Daddy's Day 2010

Wow...2 posts within a week...I'm on a roll!!! Gavin's in his room playing now, so I'm taking this nice little opportunity to blog!

Father's Day this year was mainly about relaxing. Nelson has been staying busy with work the last week or so, so on "his" holiday weekend, he wanted to lay back and take it easy. Saturday night we went out to eat at Carrabba's (Nelson's FAVE restaurant). There was a 45 minute wait, but the food was more than worth the wait, and Mr. Gavin was on his best behavior, so it made for a nice evening. Sunday, nothing too eventful, a trip to Sam's Club, Lowe's, and we went to see a model home, just for the fun of it! Upon returning home, we spent the afternoon eating pizza and watching "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" (lol). Nels may never admit it, but we BOTH love our Housewives reality shows!!! :o))

Without making this post incredibly long, I will just say, that if I threw everything I wanted and hoped for into a model with the hopes of creating the PERFECT father, I would get a Nelson. He adores Gavin and Gavin adores him! Nels can be exhausted from a long day of work, but always takes the time to play with Gavin every evening. As soon as Nels steps in the door from work, he goes down to his knees, opens his arms, and waits for his baby boy to coming running to him with a hug. This is routine, happens everyday...and brings so much joy, pleasure, and contentment to my heart. Nels is PRESENT for everything. Doctor's visits, trips to the beach, trips to the pool, dinnertime, bathtime, bedtime. And even more important, he's Present with his whole heart...Gavin and I are beyond blessed to have him as a father and a husband.





And on to my daddy. I know I can count on him for anything. Even now, 12 hours away, he makes me feel safe...I trust him with my whole heart and I love him with my whole heart. He CAN do anything and WOULD do anything for his family. God blessed me with the perfect daddy, I will always be his little girl, and he will always be my hero.

15 months...

So...I'm very behind on my blogging! I once was such an avid blogger and now if I post bi-weekly I'm doing well.

Gavin turned 15 months June 4th, yes, 15 months. 2 is just around the corner it seems. I find it very difficult to get good photos of Gavin lately, because the only time the child is sitting or still is during sleep--and you can only get so many unique sleeping photos!

Gavin David at 15 months:

1) Gavin absolutely adores sports! He's definitely all BOY! He has perfected T-ball, he knows how to put the baseball on the T, swing the bat, and knock the ball far! He also enjoys golf :-)...he swings the golf club at any size ball, and sometimes even at me, hah! He has recently taken up basketball...he has a small goal, but because he's still a little small, he tries to put the ball through the hoop from the bottom (unless he has help).







2) He's also half fish ;-). He loves to play in the pool, go under water, and even attempts to swim (while he's in our arms of course!). He can even float on his back when wearing water-wings...I was impressed, as always...And I'm beginning to believe that he would play in the bathtub for hours without end, if only I would allow him to do so. He tends to throw tantrums here and there when it's time to get out of the tub, which makes for a soaked mama!

3) What a picky eater I have on my hands!! He literally lives off of milk, toast, chicken nuggets, fruit, cheese, yogurt, goldfish, mac and cheese, and pizza. Notice I left out vegetables, beef, all other pastas, etc. And lately, I'm lucky to get him to eat a meal at all...what can I say, he's a busy little guy...and sometimes HE thinks he has better things to do that sit down and eat!

4) Bedtime is 8:30 and he's early to rise, no later that 7am everyday. But what a precious wake up call for me! Nap lengths vary, anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours, once a day.

5) If he wants to know what something is, he'll look at it or point to it and say "dat?". He loves learning new things and sometimes you can sit back and see the wheels in his head turning.

6) He claps A LOT. Funny story: During a nap a few days ago, I was lying next to him for a few minutes watching him sleep, and suddenly, with his eyes still closed, he raised his little arms in the air and clapped a few times!! Who knows what the little guy was dreaming about!

7)He loves books. And for the most part will sit through an entire story. I hope he is always a book lover.

8) Gav is obsessed with balls. All sizes, all types. Really, anything round is a ball to him. I can't take him to the fruit and veggie section in the grocery story without loud screams of "ball" and "bae-ball" in reference to apples, peaches, onions, etc. I guess in his eyes the grocery store is such a tease. He sees all these colorful, glorious "balls" everywhere, but can't touch, can't throw, CAN'T.

9)He wears a size 4 diaper and is in 18 months clothing. We've retired all of the 12 months clothing, it's packed up, in storage, and just itching to be put to use again someday :O).

