Thankful

So I wrote this awhile ago but it's all part of life with Gavey so I figured I would post this one too :) Makes it look like I'm on a roll tonight!! Ha!

I had a bit of a melt down this morning. Pre-Gavin dramatic mornings like this were a bit more typical than they are Post-Gavin. He has had a great way of putting things in perspective for me and reminding me about what's truly important in life. I also don't want him to look at me like a hot mess so I try to keep it together, but I guess somedays life gets the best of me. Like this morning :) I felt so bad though. I sat at my kitchen table, looking over my sales, spreadsheets, bookstore orders, etc and just started crying. I couldn't breathe, I felt so panicked and upset. Bryan got Gaveyman up this morning, gave him a bath, brushed his hair, got him dressed, and fed him his cereal and bottle, all while I just sat staring at my computer screen. Poor Gavey wouldn't stop staring at me and he looked so concerned. I picked him up and he gave me the biggest kiss and a smile and it made me realize that he is the best thing ever. In that moment I could breathe again, and I really can't imagine my life without him. I think I need my little Gaveypants. Poor Bryan though. He came over and rubbed my back and tried to give me a hug and I shook him off me and told him to stop. Ugh. I'm terrible. I owe someone a big apology tonight. He even got up early to try and find what I really wanted for Christmas all over the internet but he couldn't find anywhere that had it. Or that would get it here in time. Strike two- I told him if I didn't get it by Christmas I didn't want it. I think it's time I stop being selfish with him and truly appreciating how great he really is to me. Bryan thank you for putting up with my drama, stress and nonsense you are the best around!!! :)

A few people were putting up things they were thankful for during the month of November. I didn't but, I thought why can't I now? I really need to count my blessings and not get hung up on things that in the grand scheme of things don't matter. I mean they do matter (a lot) but in a different way...

• Gavin. You were a complete surprise but you were the best, and greatest little surprise I could ever ask for in my life. You are so healthy, happy and funny and I love you so much.
• Bryan. You are the best husband. You will do anything to make me happy, you're so smart and successful, and Gavin absolutly adores you.
• My Faith. Yes this should be number one, but honestly I can't help but think of Brybear and Gaveyman first. Although I'm not the best example, and I constantly struggle with living the life I should live, my faith is what grounds me, and it's what carries me through everything. I would be so lost and hopeless without it.
• Riverview. Riverview is what made Lansing home for us. We have made SO many great friends here, and we look forward to going to church every Sunday, which is something that I've never looked forward to in my life. Shhh! :)
• My job. Granted you have to work so hard, and a lot of times your hard work doesn't always pay off the way you need it to, but it's so financially rewarding, fun, and I truly love what I do.
• My manager. Both my previous manager and my new manager. They are both so great, so successful and have taught me so much. They push me to do better, not to make excuses and to work hard. They've done so much for me and I am lucky to work and to have worked with them.
• My District. I love everyone I work with. Granted I don't get to see them that much, but I have a few who I talk to on a regular basis (or Val who I talked to on an hourly basis :) and they are the only ones who really understand this job, the ups the downs and we all want each other to succeed and do really well. It's not competitive and we would all do anything to help the other person out, which is rare in most work places.
• My family in New York. They would do anything for you, and they've done everything for me. The older I get, the more I appreciate them. With the exception of one. Wait, I didn't write that. Ha
• Bryan's family. Laura is one of my good friends, I love my niece and nephews, and Bryan's mom and dad do SO much for us. Before we had a sitter in the area, they would drive an hour and half to take care of him so we could go out for our birthday, anniversary, MSU vs UM game, and coming up New Years Eve since we'll be gone overnight. His dad helps keep our house in order by doing things that we need done around the house. He's even mowed our lawn over the summer I think more than we have. Oops!
• My Gram. She is hands down the person I respect and admire more than anyone in my life.
• I know this is shallow but I'm so thankful and looking forward to our upcoming va-ca this summer. It's over due and I need to go somewhere, where I can completley disconnect from e-mails, cellphones, and the internet in general. I want to be selfish and spend all of my time with my Bry, laying on the beach, drinking cocktails, and hopefully not crying over missing Gavin too much :) Although I'm sure I will be a mess without him! Yikes!
• My friends. I am blessed with so many people I can call anytime, to talk about anything, and they will always be there.
• Adam. (Bryan I feel funny listing another guy on here- you'll understand once you start going to him! Promise!) I hate him during the time of our workout, but I appreciate him so much after. I may not be at my lowest weight ever, but I'm stronger than I have been before which makes me a quicker runner, happier person, and he pushes me to do more than I think I can do when working out. Plus he makes it fun, and I like going to the gym again.
• Tot watch at the gym. I know this is little but when I was on maternity leave, being able to take Gavin here in the mroning and at night so I could have "me time" kept me sane. They are so good with him, and get so excited everytime they see him. Gavin knows them now too and likes to go in and play with Grandma Jan, Linda and Brett.
• Our house. Shallow again but in this economy it seems like so many people are losing their house due to foreclosure or because they just can't keep up. I've heard so many stories about this and it's really heartbreaking.  
• Maru. Hands down the best sushi ever.
• The professors I work with. So many people sent gifts when Gavin was born, took me to lunch or grabbed coffee just to catch up and chat. They are always asking about Gav, want me to send pics, and truly care with how he and I are doing. They've all been great to talk to, and it makes my job so much fun when I have friendships with the people I work with.

