Little Underwood, Big Harte

Big success - We all made it through the recent sleep draught (my new word for it)! The day after I last posted, he slept through the night and did so for about 6 or 7 nights straight (insert big smiles from Mommy here)! To clarify this means he slept from around 7:30/45 to either 5:30/6 and we could normally get him back to sleep until about 6:15/30. MUCH IMPROVED from the last three and a half weeks before that where he was getting up multiple times a night. We really believe he was just going through something like the sleep regression quotes I shared last post. I've been nervous to post about him sleeping well and as soon as the thought entered my mind he had a rough night (my last night without Stefan). Luckily last night he made it through again. He's been a bit fussy and clingy and we were attributing that to a big adjustment ... I officially stopped nursing! Last Friday before bed ended up being his last feeding and then Saturday we just made the decision and skipped ...

The monthly stickers don't go past 12 months, but I couldn't let March 12 go by and not acknowledge that Gavin is now 13 months. Each day is no longer his first time being around, but that doesn't mean we aren't seeing a lot of new things still. (No, he isn't eating the bar below just playing with it!). His development is constant! He loves imitating us so he can do lots of fun things now and even try to put a word to it (da, ma, ba, sh and variations of those sounds). The answer to the big question we get lately ... no, he is not walking yet. He can motor around crawling and pulls up and surfs along furniture, and as of this week stands on his own for extended periods of time. He is completely mobile - just not on two feet yet! Many of you know we have not been actively encouraging walking so we are just fine with him taking his time. Early I posted about our baby sleeping woes. We thought the sleep trouble was from molars coming in, but we haven't actually s...

We aren't sure if the little man is getting some molars in or what, but he hasn't been sleeping well. After sleeping for 9 or so hours straight for a week, he started getting up 3, 4, 5 even 6 times (of course right after our helpers G&G left!). I thought by now we'd be getting some consistent sleep! Needless to say we are pretty tired, but we made the most of the sunny, spring weekend together! Loves emptying out his bottom drawer and well climbing into it. He's pretty proud of himself as you can see. This was a couple hours after a major meltdown on the new part-time sitter and I left work an hour early because he was inconsolable. Little stinker! Going to see the Gulf on a sunny spring day. Not impressed with my kisses I guess.  Family fun. He's still quite leery of the waves. A visit to the Budgies at the zoo. He wasn't too sure but didn't freak out even when one landed on my shoulder and pecked his finger.  His fac...

We enjoyed our latest visitors with a trip to the zoo, some meals out, lots of time at the house and lots of smiles and laughs. Thanks for coming to hang with us Grandma and Grandma H! Uncle Matty, thanks again for our surprise! Stefan got back late last week. We got to spend Saturday together celebrating our anniversary while G&G had some quality time with Gavin. We had lunch, a movie, couples massages and a dinner out, wow! Thanks for babysitting! Unfortunately we sent them home with a cold, one that I had earlier in the week, Stefan had before me and Gavin just had a little bit. I hope the drive isn't too terrible guys, sorry. Be safe, we love you! A few of my favs from the trip ... The big reveal ... Matt walks into the house and I screamed so Gavin started crying ... haha Testing out his new bike and ringing the bell. A short visit to the beach to ... eat some seashells apparently. Check out pics from their visit! Added a few to Gavin's bday al...

We had such a fun time celebrating Gavin's 1st Birthday! Just the three of us with G&G H and Uncle Matty ... we enjoyed caesar salad (with a yummy dressing from our Vitamix, shameless plug on how much we love it!), had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner (Gav loves meatballs) and of course cake and presents. We had lots of phone/Facetime/Skype calls and wishes throughout the day from family and friends all over. Thanks to everyone for the wishes, congrats and presents! He is one loved little man! Here is the link to his birthday album along with a few videos at the end. Uncle Matty made it home safe and sound yesterday even after his initial flight was cancelled. Thanks again for the awesome surprise! Gavin's appointment went well yesterday, too. The finger prick test came back clear for anemia, he grew 1 1/2 inches and gained 1.5 lb since early December. That puts him at 30.5 inches and 19.95 lb (still yet to break the 20 lb barrier!). He has a little more than ...

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, GAVIN! PSA: I did post this a day early so everyone would see it on his b-day, sorry if I confused you! This day is more emotional for me than my 30th birthday. In looking at back at the indescribable amount of love that took over our hearts at 7:40 a.m. this morning last year, I can't help but smile thinking of the first moments of his life. I had that little soul snuggled up to my chest, skin on skin, for over a half hour before he ever left my arms. Then Daddy had his turn. That bond has just grown and grown. We are blessed with a healthy, thriving and charming personality that we get to nurture and raise. Gavin, I hope one day you can understand the love we have for you by having children of your own. Until then, let's enjoy the journey. Love you so very much, Mom At a year old, here is what Gavin is up to ... His new favorite thing is to blow raspberries, a lot of times on mommy's tummy but anyone's arm, shoulder or leg will do....

Uncle Matty hid in G&G H's car on their trip down and surprised us with a visit for Gavin's birthday. I said, "What is happening?" pretty loud when he walked into the house the evening they arrived, and it scared Gavin since it was close to his bedtime and he was tired. He started crying while I started laughing and hugging on Matt. Thanks, brother, for a wonderful surprise! We've had a great visit so far visiting a few of their favorite restaurants, watching the Olympics, playing a few games and mostly just hanging out with Gavin. We are back to work while they watch G-man during the day. Tomorrow we are looking forward to a birthday evening celebration with our small group at home. We can't wait to celebrate! Here are some pics from their visit so far! I know you! For Mom & Dad's 60th birthdays this year we planned a trip for them (no, we couldn't afford to actually pay for it though). The location was a surprise to Mom. The firs...