New Blog

Due to some technical and privacy issues this is the last post for this blog. If you would like an invitation to our new blog email (lmcfarland09@gmail.com) or facebook me. Hope to see you there!

Double The Fun

Today was a bitter cold morning. After a very long night for Gavin, two hours of which consisted of screaming, our little family of 3 woke up before any of us really wanted to. Today was the day. I had staved off Gavin all night, per doctors orders, and I tried to eat my breakfast in the kitchen away from my starving boys. I needed my energy for what laid ahead for the day. We bundled everyone up in coats, mittens and even took our University of Kanas blanket with us as we embarked to the hospital.

Crazy, brave, insane: these were all names that my co-workers called me when I told them that both Gavin and Taylor were having surgery on the same day. Lucky for me, my mom flew into town to help out. We got to the hospital around 6: 25 and checked Gavin in. Taylor and Gavin passed the time watching the fish in the fish tank and watching all the other patients in the waiting room. I couldn't help but wonder what surgery everyone was having done. Of course none of them had their plates fuller than me, or at least I told myself that.

They called Gavin back to pre-op and he instantly charmed every nurse there. He, despite nearly starving, was jumping all over the hospital bed and gnawing on everything he could get his hands on. When the anesthesiologist came in to talk to us he listened to Gavin's heart and lungs. Almost as if he was saying, "Ok, I trust you." he grabbed the doctors hand and just stared at him with his beautifully giant eyes. My favorite part of the whole pre-op hoopla was the little hospital gown they gave him to wear. I am a sucker for a little diaper bum and I loved looking at his poking out between the gown flaps. And then as quick as can be they wrapped him up in a warm blanket and took him from me. I lost it. I thought I was going to be strong, but as I watched them walk out with my baby, I couldn't take it. I knew that it would be alright, and that he would only be gone for less than an hour, but that didn't make it hurt any less. Luckily, I still had Taylor...at least for a little while.

We waited for Gavin to come out of the operating room and when they brought him to me he was groggy, and fussy, but he reached out for me. He couldn't decide if he wanted to sleep or eat and continued to cry. Then the saint-of-a-nurse brought in a warm blanket, wrapped us both in it, and it instantly calmed us both down. Grandma Beth showed up shortly afterwards and Gavin fell asleep in her arms as she rocked him.

I had to relinquish my little groggy baby to my mother, because I had another patient to attend to. Taylor was now in pre-op getting the whole hoopla, this time for himself. Doctors, nurses and anesthesiologists came in and talked to us. Then, we waited, and waited and waited. I passed the time walking the 50 or so steps between pre-op and recovery checking on my two patients. A little while later they took Tay in to the operating room. While we waited my mom and I chatted, got a little breakfast, and rocked and played with a now very happy and very alert little boy.

Taylor came out of surgery and I didn't get to see him right away. The nurse said he kept asking, "Where is Lindsay?" When I finally got to see him he squeezed my hand so tight I had to literally pry his fingers off mine due to lack of circulation. I stood by his bedside. he continually asked, "Lindsay, where are you." I was also entertained by his numerous food requests that included pizza, Rodizios, and chips. He was quite mad when the nurse told him his snack choices: pudding, crackers and oreos. As his grogginess faded, his desire to get out of that hospital grew exponentially. He had practically called every family member in his phone, a sort of "medically induced" drunk dial if you will. He said lots of funny things, and lots of sweet things too. After his head had cleared we packed up the little family once more and came home. I'm now playing nurse to my two boys. One is worse off than the other, but still both are doing great. One is sleeping and one is playing X-Box...I know they are going to be just fine.

I'm hoping that this long day in the hospital means a happier and healthier family. I know lots of prayers went to heaven in our behalf and I appreciate them more than anyone will ever know. I especially appreciate the prayers in my behalf, because without them I don't think I could have made it through this day. It was a long day, but a day our family will look back on as one of those times that brought us closer.

Randomness

We have made a few minor improvements to our life here at the McFarland homestead. First, we figured it was about time that we get rid of our old D.I. tv stand and upgrade to one more suitable for adults....and Taylor's precious TV. After a long time spent looking for the perfect one and an even longer time spent putting it together, we have something to be proud of. It's nice to finally feel like our home is coming together. I no longer feel like a newlywed with completely mis-matched furniture! You can even see the beautiful rug that Taylor got me for Christmas. I am starting to really love how our living room is coming together. (Just don't mind the mess of baby toys on the bookshelf!)

Secondly, we have improved our eating. We have really been trying to eat very healthy and watch what we put into our bodies. Now I am not naturally a fruits and veggies lover, and I find it hard to master the art of picking just the right produce. This is why I LOVE Bountiful Baskets. I sign up on Monday and pick up my baskets on Saturday, and we have a lovely assortment of fruits and veggies for the week. I was on such a high when I picked up this lot on Saturday that I think I had a perma-smile all day. Most people get a basket every other week, but not me...I can't wait to get my basket bright and early on Saturday. To me it's like Christmas in a basket!

Grandpa's Horses

It was a little cold in the stable and Gav wasn't quite sure about all the gear he had to wear.

