18 months old

Our family has been pretty busy this last week, but I didn't want to wait to long before writing about some of the things Gabriel is doing.
Gabe loves to "talk"!  He jabbers all day, with all sorts of gesturing and expression.  He says a few words we can recognize, such as "dada", "aaath" (bath), "dud" (good), "ahhhhffff" (soft), "ki- ka" (kitty cat), "fff-fff" (could be hot, fire, or woof), and a lot of other things that sound suspiciously like real expressions (i.e. he will pat himself on the chest while saying "ahdidi"- I did it?!).  He doesn't verbalize a lot other than that, but he sure does understand things.  He can pick the animal that makes the sound- moo, quack, meow, neigh, woof, and sometimes he will imitate the sound.  He waves "bye-bye" and will run for his shoes and coat if I tell him we are going bye bye or in the car.  He will come hold my hand and pull me to his room if he has a messy diaper and I ask him if he wants a diaper change.  He has also been going to sit on his potty chair (although he doesn't know what to do there yet).  He mimes brushing his teeth when you ask him if it's time to brush teeth. He will run to give hugs and kisses when asked (and sometimes without being asked).  He can point to his head, hair, eyes, ears, mouth, nose, cheeks, chin, shoulders, belly button, elbow, knees, legs, feet, toes, hands, fingers, arms, socks, and shoes.  He will also identify people in pictures, including Jesus, Daddy, Mommy, Gabriel, and occasionally others.
We have been working on better communication when Gabe wants something, and he does the signs for eat, drink, more, please, thank you, bath, mommy, daddy, ball, help, cereal, and baby.
Music and dancing are some of Gabe's favorite past times right now.  He also loves to see himself in the mirror,  "read" books and be read to, shut open doors and drawers, explore any area that is off- limits, help turn off lights, and push laundry hampers and baskets up and down the hall when I am doing laundry.
We are working with Gabe on being gentle and soft when he touches people and delicate things.  He is usually pretty good, but he likes to grab your arm to get your attention, and he sure sinks those fingernails in- ouch!
Gabe is a pretty happy boy, especially when his tummy is full, and he is well rested. We love having him in our family- he adds such fun and joy to our lives. 
Here are some recent photos.  The ones of our family, where we are dressed in red and green were taken before Christmas by BJ's dad Ron, and the ones of Gabe in his Sunday clothes were taken a couple of days ago by BJ.