Oh Well...

At least they match. It'll grow back, right???

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

I'm blaming this one on pregnancy hormones. I don't know what I was thinking!

Our Pumpkin

Gavin wasn't really sure what to do amongst all these pumpkins. He just sat and stared for a few minutes. He's such a joy!

For Example...

See previous post...I have several more pictures along these lines. Oh well, I guess he just likes me more : )

Gavin, Daddy, and the Gourd

We tried to get a picture with daddy on the wagon ride, but Gavin wouldn't have it, so this was the best we could do.

Crazy Pumpkin Man

Next year, I'm thinking there's not a small chance that he'll sit there for a picture like this, so we took the opportunity this year. Poor Gavin...

Wagon Ride

Recently, we took Gavin to a local pumpkin patch. It was a really nice day. We all had a great time.

Gavin the Puppy

It's fun when your kids are still young enough to force them into these types of pictures! He can hate us later for it.

Nothing Special

Well, there's really nothing too special about this picture--other than Gavin is the star, of course. We finally bit the bullet and got high speed internet today, though, and I wanted to see how much faster I could post these--it used to take about 10 minutes per picture. Hopefully, this will help me post more regularly.

Maestro

Gavin just loves to play, or bang, on the piano at my mom and dad's house. One of these days we should get a piano for him to bang on at our house...or maybe not.

Odd Kid

I think that Gavin might just be the only toddler who likes having his coat and hat put on him. He also loves to wear shoes. He's one odd kid, but we don't mind!

Off to School

Not really! He was really into wearing this little back pack around the house, though. I was surprised he could keep his balance with it on. Sometimes he seems like such a big boy, other times he still seems like my little baby.

Another Bridge

Here Gavin is playing on a different bridge with his daddy. Chris has an easier time getting down on Gavin's level to play with him than I do right now.

Smile

He was playing "stay away from mommy" in this picture. I'd try to cross the bridge and he'd race the other way. He thought it was really funny.

Action Shot

I don't know if you can tell that he's actually walking in this picture, but I did my best to catch him in action.

Children's Museum

I took Gavin to a Children's Museum recently. He had a really good time walking around and exploring the toddler section. I enjoyed the fact that he kept busy and didn't make a mess in my house that I'd have to clean up later.

He's Walking!

Well, he's been walking for about a week now. The other day, he came walking around the corner with the basket from the dishwasher. He thought it was the greatest thing. It still amazes me when he comes walking in.

Sam

Recently, I visited the family that I nannied for in the Twin Cities while I was in college. Sam was only 5 when I started watching him--he just turned 12! I didn't get any great pictures of Sam and Gavin together, as Gavin just would not cooperate. Sam just loved playing with Gavin, though, and Gavin certainly loved the attention.

Banana Face

Gavin just loves bananas. As you can see, he loves to just stuff them into his mouth. I should probably start cutting them into smaller pieces one of these days.

Grandpa Rick

We finally got a picture of Gavin with Chris' dad at the baby shower.

Two Pregnant Girls

Recently, we went to the Cities for Kelly's (Chris' sister) baby shower. She's due just a couple of days after my c-section date.

Uncle Dean

We stopped in to see my aunt and uncle not too long ago. Gavin and Uncle Dean shared a little moment of cuddling while we were there.

We tried...

We really wanted to get a nice, loving picture of Gavin and Daxton together. I don't know if you can tell or not, but his facial expressions and body language totally gave away the fact that Gavin did not want Daxton touching him. I hope that this isn't a foreshadowing of what I'm in for with Reily's arrival.

All 4

Here's one of the four of us, Daxton, McKenya, me and Gavin.

Daxton

Recently, I got to see my friend, McKenya, and meet her new baby, Daxton. He was as cute as can be and I really enjoyed spending the day with the two of them.

Our Family

The family photo seemed a little empty without the boys, so we added Sofie back in. Soon, we'll add Reily, as well. It looks like he'll be joining us on November 9--if all goes according to the plan. In my life, how often does that happen though?

Blueberry Pancakes

Chris made blueberry pancakes for all of us one Saturday morning. Gavin enjoyed 2 of them!

