Bubbe's Boarding House for Stray Cats

A few months ago we took in a stray cat, named him B.J. and called him our own. He is hands down the sweetest cat I have ever met. The only problem is that he is still part kitten and walks around the house between 2-3 AM meowing at the top of his lungs for someone to play with him. So we put him outside when we go to bed along with food and water.

A few weeks ago, all of B.J.s food was gone in the morning -- not usual for him. We noticed a small black and white stray showing up at night to eat. He or she now comes every night to eat and sleep on our porch. That is fine with us as we feel bad for the little dude. So now we have 2 cats outside at night.

Last night we heard a cat crying at our window, but it was not B.J. It was a brown and white kitten that was not a stray (he was very clean), but was obviously lost. When I opened the door, he wanted in, but was very offended that I was in HIS house. He would smell me and back away hissing. When I picked him up, he growled! He finally left and I really hope he made it home O.K.

I think the word has gotten out on the street -- if you are lost or a stray, head to the Gabels. They will take care of you.

My New Obsession

I saw them briefly in Costco. Then again in a Target flyer. Then the sunscreen debacle happened and I had to have one. Less skin to slather goop on is fine by me. But I can't find them ANYWHERE in Vegas! Apparently everyone else in this sun drenched desert is in love with them, too.

Then two came on Friday as a gift for Ella's birthday from Sarah's mom (and family). I was stunned speechless. I had seen a picture of Sarah's "other" sister (we shall call her Miss A), who is exactly 17 days older than Ella, on her mom's blog wearing the cutest one. I asked where she had found it. Instead of a reply email, we received a reply gift! I almost cried...



After wearing them for two days, I am in love. I was a bit hesitant on the two-piece part as we have a strict one piece swimsuit policy from birth. But I think it covers nicely. I am now on the hunt for everyone in next year's sizes, preferably at the end of summer sales! And they are called "rashguards" in case you go looking, too!

Father's Day 2008

Phew. Today was a very full day! We started off the morning at Dunkin Donuts -- one of Daddy's favorites and they are brand new to Vegas. Then we headed to the Fantastik Swap Meet, an indoor flea market, just for fun. After we got tired of repeating "don't touch" to Ella, we headed home for a showing of "Finding Nemo", again Daddy's request.

After nap time, we all headed to the pool for two hours of fun and sun.



We had sushi rice and veggie stir fry for dinner and popcorn for dessert. God bless him for eating the stir fry because I can't do meat right now and he is a carnivore! Finally, Ella read Daddy and Sarah a book before bedtime -- she would not let Sarah or Daddy touch the book!



I really wanted to make the day special for him. It is the one holiday we have Sarah for every single year and so I try very hard to make it a great day. I can only imagine how hard it is to spend the majority of the time physically distant from a child -- and he deals with that on a daily basis, as do many other parents out there. Add to that a toddler in the terrible twos and a pregnant wife -- yeah, he is my hero right now ... and everyday! Love you more than I can put in to words right now (or ever) ... Camzue

P.S. Happy Father's Day to Dzia dzia, Zeyda, Uncle C and Uncle A! We hope it was a great day for you, too!

Go with Your Instincts

You would think I would have learned by now to go with my gut instinct. But no, when I am tired I ask opinions and go with those instead. Last night we got home from the airport at around 8:15 PM -- Ella's bedtime is 8 PM. She takes a bath around 7 PM, we dance/read books and then "night nights". My instinct said to put her in for a short bath, read a book, and put her in bed. Once she fell asleep, we would put Sarah to bed.

Instead, we just put them both to bed immediately and at the same time. Sarah zonked out -- it was around midnight for her body! Ella was so wired to have both Daddy AND Sarah home, that she could not settle down. She kept standing up and looking at Sarah in the bed next to her and we would hear "Wear-wah, night nights". Then Ella would cry or sing and wake up Sarah. FINALLY at around 10 PM I put Ella in bed with me (Mitch had Chinese for lunch and was on the couch for the night because the smell bothered me). Sometime in the next hour she fell asleep (with her feet in my face, of course). At 2:30 AM I heard a crash and a scream -- Ella overboard. At 3:30 AM we were still up so I finally got smart and put up the extra pack n play in our room. By 4 AM Ella was sawing logs. She got up at 8 AM sharp -- why can't kids sleep in?

Lesson learned: stick with schedule and your gut instinct. A late bedtime is better than being up all night long!

Here is the crew shaving this morning....

Guess Who's Here

Can you believe how light Ella's hair is???

Eskimo Kisses

Being A Lefty

Both my husband and I are right handed. All of my husband's siblings and their spouses are right handed. Both of Sarah's biological parents are right handed. Yet, out of five Gabel grandkids (all girls), three are left handed. It looks like Ella will be the fourth lefty. When she first started coloring, she put a crayon in her right hand, but could not get any color on the paper. Out of curiosity, I put the crayon in her left hand. Bingo! She definitely prefers her left hand -- she eats and "writes" with it. I have read being a lefty is genetic or at the very least runs in families. I would say our family helps prove that theory correct!