Gavin 13 Months

We still can't believe that our little boy is one.  He got his first tooth after his first birthday.  It seemed to take a long time for it to finally make it's appearance.  Not too long after that the second bottom tooth appeared.  I tried to take a picture, but he isn't a big fan of my fingers near his mouth. 

He finally crawls on his hands and knees almost all the time.  He still loves to stand up from a sitting position in the middle of the floor.  He can stand for almost a minute before losing his balance.  He has taken 2 steps, but still prefers to crawl.   Soon he will be running after his sister.

He loves to drive his car when we go on walks around the neighborhood.

Gavin chillin at our friends house.

Gavin went to visit his new cousin Brady, but decided that he should sit in Brady's bouncer instead.

He loves to eat finger foods.  He seems to eat whatever we give him.  (Unlike his picky sister.)  If he doesn't want something he will shake his head no and wave his hands in front of his face. 

On occasion he says: Mama, Dada, and Hi.  He has also figured out he can scream or make high pitched noises.  He seems to do this when he has finished his food and wants more.

Little 2 Graduate

We have enrolled Kaitlyn in Foss Swim school since this past August.  She has learned so much in the 7 months since we started.  It seems so long ago that she wouldn't even want water splashed on her face.  Now she would rather have her face under the water during the lesson. 

She loves to jump into the pool and swim back to the ledge and pull herself out of the water.  She is now learning to swim on her back and flip over to her tummy.  We just completed Little's 2 and are onto Little's 3.  We have been fortunate to have the same instructor for all 3 sessions.  Deborah is an amazing instructor and has really helped Kaitlyn succeed.

Waiting for their Little 2 awards.

Onto Littles 3!!!

Our Nephew is FINALLY here!!!

Brady Brehmer finally made is appearance on Friday, March 9th.  My sister and brother-in-law waited a long 41 weeks to meet their son.  I was able to be one of the first people to meet my new nephew.  He is adorable and I can't wait to spoil him.

Brady and Bopapa!!!

Brady and Nana!

Brady Brehmer - Adorable!!!

My sweet nephew!

Proud Daddy!

Cousins! 

Kaitlyn Quotes

Here are some fun quotes and conversations we have had with Kaitlyn.

We signed Kaitlyn up for Gymnastics with her friend Brayden.  So far they love it.  As we are getting ready to go Kaitlyn keeps insisting she needs to bring her backpack.  I told her no and she says: "But mom, I need it if I win a gold medal."

A few weeks ago my sister and mom took Kaitlyn and Gavin and my sister's nanny boys to the Science Musuem.  On the car ride down Kaitlyn wouldn't stop talking.  So, my mom asked her why she talks so much.  Her response was: "Because God gave us voices and people to talk to."  I guess we can't argue with that.

Last night on our way home from swimming lessons I started asking Kaitlyn questions about school. She says: "Mom, stop talking I am tired."

I asked Kaitlyn the other day what she did at school today.  Her response was: "Mom, I don't need to tell you, because you have been to high school and should know what I did today in school."  - Is this what we have to look forward too?  She is only in Preschool.

Nate hurt his shoulder a few weeks ago and it needed surgery.  While daddy was resting Kaitlyn went outside to her playset and started collecting ice.  She came in asking for a knife since the ice was stuck to the playground.  After some persuading she settled for an ice cream scooper.  Here is Kaitlyn so proud of her ice collection.

Beautiful February Day

We have a had a very unseasonable warm winter.  There were a few days in February that it was warm enough to get out the bike and stroller and head to the park.

Gavin Turns One

I can't believe our little boy is turning one today.  It amazes me how fast this past year has gone by.  It just seems like yesterday that we were on our way to the hospital to meet our little boy. 

He is such a happy and well tempered boy now.  I think his new found independence has given a huge sense of calmness.  He loves to stand and has now figured out he can stand unassisted for about 30 seconds at a time.  He gets the biggest smile on his face when he succeeds at this.  He still prefers to army crawl, but has crawled on his hands and knees on occasion.  He loves bedtime.  Every time we get him ready for bed and say our good nights... he smiles and giggles.  Especially at his big sister.  He is a great sleeper now.  (Yeah for mommy!)  He usually goes to bed around 7 and gets up around 6:30 am.  Sometimes he will just sit up in his crib talking until we come and get him. 

Nana is teaching him to make vroom sounds with all his cars and trucks.  He makes a lot of sounds that sound like mama, but they sound more like... mamamamamamamama.  He can wave bye-bye.  I have heard him say Baba for his bottle.  (Which he still likes to drink independently on the floor by himself.)  No holding this kid. (Refer back to the he is now happy when he learned independence.)

Here is Gavin's Signature pose.  He does this when he doesn't want to be talked to or someone he doesn't know talks to him.  He is quite the dramatic little boy.  I wonder where that comes from?

Gavin's First Birthday Party

Having a winter birthday allows for some creativity on party planning. We decided to have Gavin's 1st Birthday at a local hotel. We were able to rent a party room and the pool with water slide on a Sunday afternoon.

The Birthday Cake!

The Birthday King!

Opening Presents!

Happy Birthday to you!  Dear Gavin... Happy Birthday to you!

What's this?

Um, this isn't so bad!

Wait, I really like this.

I can't seem to keep my hands out of my mouth, it is just that good.

I don't think this is enough.  Can I have more?

Thanks for taking me swimming Nana!

Swimming with Nana.

It was a great party with family and friends.

Little's One Graduate

Kaitlyn just completed her first full session at Foss Swim School and has become a wonderful little swimmer.  She has come a long way since September.  Her instructor Deborah awarded her the most improved student.  Our little girl went from not wanting to get her face wet, to swimming with her face in the water for over 6 seconds.  The Fall session was 16 weeks long and finally on the last day... she mastered all the skills to move onto Little's two!  We are so proud of our little girl. 

Kaitlyn waiting to receive her award for passing Little's one on the last night of Swimming lessons.

So happy!

Christmas Day at the Brehmer's

Christmas Day we headed to my sister's house for a little brunch and to open more presents.  I still can't believe how nice it was outside on Christmas day.  We can't complain with temps in the 40's in late December.

Uncle Randy and Josie.

Mommy and Gavin.

Gavin and Bopapa

Nana's present from "all of us".  We are excited to add another name to this shirt once our nephew arrives in a few short months.

Kaitlyn helping Gavin open up one of his presents.

Nap time with Nana

Making sugar cookies.  Our new annual Christmas Day tradition.

Gavin's new Excavator from Aunty Anny and Uncle Randy.

He loves it.

Mommy and her babies.

Bopapa and his grand kids (including Baby B's bump).

The McNeilly's

Kaitlyn, Gavin and Nana

Nate and I on Christmas day.