2 weeks old

I love this picture!! When I went to take the picture he wasn't smiling and then as the flash was going off he got a grin and you can even kind of see his dimples too!!

Putting him in the glider did not work real well, he just kept trying to lean forward. I was going to take some more with him propped up in his Boppy but I never got around to it.

We took Gavin to the doctor on Monday to check his weight and we had good news,

8 lbs. 4.5 ozs.!!!

Our little man is growing big and strong!!

He fell asleep on Me last night watching TV and it was just too cute we had to take some pictures. I guess the lamp was too bright, he had to shade his eyes.

Sweet Boys

Gavin was wide awake so I wanted to get a video of him so everyone could see his beautiful little eyes. When I came back with the camera Gabe was standing on the rail of the crib peeking in at Gavin and trying to kiss him. He loves his brother so much and has to kiss him all the time!!

The Pop Pop hold never fails!!!

More visitors

Michael's mom was sick with bronchitis when Gavin was born and didn't make it over till this Saturday to see him for the first time. Nanny had come the weekend before with Aunt Robin and Josh, Papa and her came this time as well.

Gabey videos!!

Gabe loves playing on the treadmill even though when he falls it hurts really bad!! I couldn't believe how strong he was when I saw him doing this last week!!!

Gabe got this piggy bank before he was born and we have been putting money in it ever since. In the last couple months Gabe has gotten where he loves to put money in his piggy and will go through our wallets to find it!! We did empty the piggy for the first time the day Gavin was born and took him to the bank to open his own savings account.

Just some cute videos of my Gabey I wanted to share.

Gaga and Pampa Hanke

Pop Pop's parents are Gaga and Pampa to us and our children. I have not seen them since my wedding so needless to say they had never met my children. When I found out they were coming down from Kentucky in January I was nervous that they would just miss meeting Gavin as well. Thank heavens he was born when he was because they arrived less then a week later. They came over Monday before lunch to spend the day hanging out with everyone.Aaron and Angela came after lunch with the kids and Alex and Mandy came after Alex got off work. We all had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed each others company.

That is the whole group!!

That is the first time we have ever done a kids table and it actually went extremely well!!

After dinner and dessert the kids got a little wired and had a dance party!!! Both videos are of the kids dancing and it is kind of long but so hilarious to watch, I actually have 2 more videos of the dance party it just takes way too long to put them all on here. It all started because I was trying to keep Gabe to break dance for everyone, yes he break dances. He learned it on Choo-Choo Soul the conductor break dances in the "Do Your Own Dance" song and Gabe watched it enough until he started doing it!!! So Michael just kept playing songs on the computer and they kept dancing they were all wet with sweat by the time it was over.

Yesterday Pop Pop and I decided to go to Kissimme where Gaga and Pampa were staying and let them spend a little more time with my boys.

It was my first big trip out with both the boys and it took me about 2 hours to get myself and them feed, dressed and packed up to go. Hopefully we can cut that time down a little but for now it is the best I can do. Gavin and Gabe both slept all the way there and back which was perfect.

Gabe had a good time playing with them and I know they enjoyed holding Gavin. It was nice to be able to spend more time with them before they head back home!

1 week old

It just doesn't get any cuter than that!!!

The cold weather is a pain, but he sure does look cute all bundled up!!!

Just Us

This I thought was just the cutest picture of all my guys!

This is just a priceless video!! I was on the computer and was keeping my eye on them and I heard Gabe start talking and when I looked that is what he was doing. He didn't notice me videoing him for a while which I thought was great, it was all very sweet.

The boys watching football on Sunday!!

Gabe has gotten where he really likes to say "cheese" and have his picture taken. usually though he isn't still looking when the camera takes the shot. That is what the picture of me and him was and it actually turned out really cute.

Just some cute pictures of Gavin that needed to be posted. Oh yes, and apparently Gavin is going to be a pacey baby!!! So we will find out what is worse, pacey or thumb?!?

Firsts

Within about 3 hours of being home we had our first visitors at home. Uncle Andy and Aunt Angel came by with 3 of their 4 children, somehow we ended up with no pictures of them while they were here. Then Alex and Mandy came for dinner with the kids, Emma was dying to see Baby Gavin!!

She would have held nearly the whole time she was there if we would have let her I think. Ethan was much more interested in him then we all thought he would be, it was very sweet.

Here are Me and my boys our first morning at home.

We all laid in bed, snuggled and watched TV.

It isn't the best picture but it had to be posted.

