11 months old and one giant snowstorm!

What a weekend! Gavin turned eleven months old yesterday, and we celebrated with his buddy Benny who turned 1 year old! We made sure not to miss the party, even though we had to trek out into the middle of one of the biggest snowstorms in Philadelphia history! It was definitely worth it, we all had a blast. All told, we had just under two feet of snow dumped on us - and guess who couldn't wait to get outside and play in it!

Someone made a new friend...

Christmas is almost here, boys!

Since Benny is old hat at this Christmas thing (he was six days old when he had his first Christmas last year), he gave Gavin some good tips at a recent play date.

We've been enjoying the holiday season...and as you can imagine, Gavin loves all of the songs, lights, and decorations.

A trip to see Santa Claus is right around the corner. Stay tuned for the pics!

Gavin's Gettin' Down!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

We're Back!

We appreciate everyone's patience these past few weeks when we have had more than a few requests for a new blog post.

We have had a wonderful month, full of play dates, visits with family and friends, and of course, Thanksgiving. We spent the holiday in CT, and then made visits to family in PA to close out the traveling festivities. Gavin loved his first Thanksgiving dinner, trying lots of yummy foods for the first time!

Happy Thanksgiving!

More pictures and stories to come soon, we promise!

Happy Halloween!

Well, "Gavaroo" experienced his first Halloween yesterday, and as you can see he had a blast! We hung out at home with Auntie E and Adam for a few, then hit the neighborhood with Gavin's buddies Brandt and Porter (a.k.a. the Dog and Bat) for some Trick or Treating. Gavin received lots of candy and lots of compliments on his costume - and he laughed the whole time!

Only new activities to report are Gavin's sudden love of dancing - it's more of a head-boppin bouncey move, but it makes the whole family smile!

"Hey Benny...It's almost Halloween!"

We couldn't wait until Halloween to share some of the autumn fun we've been having. Mommy and Gavin met Benny and his Mom for a day at a local farm for some pumpkin picking and other adventures, as you can see.

You'll have to wait until the next post to find out what our little man has decided to be for his first Halloween - stay tuned!

Happy Nine Months This Week!

Gavin turns nine months old Monday, and we couldn't be having more fun with him! As you can see by the pictures, we have had an action-packed few weeks. Last weekend, Gavin went to an alpaca festival with Gram and Mommy - and this weekend we took a trip to Baltimore to see our friends, the Krulls, and their gorgeous new home. Gavin was thrilled to be reunited with his buddy, Sean!

No new tricks to report - Gav is definitely chatting up a storm to anyone who will listen, but it's all still baby talk for now.

Busy Bees...

It's been an action packed few weeks! Last weekend, Gavin was in CT while Mommy went to a wedding in Rhode Island (Daddy eventually made it - long story). This past weekend, the family headed to the Jersey Shore to celebrate Daddy's completion of a bike race and his upcoming 30th birthday. Sprinkle in a play date with Benny and a day with Gram and Auntie E and we've had non-stop fun!

Thankfully, the next few weeks aren't nearly as busy, so we all get some much needed downtime. Enjoy the post!

Eight Months and counting...

Mr. Gavin had his eight month birthday yesterday, and he celebrated by joining mommy and daddy at the shore and cheering on as daddy completed his second triathlon. Gavin was very well-behaved at the beach, and aside from trying to eat the sand instead of playing in it - he continues to be a natural beach bum.

No new tricks to report - he now crawls only as a means to get to something to climb on - as he acts like standing is the only thing he wants to do. It's cute but exhausting! Gavin got tooth number six recently...not sure exactly when but luckily the last few were not as challenging as the first few. His parents will take any progress they can get.

Good bye, summer!

We spent the last, unofficial weekend of summer at the Jersey Shore - and had a blast! Gavin and his four teeth and incessant crawling kept mommy and daddy on their toes, but it was certainly nice to spend time with family and friends.

Absent climbing on EVERYTHING he sees, no new milestones to report - which is good news for Gavin's parents who are still trying to adjust to the last few.

We are looking forward to the next month which is full of events - showers, weddings, races, and more. Stay tuned...

Go Gavin, Go!

Well, talk about a milestone - this crawling sure has Mommy and Daddy exhausted! Crawling turned to climbing almost overnight - and now we cannot look away from our little guy without him getting into something he shouldn't.

Daddy and Gavin went to CT this weekend for a party while Mommy was in NYC with friends. Thanks again to CT Grandma and Grandpa for everything, especially Gavin's first car which he loves!

We are heading to the Jersey Shore this weekend for an end of summer, Labor Day celebration. Be sure to check back next week for more pictures!

It's been a crazy few weeks!

