We had Gavin's two year photos done this summer. I found a wonderful photographer through a friend and I couldn't be happier with the results. Gavin is mover and a shaker and Elizabeth from Snap Happy Portraits definitely knew how to handle an energetic little boy. We started early, but it was still really hot and humid so please excuse my "bad hair day".
So I have officially become a monogram maniac. I not only get my stuff monogrammed, but I also get Gavin's things monogrammed. I love that they can monogram in any color or any font. There is something extra special about having your name or initials monogrammed on your belongings. I have also been able to find some awesome deals on etsy.
This little bag is what got me started. A gift from my sister. I have been using it a lot lately. Small, but not too small. I have a larger one that I use as my teacher bag.
Can you believe I bought this tote at the dollar tree for 1 dollar. I should have bought more. The inside is lined with plastic so I used it a lot this summer as a pool or beach bag. I had it monogrammed at a local store.
This was my first blogger giveaway win. I got to pick out what colors and font I wanted all for free. I won it on First Comes Love giveaway blog. I can't wait to take my coffee to work in this cute little cup.
Gavin's first preschool nap mat. It has a blanket and pillow attached that are easily removed for washing. They sleep on cots at school so this will just go over it. I bought this on etsy at Kute Kiddo.
Another etsy purchase :) Can you see the theme here? Camo galore. He also has a matching backpack that I haven't pictured. This little lunch tote is the perfect size for his lunch and is insulated to keep his food cold or warm. I bought this at miss priss and co.
It has been a while since my last update and I have no excuse :) I am still enjoying my summer at home with Gavin. The first two weeks of July were jam packed with activities and the last two weeks have been pretty quiet. Gavin will start a mom's day out program this week. He will be going two days a week until the end of August and then he will start his normal three day a week school for the new school year. That will be two schools in the span of a month. I am a little worried about moving him around so much, but a lot of schools don't offer a summer program and I really think he would enjoy playing with other kids his age during the week. Other than that we are slowly trying to get back on a schedule since the new school year is rapidly approaching. Goodbye to the nights of staying up until two in the morning reading or watching tv and the mornings of sleeping in until 10 :( I will leave you with some great pics of Gavin holding the latest addition to our family (his cousin). He LOVES babies. He wants to hold baby Cruz every chance he gets.
So I officially survived Gavin's first "real" birthday party. I say this because for his first birthday we did something really low key with just immediate family. This year we went all out, or should I say, I went all out :)
I started planning this party back in January. My goal was to buy a little each month so that our pocket book wouldn't feel a massive dent. This meant that I had to pick a theme 7 months ago. Gavin wasn't really into just one thing back in January so I decided on a "barnyard bash". Little did I know that he would soon become obsessed with "trucks".
We had the "barnyard bash" at the clubhouse in my dad's neighborhood. They have a wonderful playground and a great air conditioned facility that is an absolute must in SA's 100 degree heat. The menu consisted of hamburgers and hot dogs. I really wanted to make the cupcakes for Gavin's party and I found some really cute ideas on the Internet. I made pig and rooster cupcakes that came out really cute and were super easy.
I ordered the cake from one of my fellow teachers who makes the most delicious cakes. Since I already had the pig and rooster I wanted the cake to have a cow theme. She did an awesome job.
I wanted the party to have the full barnyard effect so we hired a petting zoo for the main attraction. We had pony rides, baby pigs, chickens, a sheep and a goat. Gavin wouldn't touch the animals, and I barely got him to ride the pony. So much for my grandiose idea of him galloping away into the sunset :)
In keeping with the theme and trying to incorporate his love of trucks I was determined to find green and yellow "john deere" tractor pinata. Who knew that finding the perfect pinata would become such a task. I finally found one and Gavin loved it.
It was so nice to be surrounded by family and friends on a very special day. Gavin is so lucky to have so many people that love him. He has THREE great grandmas and TWO great grandpas. Can you believe that? He also has two grandpas, and three grandmas. He is definitely going to look back on these pictures and realize just how lucky he is.
Gavin had a blast and the party was a success. It took a lot of work and tons of help but in the end it was all worth it. I am already planning next year's party ;)
We had a super busy weekend. Friday was Gavin's second birthday and Sunday was the fourth of July. We started bright and early on Friday. We wanted to have a special "mom, dad and Gavin" day to celebrate the big 2. We met my mom for breakfast at Jim's and Gavin had their awesome silver dollar pancakes.
We then headed off to the San Antonio Children's Museum which was a blast. I forgot my camera so I don't have any pics, but Gavin had lots of fun and we are definitely going to become members. We ended our morning with a trolley ride and then headed home for a long nap before Gavin's birthday dinner.
That evening we had a small gathering at my grandma's to celebrate Gavin's birthday. We had spaghetti, lasagna, salad, bread and ice cream cake. The food was delish and Gavin LOVED the cake.
Sunday was the fourth of July. We started out bright and early once again and headed to my dad's house for the annual fourth of July parade held in his neighborhood. My step sister and I decorated Gavin's wagon the night before.
That evening we headed over to my grandma's house for some hamburgers,hot dogs and lots of fireworks. Gavin loved the sparklers (daddy helped him). The finale was a huge firwork display over Woodlawn Lake. Gavin had a blast!
Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. Love to you all!
Today you are two years old. Happy birthday sweet boy! I can't believe I have been your mommy for two years. Time has flown by. You are becoming a little boy and I can't help but wonder where my baby has gone. You keep me on my toes and everyone else who takes care of you for that matter. You give "smooches" all the time and my heart melts when you say "mama". Your smile lights up the room and when you are in trouble you sure know how to tug at mama's heart strings. Dada says I'm a softy, but what can I say, those dimples are pure magic. I am really enjoying my summer with you and I am so glad that you and I have this time together. There are times when I just sit and stare at you in utter amazement. I can't believe that I made you. You still look a lot like dada, but there is also a lot of mama in you too. You are definitely spoiled and it looks like it will be like that for a while. You have so many wonderful people that love you Gavin. You are one lucky little boy. You have truly completed me and I love you more than I can put into words.
I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a follower of Jesus,and a girl who appreciates good food and the simple things in life. I am on a journey that has taken me on many highs and many lows and I am loving every minute of it. I have been blessed with a wonderful husband and a beautiful son. I am an elementary school teacher who is learning how to be a good mom while working full time. This blog has not only become a fun hobby, but it has also become my outlet. There is nothing more reassuring than knowing that there is someone out there who is going throughy the exact same thing. I am officially a blog addict :) I hope you enjoy it!