Taking Care of Business

We have had enough of balloons over taking the house. So we gathered them all up from all over the house and had a popping party. Strange enough, Sophie was timid, and Peter wasn't, to lay on the balloon while Rich popped the balloons under their tummies. Max loved it, he has a love of rolling on top of balls or balloons like this. Funny kid. And he says "ba" for balloon. Then we cleaned up the bits and are a balloon free zone again... But thank you Sophie for blowing up almost 30 balloons on Thursday, you are a champ!

Funny Family Photos

Giving Gavin a binki, everyone needs a binki right? That's what Max thinks

Slime nose - yes this is candy that looks like snot! And yes we actually paid money for it...
Funny Family Patting Gavin's back to calm him down
Sophie, Gavin's other mother... She loves him so much

Rain

Rain is falling all around

on the roof tops on the ground

Rain is falling on my nose

on my head and hands and toes

Four Weeks Old

Yep, Gavin is almost a month old. We made plans to have his baby blessing in 2 weeks so most of our family can be there. We hope he fits into the blessing outfit!! He is so much bigger at this age than the other boys were... Today was the first day he attempted and succeded at lifting his head - for one brief second. Our baby is growing too fast...

Uh Oh The Big 3-0

It finally happened. Rich turned 30 years old!!!!!!!!!! He is officially old! I have always felt that 30 was old. I remember when my mom turned 30, I was 10. Now I am married to an old guy, and my turn isn't that far off! The night before his birthday (8-28-78) we stayed up until 1:30am canning homemade salsa (which is delicious, by the way) and so we slept in and I did not make a fancy breakfast like I had planned. The kids gave him their present - the new Ariel movie. In Sophie's words "I think Dad is DYING to see this movie" and we watched it over lunch as a family - with popcorn in the family room!! Fun flick that we have now seen a bazillion times in 3 days!! I took Rich shopping for a new birthday outfit and we went on a double date with his parents to see a play at Desert Star. It was called 'Scary Poppins'. It was hilarious and Rich was practically rolling in the isles! Julie, his secratary at work, made him this yummy and perfect carrot cake (above) and decorated the office for the occasion. We took him to Maggie Moo's for some birthday Ice cream today (our favorite) and then headed to a surprise birthday party that his sister, Kim, threw for him. She and I have been planning this for months. Really Kim did all the work, all I did was get Rich there. THANK YOU KIM!! YOU ARE THE BEST FOR MAKING RICH'S BIRTHDAY SO SPECIAL! She invited some old highschool friends and family for the occasion. And the best part was that we really had the wool pulled over Rich's eyes. He had NO idea what was going on, even as he walked through the door and saw everyone. I was really proud of Kim and I (and everyone else too) for keeping it a secret for so long. It was such a fun party, we ended the night by playing Rock Band. The kids fell asleep on the way home and Rich is no longer the Birthday King. He is just old!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Just Kidding!!!

But I thought it was funny this morning. We all got dressed on our own, without talking to anyone else, and all ended up picking out green shirts!!! The only one planned was Max, and that was after the rest of us coincidentally all had on green (even Gavin slept in green jammies), we couldn't leave Max out!!! So of course we had to take a picture of our funny morning. Great minds think alike!!!!

First Day of School

How exciting!!! Sophie's first day of school!! It turned out so great. She already has one friend in her class from preschool last year, and I was proud of her for not being too shy in class today. She didn't cling to me at all and fully participated when she was asked to. Her teacher, Mrs. Stanford, is a new teacher and Sophie was excited that she is a grandma! They had fun decorating these birthday bags, coloring, and following directions. She was also excited that she got to wear her new Hannah Montana shirt and new shoes, and she got to wear her hair long - her favorite hair do. I was surprised at how many papers I got, and how many sign-ups there were for me to sign up for. She will LOVE kindergarten, she is SO ready for it!!!

Three Weeks Old

Another week has gone by, and it feels like an eternity... I am starting to forget what life was like before Gavin came along. As it should be. We will forever be a family of 6. This last week was a little more crazy than I was anticipating, but you know what? It's over, and now we can move onto a new week. I love Monday's! They are the beginning of a new week. A chance to move forward and begin again. A chance to do all the things the way you want to do them. A fresh, clean slate. This new week hasn't been tainted yet by crying kids and yelling mom. Or by sleepless nights and chores undone. So I am grateful for Monday's.

