we woke up, I ate my dinner and Mommy got me ready because Tia Angelica made tostadas so we went over. I played with Grandpa and also with Beto. Beto was playing with his wrestling action figures and he let me play with one.

I was so tired, we got home and I took my bath and then we started up our nightly routine. I was asleep in no time!

Love,

Gabriel

Day 113

Dear Daddy,

Today when I woke up, Mommy was home because she wasn't working until later. We went and ate breakfast, then we played for awhile and I started getting really tired so I decided to take a nap. Mommy says that she has been having trouble sleeping so she took a nap too because she was tired. When we woke up, I had my lunch and Mommy finished getting ready for work. The rest of the day was pretty boring, I didn't do much, we ended up going to the mall to look around and later Grandma and Grandpa came to visit. I ate and played and then Grandma gave me a bath and we waited for Mommy to get home so she could put me to bed. Mommy came home and we read some books, I brushed my teeth and then drank my milk. We also said our prayers, I love to pray Daddy, Mommy said it's a good thing because God can get you through anything.

I miss you so much, Mommy does too.

Love,

Gabriel

Day 112

Dear Daddy,

Today was Saturday, and Mommy worked but when she was off we went home so she could shower and then we went to Tia Hayde's house cause she made pozole. We stayed there until around 4 when we came home I was asleep so Mommy put me in the crib. I took a nice long nap and later, I woke up and ate my dinner and then Grandma and Grandpa came over to play with me. I was so excited to have them over. Grandpa and I played with my trucks until it was time for me to take a bath. After my bath I drank my milk and Mommy brushed my teeth. Mommy discovered that I have some new teeth coming in, guess that explains why my gums have been bothering me!

Miss you so much Daddy!

Gabriel

Day 111

Dear Daddy,

Today Mommy had a surprise for me when she got home. She told me that we were going to go to the Christmas tree lighting at Burlingame and that there was going to be a parade and it was going to be lots of fun. I was so excited but Mommy wanted me to take a nap before we went so she tired to get me to nap but I refused. Mommy and I started working on wrapping presents for your Christmas package and getting your box ready. We are both so excited for you to get your presents because we know you will love them. But here is the rule, Daddy, you can't open them until Christmas!

Eventually, I did take a small nap but around 4:30, Mommy woke me up so she could get me dressed for the tree lighting. Tia Dany, Mommy and I went to the tree lighting and waited until they lit the tree. It was cold outside and Mommy was getting annoyed because they were taking forever to light the tree, you know how impatient she gets but I was having a good time. Mommy let me run around and kept chasing after doggies that were passing by and wanting to pet them. I told Mommy I wanted a doggie but she says no. We need to get her to change her mind Daddy!

After they lit the tree, we headed down to the Avenue and waited for the parade. I loved it because I saw fire trucks, police cars, and I even saw Mrs Clause and Santa.

Grandma met up with us and we decided to leave after the parade because it was cold and we were hungry. We went to Taxis' after and I had some yogurt and pasta that Mommy brought along and then a man made me a balloon animal. I loved it!

When we got home, Mommy gave me a bath and got me ready for bed. It was such a fun day and I was exhausted so I was out before Mommy even closed the door.

Love,

Gabriel

Day 110

Dear Daddy,

Today was Thursday and Mommy had to work so I stayed with Grandma until it was time to pick Mommy up. When we went to pick her up I ended up falling asleep and when I woke up we were at home and I wanted to play with Mommy. We played with my ball popper and then my Mickey Mouse figurines. It was kind of cold to go out so we just stayed inside and played a whole lot.

It was time for dinner soon so Mommy sat me in the high chair and started getting my dinner ready for me. I kept saying "Mama" and when she would turn around I would be picking my nose. I think it's the funniest thing ever and Mommy says that I am such a boy. Of course I am a boy! Silly Mommy!

After dinner, Grandpa came over and played with me for a little while until it was time to get ready for bed. Mommy and I started getting ready for bed and then I went into my crib and went to sleep.

Miss you,

Gabriel

Day 109

Dear Daddy,

Today was Wednesday and Mommy was off so in the morning we woke up and had breakfast and then Mommy and I did laundry and started up on dinner. While the clothes were washing and drying Mommy and I relaxed on the couch and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, it's one of my favorite shows ever!

Finally, we were done with laundry so I helped Mommy. I love when Mommy takes me to the laundry room with her and I can help her put the dried clothes in the hamper and then I sit in the hamper and we roll away back home. It's so much fun and I just love helping out! Here is a picture of me in the hamper!

I was getting tired so I took a nap and Mommy took a shower and got ready while I napped. By the time I woke up, Mommy had my lunch ready so I ate and then I got dressed in a new outfit that MOmmy got me. We played and then Mommy let me play with a nutcracker that I kept pointing at. I really love nutcrackers for some reason and get so excited when I see them.

Mommy thought it would be nice if she took me for a walk and we ended up going to Burlingame Avenue. Mommy bought me a cookie and I loved it. It was shortbread cookie with a chocolate center and after I was done I had a bunch of crumbs all over my coat! Right after we got home, Grandma Adela got there and I was so happy to see her I attacked her with kisses.

I was pretty tired so Mommy fed me dinner, and let me play for awhile. Then I drank my milk and took a bath after and got ready for bed. We brushed our teeth, read and said our prayers and then Mommy tucked me in and kissed me goodnight and I fell asleep soon.

Love you,

Gabriel