Austie & Sophie

Anytime we are in the front yard, Austin checks to make sure Sophie is not there (neighbors dog)...otherwise he is laying down at the fence petting her. Sophie the dog is SUCH a loud yappy dog, but she is not loud around Austin. Its like she knows, and is so good around him. Even when she is barking very loud, Austin does not care, as he is drawn to loud noises. I tried to pet Sophie once under the fence, and she nipped at my finger. I guess only Austin is allowed;)

8am

8am every other morning the sprinklers go on. As soon as Austie hears them, he is OUT. He is clawing at the door, trying to get outside. Then he studies them for a bit....and finally gets in. He will play in them the entire time they are on. When they move, he moves. Thankfully its warm enough at 8am, but that would not stop him if it was not!

Oh Austin

A few nights ago, little Austin must have had a bad dream. He woke up screaming and screaming. After spending 2 hours sleeping on Daddy's chest, he woke up and wanted to play at 3am. So we put him back in bed, and he kept sticking his leg out of the crib and getting it stuck. Then he would scream. This went on for hours. Finally he laughed at me when I stuck his leg back in, so I was done! He wailed in his crib for another hour. 

Of course he slept in until 7am (yes thats sleeping in) and was a SUPER grump all day. Geez!

School in the spring

Saratoga Springs is probably one of Gavin's favorite places to be in the spring. How lucky is he that he gets to go two times a week for school? He says his favorite thing to do there is find bugs in the creek. His "second favorite" thing to do is slide down the bunny hill. This boy loves his school. 

Brothers getting ready for Maui

Gavin is VERy excited to go to Hawaii. He got the stroller out and put Austin in...and said they were headed to the airport because they did not want to be late....our flight is in 5 days. Hmm. 

The boys also got their new summer Keens. Of course I got them matching ones, they are so cute! (they both have HUGE feet too!)

"Tree on my arm"

Gav and Austin got to go to Emma and Evy's carnival birthday party over the weekend. They had a blast, and Gavin especially liked the magic show. Then they did face painting, and Gavin waited VERY patiently for his turn. He was #7, and he stood there and waited and watched. Finally it was his turn, and he told the lady what he wanted. "A tree on my arm" ;) All the others had face paintings (Mostly girls with hearts and pinks) but G wanted his arm with a tree. 

Now he says he needs "all these things" at his birthday party. The list grows and grows. So far its a "4th birthday party with a bounce house in my yard, a lady who does a magic show and face painting, a petting zoo, a water party, and a HUGE cake." Looks like I have a lot of planning to do!

Class @ Saratoga Springs

Oh my, I can't get over this first picture! My friend Cristina took this at class the other day...as soon as she snapped it, Gavin said, "Were you taking a picture of ME???" and was very excited;)

Last week at Saratoga Springs, we went to a new little area that we had never been. We hiked back behind the campgrounds, and there was a great little spot, with a huge creek area. There was also a very steep hill, and the kids got to climb up and down the hill with a rope's help. Gavin was first to go up and then back down. I was pretty impressed, as he went down backwards holing onto the rope...very fast! (And it was a steep hill!) Teacher Angie called this a "big challenge" and Gavin kept telling us over and over that he could "Handle the challenge." ;) Then of course, the most fun....sliding down on your bottom! They did this for probably an hour...climbed up, and then slid down the dirt on their bottoms. 

Favorite sleeping spot

Most afternoons Austin wakes up before he is really ready to be up. Since he is so loud (and I don't want him to wake up G), I go get him, and bring him to my bed. I pat his back and he falls back asleep with his face on my shoulder. Almost always goes right back to sleep. I LOVE this time...because it forces me to rest, and just be with my little guy. He snoozes away, and I just watch him. Love it. Since he is no longer nursing, I especially love this time. Then when Gavin wakes up, he will see Austin still sleeping, and he will tiptoe down the hall (so sweet:) to the couch. He will wait there until Austie wakes up, so they can watch their show together...they snuggle up on the couch together with their blankies...its very sweet. 

Big Boy Austie **Self weaning

Austin has not nursed in almost a day! Yesterday he nursed before his afternoon nap as usual, but then last night Derek and I went out to dinner and an auction, so Austin had a bottle from Ma. He has always loved taking bottle if I am not here...no problem.

This morning he went down for his nap without nursing! Just laid down, grabbed his blankie and went to sleep! He is growing up so fast!

Gavin Movies

Austie Giggles Movie

People watcher

Austin is always very active, and always into people watching. He will stop what he is doing, and just watch people. He especially LOVES to watch sports. After he tries to go get the basketball a few times, he will stand there and watch them play. He also loves baseball and hockey. Any sort of loud noises, and he is right there watching. Every time daddy gets the saw or shopvac out, Austin wants to be RIGHT where the noise is. Funny because Gavin holds his ears and runs the opposite way. 