And tomorrow is a special Monday. Sophie starts school, sort of. I go with her tomorrow, and then her real classes begin next week - when I drop her off and walk home alone leaving my big girl to enter her new world of school and growing up. This is our last week together as my little girl... Time goes by so quickly.

I was just looking through a scrapbook tonight when Sophie was little(er) and it feels like yesterday. Pictures bring memories back at flooding paces and you remember things that have been stored in the archives of your brain. I guess that's why I try to take as many as I can. So I never forget anything or any part of this exciting life of mine and my families life.

Uh-Oh....It's Paint!!!

There was some 'sticky stuff' on the fire hydrant outside of our house this morning. That's what Peter told me. I assumed it was something spilled on it, and didn't think much of it until al little while later Sophie and Peter came running in the house so proud and excited about their RED HANDS!!!! I guess some smart person decided to go around and paint the fire hydrands sometime earlier this morning (don't they know that all kids love to play outside on Saturday mornings and some smart kids - like my own - would find the 'sticky stuff' all over it and do exactly what my kids did???????) I felt bad that we couldn't return their enthusiasm for the red hands. But we had to act fast. They got paint on the yellow part of the fire hydrant, on the rocks of Grandpa's waterfall, all over the front door, their hands, clothes, counter, and I am still afraid that we may have overlooked some place. We got it off of everything in time, except the clothes. Any tips???? Peter loves that shirt, and I hate to throw it away... So that was just a taste of our Saturday morning.

Breaking Free

I was in heaven when it was arranged for Sophie, Peter and Max to spend the day at my sister-in-law's house today. (Thank you Holly, cousins and family are so wonderful, and so are you for volunteering for this again!) I needed it SO BAD!!!! And really, they did too. We've all been going stir crazy over the last couple days. I could have a quiet, slow and peaceful dah. Ahhhhhh....... Then Rich called around lunch time and said he had received a gift card to Cafe Rio and did I want to go out to lunch with him.... Uh, do frogs eat flies??? Of course I wanted to go and get out of the house. I think that was just what the DR ordered. I had a reason to get cute again. And a reason to dress Gavin in real clothes and go on his first fun outing. The food was great (I love Cafe Rio) and Gavin had sweet dreams the whole time... Gotta love that boy and his talents. Then I had a restful rest of the day too. My great friend Biffy made us a super yummy dinner, complete with cookie dough for desert!!!! (How do I say thank you to you again Biffy? You truely are sent from above. You always seem to know exactly what I needed...)So no cooking was required by me at all today.

WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!!

Maxwell

Well, we did a two-for-one at the DR. today.

Weight: 22 lb 6 oz (just right)

Length: 33 inches (long and skinny, like a bean)

Head circ: 18 inches (OK - he has a way small head, it is almost off the bottom of the chart. They say it has nothing to do with the amount of smarts.....)

Max had his 18 month check up. I've never had so much to talk to the dr about before. Everything has always been swimmingly with all other kids. But leave it to Max to rock the boat. We talked about food and speech mostly. As far as food goes, Max is of his own breed. He has a handful of foods that he eats, and he HATES to try anything new. Like we got ice cream after the Dr, but his was shaped funny and so he didn't want anything to do with it until we shoved it in his mouth and then he was all over it to the last bite. The Dr. suggested hiding foods, like mixing things in mashed potatos (he doesn't like them plain, let alone with anything in them) or in fruit snmoothies (doesn't like those either). If only we could hide some veggies in fruit snacks or mac & cheese! He is supposed to grow out of this picky phase in the next 6 months. I'm not holding my breath...

And speech. He is way behind. He is supposed to have close to 20 real words by now. Nope. But it got me thinking that I haven't listed the ones he can say, so I actually have no idea how many he does have. I'm just sure it's not 20. Here goes.

uh-oh, wow, da (daddy), gee (binki), ba (ball), Ga (Gavin??), ess (this), ah (hot)

8.

I'll have to ask Rich tonight if there are any I am forgettng.

Max can easily communicate though. He nods and shakes his head with the best of them, and he pointing wizard. And he also knows how to scream and get his way. All very useful skills.

