TWO

A weekend of celebrating TWO! How fun! The festivities began on Friday, Gavin's second birthday. We went to dinner at Logan's, enjoyed some peanuts and good food. Gavin's favorite- a birthday "Yee-Ha" shout out. And...a rare moment...a family photo. I think Gavin prefers to sit in a booster now instead of high chair. He really is getting big! So, it's not the ideal family photo. But it's harder and harder these days to capture everyone looking at the camera!

Saturday was THE party, complete with "Cars" everything! Brad and I stayed up until 1:30am on Friday night (well, really Saturday morning) baking and decorating the cake. Quite the project! It took an emergency run to Meijer at about 11:00pm for more red food coloring. My first batch turned bright pink. I tried to save it by adding black - bad idea - it turned purplish pink. No boy can have a purple/pink McQueen cake, right? Brad graciously saved the day! Thank you Meijer for being open 24 hours AND for stocking Wilton food coloring! In the end, the cake wasn't the exact shade of red I had envisioned, but it was close...and better than pink!

So, we went all out for decorations. I think I blew my party budget this year with a few little extras. But it was SO worth it to see Gavin's face when he woke up from his nap to a fully "Cars" decorated house. He was in awe, requesting "touch it" to all of the decorations and the cake. The three hours spent on the cake and additional hour or so decorating the rest of the house was worth every minute! It all looked pretty cool!

Balloons were a favorite, as usual.

I just like this photo - a somber quick shot of Gavin. It's so hard these days to capture him on (digital) film. He's too quick and too interested in grabbing for the camera so that he can look at the pictures. This was a rare moment.


Gifts, gifts, gifts and more gifts. Thank you to all of our wonderful family and friends for all of the very thoughtful gifts. Books, new toys, learning games, some clothes for the summer...this boy is blessed! And so is our living room that just two years ago was consumed with baby gear. It's been overtaken with little boy things now!

Uncle Andy showing Gavin one of the Mater/Lightning McQueen rings from the cup cakes. At first, Gavin thought the rings were candy. Ah, not in the mouth...thought we were over this stage!

And one of the sweetest moments of the day. Gavin's cousins Lexi and Ava ("Va" as Gavin calls her) handmade birthday cards for Gavin. I am saving them,but also wanted to capture them in photos as a longer lasting memory. Here is Ava "modeling" the cards and other little pictures. The one in the top right is from Lexi (7 years old). I love the little Rapunzel looking girl. The bottom right is from Va (5 years old). The yellow little girl is Ava and the turtle-looking green boy is Gavin. So cute!

So, two years! I'm tearing up. The time has gone so quickly. I was thinking back to Gavin's first birthday and all of the difference a year makes. He was just barely walking on his first birthday last year. Now he runs, jumps, spins...dangerously at times. His vocabulary has exploded. He had just a few simple words in his vocab a year ago. Now he can repeat virtually any word he hears. He talks in two to three word sentences now. He understands abstract concepts like big and little, high and low, in front and in back, up and down, the list goes on. He's learning manners like "please", "thank you", "you're welcome"...though he does not use them consistently.

At some point, I will document his favorite phrases/words. I need to write them down during the day so that I don't forget what being two was all about.

This next year will be filled with more milestones. More blogging and documenting our happenings. I'm looking forward to it!

A Call for Prayers

This blog post is difficult to write, but something I need to do. There is something about writing/typing that makes me feel a little better in trying times.

Brad and I have been living an emotional roller coaster the past couple of weeks. The day before leaving for our mini-trip to the Bahamas, we had a routine scheduled ultrasound of Baby Clark (15 weeks) - our first, and what we thought might be only, ultrasound. The ultrasound showed that my amniotic fluid is low. Amniotic fluid is essential for the proper growth and development of a baby, and also serves as a "cushion" to protect baby.

After the ultrasound, the radiologist consulted with my physician's office (my doctor was not in for the day). I talked with a nurse (who had spoken with another physician in the office) who insisted that I not worry, told me to drink lots of fluids over the weekend (saying most of the time dehydration was the cause), and come back for another ultrasound the next week. She said that traveling on our trip would be no problem, have a great time.

