Gavin Update

Oh, where to begin .... Gavin is our goofy, playful, tazmanian devil. He is always finding trouble. (Just view post about his cast!) He is fascinated with Disney CARS and loves to play with friends. Gavin's vocabulary is really growing. My two favorite words are "so funny!" and "Wow! Cool!" He is a terror and every time I turn around he is either hurt, caused another mess, or is being aggressive with Annika. He is all boy -- wrestles, is very active and a tease. Gavin does love to imitate his big sister, this is where a lot of the problems arise. I can't believe Gavin is turning 2 in April! If you know Gavin, you wouldn't be surprised that the theme is CARS. You can really tell he has the Bjorn gene -- loves cars, trains, planes -- anything that goes, and goes fast!

Annika Update

Annika is growing up so fast. We keep telling her to stop because we want her to stay our little girl, but she just doesn't listen to us. : ) She loves dancing, swimming, reading, crafts, dress-up, and playing with friends. Oh, and we can't forget how much she loves harassing her brother. Annika is doing so well in school and she can't wait until kindergarten. I, on the other hand, can't believe that time is approaching. Time does go too quickly. I love how she loves to learn about space and we have a lot of fun making up stories at bedtime. Annika has a great imagination and is a fun-loving kid. I honestly do love the age she is at.

First Broken Bone

Yes, Gavin has his first fractured bone. Poor, little guy. He was running to greet Andy home from work last week and fell on the linoleum. After the x-rays, the doctor confirmed he has a toddler fracture. I guess it's common with kids that's why the term "toddler fracture". I shouldn't be surprised he broke a leg because he is always getting hurt. He has the nickname Taz for a reason (Tazmanian Devil). The fracture is a hairline, spiral fracture so it shouldn't take long to heal. He was in a splint for a week. Doctor took it off (x-ray showed no more fx) and after a day without it he was still having pain. So, the cast went on today. If you have ever had a child under 2 with a cast you have my sympathies. It has been very difficult because the poor little guy doesn't understand why it hurts or why this thing is on his leg. I feel so bad watching him limp and crawl. The first week was insane though. He HATED the splint and screamed practically 24/7. My head hurt 24/7 too. I am so grateful he is happier with the cast. (knock on wood) I don't think I could take 2 1/2 more weeks with his screaming.

Well, I better stop ignoring him and play cars. He keeps driving McQueen up and down my back. I have had better massages.

Precious

I was taking a picture of Ava while she slept on the couch. She smiled right when I clicked. So cute! 5 months old already. Time flies.

Swim lessons

Swimming lessons started back up in January. It had been a long time for Annika, and the first time for Gavin. Annika surprised us and picked up right where she left off. She loves the water and is doing very well. Her current teacher complimented her last night and said she blows everyone out of the water with her skill level at her age. Gavin is in a class with Andy at the same time as Annika. He is mister independent and prefers hanging on the edge going from one side to the other. Andy has to compromise -- a little practice time then play time. Gavin is good at kicking, paddling, and doesn't mind going under water. Ava and I are on the sidelines watching all three. It's been fun as a family 2 times a week.

Snow Day on Presidents Day

We had a great day yesterday in the snow up Snoqualmie Pass. The kids actually lasted 3 hours, which amazed me. Ava napped the first half in the car so I took the other two kids on the small kid hill. Gavin and Annika loved it, but wanted more action. So, after lunch in the car, we took all the kids to the bigger slope. Ava even went down the hill a few times! I definitely got my exercise by carrying Gavin up the hill over and over again. If you've seen Gavin lately, you would know why I am sore today! : )

Ava is growing up too fast!

I love this picture of the two girls. Annika adores Ava, and Ava adores Annika. Ava is 5 months on the 21st. I can't believe how fast time has gone. She is a very good baby. She started eating rice cereal and loves it. She started resisting a bottle, so that's a bummer for me. Ava is grasping toys, sleeping in her own room now, first teeth are almost through, loves to play "stand up/sit down" game and peek-a-boo. Ava has the cutest laugh when tickled under her chin. She is good at pushing with her feet while on her back. She loves to play in the exersaucer and on the floor with her brother and sister. We just love having her in our family. It still amazes us that we are a family of five now. It's great!

Grandma Great is holding Ava while I feed her rice cereal for the first time.

Playing in her exersaucer. Gavin loves getting in too.