Mmm...Dairy Queen

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Monday, July 31: On the road back from Gainesville to St. Augustine, we stopped in Palatka for Dairy Queen. Dan and Margery split a Heath Bar Blizzard. Gabe enjoyed a Blizzard of his own, from the reigning Dairy Queen of the Shanoff household. Mmm! Needless to say, that's not something just anyone can order off the menu.

Gator Gabe in G'ville

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Monday, July 31: Gabe took his first trip to Gainesville this afternoon. MIM/Mom was SO excited to show him the house she grew up in. No Gator sightings, but Gabe enjoyed staring at the many ceiling fans around the house, thanks to a guided tour by Pops.

The Sea Was Angry that Day, My Friends...

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

...Like an Old Man Sending Back Soup in a Deli. Gabe wasn't about to have any Costanza-style "Is anyone here a marine biologist?" moments on the beach, but he did dip his toes into the water with Mom. No whale sightings, alas.

Hi Jeremy and Lauren

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, July 30: Cousins Jeremy and Lauren came to visit tonight. Between the good company and the delicious BBQ, everyone was glad to be here.

Ribbit

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, July 30: Gabe was back in the pool, and this time he had some gear: His very own froggy-float. Note the special palm tree umbrella. Very luxe.

More St. Augustine Pics

In the Swim.

Saturday, July 29: On a trip full of many firsts, today was a biggie: Gabe's first swim. Those of you who know his Mom can truly appreciate how much she was hoping he'd love it. And love it he did! He's a natural in the pool, though getting some help from Pops certainly made it all the more fun. With this first taken care of, who knows what tomorrow will hold!

Beachside Dining

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Friday, July 28: After a day out in the sun, Gabe, Mom and Dad went to one of our favorite beachside restaurants for dinner. There was a great breeze and some delicious fried seafood. What could be better?

Up Up and Away!

Thursday, July 27: Today Gabe took his first trip on an airplane. Not surprisingly (to us at least; the rest of the plane couldn't belive it), Gabe was a total star. He barely made a peep, and really seemed to love all the new sights and sounds. Thank goodness, because we sure love coming to visit Suzki and Pops in Florida! Oh, and a big shout-out to jetBlue and its flight attendants. They were so great; we have a new favorite way of getting to the beach.

Ready to Go!

Wednesday, July 26: Gabe is so excited about his first trip in an airplane that he could barely sleep. At least he's still got a smile on his face.

Don't Mess With...

Tuesday, July 25: Today, Gabe got to meet his friends Kevin, Corinne, Lili and Luc. They came to visit from Austin, TX. Gabe had a great time, and despite lots of attempts by Luc to bring Gabe over to Longhorn fandom, he's still a Gator. Was there ever a question?

All Smiles

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, July 23: Gabe now loves to chat with us and smiles so much more than he used to! Sometimes he even laughs. Dad must have said something particularly funny here.

On the Bridge

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, July 23: Today we decided that Gabe was big enough for his stroller seat (rather than the bassinet). That means he can sit up a little and see all the sights. He loved it! There is certainly a lot to see on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Meet the Cousins

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Saturday, July 22: Today Gabe went with Mom, Dad, Grammy and GG to see his cousins in their new house in NJ. He loved meeting Alex and Matty and seeing Suzy and Eric again (and Aunt Annie). Plus, he's really looking forward to more visits when he can actually use that awesome playroom!

Namaste

Thursday, July 20: Today Gabe and Mom went to their first yoga class (first together and first ever for both of them). It was great! We met lots of other nice moms and babies, and Gabe really seemed to embrace the calm atmosphere. Mom was just glad to get a bit of a workout in. Oh, and the sling from Great Aunt Sheila was the perfect transportation method! We fit right in.

Shots.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Tuesday, July 18: Gabe had his two-month checkup today, and we weren't kidding when we said he's grown a lot. He's now up to 12 lbs. 13 oz., and 25 inches. Dad is still harboring dreams of NBA stardom, though mom is skeptical (she'll settle for college ball since it's a much more beautiful game anyway). Gabe also was a total star when it came to his shots. Both he and mom got through with very few tears; the Daffy Duck bandaids seemed to really lighten everyone's mood.

Birthday Bathtime

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, July 16: All babies might look cute wrapped up in their fuzzy towels after a bath, but we think this might be the cutest kid ever. No really. Ever.

SO BIG!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, July 16: Two months sure flies by. Can anyone out there believe how big he's gotten? We can't. And look at that head control!

Bastille Day!

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, July 16: Gabe celebrated Bastille Day at Smith St.'s annual festival, marked by a Petanque tourney in the middle of the street. It's also marked by yummy food and drink from some of our favorite local restaurants. Gabe seemed very interested in the Pentanque - do you think there's a scholarship in it for him somewhere?

The Sunday Times.

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Originally uploaded by Gabe Shanoff.

Sunday, July 16: Gabe turns 2 months today, and we think that means he's old enough to enjoy a family tradition - the Sunday New York Times. He's not sure that he agrees with what Frank Rich had to say this week, but he sure liked hearing Dad read it! Oh, and he thinks he's going to leave the crossword to Grammy for a few more months.