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.

A Wyoming Weekend

Hi Everyone! Thought I would share some pictures of our weekend trip to the Hall Ranch in Wyoming. Even though Joe & I have lived in beautiful Colorado for almost 5 years, Wyoming will always be home to us. I think Gabi got the idea when we belted out "Ragtime Cowboy Joe" as we drove across the state line. It is her favorite song, by the way :-)!

Gabi meets a little lamb! It was too cold to go see all of the calves -- maybe next time!

Great-Grandma Fern

Great-Grandpa Don (She met Great-Grandma Phyllis too!)

Lounging in her lawn chair. This is part of a picnic table set -- umbrella, table, and 2 chairs -- too cute!

Gabi was all about opening presents at the baby shower held in her honor on Saturday. Thanks to all that attended and especially to Marie & Natalie, the hosts! It was great to see everyone!

Grandparents & Great-Grandparents

Tracy Jons

Joe loved the little Dora dress he received -- hee hee! It will fit perfect, don't you think? (Sorry Joe, I couldn't resist!)

Have a great week! Love, Joe, Tara & Gabi

Springtime In Colorado!

The weather in Golden has been beautiful this past week. The trees are greening up, the daffodils are blooming, and the meadowlarks are singing away. Gabi and I have really enjoyed getting out for a long walk each day to see all of the new beginnings (and celebrating our own!)

Gabi liked riding in her backpack, but slept most of the way while hiking on South Table Mountain near our house.

"I know my pants are too big, Daddy, but you didn't have to pull them up to my armpits!"

We went to two BBQs this past weekend -- one at Char & Jason's and another at Brian & Julia's. Did I mention Spring is in the air? Gabi did great at both of them and was quite entertained by all of her new friends. She was being so silly in the picture above. She still really likes the word "salsa" and giggles whenever we say it (especially Joe). Thanks you all for the great food and company!

We're headed to the ranch this weekend, so check back next week for pictures of Gabi with the calves and lambs and of the celebration being hosted by Marie Miller and Natalie Maxwell in her honor!

Love,

Joe, Tara & Gabi

Gabriela is doing well!

Hello everyone! Thought we would share a few pictures from the past week. Gabi really is doing great -- she is so happy and content. She seems to be growing by the minute and is doing really well sitting up by herself now, even with her brace on. We went to see a hip specialist yesterday and he said that she needs to wear it all the time for 4 more weeks and then she can just wear it at night! Yea! We're going to the pediatrician tomorrow and Joe & I are taking bets on how much she weighs -- our little chunk!

The shirt says it all! We feel truly blessed.

Daddy's Girl!

Bath time Bubbles!

Good Morning Sunshine!

Hope you all are doing well and you got your taxes done! :) Our best to all of you!

Love,
Joe, Tara & Gabi

More Visitors!

Hello! We thought we would share some photos of Gabi's visitors this past weekend! We were all in great spirits. We cannot believe how fast she is changing -- she amazes us with the things she learns how to do each day.

Grandpa Gary

Grandma Mary

4 Generations!

Have a great week,

Joe, Tara, & Gabi

Enjoying Life!

Hello! We have had a great week at the newly expanded Hall household. We are easing into somewhat of a schedule, but most of all, having fun. Here are the highlights of our week:

• Finding Gabi's tickle spot on her tummy and hearing her wonderful laugh!


• Swimming with new buddy, Lily


• Cruising around Golden in her jogging stroller and paying a visit to the KL&A office!


• Hearing from her pediatric orthopedist that her hip is doing great! She still has to wear the brace (probably for 6 more weeks), but it is stable and much improved from when she was diagnosed.


• Spending time as a family and enjoying life!

We're looking forward to having Grandpa Gary, Grandma Mary, and Great Gramma Dot visit this weekend.

Love to you all,

Joe, Tara, & Gabi