Playing in the Park

This weekend we also went on a little family walk to the park. Gavin loved playing like the big kids. However, he was MOST intent on watching all the other kids--they are far more exciting than mom and dad. It was such great weather we had to take advantage of it. This is my little guy loving being outside.

Betting on 30!!

On Saturday night, we celebrated the passing of my 20's with some friends in a suite at Balmoral Park Race Track. We spent the night eating, drinking, talking, laughing and betting on the ponies. It was a great night for all of our friends to get together. Thanks to everyone for coming out...and a special thanks to my Hope College girls for coming all the way from MI. I love you all and it made turning 30 a bit easier.

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)!