For starters, this is how we found Gavin when we went into his room to get him after a nap...adorable yes, but standing in his crib! Obviously, Daddy lowered it so he didn't vault himself out of it, but it was another sign of just how quickly he is growing up.

Gavin also took his first full crawl-lap around the downstairs of our home. He went from barely crawling to zooming around any surface seemingly over night. It's a whole new adventure for us with him now!

Gavin has his first two teeth - bottom front...and as cute as they are to see in his big mouth, naps and sleeping have been a challenge lately. Here's hoping to him getting used to that feeling because he has a lot of teeth to go!

One final tidbit to share: yesterday we had a farewell party for friends of ours who are moving to Chicago (good luck, Panaros!), and as you will see in the picture, instead of watching his father playing horseshoes, Gavin decided it would be much more fun to play with a purse for an hour. Proud pappa!

Someone's VERY ticklish!

Well, he doesn't seem to mind so you can't blame two first time parents for tickling their child every chance they get to hear the adorable laugh our son has. He's getting more fun by the day - and as you can see, bigger too!

Gavin tried crawling this weekend, and twice made it with the first knee and fell flat on his face with the second...he is fine obviously, but as determined as he is - we're bound to see this next milestone shortly. We will keep you all posted!

Still giggling...almost crawling!

We're getting closer to another big milestone...Gavin is seemingly programmed to go on all fours the second we put him down - and he scoots backward almost immediately. Those with children who have seen his newest moves tell us he will be crawling any day now - which as fun as it sounds, also means Mommy and Daddy better get to baby-proofing their home!

Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Siwicki for spending the last few days in PA - helping watch Gavin while Mommy went to the NJ shore to support Daddy while he completed his first triathlon this weekend. Gavin was very excited for his Daddy's accomplishment - as you can see from the picture above.

One last note - Gavin had his six month check-up this past week - he is healthy as can be! He measured in at a whopping 28 inches long, and weighed in at 20lbs. - once again prompting the nurse to re-weigh him thinking the scale couldn't have been correct. He was a good boy at the doctor's office, and has been sleeping like a champ at home.

Happy Six Month Birthday!

Gavin celebrated his six month birthday yesterday! Amazing how quickly time has passed since his blessed arrival, many thank yous for the support we continue to receive from all of you.

Gavin is sitting up really well now, and as you can see is making more fun faces than ever. We're back to the rice cereal experiment - still shocking how quickly his food ends up all over the place during his daily feeding!

Congratulations and best of luck to our friends Meghan & Chris and Bri & Alex who got married this weekend - glad we were able to share in your joyous events.

Vacation Pictures Galore!

As we finish up our week of vacation, we figured we'd share some pictures from all of the family fun we have been having. We went to the Jersey Shore last weekend, and then Gavin and Daddy went to CT to visit with more family and enjoy more adventures.

As you can see from the pictures of Gavin exploring in the ocean and bay, playing out in the sand, frollicking in the pool, and rocking his shades, he certainly loves the summer months!

Short and sweet...

Quick post this week - here are a few pictures from Gavin's first dip in the pool with his Aunt Eileen - as well as a BBQ with some PwC friends.

More to come shortly!

Five Months old...check! First Father's Day...check!

Big week last week, as Gavin turned five months old on Friday - and we celebrated our first father's day as a little family on Sunday. He has also started giggling incessantly when tickled - something that is both adorable and hysterical depending on which laugh he gives out!

We have a week off coming up around the 4th - looking forward to some much needed time away with friends and family.

Enjoy the pictures!

Happy Baptism!

Mr. Gavin was Baptized yesterday, looking dapper in his all white garb. He was very well-behaved, and made even the priest giggle with his charming faces and smooth moves. All of our family got together to celebrate at a Mexican Restaurant afterward and had a blast!

The big guy turns five months this week, stay tuned for more pictures as we all enjoy the summer fun!

Party All The Time!

Well, the warm weather has arrived, and so has BBQ season! Gavin is getting to be quite the party animal - attending a few each of the past two weekends. Thanks to the Krays for having us over last weekend, and Emily and Deb for inviting us to each of their Manayunk Bike Race parties Sunday - Gavin's first but likely not last.

Our little man is doing great - enjoying all of the fresh air lately. He is rolling all over the place now - and recently found his new favorite toy that he can't stop playing with..his feet!

Summertime!

Gavin couldn't wait for the unofficial beginning of summer last weekend...we think it was just so he could show off is new cap and shades. We had a family trip to the shore, and Gavin was waiting at the finish line when his parents completed their annual 5 mile race in Spring Lake, NJ.

Gavin had his four month check up at the doctor this week, and aside from being in the 95% for height and 90% for weight, the doctor notified us that, "he could end up being a big boy"...could end up? I'd say he is well on his way!

