Hanging at the Connelly's

IMG_2827.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, Oct. 21: Dad was out of town this weekend, so Gabe and Mom headed up to the Upper East Side for a quick visit with some friends. We started out with the Connellys, and enjoyed a great trip to the playground followed by some reading and playing inside where it was a bit warmer. Then we saw Lori, who got some practice for her soon-to-arrive baby by feeding Gabe in a very cramped Starbucks. Then Gabe managed to wake up in time to finally meet Christine and Mike while awake (Gabe was finally awake, not Christine and Mike - they are better at timing their naps than Gabe is). All in all a great day!

FIVE months!

IMG_2781.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Monday, Oct. 16: Boy does time fly. Today Gabe turned five months old. He's growing like crazy. He didn't get weighed this month, but we think he's feeling heavier every day. Plus, despite all evidence to the contrary in this particular picture, he's smiling and laughing more than ever. We think that's a pretty good sign of a happy kid. We'll take it.

That Face.

IMG_2764.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

enough said.

Mmmmm. Zippers.

IMG_2762.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Monday, Oct. 9: The weather is starting to get a little colder up here in NYC, and so it was time to bust out Gabe's hat and jacket. He isn't a big fan of the hat, but he seems to like the jacket a little better. We think he just likes to chew on that zipper. Wonder if Old Navy puts some sort of yummy flavoring in that plastic?

So many kisses for Gabe.

IMG_2754.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Oct. 8: Suzki and Pops were also in town this weekend, and so this afternoon we went and hung out with them a little bit. Gabe sure loves all those kisses.

Higher Aunt Emily!

IMG_2731.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Oct. 8: Aunt Emily came over this morning and got to take Gabe to the playground. He's still pretty new at the swings, and Dad was a little nervous about pushing too high, but Gabe certainly seems to be enjoying himself!

Happy Shower!

IMG_2722.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, Oct. 7: this weekend we got to celebrate Aunt-to-be Alexis in all her bride-to-be glory. It was a great weekend and we loved seeing everyone!

Happy Wedding Heather and Chris!

IMG_2670.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, Sept. 30: Today one of Dan's oldest friends got married. It was a beautiful wedding and we had a blast. Lucky for us it was in this beautiful location! We had a great day showing Gabe that the ocean up in Massachusetts is much colder than the one at Suzki and Pops' house. Then Gabe spent the evening with some other kids and the babysitter while Mom and Dad danced the night away. What a treat!

Happy Happy Happy!

We know it's been a while since we've updated all of Gabe's fans. Sorry about that. It's been a wonderful but busy few weeks. Mom/MIM is getting used to the routine of working and is loving her job, and Gabe is absolutely loving his "school." Dad/Dan continues to entertain sports fans everywhere with his blog. As you can see, all is well here in NYC!

Best. Dad. Ever.

IMG_2528
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Sept. 17: Today we went to our first-ever Atlantic Antic (a big, fun street fair near our house in Brooklyn) and Gabe had a great time. We also got to hang out with some of our favorite people. First we got a visit from Kristin, T.J. and Brendan Connelly, and then we met up with Jess and Jeremy Rauch. But Gabe's favorite part of the day was clearly hanging out with his Dad!

The Family hits Four.

IMG_2527
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Sept. 17: Each month we've taken a picture of the new Shanoff family to commemorate Gabe's first year. Here we all are at four months, and we think we look pretty fabulous.

Heads Up!

IMG_2514
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, Sept. 16: In yet another first on his "birthday," Gabe held his head up and looked right at the camera. Now we just need to add a smile, and we're taking him to Hollywood. Just kidding. Who needs Hollywood? He's already a star.

New Month, New Tricks.

IMG_2499
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, Sept. 16: Gabe turned 4 months old today, and to celebrate he grabbed his feet for the first time. He actually grabbed both of them, but we don't like to brag. Look at how pleased he is with himself. He's also pretty excited about the Gator Game tonight, so that might be where all this enthusiasm is coming from.

Naptime.

IMG_2492
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Friday, Sept. 15: after a long week of fun at school, Gabe decided a little nap was in order. Must've been the pillow-top mattress that lulled him to sleep.

Yes I am.

Dad found this great shirt and got one for some of the ladies in Gabe's life. As one of the recipients, I can vouch for its truth. I'm a babe, and I'm DEFINITELY for Gabe.
Signed, Gabe's Mom.

Rainy Day Solution

IMG_2468
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Thursday, Sept. 14: On our first rainy day since Gabe started daycare, Mom decided to try heading out without the stroller. Gabe sure seemed to approve, and everyone on the subway appreciated all the extra space.

Book Club's Newest Member

Wednesday, Sept. 13: Mom's book club came over tonight to discuss our most recent book. Gabe had some very good contributions to the discussion and he loved hanging out with the ladies.

Better than a Gym!

