Tube Time!

Thurs., Feb. 8: Today was a big day for the NYC Shanoffs. Gabe got tubes put in his ears. We only found out it was going to happen on Monday, so we didn't have much time to get nervous. Plus, from what all the doctors told us, there wasn't much to worry about. Well, the doctors were right. From the moment we arrived at the Beth Israel Outpatient Center, it was smooth sailing. First, they gave Gabe the pajamas that the kids typically wear. As you can see from the "before" picture, they were a bit big on him. Then, the little slippers didn't fit either! Oh well. he was such a great sport about it. Then mom took him into the room and 30 minutes later he was all finished, and really ready to eat -- that's what happens when you make this guy miss his breakfast! He's healing perfectly and seems better than ever. Just look at the "after" picture.

Pops pops by!

Sunday, Feb. 4: Pops came to visit today. He was just breezing through town, and luckily we were on the way! We watched the Super Bowl together with Uncle Seth and Aunt Linnea, and Jess and Jeremy. It was so fun. But then, it's always fun to see Pops!

Meryl comes to NYC.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Feb. 2: This weekend Meryl came to town. She mostly came to see mom, but Gabe sure loved that he got to see her too! Meryl takes awfully good care of Gabe, even from Chicago. He's so lucky!

Gabe's first Grimaldi's.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sat. Jan. 27: Since we were lucky enough to still have the borrowed car (from our trip to NJ) -- thanks Connellys!! -- we decided a trip to Grimaldi's for some of their famous Brooklyn pizza was in order. Gabe was definitely in favor. He's only gnawing the crust right now, but we are sure he's going to be a fan. Who isn't?

Happy Birthday GG!!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Jan. 27, 2007: We all headed to NJ today to celebrate GG's birthday. And what a celebration it was. We ate, we sang, we played a lot. It was fantastic. And don't you love the birthday girl's special glasses?

Trouble with a capital...

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

...G. These guys look like they are up to no good.

Play Ball!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Gabe is learning to play ball. It's pretty funny right now, because he's definitely more interested in eating the ball than he is in rolling it back to his dad. But it's still lots of fun for everyone involved!

Eight Months Old.

Tues., Jan. 16: Today Gabe turns eight months old. He looks pretty small on the floor of our kitchen here, but boy is he getting big! He's up to a whopping 2'4" and 21 lbs. We can't believe it.

Fly me to the moon!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Jan. 14: Gabe is sure ready to fly. Look how happy he is! Though we think it might have something to do with the company he's keeping. GG was such a great travel companion!

What a Treat!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Jan. 14: Boy did we get lucky. Gabe was pretty bummed to give up Dave's hat when we left for the airport, but as we were waiting for our plane, who should wander by, but Aunt Emily and Dave. Gabe was awfully happy to see them!

Nice Hat.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Jan. 14: After a yummy brunch where Gabe got to see more family and friends, we all went and sat by the pool to soak in a little bit more of the warm FL sunshine. Thanks to Dave for loaning Gabe his hat. It sure protected his cute little face.

Uncle Mark and Aunt Alexis Get Married!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, Jan. 13: Well, it's official. Uncle Mark and Aunt Alexis got married today in Orlando, FL. It was a beautiful weekend, and a beautiful wedding. We had a great time, and Gabe is awfully glad to welcome Aunt Alexis to the family!

Another National Championship!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Monday, Jan. 8: Well, Gabe's worries were only well founded for the first 30 seconds. It then became clear that he had nothing to worry about. He didn't make it up for the end of the game, but did wake up around 1am to celebrate. Perhaps in Gainesville there would've been more people awake to help him? He was woefully disappointed with his parents' level of enthusiasm at that hour...

a nail biter?

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Monday, Jan. 8: Tonight is the National Championship Game. Gabe is a little nervous.

What do YOU stand for?

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

January 6: Look at this! He still needs some spotting, but this is a pretty cool new trick.

Gabe eats Ps

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Ok - just one P... Actually he's been eating great, and seems to actually peas!

New Year's Resolutions.

Gabe has some resolutions for 2007... well, his dad does. These would sure be nice, but really all we want is for a great year filled with lots of smiles, learning, and new adventures. Think we can do it?

HAPPY 2007!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sun., Dec. 31: Gabe is all ready to ring in 2007 with his awesome PJs (thanks Bird!) - not sure if you can tell from this picture, but they say 2007 on them. And look how excited he is about all the great stuff to come in the new year... or maybe he's just loving playtime with dad. Could be both, right?

Punim

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Fri., Dec 29: Gabe had a great day today. Mom had the day off, so we spent a lovely day hanging around Brooklyn Heights. First we woke up late and sat around the apartment. Then we went for a little walk before meeting up with Gabe's friend Ruby. We went with Ruby and her mom Steph for a walk on the Promenade, and then we all went to a fun music class where we saw Gabe's friend Sadie and her parents. His face really says it all.