We have had a lot of time with our extended family in the past few weeks - thanks for everyone's help - especially letting Mommy and Daddy get away for a few!

Rice cereal, anyone?

Well, it's been three weeks since Gavin played a trick on his parents making them think he was going to start sleeping through the night. So this weekend, we tried a little rice cereal before bed to improve our chances. Too early to tell what the effects will be, but we figured we would share the pictures - you'll know why when you see them!

Gavin also rolled over from his tummy to his back for the first time this weekend! His mother was the only one who saw it, but I suppose we can believe her.

Tuesday will be four months for the big guy - time flies!

Jinx!

Well, guess who hasn't slept through the night since the last post! Jumped the gun hoping that he had turned the corner...oh well. We have still had a great few weeks with our little man.

Gavin made his first trip to the shore and also had his first sleepover with his CT grandparents while mommy and daddy slipped out for a night on their anniversary.

We are happy to report that Karen enjoyed her first mother's day, including the special gift from her adoring son. She certainly deserved to have a wonderful day!

Here's to hoping you-know-who remembers how to you-know-what through the night again by the next post...stay tuned.

Guess who slept through the night?!

Apologies for not posting last week, but we are back with wonderful news...Gavin slept through the night the past two nights! His parents are happier than he is in this picture - if that's possible.

We hope you enjoy the pictures in this post - including the one where Gavin is giving his buddy, Benny, a "wet willie". Boys will be boys.

Have a great week!

Happy Easter!

Unphased by a visit to the comically large Eater Bunny at the King of Prussia Mall, we enjoyed our holiday weekend and were able to spend lots of time with family and friends. Gavin received his first Easter basket and set of bunny ears from Gram, and had a blast meeting members of the family for the first time.

Thanks to everyone for their Easter gifts and treats!

"This is my buddy, Benny!"

While Gavin has yet to learn how to do much aside from suck his thumb and giggle, he sure does know when to take the opportunity to introduce everyone to his buddy Ben Kray by pointing at him! The boys had a play date last week, and as you can see, they are getting along great!

We will shy away from any more basketball updates now that both Mommy and Daddy's teams lost in the Final Four, but it was a fun season. Gavin was ready to celebrate a victory with his UCONN attire, but even he noticed how poorly the guards were playing as evidenced in the pictures.

Aside from basketball games, we spent some time outside this weekend, enjoying the weather. Gavin, like his parents, prefers the fresh air!

Both Teams in the Final Four!!

As you can see, Gavin was ecstatic this past weekend when both Mommy and Daddy's teams made it to the Final Four! Gavin actually learned how to nap this weekend, so he was sleeping during most of the action, but we filled him in when he awoke and boy was he excited!

On the more relevant news front, Gavin went to the doctor for his two month check up last week. He passed with flying colors, and he continues to GROW - measuring in the 75th percentile for height and 95th for weight! Our baby boy is getting bigger by the day...

Thanks so much to Gavin's CT Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Kate for helping out this weekend. It was great seeing you!

Both of his teams in the Sweet Sixteen = Happy Baby!

While the debate rages on to determine whether Gavin is a bigger fan of the UCONN Huskies or Villanova Wildcats, both teams survived the weekend and will live to see another game Thursday. As you can see from the pictures, Gavin couldn't be happier!

We went to an NCAA tournament party on Saturday, other than that we had a low key weekend. Gavin, two months old this past Thursday, has his next doctor's appointment on Tuesday. We will be sure to update everyone then!

"Beware the Ides of March..."

Well, I wanted to commemorate the day by ordering 'Little Caesers' pizza, but Karen not surprisingly looked at me like I was from another planet...similar to how I looked at her when she told me she had our son star in the Drexel Hill rendition of, "Five Little Monkeys Jumping On The Bed."

We had a nice, quiet weekend filled with family bonding. We took Gavin to his first Sunday Mass today and he behaved like an angel. Outside of that, nothing much to report - tune in next week for updates on Gavin's two month birthday!

Future Wildcat?

As part of a fun-filled weekend, we met the Krays at Villanova for a picnic lunch on Saturday to enjoy the unseasonably warm weather. Gavin was a tad fussy, which confirmed for his father that Bryant is a more likely future destination than Mom's beloved alma mater!

As you can see from the pics, Gavin and his buddy Benny are getting along quite well - evidenced by the two of them hanging out in the business school doing a little light reading...

Thanks again to Grandpa Skipper, Joyce, and Jay for giving the new parents a break on Saturday night...as adorable as our little man is, the dinner date for two was a blast!

Road Trip!

