He's ONE!

I have a one year old. It's official. It's also crazy. I've been replaying the birth events from a year ago over and over in my mind. It was such an incredible experience, and I remember it so vividly that it's mind-boggling that it was as long ago as it was. One of the truly awesome things about having a home birth is that I could just sit in the spot he was born and really soak in the memories and experiences that the past year has brought our family.

Gavin is SUCH a joy and has created such a special dynamic in our family. He's a ham and loves to cheese it up and dance all the time. He does this hilarious little squat and cheese face whenever he gets really excited. He'll start bobbing his head around even with just the tiniest little musical sound; he'll really groove when you start singing to him. He loves to eat and has created his own sign where he'll point to the food/drink that he wants and then to his mouth. He does it with such vigor that it's hilarious. He's a daredevil and loves going down slides by himself, so we're at that fun/horrifying time period at playgrounds now where I need to be next to him at every moment. He thinks he can do anything that big brother can do, and he idolizes Jeffrey completely. The hour or so that Jeffrey is in room time can be the hardest part of my day if Gavin is not napping. Keeping Gavin from going back on Jeffrey's door to knock or reach his hands under the door is darn near impossible. Of course, Jeffrey doesn't mind and loves Gavin to death, as well, so much so that he's put in a request for a baby sister. I guess having a sibling isn't too traumatic! Although, I think he lucked out with Gavin since he's so calm-tempered, laid back and happy most of the time. That doesn't mean he has hasn't had his share of collapsing on the ground like a Victorian fainting lady, mind you. Even so, if it weren't for him still waking up at least once per night (save the 3 or so nights he's slept through the night!), he'd be the perfect child. Exactly what I would want my 2nd born to be like :)

For his big day, we all went to the Museum of Natural Science and History to see the butterflies and the dinosaurs. They both had a great time. Gavin kept pointing and wanting to grab the butterflies, and he kept doing this quiet little roar at all the dinosaurs. It was seriously cute.

Here is Gavin at exactly one years old- taken the exact minute of his birth one year later in the exact location where he was born:

11 Months!

On one hand, it's crazy to believe that he'll be one in less than a month. On the other hand, he's already a toddler! This year has gone by so quickly, much quicker than it seems like it did with Jeffrey. I guess having all the hustle and bustle of the older one makes time go by quickly. I think seeing the bigger one really accentuates how little the youngest is, as well, so it's kind of mind boggling to remind yourself that it was almost a year ago that I pushed him out right here by where I'm typing this. He's such a cuddle bug and such a joy. He's a full out walker and does the sweetest little cheese face you ever did see. I love how he'll just dive right into me for a good hug before he's off to play again. He absolutely loves Jeffrey and walking after him to play/chase him. Holding Jeffrey's hand in the car is the ultimate experience for him and never fails to stop his crying, if he is. Overall, though, he barely makes a fuss. He's so chill and relaxed. To think that I thought Jeffrey was! Sleep is getting much better. We've even had a full night! Usually, it's once or twice, although the first stretch is always 5-6+ hours, so I can't complain too much. He's still our little eater and will try everything, except most fruit. Strange child. We're in full swing of planning his first birthday, and I just can't help but sit in our bedroom reminiscing over that crazy day almost one year ago!

Gavin's 11 Month Stats:
-about 20lbs, no idea on height
-wearing 12 month clothes
-still those 4 cute teeth
-full out walker, getting faster every day
-loves to stomp his feet
-points and says "dat"
-Favorite food: mum mums and apples
-loves: hiding/peek-a-boo, dancing, chasing Jeffrey, stacking toys, cars, putting toys in and out of things, hanging out/lounging in his anywhere chair
-hates: not being allowed in the bathroom, having his nose wiped

Garage Sale

This past weekend, we cleared out all of the junk in our garage and a bunch of useless and unused stuff in our house for a garage sale. It was impressively successful! We sold off all of the big stuff (except for the exersaucer, which has to be the most awkward baby item to store!). It was a great point in our plans to overhaul our house. We haven't made tremendous progress in the living/dining room since Jony hasn't had much free time, and our weekends have been crazy. We do have a few things on the wall now, and our TV unit is up, finally. I foresee a lot getting done next week, since I'm hosting a baby shower here next weekend. Eek!

The boys loved having a garage sale, and Jeffrey didn't have near a hard time selling some of his old toys as we thought he might. He was actually a pretty good salesman! Gavin just loved having all of the attention and the visitors (namely grandparents). We also used the weekend to do our front garden since we were already outside. I love having the splash of color, especially the daisies!

With two crazy boys and a crazy schedule, I'm trying to find time to get on the computer to blog. Clearly, I'm failing! However, our house is definitely getting somewhere, even if it is slowly. Some days, that means more to me than blogging, although I'm sure I'll be sad in a year or so when I don't have all the documentation. Until I find time again, we're off to Easter at the Farm!