I'm positive I have so many other things to be thankful for, but these are the main ones, and I have to say I feel better already!! :)

Christmas Round One!...Ok I guess Take 2 :)

Love You Gavey Boo

Seriously, talk about such a great Christmas back home in New York with my family!! Although the last few days have been a complete whirlwind, AND I probably gained at least 1000 lbs AND Schmesh and Chig are mad at us for leaving- it was all worth it!

We left Thursday night for a night out in Ann Arbor. I met my District there and we had dinner at Gratzi's where I had the best filet ever- anything that is on top of a portabello mushroom and goat cheese is A-ok in my book! The Poma Martini's weren't tasting too bad either :) We then went to a Comedy Club and ended the night at a martini bar. So much fun! I work with the best people ever, and my manager is great- Coach purses for the girls, and Tumi wallet clips for the guy. She knows how to shop! Ha. I also have the best hubsters ever, who came with, and entertained Gavin all night in the hotel room. We stayed at the Dahlman Campus Inn which is nice but the rooms aren't ever big enough when you have an 8 month old on the go. They walked around Ann Arbor, ordered room service and were tucked away in bed by 9:00. Good job Big Daddy!! He did this all so I wouldn't have to drive back to DeWitt the next morning, and then pack up to leave for New York, it saved me a trip and saved us some time- esp when we didn't get started for NY until 10 the next morning. Oops! I needed a little sleep after being out until 2- yikes! I'm too old for this nonsense :)

Thennn we spent the last few days at home. So great! Gavey- you did so amazing!! You traveled in the car really well- I think you did better than your momma who was a little exhausted and crabby :) The first thing you did when you saw your gram was give her the biggest smile- hands down it was the sweetest thing I ever saw in my life. You love your gram so much and you remember being there just a few weeks ago- you could so tell, and I loved everything about it. We spent our first day home just relaxing, and I took an amazing nap. Thennn the next day we went to Altons by the Galleria where we had the BEST Chicken Finger Subs, and Pizza Logs. Seriously the two things I miss the most besides friends and family! Ok that and Jim's Steak Out at 4 in the morning. We'll save those stories for when you have kids because I don't want you to get any ideas Mr. Anyways gram had lamp chops, which I think are so gross, but we ate up and then came back home. We got the house ready for Christmas, and watched Christmas movies and called it a night. Perfect! Sunday morning, we celebrated Christmas, and your dad and I went to Wayne's church and got to see him and Julie. It was so great, and you sat through the whole thing like such a champ. Although you were flirting with several of the ladies behind us. Mr. Roll told us we better watch it, you were really flirting with his wife. Ha. Oooh you're a little mr ladies man already. We came home, and then the family came for our traditional lasagna dinner, garlic bread, antipasti, and daddy's cookies- well in your case grandpa's cookies. You were a little spoiled with the clothes, and toys that you got but you didn't care because all you watned to do was eat the paper, and climb the stairs. Gram did something SO special this year...Saturday night she brought out all of her jewelry, and we went through every piece. She then divided it up among all 25 of us and thoughtfully considered who should get it. It was so special and I'm going to cherish every peice she gave me. I have her baby bracelet, several necklaces, and a gorgeous diamond antique wedding ring that was her mothers. It's stunning and I'm so honored she gave it to me. I wanted hers, but she couldn't find it in the safe...So hope she didn't lose it :( She also gave me a few rings and earrings, and a couple pins she would wear. Beth had the best idea since we don't wear pins anymore to take it to a jeweler and have the stones made into a ring or neckalce- love it and I might have to do just that. From everyone else we got cookies, gourmet coffee, gift cards, and and a gorgeous jewelry box that my Aunt and Uncle gave me. Love it and much needed especially after gram gave us so much. When everyone left we cleaned up and then literally collapsed- we were so exhausted!! You did a great job on our way home too- you slept like the WHOLE way! When you weren't sleeping you just talked to yourself, played with your books and watched out the window. What a good little guy you are!!

