SURPRISE!!

We can't believe we pulled it off! Gabi and I flew to Des Moines last Friday to surprise my Mom with long weekend visit! My brother, Tom, came from Las Vegas as well. We all flew into Des Moines on the same flight, my Dad picked us all up at the airport, and we showed up at my Mom's work to surprise her! Everyone at her office knew except for her and they sent her out to the waiting room to "get a patient!" She was so surprised to see us -- I even saw tears in her eyes! We love you Mom!

My Mom saw Gabi first and went straight for her. She later acknowledged that Tom & I were there too! Lots of laughs!

Gabi loved playing Grandma & Grandpa's piano.

Gabi thought Uncle Tom was pretty cool.

Grandpa Gary serenades Gabi with some of his great guitar playing.

A family picture before Tom, Gabi, and I head to the airport after a fun weekend. Joe stayed in Colorado to run the BolderBoulder. Team Steel (KL&A) had a repeat victory and Joe ran well and had fun despite the cold weather. He missed his Gabi, though!

Have a great week!

Love,
Joe, Tara, & Gabi

Giggling Gabi Girl!

Hello Everyone! We thought we would share a little video that we took of Gabi giggling during dinner one evening. Don't you love how babies think the simplest things are funny? We've had a great week. She is really good at saying "Hi" and we think we heard a "kit..." as in kitty this morning, but it's hard to tell. She has learned how to give kisses (open-mouth slimes!) and lots of hugs. It is so fun to watch her grow and learn.

We hope you all have a wonderful rest of your week and a great Memorial Day weekend! BolderBoulder here we come! Love to you all!

Joe, Tara, & Gabi

Bye Bye Brace!

Hello Everyone! We are pleased to announce that Gabi's hip brace only has to be worn at night and naps! Her doctor was impressed with her progress and we could see so much improvement from the x-rays. She has been even happier than usual since it has come off. She is really snuggly too -- lots of hugs!

Gabi with no brace! Yea!

Our First Mother's Day! What a special day it was! I was a little tired from a 22 mile run I had done that morning, but we had a blast and spent lots of time together. We celebrated more on Saturday by going out to lunch and shopping a bit. I have always wanted to be a mother and am so thankful that now somebody will always call me "Mom."

Does this shirt make my tummy look big?

Having a picnic in the basement -- yummy!

We also have enjoyed visits this week from Julianne and Angie (who caught me in my robe this morning -- I hope she isn't too scarred from that!) Angie is being induced this evening, so keep her family in your thoughts and prayers as their new little girl enters the world. We can't wait to see her! Have a good week!

Love,

Joe, Tara, & Gabi

Life is Good

Gabi has received quite a few gifts in the mail and sometimes has more fun with the packaging than the actual present. Thanks to all of you for your kindness and generosity. We cannot say it enough -- we have the most supportive friends and family!

We had a play date with my friend, Teresa, and her kids, Octavia & Peyton. Octavia was also adopted from Guatemala and is almost 3. Peyton is about 15 months old. They had so much fun! When Octavia was asked by her mom where Gabi was from, she said "Guatemala -- like me!" She also told Gabi, "Welcome to the United States!" It was so cute! Teresa is going to watch Gabi a couple of mornings a week in the fall when I go back to work part-time. Octavia (and Peyton too) will be a great role model for her!

Gabi is a good eater -- cereal, all vegies, and fruits, but there is something about cherrios that doesn't appeal to her quite yet. She's fed them to herself a couple of times on her own, but isn't too into them and that's okay. All in due time! Jackson is going to be all over Gabi when she starts feeding herself (and him)!

Such a good dog -- he is so gentle with her.

Other good news includes a baby girl set to arrive in mid-September for our friends, Char & Jason (they found out yesterday!) Gabi will have a little playmate! The KL&A softball team had their first game (and first win) of the season last night! This ties the number of wins from last year already! It can only get better from here, right?!

We're on the countdown to Gabi getting her brace off. Hopefully, by this time next week, she will be brace-free or only have to wear it at night. Cross your fingers -- we go see the doc next Monday afternoon.