What a weekend! Gavin took his first road trip and met many friends and family in CT on Saturday. He was an angel during the car ride, probably because his father promised him a lifetime of toys if he behaved. We stopped by to see his Auntie E. on the trip back Sunday, and arrived home just in time to relax before the big snow storm.

The only other bit of news we will share at this time is Gavin had his one month check up last week, and weighed in at a whopping 11lbs., 4oz! Congratulations to his mother for her patience with our little man's many feedings!

One month and counting...

Gavin celebrated his one month birthday on Thursday! He had quite a week, including a trip to the Lehigh Valley to meet other his great-grandmother, and his first trip to the mall (knowing his mother, it won't be his last!).

The "creepy but cute" doll in the pictures is Edgar Allen Poe - his Aunt Kate's favorite poet who happens to share his birthday with Mr. Gavin.

Gavin has his one month check up this week - we will be sure to let everyone know how he fares!

Four weeks tomorrow!

We're closing in on four weeks since our favorite little man was born, and while each day a bit more is learned, the fun hasn't stopped! Gavin met his great-grandmother this weekend, as well as our friends the Krulls. Gavin also had his first play date last week - he had lots of questions for Sean and Ben and as you can see from the pictures, they are definitely looking out for him.

Thanks to all for the Valentine's Day wishes...Mr. Popular got more cards than anyone!

We haven't missed a beat! And he hasn't missed a meal...

Gavin celebrated his three week birthday yesterday, and tipped the scales at 9lbs., 6oz. so our little man has already gained more than a pound over his birth weight! At this rate, he will catch up to his older buddies Brandt, Porter, and Benny in no time.

We had a few visitors over the weekend, and enjoyed some family time with just the three of us. We are looking forward to the weather continuing to warm so we can enjoy a neighborhood walk this weekend. Stay tuned!

Snowed In!

Well, we had a snow storm last night in the Philadelphia area so I figured it would be a good day to update everyone with the latest while Mike is busy during his first week back at work. As you can see from the pictures, we had a few visitors over the weekend, and also tried the bath-in-the-sink game for the first time. Gavin fussed a bit at first but ended up loving every second of his pampering! Thanks to everyone for the wonderful gifts and treats you have been sending...we promise to send out formal 'thank you' cards soon enough!

We've come a long way, Baby...

What a difference eight weeks makes! It was so nice to be pregnant at the same time as a friend. Now Kristin and I have babies who are exactly a month apart. The road from belly to baby can be a bumpy one at times, but I know we are both so overjoyed to have our happy, healthy sons here in our arms. Thanks for sharing the journey with me, Kristin! :)

Another Birthday...

January is a busy month in our household for birthdays. Along with Gavin's, Karen celebrates her 30th today! Happy Birthday, Karen! We had a few family members over last night - a big thanks to Gram for bringing such a delicious dinner and Karen's favorite homemade banana nut cupcakes! Gavin helped Daddy make breakfast in bed for Mommy this morning. Then we went to lunch with the Krays, where Gavin got to meet his newest buddy, Ben. They look adorable together and Gavin was very well-behaved during his first lunch date. We're looking forward to a weekend of rest, relaxation, and visits from friends. Stay tuned for more pics!

Gavin's Home!

Our little guy is settling in to his new digs quite nicely. He has had lots of visitors, including many family members since we arrived home from the hospital last Friday. Gavin also had a special visit from his buddies in the neighborhood, Brandt and Porter.

As you can see from the pictures, we have ventured into the world of baby baths, tummy time, and a few other neat little adventures.

Thanks to everyone for your love and support during our first week home! Check back soon for more updates as we encounter new stories each day...

Baby face...

Well, we are still at the hospital and Gavin just had his first bath. The nurses put on a class and take a guess who their "model baby" was? That's right...he hammed it up the entire time! A few more pictures from today including some funny faces he is learning how to make.

Everyone is doing great and we are on schedule for tomorrow's departure!

Welcome, Gavin Michael!

Taking a wonderful cue from our friends the Krays, Karen and I have decided to start a blog to share the latest news and pictures from our journey into parenthood!

For those of you who we have not yet spoken to, Gavin Michael was born at 1:50pm on a snowy Monday, January the 19th. Gavin was a hefty 8lbs., 5oz. and stretched out to 21 inches in length. Both Gavin and Mommy are doing great! (It may be because out of the thirteen babies born on Monday at our hospital, there were twelve baby girls and only one little boy...someone likes the attention already!)

Please click on the photo above to view pictures from Gavin's first few days meeting the many family members that have visited us in the hospital...but don't stop there! As you can imagine, we are ecstatic and taking pictures at a historic pace so check back often for more from our exciting adventures with our little guy!

Love,
Mike, Karen, and Baby Gavin