gavin: 2 weeks old

Our little buddy is 16 days old today. I took him to the well baby check up and he is gaining weight well - he is 7 lb 12 oz. I knew he had gained a bit of weight ... his size newborn pants finally stay on.

He has Corey, me, and Kya all wrapped tightly around his little finger.

Gavin loves to be swaddled and cuddled, really enjoys his pacifier, and loves to sleep. That pretty much sums up his typical day.






Gavin's hair is starting to lighten and covers the tip top of his perfect little ears.


hello sunshine!


Go Bison!

. . .

And now for a little randomness ...

There was a beautiful sunrise this morning.


Our jogging stroller tire was flat (with a hole) so the kids and I took it to Scheels to be repaired. While the bike guy fixed it, he offered free bowling for Kya. She had a blast!

vote for Bison Booties!

Bison Booties is a nominee to be named the 2013 American Made Audience Choice Winner. American Made is a movement founded by Martha Stewart that spotlights the maker, supports the local, and celebrates the handmade. The winner receives $10,000 to support their small business and a trip to New York for the annual American Made Event.

http://www.marthastewart.com/americanmade/nominee/79402?=EML_AM_2013_CONFIRMATION
* The winner is determined by VOTES and you can vote up to SIX times each day! PLEASE vote for BISON BOOTIES *

Last year, Bison Booties was a top 15 finalist, from over 2,000 nominees! I can't do this without your help, thank you for your support!

Gavin - day 10

Gavin was 10 days old on Wednesday, and I can't believe how fast the first 10 days have gone. I also can't believe Gavin has only been here 10 days because it seems like he's been in our family forever. We are all totally completely in love with him.

At the well bay check up on Tuesday (at the time Gavin was 9 days old) he weighed 7 lbs, 5 oz. and 21.5 inches long. Babies lose weight right after birth and it was great to know that Gavin has re-gained his weight and is eating well. Gavin is still wearing size newborn clothing.


And oh my. Gavin loves his pacifier and loves to be swaddled.






Last Saturday Corey and I took Gavin to Bismarck Harmonyfest downtown (a local music in the park day). Gavin's first concert!




Our little peanut on his beautiful new quilt from one of Corey's coworkers.

big sister Kya

Want to know how to be a good big sister? Watch Kya.


She takes her job as big sister very seriously. There is a lot of hand-holding, singing, and helping around here.


A LOT of hand-holding. Melts my heart every time.


Kya has been very curious and eager to learn all about the baby "supplies" ... in fact, it seemed to take an entire morning to explain to her that this particular item is not a megaphone or hair blow dryer.


Big sister duties are hard work. Exhausting. Corey takes Kya and Reagan for walks every evening and one evening she fell asleep. Hard.

. . .

Just a day or so before Gavin was born, I interviewed Kya about some of her likes and favorite things. I hope to repeat this periodically throughout the next few years.

Kya's answers, August 2013:
Favorite thing to eat: veggies
Favorite thing to drink: water
Favorite treats: jelly beans
Favorite person to visit: Grandma Rene
Best friend: pink bear
Favorite song: DoReMi
Favorite movie: Sound of Music
Favorite color: pink
Favorite thing to do: play with blocks
Favorite animal: cow
What she wants to be when she grows up: a big sister
Favorite book: the Hallmark Bell book (the one with the dog that responds)
Kya says she is good at: dancing and puzzles




I think Kya grew up overnight that night Gavin was born. She seems so much more grown up and mature. Kya and I have had fun with more "grown-up" games and activities at home, like making this cardboard police car and/or bus (depending on which Kya chooses to be at the moment).

. . .

Complete disclosure - we did have a few speed bumps the last week. Oh my, it was really hard work for me to take care of a newborn and a toddler at home the first few days! Many thanks to my mom for coming to the rescue so I could get some much needed sleep. Grandma Z and Kya had a few days of fun that included camping at the river cabin, swimming at the water park, a haircut, and time at grandma's new house. Thank you mom!

Gavin's first road trip

For Gavin's one-week birthday (Sunday. Aug. 18), we made a day trip to Linton, ND to visit Corey's Grandpa Schumacher and Grandma Hager (Gavin's great grandparents).

Both kids slept the entire hour drive to Linton ... so we considered the trip a success!







Needless to say, there was lots of love and cuddles to go around!

basket baby

I've been having lots of fun taking photos of Gavin. I just can't get enough of this handsome fellow. Oh and that HAIR! Love it.

Today Gavin and I had a little photo shoot much like the one I did with Kya when she was a newborn (see her photo at the end of this post). Same basket!






My favorite photo. This is SO Gavin - lots of funny faces and stretches. He loves to have his legs curled up like this.




Gavin Donald, 8 days old


Kya Rose, 3 days old


Gavin Donald, 5 days old

. . .

The consensus is usually that Kya looks like Corey and Gavin looks like me. Thoughts?


Can't wait for these teeny tiny feet to grow into his first pair of Bison Booties.

Gavin's funny faces

After most meals, Gavin practices his funniest facial expressions ... always ending with a smile and a good nap.

big sister Kya and Gavin's new friends

We are unbelievably blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family members living close to us. Thank you all for the visits and treats and gifts! Extra thanks to my mom and sister for being with us during labor and to my Grandma Rene for taking great care of Kya, and to Andrew for watching Reagan for us. Many thanks too for those that live farther away and sent their love via phone call, text or facebook message - thank you!


Moments after birth - with Grandma Z


Aunt Maria


Aunt Caitlyn and Uncle Chaz


Papa Darwin (my grandpa)


Grandma Rene (my grandma)


Uncle Andrew


Aunt Ronda (my aunt)


Grandma Hager

. . .

And of course, Big Sister Kya.
Gavin has the sweetest big sister. Kya adores her little brother with her whole heart and is always excited to help, hold, cuddle, or sing to Gavin.

(these photos are a little out of order ... I have one arm occupied with baby Gavin and a one-arm copy/paste is too tricky of a maneuver - ha!)

Going home day!


Kya drew this photo of her and Gavin (kya is the pink one with white hair and Gavin is the blue one)


entertaining ourselves while waiting to be discharged on Tuesday


Gavin's one-day-old birthday - noon on Monday


My three sweeties - oh I love them so much!

. . .

Going home!


Ready to go home in his first pair of Bison Booties.




Corey pulled the car up for us and we were on our way! Gavin slept the entire way home.