My little thumb sucker

Our sweet sweet boy is 4 months and 6 days old... I'll be having another kid before I know it. My husband and I are planing on another little tot when Gavin is out of diapers. Maybe when he is around 2 1/2 or 3. For now we are enjoying every moment with our little prince. He is changing every day and when I don't think he can possibly get any cuter, he does.

A couple of weeks ago I got to experience what it was like to be a "single" mom. Jeremy had to go out of town for work. Props to the women that do this daily, getting up and getting him to the mother in laws house and then going to work is very difficult. I realized how lucky I am to have the help of my husband.

We are currently trying to buy our first house and words cannot express how stressful it is. I am trying to be patient and put it in God's hands but I really want a home for my sweet little family.

Gavin had his 4 month appointment 3 days ago. He weighs 14.5lbs (31 percentile for weight) and is 25 inches long (51 percentile for height). He's technically only gained 1 1/2 lbs over 2 months but he's been a little piggy. I've had to supplement some formula, (which I hate doing), on days I have to work so when I pump at work I can help increase my storage some. He's not a big fan of formula. Won't touch the powder and crinkles his nose at the liquid stuff. I guess you can't blame him. He is rolling all over the place now and started it about a week ago. He gets mad if he's strapped in and can't roll. We have to watch him closely now. Along with the rolling he is also pushing up with his little hands. It's the cutest thing and his facial expressions are priceless. When he was first born he started to suck his thumb. I tried to counteract this habit with a paci and was successful for about 3 1/2 months and then FAIL. He found his thumb again and he LOVES it. I guess I can relate b/c I was a thumb sucker all the way to 2nd grade and the only reason I stopped was b/c of an appliance the orthodontist had glued into my mouth to make me stop. I guess you can say thumb sucking is hereditary.

July 9th Gavin's sweet cousin Marley was born. She is so precious and we love her so. I am so excited Gavin will get the chance to grow up with family and cousins. He has 2 more arriving this month, Adalynn and Slade. Can't wait to meet them!!!  We also recently found out that Gavin's Godmother is expecting a little gummy bear. GB will be arriving February 2013.

This past month has been a blessing, as every day with my little man and my big man are. I cherish the moments, the smiles, the tears, and all. I hope to be adding pictures of our new house next time I post.

 Napping with Iggy

 4 month pic

 First pair of Nike's! Size 2C, a litte big but room to grow :)

 I find him sleeping like this every morning

 Watch out Justin Bieber, this dude will give you a run for your money ;)

A few extra tidbits: Jeremy and I have been rapping Gavin his lullabies (it's a lot of fun). He's not pooping daily anymore and when he does he makes them count. His poots didn't used to stink but now... you better take cover. He's scared of his own toots (it's kind of cute), He's learned how to work his bottom lip and boy does he use it... he puckers that thing out and it's the most pitiful, cutest face EVER! He sleeps in his own bed (in our room) now but still gets up 1-2 times a night to nurse. He's still a happy boy and only cries when he's hungry........... I am one lucky Mom!!!

The Diary of A Working Mom

My sweet sweet boy is 3 months old and 8 days today... time sure is flying by. He jibber jabbers every morning, afternoon, and evening now and with each coo and goo that comes out of his mouth my heart melts a little more. He is beginning to become a little drool machine as well. He definitely has entered the oral stage of life, he is exploring the world with his gums putting hands (mostly thumb), blankets, and stuffed animals in there quicker than I can pull them out. I checked last night for any teeth but still all gums. Gavin is a healthy little eater too... last month he weighed in at 13lbs and 23 inches long. I know he is bigger now but won't have another doctors appointment until August 1st. He's becoming so active and he is very observant. we put him in is walker for the 1st time the other night and thus far has been the most adorable thing I've seen yet. His feet don't touch the ground yet and I have to put a blanket in the front so he won't fall face forward but he LOVES it! Also, I'm beginning to wonder if I gave birth to a fishy instead of a baby. My kid loves the water. He has a yellow bumble bee float that he is very content in. Pool or lake I've come to find my child will sleep anywhere. Speaking of sleep, Gavin will pretty much sleep where ever you lay him down. He's never been a 6 hour sleeper, except for one very rare occasion. The good thing is he will eat around 930, sleep, wake around 130 to eat for about 10-15mins, sleep until about 530, eat and then usually get up about 930am for the day. He will fall asleep eating during the night and I've been known to fall asleep feeding him. Some people sleep walk, well I sleep feed. Truth be told, I've been blessed with an AWESOME little man.

