Guess Who

...showed up in our room this morning after sleeping in her bed for 2 months and never getting up? Our sweet little Emma decided she was a big girl this morning and got out of bed and came in our room saying, "I did it by by myself Daddy, I got up all by myself and opened the door and came in here, I did not call Mommy, I did it all by myself Daddy".

You sure did baby girl, you did it all by yourself. I think the fun has just begun with this one. I am wondering how long it will take her to get up and play with her toys or help herself to a little snack ~ probably won't be long.

GoOd RidDaNce!

We have a good reason to celebrate in our house this week and we are all jumping for JOY! Our "little man" officially got to take his helmet off and we are THRILLED. That makes for one happy boy that can be more comfortable, a happy Mommy & Daddy that can get more sleep and a happy big sister that does not have to worry about him anymore.

You served your purpose Star Band. We appreciate your hard work, quick results, and dedication to our son ~ but it is time for you to go. We will probably keep you for a while, just for memories and the fact that you cost as much as a week long tropical vacation to the Bahamas...but vow to NEVER use you again.

I must admit that it was worth the sleepless nights because Gavin's head is beautiful and as perfect as can be now. He is a much happier little boy without it as you can see. Of course he is always a jolly little fellow, we are so blessed.

Above is a picture of the final scan we had done of Gavin's head. The diagram shows his head {in red} of when we started and the final scan {in blue} are the end results. Our specialists and everyone involved were AMAZED and how much growth we were able to get and how quickly he improved in such little time. We were expecting to wear this at a minimum till his 1st Birthday.

God has answered our prayers and we are truly blessed. I appreciate all of the support and prayers that each of you have provided on our behalf. The truth is, our problems were always so small compared to others and we never lost sight of that. However, at the same time we wanted Gavin's head to be as normal as possible and we are completely satisfied. We are thankful for many things this week and this just happens to be something else we can add to our very long list.

To God be the Glory, great things he has done!

Happy 29 Months, Emma

It is so hard for me to believe that we have been parents for 29 months and even harder to believe that this little girl is already 29 months old. Seriously, it seems like yesterday that we would sit around and just dream about who she would look like and what her personality would be like. I am here to tell you, she looks just like her Daddy and acts just like me. It is a little scary at times exactly how much she is like me and I love it! The girl is as witty as they come and has more energy than even we know what to do with at times.

This girl loves her little Brother and constantly tries to keep him entertained with her silly behavior. We usually catch him belly laughing at her and I can't say I blame him, she is funny.

Below are just a few of the things you are doing these days that keeps us on our toes:

• Praying before every meal, you say the sweetest little prayer {Our Father, once again, thank you for your blessings, Amen}


• Anytime we go to the store you always ask us where your debit card is?


• You have decided and tell us all the time you want to be a Firefighter when you get big.


• Sleep in your big girl bed and never get up, you just call out our name to come and get you


• Have become so much stronger and really enjoy your gymnastics class


• Sleep with about 10 critters every night and you know if one is missing within seconds


• Tell us constantly that you love us and you are the most affectionate little girl I have ever met.


• Love to get your own food out of the pantry and refrigerator


• Get your own self dressed and some days you wear your shirt backwards


• Continue to be so independent and refuse help with most things


• Enjoy playing dress up and acting like you are flying around the house with wings on your back


• You speak in paragraphs these days and you are so easy to understand

Emma Caroline, we are so proud of you sweet girl. You are such a loving, happy little girl and we could not have asked for a more precious daughter. Our days are always brighter because of your little laugh and smile. We love you more than you will ever know!

Word-Filled Wednesday

My favorite student, who lives with my favorite photographer, purchased my favorite car that we had for 7 years yesterday. It was bittersweet, but I can not think of anyone else that could be any cuter in it, Chubby Chubbs! My heart was sad to see this little car roll out of the driveway, but I am so happy it is staying in the family (yes, I no longer consider you guys friends...we are family by now...don't you think?)

My life changed 14 years ago when I stepped into my first teaching job & this is my all time favorite student that captured my heart and never let it go. Thank you for teaching me how to be a teacher Cameron & helping me truly experience what being an educator is all about. I love you baby girl. Please be careful, always make good choices and don't speed or my photography prices will go up.

Daddy's Girl

Daddy keeps the cars clean around here and he always has a little helper. She loves to scrub, play in the soap and spray the water hose. Daddy really seems to enjoy the company, the constant little chitter chatter and questions that are asked. Ain't no way he's getting out the door without her, she just is not having it.

She loves to play in the bubbles and help Daddy scrub away.

Her little mind is always working & when I came outside this is what I see. Emma Lou, what are you doing in the bucket girl?

"I just having fun Mama, I just having fun!" This girl is something else I tell you, she is a mess. Just doesn't matter what I think or say, at the end of everyday she is a DADDY'S GIRL, just like her Mommy use to be.

8 Months (plus 5 days)

Our baby boy turned 8 months old last Tuesday, but this Mommy is just getting around to journal about his monthly milestones. Lots has changed and this boy is everywhere & into everything.

Look at our big boy, he weighs 24lbs. 15oz., wears 12-18 month clothes and size 5 diapers.

Yummy, yummy, yummy ~ look at those chubby lil' toes and feet. I could spend all day kissing them and still want more.

Proudly sporting 4 bottom teeth and 1 top one as of yesterday. Biting and chewing on everything he can. His nursing days might be coming to an end soon.

Thinks his big sister hung the moon, is hilarious, loves to pull her hair, play with her stuff and stare at her constantly.

Says Dada, Mama, Emma, buh and chatters non stop. A lover of Yo Baby yogurt & wagon wheels. Turns on his baby toys to hear them sing and enjoys tearing up his sister's books. Smiles anytime he sees a camera while getting cuter and cuter every day. Reminds me more and more of my Daddy everyday. Allows our dog to lick all over him while he yanks and pulls on his ears and tail. Is not a big fan of sleep these days, usually wakes up between 2-3am daily (this boy is giving us a run for our money). Pulls up on everything and has managed to stand on his feet about a dozen time. Continues to enjoy bath time and rides in the car. Has the cutest little crawl I have ever seen (right, left, belly flop & up again).

Sweet Gavin, you have convinced me that every Mommy in the world needs to experience the love of a son. There is something so different about you and every day I feel more and more blessed to have you in my life. I love you more than you will ever know or understand. Part of me gets a little sad that you are growing up so quickly, but I cherish each day and look forward to watching you grow. Thank you for 8 wonderful months, Son.

Trick or Treat...

We never really got a good picture this evening, someone was to worried about the mosquito flying around her brother.

The cutest little Pirate & Nemo I ever did see!

Hey dad! Maybe when I'm at school, I'll see a shark.

This little pirate wanted to unwrap and eat her candy as it was handed to her.

It is a little chilly out here, Mom.

This little guy had enough and crawled up in his Daddy's arms and crashed.

Zach, the sniper. We spent the evening with our great friends and their 2 adorable children.

Lizzie, the Bumblebee. This is one of Emma's BFF's that was born only 12 hours before her and lives on the next street.

These girls were so funny, they would not get far from this wagon or their Mommy's side.

Anytime Emma would see a scary costume she would close her eyes and cover them but sort of peek to see. It was hilarious, but there were a couple that really frightened her.

We enjoyed our night and spending time with the Carrizal family. We have lots of candy left over, so my kiddos at school will be happy campers come Monday morning.