This morning...

We often get asked, "What is Gadi up to these days?" As a day goes by, we often forget the cute or funny things that Gadi does throughout the day. Here are two things from this morning...

* Gadi has now decided that his goal is to carry as many things in his arms as possible. He has amazing dexterity and this morning had managed to cradle six different items in his arms. They are not small items either. Usually it is some combination of toy foods along with a ball, cups, a crayon or whatever else is handy. He walks around with these items very proudly. He reminds me of that famous scene from "The Jerk". For those who haven't seen it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2X3vVMdh-s

* This morning Gadi also displayed his first separation anxiety with Allie. Once a week, our very energetic pup goes out with a group of dogs to run for miles in a state park, which enables her to be calm for several days afterward. Well, this morning, when the nice man came to take her out, Gadi screamed out, "Alla, alla" and was very upset to see her go. (However, he seems to be fine with his parents leaving in the morning.)

We're back!

The Stieber Family blog is back by popular demand! I thought I would kick off the blog's return with a quick recap of our little guy's vocabulary to date. As any parent knows, deciphering a toddler's first words is often like listening to the conductor announce your track at the train station... you listen intently and hope your instincts ultimately get you where you want (or in this case, the child wants) to go.

There's a mix of English and Spanish in here...

"Words"

* Alla (Allie, our dog)

* Mami

* Papi

* Agua (usually said in thirsty repetition)

* Up (or uppa) -- asking for access to the few things he hasn't already managed to reach

* Sit (pronounced with a hissing s and directed at Allie)

* Mmmmm... (either in anticipation of favorite food or after unexpectedly enjoyable food)

* Wow wow (apparently, 'spanish speaking dogs' don't say woof, they say 'wow wow') = all dogs (other than Allie)

* No (spanish pronuniciation - stated firmly in repetition, however, he can often still be convinced, especially at the dinner table)

* Alo (spanish hello -- spoken into cell phones, magnets, museum audio devices...)

* Caca = sometimes he's right on with his odiferous target, but often just likes the sound of it...

* Buh-bye (his departing words often seem to channel his non-existent southern roots, other than those transplanted Georgia cousins)

* Auto (spanish car -- we love pointing to cars almost as much as dogs)

* Ba (ball)

Animals that will elicit either a sound or gesture (or both!):

* gorilla
* monkey
* elephant
* shark
* chicken
* dog (still the overwhelming favorite, Allie has created a bias here...)

Gadi's 2007: Month-by-Month

Fall Recap

Fall flew by. It seems like the leaves fell off the trees really quickly this year. Here's some cool stuff that we liked to do:


* Dressing up like a tiger




* Having fun with Abuela and Saba (Abuela decided to dress up too!)




* Watching Papi become a lawyer (It was kind of boring...)

* Hanging out with Mami and friends, Dora, Lucas, Jackson and Allie

* A great NY/NJ Thanksgiving with Savta and cousin Tess

Fall has arrived

The leaves are changing, which means unbearably adorable outfits to keep our little guy warm and a great excursion to a local farm (Ok, it turned out to be just a nice produce place, Papi should have called ahead, but at least it was nearby :)














Unfortunately, this season will not include a trip to the Fall Classic for our beloved (but hapless) Mets. However, since Mami got us this cute gear, we had to show our loyalty -- there's always next year!

Proud to be an American!

It's amazing who they're letting into the country these days. Yes, it's true my beautiful wife is finally a full fledged citizen. Just in time to vote for a new administration...

Rosh Hashana, 5768

Gadi put his best foot forward and got a great big hug and kiss from Savta to start the new year...













Now honestly, you have to admit it, he's pretty doggone cute!