That afternoon we thought it was time he got a little sponge bath, his first bath. It was pretty chilly outside so we did it on the couch where the sun was shining in.

He didn't mind it too much, I think if it wasn't so cold it would have been much better. I am not used to having a newborn in the freezing weather. With Gabe it was 90 degrees all the time, at least!!!

Here are the first pictures of him with his eyes open.

Those are the first moments I have so far!!

Our Family

Somehow I didn't get any pictures of the 4 of us together while at the hospital but this is what I did get.

Michael and I feel so lucky to have two such sweet and healthy boys!!

It is unreal to think how much our lives have changed in the last 2 1/2 years, tings have moved really fast. Something we always can agree on though is that we wouldn't change a thing, we are blessed to have everything we have.

Here are also just some really cute pictures of Gavin while we were still in the hospital.

Visitors

We had lots of visitors while in the hospital, which was nice!!

I wasn't real good about taking pictures while people were there so if you don't see your visit captured here, sorry!! Gabe was at the hospital a lot, Michael and I thought that the more he was there with us the easier it would be on him. He was actually very well behaved and would bring his rolly backpack that Pop Pop got him, loaded up with books and cars. He played, watched TV and held his brother.

So far Gabe has yet to show any signs of jealousy or anything about all this. He hasn't started acting out in any way either, he is just very well adjusted. Hopefully it will stay that way.

Brothers

Pop Pop brought Gabe up to the hospital first thing Tuesday morning so that he could meet his little baby brother. Gabe was actually much more interested in Gavin then I thought he would be, it was really adorable.
He was saying baby and then when I said that Gavin was his bother he was laughing and started saying brother, he was really excited. He wanted to hold him, kiss him and hug him over and over again!!
After that he had to point out Gavin eyes and nose. His favorite thing is all the outfits Gavin has because they have cars and trucks or animals on them, he thinks they are really cool.

He hung out at the hospital with us for a while and when he would hear Gavin cry he would run over yelling "brother" to check on him.

Gavin's Arrival

It started last Monday morning at about 10 am. Michael and I had taken Gabe to the bank to open him a savings account and I started having mild contractions, I just assumed they were more Braxton Hicks contractions. By the time we got done at the bank I was sweating and they were a little stronger. We had more errands to run so I figured we should just go do what we had to do and they would go away soon. We headed to the Post office and Michael went in while Gabe and I waited in the car. By the time Michael got back they had gotten even worse and were coming nearly every other minute and I told him we needed to go home. We got home and I wanted to wait and make sure they didn't go away so at about 11:20 Michael called Dr. Mammel's office and they wanted me to come in and let him check me. Thank goodness Pop Pop was home so Gabe stayed with him and we headed out. Got to his office and he checked me, I was dilated to 3 almost 4 and he sent us to the hospital. We got to Triage after waiting for almost 20 minutes in the waiting room, just in time though. I got the last bed and while I was there 3 other girls showed up and just had to sit in the waiting room for a long time. Dr. Langley was the on-call doctor and he came in after about 45 minutes. He checked and said I was now dilated to 4 and said that he was going to keep me and we were having the baby. I got taken to my labor and delivery room and Michael made all the necessary phone calls.

It took 5 tries and the nurses finally got my IV in and after that I was not very happy. They wanted to give me my epidural first before Dr. Langley came in to break my water because of how fast my labor was before. It was about 3 or 4 before the doctor came in and gave me my epidural and that just stopped my labor. After my water was broken they started me on pitocin because I wasn't progressing well. As soon as it got in my system the contractions started back up and things started going. Gigi and Pop Pop brought Gabe with them up to the hospital but I didn't think he should see me all hooked up so Michael, Pop Pop and Gabe headed to the house, while Gigi stayed with me. I knew I still had a ways to go so Michael wanted to give Gabe his tubby and put him in bed, keep things as normal as possible. Grammie got to the hospital not long after the guys left so we all talked and waited. Michael got back about 8:30 and I was just trying to rest as much as possible, I was really tired. Dr. Barrett was the doctor on-call that night and at about 10:45-11:00 he checked me and I was still only 6-7 cm. dilated. Not long after that Michael went down the cafeteria to get a snack, at about 11:30 I got the urge that I should be pushing and told the nurse. She checked me and I was complete so she called the doctor and started getting everything ready. Gigi couldn't get Michael on the phone, since there was no service in the hospital so finally Grammie figured she should go look for him. He was coming down the hall when she went out the door so Grammie and Gigi headed to the waiting room. The doctor walked in at 11:40 and I said I wanted this baby born before midnight because I didn't want his birthday on the 13th. It took 6 minutes and about 4 contractions and he was out!!! It was just like I wanted they placed him on my belly and Michael cut the cord (we didn't get the option with Gabe), it was just perfect!!!