A Whole New Look.

Well, it's almost the New Year, and we thought it might be fun to have a makeover. What do you all think of the new look? Let us know!

The Cuz Comes to Brooklyn!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Monday, Dec. 25: Today Gabe's cousin Marc made his first trip to Brooklyn! So did Marc's dad (his mom has been here lots of times). They had such a great time playing together. What a fun visit. We can't wait for lots more photo ops.

Totally.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Dec. 24: Today we went to Brook, Avi and Sadie's house for brunch, and Sadie shared her new awesome car toy with Gabe. Look how much he likes it! Thanks to Avi for helping to "drive." And check out Gabe's shirt. Totally true.

Another new trick!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Yup, Gabe is standing up here, all by himself. Mom is hiding behind him in case he falls, but he's holding himself up! Those big chubby legs sure are good for standing.

Gator Hoops!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sat. Dec. 23: Tonight we got to watch Gators hoops on TV. That's pretty rare up here, so Gabe was pretty excited. It didn't hurt that it was a big game and the Gators won!

New Trick!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sat., Dec. 23: Today we went to hang out with GG. We all went out to lunch, and for the first time, Gabe sat in a highchair for the whole meal! He didn't eat any pizza, but we're sure that isn't far off.

Gabe at School.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Dec. 20: Gabe sure loves school. Look at how happy he is! He also loves pretty much anything that makes noise when he shakes it, so this bell toy is a big hit.

Seven Months.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Dec. 17: Yesterday Gabe turned 7 months old. Can you believe it? Here's the whole family. We're doing great!

Happy Hanukkah!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Gabe celebrated his first Hanukkah with visits from so many people he loves! What a lucky boy. He also got lots of great toys and gifts. This stuffed menorah is just one of them. More pictures from the wonderful weekend are posted below, and also on Gabe's Flickr site.

Hanukkah Pictures

On the mend.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sat., Dec. 16: Well, he's on his way back. Turns out that joining Gabe's fever were ear infections. That's right, in BOTH ears. Poor little guy. But he's a champ, and infant motrin is a wonder drug! The antibiotics are hard at work, and look at how much better he's doing! YAY!

Sicky

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Tues., Dec. 12: Well, we like to let everyone know about all of Gabe's first, so that means taking the bad with the good. This week Gabe got his first fever. We're pretty grateful we made it almost seven months without him getting sick, but boy is he miserable. He's fine and is certainly on the mend, but this sure isn't the Gabe we are used to!

AIDEN KHAN!!!!!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Dec. 10: Today we got to meet Aiden Khan, the new baby of our friends Lori and Wasif! He's just amazing, and doesn't Lori look great? Gabe couldn't believe that he was ever that small, and Lori and Wasif can't believe Aiden is going to get as big as Gabe. We had a great time visiting with all of the Khans and Aiden's Uncle Andy. Gabe is really excited to play with Aiden again soon.

Brunch with Jeff

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Dec. 10: this weekend we got a visit from Jeff, a friend of Dan's from college. We were bummed that Renee and their son James didn't get to join him, but look at how excited Gabe is to meet James!

Shhhhhhhh.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Dec. 3: Gabe is really talking up a storm these days. No one but him knows what he's talking about (except maybe the other babies) but we figure he's making a lot of sense. Look at how smart his parents are!

look at me!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sat., Dec. 2: Look at how big Gabe's getting! He's awfully happy right here because we finally got him pants that don't squeeze his waist!

Go Gators!

Gabe is so excited!

What's Next?!?

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, Dec. 3: Gabe just found out the Gators are going to the National Championship Gabe on Jan. 8. As you can imagine, he's pretty excited. Oh, and if you zoom in on this photo, look carefully and you can see his first tooth!

SEC Champs!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, Dec. 3: Luckily, our friends Shannon, Aaron and Harper came over to help us watch the SEC Championship game. Gabe was very generous with his toys despite his obvious stress and anxiety about the game. But it turns out the Simpsons are good luck! GO GATORS!

New Ride!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Thursday, Nov. 30: Gabe tested out his new ride today. This new stroller is the super-light-weight model, and boy is it awesome on the Subway! And Gabe sure seems to like it.

FedKids

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Wednesday, Nov. 29: Dad took some pictures when we picked Gabe up from his daycare today. Look how much he loves it there! Must be because the teachers are so great (and they sheer volume of toys and stuff to do doesn't hurt either!). Jetaun is on the left and Zehra is on the right.

Home at last.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

And this face is tops on our list!

Thanksgiving

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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.