Gavin (Month 6)

Dear Sweet Gav-man, You are six months old. A half a year. HALF a year. I just can't believe how fast this has gone. You were, just a blink ago... actually seven months to-the-day ago... right here with me... in me:

Taken by our dear friend and Sister-in-CHARGE, Catherine Lacey Dodd, during a once-in-a-lifetime pregnancy photo shoot.  (And, no, I am not nude!  Just an exposed belly!)
If you're looking for a photographer, hire her... she is amazing!

Six months to-the-day ago, you were in my arms... barely an hour old:

And now, today, here you are:

Aside from having your first cold, you are a healthy, rapidly growing and ever-changing sweetie pie.

You love:

- Your brother. So much. You literally try to turn your head around like an owl to find him when you hear his voice. The smiles you give him are unmatched when compared to the rest of the people in your world (possibly combined!). And, he adores you, too.

- Your sister. So much... and yet so differently than your brother. And that only makes sense. You quietly observe her and don't get too mad when she steals a toy you were playing with and squeal with delight when she gives one back. I quite enjoy the interactions between you (though I am often a referee between keeping your hands from pulling her hair, your feet from kicking her face and her from attacking each and every part of you - - just because she doesn't understand her own strength) as it all reminds me so much of when Preston played with her as a baby. I am eager to see how your relationship with her develops.

- Mommy (the milk-lady and the person you seek when you're fussy or tired) and Daddy (the fun guy).

- Bath time. Oh my do you LOVE your baths! You giggle, squeal and babble with glee when you're in the bath. You get excited when we ask you if you're ready and go crazy when you hear the water running. You even squeak in there... which makes me wish that nickname stuck. I still think it suits you!

- Being outside. You don't care what you're doing, you just like being out there.

- Putting anything and everything in your mouth!  I forgot what it's like to have a quick, determined baby in the house! 

This month, you:

- Ate your first solids... and now love your evening high-chair meal.

You were so happy to be sitting in your highchair!
(And I was so excited, I forgot to give you a bib!)

You were eager to eat, yet so very unsure about what you were eating! 
Your first solid food was a smashed banana and, despite the faces you made as you adjusted to the texture and taste, you really loved it!  We skipped the whole "cereal" nonsense... Preston didn't ever like it and I think it's smells terrible and tastes even worse.  So, I decided that subjecting you to it wasn't necessary.  Glad to know that your doctor agreed - - though I wouldn't have cared anyway!

After a few bites, Preston, on his own, got the bananas off the counter and showed, told and signed to you what you were eating.  So sweet, so thoughtful... such a natural teacher!

"Ahhh... that's better.  I like doing it myself!"

- Had another date with Chloe... and bid her farewell as her parents (and the Navy) had the nerve to move her to Virginia.



We will miss these little "dates" so much!

Your face says it all.  "Wait... What?!  Chloe's moving... to Virginia?!"
 

- Swam for the first time (during your date with Chloe) and, no surprise, you loved it! (Although you don't look like it in this picture!)

So very serious! 

- Started, in tiny spurts, sitting independently. You have gone up to 30 seconds several times before you topple over. It won't be long and you'll be hanging out like that. Sigh.

At six months you are...
15 pounds, 15 ounces and 27.5 inches

- Cut your first tooth.... just a few days ago. It was very bittersweet for mama as it means you're growing up. There is another one about to burst through right next to it. You are not enjoying teething and definitely are having some fussy moments as a result. Sorry Boo-Dee. Growing up is tough work and I hate seeing you verging on inconsolable.

You light up our worlds in ways that we didn't know were dim. You make us all see things a bit differently... as babies often do... but because you're ours, we think the effect is extra spectacular. You are a little observer and thinker... a bit more on the serious side. Yet, when you laugh or smile (which, even though you're serious, is often), you can light up a room.
You love a game of peek-a-boo and do the most hilarious head shake as a way to ask for me to shake my head and wiggle my cheeks.
You engage in copying games of lip smacking and raspberry blowing as well as all kinds of silly antics with your daddy and brother.
You also enjoy "growling" at Preston and Daddy - - a result of the hearing the "pirate" voices we think. You're constantly experimenting with your voice and incredibly observant when we sign.

You are so busy - - as evidenced in our monthly photo session in the green chair. 
I had to click quick because you were too wiggly and I was too afraid you'd launch yourself right over the chair onto the tile floor!

Though so many of the newborn traits you had are gone, I still soak you up as much as I can, trying to burn each stage on my brain. We spend our best quiet, alone time together in the early morning hours when no one else is awake. I memorize your baby face, feel your breath on my cheek after you finish nursing, and record in my brain each sound you make. And even though you've nearly doubled in size, I can, in those quiet moments, still remember what you were like when you were brand new six whole months ago.

I love you with all my heart, sweet boy... just like your sister and brother.
You complete our little flock perfectly.

~ Mommy

GOAL!!!!!

Last week (on the 6th) Preston started soccer.  He's not playing on a team, rather attending an academy that meets three days a week for two straight months.  At this age, they focus on individual skill development through ball mastery. The coaches combine drills, competitive 1v1 games and fun small-sided games that concentrate on touches on the ball.  While it sounds like work and training, it's proving to be a ton of fun and Preston loves going. 