A lot has changed since my last post, I started back work June 24th and just finished my 2nd week. I arranged my schedule so I work every other day allowing me days off in between to spend with Gavin. Considering I sometimes work 16 hour days, two days in  row is just too much time away from G-Baby. Let me just tell you how hard it was going back to work... the week prior to going back I turned into the DEVIL. I hated the way I was acting. I was so anxious about going back to work, leaving Gavin, and just trying to adjust to this new way of life. I can't begin to count how many times I cried the night before I went back let alone the week. I had to invest in a new Iphone 4 just so I could face time with my 3 month old... totally worth every penny by the way.... he sees my face and hears my voice and the sweetest grin crosses his face. Of course I look like the rainman smiling so big my eyes are barely open. The best thing about my job is I only have to work 3 days a week, so with every other day off and 2-3 days off in between the work week, I'm kind of spoiled. I still miss him terribly on the days I have to go in and I'm required to work a certain amount of weekend days a schedule (which really suck bc Jeremy and Gavin are together and all I can think about is wanting to be with them), but all in all I'm bringing home the dough and still spending time with my boys. Jeremy has been awesome throughout all of this transitioning too. Since I am the one that feeds him during the night and we both get up so dang early in the morning for work he has taken the up-most important job of bringing Gavin to the sitters house for the day. Helps me out a lot bc I can't imagine having to get up any earlier than I already do, and when I say early I mean like 4am early... bleh. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends that live close to us.... Gavin's Nana watches him on Thursday's or Friday's depending on the week, Crystal, a good friend of ours, watches him on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and Jeremy is free on the weekends. Of course everyone is free on the weekends and so many of them want to watch my awesomely awesome kid, which I can't blame them, but I really wish there were more free people during the week. Thankfully I only need a sitter 2 or 3 days out of the week which isn't too bad. So yeah I'm back to work and things are going smoother than I could have imagined.

Not really transitioning into this next part very well but da ta da daaaa... we are in the process of purchasing our very first home. As if there isn't enough exciting stuff going on.... This house couldn't be more perfect for my little family.... I pray pray pray that we get it. The closing date is August 18th and I will keep everyone posted. I've envisioned us within the walls of the little white cape cod style home, I've dreamed it, and I've even picked out furniture for it, surely it's meant to be! We will still be close to family and friends, in a great school district, and have room to grow as a family so Gavin can get a brother or sister in about 3 years ;).

Speaking of expanding families, Gavin's cousin Marely will hopefully be making her GRAND ENTRANCE tomorrow or Tuesday. Our family is finally getting a baby girl. Gavin will make a great big cousin and I can't wait to have someone that he can grow up with. Shortly after Marley comes miss Adalynn will follow, and even sooner after that Mr. Slade. And more exciting news.... little blip will joining our circus of tots Feb 2013. That's right folks, all 5 girls (sister in laws) have been pregnant this year. Everyone thinks they are sooooooo funny talking about our water in this neck of the woods, I just smile and say we are family people.

Well this momma needs to catch some Zzzz's. Hopefully I won't wait so long to post again. Stay tuned! 


PS: Gavin's never ending list of nicknames- Booger Bear, Little Bear, Boog, Bub, Bubba, Gav, Gavie Pants, Buck-a-roo, G-Baby, and Little Man.....

 Had to work 4th of July but so we had a 4th of July weekend :) Best 4th EVER

                                                                      Family BBQ

                                                      Told you he loved his bumble bee float

 

                                                                First time in his walker

Maternity Leave... VACATION!!!

Back again after a little over a week of new found memories, mini vacation trips, and Gavin meeting more family and friends. Once we returned from Florida we had one day to prepare for my much anticipated guest to arrive. My Aunt Jackie, aka my Godmother, aka the "Cooky" aunt, aka the one I've inspired to be like to my nieces and nephews, finally arrived Tuesday the 14th from Rhode Island. It had been 2 years since I had last seen her in Florida at our wedding. I was so ready for her to meet Gavin. She adored him of course because lets face it, he is one ADORABLE kid!

We spent the week experiencing MANY "first" with Gavin. First time at the aquarium, first time at Callaway Gardens, first time at a Hibachi Grill (outside of my stomach that is). Now I know you are thinking, "isn't he a little too young for all this?", I mean geeez the kiddo is only 7 weeks old, what does he know? Well YES, I agree, Gavin is young but, I am taking an "explore the world" approach raising him and I figured since the world is such a big place I better start early. I plan on bringing Gavin back to the aquarium when he is a little older, maybe two, so that we can really enjoy his reaction. Of course he slept most of the time as we walked around but during a few wakeful periods I picked him up and held him next to the big aquariums. Once I got him to focus on what was in front of him, his eyes would widen with wonder and amusement. It's an amazing thing watching two big beautiful (I don't know what color) eyes taking in the world. I love seeing Gavin experience life; it's a beautiful thing. On a side note, we got to see Maris, the pregnant beluga whale on Friday. That night, at 10:30pm she gave birth to a baby girl. Unfortunately, the calf is in critical condition and my mommy heart goes out to Maris as she too is a first time mom. I prey the calf makes a speedy and efficient recovery.

