Before & After

Before: Here's a photo of our family on Mother's Day.

After: Here's a photo of our family the next day. Gavin Michael was born early Monday morning at 7:15. He weighed 6 lb. 10 oz and was 19 inches long.

Mom and Gavin together. So far, he's been a great sleeper, a lazy eater, and quite mellow.

Celebrate!!

Adam had a big celebration this morning. A couple of months ago he told us he wanted to buy a Nintendo DS. We figured out the price and told him that we would split the cost with him. He was determined to earn it as quick as possible. He saved all of his weekly allowances and any extra dollar he received. On a couple of occasions when he had earned dinner at McDonalds, he told us he'd rather have the $3 than the food, to put towards his savings. He was able to save $70 in two months. He wanted to save enough to buy the Nintendo DS and a Star Wars game. We made a "thermometer" chart to track his progress. He was very excited to receive it this morning. He later told us that he now knows he can save his money for the things he really wants. What a great lesson to learn at 7 years old.

The Name Game

We're stumped on what to name this baby. Right now we've got a list of 10 first and 10 middle names to choose from. And no clear favorite. I seem to change my mind every few days. We're not ones to choose a name before the baby is born. We like to see the baby to make sure the name seems to suit him. However, with both Adam and Matthew, we had a couple of names that were front-runners. We just needed them to be born in order to see which name they looked like. My other dilemma is wondering how long I'll like a name. There are three male names I've liked since I was a child--Adam, Matthew, and Andrew. Obviously we've used the first two names. As for Andrew--Robert doesn't like it. Or, he doesn't like the nickname Andy. So, I have to scratch that off my list. As for the names on our Top 10 list, I like them now, but will I like them in five years? Obviously I seem to like the more traditional, classic names. So, whichever name we end up choosing, will probably still be in favor in 20-30 years. However, will I still like it? I guess we'll just have to wait a little bit longer to when he's born and see what he looks like to us.

Weekly Update

So, life continues to be busy. Well, not so much for me. I just lie around. But for Robert--he is going non-stop. He has been the best husband ever. He rarely has any time to himself these days. During his lunch break and after work, he's normally running errands, shopping, doing yardwork, or cleaning. Not to mention, taking the boys to the library, park, or just playing with them. The other day he said he needed a vacation. We then looked at each other and started laughing, because we know there will be no "time off" probably for the next year. Oh, well, we can dream. Last Saturday he not only put the crib together, he removed an old ceiling fan and installed a new light fixture and rescreened our screen door. Then played tennis with Adam and Matt, prepared dinner and cleaned the house. Here's Robert and Matt repainting the baby's room. Matt helped paint the color swatches on the wall to help us decide which color to use. He was quite proud of himself. Adam was a bit bummed to see his old "Ben 10" room get painted over.

Here's the finished product. A train theme again. I've used the same one for all of our boys. Those curtains, quilts, and wall hangings (especially) were a lot of work and they still look nice, so of course, I'm using them again.

Here's an updated belly shot--36 weeks. Again, from Matt's perspective. Yesterday morning, like the past five Wednesday mornings, I was at the doctor's office. I had reached my limit--I was so sick and tired of spending my morning, sitting and waiting in the exam room.....again. I kept thinking--"I have to do this how many more times?" Mentally, I'm feeling better this morning. A good night's sleep helps a lot. The Relief Society sisters have started bringing in a couple of meals a week. It is such a kind gesture. It's been really helpful and we're very thankful. So, that's our life right now.

Happy Birthday

Happy Birthday, Holly!! Does this face really look likes it's 34? Welcome to middle-age!

Is It Time?

On Tuesday and Wednesday I had a boost of energy. I felt great and didn't have many contractions. So, I took advantage of it. I ran errands, cleaned a bit and sorted through our baby stuff. Thank goodness I did. I didn't realize how much I had given away and all the things I still need to get. I thought I had more stuff, but I don't think three swaddling blankets and five onesies will cut it. I went to bed last night but was awoken around 2am with bad contractions--bad enough to wake me up. I had them for eight hours, 'til 10 this morning, every 10 minutes. I then took a shower. I had to take Matt to the doctor for his kindergarten physical, so I figured if the contractions hadn't let up by then I would talk with the dr. and most likely head to the hospital. Thankfully they slowed down a lot by 10:30am. I only had three in two hours after that. Matt and I took it easy this afternoon--watched the movie, "UP". It's such a bummer to not be able to go about my regular schedule/activities. I'm having to forego my garden, yardwork, a clean house, good meals, etc. I keep telling myself it won't be too much longer--six weeks at most. My goal is to make it to May 1st.

Crazy Easter Weekend

We had a very full Easter weekend. It started a bit early--Thursday evening--when we attended Adam's school music program. Then Robert left town in the wee hours of the morning on Friday to drive to Kansas City to look for a van. After lunch, we heard the doorbell ring.
And this is what we found--Holly!!! My sister surprised us--big time. All of us were stunned to see her. It was great, though. She played a ton with the boys, cleaned the house, and just kept us laughing.

We colored eggs.

We had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard.

Adam and Matt enjoyed their Easter baskets this morning. The toys and candy kept them pretty reverent during General Conference.

Robert arrived home from KC with our last Easter present----a new van! Yippee!!