Tea Time!

Is this too cute or what?

Now if we can just figure out what language she's using...

Yep, you guessed it, we officially have a talker on our hands. It's like the little switch in her head (or mouth) finally turned on and Abigael is just churning out the words. It seems to be a combination between Pig Latin and some Slavic language. But thankfully Brandon and I have become "those" parents, you know what I'm talking about...
Before kids:

Toddler: BABABATATOMUDA BAHBAMAAATGAGU!!!
Adult: OK honey, that's really interesting (translation: "I have no idea but I want to be supportive.)

After kids:
Toddler: BABABATATAMUDO BAHBAMAAATGAGU!!!
Adult: Thank you for telling me that the "baby gave the ball to the dog and you enjoy playing with him."

Seriously, she has developed quite the vocabulary in the last couple of weeks. Some of her more regular words are:

DaDa or Daddy (a lot)
MaMa (occasionally)
Baby (pronounced Ba-bay)
Thank you (tank ou) (complete with sign language)
Dog/Zak (da/za/do-gay)
Cat/Matt (ca)
Ball (ba)
Eye (ey)
Nose (no)
No (unh-uh) (shakes head emphatically and clamps her lips together with a little grin...stinker)
Bye-Bye (bi-bi)
Hi (hey)

She's said several other words but there not quite as predictable yet. She's also very stubborn (big surprise) about talking. As soon as you ask her to say something, about all you can get out of her is "Unh-uh."

It's absolutely incredible how much she has progressed and developed in such a short time. The leaps and bounds are almost magical. Abigael is such a joy in our lives. While we can't wait to see what kind of person she becomes as she grows up, we're willing to wait and enjoy every second being with her today.

Our Wonderful Family!

We just want to take a few minutes to thank and tell our parents and extended family how much we appreciate and love them. All of the help and support they have given us during the past six weeks has been such a blessing! There have so many that have given their time, assistance, and support, but we'd like to publicly tell a few how much they've meant during this trying time.
Brandon's mom, Kathie, was here visiting when Brandon was in his accident. Although she had been scheduled to leave the next day, she stayed another two weeks to help care for Brandon and Abigael while Christie worked. (I'm sure she didn't mind the extra time with her granddaughter.) Thank you so much, Mom, for everything!!! Brandon's dad, Cam, also spent a week and a half in Seattle. The chores he did around the apartment building for Brandon were above and beyond, Thank you!
Aunt Mary and Uncle Wayne have been an invaluable support team for us. From taking care of Zak to taking care of Abigael to never-ending moral support, they've been another blessing in our lives.
Wendi Chocholak and her boyfriend, Sam, have been so awesome! They've given up almost every Wednesday since Brandon's accident to take care of Abigael. Baby girl has had several adventures with them: picking blackberries, viewing real estate, attending an auction, and taking walks around Greenlake. Thank you too!
And this past week, Christie's mom, Pat, came to visit for a week, giving Brandon a little more time to recuperate before having to go it alone this week. They had a great time together and wonderful visit.
Over the last six weeks many friends and family have offered their support, help, and prayers. We have you in our thoughts and hearts and love you all!!

More teeth...

Abigael is now working on tooth number 8!! A couple of weeks ago her 7th tooth started coming through (3rd tooth on the bottom.) Then last night while trying to fish some food out of her mouth that she had been storing for a little while (pea skins...yuck), I felt something sharp on her top gums. It looks like her first molar is finally making an appearance. Rib-eye steak here we come!!!

The Bike... OUCH!!!

Well here it is hopefully I will be able to get replacement cost for this bike as it is totaled!! Thank God for renter insurance!!! Total replacement value $1997.00!!!!!