I love this little monster though. he has such a cute way of walking on his toes. It is so random that it cracks me up every time. He is such an animal lover. There is this newer commercial on with those huge horses and a dog. His focus is un-deviated for those 2 minutes as he screams with delight and points and spins at the sight. He loves the horses out our window at the horse clinic. And he is a daddy's boy. Always wanting to wrestle or cuddle with Rich. He is the BEST at going to sleep. He goes down wide awake, quietly. As long as he has a blankie and his binki. And since Gavin has come home, he is so concerned with him. Always checking on him when he is sleeping and trying to give him a binki when he cries. He runs and points with delight when he sees Gavin. Too cute. Max is a wonder. So different from Sophie and Peter. Love that kid!!

Day of firsts

Gavin's little raisin belly button fell off a few days ago. The kids were so excited, like he had reached a major milestone or something. Their reaction was so cute, they even wanted to keep the little raisin umbilical cord end - which we said no to really fast. Can anyone say GROSS!! But that means Gavin is free to take big boy baths. I have been lazy and given him sponge baths until this morning when he took his very first big bath! This little chair is great in the tub, but Gavin sure does like to wiggle off of it and be sumberged as much as possible. I wasn't surprised when he LOVED the bath!! No tears or cries at all!! First bath - a major sucess.

He also had his first outing today. To the DR. for his 2 week check up. All went well. These are his new stats.

Weight: 10 lb 5 oz (gained almost a full pound since birth - he's in the 95% in this category)

Length: 21 1/2 inches (for those paying attention, yes this is shorter than his birth lenth. So someone measured wrong... He's still long and tall at any rate)

Head circ: 14.5 (nice and average)

Two Weeks Old

It's been two weeks now since Gavin came into this world. We are starting to form our lives again. I'm getting more mobile (FINALLY) and I am realizing how much I'm not doing, and how much my kids are doing - both good and bad. I knew my mom did a lot while she was here, but now I'm seeing it. I am still pretty worthless in the cleaning department. Rich and his family have helped out, but I'm ready to help myself only my body isn't quite up to speed. But I am on the mend. I went downstairs 3 times yesterday!!! And I helped clean the kitchen after dinner. I was wiped out by 9pm, but I did it! Everyday gets a little easier. My goal is to be able to walk with Sophie around the block to her first day of school next week. So wish me luck in my recovery up to that point.

Gavin is a wonder. I couldn't ask for a better baby. We are struggling a little with a bad diaper rash that tends to make him extra sad when he needs a diaper change. I think we finally figured it out though after switching diaper brands, diaper rash cream brands and powder. We think the wipes are the cause of the problem. So we are using a damp cloth (like the good old days). It may seem a little gross, but it is working - we think. So the next step after it clears up is to buy the more expensive, but necessary, sensitive wipes. Other than this little pesky problem life is grand with Gavin.

Grandma Canada - AKA - my mom

I was so shocked and Surprised to see my mom walk into my bedroom a week ago yesterday. My brother helped her fly down to be with me in my time of need. I can't thank him enough for making it possible for me to have my mom here, just when I truly needed her the most. Thank you Michael. And my mom went right to work, hardly stopping for a break the whole time she was here. She worked and played so hard!! Giving each of the kids special one on one time with Grandma Canada and also doing so much for me at the same time. She took Sophie to the store to pick out a special outfit for kindergarten (Sophie convinced her she needed 2 outfits and a pair of shoes too, Grandma sure spoiled her!!) and took Peter to the park, and even Max to the park on his own. She also bravely took all 3 kids to ice cream and then on a different day to McDonald's. She played games and read books and had fun just doing what Grandma's do best. Of course she also got baby time. While the two of us would sit together in my room and visit she got to just sit and hold Gavin. So fun!!!

It's hard for me to say thank you because it's not a big enough word to describe how I feel about the last week. Me and my family and home have been so incredibly blessed because of my mother. All those dishes and laundry and diapers!!! They don't ever stop - even when you do. And it's not just those THINGS, it was my MOTHER. Sometimes you just need your mom. I needed her, and it was made possible for her to be there. I am so grateful. I LOVE YOU MOM!

Now I am just that much further ahead in my recovery and I think it will be so much easier from here on out. I have had a full week of being forced to do nothing but rest. I had room service to the extreme!!! And now it is back to real life again, but I know I can do it! Slowly, surely and literally one step at a time.

