Gavin's Milestones...

I am waiting for a rather large file to download for my photo editing class, so I figured while I waited I would make a post of some of the new things Gavin is doing and learning.

We have finally turned the corner in his "talking!" Whenever I would say, "Gavin, say, ball..." he would look at me, watch my lips/mouth and then just stare at me. But now, I can see the wheels a turnin' in that little head of his. He tries to say certain sounds/words. He particularly likes the "B" words and really tries to say, ball, bear, baba (bottle - which yes, he is still on...). He recently starting saying "caw" for car, I think he will have some issues with his "r's" if he is anything like I was. He also says, "cawcaw" for birds. So cute. We have Kodey to thank for that one..haha! I've noticed he uses "mama" for a lot of different things but they all have a different tone, level or motion that goes with them to different from each other. For example...when he wants a bottle, he will say 'mama' while standing by the kitchen and his whole body will dip a little bit on the second 'ma'. I think he also uses 'mama' for 'want' when he wants something, it's a 'ma-ma'. I am just loving this age, all the learning and how quick his brain seems to grasp things!

He walks and is now pretty much running. He still falls and faceplants when he is super excited, which luckily we haven't had any accidents. I'll probably stop laughing when we have some blood drawn, but until then, I love his awkwardness. He loves to go up the stairs like a big boy. Which is holding our hands and literally taking each stair like we would, one leg, one stair. None of this one at a time double step thing. Luckily he realizes that he needs us in order to do this. Gavin is a mover. He is ALWAYS moving. He literally paces our house, walks back and forth from one end to the other. Carries toys back and forth. He is always on the go! He will only stop to dance. I'm not even kidding. HE LOVES TO DANCE! I'll try and upload some good videos to share one of these days. (my phone is charging otherwise I would do it tonight).

Today was a big day for Gavin. He was finally eating with a spoon on his own. Because we have carpet where our table is, I have been holding off on letting him just go for it because I don't want to be cleaning up a huge mess..awful I know, but hey, Jack, you pick your battles (as Si would say). He was so proud of himself, and it was so cute!

Well, I think that this download is almost done!! Hopefully I will be back soon to post pictures and videos!

Greetings from the Scrupps' Clinic

We have been suffering through colds for the past week or so! We're talking like, when I wake up coffee doesn't even sound good kind of sick...anyone who knows me knows that *this*is*sewious! (A little Wonder Pets! reference for those who have Nick Jr. on their TV.) Last Thursday I finally decided that Gavin was beyond home remedies and that we should take him to the doctor. The night before his fever was up to about 100-101 and though we were able to get it down, it kept creeping back up. The doctor informed us that he had a double ear infection and upper respiratory infection. We were given some ammoxocillon and ibproffen which has been working it's charm. It's now been a week and though the cold still lingers, it is MUCH better. Also, Gavin is sleeping more than 40 min in a row, so if that tells you anything! He actually has been sleeping so much better, we have even had a couple nights where he slept through the night. 

In other news, Ryan was awarded with NCO (non commissioned officer) of the Quarter for 9th Communications Battalion. I am so proud! Basically it says that his higher ups notice and appreciate his hard work as an NCO. This award will go up and he will compete for a more broad spectrum, and I will keep you posted on how that goes! Ryan is going to have a very busy couple months, he is going to requalify at the rifle range which is a few weeks and then he is going to be taking a MCMAP instructors course, which is the Marine Corps Martial Arts (Program?) I am not sure what the P stands for...Once he passes that he will be a Martial Arts Instructor, up to a certain level (Green Belt I believe). Then he will be off to something called the Corporals Course which teaches Marines how to be good NCOs. The course covers A LOT.

(This photo will be hanging on the wall in the Company and Battalion offices)

 

I've been keeping pretty busy, with sick, staying up at night with Gavin and then also watching our little friend 'P' twice a week. That has been going great. Gavin has already made leaps and bounds of improvement in playing with others. He no longer chucks toys at 'P' well, not as often anyways. I was talking to my friend Sara and telling her that I was thinking about getting a little more serious about photography, I've been having a lot of fun with our new camera. She found a Digital Photography Certification Program where once completed you get a certification as a Professional Digital Photographer. The program offers both in and online classes, and it was being offered for a STEAL. I mean, we are talking I saved over $1300.00 on this! So I am registered for a Digital Photography Class as well as Adobe Photoshop for photo editing. I am SO excited! I have already finished one course (of many) and have learned quite a bit about my camera, and digital cameras in general. I am hoping that a. I can just use our camera to it's fullest potential and take great pictures of Gavin and b. *eventually* get good enough at it to maybe start my own photography business. We shall see!!

Daylight Savings Shmaylight Schavings

Well, here I am at "midnight" because my schedule is all thrown off with the spring forward! Oh well...I realize after re-reading my last post I am in a much better state of mind! Gavin has *finally* been sleeping better! PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Gavin has been growing like a weed. He is pretty much running. Everywhere. He is such a busy guy. I knew it was coming, and I wish I could go back in time, reserve a bunch of energy from the times when he wasn't so mobile and use it to keep up with him now. Whew! He is the dancing king too. He absolutely loves music and loves dancing. He can't help but to do a little jig whenever he hears music, regardless of what his is doing, or what his mood is. I am pretty sure he would dance in his sleep. We went to a new church this morning and the beginning they had a live Christian band and Gavin was grooving and clapping and had his hands in the air. It was precious! Speaking of the church, it was Calvary Chapel in Oceanside, and we, or at least I, am not sure about it, but we might have finally found one worth going back to. Finally. The only thing that gets me is it has the mega church feel, they were selling stuff outside in the parking lot which reminds me of Jesus throwing over the tables...but it wasn't in the church itself. And the other thing is they do not allow children in the main sanctuary. They have children's church, or if you prefer, rooms where you can go and watch the service on a screen with your child. So.....we'll see.

I am going to start watching another little boy a couple days a week starting next week. I decided to do it so that Gavin could have some socialization...and I think he needs it. This boys mom came over and we were chatting and seeing how the two boys got along (the other boy is two and a half) and Gavin was just throwing toys at him and trying to "share" by beating him over the head with a drum stick...it was ugly. Needless to say, we need to work on our motor skills on passing and sharing in a more friendly way.

Well, I think that is about all I have to update for now! I'll post some of the pictures I have been editing this week!