Lots of living going on

I haven't had any good ideas for a theme for a post, so this is just going to be a hodge-podge of different things we have been up to lately. Plus lots of pictures, which is the important part anyway. 


Progress with the house continues. We had a little scare the other day that we might not be able to live there, but we are hoping things are getting worked out. We would be absolutely devastated to not be able to move there, after all the hard work we put into it. So we aren't doing any moving right now just in case, but we pretty much finished the house before we knew this. John put in the floor in the kitchen this past weekend, and I don't have any pictures of it yet, but hopefully I'll get some soon!

Nana is always put on Gavyn duty when they come to help work on the house!  Clearly, she doesn't mind. 

Gavyn's new toy from Nana

The tree decal Mama put up in Gavyn's room

My big boy wanting to help

Always climbing

The furniture is still covered

Living room looking into the kitchen

Living room looking into the family room

Family room looking into Gavyn's room

Kitchen, looking into living room, looking into family room, looking into our bedroom !

Kolton's YELLOW room!

Checking out the bathroom

We took out the sliding shower doors to put up a curtain...much easier for bath time!

Climbing, as usual. 

While I don't have any pictures to accompany this news, it is probably the biggest thing that has happened this past week. John is COMPLETELY DONE with his master's degree! His thesis was submitted, approved, and he didn't need to make any changes. We all knew he would graduate this year, but sometimes graduate students have to keep making corrections to their thesis's and defenses. Well John has had a huge weight lifted off his shoulders, and can relax (at least about that) now!


Gavyn has just been up to being a little boy. He is discovering, playing, experimenting, starting to talk, and playing some more. He has also been testing how much he can get away with lately, which he is discovering isn't a while lot! He really really loves birds, and really all animals. He won't crawl anymore unless he is pushing around one of his or Kolton's old cars or trucks. He has a favorite book, called "I am a Dump Truck" that we have to read at least 20 times a day. 

Gavyn loves reading books

Look Mama, this one has sharp teeth!

Playing with Evan

Lets play catch!

Diaper Boy

He goes pantless a lot

Running

Need to hydrate

Visit to Nana and Papas

Taking a rest with Mama

Playing with Nana

Puddle fun!

This is why he is in a diaper a lot...is there any point to putting on new clothes?

Let them get dirty :)

Reading his favorite book in the car

Gavyn's new sweet backpack carrier!

At the Children's museum in Naperville. Kind of blurry. 

Gears!

Apparently I can't turn it after its on here...turn your heads please  :)

Playing with the balloon he got from Zack's b-day party

Thank you, Amazon, for your unnecessary packaging materials. 

Told you there would be a lot of pictures!!

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