IMG_2465
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Tuesday, Sept. 12: Turns out Gabe is just as good as a gym! Tonight he helped Mom do some leg lifts before his bedtime. The only problem is that he's getting so big that pretty soon Mom's legs aren't going to be enough to lift him up!

Exer-Sizzle!

IMG_2443
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Sept. 10: Today Gabe got an exersaucer, and he seems to really love it. A special thanks to Sadie Gesser for sharing one of her favorite toys with Gabe. He's awfully lucky to have such a good friend who grows out of her toys just in time for him!

Central Park

IMG_2433
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Sept. 10: What a beautiful day for a walk in the park! Gabe took his first trip to one of Mom and Dad's favorite spots: Sheep's Meadow in NYC's Central Park. Making it even better was getting to share it with Henry and his parents!

Tushie Time

IMG_2428
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, Sept. 9: For his first Gator game at home Gabe decided to show his colors on his tush. It works, don't you think? Dad doesn't seem to.

Time for School

IMG_2421
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Tuesday, September 5: Now that summer is winding down, it's time to put those white shoes away and head back to school. Well, for Gabe at least. Today he went to his first day at his new daycare, and he loved it! He made himself comfortable on the froggy mat right away, and his teachers are all great. They keep calling him "handsome," so we know they're honest. Plus Gabe is making all kinds of new friends with the other kids in his class. So far they all seem really nice, and it seems like all of them are just as easy going as Gabe. There is so much to do there and all kinds of fun games and music. Plus, Gabe has his own cubby. Very lucky boy.

HHHEEEERRRRE Comes Gabe!

IMG_2399
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Monday, September 4: Mom, Dad and Pops took Gabe to see The Swamp before we had to come back to NYC. We took a look at the Miller brick on the Gator Walk and then met the alligator out in front before coming in to see the field itself. All Gabe could say was WOW. Oh, that and "Go Gators!"

Happy Engagement Uncle Ben and Aunt Rachel!

IMG_2329
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, September 3: What a great party for one of our favorite couples! At the end of the day Uncle Ben and Aunt Rachel put on these silly hats that Nechama made for them from all the wrapping paper and ribbons they got with their gifts. Gabe isn't so sure he likes the hats, but he was definitely happy to help celebrate! For more pictures from this great weekend in G'ville, click here.

Gator Gabe Goes to G'ville.

IMG_2212
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, Sept. 2: Gabe hit Gainesville today for the second time, but this time was special. Not only was he here to celebrate the engagement of his Uncle Ben and Aunt-to-be Rachel with tons of friends and family, it was the season opener at The Swamp. Gabe wasn't up for the game (he decided he'd rather hang out at home with Suzki and Nechama, among others), but like any good Gator he was ready with the colors.

What a day!

IMG_2201
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Friday, September 1: Today, Grammy came to take care of Gabe while Mom was at work and dad was taking care of some stuff. What a fun treat for everyone!

Grammy and GG in the House.

IMG_2195
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Thursday, August 31: Grammy and GG came to visit today, along with cousins Suzy, Alex and Matty. Everyone had a great time. (Mom was at work so she was having fun there, but missed seeing everyone.) Plus, thanks to Grammy and GG, Mom/MIM and Dad/Dan got to go to some bars, but this time at night and without Gabe.

Pinch Hitter

Monday, August 28: Today was Mom/MIM's first day back at work. To help us ease into this big and exciting transition we brought in the big guns: Suzki. She helped us get organized over the weekend and then got Mom/MIM off to her first day with a smile.

Nora-iffic!

Sunday, August 27: Mom, Dad and Suzki headed to New Jersey tonight to help our cousin, Sandy, celebrate her birthday. Boy was she surprised! And holding down the home front was Nora. Gabe handled his first night away from us all with characteristic good cheer. He can't stop talking about how much fun he had playing with a pro like Nora!

Holy Cheeks

Thursday, August 24: To celebrate Grampa's birthday Gabe, Mom and Dan went out for a snack and a drink. Gabe is still "the man" and his cheeks get bigger and more squeezable every day.

Ruby Wednesday

Wednesday, August 23: Gabe got to hang out with his friend Ruby today. They went to Cobble Hill park with their moms and had a great time just enjoying the nice weather and hanging out with the other moms and babies. We were especially excited to see Ruby today because she's grown so much while she was away on vacation. Plus she's got quite a smile!

14 pounds, 6 ounces

IMG_2157.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Monday, August 21: Gabe had his three-month check-up today, and is now up to a whopping 14 pounds, 6 ounces. He also grew another 1/2 inch. Wow. He also got some more shots. Dad looked away just in time (that Dr. Dehovitz has got a quick trigger finger). In true Gabe fashion, though, Gabe barely even cried. Then he laughed at Dad for looking away.

Little Helper.