Gigi and Grammie got to come back and hold him for a minute then they headed home. I nursed him and we just looked at him and then they got us taken to our room it was about 1:30 or so. We couldn't really rest I was starving and they were taking him for his first bath which Michael wanted to see and get pictures for me.

That was how my little sweetie arrived whether you wanted to hear the whole story or not.

Gavin's Baby Shower

Last Saturday the 10th was my baby shower for Gavin. My Mom and friends Ceci and Jennifer had it for Me and just in the nick of time! They made all my favorite treats and punch and I got tons of great stuff.

That castle is a diaper cake from my sister-in-law Angela, it was so cute I hated to take it apart. I actually did leave it together for a week and Gabe thought it was super cool too, although he really wanted the drawbridge to actually work.

A couple people even had gifts for Gabe which was good because he loves to open presents. He was a big helper for Mommy although he wasn't too excited about Gavin's stuff (clothes are not exciting)!

I have to say that leaning over to open presents is not very easy when you are 37 weeks pregnant.

We had asked for money which was to purchase a second cabinet for Gavin's room since he has no closet. We made the trip to Ikea after the shower just to get it and it was a good thing since I had him Monday then.

It was a really nice baby shower, thank you so much Mom, Ceci and Jen!! I love you guys!!!

Playin'

Gabe got tons of stuff for Christmas and I have to say by far his favorite things are his train table and trains. That is something he plays with the majority of the day everyday!!

Michael got some videos of him playing the other day that were really cute.

Like you see in the one video he likes to hide under his table and he thinks he is being very funny!! He will wear his hat only if he puts it on, not if someone else does!!

Another thing he has enjoyed is the table and chairs Santa got him. He will sit and color on his Doodle Pro that Gigi and Pop Pop got him. Anytime we color with him I will always write his name so now when he sits down and draws anything he yells "Gabey" like that is what he is writing.

Gabe and Breckin like to sit at the table and draw together and do puzzles. I think we are going to need another Doodle Pro though, they don't like sharing the pen.

Prego Update

I am now just over 35 weeks along and things are going ok. On Friday morning 5 am I woke up with a little heartburn and an upset stomach. I got a Tums and then realized I was also having pretty regular contractions. The heartburn feeling went away pretty soon but my stomach was very upset and I then started throwing up. All the while the contractions continued on at a regular pace, then it got to the point where it felt like the contraction wasn't stopping but it would get worse like actual labor contractions not just Braxton Hicks. Finally at about 6 am Michael wasn't sure what to do for me and got my Mom. She called the on-call doctor at the hospital and they told me to come in right away. It was all I could do to get dressed and get in the car. The car ride there was worse then when I was in labor with Gabe. They got me hooked up in Triage and about 7:30 Dr. Mammel came in (his shift started at 7, yay!!). By then the intense pain had worn off but I was still having regular contractions. He wanted to run a bunch of tests and make sure everything was ok with me and the baby. Meanwhile back at home I was worried about Gabe getting up and us not being there. Gigi heard him and like always he just went running for our room so she followed him. He went down and was looking in the bed and then in the bathroom and she told him that Daddy had to take Mommy to the doctor and we would be back later. She said he just looked at her and said, "Mommy doctor, okie dokie!" What a cutie they went and had breakfast then and did some shopping, he was fine. It makes me feel much better about when I actually go into labor.
So back to the hospital, they had to draw blood which took 3 different times being stuck with needles. I told them I had small veins and it was always difficult they just didn't listen very well.
The hooked me up to an IV and said I was dehydrated. All the blood work came back normal while I did continue with contractions sporadically at that point he said that they were being brought on from over doing it and dehydration. We were finally sent home at about 11:30.
I went home and tried to rest as much as I possibly could over the weekend, although I am not very good at that.

