Gabe's new words.

This is one of the funnest things to experience as a mother - listening to the little guys learn to talk. Gabe is going to be 2 next month, and all of a sudden, an explosion of words come out. For many months, he has recited all the members of the family, except Serena (the one no doubt who would like to hear her name the most from her beloved blood brother). He says "Damien", "Garwet", "Dira" (Kira), and for Serena he has called her either Damien or Dira. Yesterday was a glorious day, because when he realized Serena was coming in the door, he said, "Rena!" We were all thrilled and amazed. He has called his cup of milk, a "nigh, night". (connecting it with going to bed). We tried our best to break the habit, even putting him to "bed" when he would insist on having a "nigh, night", while pointing to the fridge. He is one kid who you cannot force him to do anything he doesn't want. But - when we give up trying, he comes out and asked for a "ilk" - and while shaking his head no, he says "nigh, night", then nods and says "ilk".
It is so exciting for us - he seems so much smarter and "in the know" once he starts to talk. He is becoming more and more one of us!