About the boys...

Well, we have some very sad news to report. Roth and Dera won't be with us much longer. We had to have the boys evaluated earlier this year and those evaluations determined that the two of them really shouldn't be placed together. It was also determined that Roth and Dera should not be in homes with younger children. They have really just suffered too much abuse and it's been too tough for them to overcome, thus far. We will still be involved in their lives, but obviously, we won't be adopting them. I can't really say much more because of strict confidentiality rules, but know that none of us are happy about this. It was very tough to come to this decision, but it is best for all of us.
Thank you all for loving them as though they were mine. I will always love them and they will always be special to me. Please pray that God would fulfill His plan for their lives and heal them from their past.

First day of school

September 6th was the first day of school...yea for me!

Spoiled

Chris and I bought a jet ski for the cabin--it's a used one. We finally found the deal we've been looking for, just in time to store it for the rest of the year. We all made sure we took a couple of turns on it, first, though. The big boys really enjoyed it.

New Puppy!!!

Gavin apparently thinks that he is our new puppy. He has taken over Sofie's bed. Fortunately, we had just washed everything. The funniest part is that now Sofie won't go near it. She sniffs it every night and then chooses to sleep under our bed instead. Oh well, at least someone is enjoying the dog bed.

Cute picture

My dad, Dera, and Gavin were watching the ducks. It was just a cute "picture" to see them all sitting there.

Tired baby

The State Fair really tired Gavin out. Fortunately, he had this cute froggy to cuddle with--his uncle Scott gave it to him.

Who knew?

Sheep

Gavin got to pet a few sheep while we were at the State Fair. He wasn't quite sure what to think of them.

Lemons

Chris and I took Gavin to the State Fair in Minnesota this year. We had some tasty fresh squeezed lemonade. Gavin made good use of the 1/2 a lemon they put in each cup.

Our Anniversary

The 25th was our anniversary--5 years. Chris and I spent the weekend in Bayfield with NO children. It was heavenly! As much as I hate photos of myself at this point, I thought I'd post this one of Chris and I in Bayfield just for your viewing pleasure...

Me, too

Of course, whatever the big boys get, Gavin gets, too. This time we let daddy feed him.

Mmmmm...

Here's one from the 2nd celebration. Dera and I shared an absolutely delicious dessert that could have fed a large family.

Gifts twice, too

Of course, Dera received gifts both times we celebrated. He was one lucky little boy!

Sharing cake

Dera even got to feed a few bites to Gavin. I'm not sure which of them enjoyed that more.

Dera's Birthday

We celebrated Dera's birthday twice. Once at my parents house and once on his actual birthday. He definitely enjoyed having cake and presents more than once!

Water Baby

Eventually, Gavin and I went for a little "swim". He didn't mind, since he was so close to me the whole time.

Beach Bum

The water was a bit chilly without the sun, so we just hung out on the beach for a little while. Gavin wasn't quite sure about those waves.

Sleepy Boy

This weekend we went out on the St. Croix with Chris' sisters, Kelly and Katie, and Kelly's boyfriend, Shane. It was a nice day, but Gavin missed nap time, so he decided to just take his nap on the boat next to his daddy. It was too cute not to take a picture!

Baker?

Apparently, Gavin would like to be a baker as well. At least we know that he can figure out where to put the dishes once they're dirty.

Spatula Man

Gavin just loves those dirty dishes. Maybe he'll be the family dish washer once he gets a bit older. I'm certain that Chris won't mind handing that chore off!

Bees

Roth got stung by a bee or two the other day--the worst was on his lip! Of course, now, every bug bite he gets must be a bee sting. Yikes...

Almost...

Gavin's almost walking. He's gotten really good at standing on his own. He's even taken a step all by himself a couple of times. Hopefully he'll be walking in a few more days. I can't wait to see it!

Isn't He Sweet?

Roth had a bit too much time on his hands one day...a rainy day, I think. At least he decided to be sweet with his efforts.

Swimming

We had a great time with Chris' sister, Kelly, and her boyfriend, Shane, not too long ago out on the lake. Gavin loves the water!