M.A.S.

I was told tonight by my good friend that Gabe had something called M.A.S. which stands for Man Answer Syndrome. She further explained that this is the need that guys have to sound like they know what their talking about. So if they don't know the answer to something, they just keep talking like they do! HAHAHA! This was her conversation with Gabe on the playground during our church softball game....

Mara: So your Dad is playing softball tonight?

Gabe: Yup. He plays for the Tampa Bay Rays

Mara: Oh, wow... really? What position does he play? 1st base?

Gabe: 4th base.

Awesome.

Mom Eyes

Isn't this a creepy picture? It's amazing what Google image search turns up!

Setting: Nap time. Always a source of good pre-sleepy time conversation.

Gabe: *running his fingers through my hair in a monkey-esk type way* Hmmmmm......

Me: "What are you doing, son?"

Gabe: "Looking for the eyes in the back of your head. Dad told me they were there."

Robbers!

I think every Mom can appreciate the innocence of pre school kids as they discover that not all people look like their family members! The exploration of cultures, religions, and foreign countries has begun in this house. I realized it was time when Gabriel came very close to completely humiliating me in front of some Middle Eastern women at Planet Jump this week!

I observed 3 women who walked in with their little ones. They were dressed from head to toe in black Burqas with only their eyes peeking out. It was actually a little funny watching them play on the inflatables with their little ones!

Gabriel ran towards me, ready for an ice cream break and when he spotted them he suddenly let out a big shriek, pointed his finger at the women and said, "Mommy!!! ROBBERS!!!!"

Classic.

Thank the Holy Father in Heaven they were out of earshot and didn't hear him.

After an uncontrollable outburst of laughter knowing that the statement came from total innocence and ignorance, we began a beautiful conversation about how God created us all different and special. This curiosity led to lots of Googling to show him how people dress differently all over the world.

Sometimes parenting is awesome. :)

Shoe Teeth

This morning Gabe was getting so frustrated with trying to get his shoes on. So I tried to verbally talk him through it and this is what was said

Gabe: "Arrrrrrrg!!!!!!"

Me: "Son, calm down. You need to make sure the laces are untied and you need to lift the tongue up real high so you can slide your foot in underneath it."

Gabe: "Tongue?"

Me: "Yeah, that's what you call this." *points to shoe tongue*

Gabe: "Well, where are the teeth?"

My Little Gentleman

Today I took Gabe and Zoe to the church playground for lunch. I was watching Gabe and his sister play on the slides and then I saw something that really made me smile. Since I would usually expect Gabe to be PUSHING Zoe off the top of the slide or fighting over who gets the red swing and who gets the blue swing, this is a particularly special memory.

Gabe and Zoe arrived at the bottom of the slide ladder at the same time and Gabriel put out his arm, bowed and said, "Ladies first, Zoe." Then he made eye contact with me, gave me a big fat cheesy grin, and gave me a thumbs up. It made my day. I love that kid.

No More Training Wheels!

Today was the day that Gabe learned how to ride his bike on two wheels! It only took two tries and he had it down. I was so proud of him. I could totally tell he was a little scared, but the promise of a lollipop and a new pair of kicks seemed to do the trick. :) Can't wait to hit the Pinellas Trail with him now that he can keep up!! Good job Gabe!

When I'm Old And My Hair Is White...

Gabriel is such an awesome helper in the kitchen. I particularly love baking and cooking with him when Zoe is napping because they are in the stage (Um, it's a stage right??) where they fight over EVERYTHING! It is our special time together.

We made vegetarian lasagna the other day. He loves peeling onions and chopping veggies (YES, I let him use sharp knives! Don't judge me!) and he eats more of his dinner if he has a role in preparing it.

Here's our precious conversation:

Me: "Gabe, someday when you are older you will be the most fantastic chef and will make your wife really yummy meals. She'll be so lucky."

Gabe: "Well, when you are old and your hair is white I'll cook for you too Mom. I'll take care of you and Dad."

Me: "I'd love that Gabe. How about when I'm so old and crazy that I wander the streets in my bathrobe. You will come get me and bring me home?"

Gabe: "Yup."