First Father's Day

Well today is a special day as you can imagine! Daniel and I let Daddy sleep in today since it is Father's Day. We went upstairs when Daddy woke up to give him kisses. Daniel was so excited that he was waving his arms and talking up a storm when he saw Daddy. After all we had been waiting 2 hours to give him his presents. Daniel gave him the book, "The Very Best Daddy of All" as well as his handprint ornament that he made at daycare! Then Mommy and Daniel revealed the big gift - Guitar Hero III, Legends of Rock for the Wii. Daddy was very excited and I am sure we will be hearing this on the Wii a lot this summer. (Another way for Michael to brainwash Daniel with 80's music). Then Michael made pancakes and Daniel ate them all up. He loves Daddy's pancakes!

Daddy and Daniel (d-squared) went outside to play with footballs while I went to the store to buy groceries to cook a special dinner for Michael tonight. This is a beautiful day beyond words and seeing Michael as a DAD makes my heart burst with love for both my boys.

Yesterday, we went to Grandpa and Nana's place to celebrate Father's Day with Michael's family. Daniel received all kinds of new toys (for use at Nana and Grandpa's house) including a Disney car that Daniel loved. He even figured out how to sit on it and move it back and forth with one foot (both feet cannot reach the ground yet)! Daniel was crawling all over and showing off for Aunt Valerie and Uncle Eric. It might look like we are letting Daniel eat a big cookie or pita, but in reality he is teething on a coaster. We had to move everything else off the table b/c he wanted to get a hold of Nana's famous 7 layer dip.

Plus Grandpa sang Daniel all kinds of new songs. Grandpa and Nana gave Holly a pink Orioles Hat to go with her pink Raven's hat. Grandpa and Daniel had a great time playing with the hat as well as you can see in the pictures.

Daniel even sat at the table with us (in his booster seat) for Father's Day dinner. He ate bread, chicken and potatoes. We took the pictures outside of three generations - Robert Lewis, Michael Lewis and Daniel Lewis (how special is that!). We are so blessed by Daniel and his presence in all our lives.

Daniel sends out a special Father's Day wish to Pop-pop who he gets to see later this week!

More Gladney Babies!

Our heartfelt congratulations go out to Christy and Greg on the adoption of twins on Wednesday, June 11th - Claire Brianne and James William. We also need to congratulate Nicholas who will now be a super big brother. They are in Austin, TX for a little while until the twins get out of the NICU, but I am happy to report that both of their babies are doing great. What a double blessing. We are anxiously awaiting pictures and the chance to see these bundles of joy in person. And we are thrilled to add to the Gladney family in our area.

Note: I am sure that Daniel will want to be the first one to welcome Claire because he loves baby girls and he can now be the older man! Of course, he will have to convince proud father Greg that he is worthy. Does playing with three toys at the same time while walking around the table and saying hi with his gorgeous smile and infections laugh count (not that we are biased on the amazing capabilities and incredible character of our son). Plus Daniel will enjoy having another male buddy like Nicholas in baby James. After all, boys need to run around together and create havoc in our lifes - that is why we love them so much.

Preamble to this story:
On Wednesday, June 4th I was at a Gladney meeting with Stacey at Jane and Greg's house (parents of cutie Alex) when Christy and Greg arrived and told us they had some sweet news - they were matched and they were adopting TWINS! Needless to say they both were in shock and had some pretty stunned looks on their faces. We had champagne to celebrate and managed to wake up Alex. Then I had to call Michael and tell him the news right away! We were so happy for Christy and Greg who were such wonderful supporters during our wait for Daniel.

By the way I want to note that the day that Michael and I were matched with Daniel, I was also at a meeting at Jane's house for RESOLVE. So I have now officially determined that if you want your match to come through Jane needs to host an event at her house (and of course she is the best hostess ever).

9 Months with Daniel

Daniel wanted to wish Grandpa and Nana a Happy Anniversary!!!!1

Doors, Handles, and Water - 3 of My Favorite Things

Daniel is fascinated by doors right now b/c he can make them move back and forth and back and forth and back and forth! Plus he loves anything that has a handle like our dressers - especially since they are brass. Finally, he is very interested by water. Trying to figure out where it comes from when we are at the sink or the tub or the shower. Plus he is really into splashing in the bath tub with his hands and his little rubber ducks.

Note: Daniel found one of Michael's Raven's slippers and he thought it was a football!

Daniel has also learned some new words lately. When he eats food he says Mmm . . . This is because I starting saying Mmm . . . when I was feeding him various foods. Now he says it all the time when he is eating - so cute.

Daniel's first official word is "HI". He just starting saying it all the time today! We think it comes from Michael saying HI on the cell phone. We were so proud.

More Music!

Daniel had fun playing with his new toys this morning when he woke up! He has an Exploration Center with all kinds of things that he is still discovering. Plus he is finally big enough for his Learn and Groove Musical Table (from Marsha, Steve and John at the baby shower). He loves dancing to music and trying out all the different gadgets on the table!

Playing with Friends

Robyn and BJ came over to visit today! Daniel had a great time playing with them and trying to keep track of all his toys. Jen was kind enough to put together 2 new toys for Daniel so he gave her a big smile in the first picture. Bennett and Michael were working on home improvements at our house and then we all had Chinese food for dinner except Daniel who had cherries, puffs, and turkey/rice dinner.

5 Teeth

Daniel has 5 teeth now! He likes playing with all his toys at the same time and he is fascinated with how doors operate. Plus he loves watching cars driving on the roads and anything that has to do with the outdoors. He is just talking up a storm and learning new things all the time. I love making him laugh by making faces and playing peek-a-boo. Right now we are playing with his musical instruments and his drum!