Colds, sniffles and packing!

Well, the Scrupps family has survived their first family cold. Gavin started to get the sniffles our last day in Washington, and then Daddy picked up a cold from someone at work. With their powers combined, we all got one nasty head cold. It was full of snot, sinus pressure, a light cough, sore throats, fatigue and headaches. This cold has also been soo draining, we are exhausted. I think the worst thing about the baby having a cold, at least with this one, is that he has so much snot, but I can't have him blow his nose...So I have been suctioning it out with the little..suction thing?...and he absolutely hates that thing. He has started to cry just when he sees it now. Poor little guy. It works pretty well though, so at least it is worth his screams that would indicate to everyone else that I am torturing him with medieval torturing devises.

So, on to the move...we have a date!! This is obviously subject to change and probably will at least three times, but at least we have a better idea. We have given notice to our apartment and I have started the task of organizing and packing. I have a four page front to back checklist of what goes where and when, it is an epic list. I have started packing up the baby's room, it is in shambles right now, all of his 9mo and up clothing is in vacuum sealed bags and packed up. I also have my winter clothing and the shoes I will not be needing from here until the move packed and we are going to attempt to get this in the first load up. We are going to start driving to WA at the end of this week! Hooray!

I finally had my last day of work today. I have been going in one or two days here and there for the past couple months and I finally cut the chord today, haha. I turned in my keys so I officially am done. I was telling Ryan this morning that not working has been hard. I LOVE LOVE LOVE staying home with Gavin, and I love that I am able to do it (because Ryan is simply the most amazing husband ever) but I do miss working and feeling productive (not that raising children/Gavin isn't productive, it's just a different type of productive I guess). I have liked being able to go into work whenever I want, just a few hours here and there but not having any pressure to come in any more than that.

Tonight, I did a little more packing, but I think this situation is finally starting to sink in. I suppose I've been avoiding truly thinking about it and focusing my thoughts on the tasks ahead. I suppose looking at our overwhelming amount of stuff we need to pack and listening to Norah Jones isn't really helping my mood...I'm not sure which I wish more, that time would just freeze or that it would speed on super turbo and it would all be over.

On a couple different, and brighter note, we had Gavin's four month check-up on Tuesday. I was finally able to score an appointment at the Naval Hospital, and now we are confirmed he is still doing awesome and he is up to date on his immunizations. He weights just a little over 15 pounds and his 24 inches long. The doc said that he is doing great! She commented on his size as being great for being on formula (I guess babies are generally smaller when they are on formula) so that was really good to hear. He did really good when we got his shots too. Only cried for a couple of seconds. Of course he had to look at me with those "what have you just done to me how could you let them hurt me like that" eyes. Poor baby. I totally understand though, if it were even remotely socially acceptable I would cry and carry on every time a needle gets within arms distance of me. Oh also- for this appointment I couldn't find a parking spot for the life of me, and they cancel your appointment if you are 10 min late. I was like 7 min late already. I may or may not have parked in the Commander's Visitors Spot. I don't feel bad. One bit.

 His bandaids on his owies from the immunizations.

Well, we offically have a boy that rolls over both ways, even on his own, unprompted! I rolled over in bed and saw this cute little face peering over the bassinet at me. At first I couldn't quite pin what was odd about this picture, then I realized, he was on his tummy when I put him to bed on his back!

He loves his sweet potatoes. He's so stinking cute. Opening his mouth super wide like a little bird is his new thing these days.

Little man and his binks. So sweet. I could gobble him up.

 

4 Months!

Alright people, I could probably turn this post into a short novel...happy reading...

I am finally home from my travels! It has been a crazy busy two weeks! Tonight was emotional as I took out most of Gavin's 0-3 month clothes from his closet...he is pretty much in 3-6 month sizes now and this makes me feel a little sad. During my trip I was able to hold a little 5 week old baby and it reminded me how big and "old" Gavin is! He is growing and changing so fast, I wish it would slow down a little bit! Don't get me wrong, it's exciting as well, but I just feel the need to savor every single second of his baby-ness because his newborn-ness is already gone and out the window!