I had a hard time deciding what pics to post... John got so many great shots throughout the session. And, looking at Preston's face makes me so happy. As he is working through the drills, he is grinning ear-to-ear... so entirely full of joy... I just adore that about him!

Because Gavin had fallen asleep in the car and Gracie was too hot in the 90+ degree heat, only John stayed (and took fabulous pics).  When I came back to pick them up, I heard Preston before I found him in the sea of little boys in the various groups on the field.  He was cheering on the other kids in his group... so supportive, so joyful, so animated and so very loud!  Makes me smile just thinking about it.



Preston in action during one of his 1v1 scrimmages

Running back to the boys in his group for a big hug after he scored!

I love that his tongue is out... reminds me of my brother!!  His tongue was always out when he played soccer!

Can't believe John got this shot!



Or this one!

This cracks me up... blurry because it was hard for John to focus that fast! 
So entirely Preston!

Hello Kindergarten!

On Tuesday, July 31st, Preston started Kindergarten.   KINDERGARTEN!!! 
(Wasn't he just Gavin's age?!)

The day before school started, I took him to his "Sneak a Peek" at school. It was an opportunity to meet his teacher, get familiar with the classroom and meet some of his classmates. The week before school started, his teacher sent out a letter and a postcard to each of the students.    Preston LOVES getting mail, so she was instantly "awesome" in his book!  Then, on the "sneak a peek" day, she had a classroom treasure hunt and the kids received a "Cool Kindergartner" band, a book from the "David Goes to School" series and a few special treasures to remind them of important things about themselves and their experiences.  She also had a few things to make the parents comfortable and prepared. There were so many thoughtful little touches - - I could tell we would like her right away!

His morning consisted of a healthy breakfast on the special red plate. (We received our red plate from our dear, former neighbors, Paloma and Julio. At the time, I didn't know about the "red plate" tradition. I loved the idea so much we decided to implement it in our family. The fact that our plate is from people who are special to us makes the tradition even more fun.)

Nana and Papa drove two hours to be at our house to send him off on his first day. They were also here to help with Gracie and Gavin so that John and I could take Preston together. Later, they watched Gavin while John and I took Gracie for a classroom visit and meeting. (She can't actually start school until we establish nursing... which is another story.)

During the obligatory "first day" photos, John made him laugh. Love these...

And then Nana took one of our special boy with both his parents...

And then we were off to school. His teacher met us at the door and let the late bird kids know where their lunches, snacks and "completed work" belong. Then, with a quick kiss and hug goodbye, our boy confidently walked into the classroom, put his backpack into his cubby and walked over to his seat at the table and sat down. Just like that.

He had a great day and came home with more treasures that helped spark so many conversations about his first day.

The rest of the week went off without too many hitches... for him, anyway!  I, on the other hand, had some "heart-crunchy" moments. (Thanks for that term, Hannah!  It's a perfect description!)

On Wednesday, I walked in with Preston (pushing Gavin and Gracie in our double stroller) and waited in line on the playground.   He tried striking up a conversation with a boy in his class - - asked if he wanted to play at recess, got shot down completely and was told by the little boy that he was going to play with his friend in a different class. Preston just stood there, taking in the conversation and looking deflated.  I stood there, blinking back the tears that were stinging my eyes behind my sunglasses.  Preston looked at me with a bummed expression and I gently said that maybe his classmate could introduce him to the other friend if he asked.  He just shook his head.  I went home and cried, feeling so sad that my boy was experiencing the pains of growing up (knowing full-well that these lessons are necessary, but still not happy that he could have been hurt by the rejection). As the kids walked in their line to class and the parents filed out of the gate, I heard him kindly remind that same little boy that they're supposed to walk on the line, not next to it. I was proud of my little leader and the fact that he wasn't phased by the conversation that had occurred just minutes before.

On Thursday, he asked if he could walk in through the gate to his classroom by himself. I let him... because I know how independent he is and wants to be, but stayed where I could watch him go in... proud and sad at the same time.  Again, heart-crunchy.  (I have not let him walk to his room alone again... even though he keeps asking.  I know he is capable, but I am not ready!)  When I picked him up Thursday, he said it had been, "The best day ever!"  I asked what made it so great and he said that he played with the very same boy from Wednesday morning's encounter (and his friend from another class).  So cute.  And I was worried about what, exactly?!

We have now completed the second week of kindergarten and, by all accounts, everything is going great!  He was "Coyote of the Day" on Monday and on Wednesday, I attended his "Back to School Night" and got a good picture of the class structure and how his teacher runs things.   She showed this video...  which served to solidify all the things I was already liking about her.

As many who know him well predicted, Preston has adjusted to our move and to kindergarten very well.  I am so excited to see how he grows and changes as he begins his elementary school career... though I am in no rush and still wish life had a "pause" button!

Gavin (Month 5)

Dear Sweet Gav-man,

I blink and another month goes by.  You continue to be a happy and pretty easy going little guy... as long as you're busy and not hungry!  You definitely like being out and about and I wear you a lot so that you don't miss what's happening around you!  If you're not smiling, you look very serious. I think you get that from daddy. And, in your seriousness, you are quite observant - - always watching what's going on around you, taking everything in. You continue to change constantly and grow like a weed!

