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)