3 Months

I can't believe this little guy is already three months old! 

Two words I would use to describe Dawson so far are sweet and happy. He generously gives smiles and giggles, especially if you tickle him. His vocal chords are very developed as well, he shrieks and squeals often - I think he is trying to tell us all of the funny stories he has. Dawson rolls over and can spin himself and scoot to get to places he wants. One of his favorite past-times is blowing bubbles.

In other news, this is what we have been up to since I last posted. Our good friends, Stephanie and Carlos, had their baby boy - Lucas Alberto Abaunza born in late September. We were able to drop in and visit them at the hospital.

Dawson can hold his head up and has started to sit in the Bumbo for a change of scenery from the floor.

Annabelle has started her savings account and loves to put money into her piggy bank.

She even donates some to her brother's piggy bank as well.

Don't be fooled, she's not always "Super Sister" - this is what it usually looks like when I try to snap a photo of the two of them. 

"Get this human off of me!"

Annabelle looks like we are torturing her by having her pose next to him. Dawson is always just confused as to what is going on.

Miracles do happen though and sometimes I get them both down for naps at the same time! 

A moment of silence is needed for this picture. Just take in the moment!
Shhh...don't wake them. :)

Even though it can be a challenge with two so close, I do snag a few good ones of them together.

Annabelle really does love him and enjoys playing with Dawson and often gives him hugs and kisses.

Look, I have three kids! Haha, yes baby does count as an extra member of the family and deserves time under the play center as well.

Earlier this month, we celebrated Robert's birthday. He was out of town in Oklahoma City for work on his actual birthday, so we celebrated a day or two late and surprised him with balloons and window art when he came home.

We also went to visit his Aunt Kathy and welcome home Robert's grandparents from the care center where they were staying for awhile to recover from a stroke (Grandpa) and heal from back surgery (Grandma). They are glad to be home! 

One of my favorite moments was getting to listen to Grandpa Gibson play the organ - Annabelle loved it as well. This picture is so sweet. Grandpa Gibson enjoys playing polka music on the organ. 

While we were there, they surprised Robert with a birthday cake and some presents.

Shortly thereafter, we spent the weekend watching General Conference. Annabelle loved to listen to the Mormon Tabernacle choir. She would stop what she was doing and come back to watch them sing.

Annabelle is still taking gymnastics and loves it. I think Tuesday night is probably her favorite night of the week. She has improved a lot and is learning how to take turns and the basic skills needed for doing hand stands, rolls, etc.

She's a silly girl who loves to wear sunglasses. She made me give her these sunglasses so that she could go to bed. She put them on herself. Often they end up upside down, but she doesn't care - the girl has swag.

As for me, I spend my days taking walks,

making chalk-art,

(innocent bystanders may or may not get their faces drawn on as well)

building forts/tunnels to play in, 

taking selfies to send to people so they know I'm still alive,

I get first row seats to piano concerts,

I teach sorting skills/colors to Annabelle,

and go to play dates with friends.

These girls are way too cute together! We're so thankful to have friends with babies the same age and gender as ours.

Since Dawson is getting bigger, I can now start dressing him up for church. Yay! I think he looks so cute in a little button up and tie. I know I'm biased, but he just melts my heart.

Annabelle loves older kids and made a friend in our building. Her name is Jazmine and she drops by often to say hi to Annabelle. 

In October, we were able to go to the Florida Aquarium for free.

In my opinion, Florida alligators are much better to look at behind glass.

Annabelle had a great time exploring and learning all about sea creatures.

She's saying "FISH" here. That is one big grouper!

We sure do love our kiddos.

See you around, until next time! 

Dawson's Blessing Day

Sunday, August 31, 2014

It was a beautiful sunny day as we gathered together at church for this little man's blessing. Robert gave him a name and blessing with my brother Jeff, friend Patrick Kennedy, and Branch President David Stretch in the circle and with my brother Jason holding the microphone. 

 Robert did a wonderful job blessing Dawson. He blessed him that he is a loving child of Heavenly Father, that he should love his family and he can bring happiness to many others with his gentle spirit by sharing the gospel with others. He blessed him to take advantage of the temples on this earth and their great power, he will have the opportunity to receive and use the Priesthood and uphold it. Also to look out for others and let them know that the Savior died for us and has given us the opportunity to repent. 

The Fountain side that came to the blessing (Robert's parents).

The Tolsma side (my two brothers and their families).

 

Our family of four:

This is how it usually looks though.

 The proud daddy.

 Kisses for my little guy. He was a sleepy sweetheart while at church.

 Hanging out with Grandpa in the hall during the photo shoot to escape the heat.

We were all trying to escape the heat and were ready to eat.

 Following Sacrament and photos we headed back to our place where we reserved a room in the building to hold a little gathering in order to celebrate Dawson's special day. 

Come on in.

Here's the spread. 

We had chicken salad and ham croissants with fruit and veggies for sides. 

Annabelle and Dawson spent the first part of the party sleeping after an eventful day at church.

Rosalyn and Brielle hung out with us until it was their nap-time, then they headed back upstairs for some peace and quiet.

 While people were eating and socializing we had this table set up for the tie activity I came up with.

 I asked everyone to bring a tie for Dawson at some point in his life (meaning infant to adult size), and then I asked everyone to write a note to him that could be sewn to the back of the tie. I thought as he grows it would be fun to have ties that came from his blessing day with a note from the giver to help him remember his special day and to know that he is loved and supported by a wonderful family. Here's a tie that my mom sent as an example.

The girls crafting together.

 And the boys...let's just say it took some prodding to get a select few to open up to their "crafty/sentimental" side. haha 

They were all good sports though and it turned out to be a really special memory for me. 

We all gathered together after we were finished and shared what tie we brought and the message that went with it. It was very touching and neat to hear and see why people chose the tie they did. Some purchased ties and some gave of their collection, which worked out perfectly. I think it is really cool that he will get to wear a tie that his Great Grandpa and Uncle wore. We even had some family mail in notes/ties and we read those as well. It was meaningful and very appreciated because it felt like they were there too supporting little Dawson. He is very loved and lucky to have this family.

 Getting some snuggles in with Grandma who always spoils him and does a great job of holding him.

After lunch we enjoyed some yummy Texas sheet cake - one of my favorite cakes (if you cannot tell). Let's be honest, I really made this for myself. I was just happy to get a chance to make it because I knew there would be people there to share it with, so I would not eat the whole thing by myself. 

 

One of the funniest moments was when Keaton came back from playing ball outside in the hall with Kaden and said some old lady yelled at them. She told them she was going to call the police, to which Keaton responded with a flabbergasted, "Are you for real?" We all laughed because he was so serious and upset in a "I can't believe her kind of way." You have to love living with old people who do not like to see kids playing around.

Welcome to the family Dawson. We're so happy to have you!