Sleep-deprived Contentment

So last night, both our boys slept terribly. Gavin was extra gassy for some reason and kept fussing, so by 5am I brought him into bed with us. When he lies on his tummy on top of me, it usually soothes whatever is bothering him, so that's what we did. By 6am, Kevin brought Aidan into bed with us as well (he is at the height of his month long cold and wasn't feeling too great). I was exhausted and not able to sleep with a baby on top of me and another right next to me and had been up a lot of the night... But right when Aidan climbed in, without a word, he pet Gavin's head and then put his hand on top of mine on top of Gavin's back. Gavin was sleeping, Aidan fell asleep a few minutes later, and Kevin was already in a deep sleep after mere moments. As I lie there with Aidan's hand on mine, holding Gavin and listening to the sweet breaths of my baby, the stuffied nose snores of my big boy, and the shallow, short breaths of my deep sleeping Hubby, I thought... Who needs sleep? This is better than all the sleep in the world.

So much fun to have- so little time (and sleep)!

If we thought time flew by before... we didn't know life with 2 little boys! We'll try our best now to catch up on some highlights!

Gavin is 2 months old already, and as you can see from our last post, he's growing like a champ! Our "little peanut" is already our "chubba wubba.." weighing in just under 12 lbs. But what's most notable about our newest addition lately are his smiles.. and chuckles.. and baby talk. Of course we think his voice is the sweetest we've ever heard, and he blesses us with big smiles whenever we talk to him and tell stories.

 Our little pumpkin enjoyed dressing up as much as a 2 month old possibly could!

 

 

Isn't he the most handsome pumpkin you've ever seen??

PUMPKIN PATCH FUN
Speaking of pumpkin, we had a great day at the pumpkin patch this year. We met up at Millburn Orchards with some friends and enjoyed a day of hayrides, corn mazes, apples and cider donuts!

HALLOWEEN

Halloween was a blast this year. I do believe Aidan is at the most perfect age for this holiday. He had a ton of fun with his friends at our annual costume party, and loved trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. We'll start off with some party highlights...

Meet Steve (The Crocodile Hunter) and Terry Irwin with their 2 pet kangaroos from the Australia Zoo. :)

 

The youngest partygoer and cutest kangaroo we've ever seen. ;-)

Aidan, Chase, Jack, Aubrey and Riley- ready to get the party started!

The munchkins started out innocently playing a game of Ring Around the Rosy....

However, Kangaroo Aidan ended up looking pretty scandalous in the photos that follow!

This was just the way he fell??

Followed by a game of "Doctor" with Minnie Mouse.. location: hiding behind the media cabinet in the family room?? Kids will be kids!!

TRICK OR TREAT NIGHT

Trick or Treat! Daddy stayed home to hand out candy while Mommy, Aidan and Gavin visited our neighborhood homes.

"I ring bell myself, Mommy!"

Gavin's "treat" =o)

Mr. Handsomeface Kangaroo

DAY-TO-DAY LIFE

Besides enjoying various Halloween and fall festivities lately, Carrie has gone back to work, and Kevin's role as director of his clinic has gotten more taxing as his numbers grow and they are waiting for a a few more clinicians to join him.. So weekdays and nights fly by, and often on the nights Kevin is home before the boys go to bed, this is what they look like... Quality time between a very tired Daddy and 2 cuddly sons... :-)

AIDANisms

As Aidan has grown into a wonderful big brother, he has also grown tremendously with his language skills and so we have the pleasure of listening to the hilarious things that come out of this 2.5 year old's mouth! Here are some things he's said in the last 2 months...

After coming home from the aquarium with Daddy... "Mommy! I saw fishies and sharks and dinosaurs!"

While in the tub (holding a shampoo bottle cap over his peepee)... "Mommy I cover up my peepee." Why, Aidan? "To keep it safe." From what? "Rain."

While in the car, driving by a forest... "Zebras eat trees and watch tv in the forest."

I am so jealous of his imagination!

Oh and also, this is what happened the other night when we let Aidan put on his own Parmesan Cheese...

I am a cheese lover just like my son, but this would make even me sick!

And what truly makes him the best, besides all his silly sayings and boyish charm, is how innately he has loved his brother from the start and loves him even more as time goes on.. Evidenced by the continued requests to hug him, hold him, and help him, every day.

It makes us so excited to watch these 2 grow up together.. I know that the best is yet to come!

