Catch Up

It's been a while since my last update. Things have been pretty crazy over here. This post is going to catch you guys up on what has been going on. I am happy to say that I got a job! I will be teaching pre k in Harlandale ISD. I am super excited to begin my teaching career with a great district. I also have the added bonus of being at the same campus as my good friend Courtney (Yay!). I was really getting nervous about finding a job, but thankfully our prayers were answered. Gavin will be starting school next Monday. I have been looking at schools (day cares, but it makes me feel better when I call it school) for a while. We have finally settled on a catholic learning center that is near our house. I have had mixed emotions about this transition. I feel extremely blessed to have had this first year home with him and I know he needs the interaction with other children, but part of me doesn't want to let him go. I think it is going to be harder on me than it will be on him. I am hoping for a smooth transition for all of us. Wish us luck! I also took Gavin to Sea World for the first time. We went to the water park and he had a blast. We could only stay in the toddler area, but he loved it (thanks for the season pass Dad). I can't wait until daddy can go with us next time. Unfortunately, Gabriel has been working a lot so he has missed these family excursions. I also took Gavin to historic Gruene, TX to eat at the Gristmill. We ate some good food and then sat on the river front patio enjoying some live music and sipping on some delicious sangria. The summer has flown by and I can't believe August is almost here. We are excited for what the next few months have in store for our family and hopeful that the Lord will guide us down the path we need to be on.

NKOTB!

Last weekend I traveled to Dallas for the New Kids on the Block concert. It was a blast! We drove up on Friday morning and came back on Sunday. My good friend Vicky lives there, so she was nice enough to let us stay at her place. We had a bite to eat before the concert and then headed to the venue. It was an outdoor venue, so please excuse the sweat and shiny faces :) I felt like I was 12 again. Donnie sang to ONLY me the entire concert. The guys are cuter than ever. Too bad their summer tour is already over. Oh well, there is always next summer. Thanks ladies for a fabulous weekend!

Gavin's 12 month photo shoot

I wanted to share the rest of Gavin's 12 month pictures. I met a wonderful photographer through a friend of mine and she came over at the end of June for the shoot. Please check out her site, tip toe photography. Gavin did great and we got some great pictures of our "little man".

Barber Shop

Gavin got his first haircut last week. Yes, I know what you're saying...What hair? He doesn't have very much, but it was getting a bit long around the ears and in the back. Gabriel gets his hair cut at a "real" barber shop. They use warm shaving cream and a real blade. They even give you a neck massage after your cut. I guess that is why he goes every 2 weeks. He took Gavin with him and the barber cut his hair for free (we gave her a nice tip). Gavin sat so still on Gabriel's lap. I did have to pull out the pacifier, but it was worth it.

He's my Yankee Doodle Sweetheart....

We celebrated Gavin's first fourth of July in style. My dad and step mom bought Gavin a red wagon for his birthday so we broke it in American style. My dad's neighborhood has a fourth of July parade every year. It's not Fiesta Flambeau style, but it is cute. The neighborhood kids come out and ride their bikes or get pushed in strollers and everyone decorates their "ride". Gavin rode in his "presidential" wagon with his cousin Josh. They had a blast. God Bless America!

Birthday Weekend

Gavin had a wonderful birthday weekend. We started on Thursday with a party at my mom's house. It was a blast! We had such a nice time hanging out with all of our family and friends. Gavin had his very own "smash" cake to tear into and boy did he. His face was covered in blue icing. We had to hose him down in the baby pool after he finished. He loved all of his gifts and didn't go to bed until 11 that evening. He was pooped. The next day we had party #2 at my dad's house. Gavin had his first chocolate cupcake and loved it. We had a cook out and opened more gifts. Grandpa Joe got Gavin a red wagon. He loved it. Thank you to everyone who came out and made Gavin's first birthday so special. We are blessed to have such a wonderful family and great group of friends. We love you!

Happy Birthday Gavin!

Dear Gavin,
Today you are ONE year old! Wow, I can't believe that it has already been a year. I can't tell you how much this one year has changed my life. I never believed in love at first sight...that was until you came into my life. I took one look at you and knew that my life would never be the same again. You are my greatest accomplishment. I am blessed to be your mommy. You bring so much joy into our lives baby boy. Your smile lights up the room. You are so LOVED! You are now completely on whole milk. No more of that yucky formula for my growing boy. You also eat pretty much everything. We are having some sleep issues, but deep down I really like having you in our bed (shhh..don't tell dad). You are "cruising" around everywhere, but when it comes to walking on your own, you want nothing to do with it. Everyone says that one day you will just take off. We go to gymboree class once a week and you really enjoy it. You love to see the other kids there and you are pretty good at climbing all of their fun contraptions. You talk all day long and sometimes it sounds like you are really saying words. I swear you say dada, ball and no no. I had no idea what this first year was going to entail and I don't think anyone could ever explain it. I have learned so much from you. I can't wait to see what this next year has in store for us. Happy Birthday Gavin! Mommy and Daddy love you more than you know.