"T" is for Ten Months and Two Teeth

Gavin turned 1o months old this past Saturday. We are so close to the one year mark, it's unbelievable. I have a feeling I'm not going to want to get to that August date. The time is flying by and we're having so much fun.

On his "birthday," we discovered Gavin's first tooth. In fact, our friend Brittany discovered it. Gavin and I were at coffee with Brittany. She "found" his tooth when he started chewing on her fingers. Can you believe it?! We almost missed it. It's even possible that the tooth had broken through a couple days earlier, but we're considering his birthday the day he got his first tooth.

I guess we're fortunate to not have had to suffer through the first tooth. Looking back, he may have had one tough night of sleep, but those happen every now and again so it didn't really phase me at the time. The first tooth was discovered Saturday and then Sunday night he cut his second tooth. They still really aren't quite visible, so I'll post a pic when they start to really show.

Our big guy has done a lot of growing up in the past few weeks and he seems to be enjoying it.

This is a typical Gavin face-- he's not upset, just concentrating, talking or sometimes squinting from the glare of the sun.

Vroom Vroom... Off to Grampa's

It was time for a visit to Glendora. It's always nice to be with family, but we especially wanted to be with Grampa while he was enduring another chemo cycle.

So, we left Papa (Tony) in Sequim and Gavin and I went to California all by ourselves. I wasn't really scared, even though the trip promised to be more than 10 hours from start to finish. Still, you never know with babies. Thankfully, our Gavin is predictably easy to deal with, distractable and social. This combination makes for a great traveller. Having our own row on the plane (both ways) was definitely a bonus.

Did I mention that my sister-in-law now lives 2 blocks from the airport? That certainly simplifies the process with an added bonus of Auntie Tonia (and family) quality time.

Honorary Auntie Tiffany picked us up from the airport and we met another Honorary Auntie, Jenn, and her daughter Ryann for dinner. It is so sweet to be with friends who know you from the good ol' days.

And isn't Ryann cute?! She'll be two in July. I don't think that'll be too old for Gavin in 20 years. You never know.


Gavin was happy to make friends with Auntie Tiffany (and Jenn) even though to him they are pretty much strangers. In fact, at this point, most people are strangers but that doesn't phase him. It's fun to know that we're getting closer and closer to Gavin remembering people.
Gavin made it the whole day in his special outfit, courtesy of Auntie Colleen, and was able to show it to Grampa. He's sporting a new "do." Doesn't he have a nicely shaped head?!


We did bring a hat for him (the black one) in case he wanted to show off his keen fashion sense. Gavin was happy to provide lots of entertainment to help distract Grampa. Grampa is quite the strong one. Progress tests and results will be coming soon. We'd love your prayers for healing and strength!
Gavin loved his auntie Colleen and made it very obvious how much he ADORED his cousin Oliver (almost 5 1/2). In fact, it was mutual admiration.

Gavin had is first baths in the big tub and had fun playing with Oliver. I will say it's a bit interesting trying to bath an early crawler/want to be standing all the time baby. I'm glad that Tony is usually in charge of the baths.

Gramme and Gavin shared some great play time. Especially with the percussion instruments. Gavin is quite the musical guy. Maybe there will be some instruments in his future...

Mom arranged for the whole family to get together-- Warren, Nichole, Sicily, Rocco (pictured), Tyler and Fatima, Colleen and Oliver (we missed Philip), Claire and Gavin (sans Tony) and Gramme and Grampa. Boy is the energy different for family gatherings these days. We snapped a few photos but couldn't even get the four cousins together. Oh well.

Rocco is the same age as Gavin. He's definitely on the top of the growth chart. Gavin is going to have to depend on Rocco to defend him on the playground-- Rocco is bigger in all aspects except the belly.

We were so glad to spend time with Honorary Auntie Jenny and her son Henry. Henry is a month older than Gavin and on the move. What a cutie. Once again, no great posed pictures, but we sure did have fun together.

It will be fun to have more play dates as the boys get older.

Uncle Warren and Gavin. He's a great Uncle (and Dad)!

Gavin enjoying grass time while Oliver and I play catch. The colored doors in the background are the classrooms at Windham School. (School is closed and the property is for sale, so it was good to get a token picture at the school.)

We had a great trip. It was so special to be with Grampa, Gramme, Colleen, Oliver and our other family and friends.

While we were in Glendora Gavin continued to work on his crawling and even began to clap. What fun! I love the outward expressions of his inward joy. We're blessed to have such a contented baby.

One more story on the subject of strangers... On the plane on the way home, a nice gentleman flight attendant stopped to talk to us. He had just approached and greeted Gavin when Gavin raised both of his arms as if to say "Please pick me up." I think you call that social. With all of the "strangers" from the past week, Gavin was used to being passed around among friendly people and somehow he could tell the flight attendant was nice and maybe somehow senses that he was a grandpa.

So now that we're home it's unpacking, laundry, and packing again. We're off to Texas later this week to be with Tony's parents for a family vacation. We just might melt in the heat but we're willing to suffer in exchange for relaxation and maybe even some nights out while mimi and bapa play with Gavin.

Gavin TV

This is our favorite reality show, by far. It may be overkill, but there were so many fun videos to share of recent episodes in "The Life and Times of Gavin Amadeus," I just couldn't resist posting these. (the most current is at the end)

Episode One: The Two Step
Gavin used this technique for quite a while-- Right, Left, Pivot and Sit. He was able to get around as much as he needed to in order to get to different nearby toys (and was obviously very proud of himself).

Episode Two: "This is How I Will Climb the White Pole"

"And for my next trick..." Gavin is quite the conversationalist. It's so fun to watch and imagine what is going on in his head, especially as his voice raises and lowers and the excitement grows. You can imagine your own story if you wish.

Here is the photo to prove he did it-- he pulled himself up. (Loading the video would take too long.)

Episode Three: Connecting the Dots

As of Saturday, Gavin has figured out how to wave. I can't even explain to you what joy and satisfaction there is in my heart to watch the progression-- from study, to interest, to minor movements, to the wave. I can watch the wheels spin as he thinks "I'm supposed to raise my hand when he raises his hand. I can do it. Here... I... go..." It is pure joy to witness the accomplishment and the grin of satisfaction as he knows he got it right.

Episode Four: Arms and Legs Together

We weren't sure if Gavin was motivated to crawl. Here is the evidence that he is. He's finally got his arms and legs working together and now he's much more interested in refining his skills. He's found a new burst of energy-- seems like he's much more wiggly and hyper than he ever was before.