Baby Driver on the Loose...

So, even though Gabriela is 14 years and 8 months away from getting her driver's permit, we decided to let her have at it at the wheel this weekend. Sadly, her getaway efforts were curtailed by the quick thinking police....they let her off with a warning..because she was just so darn cute.....

"Cops??? No!!! Well, at least I don't have a record"

Gabriela Voted....Did You?

It's Election Day, also known as one of Papa Sousa's favorite days of the year. So, we three Sousas cast our votes at lunch time and encountered no line at our polling place. We were unsuccessful in convincing the election officials to let Gabriela cast a ballot. But when the 2028 Presidential Election comes around, she'll be exercising her right to vote!

Happy Halloween 2008

Gabriela enjoyed watching all of the other kids and parents dressed up for Halloween. We went to Eastern Market for Hilloween and took notes for next year when Gabriela will actually be old enough to go trick-or-treating, ride the carousel and play in the moonbounce.

15 month check-up

This post is long overdue because Gabriela is 15 1/2 months now... but Gabriela impressed the doctor at her 15 month check-up with how tall she had grown and with all the words she knows. As Mommy told the doctor some of the new words in Gabriela's vocabulary, Gabriela would repeat them back to the doctor. For some words like "shoes" and "nose" she pointed to the matching items as well.

Our little baby girl measured 22.5 lbs. and 32 inches TALL! Here's a picture of her getting geared up for Halloween...

8-1....

We live in Washington, D.C. and lately...it seems like all of the Redskins fans believe they've already won the Super Bowl, even though we're a little more than halfway through the NFL regular season.

Gabriela would like to remind everyone that the New York Giants (more accurately the East Rutherford, NJ Giants) are 8-1.....and they beat the Redskins in the first game of the season. Stay tuned, they'll play each other again on 11/30/2008.

Go Giants!
(Disclaimer: Shameless Exploitation of children in team colors and/or team hats is every father's God-given right. Please see: How to Make Your Kids Cheer for Your Favorite Sports Teams)

Birthday Greetings from Gabriela

Yesterday I tried to get Gabriela to pose for a photo, but I wasn't very successful. She wanted to wish her Aunt Antoinette and her Uncle Joey a very Happy Birthday and since she can't say "Happy Birthday" yet I decided to make a sign for her to hold. As you can see from the photos she wouldn't stop moving! She was saying "cheese" and giggling the whole time, but I couldn't get a perfect shot of her holding the sign... oh well!

Antoinette and Joey we miss you and we love you and we were thinking of you on your birthday yesterday. We can't wait 'til the next time we get to see you. Love and hugs and kisses from DC. Happy Birthday, Love Gabriela.

Portugal Part 1

As we recover from jet-lag we thought we'd post a few photos of our great trip to Portugal! and Spain! More to come soon!

Gabriela got to sleep in a bassinet hanging on the wall of the plane... who knew they had these?

Gabriela, the world traveler.

First glass of wine in Spain (Mama's glass)
(Note: No babies consumed wine in the taking of the above photograph)

Mama and Gabriela, relieved to have finally arrived in Portugal.

Under the lemon trees in Grandma and Grandpa's backyard.

Gabriela's first of many 'bolo de arroz' -- rice cake!

A beautiful day at the beach in Povoa de Varzim!

Papa and Gabriela posing at the cafe in Prado.

One of many family photos with an amazing backdrop

Gabriela couldn't get over the family resemblance between Grandpa Sousa and his brothers.


We met Papa's cousin Carla and her daughter Iris... Gabriela in 2 years! The girls have the same hair color, eye color, complexion and build!

Gabriela and Papa's second cousin Diana... family resemblence?

And we enjoyed many great views and visited LOTS of beautiful churches...