Grandpa Mike has a fun new hobby: Horses. This weekend it benefitted us in that we got to see him! He drove down Friday night and spent the majority of Saturday looking at two horses, both of which he purchased. This brings the Peterson horse total to 3. This morning he went to pick up Hollywood and Cougar and we tagged along. It was Gavin's first experience with live animals (other than dogs), and at first he didn't show the slightest bit of interest. Then Hollywood started playing peek-a-boo in her stall and that got a few smiles out of Gav. When we went in the arena to watch Grandpa ride, Gavin got all stiff and started flapping his arms, which he only does when he is excited. He kept craning his head around and flopping over backwards to see Grandpa and his horses. He even got to sit on Hollywood with Grandapa. Hopefully soon we can make it to Boise to actually ride them! Thanks Grandpa for coming and seeing us (and for the great dinner!)

Gavin and Grandpa on Hollywood

Just practicing sitting on Grandpa's saddle.

Half of A Year

I know it's so cliche' but I can't believe I have a six month old. People always say that it goes fast, and I am here to say it went WAY faster than I ever thought it would. He amazes us every day and his little personality is really starting to shine. Over Christmas break his two little bottom teeth popped out and I love to see him smile!

A little boat at the doctor's office

Here are some of his six month milestones:

Favorites: solids, bottles every 2 1/2 to 3 hours (he is always hungry!), his boppy, laying in Mom and Dad's bed, waking up at 4:30am, his doggy scout, sleeping on his belly with his little bum in the air and his hands tucked in by his stomach, his binki, flirting with everyone, jumping, screeching very loudly, being held, baths (in which we end up SOAKED!), laying on the floor and rolling and scooting, having his own remote, and last but not least...chewing on everything.

In his church outfit, and Great Grandpa Logsdon hat, eating his remote

Dislikes: sleeping for more than 3 hours at a time, taking naps longer than 45 minutes..Ok he doesn't like sleeping in general, being left alone for more than five minutes, rice cereal (he's got a sophisticated palate), not to be moving (his favorite is jumping).

He really is a very happy baby, despite the lack of sleep, and we couldn't be prouder to be his parents. We are constantly told how big his eyes are and how active he is. He is quite the little squirt. Here are his six month stats.

Height: 26 1/2 inches (56th percentile)

Weight: 15 lbs 11 oz (20th percentile)

Head: 17 in (35th percentile)

Despite his frequent eating he still needs to gain a few pounds. We love him so much and can't wait to see him grow up (but not too quickly!)

A California Christmas

We spent 11 glorious days in California over Christmas break! We flew there BRIGHT and early on Monday morning so we could spend as much time with the McFarlands as we could. Gavin did great on the plane ride and enjoyed pressing his nose up to the cold window and watching the clouds go by. We arrived to rain, rain, and more rain, but we decided it was much better than the snow!

We loved spending time with family, and enjoyed the days where we simply lounged around the house and did next to nothing. Grandma and Grandpa McFarland endlessly spoiled Gman and he loved every minute of it. Sadly I don't have many pictures of Christmas morning...except for this sweet one of Gavin with Uncle Jon. I guess Christmas in California calls for the sweet 80's tank tops on Christmas morning. I guess we will have to find Gavin one for next time!

After Christmas we decided to go to Monterey Bay and Carmel for a night. We found a SWEET deal online, packed up the Suburban and headed down for an adventure. When we first got there we headed down to the pier and walked around. We tasted some delicious clam chowder. Even though it was Gavin's first time at the beach, it was a little too cold this day to actually put his feet in the sand. We ate dinner, after much debate, at what turned out to be a delicious mexican restaurant. That night Gavin didn't sleep too well in the pack-and-play and ended up in the HUGE bed with Mom and Dad, which he loved.

Don't worry, he's not really a scrooge. He loves the holiday season.

The next day we woke up early and drove around. We went on the famous 17 Mile Drive and saw the very famous (at least at the Peterson house) Pebble Beach Golf Course. It was so gorgeous and I had to remind myself that it was December. Gavin loved looking at the waves crashing and would do his famous "arms straight out and stiff legs". He wasn't too sure about the wind on his face, but loved riding on Uncle Matt's shoulders. We ended the day in Capitola and Carmel and ate divine pizza at Pizza My Heart.

We were supposed to leave on Wednesday, but because of crazy snow in Utah we got to stay an extra day. We loved every minute of being in California and can't wait to go back. Thanks McFarlands for having us...last I heard they still hadn't put the pack-and-play away.

Start Em' Early

Sitting on Daddy's lap trying desperately to get to that straw!

Our little curious man has started really being interested in what we are eating. He also thinks he has to eat when he sees us eat. It makes eating dinner together fairly difficult...but produces funny moments such as this:
One day I was holding him in one hand and holding my pop in the other hand. The next thing I knew he had his little hands around the pop and was working his little mouth up to the top of hte straw! His favorite thing to do when Taylor is drinking out of a cold Coke can is to put his lips on the can and just lick it. He literally screams when we take it away!

Another thing Gavin loves is standing. Anytime he is laying down he will lift his head and his legs up. This is his cue to us that he wants to stand up. He grabs our fingers and pulls himself into a sitting, then a full standing position. He is always so proud of himself and gives us big smiles when he does it. He also loves to stand on the floor and hold onto the couch...with his mouth of course! Don't worry, I am holding him in these pictures.
Lately Gavin has been waking up at 5:30am. We will hear him on the monitor just babbling away to himself (he has really found his voice this past week!). We will go in there and if he is on his belly he will instantly roll over and smile at us. Most of the time we find him already on his back gnawing at the bars of his crib. It's hard to get mad at him for waking up at 5:30 when this is the face we get to see.