The boys

Yesterday Gabe came twirling through the living room and said, "Albus Dumbledore." I have no idea why, but it was great. Random and completely funny. Unfortunately, this week Gabe didn't have much school; three out of five were cancelled due to the weather. He was supposed to bring snack one of those days that was cancelled and he was so sad that he couldn't bring snack. Luckily, one of the other parents was happy to give up their snack day so Gabe can bring it on Monday. He took a lot of time to figure out what to bring and finally settled on applesauce, graham crackers (Scooby snacks, specifically), and milk. Only problem was I like the Scooby snacks too, so when I thought he'd just missed out on snack day, I opened the box, so then we had to go get another box.

It is amazing how much he learned in two days though. It was "Snake Week" and man did he learn every basic fact about snakes. It helps that they got to see and touch a real one. Someone who brings snakes around for education came to the school on Wednesday. Gabe will talk forever about all he learned. He used to just be afraid of snakes, but I don't think he is anymore. When he talks about how snakes don't blink he says they just hold their eyes open like this, and then he open his eyes very wide and tries very hard not to blink for as long as he can.

Malachi doesn't like it when Daddy leaves. He has taken to go and standing in front of the door when Matt puts his coat on, like he's trying to block him in. We have been letting him try using a spoon. A lot gets everywhere but his mouth, but he's doing really good. Two days ago most of the applesauce must have made it into his mouth because there wasn't any spilled, just some smeared on his face and arms.

He had his one year check up and he is doing just fine. Healthy. He has two teeth now. Poor little guy had to have four vaccination shots and then a finger poke to draw blood. They check the hemoglobin and for lead exposure. We haven't had the results of that yet, but I'm not worried.

The funny thing that Chi does is that he will randomly run through the room with his arms above his head, roaring. It's like he's in attack mode. But most of the time he ends it by running up to us for a hug.

Hugs are great. One of the best parts of parenthood.