Little Underwood, Big Harte

Quickly posting one of the best MI photos of Gavin to boost my spirits a little this morning. Daddy left yesterday for a 4-day work trip before his longer one next week, G got up at 4:30 a.m. and only kind of snuggled/slept till 6 a.m. and he has "school" today. Drop-off is just not fun for anyone involved. He knows the parking lot now so as soon as we stop he gets this super sad look on his face followed by releasing a little whimper which transitions into a full fledged cry by the time we get into the room. So, I thought this picture would cheer me up and may give you a little smile today as well!

20 months - 2 - 0 months, twenty months ... yep, Gavin crept into that club on Tuesday and is approaching that two year mark quite rapidly. In some ways I can't believe it, and in other ways it feels like he's always been here! (Two of my fav pics from MI below). Stefan and I can't stop talking about how interactive and fun Gavin is at this age. He picks up new words every day and understands what is going on around him along with following instructions. He love exploring. If he is in a new place, and especially outside, he could go for hours. He gets this amazing look on his face and I can just see him taking in the world ... again, he is my constant teacher  reminding me to LIVE IN THE PRESENT, ENJOY THE MOMENT and JUST BE. I seriously can't get enough of this kid (well, okay, I'll admit I probably could use another hour of sleep in the morning because he is still getting around 5:30 a.m. a lot of days even though he gave us a week of sleeping in later,...

While Stefan ventured to Australia for a long work trip, Gavin and I made our way up to MI. Thanks Uncle Andrew for flying with us on the way here, it was pretty smooth until Gavin decided to get sick all over me, but at least we were already in Detroit by then. The way home was a bit trying for Momma since it was just us two, but we managed. He did treat me to a nap the whole first flight which helped but the second flight and chasing him around the airport was to test my art of distraction! Darn delays didn't help either, but we got to see Daddy at the other end. We had three weeks in my hometown, and although I had to work we got in lots of visits with family and friends and Gavin had a blast riding tractors, combines and the lawn mower among other exploring. Thanks for all the help, Mom and Dad, and for watching Gavin while I worked. He keeps asking for you guys, so we are both missing you lots. These trips to Calgary and MI were so great for family time and Gavin loved the...

Big thanks to my parents for watching Gavin all weekend while I got to go to Saugutuck for 2 nights with three of my best friends from h.s.! We all left the babies at home and got a weekend away. We had stress-free meals out, drinks, games, a little beach time, shopping, wine tasting and lots of laughing while reminiscing, all without thinking of nap schedules or bedtime. It was a wonderful break yet we were all excited to get home to get slobbery kisses and hugs! This was a much different and classier trip than our senior spring break excursion in 2001- but equally memorable :) Amy, Mary, Britney and I Fenn Valley wine tasting, Brit, Mary, me and Amy Oval Beach, Douglas, MI - quite different from our beaches but eqaully beautiful!

We had a great visit with Uncle Andrew for five days in FL once we were back from Calgary. We got in some beach time, card games, grilling, food trucks and a sushi outing. I'm so grateful we timed his trip so he could fly back with Gavin and I to MI the following Sunday. Stefan was preparing for his two and a half week work trip to Australia, so Gav and I made our way to MI where I could work and Gavin could have fun with G&G H. The flights went pretty well with a squirming toddler until we got off the plane in DTW. As I waited in the terminal for Andrew to get the gate-checked stroller, Gavin decided to projectile vomit all over me ... twice. I stood there in shock for a full minute probably as people asked if I was okay and if I needed help. I was standing in the middle of an airport, holding my son in one arm, a backpack on my back and my purse in the other hand while grossiness dripped from my shirt, jeans, purse and boots. Luckily there was a very nice patron who broug...

Here are all of our photos from our trip and some fun videos for those who are interested in checking it out! https://www.dropbox.com/sh/m9ngsr2m6eyb4ud/AAAcJhw1zWaRxieAcVRYOIqra?dl=0

Gavin's 19 month milestone is sure one to remember! We arrived in Calgary last weekend to perfect weather - blue skies with no clouds in sight, mid 70 degree temps and lots of green trees in the forefront of the mountain backdrop. We made sure to take advantage and got out to the mountains to walk around and test out our new (thanks Gma for the great find!) baby backpack. Two days later the city was nailed by a nasty unseasonable winter storm - snow and all. In early Septemeber! It was heavy and wet snow that bore down on the trees and broke branch after branch. This led to power outages and a hurricane-like scene across the whole city. We only lost power for six hours thankfully and made our way to the mall to wait out the time, plus a gas fireplace kept us warm in the house. Some are still without power and the trees are still littering every sidewalk. It is sure a trip we won't soon forget! We have enjoyed lots of family time and some time with our good friends here....