More than a scratch

For those of you with facebook, you undoubtedly saw the picture I posted last night of Gavyn's wicked scrape. We were all outside having a fire, and I wanted to go in a get my camera. Right after I turned around I heard John exclaim a word of worry and I turned around to see Gavyn falling face first into the concrete. John picked him up and we assessed the damage...a pretty good gash that covers most of the left side of his face. It is the worst around his eye. After a good few minutes of intense crying, lots of hugs and kisses, and a cold damp cloth applied, Gavyn was all good to go again. Of course things like infection, swollen eye, and "be careful!" were going through my head, but in the end, he is a boy. He is a child. He is going to get hurt. I can't do much to prevent these things, and its a good thing, because they need to happen. Gavyn thinks he is indestructible, and its important for him to know that he is not, and that he needs to take care in his steps and actions. He is also learning that his Dad and Mama are going to be there to pick him up and brush him off when he falls. In my opinion, that is more important than anything. I want my children to always know that no matter what happens they can come to us and we will do everything we can to help them. Whether its a scraped eye, a tough homework assignment, a fight with a friend, or trying to apply for colleges (and getting an apartment, such is the case with Tyler), we are going to be there if they need us. We may not be able to fight their battles and take the bruising, but we will always listen, we will always be there, and we will always kiss the boo-boo.


Plus you get an impressive looking gash. Score.

All banged up

my sweet boy

Mom, I'm OK. Just let me eat. 

Mmmm marshmallos!

Gavyn helping roast the marshmallows...

Yummm!

Just some outside play photos:

That little tongue likes to stick out a lot!

Intense...

Chatting

He just loves sticks. And rocks. 

So handsome

He Can Walk the Walk

This past Monday was one of the proudest days thus far in Gavyn's life...he walked on his own! I was surprised myself, as he had been so content simply holding my hand. We had just gone on a hike at Allerton and I set him down so I could fetch our waters, and he took about 4 steps back to me. He was so joyfully excited we did this again and again. I would set him down, walk away, and he would smile and stick his tongue out in deep concentration and start taking those miraculous steps. I can't remember the last time I felt such pride. After ample amounts of celebration we decided to stop by John's office to show him Gavyn's new skill. John didn't believe it until he saw it, and they were both just laughing with joy as Gavyn walked to his Daddy. Since then we have been doing lots of practice. He has gone all the way across the house, however he still doesn't choose walking as him primary form of transportation. I know it won't be long, though, until I am chasing him around. I hope Gavyn will always feel proud of his accomplishments, no matter how big or small. 


A couple weeks ago Gavyn also got the climbing bug. He tries to climb on everything. He is also my little scientist. He loves experimenting in nature. Does  pine cone sink or float? What about a dandelion? A rock? We have an abundance of maple seed "helicopters" that have been a big hit too. He is just so smart. 

Walking to Mama

Walking to Tyler

In Belle's crate

Walking outside

Big boy!

Fueling up for more!

Playing in Belle's water dish

Easter Weekend

We went to Maywood for Easter this year and had a great time with family! We did a lot of playing outside and walking around the farm. Gavyn was pretty impressed with his Grandpa Griesbaum's tractor. Easter morning the kids did a chocolate egg hunt and got some goodies. It was fun to see all the cousins playing together at the same time. Gavyn couldn't help but sample an egg he found, and is having a hard time comprehending that moderation is key when it comes to chocolate. He kept signing "more" and "please". Its really hard to resist a cute little boy saying please! Kolton is a really good big brother to Gavyn. He is always looking for a way to help and loves when he can get Gavyn to laugh. Its also nice to have an extra pair of eyes on him! While it makes me sad that we don't have family around us, at least we are driving distance away from both sides of our family. I suppose it could be worse and we could be in different countries! 

Eating a chip by the fire at our wienie roast Friday night

Eating chips by the picnic table...

Finally in his seat

He had fun getting into and out of his chair

Curious

Chompers!

Coloring with his cousins

Playing with Mallory

Making his way in the chocolate hunt

Working together

Kolton with his load

Aaden and Gavyn with their buckets

Shaking the egg!

The Chillicothe kids

Grandma showing Gavyn  his present

Nursing kittens!!!!

They both look so stern

Walking with Uncle Andrew

Learning how to kick a ball

Petting Chompers

Goofy smile :)

I finally get somebody to take a picture of Gavyn and me and he won't smile...

I just love this picture of my husband that Andrew took. Its so John. 

Pictures!