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!

Little Sinatra?

... Okay, well he may need to work on his singing for a few more years before we can really put him up there with the likes of Frank, but nonetheless, the belting out of tunes Aidan has taken to after bathtime brings me so much joy (and laughter)! And we think Frank would approve of the birthday suit Aidan chooses to wear while singing- he tends to feel most inspired while naked?

These two videos capture some Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and some Happy Birthday (to Baby J.A. who's 1st birthday party we attended the week before.) They are one liners on this night, but we'll try to capture a whole song one of these days, and without the binkie, too.. :)

Enjoy!

Little Lance

Just like his Daddy- Aidan loves to ride bikes. Problem is, he isn't strong enough to pedal any of them yet! Answer= the Balance Bike. A little bike with no pedals or training wheels, made to teach kids how to balance so that when they are big enough to ride a real bike it comes much easier to them. Aidan LOVES his present, and speeds off in this thing faster than you'd think!

Independence Day Weekend

We had a great July 4th weekend, filled with family and friends. In Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, we got to spend some quality time with our SJU family. The Brennans were kind enough to open their house to us while on vacation, and Sarah and Bill were awesome hosts as always! Our 2 days there flew by too quickly, but we did manage to snap some shots of the kids: Aidan (2), Josie (1), Evan (3) & Godpappy Truitt (31) that are worth sharing. :-)

The end of our weekend took us to Bethlehem for my cousin Emily's highschool graduation party. It was the first time in a few months we were able to make the trip and spend time with our beloved Meischeid relatives. We had a great time and Aidan was so excited to see everyone, evidenced by the pictures below!

Swinging with Great Aunt Kathy

Ryan is always good for some laughs.

LOVES his Gaga & Pappy.

Monkeying around with Pops.

And last but certainly not least...the traditional belly to belly comparison shot with Pappy.... who do you think is bigger??

"Family faces are magic mirrors.  Looking at people who belong to us, we see the past, present, and future."  

Love to love you all & miss you already.