12/3/06

Home at last.


IMG_3446.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Sunday, Nov. 26: After a remarkably easy drive, we arrived in Brooklyn. Luckily Gabe got to ride in the backseat with GG, so he had a fantastic time. All in all, a great weekend!

The Service Here is Great!


IMG_3439.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Sunday, Nov. 26: As we were getting ready to head back to Brooklyn, Gabe got to hang out a little longer with Grandpa. We had a great time staying with him, and Gabe was awfully sad to leave.

What nice sharing.


IMG_3418.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Saturday, Nov. 25: This afternoon we got to visit our friends Nathan, Jill, Henry and Truman! What a treat. Truman was so nice to share his toys with Gabe. Look at how well they are playing together; we think this is the beginning of a long friendship!

More Swinging.


IMG_3396.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Saturday, Nov. 25: Since the weather was great again today, we headed over to Grammy's to hang out with her and Aunt Emily. Gabe had a great time at the playground, and especially loved playing on the swings.

More play time with the cousins!


IMG_3363.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Friday, Nov. 24: this morning we headed over to Silver Spring, MD to hang out with the cousins. Gabe really enjoyed the swings, and was very appreciative that his cousins shared their Papa Pancakes with him for a little while!

So much to be thankful for.


IMG_3298.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
And this face is tops on our list!

Thanksgiving


IMG_3285.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Thursday, Nov. 23: after a fun day of hanging out with Grandpa and then Grammy and Aunt Emily, we all headed over to Aunt Annie's for Thanksgiving. Gabe's cousin Julia was gracious with her toys, so Gabe got to hang out in a new and exciting Exersaucer. Plus, playing with his cousins is so much fun. A great time was had by all.

Just Happy to be Here


IMG_3224.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Wednesday, Nov. 22: After braving winds and freezing rain (and that was only while getting the rental car; you should've seen the line to board the Shuttle!), Gabe, Mom and Dad arrived in D.C./MD for Thanksgiving. As you can see, he's awfully glad to be here.

11/18/06

Peas.


IMG_3184.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Friday, Nov. 17: This morning Gabe tried peas for the first time.

The Next Big Thing...

Thursday, Nov. 16: Today is Gabe's half-birthday. Yep, it's been 6 months! We had a great day. First, we had a parent-teacher conference with Gabe's teachers from his school (yeah, it's daycare, but they call it school and so do we!). He got rave reviews. Not only is he doing great with all his developmental milestones, but he's playing nice with others, and not talking too much when the teachers are talking (which was always his Mom's downfall in school). Then we went to see Dr. D for his 6-month checkup, and he also passed that with flying colors. He is up to a whopping 18 lbs. 3 oz., and 28 in. and he barely cried when he got his shots. He also got the go-ahead to start eating solid foods. So, we busted out the rice cearal and broke in his new highchair. There was an initial negative reaction to the chair, but the cereal was a hit!

Big Boy!


IMG_3170.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Wednesday, Nov. 15: On this last day of the first half of the first year of his life, Gabe takes a moment to think about all he has accomplished. From a 7 lb., 20 in. pipsqueak (or "hipsqueak," as one of his favorite t-shirts says) who pretty much slept all the time, he's now quite a big boy. We're already into size 3 diapers, he's grown out of pretty much all his clothes, he sits up completely (almost) by himself, and he knows how to let us know what he wants while still smiling and laughing most of the time. What a milestone, and what a kid. Oh, and we think he's trying to blow all his fans a kiss in this picture. Use your imagination and you'll see it too!

Splish Splash


IMG_3142.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Tuesday, Nov. 14: Now that Gabe can sit up by himself (most of the time, at least), bathtime is even more fun... and wet.

Happy (almost) Half!


IMG_3134.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Monday, Nov. 13: We arrived home today to an early half-birthday gift for Gabe from Suzki and Pops. We threw caution to the wind and opened it. It says it's for babies 6 months and older, but we figured Gabe could get an early (2-day) start. He's pretty advanced. Anyhow, he absolutely loves his new music and leaning table. He's not tall enough for us to add the legs yet, but he can sure make this thing sing. There are so many options, he barely knows what to try first!

11/12/06

Grandpa!