New Family Pictures

I am probably always adding way too many pictures. But I love pictures!!! And I want to share them with the world!!! We FINALLY got a picture with our new family of 6, and a new picture of our 4 kidos together. I am usually WAY more on the ball than this. My mom spurred us into action. She is leaving to go back home to Canada today:( :( :( And she insisted on it of course, and I was very happy to oblige. It is the first time I have been outside, put real clothes on and mascara on in close to 2 weeks!! So it felt really good.

I scream, You scream, We all scream for Ice cream

So my mom took Sophie, Peter and Maxwell out to ice cream today. And not just any ice cream. COLD STONE!! Of course they all had a blast, even though my mom spent most of the time keeping the kids together and in line! Not the easiest place to take kids(especially Max - no highchairs). But it was a fun experience for all. Thanks mom - we always love ice cream:)

Best Brothers

Maxwell and Gavin are almost exactly 18 months apart. They will spend their whole lives together. One year together in nursery at church, one year apart all through school, and both boys. Maybe same sports teams, same friends, and so much more. And they are starting off on the right foot. Max has adored Gavin so far, and Gavin has happily shared his binki's with Max without a fuss!! (for some reason all of Max's binki's are missing and so he has taken to the baby binki's of Gavin's). Fun Brothers!!!

Sponge bath with Grandma Canada

My mom has been the best help while she has been here. Doing all the little and big things I can't do. Well, it was time for Gavin to have his sponge bath this morning and of course Grandma Canada jumped to do it. I felt well enough (getting better everyday!!!) to move around and watch and help a little, so I thought it would be a good photo op. My mom has never been there when our babies have been so young. So this has been really fun for her (and us) to hold and take care of our brand new baby. And she doesn't have to leave until Friday. Lucky us!! And now Gavin all clean and smells like a new fresh baby again. Thanks mom!!!

PS- the hat is way giant on Gavin's head and makes him look a lot bigger than he is. But is goes with the outfit so he HAD to wear it, at least for the picture.

Perfect Sweet Boy

I just can't get over how perfect my new Gavin is... I love him to death!!!

Playing with Max

While I'm stuck in bed or the chair Max has been left out a little. I can't play with him the way I used to, but we are still trying to have fun. His favorite game of the week is catch, or really it's fetch. He throws the ball to me (with better aim than I would have thought) and then I throw it to him. Of course he can't catch it so he runs after the ball like a puppy and brings it back for more fun. Sometimes he bends down and even tries to pick it up in his mouth!!! Funny kid. Gotta love Max...

One week old

Well, today is Gavin's first birthday! One week old. And we even had cake (by coincidence) to celebrate! I am here to tell you that he has been the perfect baby so far. He nurses so well, like a pro, and sleeps with the best of them. 2-3 hours during the day - and then 4-5 hours at a time in the night! I am able to catch up on rest and sleep a little without being completely drained by my baby. I keep thinking maybe something is wrong because he is so good. And I am not holding my breath that this will be permanant, but I am so thankful for his pattern so far. And his temperment is so sweet. He doesn't cry except when necessary (feedings or changings) and he tolerates the kids sloppy holding postions so well. He is going to be one tough boy after what they put him through. Sophie tends to think she can walk around and hold Gavin at the same time. Peter knows he needs to support Gavin's head which sometimes leads to a crooked neck. Maxwell gets his chance to be with Gavin too, on Rich's lap. He tries to be soft - but it usually is a little hit to the head followed by a heavy hand drag down the face. Max does like to give Gavin five on his little balled up hand. I think that is really cute when he does that.



Being confined to my room hasn't been as bad as I was thinking. The main reason being that when I get up I hurt, and so staying down is OK. Not much choice on my end. I was thinking I was healing well and on Friday night I thought I would venture a field trip down the stairs to eat dinner with the family and watch a movie. BAD IDEA!!! What was I thinking??? I paid for it for 2 days after. I won't be trying a stunt like that again until maybe next week. Is this how it is when you heal after all C-sections? Or maybe I'm just being a baby or am just the lucky one. I can finally sleep on my right side without too much discomfort. But getting in and out of that position is a chore - but well worth it - and I stay in the one position without moving until Gavin wakes me up. I didn't think I could sleep soley on my back for one more night.

My family have been so wonderful to me. Bringing me all my meals upstairs, doing laundry and taking care of the kitchen and cleaning my room constantly - somehow it has become grand central station and everyone is hanging out in here with me. Maybe that means the rest of the house is staying clean. That I would like to see...

One week down and the rest of our lives to go.