A few new things in the world of Gav-

• You say MumMum!! FINALLY! Not just dadada. We first heard it when they were passing you around the breakfast table and you looked around for me, and say MuummmMummm! Awww! Sweet baby! You did it!
• You are SO obsessed with throwing things. You actually have a little arm on you, mr strong man. Your aunt and uncle bought you a little toy story ball and you made us play catch and roll it back to you over. and over. and over.
• You can drink out of a sippy cup and you're obsessed with it. Although I don't like you drinking out of it unless I'm right there because you start to play and tip it upside and then splash the water everywhere.
• You ate jello, cottage cheese, and ice cream this weekend and loved every bite.
• You discovered gram's stairs and had to try and climb up them every chance you had. Speaking of which, when we got home I thought your dad was watching you, he thought I was watching you, and next thing I know I heard you laughing to yourself in the upstairs bathroom! Apparently you seized the moment, climbed up the stairs in a matter of seconds and made your way into the bathroom.
• You love splashing all of the water out of the tub. Ok well not all of it, but if you could you would. I hate giving you baths now because I get soaked and you just laugh. Thanks.
• The cats officially don't like you. No offence. I think they used to tolerate you, now they hiss and run. Even after not seeing us for a few days. I think you scarred them.
• You now not only push your little walker up and down the living room, you get going so fast it looks like your taking little running steps. We'll be running the streets of DeWitt in no time Gav! Your dad better step up his game or he's not going to be able to keep up!

I think that's it for now? We're celebrating next weekend with dad's family in Mt. P with your cousins and we can't wait! Until then I will be making the rounds and scrounging for every dollar I can to make my number this year. In that respect, I miss last year. This time of year was so not stressful, the biggest stress in my life was finding a maternity dress to wear to our awards night.

Hanging with Daddy

Trying to fit as many in your mouth as you can.

Smarty Pants drinking from Mr. Sippy

Love my Family

Snuggling with my BFF.
PS Don't mind the greasy hair. Just had a facial and massage so I'm a bit shiny! Yikes!!

Happy 8th Months Baby Boo!!

Wow. 8 months. I'm so glad that my previous comments are still true- it just gets better and better! You are so awesome little Gavey and I can't believe you're already 8 months old! I have a feeling we'll be celebrating your 1st Birthday before we know it!! Ahhh! I don't know if I'm ready for that yet?! If the next 8 motnhs is anything like the last 8 months (Ok well lets minus your first 3 months because that was a rough time) BUT it's just giong to keep getting better!! Or so I hope! :)

Ok so any new milestons this month?!

• You love making this gasping noise which freaks me out but then you laugh everytime you do it. Orrr if we do it back you will keep doing it. It's a fun little game until your mom calls the Dentist office, puts the phone down because she forgot she called, and continues to say nothing but make gasping sounds to you until I hear, "HELLO?! HELLO? MAM ARE YOU THERE? ARE YOU OK???" Ahhhh. So I did what any normal person would do. I hung up. Ha. I think I need to find a new dentist or teach you a new trick that doesn't involve gasping sounds.

