Okay, Okay

Yes, I know it's been a while since either of us posted here. To be fair, Lena's been updating a lot of stuff via Facebook, so it doesn't always make its way over here. I'll see about getting some of it transferred here for those of you not into the whole Facebook scene. And for those who qualify via the last statement, I have one question: Why not? I kid, I kid...sort of, anyway. But I'll work on getting more stuff over here later.

As a small recap, we've just been super busy. Lena has been in the midst of some changes at work, and that has taken up a lot of her spare time. Me? Well, I've started a side freelance editing gig that's taking up a decent amount of time. Which is actually awesome.

By no means do I think you're here about us, though. So, the kids. Chloe is not wanting to potty train. It's a difficult road, but this war will be won. It's filled with many battles, but we will be victorious overall. I mean, what the heck, she can go to kindergarten in a few years and pee on herself and get teased. Maybe that's what it will take? I hope not, but you never know. Gavin is an eating machine. Still. True story: Last night, Lena was putting together a preliminary Christmas list for each kid. She asked me what things Gavin was interested in besides cars and trains. After a moment's thought, I said, "Eating." She busted out laughing...her list read "cars, trains, eating." Awesome. We also think he has a few more teeth getting ready to erupt. That, or he's just exerting his demonic side these last two days. Let us hope it's the former.

I Wish It Wasn't So...

Okay, so it's been just over a month since the last update. I'd send out a mea culpa but it's been a very interesting time in our world.

Gavin is getting to be a big boy. A really big boy. We tried switching him to whole milk after his first birthday, but his digetstive system retaliated, so we waiting a month and tried it again. The result was the same. We're hoping that he doesn't have some lactose intolerance, and this second time around was just a stomach virus. Regardless, he's on formula for a little bit longer, just to make sure.

Chloe has started the 3-year-old's Pre-K program at day care. It's a little hit or miss for her, depending on the day. Leading up to her first day, she was all excited about being in Miss Darlene's class. When the first day actually arrived, she threw a fit about not wanting to go to school. This, too, shall pass. And it did...sometimes. She'll get used to it. Well, she'll have to get used to it.

In other "the blog takes a backseat" news, we've had car repairs and house repairs these last few weeks that have just made everything else get on pause. We're hopeful we've seen the end of this for a while. At least both cars are running and the house is powered and cooling.

I'm sure there are other things going on; things that I should say but am just not functioning well today. When we think of them, we'll post again.

Lastly, please keep my cousin, Dana, in your thoughts. She's pregnant with twin girls and is on hospital bed rest as of Friday. She's listed as day-to-day right now, but hopefully (sorry!) she'll be there for a while before delivering. At least she's being monitored all the time, so if anything changes, they'll know quickly.

Sorry for the delay, folks. Here's hoping we'll get up to speed again.

Delayed Update

Gavin turned 1 on July 2. The day came and went without any real update (other than a picture), but with good reason. His 12-month check-up came over a week later, and since I didn't have anything to update from that appointment yet, I thought I would save it all for one post.

At 12 Months:
Weight: 20-lbs (10th Percentile)
Height: 30-inches (75th Percentile)

Which means we have ourselves a lean machine on our hands. Switching from formula to whole milk proved a little hard on his system, so we're back on the formula for a little while. The doctor seems to think his digestive system is just a little bit delayed. Nothing to be worried about, at all. He'll get there.

In other news, Gavin's getting around a whole lot more (video to come). He doesn't quite have the whole walking thing down yet, but he's close. He'll take a few steps, usually 3-4, before plopping back down or lunging for something to grab. There was a string of about 7 steps yesterday before he took a seat with a very pleased look on his face.

Chloe's 3 now. What does that mean? She precocious, talkative, and smart. Really smart. The kids spent Saturday night with Nana & Gramps so Lena and I could go out. When we called to talk to her, apparently the reception was not great, and over the line you hear her say, "Nana, I can't hear Mommy. Can you turn it up, please." Or something like that, I'm paraphrasing, but it was very proper and perhaps a little grown up.

She has her grumpy moments (video of that to come, too), but all things being equal, she's a good kid. And when she snuggles, there's nothing like it in the world.

Who's A Big 1 Year Old Boy?

Would You Like To Swing?

 

Almost 1!

Gavin turned 11 months old 2 days ago. We started the morning with a trip to the doctor to determine that he has double ear infections again. Other than the beginning, he has been much less sick than Chloe was despite having an older sibling. I think those monthly shots to prevent RSV really made a difference. Even though he started daycare in January (or was it February? I already can't remember), his illness has all been in the last 2 months. Which is when he stopped getting the shots.

One of the benefits of being the second is that we've already learned some lessons. Like the importance of being an advocate for medical care. With Chloe, especially in the beginning, I trusted that the doctors, etc, all knew what they were doing. She apparently was eligible to get the monthly shot, and it was only AFTER she got RSV that I realized the doctor's office had made a mistake. With Gavin, I was relentless is forcing his care and coverage through insurance despite a surprising number of hurdles. And this was just for monthly shots. I have an incredible amount of respect for my neighbor and her ability to navigate their son's care with a number of different specialists including surgeons and personal insurance changes.

All that to say, we're doing well, and I'm really thankful. And celebratory. And ready to throw a big party for both my kids! With birthdays 17 days apart, we'll see how long I can do that!
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Little Mozart

It really cracks me up. He does this a lot.

Pre-Game Warm-Up

Just resting up for the big game.

9 Whole Months!

Well, Gavin is now 9 months old today (or will be come later this afternoon, if you want to get technical about it) and had his well visit.

Height: 29-1/4" or 80th Percentile
Weight: 17lbs, 4oz or 25th Percentile

His weight is a bit shocking, but I swear to you that boy has eaten more food in the last 3 months than Chloe has in her entire life. It's crazy how much he eats. The doctor isn't concerned since he's obviously growing (getting taller, mostly, it seems).

That's all for now.

Sitter

Gavin's doing a lot better with his sitting. He still falls over a bunch, but he's definitely better at it.