10)Although Gavin can't communicate as well as he'd sometimes like too, he does an amazing job at getting his point across. If he doesn't want something he shakes his head "no". If he doesn't want you to bother him he says "OP!" (stop). When he wants milk, he runs to the refrigerator and tries to open it. He points. And he can spit out some long sentences full of jumbled sounds...not sure what he's saying just yet, but I have a feeling I'll understand him very soon. He also says many words.

11)15 month check-up stats: Weight- 25.4lbs placing him in the 65th percentile
Height- 31inches placing him in the 50th percentile
Head Circ. - 18 1/2 placing him in the 50th percentile

12) Gavin received his MMR vaccination yesterday. He was suppose to get this at 12 months, but I just wasn't ready yet. I went in to the visit with intentions of postponing this shot yet again, but after speaking with his pediatrician in depth about it, Nelson and I both decided to give them the go ahead.

Gav and Nelson's first trip to Turkey Foot, KY

SeA WoRLd

So the title tells it all...Gavin visited Sea World for the first time yesterday...and yes, he LOVED it! I didn't realize that a 14 month old would recognize these giant creatures of the sea and show excitement, but he did just that. He pointed, squealed, jumped up, leaned forward for a better view, the whole deal. Was it hard on mommy? Yep. It was very hot and there were many places that strollers weren't allowed, so there was me, carrying a 25lb. baby and a 50lb. diaper bag. Sweat. Sweat. Sweat. And throw in a little more sweat. But the smile on his face was more than worth any issues I had with the heat. The trip to Sea World was a belated birthday gift/thank you for babysitting Gavin's cousin Melanie.



This week I had the pleasure of babysitting a 3 year old along with my 14 month old, which was a great experience for me since I'm more than ready to have baby number 2. It definitely is more work, more cleaning, more preparing, but nothing I couldn't handle. And at the end of the week, I still want baby number 2, just as bad as ever.


Miriam, Melanie, myself, and Gavin had a full load this week. We've been shopping too! And let me tell you, be expecting some adorable photo's of Mr. G in the very near future, because I purchased some of the most adorable outfits!!!

But with that said, not much change in this household. Gavin is just 6 days shy of being 15 months old. Crazy. Crazy. Crazy. My baby will be 2 years old in the blink of an eye. Then 3, 4, 15, 17, 18 AHHH!!! Don't even go there Lindsay :o).

We have a busy couple of weeks ahead...a wedding in Naples this upcoming weekend, then ANOTHER wedding in KENTUCKY (WHOOP! WHOOP!) the following weekend. I definitely need some KY air in my lungs, some KY scent in my nose, and some KY view in my eyes, haha! I'll try to blog again soon....

Mommy's Day 2010

I am so very blessed, not only celebrate having such an amazing mom of my own, but to be a mother myself. I never really knew joy, love, contentment, until I became a mommy. I'm certain that I was destined to be a mom and there are days that I love it sooo very much that I think I could have 20 kids and still want more! And that's all thanks to my precious baby boy who has made this first time experience of motherhood wonderful for me. And it's the subtle moments when he leans in and presses his lips to mine that just melt me heart in to a million different pieces. This doesn't happen every day, but I think that's what makes it feel so special and heartfelt from him. Last night, for example, I had just finished reading him a book when he turned around, stood up, and leaned his tiny little mouth in to mine, and pressed ever so softly. These sweet little kisses only last a split second before he hops down out of my lap and moves on to something else, but these moments are almost magical for me. It's Gavin's way of showing me he loves me and I know that he has learned this display of affection from his daddy and myself, because we are forever kissing him! It tells me just how much he does notice, even though he can't voice it just yet.


My amazing husband along with my sweet little boy gave me my Mother's Day card a little early. The words in the card were beautiful and the FULL BODY MASSAGE gift card inside was icing on the cake. Does my husband know my needs or what?

I also received a beautiful card from my parents, along with some special "mommy" spending money. I must say though, I'm struggling with not spending it all on Gavin...boy have I changed over the year!

Today will be a day at the pool. Relaxing. Making memories. Taking pictures. Soaking up the beautiful warm sun. Splashing. And some more kissing. :-)

Happy Mommy's Day to all of you beautiful mama's out there and to all of you "expecting" mama's!!! Motherhood is an ABSOLUTE Blessing, nothing can compare to it.

I love you very much mommy...I could never say it enough, THANK YOU for all that you do for me and my family, thank you for being there for me no matter what, thank you for always following behind me with your purse on our shopping trips (LOL), thank you for working hard to always provide for me, and most importantly, thank you for my life. You are the BEST and everything I aim to be. (And Gavin sends you many many hugs and kisses).

Golfin' and the Park

Mommy told me this morning that I've not been blogging as much and other's have brought it to her attention...lol. So, I'm taking the time to blog VERY QUICKLY this morning before we head off to church.

