Bath Time Fun

Growing, Playing...and Drooling

I'm due for a REAL update...so here you go! These past weeks have been so much fun. I see more and more personality building in Gavin as he grows. And he seems to be taking in the world at an even more rapid pace now. He loves playing with toys, particularly if they are the right size to jam into his mouth and chew, hence the title of this post...drooling! It's like the faucet has been turned on over the past month, and I don't think it's getting turned off any time soon. His first tooth may not be far off. But then again, I've read that babies can drool, drool, drool for several months before cutting a tooth. I suppose we'll see soon. I'm okay with waiting on teeth for now!

So, Gavin's favorite things right now? Laying on the floor playing with toys and rolling to his side -- he's getting closer and closer to rolling from his back to belly. Not sure what he'll do once he gets onto his belly -- he's still not fond of tummy time. I think he really enjoys the freedom of playing on his back right now. He's also beginning to enjoy his bebePOD more now too. It's one of those funny looking seats that helps little ones sit upright. And he's still enjoying time in his play gym.

Gavin had his 4 month well-child appointment last week Friday. He is now 12 pounds 3 ounces and 24.5 inches long. Statistically, he is still in the tenth percentile for weight and 50th for length. So, he's tracking right along where he should be! Round two of vaccines went okay -- more crying than the first time. But he settled down with some post-shot lunch. We thought he might sleep the day away like he did with his first vaccines, but he really was just more of himself this time. Didn't seem to phase him as much. Developmentally, he's again meeting all of the expected milestones. I like these appointments; it's reassurance that we don't stink as parents. That our child is progressing like he should. Can't wait to go back for Gavin's 6 month appointment! It will be here before we know it!

Well, here are some pictures that pretty much sum up what I've typed. Enjoy!

bebePOD fun...such a determined face!

Almost rolling over. That darn shoulder gets in the way!

Chewing, sucking and drooling

We took a trip up to Traverse City for work. Brad and Gavin spent a couple of days hanging out while I worked. We, of course, hauled lots of baby gear up with us...but not all of it. So, Gavin didn't have all of his usual options for sitting. So, Brad let him experience the jogging stroller without the infant carrier, just to have a place to sit in the hotel. I think he liked it!
Relaxing on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay.


Our little Bulldog! (note the mass quantity of drool around his neck)
In fairness, he also has a GVSU onesie. We'll see which one gets more drool.

Happy Father's Day!

Like father, like son. Enjoy your new Oakley's Dad!

Anniversaries

Yesterday, June 17, marked the one year anniversary of our knowing we were growing from a family of two to three. It was one year ago that I felt feelings of excitement, fear, anxiety, like the world spinning in slow motion, as I stared at the pregnancy test with TWO lines! What a day!

And today marks Brad and my 10 year "anniversary" -- we've not been married 10 years, but we've been together for a decade now! In September, we'll celebrate five years of marriage, but I still think it's special to celebrate this anniversary as well. I still remember our first date -- Olive Garden and mini golf. I believe I kicked his butt in mini golf, in fact. Just the beginning of many competitions between us -- Trivial Pursuit (which Brad always wins), Scrabble (which I always win), and more recently Wii sports (I still have him beat in Wii bowling, but he's got me in Mario Cart, baseball, golf, and the list goes on).

Here's a picture that shows perfectly where we were one year ago...and our little one today. What a difference a year makes!

Shake, Rattle and Roll...

...well, not quite the "roll" yet -- soon, but not yet. Definitely shake and rattle, though. How fun to see our "little squirt" having fun!

 

A Tribute to Dad

Yes, I know Father's Day is a couple of weeks away...but this weekend marks the start of a beautiful thing. For those of our blog followers who aren't aware, Brad and I have made a very important decision for our family. It is a decision that took much prayer and thought and something we've talked about and debated since long before we even were pregnant with Gavin. We, along with God's guidance, have decided that Brad will dedicate the coming years to our family as a full time stay at home dad. Most certainly, THE most important, fulfilling job in the whole entire world.

While we are saddened that he will be leaving his students and "family" at Holy Trinity, we feel we are blessed and fortunate to be able to make this decision. Particularly in an economy where jobs are not a guarantee nor are they plentiful. I can't count how many times the reaction to our decision has been "you're giving up a job in this economy?". But many more times than we've heard comments like that, we've heard encouraging words...stories of other stay at home parents who shared how rewarding it was for them and their children to have such an opportunity.

It's somewhat of a leap of faith that everything will turn out the way we, and ultimately God, intend for it. We'll make sacrifices, like many families with only one working parent make, but I'm confident that every sacrifice will be repaid ten-fold. This is truly the best investment we've ever made!

And in no way do I intend for our decision to reflect poorly on the decision that many families make to have both parents work full time. Everyone must make the decision that is right for their family and we are blessed to be in a position to make the choice that we have. With my return to work full time nearly three weeks ago and Brad finishing the school year, I have incredible respect for families that do it everyday.

We ask that you pray for us as we embark on this "leap of faith".

And to my husband -- thank you for being such a wonderful, loving dad. I am so incredibly blessed to have you...and Gavin is even more blessed. I have every confidence that the care you will provide for our little guy will be the best he could receive anywhere. How reassuring for me to go to work knowing that he is in the hands of the person who loves him most. Priceless!

 

Beach, Baby and Birthday

Today is my birthday...and I think it's the best birthday I've had so far. Turning another year older is never easy, but it's amazing how wonderful it can be when you have your family to celebrate with. We spent the evening in Grand Haven, Gavin's first trip to our favorite beach (well, second favorite next to Siesta Key). We enjoyed dinner at Kirby and an evening stroll down the boardwalk to the pier. What a beautiful night it was...full sunshine, not a cloud in the sky, and a nice mild temperature.

I think there will be many memories to come at our (second) favorite beach!

Cheers to my first birthday as a mom. I've got the best birthday presents in the whole world, every day -- my two favorite guys!