What's Yours Is Mine

Yesterday we had a playdate with my cousin Jess and her daughter Cally. Cally is approximately 6 hours older than Gavin which means sometimes watching these two is like watching two little peas in a pod. Gavin has a bit of a runny nose going on so we tried (key word is tried) to keep these two from sharing all their toys. However, the most fun game they played all day was taking each other's pacis out of the other's mouth and trying to get it in their own....that and of course the paper bag. Now, that was definitely the "toy" of choice. It was fun to watch these two get so excited by one another...and Gavin mainly watched Cally as she ran circles around him. She was trying to teach him how to move around but his chunky little thighs just couldn't quite keep up. Thanks to my mom for bringing a great lunch and thanks for having us Jess!

Graduation Day

Well, my little brother is officially done with college....kinda. (So he has a few more classes to take in the fall but for all extensive purposes he has completed all the requirements to get his Bachelor's Degree.) We are so incredibly proud of him. Chad never entered college with the intent on graduating--just wanted to try it out and do his best. He has worked hard for four years in order to get a college degree and he did it. Way to go Chad--you should be SO proud of yourself for your accomplishment!

Happy Mother's Day

This past Sunday was my very first official Mother's Day. I am pretty sure Gavin knew he had to treat me special because it was the first time...ever...that he slept in until 7:50 am and I have to admit, it was pretty amazing. Chad and Gavin also picked out a sweet jogging stroller and accompanied it with some beautiful flowers for Mother's Day. Indeed, they definitely treated me special and I love them both for it. Thank you. Here are a few pictures that I love from my first Mom's Day.

So, it got me thinking about being a Mom and how last year at this time, I had no idea how my life would change. Which leads me to a list....

10 Things I've Learned about being a Mom (So Far)....

1) No matter how many toys you give them, they want what they can't have (ie. the menu, paper, your hair, computer mouse, cords, etc.).

2) Everytime you think you have it under control and figured out, they change it up--be it, naptime or how to calm them down-- they always keep you guessing.

3) How to eat an entire meal in under 1 minute.

4) Sometimes it is ok to listen to everyone's advice and do the opposite thing because....

5) Maternal instincts do in fact exist and they are usually right on.

6) Your baby's smile and laugh is the absolute sweetest image and sound. It will cause you to smile until your cheeks hurt and laugh until your belly aches.

7) No matter how short your to-do list each day, it is undoubtedly not going to be completed.

8) Your best it ALWAYS good enough...even when it doesn't feel like it.

9) To be a mother is like watching your heart exist on the outside of your body. You feel every bump, bruise and happy moment they do.

10) "A Mother's Love" is not a cliche at all...there is truely nothing like it.

Sunny Florida May 2008

Gavin was eagerly anticipating the arrival of our plane.

Thankfully there was lots to look at since we were delayed!
Chilling in the shallow end of the pool.

Um...not in a swim diaper.
But seriously, aren't those the best looking thighs you've ever seen?

He had it made in the shade.

I mean what is better than this, laid back in the pool with a bottle.
Hanging out in his floating raft.

He loved being held and swung around in the pool.
Lots of playtime with Grandma.

And of course Mommy.
So cute...moments later he peed all over me I believe.

He loved all the attention from Auntie Heather.
a> Already looking for Daddy I think as we approached Chicago.

This past weekend, we went on a little girls weekend to Florida--well, the girls and Gavin. My mom, my sister-in-law Heather, Gavin and I went to Naples for about 5 days to enjoy a little R&R and close up the house for the summer. We spent our days laying in the sun and the pool just reading and of course playing with Gavin. He LOVES the pool. He is such a water bug. In fact, if he was getting kindof crabby, we just put him in the pool and he was so content. It was great. His Daddy was very kind to let us go for that long b/c we know it was hard on him being left out of all the pool fun with Gavin. We did have a very nice time though so thanks for taking us Mom!

Extra April Pics

These are just a few random pics from April.

Gavin is working on crawling and being so mad at mommy....

Playing with a toy a bit above his age limit...and loving it (of course)!

A Cousin Playdate

Last week Tuesday we had a very fun playdate at our house. We had my cousin Debbie and her daughter Bea, my cousin Anne and her son Sam and daughter Margot, my cousin Erin, my sister-in-law Heather and of course Gavin and I. It was busy in our basement that's for sure. Sam & Bea just love playing together and Gavin was totally content to watch them and be entertained. Margot, just relaxed, snoozed and hung out in the bouncy seat. All this while my cousins and I talk, talk, talked which is what we tend to do when we're together. It was so fun to catch up and have lunch together. Trying to get a group picture of the kids was a challenge...here are our attempts.

A 7 Month List

So I feel like so many things are changing in Gavin's 7th month of life and I haven't made note of any of them. So, I figured I'd just make a list of things that are happening or have happened recently that I'll probably want to remember someday (and since this blog is primarily for my own records, everyone who reads it, just has to endure).


1) Gavin is crazy with the rolling. He has rolled for awhile but just recently has become very efficient in using this as a method to get from point A to point B. He rolls with aggression, perserverance and extreme intent.

2) He is on all fours rocking back and forth. Crawling is in the future...just when I thought I'd get a handle on the rolling.

3) More on the movement--the kid won't be still in his crib. I always find him turned around, upside down and backwards...usually with a huge grin. He also likes to use his feet to turn on his Ocean Aquarium...kinda lazy like his mom, why bend over and get it when you can use your toes?

3) He has decided nursing just ain't his thing. He fights for 2 out of his 4 nursing periods a day. But taking a bottle...bring it on. He loves it. Which leads me to...

4) I started giving him formula once a day. Its fine except that formula smells. It is kinda gross. Not sure if it is the kind I am using or what but he drinks it down. However, he has been so darn crabby lately, I am wondering if there is a correlation and I should switch brands...hmmm.

5) Yesterday, for the first time he pooped in the tub. Yep. He loves loves bathtime. He gets crazy with excitement and anticipation when we even go into the bathroom. He rolls, bends, squirms and splashes through his whole bath and loves it. Yesterday, he was feeling so good, he left a present floating in it. Gross.

6) He screams bloody murder when I leave the room. If I am not around, not a problem but if he sees me, might as well give in and get him, because he will scream until I respond. Not an endearing phase.

7) When you reach for him, he reaches back. One of my favorites.

8) He has taken to lots of high-pitched squealing and screaming when excited. All fine and fun at home but no so much in the middle of dinner at a public restaurant.

9) He has mastered lots of "bababa" and "mamama" sounds with no real meaning and even likes to imitate his quacking duck stuffed animal. He talks alot and often finds himself quite funny.

10) He loves chilling in the big part of the stroller--kicks his legs up, arm over the side...and just enjoys the ride.


I can honestly say...he is changing very quickly from baby to little boy.