Happy Birthday Little Man

Dear Gabriel,

In a few short minutes you'll be seven. You made sure to tell me that the kiss you gave me was the last one you'd give me as a six year old and that tomorrow's kiss would be from my new, older seven year old McGooch.

You are, in a word, amazing. You continually amaze ALL of us. You have gone from an itty bitty tow headed giggly baby to a confident, bright, hilarious boy. You have a hilarious sense of humor, you devour books like...well like, me and your aunt Buzzy and your grandma Deb. You are kind and gentle, you are loving and sweet. You're so much more than I could have ever dreamt of.

The morning of your birth I wondered what the future was going to hold for you; medically you're practically one in a million; some (me included) would call you a miracle. I wish I could go back in time and tell the scared me not to worry because you were going to be so amazing.

I still can't believe you're almost seven, where has the time gone? It's gone by in the blink of an eye, a million miles a minute. Each day brings a new challenge, another silly joke, and a sweet hug and kiss from my baby first born.

Momma and Daddy love you so much and are so proud of you honey. No matter what you do, we'll always be behind you cheering you on. You are adored by your sister; you can literally do NO wrong in her eyes. You should see her mope while you're at school and the way her eyes light up when she realizes it's time to get you off the bus. You're the apple of your grandparents and great grandparents eye. You are loved by so many people, I hope you always remember that.

Happy birthday little man.
Love,
Momma

P.S. Happy birthday Sam, I'm glad you're Gabe's Hobbes :)

Birthday Recap

Gabe is a popular kid...

Last night we had a small party for Gabe with some close family friends; pizza, pasta, soda, and of course, a Chicago Blackhawks cake and ice cream.

He had a blast and I have pictures, I just have to upload them :P

Tonight is bowling night, which means the kiddos will head over to Grandma and Grandpa's house...and Grandma is having a small party for Gabe there...

Then tomorrow his other set of grandparents is coming over, we're picking Gabe's best friend up, and we're going to Portillos (yummy!) for lunch and then over to the bowling alley for a few games.

Sunday, thankfully, will be a day of rest. Gabe's "official" birthday party isn't until March, really, because we are combining parties for Gabe and Bits. Two parties in the span of one month is not only pricey, but exhausting.

We were a little worried that he'd feel like he had missed out on something not having a big birthday party...looks like we were wrong :D

Thank you to everyone who called, sent cards, or wished Gabe a happy birthday-he had a wonderful day!

On The Day You Were Born...

(I'm posting early since tomorrow will be a busy day)

One of my favorite birthday books is called "On the Day You Were Born"* by Debra Frasier, we used it in our classrooms when celebrating birthdays and I've given it many times as gifts at baby showers. It's a beautiful book that reminds us of the day we were born.

Tonight while tucking Gabe in, he asked me to tell him about the day he was born. I told him about being so big I could barely fit in the car (very true, I couldn't fit behind the wheel of our car after about 36 weeks) I told him about all the people who had come to meet him (there were lots) and I told him about how gorgeous he was and how I was so happy to have him for my son (and I still am)He went to bed, peacefully, with a smile on his face while I tried not to cry thinking about what a big boy he's become.

I read "On the Day You Were Born" to Bits tonight, because I couldn't read it to Gabe...I'd like to share my favorite part:
"Welcome to the spinning world," the people sang, as they washed your new, tiny hands.

"Welcome to the green Earth," the people sang, as they wrapped your wet, slippery body.

And as they held you close
they whispered into your open, curving ear,
"We are so glad you've come"

Gabriel Alexander Witkowski, I am so glad you've come and I'm so lucky to be your mom...have a wonderful birthday little bird.











*find it on Amazon

Dear Gabriel

In a few short hours, you are going to wake up and be five. FIVE. My goodness, how the years have flown. It's seems like only yesterday I was telling daddy we were going to have you. After a tumultuous nine months of carrying you, you were delivered and whisked away to be fixed up. Sixteen days after you arrived, you came home and thus began the adventure in parenting you ;)
You've always had your own personality and what an amazing personality it is too. You are always quick to giggle, slow to anger, happy to give a hug or a kind word to someone in need, and even tolerate the pain in the butt sister you have. You're such a big boy, but in other ways, you are still momma's little baby. At night when you are asleep, I sometimes creep into your room to check on you. You are always splayed all over the bed with a sheet wrapped around you, the blanket half over your head, and pillows all over...but you always have your puppy Sam under one arm.
You bring such joy to our lives; ALL of our lives, from aunts and uncles, grandmas and grandpas, godparents, cousins, and friends. We're all so lucky to have you in our lives.
Happy birthday little man, momma loves you