Your fifth month was full of firsts...

On June 18th, you played in your new exersaucer/bouncer and had a blast.
 

You now spend time in there several times a day.  And, several times a day I am wiping the entire thing down from the tremendous amount of drool that endlessly drips from your sweet (wet!) mouth. 

On June 19th (mommy and daddy's 13th anniversary and the one-year anniversary of when we found out I was pregnant with you), you found your feet for the first time. 

Sadly, on that same evening, you got your first fever. It was a doozy... enough so that I called the doctor in a slight panic like a brand new mommy. We have no idea what caused the fever, but it was gone the next day with no other symptoms.  As for your feet, well, they are often found in your mouth... even when you're nursing, you're holding onto a foot!  And, often, have to wrestle your toes from your mouth so that I can change your diaper!

See?!  These are from your monthly "green-chair" photo session... you couldn't keep your tootsies out of your mouth!

On June 26th, you spent the day hanging with Gracie, Daddy and Mommy at the hospital while your sissy had a few procedures.  She, as usual, was quite the trooper and you proved to be a patient brother.  Later that day, you had your very first wagon ride while Gracie recovered inside.  You loved it.  You LOVE being outside.

I love all these moments I capture between you and your big brother.  You spend a ton of time with Gracie, too, but often I am keeping your quick, constantly-kicking feet from nailing her in the face, or your equally quick, constantly-grabbing hands from getting a handful of her hair, or keeping her from loving you so well (she squeezes too hard!) that I rarely have the chance actually grab the camera and capture them!

You also met your Papa for the first time (since he couldn't come out with Nana when you were born).
Just like Gracie and Preston, you are smitten.

You had another quick visit with your Grampa John.

You, Gracie and Preston indulged me with a mini photo shoot in front of our old house.
I love this picture of the three of you.

You had your first go at kicking a soccer ball!
Since your feet never stop moving, you're a natural and actually kicked the ball right on cue!

You also sat in a swing at the park for the first time, stuck your feet in the spa at our hotel and (this was the big one) we moved! You handled the chaos of our last few weeks in the old house well and weathered the journey to our new home beautifully - - but for the last 75 miles when you cried non-stop until we pulled in front of the house.   Thankfully, you don't detest the car as much as you did after our road-trip in May!

You are, "Boo-dee," a shining light in the midst of our chaos and the stress of the move. You happily greet me with a giddy smile and kicking feet in the mornings and remind me to start my own day with a smile. In fact, you do that for each of us, and we are all very grateful and very much in love with our littlest Swann!

All my love,

Mama
(Mahhhhh-muh)

The Graduate

June 23rd was all about this guy...
(and all of his sweet preschool friends, of course!)

(For the record... I couldn't scan our copy of this pic because it's already packed for the move as is the scanner!
I will post a proper, non-watermarked copy later!)

My three men hanging before the festivities began

It was a BIG night... quite a production! There were performances by each class, a bible study performance and a performance both signed and sung (to "Colors of the Rainbow" from Signing Time... very familiar in this house!). The kids were all adorable!  Preston, who definitely does not have stage fright, had so much fun during each performance!

Waiting for all his friends to get on stage and the music to get queued up.

Getting ready to sign and sing "Colors of the Rainbow"

The only bummer was that I wasn't properly prepared (a total "blonde" moment!) to video during the first song and missed getting that footage which would have included him singing, playing a drum and, like the little leader he often is, kindly reminding his friend to pick up his drum!  Here is the performance I managed to capture...

Then there was dinner, a full graduation ceremony and dancing! (See... I said it was a BIG night!) During the ceremony, Preston's teacher said something about each student as they walked up to the stage. Her words (paraphrased) about Preston, "You sure know how to have a good time, but also know when it's time to get serious... that's rare in a little boy." In the copy of Curious You - On Your Way that each graduate received, she wrote, "Preston, You are such a fun loving, free spirit.  I love that about you!  I'm really going to miss you.  I know you will do great in kinder!"  All such nice things from his teacher of the last 12 months.

Our happy and proud boy!

Preston with his buddy, Butch

Preston... surrounded by girls... uh-oh!  (l-r: Clara, Preston, Lola and Natalie)
(Snagged from fb... it was hard to get the kids together for pics after the ceremony because they were all so excited to start dancing and playing with the balloons!)

With his best buddy, Jonah

We were lucky to capture this quick family shot because all Preston wanted to do was go be with his friends!
(Gracie did not attend and was much happier playing at the park and at home with Pearl!)

Having a good time "dancing" i.e. running around and playing with balloons!

We are so grateful to the directors, teachers and support staff for the guidance, love, education and nurturing they provided our boy every week for the two and a half years.  He has blossomed on every level... I will miss our preschool family, his friends and the friends I've made through him.  Preston is (granted, I am biased) a well-adjusted, confident, intelligent, charismatic and sweet boy who is definitely ready for kindergarten.   Me... well, I am not so ready!