So, I was a compliant patient - drank, drank, drank water and lemonade like crazy on the cruise. We prayed a lot, worried a lot, but hoped for the best over the weekend. But we also wanted to enjoy our time together.

We went back in for ultrasound number two the day after returning from our trip. Devastating news: my amniotic fluid was still very low. Baby was alive, moving as much as he/she could in such a little amount of fluid, and maintaining a heart rate in the 140s. After this ultrasound, the ultrasound tech consulted with my physician who wanted to see me right away.

After our first ultrasound, I researched low amniotic fluid. I stayed away from unreliable sites and forums and focused on those that are evidence-based. The news didn't sound good (everything from miscarriage and still birth to birth defects and babies who live for only hours/days/months). After hearing the news after ultrasound two and meeting with my doctor, we were beyond devastated. Things weren't looking good. My doctor (a family practice physician) sent me for blood work (a Quad test) and referred me to an OB.

Brad and I went to the appointment this past Wednesday - ultrasound three and another referral to a maternal-fetal specialist the end of February. The positive take-away from this appointment was that anatomically, our baby looks very normal. He/she has a beating heart with four chambers, two functioning kidneys, a bladder full of amniotic fluid, a stomach full of amniotic fluid, arms, legs, fingers, toes, eyes, a nose, a mouth (no cleft lip was noted). Though I know I am biased, Baby Clark was just BEAUTIFUL!

My Quad test results also are indicating that our baby is at high risk for some sort of abnormality. Something that, as my new OB said, is not caused by anything in our control, rather is a random chromosomal defect that happens in a small percentage of pregnancies. And she said it isn't a diagnosis at this time, just an indication that something could be wrong. It will take further testing to diagnose.

Brad and I are working to be strong, praying that God has a plan for our beautiful unborn miracle. We know that we can't influence the outcome - only God knows the future of our baby. But we are praying every moment that "God grants us the strength to accept the things we can not change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference" (I've always loved the serenity prayer).

It's very hard to not feel guilty - could I have caused this to happen? Prior to even becoming pregnant, I did everything I was supposed to - prenatal vitamins, eating well (sure, I indulged in a few cravings like all pregnant women), exercising, avoiding alcohol and other harmful substances/foods, etc. I've been going through a lot of stages - "it's not fair", "this isn't what we planned", "why us?". But I think I'm getting to the point where I'm trusting in God, as hard as it is to not question him. I'm learning that I'm not in full control of my life - as much as I like to plan and think that I have it all figured out, He ultimately controls me.

Being a mom has created a new vulnerability that I never knew I had. Emotions I never knew I could feel. A sense of protection and "don't you dare mess with my kid or else..." You can do what you want to me, but don't hurt my child.

We have had lots of weak moments. And some strong ones, too. While it would be easy to just stay in bed all day, crying, fearing, questioning, I'm finding it is better to get up, face the day and not miss out on all of the wonderful things in life. I have the best husband in the world, the most loving, fun-spirited almost-two year old. I don't want to miss out on Gavin's newest word/sentence of the day, his crazy new dance of the day, or other silly things that just make me smile and laugh...and so darn proud of him! And I have a job that I am passionate about - and lots of important work to complete there.

I've resolved to take this one day at a time. Each day that God lets me continue to be pregnant and serve as the life-source for this baby is a blessing. I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I'll live for today.

So my call for prayers and support is not to ask that you pray to change the course that God has planned for our child. It is to pray that He grants Brad and me the strength to accept and carry out his plan. And I ask (please, please, please) that if you have a child/children or are expecting a child - give them an extra hug and kiss today. Tell them you love them. Enjoy every precious moment with them. We are so fortunate to be allowed to be parents - never take one moment for granted!

Bahamas Warm-Up

I'm a couple of weeks late in getting these photos blogged. Brad and I took a spur-of-the-moment cruise to the Bahamas the last weekend in January. We had a couple of free plane tickets to use up before April and got a great deal on a 4-day cruise with Royal Caribbean. So, our first cruise - it was a great time!