The pictures of Gavino golfing were taken at his cousin, Nicolas' birthday party in Naples a few weeks ago. He didn't actually do any golfing, but I had to get pics of him, because he def. had the golfer look that day!



A few days ago we took Gav to the park that's nearby, in Mt. Dora. A very quaint, cute little town. The park is placed perfectly near Lake Dora, which makes for a beautiful view while the kiddo's enjoy all the park has to offer. Gav just so happened to love the big purple and yellow dinosaurs. He really wasn't too sure about leaving them once he discovered them. We gave the swings a "go" but I think at this particular age (13 months) he prefers to be down on the ground exploring!







We're counting down the days until our next KY visit and still praying for relocation closer to the family. I hope that all of you that read this blog say a little prayer for us as well :o).

The weather here is beginning to heat up...almost 90 on the warmer days! We definitely have a beach baby on our hands. He doesn't even have the smallest amount of fear when it comes to the ocean. He heads straight for it, sits in the water, plays in the water, even tries to drink the water! He also loves playing in the sand, picking it up with both hands and throwing it as far as he can! Nelson and I both agree that Gavin has a "good arm"! At such an early age, he can throw so well, which is also something he loves to do...and he can now say "ball". Very sweet. Gavin's vocabulary now consists of ball, balloon (can't say it perfectly, but he sure does try), tree, hi, baby, mama, dada, he meows, moos, and tries to bark! It's amazing to see him learn something new everyday, I'm very blessed to be able to stay at home with him. I get to witness it all!

Easter Photos...

Here is my sweet little cheeser and the Easter pics I mentioned in my previous post. I am very pleased with how these turned out! I look at these pictures and am quickly reminded of how my once teeny tiny baby, has became a little boy, in what seems like OVERNIGHT...








**A BIG Thank You to my cousin Kelly who took these pictures and got them to me so quickly! I am in love with them, you really captured my little guys personality!

***And A Happy 2nd Anniversary to my husband! 2 years ago today I was taking care of last minute wedding preparations and filled with butterflies and excitement to walk down the isle to meet and marry my very best friend. I've said it a million times, but I am beyond blessed and am so thankful that 2 years later I am even more in love than I thought possible the day I said "I Do". Love you honey...to the moon and back, more than all the stars in the sky!

Beach and KY...nice combo, right?

(These were taken today...Gavin's first bike ride with his daddy)

Wow! I must stay more busy these days...or I've found myself less interested in blogging...not sure. But sometimes it seems like a hassle to blog, it's not the blogging really, it's uploading the pictures. BUT...to me, pictures are the best part. Anyway. We went to Naples a couple weekends ago and enjoyed a day at the beach with cousins. It was a beautiful day and Gavin loves being outdoors. He's still a little small to really play with cousins, but towards the end of our beach day, he and Nadia had a wonderful time standing together in one of the beach chairs. They were really cheesing it up! These two are 4 months apart.



We also made a surprise visit to KY for Easter Weekend! It was a quick trip, but well worth the 14 hour drive going and 12 hour drive coming back. I am so blessed. Gavin seriously DID NOT CRY the entire time we were traveling!!! He is such a good baby...this may sound strange but sometimes I feel like he DESERVES to act up a little, hah! I mean if you think about it, it's not really fair that he has to sit in his carseat for 14 hours. But he's an angel...and I really do love him so much my heart aches sometimes. I can't even begin to imagine how as a mother, Mary felt. And I gave that a lot of thought this Easter. I always struggled with imagining what pain, heartache, and suffering even SHE went through...but when you actually become a mom, it's hard to even fathom such things. I can't imagine, don't want to imagine, but am so thankful each and every day for my Savior and His sacrifices.

Good Friday, was just that, Good. Gavin, Nelson, my parents, and myself enjoyed a long walk and a day outdoors. The weather was perfect and so was the company. That night, I got to surprise my dearest friends by showing up at a dinner/gathering they had already planned. They had no idea I was going to be there and their faces where priceless. I felt very loved...and to all of you reading this...the feeling is mutual ;oP. I have decided, it would be impossible to ever replace these girls. I'm sure I will make more friends throughout my life, but what I know of friendship began with these girls and it will end with them. Here we are, minus Angel (whom I love too pieces...she had already left).




And here we are on Saturday, again, enjoying the outdoors. Nelson got to do a little fishing, and I got to get a few shots of us all enjoying nature.





I didn't get any pictures of Gavin with his Easter basket...but my cousin Kelly did. I will post those as soon as they are available to me!!! I'm pretty positive she got some great ones!!!!