Sunday, July 17, 2011

Gav's Bday


It just so happened that Gavin's birthday fell on a very busy week for us. My parents were here visiting (fun!) and we were plowing through a bunch of home improvement projects (not fun). But we managed to celebrate the day with a couple giant balloons, a fancy hot dog dinner, and a favorite--chocolate ice cream cones. This face says it all.


Gav got a lot of great gifts on his big day, but I thought I'd highlight the one Owen gave him. I'm really happy with how it turned out.


It's a book about feelings. Owen and I made it during Gavin's nap one afternoon. We had a lot of fun practicing all sorts of facial expressions, and Gavin loves to see pictures of his big brother in a book. Here are some of the pages:


A very fun gift to make and give. Now that I've made this one, my mind has been busy thinking up lots of other books that would be fun to make.

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Gav 2.0


He stands 35.5 inches tall. He weighs 32.5 pounds. He's all boy. And he just turned 2.


He's my sweet little heavyweight. And I can hardly contain myself when he wears his European swim trunks. I just want to squeeze him.


What a difference a year has made. He is so much more independent; less baby. This summer's beach trips have proven it. He can go nearly all day at the beach and busy himself with jumping waves, digging holes, eating snacks and wandering around. It's like he's a kid or something!


He LOVES his daddy. Actually he is fairly obsessed with keeping tabs on Owen and me too. But if ever Mark is at work or traveling or at a church meeting, Gavin is constantly inquiring about him. Con. stant. ly. And if he gets to go somewhere with dad it's the best day ever.


The kid has no fear. He does a lot of things that probably shouldn't be done. I often say he's "an accident waiting to happen" because even if his tubby body can't keep up, he is willing to try it. Second children. They're amazingly grown up.


He's a funny one. He does things that make us all laugh. And if he knows we'll react to something, he'll take it up a notch or do some more. He insisted on wearing this little number to pick up Owen one day from preschool. Would NOT let me take it off. I don't think he thought he looked cool. I'm pretty sure he was going for a reaction. And someday I'll have to share a video of the infamous "bum jump" where he drops from a standing position to an immediate sit position on any surface. On the carpet, the kitchen floor, the bath tub. We've tried to discourage it for fear of long-term damage. But seriously, it's hilarious.


Boy, does he love Owen. They've got a serious brotherly relationship forming. I've seen them act so sweetly toward one another, sharing snacks and helping each other out. They play really well together most of the time and make each other laugh. Yet there's the screaming and the wrestling matches and the teasing and bickering. True siblings.


All in all, I can't believe how he has grown. He's practically a kid. If it weren't for the recent onset of terrible twos, I'd say this child was practically perfect in every way. And we love him.

Saturday, July 09, 2011

Spring Baseball

I guess since t-ball ended a month ago, it's time I blogged about it.
I had such a great time watching O play t-ball. And I think that was mostly because HE had such a great time playing.


Our experience was very different from that of last fall's soccer. He actually participated from the get go, without prodding or pushing. And there was a lot less frustration with this sport. He also had a wonderful couple of coaches that always brought excitement to the game. I was amazed by how much his swing improved over the season. And can I just tell you how cute it is to watch a team of little boys in their clean white uniforms with matching shirts and ball caps?!. Loved it.


One of my favorite shots from the season. This man sat on the bench watching his grandson at a practice one day. Gavin decided to join him on the bench. And there the two of them sat.


The squint.


The stance.


The swing...and strike.


The slide.


The spirit


See you next spring!

Tuesday, July 05, 2011

Fourth of July Fun

Among our usual Fourth of July festivities was a soak in the sprinklers.