Our Family

I was given the fantastic gift of a photo shoot by Love Amber Photography long ago. We had planned to use it for Jonathan and had the whole idea put on hold until at last I got to schedule again...

...welcome baby Gavin!!

Gavin - 1 month

Even after one whole month with Gavin, it still feels unreal. We love getting to know this new little person in our house and are excited to see him go through all the milestones that are to come. He's outgrown his newborn clothing and is just about to move into his size 1 diapers. It's great to not have to worry about his weight or eating habits (at least at this point). He's healthy, eating all the time, and gaining weight well! That's nice.

It's way too early to say Gavin likes this or that, but he seems to enjoy cuddling and prefers to sleep on us. He coos and has begun to imitate some of the faces we make. He is generally a happy baby and gets lots of love and attention from the 3 of us. Kyle is protective and loving towards him. He wants his brother with him wherever he goes and tries to include Gavin in his play. We are so thankful for how well Kyle has accepted and even loved this big change in our lives. Ru and I tell him all the time, how proud we are of him for how loving he is towards his brother. ;)

Finally Feeling Fall!

Mind you, we don't really have seasons here, but we've finally gotten a break from the 2 full months of intense heat and strange humidity!! June and July were perfect and then August and September brought the beast during my last two months of pregnancy, without central air in our apartment! Though it will be back in the 80's next week, we are enjoying the cooler temps this week (including some rain!) and anything and everything that represents fall! 

Kyle and I have done some fall baking. He's a good little helper.

We hit up our first pumpkin patch.

And the boys found their Halloween shirts! And Gavin got a pumpkin hat!

This is the face that gets kissed at least a thousand times a day! ;)

Brothers

Kyle has wanted his brother for a very long time. I'm sure it has seemed like "forever" to him. Kyle has quite a few friends with a baby brother, so he was very excited to soon have his.We tried to prep him well with what to expect and what he could look forward to doing with his brother. We read books, we poured over  the pictures in Kyle's baby book and we talked a great deal about what it would be like when his brother came. During the last few weeks, every time it was mentioned, he'd ask me when his brother was coming. I'd answer, "Soon." Kyle's response to that was, "You always say that, mom!" :) Yes, it felt like we waited a very long time!

While I labored through the night, I kept looking at the clock thinking about how much longer until Kyle would wake up and hear the good news that his brother had finally come!! That, honestly, was a huge highlight for both Rudy and I. It motivated me during labor and was a real source of joy and excitement for both of us to anticipate when Kyle would get to meet Gavin for the first time. :)

When Kyle woke up the morning of the 12th, his Auntie Michelle was at our place and got to tell him the good news! He gleefully shouted, "YES!!" and immediately wanted to get in the car to come see us. My sister's description of their conversations are priceless. I must get her to write them down. He was adorable and very, very eager to come to the hospital meet his brother. 

One of the mornings before heading back to the hospital, Kyle helped Grammie make this welcome home sign. 

Kyle could hardly contain his excitement when we told him we could finally take his brother home! Loading all of us up into the car was surreal. We got home around Kyle's "quiet time" and he begged us to let his brother sleep in his room as opposed to the bassinet that's in ours. It was adorable and one of those moments where you just have to pinch yourself! :)

Early the next morning, Kyle ran to brother's bassinet just to make sure he was still there...

So far, no complaints from Kyle about how much his brother sleeps. He just loves to check in on Gavin, giving him kisses and lots of love. He tells me often that he wants his brother next to him so he can see him. :)

We still can't believe there are 2 boys in our house! 

Gavin

Today, at Gavin's pediatrician's appointment, we got the report that our son is doing well! He has gained weight like a champ and is labeled a "Healthy Infant." I don't think we've ever seen that before!!  He weighs 8lbs 9 oz and is 21 inches tall. We are all impressed with his growth in just under 3 weeks! He's in the 45th percentile for weight and the 50th percentile for height! Yay Gav!!

Gavin and Dr. C! 

While there, Kyle found his picture on the wall!! :) Gosh, how time flies!

More Gavin pictures: 

Mr. Face is a hit, again!!