Gavin is a sheer delight in my life. Whenever people ask me how he is doing I just smile and think of how much I love him. I just tell people that he is wonderful and I love him so much, because that's the truth. However, with all of that love has come some pretty big challenges.
Gavin at two months
I couldn't choose just one picture, he is too cute!
Gavin's two month doctor's appointment went really well. He is just a regular healthy boy. In fact he is a fast growing healthy boy. Since birth he has gained 5 whole pounds! Which is actually a lot. In all my worry as a first time mom, I can be assured that I am feeding my baby enough. Gavin also received his first round of vaccinations and it made for a pretty sad day. It was hard to watch him get the shots because there was a definite look of terror in his eyes with each shot. Even though it was sad, he made it through like a champion and we had lots of snuggles after. Here are Gavin's stats at his two month appointment:
Weight: 12 pounds, 59th percentile
Height: 23.25 inches, 63rd percentile
Gavin has started smiling all the time and I love it. Sam and I have noticed that his most smiley time is at his middle of the night feeding, especially at 4 am. It's hard because he is being so unbelievably cute but you want him to just go right back to sleep so you have to try to avoid all eye contact. One look at he just bursts into grins and it melts your heart. Sometimes I succumb and just smile back even though I know it makes him more awake and harder to put back down. Gavin has rolled over from back to front one time at his doctor's appointment. I think it was mostly because he was naked and on a hard surface where he could get a grip with his feet because he hasn't been able to role over at home. In fact he really hates tummy time because I think it hurts his stomach.
With all the cuteness and the good, there are major challenges that really try me. I have cut back dramatically on dairy. I have not cut it out completely but I don't eat milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, etc. The hardest thing by far is cheese. It is in everything and basically one of my favorite foods so not eating it is a huge challenge. I think it has helped his tummy a little but I really can't be sure. But I am going to keep it because whatever might help is worth it. The reason for no dairy is because Gavin has some serious tummy issues. He has the gas of a grown man. The other day my sister said that he had the most explosive sounding poop she has ever heard a baby make, and she works with sick babies. Gavin also spits up A LOT. It has gotten a little better since I have been able to pump more and he doesn't eat formula hardly ever and since going off dairy. But even with that sometimes he spits up so much that I wonder if there is anything left in his tummy. Gavin has definitely started becoming more vocal about what he does and does not want. His cry is so sad and yet so cute at the same time. He makes the saddest frowny face but it also just melts your heart. Right at about two months Gavin started this crazy thing where he would not go to bed for the night until sometimes 1 am. Those were some long nights. He just wanted to nurse and nurse until I was nursed out. Finally he would settle down enough to go to bed. However since going back to work he has gotten in a pretty good little schedule and he is always ready to go to bed by 9 pm every night. He usually only wakes up once or twice in the night which has given Sam and I a lot more sleep.
There are so many things about Gavin that I don't want to forget. I love that he has started sucking on his hands. I love that he has started making this cute little "oh oh oh" noise and it seems like it is actually on purpose. I love the way he gazes into my eyes. I love how he kicks his right leg more than his left. I love that he likes to stare at himself in his little play mirror and laughs at his own reflection. I love that when he cries it sounds like he is saying "mom" even though it also makes me sad, I love that he likes to hold hands when he nurses. I love how he looks when he falls asleep on my shoulder. Gavin is so sweet and I think this age is so perfect, but of course I can't wait for what is in store.
The first Sunday in January we had Gavin's blessing. We were going to do it in February but quickly changed it because of a family conflict. I felt a little flustered the whole day because I had to plan it so last minute and just felt like I was two steps behind. It also didn't help that the next day I was going back to work for the first time since October. We ended up being late to Sacrament which stressed me out, we forgot to record the blessing, we were super slow in getting all the food set up afterwards, I felt like I never really got a good picture the whole day, and all in all I just kind of felt like a huge Mom fail all day long. However, despite all that, I think Sam gave him such a sweet blessing and I was just happy to have all my family there to support Gavin. Really, that is all that is important even if everything else seemed to be so crazy.
Gavin wore his Uncle Matt's blessing outfit that is 37 years old
In the end I was just kind of happy to get the blessing day over with and get the holidays over with. It was kind of nice to feel like all the hoopla was done and we could just settle down a bit. Going back to work had been hard but it has also allowed me to get into a schedule with Gavin. I sure miss him when I am gone though. He is such a sweet boy and I am so happy to be his mom. Every day I just give him a squeeze and thank Heavenly Father for allowing me to be his mom. He is growing so fast and I can't believe how much he has changed already. It is so fun to see him grow and develop a sweet personality. We love you Gavin!
