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!!!!

12 month stats

(love those teef!)

I'm somewhat behind on my postings...we have been jam packed with visitors and outings the last few weeks. **On a side note I am so thankful to have had a house full of family members around lately--the only downside is how darn quiet it is now.

Gavin had his 12 month check-up on March 12th.

Weight: 23lbs. 12 oz. Placing him in the 75th percentile
Length: 30 inches Placing him in the 50th percentile


He also had 2 shots at this visit. He was suppose to have the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) but I chose to postpone those shots to a later date. I prefer to wait until he is a little older. He was a trooper during his vaccinations...he didn't even cry on the first one, but the second proved to be somewhat more painful. He shed a few tears, then was fine the rest of the day.

Gavin's abuela and abuelo visited us for 4 whole days and accompanied us to his doctor's visit. Afterwards we headed to Home Goods where we literally walked around for 3 WHOLE HOURS!!! And can you believe that my sweet baby that just had shots didn't make a peep the entire time?!?!?! I am so blessed to have such an angelic little boy...I tell Nelson all the time that the next baby has a lot to live up to, hah! But, Gavin could be the most rotten little thing on the earth and he would still be my most precious angel.



Oh! I almost forgot...Gavin is officially walking, it's very rare to see him crawling anymore. He actually started walking at around 1 year and 5 days...it's the cutest thing!


(He has the most beautiful hair...and it got the best of me...good thing I don't own any bows, lol!) Yes...I got my sweet boy, now I need my baby girl ;op!

First Birthday Bash....

I never knew how tiring hosting a birthday party could be, but it was more than worth it!!! We had Gavin's party at a park in Naples & it was a success. The weather was nice, around 68 degrees, but the constant breeze made it somewhat chilly. The them of the party was Farmyard Animals, Gav's fave song is "Old Macdonald". So the theme was fitting. He had his very own cake with black spots on it and he completely destroyed it...which is the reaction we hoped for. The kids at the party had cupcakes, also farm themed (as pictured). Nana, Papa, Abuela, and Abuelo made a special trip just for his big day...and many of his cousins, aunts, and uncles attended as well. All in all, the party was even better than anticipated...I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story ;o).

Day 365...Happy Birthday to YOU!!!

Day 365 Baby Boy...welcome to the world of 1. Wow, our handsome baby has been bringing us so much joy and laughter for an entire year now. The best year of our lives...you have just trumped EvErYtHiNg, period. You are most definitely the best of both your mommy and daddy! Everytime I look at you, I see your daddy's eyes, lips, and laid back nature. And you give me high-fives with hands that look just like your mama's...and yes we do get a glimpse of my impatient temper tantrums from time to time as well ;0p ! But, what can I say...we know what we want...and...WHEN we want it!

All about you as you say goodbye to 11 months and approach 1 year:

* You aren't officially walking, but you have taken up to 10 steps a couple times!
* You can crawl almost as fast as I can run.
* You consistently try to snap your fingers (it's the cutest thing!)
* We have retired your bottles and moved on to the sippy cup! (this was a challenge)
* Your favorite foods are chicken nuggets and pasta.
* You are becoming a fan of fruit, slowly, but surely. (you enjoy peaches, banana's pineapple, and strawberries, to date.)
* You love to head bang against the couch...it's quite funny!
* We refer to you as "one sock" or "one shoe" from time to time, because you're always sporting only one of the two. Both feet are never in socks/shoes.
* You ejoy standing during most of your bathtime, especially when I rinse your hair.
* You love being outside.
* You're a people person, you never see a stranger, and smile at everyone coming and going.
* Sometimes you grab my face and press your mouth to mine to give me kisses...melts my heart everytime.
* You're a cuddler and you sleep best in your mommy's arms.
* You usually wake up every morning between 5 and 6...and your loving mother get's out of bed and takes you to the couch to hold you while you sleep.
* You greet daddy everyday after work with a big smile and hug.
* You cry when he leaves.
* You love to chat with nana and papa on the webcam (hopefully we'll throw that webcam in the garbage...someday.)
* You love music, you bop up and down to it everytime a song comes on.
* You wear anywhere from 12 to 18 months in clothes, size 4 diaper.

* You...are....the most...beautiful...little person...that I have ever and will ever lay my eyes on.
* Every night when mommy and daddy lay down for bed...we always talk about you and how much you amaze us. I don't think we ever understood just how BIG love could be, until YOU.








































Gavin, you have shined a whole new light on life, on love, on being better people. You are our greatest accomplishment, you are the image of what our love for eachother is and can do...and in my eyes, it's a miracle. And we will always be here to give you an infinite amount of love, hugs, and kisses...Happy Birthday to YOU.

I Love You a Bushel and a Peck

A Bushel and a Peck and a Kiss upon the Neck (this is one of the sweet lullabies my mommy STILL sings to me! and is one of my faves!)

Me and my sweet fam had a Valentines Day Breakfast at the country club where we live, which was the perfect way to start our day. Gavin had yummy pancakes, a bite or two of a cinnamon roll, and strawberries...mmmmm.. After breakfast we took a morning drive, it was yet another cool day in the sunshine state, so we opted to drive around rather than walk. Mind you, Gavin napped the entire time, but Nelson and I enjoyed ourselves ;-).







Here is my sweet family enjoying our very first Valentines Day with Mr. Gavin. And let it be known, it has been our very best Valentines Day yet! Both of these guys are the absolute best blessings, they are above and beyond anything I could have ever imagined for myself and I must thank God for that...he had a plan, & it was the perfect plan for me! I love my boys more than words could ever express. And as I've said a million times, my sweet Gavin, he has made my life. He is my heart. And I couldn't have asked for a better day than just what I got...a day full of love with my best friend and our beautiful baby boy.

Happy Valentines Day Gavin, mommy and daddy adore you!!! We love you to the moon and back...more than all the stars in the sky! XOXOXOXO

Sleepy Time...Well, not really...

Had to share! Here is my strong willed, strong minded little peanut who didn't want to take his morning nap. Looks like sleep got the best of him in the long run! The most disappointing part to mama...he was FINALLY eating his PEAS! AAAHHHH...the life of a mommy ;-))).

11 Months TODAY!

Can't believe my once infant is just 1 month shy of being a 1 year old Toddler! I was just telling Nelson last night that atleast once a day I look at Gavin with complete amazement that he is mine...even after 11 months I am still in awe of him. I'm so in love with this little guy and especially this new smile he has. He smiles with his entire face and the nose scrunch just makes me itch with happiness.




Gavin still isn't walking, but we know it will happen soon and in his own GOOD time. He now has 6 teeth and he really enjoys brushing them...he seriously puts the toothbrush in his mouth the correct way and brushes! He wears a size 4 diaper and can wear anywhere from 12-24 months in clothes depending on the brand. He can give a mean "high five", moo with the best of cows when asked to, he gives his daddy kisses on demand, loves to push his train around, dances to and loves all music, and is currently napping like the most precious angel.

Although Gav is home with me all day, everyday...he is a big daddy's boy. Nelson is greeted with a huge hug and kiss every morning and every afternoon when he get's home from work. It's the cutest thing, he stops whatever he is doing and crawls as quick as he can to his daddy when he walks in the door.

I tried to get some cute photos of my 11 month old, but his mobility and speed hindered me somewhat. But these completely captured his personality...check out that huge smile, nose scrunch, and those teeth!