Gavin's 3rd birthday party

I cannot believe my baby is 3 years old...almost.  I have one more day!  We celebrated his birthday this Saturday at home with a couple of close friends and our family.  The theme was a rocket ship birthday party!  Gavin was asleep when everyone got here, so Nana and GiGi went to wake him up.  He was pleasantly surprised to see them when he first woke up.  He got dressed and came downstairs to find yet more people here!  He loved seeing everyone.



 This is his cupcake "cake"...modeled after his invitations.

 Stars and a moon hanging from the ceiling.

The super cool rocket ship that Daddy built!  Huge hit! (emphasis on huge;)



 After he said "hello" to everyone, he went outside with Daddy to see his birthday surprise.  A bounce house!  I knew he would like it, but I had no idea he would love it so much!  He climbed in, bounced three or four times and went down the slide and ran back to do it all over again!  He loved having his friend and schoolmate in there with him...Mason Mac.  He wanted to be outside the majority of the time, with the exception of singing happy birthday and opening presents. When it was time to sing "Happy Birthday", he walked into the room and said, "Alright, everybody...it's time to sing 'Happy Birthday' to me" He soaked it all in and even joined the singing with "Happy Birthday to meeee" He blew out his candles and proceeded to pick the cupcakes everybody should have.  NaNa was a yellow cupcake, Paw Paw a white and so on.  He was so cute.  He was equally excited about opening presents! 

 Loving everyone singing to him!

 YUUUUMMMY!

 "Yes, this one is yours, Paw Paw."

 One of Gavin's gifts was a shaving kit.  He LOVED it...they grow up so fast.

Happy Birthday, Gavin.  You are such a special little boy.  You are so smart, handsome, sweet, well mannered and well behaved.  The past 3 years have been such an unspeakable joy!  You make me so proud and so happy.  I never could have dreamed you any better than you are.  I love you so much and look forward to every experience with you! 

It's carnival time!

This past Saturday, Gavin went to his first ever Mardi Gras parade.  It was the perfect situation!  We met Paw Paw, NaNa, Aunt Michelle, Uncle Leonard, and NaNa's family at Impastato's.  We parked at Impastato's, ate a delicious dinner, then walked a block to Severn when the parade started.  We had access to the bathroom all night long!  The only problem...IT.WAS.COLD!  So cold!!!  But, Gavin was bundled up and had a hat and gloves.  He had so much fun!  At first, he was a little overwhelmed by all the activity and wanted to get in the police cars and on the floats.  Once he realized he was a spectator, he jumped right in!  It didn't take long before he was yelling, "Hey, Mister!!! Throw me something!"  And they did!  He got tons of beads, stuffed animals and doubloons!  Although he had fun chasing floats, I think he had even more fun dancing to the bands.  After the parade, we walked over to Morning Call for beignets and hot chocolate to thaw out.  He thoroughly enjoyed those beignets! 

 Sara and Gavin at the parade.  He looks like an eskimo!

Licking the plate...because the sugar on his beignet wasn't enough.

Isn't this what everyone does with their beads?

Gavin had a blast!  He can't wait to go to his next parade.  I think he's going to fit in here just fine!

It's a girl!

We found out  a few weeks ago that we're pregnant with a baby girl!  Gary was right...again.  And I was wrong...AGAIN!  So much for mother's instinct. 

It was great to be around family and have them over for a gender reveal...cupcakes! (thanks for the idea, Erica)  We even FaceTimed Jonathan and Tina back in Dallas.  Everyone is so excited about having a little girl in the family.  I must say, little girl stuff is MUCH cuter than boy clothes.  I already have half a wardrobe...just can't help myself!  Gavin seems excited, too.  He talks to his little sister and tells me he's going to help take care of her. 

She is much more active than Gavin was.  He is pretty laid back, and I'm worried this means she'll be high strung!  Oh well, at least she'll be well dressed.

We have a 3D/4D ultrasound scheduled in a couple of weeks.  I hope she cooperates so we can get a look at her precious little face!  The next thing on the agenda is to name her.  Right now the two names up for discussion are Claire and Emmaline.  Both so adorable!  Maybe we'll wait until we see her on the ultrasound to decide what she looks like.

I feel like I can finally enjoy being pregnant.  This time around has been plagued with morning sickness then a broken wrist!  Got my cast off yesterday (after 6 weeks) and now rehab begins.  I'm still not back to "normal" (and won't be for a while), but I'll work hard to get to where I need to be.  I'm thankful for the love and support of my wonderful husband and family.  Thank God for them.