Weather was beautiful (75 and sunny all weekend), endless food was delicious, and four days of dedicated adult time was much needed. We very much missed Gavin while away, but he was having a blast without us at MaeMe and BaPa's house. I'm not even sure he knew that we were gone!

Here we are approaching Nassau on day 2 (note my crazy, wind-blown hair - it's very windy standing on the side of the boat!)

Our boat - Monarch of the Sea. A little old and dated, but clean and just fine for a short cruise.

Approaching Nassau, a cute little lighthouse.

The highlight of the trip...spending a day at Atlantis. What a huge, fun, action-packed place! We definitely want to go back!

We also spent a day on Coco Cay, RC's private island. It was beautiful! We spent the day lounging, snorkeling, and of course eating. You certainly don't go hungry on a cruise!

What Planet is this Child From?

I forgot until just now that I had this photo hidden in the archives on my camera. It makes me smile (and chuckle) :)

Post-lasagna, pre-bath...with a little hair styling help from dad!

Expanding Beyond Three!

I've been waiting to share this exciting news with the blogging world! We will be welcoming another little one this summer (due July 20)! We're excited and nervous - though not nearly as nervous as when we were pregnant with Gavin...much more relaxed. It's funny how a second pregnancy brings about different emotions. In many ways, I feel so much like I know what to expect. In other ways, we have a world of unexpected things ahead. How will I devote my time to TWO little ones? Is there enough love to go around? Am I ready for sleepless nights again? How on earth will go grocery shopping, out to dinner...the simple things that have become so easy to master with just one kiddo. Now there will be TWO!

Aside from all of the unknowns (which I'm sure we'll just figure out, like millions of people do every day)...we are THRILLED! We have always known that we wanted to be parents to at least a couple of children. And Gavin is such a blessing, and just so much fun, that we can't wait to double our blessings.

So, without further ado, some photos that we've been saving to post when we made our official announcement...

While faint, that is a second line! I was trying to make myself believe I would be "okay" if it didn't appear, but then in just seconds, it was there. I remember this moment with my first pregnancy - I literally felt like the world was spinning in slow motion around me. I was dizzy. This time, I was much more subdued.

We waited to announce our news to our parents and siblings until Christmas, though we've known we were pregnant since mid-November. I made a tee-shirt for Gavin that we had our parents open at Christmas.

Here I am at about week 12 (last week). I must say, I am getting bigger much FASTER than with Gavin. I suppose they say that your uterus is like a balloon - easier to stretch out the second time around. Well, it's stretching alright! At 12 weeks, I look like I did when I was about 20 weeks along with Gavin. I'm sure people were beginning to suspect that I was pregnant (or just gaining some holiday weight) before we announced it. Needless to say, I'm glad that I never put away my maternity yoga pants (pictured above) from my first pregnancy. I LOVE maternity pants, particularly this pair that can pass as non-maternity when I'm not pregnant! I'm looking forward to getting the rest of my pants out of the storage bin - clothes are starting to get so tight!

Finally, here is a video that captures my mom's reaction to the news. It's pretty classic...

Who's gift was this?

Brad has been enjoying Gavin's Mega Bloks a bit too much...
Photoed here are two of his greatest works - a church and a tower. Not photoed are several other works of art (like a garage for Gavin's cars). I typically come home to a new design each day...

More Christmas Catch-Up

After our Christmas morning just the three of us, we headed to Brian and Lisa's for Christmas with the Clarks. Brian and Lisa (and Lisa's parents) were wonderful hosts this year. It is always so much fun to get together and watch all of the kids attack their gifts. The girls added to their various collections of pink (Barbies, Build a Bears, Zhu Zhus...and all other things girly girl). Luke enjoyed more video games and a box of magic trick supplies. And Gavin reveled in Handy Manny, the Little People firehouse, and trucks, trucks, trucks (among other gifts).

Here's Gavin helping Grandma and Grandpa open a special present :)

Gavin modeling Dadda's new cool ND hat.

And then post party, back at home, with the mega blocks (that have now officially consumed our house). I'll post more on this particular gift, as it has been enjoyed more by Dadda than by Gavin (photos to follow).