When Austin is people watching, if the person stops and talks to Austin, he will talk back. He will also get very close to the person, to check them out. Such a funny little guy!

Rancho San Antonio

Today we met Hilary, Madeleine and baby Charlotte at Rancho San Antonio for a fun hike to the creek and farm. It turns out the farm is "closed" on Monday's but that was OK, we could still see the animals anyways. Actually, the kids really did not care too much about that, they wanted in the creek! So in they went. Of course Austin was killing to go in too...there is no stopping that one! It was pretty chilly in the shade, but that did not stop them. We are very excited for hot summer weather, because the creek there is PERFECT. 

We had a nice picnic lunch by the farm (right by the pigs;) and the kids got to play around. We were pretty impressed, it was over a mile hike out to the farm and then a mile back...and G & M ran the entire thing. Its also a nice workout for us mommas...carrying babies, all the gear, and then chasing the toddlers!

We got home and had a nice big soapy bubble bath (because the kids managed to play in some poison oak) and a tick check. Then it was a two hour nap! Not a bad Monday:)

Gav & Karina

Karina has been coming to our home to clean every two weeks ever since I was on bedrest. I found her through a friend, and she came and helped us so much during that time...more than just cleaning, she helped with Gavin when I could not do much, and she REALLY loves the boys. Since I am working 24hrs a week, we think its best she stay...I honestly could not imagine things without her! She is wonderful, and she is so great with the boys. Last week while she was here, Gavin was helping her as usual. She has a "great duster" that Gavin LOVES, and he asked her for one. Of course, she came two days later and brought him his very own "blue duster" :) It was so sweet of her. 

{Gavin 44 Months}

Dear Gav,

Today you are 44 months old. Oh my, what a character you are! You are now making very nice faces for the camera, and its so funny. You crack us up all the time. 

You are very much into playing with friends these days. Ryleigh is definitely your best pal these days, and you both get along so well. You are both VERY quick on your feet, and love to chase each other. You guys go to Hacienda every night together;)

Also you are obsessed with your teachers. You just love them. You spend most of your school day with one of your three teachers...holding hands, playing, talking. You love them!

You are still obsessed with reading and books...your library of books is pretty big, and you love to pick out your books each night (and day and afternoon;). 

You are super easy to take out and you are pretty well behaved. Going out to dinner is chaos with you and your brother, but you sit and eat for the most part. As long as there is dessert, you are good!

You are a champion sleeper and eater...nothing new there. 

We love you so much Gavie!

Momma

Austin & Kyle

Today Austin had a friend over! Kyle (My good friend Liz's baby) and Austin had a great time together. They are both not the only children (Kyle has two older siblings) so they got along pretty well! They both know how to get what they want, and have no issue doing so. After Kyle left, Austin slept for 3 hours. 

Gluten Free

This household is by NO MEANS gluten free. We live off the stuff, but every once in a while I find recipes that are gluten free, and very good! We made these muffins with coconut/almond/sweet potato flour...and they were great! Gavin did all the work, and although they had double the amount of baking soda in them, they were pretty tasty. 

Spring Field Trips

This week we had two field trips with Gavin's class. The first was to Sanborn Park where we did a really nice shaded hike under the redwoods. We saw lots of critters including a big old banana slug. We had blueberry muffin snack with story time in the middle of a circle of redwood trees...pretty neat. The kids got to climb up a big old tree stump and slide down the side, on their bottoms on the dirt. What could be better;)

The second trip was to Pichetti Ranch in the Cupertino foothills. It was a pretty cool place we had never been...and a really neat hike. We hiked to a big pond, found tadpoles and newts, and then had story time about frogs. Gavin and Ryan helped make a big trail mix snack for the class...and got to wear frog hats during the story time. We ended the hike with a big loop up around the mountain and back to see the ranch (and of course chickens and roosters) before we headed home. The boys were TIRED after this one!

{Austin 14 Months}

Dear Austie,

Today you are 14 months old. I can't believe that you are over one....still. I guess I have to get used to the fact that you are growing up, fast! 

You are quite the crazy little guys these days. Just into everything and so interested in anything and anyone. You have NO stranger fear, and will "chat" with anyone who even looks at you. You do a LOT of people watching...you walk up, get very close, and then just stare. If they are friendly, you pick up on it and will talk to them. I really need to keep my eye on you...the other day at the park you just walked up to a grandma, found out how friendly she was, and you put your arms up so she would pick you up! She did, and of course I had my eye on you! Again, NEVER take my eyes off of you!

You are learning to run and jump. I guess its safe to say you can do both now, and like to run and jump all day long. Oh, and dance. You still love to dance your booty off all day long. 