Gavin and I, of course enjoyed a wonderful week with my Aunt Jackie. She is such a wonderful and caring person and has been so good to me since I was a little one like Gavin. I have no doubt she is going to be an amazing Great Aunt to her little Great Nephew.

So I really haven't had the "typical" maternity leave. I more so have taken a mini 12 week vacation. While I know I really should be resting more, because lets face it, these bags under my eyes just keep growing. But, Ive never been one to sit around and I'm so afraid that once I go back to work I am going to miss out on so much with my little man. I know I have to go back to work because bills don't pay themselves but I have a black hole that gets bigger and bigger inside my heart with every day that passes and the closer it gets to going back to work. I cringe to think of all the little things I am going to miss and will be beside myself when I miss the BIG things, especially the holidays. So for now you better believe I am going to enjoy every single day and moment with my little G Baby.

As for a little update on Gavin... he is now 7 weeks and 2 days old. I'm not sure how much he weighs right now or how long he is but I know he is growing so fast and to me looks different every time I look at him. His next appointment will be his 2 month old appoint (aaaggghhhh), which will be on June 1st. I'm going to need some serious support that day bc my poor little guy will be getting a series of five shots, NOT FUN! He is starting to coo a little more but still not much. He smiles more at me now, especially in the mornings when he wakes up and you better believe every little toothless grin melts my heart to pieces. He started out sleeping on his daddy and me when he was born bc I was too scared to let him any more than 2 inches from me. About 2 1/2 weeks of literally NO sleep at all we bit the bullet and with a little coaxing and patience got him into a co sleeper in between Jeremy and I. Well, for the first time last night, my little man slept in his pack and play at the foot of the bed. I was a nervous wreck about it at first but since he is "the best baby in the world" he took it like a champ and only woke up once during the night which was a MUCH needed first for mommy! We are on night 2 of the pack and play sleeping arrangement and I can honestly say its nice to have the bed back and some cuddle time with the hubs. Don't let me fool you though, the moment Jeremy gets up for work at 4:30am, my little booger is back in the bed with me for some special cuddle time of our own.

Daddy, Gavin, and Mommy at Callaway Gardens

That's all for now since I am writing this at 3am with one hand while I nurse Gavin holding him with the other. Dang I'm a good multitasker. Of course now Gavin and Jerm are snoring up a storm together and I'm starting to get jealous! Good night y'all and stay tuned...  

Leather Seats and Hand Sanitizer

I've never blogged before but, as an excited new mom and too many new memories feared of being forgotten, I've decided to start writing them down. This idea came to me as I was standing in a gas station parking lot somewhere between Montgomery, AL and the Ga state line. It was time to change my 6 week old son's, Gavin's, diaper and feed my ever growing boy. After a descret feeding in the back seat while my husband filled up the gas tank ($3.30/gallon, a nice surprise), I decided to take the opportunity to change Gavin's diaper in my new, not even a month old, car. Wipes, diaper, and Desitin in hand (prepared for the unexpected surprises I've leanred that little boys can "spring" on you) I unfastened his soiled diaper. Midway through the cleaning process, my healthy breastfed boy decided to shed a few pounds and boy did he let it rip! With the wipe unable to hold the um... sizable amount, I instinctively/motherly, cupped my hand under his little rear attempting to divert the rest from meeting the seat of my car. It was a FAIL! My high pitched shreik of horror was followed by an attempt to get Jeremy's, (The Husband/Daddy), help ASAP! Quickly we worked in unison throwing wipes and diapers everywhere desperately trying to get the mess cleaned up before another explosion. Again it was another FAIL! This time Gavin's target was Daddy. In no time at all I found the two of us laughing uncontrollably and whole heartadly outside in the rain at the situation at hand (or should I say on our hands). It was at this unsuspected moment in our life that I realized this was a moment and feeling I never wanted to forget. Thus- the blog "Life As We Know It". I will aim to tell of the adventures of becoming new parents and report Gavin's every little change. Looking forward to sharing our experiences with you! Oh and thank goodness for leather seats and hand sanitizer ;) -One Very Loved Mommy (6 weeks, 10lbs 11oz)