I then had a doctor appointment yesterday as well, my blood pressure was great and I had lost 2 lbs. Dr. Mammel told me I should be very proud of myself as good as I have done with my weight. He did the Strep B culture which I won't know the results of until next Monday at my appointment. He also told me that at my 37 or 38 week visit, if I hadn't already had the baby he would go ahead and schedule an induction for the week. He understands the level of discomfort I am in and assures me that the baby would be completely fine to go ahead and deliver. So know we are looking at 2-3 weeks tops till Gavin joins us. I feel mostly prepared but still have some tings that have to get done before I bring him home. Dr. Mammel told me I need to be spending a lot of time sitting and relaxing to help ease all the Braxton Hicks contractions I am having everyday. I will add a picture of the belly to this post later when Michael gets home and can take one.

There it is!!!

Christmas Night

By the time everyone left Gabe was pooped and we turned on a movie for him to watch and relax.

On Christmas night we get together with some friends and Gabe was ready for more presents when we got there. We ate Chalupa, Southwest eggrolls and nacho cheese dip. For dessert we had non-fried fried ice cream.

He got a really cool blow-up t-ball stand w/ ball and bat. The Lambert boys were quick to blow it all up for him and play!

He also got a robot which he calls bebot. It is on 3 wheels and can go anywhere, he thinks it is hilarious!!

Daddy got some baseball cards from Nathan and Jennifer along with a family photo that Nathan will do for us. They gave Mommy some cookbooks and SL coasters. Ceci and Kim gave Daddy some collectible baseball stamps and money an Old Navy gift card, book and some new ornaments(she knew we lost a bunch when the tree fell).

Then Rob and Suzi gave us a gift card to Cobb theater and Mommy some super comfy socks and Bath and Body Works stuff.

By the end of the night Gabe was done and hid under the table with his blankie to rest!!

What a great Christmas!!!

Christmas Afternoon

This year we were short a few people on Christmas, Mandy, Emma and Ethan were too sick to leave the house but Alex did show up and surprise Gigi.

At about 1 All the Bates family arrived and then Aaron, Angela and the kids. We ate lunch some of us way more then others and some more then they should have.

This Christmas we had a very new addition to the group, baby Ellie! Gabe decided that he needed to sit with Daddy too when he saw Ellie with Daddy!After lunch we opened presents which was pretty much mayhem!! I hardly got any pictures because at this point in the day I was exhausted and had been having contractions on and off all day.

Gabe got a really cool Thomas the Train shirt from Charles and Bella and some wooden building blocks from Uncle Andy and Aunt Angel. Gigi and Pop Pop got Gabe an Elmo Live, some more wooden train track stuff, a Doodle Pro, a sweater and corduroy pants and a couple Brio trains.

Mommy and Daddy got a gift card so we can go out to dinner and free babysitting from Gigi and Pop Pop.

Christmas Morning

Gabe woke up like normal and coming running down to our room like every other morning. Michael went and got the lights turned on in Gavin's room and the doors open while I fixed Gabe a chocolate milk (I should have made him wait for the drink because he wouldn't put it down)!

Gabe was very good at opening presents this year it was so fun to watch him. Gabe got his table and chairs along with some alphabet cards from Santa. When he was going through his stocking he would lean over and peek in before he would pull something out. I made him a couple pair of pj's and those were just thrown over his shoulder while he moved on to the next package. Michael and I got him a big under the bed storage box for all his mega blocks and when I told him that is what it was for he turned around and started throwing all the blocks from his stocking in 1 by 1.


I am sorry these posts are getting really long with lots of videos but it is too hard to decide what not to put up because they are all so cute!

We have been looking for a guitar for Gabe for about 8 months now and actually found this one at Big Lots about a month ago. His cousin Emma has a guitar that had strings and everything like that and Gabe always plays with it when we are over there. All the kid guitar we had found just had buttons not strings, so when we found this one we knew we had to get it.

So from Mommy and Daddy Gabe got 3 new books, a guitar, blocks, cars, Diego coloring book, a block box and seat covers for his new chairs. Gabe wanted to share some of Daddy's candy from his stocking. I would say he really enjoyed it!! While Gigi got breakfast started Gabe had to go play with Pop Pop in his bed and watch a little TV. Then Pop Pop went and made his famous Pop Pop toast toast!!


I know this is not the best picture of myself but it was the only one of Gabe and I on Christmas morning so I had to put it.

After having our breakfast we had to make a special trip to Ceci and Kim's house for a present they just couldn't wait to give Gabe!

They got Gabe a super cool car to ride in. He was a little overwhelmed at this point so I didn't get a lot of pictures and none with Ceci and Kim. It came with tools so Gabe had to do a little work on the engine before he could take it for a spin.

So we had a very busy morning and Gabe was in need of a nap before all the family came over for lunch!!