LASTLY
Today is our 9 year dating anniversary... Yes, I still like to recognize the day we decided to 'give it a go'... Back then I was a silly sophomore in college, and Kevin, a grad student trying to tame me. ;o) I never could have imagined the life we would create for ourselves back then, and I am so, so grateful for each and every day. Happy Anniversary, Hubby! I love you! (And no, I don't expect a card or a present today.. finishing Gavin's nursery is present enough for the weekend!) :O)

 Look how young we were!

Gavin is here!

Babies are such a nice way to start people.
(Don Herrold)

It's been over a month since our last post- mostly because this last month has flown by faster than we could imagine, and our lives our 100% fuller than they were prior. Why? Because our big blessing in a little boy, Gavin Patrick, entered our world on August 29th after 9 months of anticipation. Here is one of his first photos taken at Christiana Hospital...

He is our little angel, and we could not be happier or more complete to have him in our family.

Big brother Aidan has loved Gavin from the start... Probably the biggest joy we have experienced with our new addition, is witnessing the immediate, instinctual love Aidan has shown for him from Day # 1.

From trying to share his beloved cars, to always wanting to give him his binkie when he's crying, to his kisses on the head and his "Where Gavin go?" questioning as soon as he walks in the door... Gavin couldn't ask for a more loving big bro in Aidan!

It's hard to believe that our little one is a month old as we are writing this... Ambiguous as it feels like he's always been a part of our family but at the same time everything is going by so fast!

It is the nature of babies to be in bliss.
(Deepak Chopra)

As always, I am amazed at how much there is to learn from my childREN! Gavin only cries when he is hungry, tired, or has a tummyache. These events are easily corrected and he goes back to being content or asleep within minutes. He has no desire to whine, or manipulate or complain. He is pure innocence, and he makes our hearts melt each and every day...
 
To our loving family and friends, I am sure there will be lots more to come in the near future! Thank you all for your heartfelt wishes during this last month.. feeling your love and support during this time has made it even more special.

Aidan Lockin It Up

Unless you've seen Wedding Crashers and remember the little argument that Vince and Owen had at the lake house before breakfast you might not think this is quite as funny as we do.  If you are in that group I suggest you go right now and watch that movie then come back and laugh at this. It's our favorite.
P.S. The end of the video plays a small tribute to Ron Burgundy.. Anchorman.. as well. Enjoy!

Perfect weekend in Plainsboro

A few weeks ago, Aidan and Carrie went to Plainsboro, NJ (Kevin was in Philly for work) to visit Alli and Amanda and see their new home. We had a wonderful time, and are so excited for them to start the next phase of their lives in such a perfect suburb. Here are some highlights from our trip...

There is a great playground just 2 blocks down the street from their house. Aidan had a blast playing there with his Aunts. He especially liked "helping" Alli get down from the slide, etc.

Awww

I'll catch you, Alli!

So dirty and having so much fun

How many aunts does it take to get Aidan up this ladder??

There is an awesome orchard about 15 minutes away in Princeton. We had a great time there petting the animals, picking the berries, and eating lots of great farm market finds!

Arriving at their local orchard in style

My turn, Mandy! I do it!

Feeling the big goat's horns with Mommy

This goose subsequently bit his finger!

Look how big...

Tractor race!

Yummy blackberries

Beautiful day, beautiful scenery, beautiful boy

Thank you for a great visit, girls! Can't wait to come back soon!

Mommy and Her Big Boy

I am the luckiest.

Aidan Thomas is my son, and he brings me more joy and happiness than I have ever known. As my Pappy Lucey always said.. "He is my sweetie pie- apple dumpling of my eye."

Here are some special moments we've shared lately, just me and him...

Aidan helped Daddy wrap a present for me.

He was very excited to give it to me and help me to "ope it."

How clever! A coffee mug that says "Mommy Needs Sleep" on one side and "but she'll settle for this cup of coffee" on the other. :)

One night before bed, Aidan decided he'd rather do my hair than get his diaper on.

He did a beautiful job, didn't he?

After sunset on the deck...

Pre-bedtime snuggles

Saying good night to the baby

Always hanging like the monkey he is.

Baby squeeze.

Mommy loves kisses.

And so does baby!

Helping Mommy up the steps. :)

If how he treats the baby in my belly is any indication for what kind of big brother he's going to be, than I truly am the luckiest!