You eat everything in sight, and need to eat every hour or so. You prefer to walk around with your food, so we eat outdoors a LOT. You still do not really like cow milk (at all) so I have been giving you a toddler formula in place of the two cups of milk a day you should need. Its not much, but you like it. I am slowly adding in cow milk so that one day you will like it. Your favorite foods are cheese, fruit, carrots, bolani, yams, pancakes, eggs, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, and smoothies. 

You are still nursing 3 times a day, before naps and bed. You are still very much interested in this, so we are just enjoying it. I love the time I get with you, and you just stare up at me and try to put your fingers in my mouth. :)

Oh Austie, your feet. They are huge! You are in a size 5.5W right now, and I have already ordered the next size up in your summer Keens. I can't believe that I had to get a size 6! You are already wearing the socks that your brother wore when he was TWO!

You are in 18mo clothes and some 12mo shirts and shorts. Diaper is size 4, and we are back doing a lot more cloth these days now that it is warm. (Its easier when its warm out...less changing clothes, and most of the time you are just in a diaper...) 

You help, help, help with everything. If we are doing something, you need to help us. Very busy guy.

You are blabbering up a storm...no idea what you are saying, but you sure know! You will talk to us, and then look at us like we are insane for not understanding you. Hmm. One day we will all get it!

You are in the water 75% of the day, and just love it. You cry and complain for the hose to come on, and you will stand with it in your hands and wait. LOVE water. Bath, hose, pool, anywhere!

Oh Austin, you are such a happy little guy. Such a good little player...always playing with something. You smile and laugh all day long...we just love you so much!

Momma

Spring Break 2013

What a fun week we had. Gavin did not have school because it was "Spring Break" so we did lots of fun things instead. 

Gavin "painted" his face this morning to make himself look "older." Then we headed to Silvercreek Sportsplex to go to the bounce house area and watch some sports...the boys sat and ate lunch while watching hockey and then soccer. When we got home the boys took a nice nap, and then when Austin woke up, we snuggled in bed and he fell asleep again. Or so I thought. When I went to take a picture with my iPhone, he was wide awake! Breathing heavy, so I thought he was asleep...just happy snuggling:) Lastly, Gavin thought it was time for us to cut our first portion of wheat grass for his smoothies. He has been growing it for a week, and was SO excited to finally get to eat it. He says it tastes "good and grassy." Hmm. 

Famous Kids!

When we opened the Saratoga News, we found Gavin and Ryleigh inside! They were featured in the downtown Saratoga egg hunt...so cool. Gavin now says that he needs to "read the paper to find my picture!"

Hot weather!!!

And its here! Although its chilly in the morning, and we wear long sleeves, by noon its hot, and off come the clothes. I swear, when I turn the hose on, both boys peel their clothes off in seconds. Austin needs help, and he screams/yells/laughs and almost cries from excitement. He is just SO excited to get in the water. I have a feeling he may be my child who does not cry when his eyes get wet. Sorry, Gavin...but its been almost 4 years, its time to get your face wet. 

Both boys are in the water and sand for hours. They love it, and I love it because our backyard is contained, so I am not worried about an escapee. Looking forward to the summer!

Swimming in the sand

Austin LOVES his new sandbox. Its nice and big, and he loves to lay in it....and cover his arms and legs. Its like he is trying to swim in it. We think he is telling us he is getting excited for Hawaii in a month!

Happy Hollow

Its that time of year where we live at Happy Hollow zoo...such a great place to take them, and its a few minutes away from our home. Only issue, its CRAZY trying to keep up with two! Thankfully Gavin is pretty good about staying near, but Austin is NOT and goes everywhere! I do a little sweating while we are there, but that's OK...we ALL take a nap when we get home!

Letter obsession

Gavin is VERY much into letters these days. Loves to "read" and spell and point out letters everywhere. He makes them with chalk, pens, markers, and now post-its. Letters every where!

Week in iPhone pics

This past week we were busy! The boys got a much needed haircut...and now they look very handsome:)

Lots of park days...and I have to note the picture of Austin in the white onsie at the park...look close to see the blood all over his shirt. This kid is SUCH a bam bam. He will hurt himself, and maybe cry for a second, but then keep playing. If there is blood involved (there often is...he bites his tongue or hits his lips all the time) he will sit for a second, and then be up and off. This particular day some big kid ran by and knocked him over. He hit bit his tongue pretty hard, and the blood was everywhere. He did not stop...so I had to tackle him to wipe him off...and THEN he screamed and cried bc I was holding him down. Oh my. Opposite of his brother! Gavin is DOWN and OUT if he barely scrapes his knee!

There were quite a few warm days this week, so there was lots of hose and water play. Naked Austie butt is so cute!

Lastly, was a trip to Home Depot the day before Easter...Gavin and daddy made a HUGE sandbox in our side yard! It is great for the boys! They worked very hard for two days. (Gavin did all the sanding, and most of the screws...pretty impressed)

And then there is the handsome baby on Easter! Look at his sweater vest:)