Gavin Robert Wheaton - one year later!

So I will finally write a very belated birthday story for Gavin.

On his actual birthday, his Mamaw and Grandpa (my parents) took him out to McDonalds for breakfast. They were continuing this tradition because they took Raegan there for her first birthday to let Bob and I be sick in peace. After that, we took him up to get his pictures taken. He did really well for being starving! It was 2:30 and the poor thing hadn't had any lunch yet. We did get a couple of smiles from him along with a lot of frowns and tears!

We finally made it home and Nana had left him some balloons. He played with those for a LONG time!







The next day was Saturday and his big party! We had the party at Nana and Papa's house due to our basement being destroyed still. He did very well with all of the people that he is not used to. He received amazing gifts - rocking airplane, retro rocket, 4-wheeler, clothes, toys (lots of airplanes), books, etc. Then he had his cake! He didn't just eat his cake, he savored it! I actually walked away for a couple of minutes to do something. We finally had to make him stop! He was going to be on major sugar overload!

He ended his birthday celebration with a trip to the doctor. He weighed in at 20 lbs, 12 oz and is 29 1/2 inches long. He had to get two shots, but handled them really well. My parents treated him with a trip to Chuck E Cheese with Raegan as a treat before they had to leave. He really liked the Bob the Builder ride!

Gavin's 1 year pictures

There's a drama queen in the house

. . . and apparently it's me! Last night at dinner, Raegan was surpisingly quite. After about 3 minutes of silence, she looked at me and said "Mom, you're a drama queen!" I was so shocked, I just laughed. Then I was sure to correct her and let her know that she was the actual drama queen in our house!

The house of stink!

Yes, that's right, our family is currently living in the house of stink. No, it is not the smell of dirty diapers that is making our house smell. We could only wish that were the case. Unfortunately, sewer back-up is what is making our house smell! YUCK!

This picture is after A LOT of clean up!

We woke up a little late this morning. Bob went downstairs to feed the animals, came back upstairs and said "We have a problem." By the time I got to the basement stairs, I KNEW what it was - EEEWWWWW! We both let our offices know that we wouldn't be in, called the plumber, moved everything we could out of the disgusting mess and then waited for the kids to wake up. Now, since we have a finished basement with a family/playroom downstairs, I'm concerned about all of the nasty sewer stuff that has saturated the carpet, possibly touched the furniture and toys.

Our saving grace is that Bob's dad is our insurance agent so we have the sewer/drain back up coverage. The plumber is here right now trying to figure out what is going on. Then we will call in the restoration people to see what is salvagable and get the germs and yuck out of the basement. Hopefully we can get everything put back together by next week as my parents come in on Valentine's Day for Gavin's big first birthday party on the 16th! We may have to change the location, but the party will go on. . . .

It's 2 am...do you know where your daughter is?

"Daddy...where is my blankie?" were the words that came doddering out of Raegan's mouth to wake me up Sunday night or should I say M0nday monring. Wrestling to see what was happening, I glanced at the time: 2 am on the nose. After tripping over the dog I scooped up Raegan and explained to her that it was still night time and she needed to go back to bed. I was the hero for finding her blanket safely on the floor. After some negotiation, she was asleep like nothing happened.

Then came Monday night. Once again, Raegan's biological clock decided that 2 am was a good time to come and bother daddy so why not do it again. "Daddy... I want a snack" is what bellowed from her gravely voice. This time I gave the command in my most authoratative voice I could muster at such an hour to return to bed. This was followed by a loud and defiant "NO DADDY" and mixed in some sobbing and whining. I whisked her back to bed and five minutes later she reappeared..like a Ninja stalking her prey.

Sensing I was growing tired of doing this 2 nights in a row Molly volunteered to replace our daughter in her bed. Whatever Molly did worked and she remained there until this morning. I am guessing she used duct tape.

Sleep? You mean we NEED sleep?

We really have nothing to complain about because we have beautiful, healthy kids. BUT, I think they have a pact to ensure that Bob and I don't sleep! They both go down to bed fairly easy. It's the mornings that are getting to be a problem! They must decide early in the afternoon which one of them will get up at 5:30 and not go back down.

Well, Gavin won last night. He went down about 8:30. At 12:00 am, he woke up screaming! Bob went in to put him back down and it was not happening. We let him cry some more and then I went in and he did the same thing to me as to Bob. He will fall asleep as soon as you pick him up and lay him on your chest, but God forbid you should put him down. That's when he screams! So finally Bob decided to just get up with him. He let him play thinking that he would get tired again. Well, that didn't happen. So Gavin got a 6-ounce bottle. Still not tired. About 2:45 am, he started rubbin his eyes. He finally fell asleep about 3:00 am, but then only slept until 5:30 am. He's been up playing ever since.

Once Raegan got up, Bob and I switched spots. He's in bed sleeping and I have both kids down in the family room. Gavin has had an 8-ounce bottle and oatmeal and STILL shows no signs of being tired.

I'm really hoping that this is a teething thing so that there will be an end!

So if you talk to us in the next couple of days, please bear with us! We are running on very little sleep.

Merry Christmas from the Wheatons

Merry Christmas! Well the morning went off without a hitch. Raegan slept in until almost 7 am and Gavin stirred around 6:30. We think he was more excited then his older sister. Then we found out he left his mom and dad a little present in his diaper. So nice of him to think of others!

Raegan staggered into the living room and stared at the tree with the presents and all kinds of goodies beneath it. We asked her if Santa came she replied with a resounding no. Once the fog cleared from he head she dove right towards the presents saying "Are these all mine...? Yes, these are my presents".

Both kids enjoyed their gifts as Nanna and Pappa stopped by to see them open gifts and have some pancakes. By far Raegan's favorite gift his her digital camera. (see her artwork in "Our Photos) This camera is designed for tots and virtually indestructible. She won't put it down but seems to a natural knack for taking photos (gets that from her dad's DNA).

Heading to Nanna and Papa Wheaton's house today for dinner otherwise we are spending the day catching up on some rest and relaxation (e.g. cleaning up all the wrapping paper...).

Merry Christmas to all!