Saturday, Nov. 11: Grandpa came to visit this weekend. What a treat for Gabe. He got lots of playtime, and Grandpa couldn't believe how big Gabe's gotten. Oh, and now we know where Gabe gets his good looks from. Sure, he's got bits of Mom and Dad, Suzki, Uncle Seth and Aunt Emily in him, but those cheeks... this is clearly where they came from!

Sadie's Birthday!




Saturday, Nov. 11: Today was Gabe's oldest friend Sadie's birthday. By oldest, we mean she was the very first baby he met. Today she turned one, though, making her pretty old in age as well. It was a great party! Gabe got all dressed up in his fancy dress shirt. He loved singing and clapping to all the songs during the sing-along. He especially loved the maracas and singing "She's be coming around the mountain." In fact, he loved it so much, he wore himself out.

New Hat?


IMG_3044.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Saturday, Nov. 11: This morning, in anticipation of a big day, Gabe donned a new hat. Well, Dad put it on and took some pictures. Pretty funny, no? Gabe sure thought so.

11/7/06

Decision 2006


11-07-06_0745.jpg
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Tuesday, Nov. 7: Today is election day, and Gabe wanted to exercise his rights (well, he wanted to help Mom exercise hers). Doesn't he look like the picture of patriotism and civic responsibility?

11/4/06

The Other Costume.


IMG_2997.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Even though it was a beautiful day in NYC today, it was a little too cold for Gabe's original (and Dad's preferred) Halloween costume. So when we got home we turned up the heat and did a little photo shoot. Here Gabe is a member of the 2006 National Championship Florida Gators Basketball team. And don't worry, this costume won't be put in some closet for next year... this one is going to be put to very good use once the Gators take the court again in the next few months.

Halloween at School.


IMG_2961.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Tuesday, Oct. 31: Gabe donned his froggie costume again (despite the beautiful and unseasonably warm 70-degree day) so that he could show it off to his friends and teachers at daycare. Looks like he's enjoying it as much as Zehra is! But it could just be that he loves being at daycare. This is a pretty typical "good morning" for Gabe!

And the afternoon was just as good. Mom picked Gabe up early and took him to her work, where he got to meet Gloria, Eileen, and the Judge. Then he and Mom raced home in time to get Dad and head to the Cobble Hill Halloween parade. We met up with some friends and got to see some celebs, including Gabe's favorite "band," Dan Zanes. It was a quite a scene. Our favorite costume was a little guy dressed as the man in Caps for Sale, but everyone else seemed to like the lit-up iPod best. And if that wasn't enough, we headed to Garden Place, which is a Brooklyn Heights tradition. The block closes down to traffic, and the ghosts and goblins come out. It was great. How will we ever top it?

11/1/06

Gabe and the Ladies.


IMG_0281.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Sunday, Oct. 29: Not only did Gabe celebrate Halloween this morning, he also got to celebrate his Aunt-to-be Rachel with a bridal shower. It was a great time. He loved getting to see all the family that joined in on the celebration, but his favorite part was meeting Rachel's friends!

A Brooklyn Heights Halloween.



Sunday, Oct. 29: Today we celebrated Halloween in our neighborhood, Brooklyn Heights. Gabe got all bundled up in his froggy costume, and even seemed to enjoy himself. Maybe that's because he slept through most of the parade and subsequent festivities? Either way, it was a great time, and we were so happy to see some of our local pals all dressed up too.

The World's Largest Cocktail Party.


Saturday, Oct. 28: Today is the Florida-Georgia football game, and Gabe is ready. He was especially excited because he had some company for the game! Suzki, Uncle Seth and Aunt Linnea, and Cousin Bird came over to help cheer on the Gators. And no, Uncle Seth, we didn't mean that kind of bottle.

Fleece-ey Goodness.


IMG_2839.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Thursday, October 26: It's getting a little colder here in NYC, and so Gabe and Mom/MIM got bundled up for the walk to work today. Gabe is warm and toasty in his super-fleece. Thanks Grammy!!

10/25/06

Look Ma... Hands!


IMG_2824.JPG
Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Saturday, Oct. 21: Gabe is showing off one of his new tricks here. Yep, this kid is so self-reliant he can feed himself. Well, not really, and it works best when the bottle is almost empty, but he can do it! This changes everything.

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!

10/9/06

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!

9/18/06

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.

9/15/06

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!