More Gymnastics Fun

Grandma and Grandpa Gillespie joined Gavin and Daddy at gymnastics class last weekend, so that gave Ryan the opportunity to get some great pics and videos of Gav.  Gymnastics is still Gavin's favorite activity, and he's a few classes away from moving up to the class where he is in the "big boy" gym the whole time, so this is probably our last round of pictures with the "baby" class:

A great action shot of one of Gav's favorite things to do during free play:  stack up a bunch of blocks, then swing on the bar to kick them over.

 Gavin's temper tantrum pose.  This was a result of not being able to jump on the trampoline (he is scared to jump with anyone else on there, so when another kid tries to get on with him, this is sometimes what happens!)

 Gav doing his best rhythmic gymnastics routine.

Listening to Miss Susan for directions. 

 Gav and his gymnastics class girlfriend, Addison.

Zoo lights

Once again we took Gavin to the zoo to see the lights and enjoy seeing the animals in the winter time.  We had a wonderful time when we did this last year, and we enjoyed it again this year, but apparently we chose a very busy weekend and time of day to go, but it was packed.  We are zoo members so we frequent the zoo a lot and we've never seen it that crowded!  We've learned our lesson and hopefully next year we'll be able to time our trip for a more fun visit.

Because of the crowds, we didn't get to visit Santa, and Ryan and I missed out on our spiked hot chocolates (the ultimate tragedy of the trip :), but we did still have fun seeing the monkeys (Gav's number one request), the fish, the bears (according to Gavin, they were taking a nap) and seeing the laser light show.  Here's a few pics from our trip (*Dec stayed home this year, it was a bit too cold for a 5 week old!  Thanks to Grandma M for watching the little guy!):

We had to stand in a slow moving line just to get IN to Tropic World, so in order to actually see the monkeys, Gav got up on Daddy's shoulders.  He was a little unsure about being so high up, but decided it was worth it to watch the monkeys!

 Too interested in the monkeys to pose with Mommy.

 Gav and Daddy checking out some more primates.

 Maybe its just me, but I think the gorilla and Gavin in his "warm hat" and big puffy jacket look quite a bit alike!

 Gav and Daddy checking out the laser light show.  Gavin didn't really care about the Christmas lights everywhere, but he was mesmerized by the lasers. 

 Joy to the world.

Laundry basket fun

Maybe Santa should just bring some more laundry baskets for Christmas...

"There's got to be a way to get in this thing"

 "Shoot, no trap door in the back"

 "Maybe head first is the way to go"

 "I think I'm on to something!"

 "I did it!"

 "Hi Mommy!"

 "Time to escape!"

 "That was fun Mom, what else can I crawl into around here?"

Becoming brothers

I wanted to devote a little blog time to just how cute Gavin is with his new baby brother Declan.  He does and says so many things right now that I'm sure I'll forget about in a few months if I don't document them now!

While I don't have much photo or video evidence of their cuteness together, Gavin has been a wonderful big brother to Declan so far!  Gav is always looking out for Dec, and always eager to help make him happy.  Whenever Declan cries, Gavin will run over to him and ask ever so sweetly, "What's wrong baby brother?"  When Dec replies with more wailing, Gavin is quick to tell me that Declan needs his pacifier (we're working on conveying to Gav that pacifiers sadly don't always make babies happy!)

Gavin also loves to check in on Declan when he is in his pack n play or swing.  When Dec hangs out in his pack and play, we usually wind up the bears mobile for him (which only lasts about 3 minutes before it needs to be wound again).  As soon as the music stops and the bears stop rotating, Gavin starts saying "More bears! More bears!"  Gav can't reach the winding mechanism (and I doubt he could wind it himself anyways) so he will swat at the bears in an attempt to get a little more music and motion for Declan to enjoy.

When Declan is awake and alert, Gavin loves to come over close and say "let me look at you!"  I don't know where he picked up this particular phrase, but it is so adorable when he says it!  Gavin also loves to pet Declan's head, and you can tell he is really fascinated with Declan's eyes.  He always reaches out a little finger towards Dec's eyes, but so far we've managed to avoiding poking Dec's eyes!  Gav has also been willing to hold Declan whenever we ask him, but he's usually ready to give the baby back pretty quickly :)

We're still squeezing our family of 4 into our Nissan for now (SUV shopping is next on the list after finishing that darn basement!), and as a result, we needed to move Gavin's carseat to the other side of the car.  Gav still isn't quite used to his new side (he always walks to the wrong side of the car), but he is very aware of the fact that Declan sits on the other side.  When its just me, Gav and Dec heading out somewhere, I always put Gav in the car first, and then go back for Declan.  Which means that every time I get Gavin buckled in, he thinks we're leaving Declan behind, and he always looks at me and asks with a lot of concern in his voice:  "Where is baby Declan?"  And when I return and snap Declan into his carseat, Gav always cheers and says excitedly "baby brother!" 

I know this love fest Gav has for Declan won't last forever, and that soon enough I'll be breaking up fights and wondering why I ever bought anything nice to have in my house, but I'm certainly going to enjoy every minute of how sweet they are together right now!  Here are a few pics of the boys:

Gavin joining Declan for tummy time (he feels bad for Dec because he always cries during tummy time)

 Gavin is smiling but as usual, Declan definitely wasn't enjoying his tummy time!

Happy 1 month birthday Declan!

As was the tradition with Gavin, we will attempt to write a letter to Declan every month, as well as document his cuteness with a photo shoot.  We asked Declan who he would like to have in his pictures, and he requested Fred the penguin.  Enjoy Dec's photo shoot and his letter from Mommy and Daddy:

Declan and Fred getting acquainted.

 Fred tells a joke to break the ice

Dec and Fred notice the paparazzi...

...and give the cameras the cute pose they are looking for.