At four months, Gavin is sleeping through the night consistently. He generally (vacation as an exception) going to bed at 8:00pm and waking up anywhere between 6:00am-7:30am. Often times he will eat, and play/be cute for about 30 minutes and go back to sleep until anywhere around 9:30 or 10:00am. He is such a great sleeper!! He is also a great eater. He chugs his bottles down and eats 6-8 oz every three hours (it's a lot but remember he is sleeping so long during the night). Because he was eating so much and he has very good head control, I decided it might be time to introduce solids. A few weeks ago we tried some rice cereal. It went ok, he interested in what was in his mouth, but didn't really know what to do with it. The first bite he made a face as though I was feeding him liver or something, it was hilarious! We tried it a few times and then stopped for a while as it was too much with all the traveling. This week we are back at it. He is doing pretty well, but we aren't forcing it too much. He still has the tongue reflex a little bit where he automatically pushes food out of his mouth occasionally, but sometimes he "chews" it right up and swallows it down! When I go grocery shopping next I am going to pick up an avocado and sweet potatoes and give those an attempt to see what he thinks...As of right now, I am planning on making my own baby food. I like the idea that I know exactly what is in it, and it will be super fresh and not to mention lots cheaper! All that being said, I make no promises...

http://youtu.be/_AnOP1K_fzY 


(his new thing now is to open his mouth really wide when he wants food, just like a little bird)

Gavin did SO well traveling with me this past week! He was such a trooper. On our flight up to Seattle, he was great on the airplane, and only fussed for a few minutes when he was super sleepy and going to sleep, something he would have done not on a plane and at home anyways. On that flight, there were not any open seats, so I had to hold him the entire way. The first leg (we stopped in Oakland, however did not change plane) I chose an isle seat, thinking that would be best if I had to get up, etc. I actually found that I had much less space, as I was trying to keep him from hanging out into the isle and then away from the passenger who was sleeping in the middle (and hogging most of the space and almost sleeping on my shoulder...COME ON! I already have a baby sleeping on me, do you think I need a full grown stranger man sleeping on my shoulder as well? Nope. Not. At. All). So from Oakland to Seattle I sat in a window seat, which was a great option! I had a nice couple who reluctantly sat next to us, but were won over by Gavin. (The lady clearly didn't want to sit next to us after she saw Gavin, but we made eye contact so it was awkward and she probably felt forced into it. But I kid you not within 10 minutes she asked if she could hold Gavin, and he was giggling for her and her husband was taking pictures of him.)

He was also great meeting new people and let anyone and everyone hold him. He wouldn't let me out of his sight though, which I appreciated :) I felt bad becaues I kept him up pretty late a few nights, but he bounced back! By the end of the week, we were both getting tired and fussy. I noticed on the last night in Tacoma that Gavin was getting a little cough. I was really anxious about him getting really sick while we were so far away from our doctor and then also having a crabby baby on the airplane. Luckily there were open seats on our flights so I was able to bring his carseat on the plane. He was SO good and was happy and giggling the first hour and a half and then literally slept the rest all the way until we got home to Fallbrook (including the hour long drive from the airport). I guess basically what I am saying is that Gavin is the best baby there ever was ;) Not that I am bragging or anything...

We are both happy to be home and daddy is equally as happy too! Gavin has been soaking in his daddy! It feels great to get back into our old routine and to be fully rested!

 http://youtu.be/68cm2Uq7638

Yesterday/the 10th, was my birthday and Gavin spoiled me by sleeping straight until 9:30! It was blissful. Then my wonderful husband took me out to dinner at one of my favs, Red Robin. It's a bit of a drive as it is in Escondido so it's something we don't do too often so that was fun. I followed up by staying up late watching my favorite new show, Bob's Burgers. A perfect night. I hope to extend the celebration of my birthday/mother's day by tanning at the beach all weekend!

As for Ryan's deployment, we are planning his block leave (vacation before he leaves)  (I am intentionally being vague because I don't want to get into any trouble for putting any dates out there), some of this depending on a possible promotion for Ryan *yay!*. We are going to drive our Tahoe up first and then fly back down to San Diego and I will drive the pickup up later on. I am starting to get overwhelmed with the idea of packing...again..and it is constantly on my mind. I will use something or walk into a room and be thinking how many rubbermaid containers we will need, or wonder if I will keep that in storage or bring it up to Odessa with me. Uffda. One thing I know is that I am going to start sooner rather than later. I hate, hate, hate packing at the last minute because it always ends up unorganized and then you never know where anything is...Well, I think that is enough for tonight, I am getting to the point where my eyes are crossing. I will try to upload a few pictures and videos!

 Gavin and I on a walk a few weeks ago.

Daddy and Gavin holding up the fort while I was in Vegas.

I figure if one picture "leaves Vegas" it will be ok!

