4/8/07

Gabe's first Seder


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
It's become somewhat of a tradition for us to host a seder each year with our friends (and family). This year was an especially wonderful event because we had two new additions to the group: Sadie and Gabe. Though the kids went to bed early, they still got to play with all the special Passover toys. And the adult portion of the evening was pretty great as well. We feel so lucky to have such good friends and family nearby. See you again next year!

New Seat!


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Gabe got a special new high chair today. He loves it. Look at how happy he is! Thanks Suzki!

Pre-Passover fun


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
We were lucky enough to have our pre-Passover pizza with the Liss-Levinsons and Sussmans this year! What fun. Unfortunately we don't have any pictures with Marc (we're hoping his mom and dad took some good ones!) but Gabe had a great time visiting with his cousin and the whole Great Neck crew (and the added bonus of his Aunt Marilyn!).

Hmmm.


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
And rounding out the March visits, was a great weekend with Grandpa. Gabe had a great time, though that beard sure confused him!

New Kicks


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Aunt Emily and Dave got Gabe these awesome new shoes (and the shirt)!! Aren't they cool!?! All the other kids are jealous.

More Playground Fun


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Now that we know how much Gabe likes the slide, dad decided to take him on the "big" one at the playground. He loves it! Sorry for the blur here, but they were just moving so fast!

OOPS!


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
We also had a visit from Grammy and Aunt Annie. Grammy read Gabe some of his favorite books before he went to bed. He loved it. He especially loves Blue Hat, Green Hat, pictured here. It's a real page-turner, in which a very silly turkey has trouble getting dressed. Oops!

Time to Slide


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Pops came to visit us on March 27, just after Florida won their Regional Finals game to make it to the Final Four. To celebrate, Gabe wanted to go on the slide! What a treat.

Go Gators


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
This seems to be a repetitive post for us - but with all the basketball going on, it's hard to resist. Here is Gabe in all his Florida basketball uniform glory. He's pretty excited about the team, and also about learning to stand up on his own. He's still working on it, but he's close!

Leggo my Eggo


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
We know it's been way too long since Gabe has updated his blog. Sorry. He's just been keeping everyone so busy! He's almost 11 months old now, and has all kinds of new tricks. This is one of our favorites - he is starting to be able to feed himself! Here is is with a mini-eggo. What a great invention!

3/23/07

Flying high.


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
March 16: It's the Gators' first game and we're all ready!

Ready to go.


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Gabe's Pops gave him this Gator, and boy does he love it. Sometimes he likes to eat it and usually he just likes to listen to it play the "Go Gators" chant. Here he's using it to show how excited he is about the beginning of March Madness.

Bracket Buster


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
March 14: It's time for March Madness and today Gabe started to pick his bracket. It's always a tough decision-making process, so we figured he should start thinking about it early. He has decided to go with the "bracket of integrity" like his dad. His mom prefers to hedge her bets with a few different brackets. Don't kid yourself, though. All of them have the Gators winning it all.

Who is it?


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
One of Gabe's new favorite things to play with is "his" cell phone. Thank goodness those wily cell phone companies convinced Dan he couldn't live without a new phone. Look how happy Gabe is!

3/12/07

Rasberries


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Gabe's newest trick is an almost constant stream of rasberries. He uses them to communicate almost everything: from "I'm hungry" to "I'm full," it's pretty much a catch all. Hopefully soon he'll just use some words. We'll all stay a little drier.

Who's THAT?


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
And isn't he handsome?

"That's not a hat"


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Somehow this game never stops being funny. To Gabe at least. He just thinks mom is SO funny when she puts silly things on her head. Let's hope he stays this easy to entertain! Doubtful, but we can dream...

Special TV time


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
OK OK, we know that the APA doesn't recommend TV for babies, but it's time for March Madness, and there's no way we're keeping Gabe from watching that. The Gators might be highly ranked, but they're going to need all the extra cheering they can get!

New Teeth!!


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
OK, we know this isn't Gabe's best angle (let's be honest... who DOES this angle work for?), but it was the only way we could get a shot of those new chompers he's sporting on the top. They're already looking braces-ready, which isn't making Dad sleep any more easily, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it!

Don't Interrupt Me!


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Here is a picture of Gabe and his tunes. He's very into his music, though these headphones might just be a little much for him.

2/24/07

Uh Oh!

Saturday, Feb. 24: Well, it finally here. We always knew it would come, but weren't sure we were ready. Turns out we're not ready, but Gabe sure it. HE CAN CRAWL!!! Check him out. Guess it's time to hide those wires we have on the floor, and put the booze out of his reach. Ahhh, they grow up so fast.

Happy Wedding Uncle Benj & Aunt Rachel


Well, Gabe's Uncle Benj got married last weekend to now (finally) Aunt Rachel. It was a wonderful weekend and an amazing party! Luckily Gabe was there to give his Uncle Benj a few last minute tips before the ceremony. And even luckier, there was a great babysitter who took Gabe upstairs to hang out. A great time was had by all. These are just a few of the many wonderful pictures we have from the weekend.

2/16/07

Gabe's new favorite game.

This is Gabe's new favorite thing to do. Luckily his dad is very very patient.

Get me out of here!

This little video comes a bit out of order. It's from the day Gabe got his tubes put in. We should warn you: It's not for the faint of heart. We promise, though, that we tested this saucer for it's tippy-ness. It's not nearly as tippy as Gabe's mom!

Guess he's made his choice.


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Wed., Feb. 14: Sorry everyone, looks like Gabe has chosen his Valentine this year. Maybe next year will be your year...

How Low Can You Go?


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
We woke up last night, to some unusual howling coming from Gabe's room. Of course, we rushed right in to see what was going on, and there was our boy, sitting up in his crib, somewhat like he is in this picture (the big difference was that it was the middle of the night, he was in his pajamas, and he was supposed to be asleep!). So, we figured it was time to drop the crib all the way down. We can't believe the "lower the crib all the way down" moment has arrived! Ah how time flies.

A New Friend for Gabe...



Sunday, Feb. 11: Today we got to meet Benjamin Sean Maher-Dolan for the first time! What a great visit. He's just amazing. We're all so glad he's here and Gabe can't wait to play with him when he gets bigger. Though given the size of his hands we're thinking Gabe would be wise to always be on his team for basketball!

Sippy City


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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.
Well, Gabe is learning to use a "big boy" cup, and the sippy is the first step. Well, holding it right-side up and actually getting liquid out of it is the first step, but we're patient here at 187 Hicks. He'll get it. He always does!

2/8/07

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!

2/7/07

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!

1/20/07

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!

1/11/07

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!

1/1/07

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.