I cannot believe that you're 4, that it's been four years since you came into this world!! I'm writing your birthday note a little late, because we were so busy celebrating your special day and enjoying every moment.
I still remember so clearly the day when we first met you. You were still in Mommy's belly a week after the doctors predicted you'd arrive. Mommy's blood pressure was getting a little high while you were waiting in her belly, so we went to the doctor every few days to make sure that you were doing okay in there. On Monday, September 17, 2007, Momo drove me into Boston for a check up. We heard your heartbeat; you were doing just fine in my belly, but the doctors thought it was time to help you to come out. So, Momo took me to the hospital next door, and the doctors gave Mommy some medicine to help bring you into the world.
Daddy left work and met me at the hospital and the two of us waited all afternoon and night for you to come. We were so excited. There really is no other feeling in the world quite like the anticipation you feel when you're about to meet your unborn child. But you still weren't ready to come out of my belly; so, we waited all through the night and the next day as well. At about one o'clock that next day (just over 24 hours of waiting for you in the hospital), Mommy began to feel that you were on your way. And at 2:46 in the afternoon, out you came!
You were pretty surprised and very tired from all of the work that it took to come out of Mommy's belly. I remember that I heard you grunting but not crying. And since it'd taken such a long time for you to come out, there were many other doctors in the room with us to make sure that you were okay. The doctors had to examine you, so Mommy didn't get to hold you immediately. But, when Daddy handed you to me and I looked at your cute, surprised face, I felt so much love and happiness. You were all snuggled up in blankets, wearing a little hat, and you just stared up at the ceiling, taking it all in. I couldn't believe that you were mine! Do you know that you never cried for the first two days of your life? Most babies cry right when they come out of their Mommys' bellies, but you were so quiet and peaceful. You were perfection!
So many people came to meet you at the hospital: Momo, Nini, Poppa, Auntie Teetee, Auntie Auntie, Nanny, and Auntie Mary. And the first day that we took you home from the hospital, Gammy and Gampa came to meet you, too. You were their first great grandchild, and they were overjoyed with you. Auntie Alanna drove up from New York a day later, and she was so thrilled to meet you, too. She was there when we gave you your first bath at home! There we were - Mommy, Daddy, Auntie Alanna, and Auntie Auntie - caring for you, all the while we were in such awe of your complete perfection.
Everyone always commented on how beautiful you were, Gabe. During our first visit to your pediatrician, the doctor's assistant said that you were the most beautiful baby that she'd ever seen - and she's seen a lot of babies at the doctor's office! Not only were you so beautiful, but you were also so very sweet. Mommy and Daddy loved holding you in our arms, holding you while you slept, and watching you grow. You were the happiest baby that I knew!
When you were about 6 months old, we started going to a Mommy's group, where we met other new babies and moms. That group turned into our current Mom's group, and we've been playing with these friends for just about 4 years now! It's been such a blessing to watch you and your friends grow together. You were always the social one in the group. You'd babble and explore with the toys, and you had no worries about leaving Mommy's side. You were such a confident, curious, social little guy. A true trailblazer for your little buddies.
One of the other things about you that brings Mommy so much happiness is how you love your brother. It's hard to share and to always have a younger brother on your heels, but you're a wonderful big brother, Gabe. You look out for Zach, you help him with toys when he gets frustrated, and you love to make him laugh And do you know what? You are the only person who can make Zach laugh the hardest. I truly believe that the two of you were always meant to be buddies. And watching you both grow up together will be Mommy's greatest joy in life.
You are a wonderful son, Gabe. You are loving, sweet, affectionate, smart, funny, spirited, caring, expressive, clever, and a true seeker. You are my first born son, you are my love. Happy, Happy Birthday, Gabriel. Mommy loves you so much!
Love,
Mommy xoxo
there you are in Mommy's belly
I think we took these pictures the week before you were born
waiting for you in the hospital
Mommy holding you for the first time!
Mommy & Daddy were so excited to meet you!
here you are!
your first bottle
first burping
bringing you home!
our first picture at home!
meeting Henry for the first time
sleeping on Dada's chest
sleeping in the bed with Dada
look at how adorable you are!
sleeping on Mommy
smiling in your sleep
all cozy in your swing
little finger poking out of Auntie Auntie's blanket
getting ready for a Red Sox play-off game
you are only 6 weeks old in the picture!
you are such a sweet baby!
Mommy and her little man
so happy together
you were laughing with Auntie Teetee in this picture (you were only 3 months!)
your signature paci move
one little boy sitting on a big couch
two little buddies
bath time!
taking a ride in the stroller - you were less than 2 months in this photo
eating in your highchair for the first time!
such a happy boy!
always smiling!
kisses from Dada
twins in our Inspi-Red shirts!
laughing with Auntie Auntie
scrunched nose
look at your cute face!
oh, those pudgy hands!
and toes
with your cousins, Jonah & Chloe
look at those piggies!
first haircut!
your first birthday party
the birthday boy
yay! I'm 1 years old
with cousin Drew
snuggle time with Mommy
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