Omg, Mommy, there is a lion on my head!

Just loooook at those biscuits.

Griz or Bobcats fan?

Daddy and Gavin at Del Mar Beach a few weeks ago.

Another photo from Vegas (sorry these are out of order, I can't see the image when I am uploading it so I am guessing)

What do you mean Daddy isn't here?

Some "old" co-workers! We all decided it would be cool to have babies at the same time, ha!! The pretty little lady on the far left is the five week old I mentioned earlier! The one in the in the middle is only three days younger than Gavin! Also...look at Gavin's pot belly. LOL.

Gavin and his hunnies.

Sweet Jesus look at those cheeks.

Too cool.

Excited to see daddy!

So excited that he pooped his pants and then fell asleep.

It feeds.

His eyes twinkle when he smiles.

Blog Happy??

I normally post once a week on Sundays, but this week it looks like I went a little crazy! However, it's such a habit that I now feel like I have to post today, even though I don't really have much to update since last Friday...

Ryan is back!! He has been out in the field for a week. I usually don't like to advertise that he is gone on the web just because you never know what creepers are out there. Gavin and I are super excited that he is home!

Moments after Ryan's arrival home, we set off for a friends place, to celebrate their son's first birthday! I just love their kiddo, he is SO cute, and it was fun to see him smash his cake! It took him a little bit to get into it, but once he did, it was game over for that cake :) We had just been over to their house a few weeks ago, and their son had just taken his first steps. Now he is a walking machine, I couldn't believe it! Before I know it, that will be Gavin. I will be crying in the corner wondering where my baby has gone. Ha!

The past two or three days, Gavin has been really into these things: Screaming/Yelling and Sucking his thumb. It is hilarious. Out of the blue the other day, he just starting yelling. Not like a crying yelling, but just yelling, for the sake of hearing his voice. He was testing it out, seeing how loud he could get, how long he could go, different pitches, up to a scream. It was cracking me up. Also, he is starting to get the sucking of the thumb down. He is starting to curl up his fingers, into a fist rather than sprawling them out flat on his face while attempting to suck on this thumb. He has always been very interested in sucking on his fists, but the thumb was a rare occurrence until recently. I like it, because now he can self-soothe without us trying to keep a pacifier in his mouth, or at the ready at all times. However, I do not want him to become reliant on it and be a thumb sucker when he is older, and have to deal with weaning him off of it, teeth problems, etc... I guess we'll just see how this whole thing plays out...

Also, I don't mean to brag, but my three month old is sleeping about 9-10 hours at night, usually in a row. Boo-ya! We are getting this thing down! The thing that has really helped me is getting a bed-time routine started. At 7:00 he gets a bath, I make sure he plays a lot so he gets tired, and then between 7:15 and 7:30ish we start to relax, cuddle a little bit, and then I give him a bottle. He is usually completely out by 8:00. Which means = happy mommy = adult time = clean the house... Yay :)

Caught in the act...

Quick Photo and Video Update!

I have a minute here while Gavin is sleeping to post a few things! I got Gavin to giggle again, so I will post that video, as well as another one of him rolling over. Also, his little three month photo that I have been doing each month.

All is well on the home front, I am watching a really great movie right now called The Human Experience, which I totally recommend to everyone! These two young men from a halfway house in New York City decide to travel around the world and talk to all different people of different walks of life, and spend a week in their shoes. Things from living on the streets of NYC, to experiencing different religions and activities. Anyways, if you have some extra time, it's a worthwhile movie!

Enjoy:

http://youtu.be/qolCuexxwtU
http://youtu.be/irQ-2Ev_b2o

 He loves his tongue. Haha, look at that thing!

It's so hard to capture his smile on camera because he gets distracted by my phone, I think because it has a bright pink case on it. But, finally, here is one that will melt your heart!

Mommy and Gavin snuggling the other night. He is such a snuggle monster. I love when he is starting to sleep, he is constantly grabbing on me with his hands, it is so cute!

One Month

Two Months

Three Months

Can you believe how much he has grown!!!

Letter to Gavin: No. 2

Dear Gavin,

The last letter I wrote to you, you were 25 weeks old, well, technically speaking, I was 25 weeks pregnant :)

I still want to pinch myself sometimes, to see if this has been a dream and you are really here. Today, I was looking at you, and I thoUght to myself: I don't want to forget one second of this. Of you, of every sound you make, face you do, cry you wail.

