Weeks 20 and 21 - Double Feature

(Hello...you looking for me?)

(Gavin in his "big boy" outfit...and yes that is drool all they way down him)

Well I guess we are keeping busy at the Krusemark household because we never got around to posting last week, so this week you get a "double feature"! Gavin is really growing, he is getting long and he is even starting to get some hair. He loves to play in his exersaucer and likes anything that he can chew on...including his own hands. He has started to find his voice and likes to talk!

Last weekend Gavin, Daddy and I went down to Grand Avenue to go for a walk and to get ice cream. Mom and dad thought it was a great way to get some fresh air, a little exercise, and to get Gavin to take a long nap. Well we got exercise, and fresh air...but Gavin wasn't about to miss something along the way and didn't sleep a wink until we got in the car to go home! Going for a walk used to instantly put Gavin to sleep...that doesn't happen anymore, now Gavin wants to check out everything around him.

(Gotcha Monkey...)

Gavin had a few rough nights of sleeping, a couple of which resulted in Gavin and Daddy sleeping in the chair, and all 3 of us very exhausted so we decided to do a little "Ferber method sleep training"! Night one Gavin cried for a total of 35 minutes, and we went in after 3, 5, and 7 minutes to "reassure" him that we were still there...and by the 10th minute he was sleeping and slept until morning! Night 2 we only ended up only having to go in once and then he slept the rest of the night! Since then he has been sleeping all night long and napping like a champ at daycare. (Looking back it was totally worth it, but it sure is hard to sit and listen to our little guy cry) It is amazing at how much better we all feel, and Cary and I even got to spend some time together watching a movie after Gavin went to bed because we weren't totally exhausted!

(Daycare wears a little guy out)

We had a pretty relaxing Memorial Day weekend, we went for a couple of long walks (we frequently walk to the new Target by our house), grilled out and hung out at home. Sunday we went to a birthday party for a friend, and then we all headed over to Canterbury Downs to watch the horse races. Gavin was a good little partier!

(G modeling his new hat and shades)

Today Gavin and I met Spencer and his Auntie Heather at the mall, Spencer slept the whole time we were there...and Gavin didn't sleep at all! We are getting excited to meet Baby Sullivan in just a few more months!

(Gavin and Spencer at the mall)

(Did someone say luau?)

Week 19 - Mom's First Night Away/Mother's Day

(My hands are my favorite thing to chew on...and the best part is my mom and dad can't take them away from me)

Over that last week I've really noticed that our little guy is changing a lot. It seems like he is growing from the time we drop him off at daycare until we pick up him. He is starting to master eating cereal from a spoon...maybe that cereal is making him grow?

(What is going on?)

Gavin is totally obsessed with the tv, I think he would be totally content all day watching Baby Einstein (don't worry we aren't going to find out if that can really happen!) We are starting to wonder if Gavin is going to get teeth soon...he is drooling all the time and EVERYTHING goes in his mouth (including our shoulders). It seems he is starting to play with toys and is mastering the exersaucer.

(I'm so happy my mom is home again!)

Last Thursday I had to go on my first overnight trip to DC for work. While I was sad about leaving, I was really looking forward to sleeping all night without one ear listening for our little guy. I arrived and went out with some co-workers for a nice dinner and tried to hit the hay early. I think my body must not be programmed to sleep all night anymore because I still woke up in the night! Gavin and daddy had a fun night hanging at home and getting Buffalo Wild Wings (Daddy swears that was Gavin's choice!) By the time I arrived back in Minneapolis I was ready to be home with my guys and I thought that the plane was never going to arrive at our gate! I sped home and enjoyed lots of hugs and kisses. While we all survived, I'm fine not traveling again anytime soon! (at least until I'm done breastfeeding for sure!)

(Hanging out with Grandma B and my cousins sure wears a little guy out!)

Saturday we met Grandma B, Rob, Will, Ella and Matthew at Red Lobster for an early Mother's Day lunch. Gavin had a fun time hanging out with everyone but he missed his Auntie Peg! We then headed over to Hudson to meet the crew and the girls went for pedicures while the guys hung out with Gavin and Lucianna...and then we ate Carbones! What a great day.

(Mommy and Amanda enjoying ponies)

Sunday was my first Mother's Day and we spent the day hanging out as a family! I was treated to cinnamon rolls and juice for breakfast, took a nap, went for a walk and then Cary grilled delicious steaks and asparagus for dinner! I'd say it was a perfect first Mother's Day.

(Gavin and Mommy snuggling on Mother's Day)

A Better Week

(Who care "how" he sleeps, just as long as he does)

Our little guy this week was better at night. He was really going through a tough spell, waking up four or five times in the night. We are getting excited now that he seems to be a bit more consistent again. Maybe not all the way through the night, but much better.

(Hey, I have bibb overalls just like my Great Grandpa Dewey would wear)

Gavin was cooped up most of the week since we had a lot of rainy weather and some cooler weather. It was good to get out this weekend and enjoy a walk again with warmer temps and sunshine. Daddy had to chaperon a Junior High dance last Friday, so Mommy brought herself and Gavin to Ruby Tuesday's for diner with Daddy in Shakopee. The server thought he was the cutest.

(Yes, I know, this vest makes me look shnazzy!)

Saturday was a play date with cousins, Lauren, Alex, and Tyler. We met up at Carbonee's Pizza and enjoyed a nice lunch. Sunday, Uncle Stacy and Auntie Steph were up in Minnetonka. Steph ran a half marathon with her sister Suzy. We all hung out at Old Chicago where Suzy was trying to convince Gavin that SHE is the fun Torgerson sister, and not Steph.

(Gavin is "focused", watching Baby Einstein)

I think Gavin was unbiased, as long as you played with him and let him stand. We've learned fast that sitting is not his thing, he prefers to stand, or shall I say, "try" and stand.....assistance is needed in the balancing department.

(Hi everybody!!)

Other than a sniffle that Gavin has, we are all good. Let's just say he is NOT a fan of the blue bulb syringe when daddy comes after that snotty nose.