"What do you mean you want to take 50 more pictures Daddy?!"

 Declan normally reserves this face of wonder for the bears mobile and the ceiling fan.

 Is that a smile Deckers?  Happy 1 month buddy!

Dear Declan,


Happy 1 month birthday! After missing out on your very unique due date (11/11/11), you decided to join us on November 15th at 8:35 pm. You were 8 lbs 14 oz and 20 inches on that day, and now you’re 11 lbs 10 oz and 23 inches long! You’re in the 90th percentile for both weight and length, and you’ve already outgrown your smallest set of clothes!

In this first month, you’ve already experienced a lot of “firsts.” Your first major holiday, Thanksgiving, was only a few days after you were born. You weren’t interested in the turkey or stuffing, but you really enjoyed hanging out with the Mayner side of your family at our house.

You’ve ventured out of the house a lot as well. We’ve been to the doctor, the grocery store, the children’s museum (you watched your big bro Gavin play), and Ethan and Olivia’s house for a playdate. You hate being put in your car seat Dec, but once we’re in the car and driving, you’re usually happy as a clam.

A lot of your “likes” these days are very similar to the things your older brother Gavin liked at this age too! You love the bears mobile on your pack and play, and you’ve just recently discovered the awesomeness that is a ceiling fan. Declan, you also like to be bundled up in your spotted blankie, and the bouncer chair is your favorite place to chill.

Dec, you have very strong dislikes too. You definitely don’t like dirty diapers, and are quick to let us know that you need to be changed. You also don’t like when Mommy tries to give you a bottle, but you’re willing to let other people have a go at it. You don’t like being burped (even though you’re very good at it!), and you are never pleased when someone tries to wipe the milk off of your face.

This month has gone by quickly Declan! You’re much more alert and have a bigger personality than you did a month ago. We’re looking forward to getting to know you even better in the months to come!

Happy 1 month birthday Deckers!

Love,
Mommy & Daddy

2 weeks with 2 little guys

Yesterday Declan turned 2 weeks old and had his 2 week doctor appointment.  A lot of Dec's first two weeks of life have reminded us of Gavin's first 2 weeks.  Much like his big brother, Declan lost a good amount of weight right after being born, but quickly made up for it!  At his appt yesterday, Dec weighed 9 lbs 10 oz, and grew to 21.75 inches, shooting up to the 80-90th percentile for height and weight.

So far we don't know a lot about Declan's personality.  We know he definitely does not like dirty diapers and will not tolerate a wet diaper for even a few minutes!  He also seems to be a baby of extremes; he can go from happy and chilled out to incredibly ticked off in 5 seconds or less.  But he is also a pretty great sleeper for only 2 weeks old.  He manages to sleep pretty well at night, and actually tolerates being put down to sleep (Gavin was not so nice, he demanded to be held at all times!).  Like his older brother, Dec does not like tummy time, but does like soft fuzzy blankets and the bears mobile on the pack and play.

The last 2 weeks have certainly been an adjustment for our family!  Now that we have 2 kids, we find it funny that we thought it was hard to take care of just one little guy!  However, we also know that these first few weeks and months are the hardest, and we're looking forward to a little ways down the road when Gavin and Declan can really interact.  Gavin is already a great big brother!  He loves to rock Declan in his bouncer (sometimes a little too enthusiastically!) and give Dec his pacifier.  Gav also makes sure that the music is always going on the bears mobile when Declan is in the pack and play.

In the last few weeks we have been lucky to have so much support from our families.  Many people came to stay with us, help us, or even cook Thanksgiving dinner for us (thanks Shari!!), and we are incredibly grateful!  You all made our lives much easier!  I'm already terrified to think about how crazy its going to be trying to take care of these 2 guys by myself when Ry has to work again in less than a week!

Below are a few cute pics from the last week or so:

Not even 2 weeks old and he already figured out how to suck his thumb AND be annoyed by his parents!

 Declan is doing a pretty great job of looking just like the puppy dog on his hat!

 Gavin is ready to provide bouncing assistance.

 Gav's reaction to us telling him to be gentle with his little bro.

 Dec has already learned the "I'm so cute" pose.

 The Mayner side of the family at our house for Thanksgiving.

Declan's first few minutes.

While Declan and Mommy get their rest, I thought I'd take over the blog and post a few pictures of two of my three favorite people.

Erin and I ready to do this... this was about an hour before we'd get to meet the Goober.

 Ninety seconds old and ready to tell the world what he thinks of it.

Mommy showing surprise that Deckers is opening his eyes so wide after only being born a few minutes before... Dec showing surprise that the person's belly he's been living in is so beautiful on the outside.

A real good looking pair.

"So sleepy Mom... nice work but lets chat in the morning."

Declan loving his fingers as he dozes off.

A big big boy.  8 pounds and 14 ounces.  We love you Declan!



Another fall bog visit

As has become our fall tradition, we paid another visit to the Volo Bog.  Each time we go, its interesting to see how Gavin will react, since different things seem to excite him each time.  This time he was most interested in the dock in the middle of the bog where you can see the most water and swampy-ness.  Gav kept telling me he saw frogs, but either he has much better eyes than I do, or it was just wishful thinking :)

Gavin and Daddy heading towards the bog trail, and Gav doing a little dance along the way.

 Picture on the boardwalk with Daddy.

 Mommy and Gav on the boardwalk.

 Those of you that knew Ryan when he was a kid will understand why I put this "Planters Peanuts" pose picture on here.  Like father, like son!

 Careful inspection of the bog.

Trying to make a break for it!

 Getting a good view of the bog.  This is where Gavin swears he saw all the frogs.

 Our first attempt at a family bog pic.

 Second attempt turns out a little better, even though we all have some pretty good fake smiles going on :)