Gabriela...and her many faces...

All she needs is a big clock around her neck and I'd call her Gaby-Flav.

Channeling her inner John Denver.

Gabriela Loves Snow!

We couldn't get her inside and out of the snow tonight, even though it was getting dark and we were all getting hungry for dinner. She insisted on wearing her boots the rest of the evening, even after her pj's were on. It could be because they light up, but we're not sure.

Sorry we've neglected to post about our February... but the flu and stomach virus took up much of our time and energy. We have been taking photos of all of our family adventures over the past few months and have posted them on flickr, so be sure to check those out.

It's Potty Time!!!

Yes, you read it right and your eyes are not deceiving you. Our 18 month old daughter has decided to assume the Royal title of Potty Princess. What does this mean? It means that Gabriela has made successful use of the "Potty" on a few occasions for the purpose of #1 and #2. (this is a G-rated blog friends)

Suffice it to say that she was thrilled (probably because Mommy and Papa were pretty ecstatic about it too) Gaby is not an exclusive potty user yet, but if asked, she will gladly take a seat until nature calls. She'll read a book or magazine, though we're not sure where she picked that habit up.

So, congrats to Gabriela for joining the masses of all of us potty users across the world!

Our Pretty Princess

We always call her our princess... and now she really looks the part!

Happy New Year!

We wanted to wish our readers (made up of friends and family who can't get enough of Gabriela) a very Happy New Year! Mommy and Papa Sousa have been rather delinquent in keeping up with their posts this year. For that, we apologize. Somewhere in between balancing our two careers and raising this ever more amazing little girl, we forgot to share more of her with all of you. Check back regularly for updates!
We hope that 2009 brings you all peace, love and prosperity. The Sousas eagerly await the return of Maria's brother, Captain Joseph Kilner in a few weeks from his second tour of duty in Iraq and thank God for keeping him safe while he was in service to our country. We hopefully look forward to a year of fewer (if any) government bailouts. Papa Sousa hopes the Mets won't choke and miss the playoffs for the third year in a row. Mommy Sousa looks forward to the many laughs that our soon-to-be two year old will provide us with on a daily basis. Gabriela hopes that 2009 brings her enough time in the day to play with all of her toys and read the New York Times cover to cover daily. (Isn't that a pre-requisite for getting into Princeton?)

Thanks for your comments, for taking an interest in our little girl and for sharing in her 17 1/2 months via this blog!

Happy New Year, Feliz Ano Novo, Feliz Año Nuevo, Felice Anno Nuovo and Ath Bhliain Faoi Mhaise!

-The Sousa Family

Getting ready for Christmas

Decked out for Christmas, Gabriela is very excited to pose for this picture! We Sousas have had a very busy month, but we're happy, healthy and counting down the days 'til Christmas.

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"