You are now three months old. You have changed so much since you were born! You now have hair on the top of your head (your daddy feels much better about this and is less paranoid about you getting his hairline), you smile all the time, you are about 4 lbs heavier and 5 inches longer! You giggled for the first time two weeks ago, and you still don't seem to recognize that Miss Kitty exists. You sleep through the night! In fact, the other day you slept for 12 hours. I wasn't sure weather to do cartwheels or call the doctor...You make the most adorable noises. You squeal when you are excited, and you coo and make agoo sounds. When you see daddy, you get SO excited, you wiggle and little bit and then give him your huge mouth open grin. He gets you so riled up, and you love that he mimics your baby coos, and you repeat them back to him. I love how I get your softer side, your little coos, because those make up for the screaming in my ear, and the poop from your exploding diaper.

My whole world revolves around you, and I love you more than I could ever put into words. You are our little boy, and I just want you to stay little forever! I know that can't happen, so, I will make sure to write down all these little memories, so that we will always have them, and I will never forget the little things. I love you, man cub! Happy three month "birthday."

Love,
Mommy

Happy Easter!

I hope everyone had a great Easter! Well, Gavin's first Easter was great! Although, I feel a bit like a heathen for not even bringing him to Church for the occasion. Ryan, Gavin and I spent it down in San Diego with our friends, Neil and Jordan. We love going down to visit them, it's nice spending time with people from home and/or not affiliated with the Marines, it's a nice break.

We are currently babysitting, or cat-sitting rather, our friends little kitten, Gibbs, and man am I glad that Miss Kitty is a fat lazy old lady! This kitten has way too much energy and is into everything! He is such a cutie though, so I guess I can forgive him for getting on my kitchen counters and puking on our floor...twice. :) Speaking of Miss Kitty, we are potentially looking for a foster home for her while Ryan is deployed. (I plan on bringing her up to Odessa with me, but I'm just not sure how she would handle it with my parents dog, and their cat that's already pretty pissed she is sharing her house with the dog. Also, I'm not Dr. Doolittle, nor Ace Ventura Pet Detective so I don't really want to share my space with that many animals under one roof.) All that being said...does anyone know of someone who would like to have a cat for about six months? She is kind of a freak, but she'll make you feel like the most loved person in the world, guaranteed! Also, we will even be willing to provide food and litter if needed. We really don't want to send her back to a shelter, so if everyone could get the word out that would be great! Thanks!!

Gavin has been doing well. He is really getting into a good sleep pattern, which makes me very happy. I just need to remind myself that when he gets up at 5am...I am happy...I am happy...I am happy.

Let's see, what else is new? Now that I have figured out how to upload videos to YouTube, hopefully I can try and get some more videos up! Here is the video of him rolling over, at one day shy of one month old!

http://youtu.be/BV3u615HjIU

And our week in photos:

Gibbs, our temp kitty.

G-Unit.

His best friends. Turtle, Elephant and Lion.

Stinky Fingers Magee.

He's SO sweet!!! Just look at that face.

He's pretty into the TV lately. 

Happy Easter, everyone!

Uffda!

The time is just flying by! Gavin is getting so big. Today was a big day! He giggled for the first time! He has been super close a few times, but today, was legitimate giggling. Not going to lie, I teared up a little bit. Of course, it was daddy that had him cracking up, no surprise there. Daddy gets the huge grins and excited coos, and mommy gets the sweet and soft coos and snuggles. It evens out I suppose :)

Good news, I got the giggles on video, which can be seen here: http://youtu.be/MUwIAtMNm6I

Ryan and I went apartment shopping today, trying to scope out a place that we want to live when we move back down after his deployment. We have it narrowed down between two, but pretty much we have our minds made up. They are called the Island Club Apartments, which can be seen here: http://www.islandclubapartmenthomes.com/apartments/photogallery.do?lid=en_US&pid=1951. What a difference from our current place!! Hopefully we are able to move out of here without too many issues...HA! Yeah...Right... Our other option, is a town home on base. There are pros and cons for each places...The Island Club is absolutely beautiful. They have hardwood floors, updated kitchens, a fitness center and is pretty close to the freeways. The on-base housing is a bit larger, has a garage and is really convenient for Ryan. It's a tough choice, but I'm sure we'll make the right one.

We have been realizing that we have a lot of prepping to do before Ryan leaves, so I'm sure I'll be stressing out about that for the next two months...finding out Power of Attorney, obtaining a storage unit, giving our 30 days at pine crest, planning block leave, and all the traveling of moving.

Uffda!