IMG_2140.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, August 20: Gabe put on his "Little Helper" t-shirt today (the one with all the tools) for his first trip to the hardware store. Everyone really thought Pops would be the one to take him, but MIM/Mom convinced Dad/Dad and Gabe that Pops would understand, and that it would be totally different when Pops took him anyway because Pops actually knows his way around these places. Anyhow, Gabe really was a little helper, making friends with pretty much everyone who works at the Brooklyn Lowes and sleeping for the whole walk home.

Playground Time

IMG_2132.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, August 19: Gabe got to hang out with his friends Alec, Julie and Marc today at the playground. Gabe really wanted to go down the slide himself like Alec does, but unfortunately he's got a few months before that's happening.

Gabe at Work

IMG_2126.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Friday, August 18: Gabe came with MIM/Mom to work today to do a final clean-up and say some goodbyes. As you can see, he's already working harder that MIM/Mom ever did at this desk. And doesn't he look handsome in his business-casual?

With Special Guest Star...

IMG_2124.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Thursday, August 17: Tonight Gabe had a guest star appear on his nighttime show. Mom's friend Kristin stopped by for a quick hello. She helped get Gabe off to dreamland then enjoyed a little dinner with us. What a huge treat... we think it's Emmy-worthy!

Holy Crap, he's 3 (months)!

Wednesday, August 16: Today is a big milestone for Gabe. He is officially 3 months old. It might be a bigger milestone for Mom/MIM and Dad/Dan, who absolutely cannot believe the time has flown by so quickly. Realizing how fast this kid is growing is usually pretty overwhelming for us, but today all we can talk about is how lucky we have been to get to spend so much time together as a family, and with our extended families over the past few months. Gabe is an unbelievably sweet and chill kid (yeah, yeah, yeah - we get that that is hard to believe knowing his parents). For the past few weeks he has been smiling a ton. And you all have probably gotten to see him laugh on the video posted a week ago or so. He's also "found his voice" recently, and isn't afraid to use it. This kid's got pipes, and we love to hear him use them, even when it's to express his displeasure.

His Father's Son.

Tuesday, August 15: More and more people are noticing that Gabe looks a lot like his dad. He's got some of each of his parents in him for sure, but we thought this picture really pushes the needle in Dad's direction. It's not just the chin, but the way he holds his remote! Oh, and for those of you dialing ACS as you read this, we don't actually let Gabe watch T.V. Not until he can appreciate why the only acceptable C.S.I. is the original, and agrees that the Miami version is unwatchable.

Gabe Meets AP

Sunday, August 13: Today, we got a visit from one of our favorite friends, Alexis Palmer, who got her first chance to meet Gabe, and we think he's got a little crush on her!

Brunch

Saturday, August 12: Gabe, Margery and Dan went out for brunch to a great place in Carroll Gardens -- a new instant favorite. Gabe was sporting his cool tank-top he got from his friends Lilianna and Luc Brown from Austin, Texas. "Love" is right!

Aunt Emily Visits!

Friday, August 11: Aunt Emily came to town to visit, bringing Dave, another of Gabe's biggest fans. (As you can see, Gabe is a fan of both, and Dave was a good sport letting Gabe smack his nose.) After hanging around the apartment, we took advantage of a gorgeous day to eat outside in Brooklyn Heights. More visits, please!

Giggle City

Snip Trip.

Wednesday, August 9: Marc was such a trooper! The bris was beautiful, and we were all so thrilled to be there and share in Marc's special day. In particular, Gabe was thrilled that he was off the hook for this one. This picture is from after the "snippy" portion of the festivities, so everyone involved is noticably more relaxed, especially Marc! We have lots more great pictures of the bris on Gabe's Flickr site.

Luke, we missed seeing your father.

Tuesday, August 8: After lunch we went to see Mom's friend Jill and her new baby, Luke. It was so fun to see them and to meet Luke, but we did miss seeing Luke's Dad, Clayton (who we believe will get the tortured reference in the post's title). Hopefully we'll see them all soon. Oh, and Gabe wants to know if Luke's going to be a Gator fan.

Legal Seafood

Tuesday, August 8: After working up quite an appetite walking around Cambridge and Allston, we brought Gabe to a Boston favorite, Legal Seafood. He slept through most of it, but woke up just in time for Pops and Auntie P to show him the yummy fish. Always a treat to have that Chowda, but an even bigger treat to get to see Auntie!

Number 10,001

Tuesday, August 8: Today Gabe visited his Mom and Dad's alma matter, Harvard. He was very excited to see where Dad lived while in Business School, and also got the chance to touch John Harvard's foot (it's supposed to be good luck, so we'll see how that goes). Oh, and for those of you that don't get the title of this post, Harvard's "fight" song is called 10,000 Men of Harvard. We're not sure, but we think Gabe has a great shot at being number 10,001 someday.

Gabe's New Cousin: Marc Aaron Sussman

IMG_1878.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Monday, August 7: Today Gabe, Mom and Dad headed to Boston (well, Waltham, MA to be exact) to meet Gabe's new cousin, Marc Aaron. He's awfully cute, and Gabe is so excited to have a cousin so close in age.