And I just love this photo of the two little monkeys munching on their bananas. Leksi (who is obviously a Justin Bieber fan) came to exchange gifts with Gavin - thanks so much for the wonderful car ramp (not the one in the picture, a different one). It's a huge hit with our little car-aholic.

So, that sums up Christmas 2010. I'll have a couple more posts coming soon...one to demonstrate Brad's fabulous Mega Block skills and then one other Christmas-related post that I will leave you in suspense for!

Christmas Catch-Up

I'm a bit late in getting rounds 2 and 3 of Christmas posted to the blog. Here are just a few of my favorite photos of Christmas morning. Clearly, we could have spent just $12 on Gavin for Christmas and he would have been completely satisfied (with his Mack truck).

Word of the weekend was "open"...so here is opening...

Aside from Mack, Santa did a superb job of picking out "Cars" cars to match the couple that he already had. Soon he'll have the whole town!

And finally, breakfast at the new little table that Santa's elves built for Gavin (or could it be IKEA?).

Christmas: Round 1

I'm making a valiant effort to get caught up on the blog with all of the holiday happenings these past few weeks. I'm behind, I know it. We all shared a family cold last week, bringing my energy level close to zero, though we have done lots in spite of the runny noses. Just no blogging.

Last night, we celebrated Christmas with my parents, brothers and sister-in-law. Typically, we get together on Christmas eve, but Tim had to work the holiday weekend this year. Regardless of the day celebrated, it is always a fantastic time! Gavin had so much fun opening and playing with gifts. In fact, I think his favorite word yesterday was "open". I love seeing the joy in his face, even with just the smallest of gifts. And we had a great time sharing our gifts with others, my favorite part of the holidays.

Gavin loves his spinny car toy from Uncle Tim (even though we don't have batteries for it yet- it's still fun).

MaeMe made him homemade "Cars" pajamas that are absolutely adorable!

Lots of books that have kept him entertained all day. In fact, Gavin sat on my lap on the couch for at least 30 consecutive minutes this morning looking at all of his new books. For those of you who know Gavin, you know that he NEVER sits still for more than three minutes at a time. I just loved the snuggle time!

Gavin (and Brad and I) bought a toy box for MaeMe and BaPa, so that there is a more official place to store all of his "retro" toys (things that my mom has been holding on to for years from my brothers and I when we were little).

Uncle Andy and Aunt Karen got Gavin this cool tent with a tunnel. He loves it and spent a good portion of today hiding out in it and playing.

And MaeMe and BaPa gave Gavin his first ever wagon. Again, the child loves all things with wheels, so it was an instant hit. It is a super fancy wagon, too, with lots of bells and whistles (some for the parents!). It will be great fun this spring and summer, once the snow is melted.

Rounds two and three of Christmas are tomorrow...more to come!

Meijer Gardens with Santa

Tuesday night, we visited Santa at Frederik Meijer Gardens. We waited in line for about 45minutes to spend about 45 seconds with the big guy. Surprisingly, Gavin was not freaked out by Santa ("Tanta") this year. Really just fascinated and in awe. He loved to just stare at him. We asked Santa, on Gavin's behalf, for cars and Handy Manny toys for Christmas. We'll see tomorrow if St. Nick delivers!

The wonderful thing about the Gardens this time of year are the Christmas trees from around the world. We always enjoy strolling through and checking them out.

And Gavin's absolute favorite part of the night was watching the little train go round and round on the expansive track throughout many of the rooms at the Gardens. This boy LOVES all things vehicle related...trains are no exception. Here he is in awe, watching the choo-choo go by!

Baking Cookies

Last week, we baked cookies. This was Gavin's first time helping with Christmas cookies. Like mother, like son - he grabbed for some raw dough first thing and shoved his mouth full! He lasted about 3 minutes helping, then it was primarily just me baking.

The Great Christmas Tree Hunt

We went in search of our Christmas tree this morning to Vormittag's Farm in Allendale. As always, success! Here we are (squinting) with the chosen one...

And just playing around...

Note to self for next year - bring a sled for faster transportation!

Exploring

G is for Gavin

Bath time has been particularly fun lately. Gavin is working to learn his letters. His favorite is G...

The Jockey

Look Mom, no hands!