• You can take steps but you much rather crawl. You will crawl so fast and put your head down that you will wipe out and then get back up and keep going. Although you do love walking around the furniture You chase the cats from one end to another and then grab fistfulls of their fur. Keep pulling maybe they will start to look slimmer because I swear they've both became little furry blobs that just lay around. You keep them on their toes Gavman.



Before.



After.



Your Next.

• You can say DaDa. It's official. Dada is your first word. We thought it was a fluke a few weeks ago but now you say it whenever you see your dad. This makes me feel 50/50. 50 percent of me is so happy for you, especially becaus it melts your dad's heart but the other selfish 50 percent of me just wants you to look at me and say MOMMA. MoMMA. Come on Gav you can do it!



Waiting by the door like I do every night for dad to get home

• Your mom's Dr is one of dad's customers and he came in today and told your dad that you're so advanced for your age and that you're going to be a little genius, we need to watch out....This is great news, but I'm still pulling for you to be a professional athlete so we can hang out with Chauncey Billups, Lamar Odom (which also means Khloe Kardashian) and we can't forget Tebow. Ok I'm hopping on the Tebow band wagon. I will stop.



Running Laps.

• Ok so in very personal news, we had to take you to Urgent Care becacuse you had a really bad rash that welted up all over your body. Thankfully I took a picture of it and sent it to Laura and Neena who told me to take you right to urgent care. Your parents are clearly not genuiuses bc we thought it was eczema and we were going to put you in your jammies and tuck you in to bed. Welllll we went to Urgent Care since your Dr was closed and found out that you had a little reaction and we had to put you on oral steroids. That's not the personal part and that's since cleared up. The CRAZY story is, Gavin!! Your circumsicion reaatched (and I'm sorry but I always thought your little peepers looked a bit ummm well different). Anyways, they asked me to check your diaper to see if the rash was there and they made the discovery. Ahhh. They basically recircumsized you right there on the table. Ughhh. I'm so sorry GaveyGavs. I felt horrible and I got choked up because you turned red, and screamecd with tears running down your face. In brighter news, it will now look normal and your wife will thank me. Gross. I'm somewhat creeped out I just wrote that.
• You weigh 21.6 lbs and I think you're 26 or 28 inches long. You're in the 80's percentile for height and weight but I'll have to go back through and double check
• You feed yourself your star puffs which you LOVE, you seriously can't get enough of them, and I love them because they keep you entertained now, and you love the baby cheese puffs. Although I'm starting to wonder if I want to give those to you...they're a weird orange that just seems so processed. Yes. I'm turning into that mom. Go figure. Ha



Yummm Yogurt Melts!!

• You're officially out of your baby infant seat. Although the big boy seat is kind of a pain because you stand up in it and fight being strapped in. It's a job getting you in it and the way you scream when I try to buckle you in, I now shut the doors because it sounds like I'm hurting you. Actually when we drove home from urgent care I didn't buckly you in but held you because I felt so bad. Granted everyone I tell this story too gets a little freaked out, so I shouldn't be admitting it. BUT someday you'll look back and maybe think I'm somewhat BA for this move. Or kind of dumb because it's probably not too safe...Oops. I didn' tthink of that until after. I just wanted to hold and snuggle you close.

Not only do I have a big boy car seat. but I now live in a gated house

Not a fan of this carseat. Or any carseat for that matter.

Ok I think that's all for now. Your dad is done running on the treadmill and I'm ready to go back upstairs. I told him I"d come down and keep him company but I've been giving him one word answers and not talking so I could get this done. Maybe I'm slightly bitter and jealous bc I had to take the week off from working out due to pneumonia AGAIN! I think Neena is right and I need to go get the pneumonia shot. Which exists. It's not just a joke which I totally thought it was :)

You're fast asleep and ready for a very exciting week! Thursday we're spending the night in Ann Arbor and seeing our favorite Val, and Friday we leave for New York and we'll get back Monday. Woooo Hooo!! So can't wait! Family Christmas Number 1! I bought a few presents for you today and I can't wait to watch you open them. Then again you were with me when I got them, but that's the nice thing about this age :) Either that or you will care less about all of your gifts and eat the paper. Which still is your favorite thing to eat. Hands down.