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.

Gavin Meets Santa Claus

Silly Santa has his eyes closed!

In Sugarhouse there is this cute little shack where kids can get their picture taken with Santa. One Saturday night we were headed up to a game Taylor had to be at so we stopped by. I was a little nervous about how Gavin would handle Santa. He will honestly go to anybody and doesn't cry when he is held by strangers, but I was still worried. In typical Gavin fashion, he wouldn't really give us a smile, rather he was so interested in everything going on. He have us his "big eyes" which means he is really trying to figure out what is going on. Despite our dancing behind the camera and doing all the things that usually get him to smile, this is as good as it got. Gavin didn't have a problem keeping his eyes open...but Santa on the other hand was a different story! I was just thankful that Gavin's first meeting with Santa didn't end in tears!

This is the typical Gavin "I'm not sure what my parents are doing to me" face

This weekend we met up with a few of our friends and went on the Polar Express Train Ride. It is put on by this family in my class. Their extended family owns this land where you ride a 1/8 scale train. You can check it out at www.stringtown.us In the middle of the train ride you hop off at the North Pole to meet Santa. Again, Gavin wasn't quite sure what to do, but he didn't scream. After the train ride we ate out with our friends. They have babies as well, all at different ages, so it was fun to watch what each was doing and the stages that Gavin will be at before we know it. It was fun to go with them and then hang out for a little while.

Seriously Santa...keep your eyes open!

Presents From GGma and GGpa

Great Grandma and Grandpa Logsdon love to send Gavin things. He has received lots of Eureka College gear and Cubs gear. He has even started a baseball collection from all the ones they have sent from their travels.

Dear Great Grandma and Grandpa Logsdon,
Thank you for all of the gifts you have sent me. I am sad that I only got to see you for a day when you came to help mommy when she was sick. Will you come and visit me again soon! You don't even have to bring me anything, I just want to see you. I love you! Maybe I will come to Eureka college when I get older.
Love Your First Born (and favorite...so far) Great Grandchild,
Gavin

Gavin at Four Months

Gavin had his four month appointment on Friday. After he screamed last time, I begged Taylor to go with me to this one. We even got Gavin a sucker for afterwards to take his mind off of his shots. Lucky for us, the doctor discovered that he had another ear infection in his left ear. This is the same ear that he failed his hearing tests in when he was born. She said that we need to be very careful and watch his hearing closely, as she was worried about the chronic nature of his ear infections, and his failed hearing tests. We go back in two weeks to see if it's better. This is his third round of antibiotics for ear infections. If it's not better she is going to refer us to an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor. Hopefully we won't have to meet the nice doctor! Here are his four month milestones and favorites:

Height: 25.25 60th percentile
Weight: 14.06 lbs 37th percentile
Head Circum: 15.75 5th percentile

He is gaining weight! After the last appointment (he was in the 26th percentile), we were worried he was a little guy. I don't know where his tiny head came from...mom and dad both have rather good sized heads!

Here are a few of Gavin's Favorites:
Nicknames: Gav, Gman, Gavini, MisterMister, Little Man
Toys: His rattle, his exersaucer (he loves to stare and hit the bird on it!) He loves his Baby Einstein videos.
Dislikes: being in more than one place for longer than five minutes, going to sleep (he fights it every time), taking naps (seriously...this one sucks!), pureed peas, when nobody is paying attention to him.
Likes: Going to bed at 5 or 6pm, rice cereal and sweet potatoes, reading books, cuddling when he is tired, putting his mom and dad's fingers in his mouth, waking up at 5:30am, riding in the car and looking at other babies.
Milestones: He sits up very well nowadays and always tries to sit up when laying down, especially when he is getting his diaper changed, he started on solids, first rice cereal and now we are dabbling in vegetables, he is a master at grasping his toys and putting them straight into his mouth!

The Zoo

Taylor has been bugging me since we moved back to Utah to go to the Zoo. Honestly I put it off as long as I could. Being nine months pregnant in the summer heat and walking around the zoo was honestly the last thing I wanted to do. Lucky for us this week Grandma Stacy came to stay with us and bought passes to the Zoo. Uncle Matt even joined us for a little while. Taylor was in HEAVEN. We really went for Gavin, but I think secretly Taylor loved it more than Gav did.

 

Gavin's First Halloween

This picture is from Gavin's three month pictures... more to come soon!
We had quite the Halloween this year, and it was so much more fun with a baby who got to experience everything for the first time. I know he probably won't remember it but it was so fun to make family memories and to just be together all weekend.

For my school parade, Gavin was a penguin. It was only natural that we be a cute little penguin family. Our costumes may have been thrown together the night before, but honestly nobody was looking at Taylor or me!

Stacy (Taylor's Mom) was able to fly down Saturday and got to spend the holiday with us. We went trick-or-treating with my Aunt Gina's family. Bridgette could have cared less about trick or treating. All she wanted to do was hold Gavin. We had a delicious dinner and hung out watching the intense hail and wondered if we were even going to be able to go outside. We did take Gavin to the next door neighbors.

A little costume malfunction.. Did we mention this kid had 3 halloween costumes. He was originally supposed to be a lobster, but that costume was too small. Then we found the adorable penguin costume at the GAP and I couldn't resist. My mom bought him this dino costume because when I was pregnant we called him Little Dino. It's a 6-12 month costume, but we figured it would work for one house!





Poor Gavin crashed on the way home. He was all Halloweened out!
We had so much fun and even made it home to hand candy out to our TWO trick-or-treaters.

Boise Trip

I have to admit, being a teacher does have it's perks. Like two days off for "Fall Break". We decided to go to Boise to hang out with my mom while my dad was hunting. It was seriously one of my favorite Boise trips to date...despite the fact that so many family members were missing. We started the drive off after work on Wednesday, which made for a long night. Luckily this guy was amazing on the drive down...

The days to follow included crafting GALORE and a trip to the new Hobby Lobby.  My mom and I made Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations and I even got things for a new Christmas wreath (which I have since finished and can't wait to hang it up!) We went to Centennial's football game where everyone oogled over Gavin in his plaid onsie, puffy vest and beanie. He was seriously so adorable...even when he spit up all over. We also went to my cousin's football games and had fun in the rain. 

The day we drove down was Taylor' birthday and we were so lucky that my mom offered to watch Gavin for the night and gave us her free hotel room. We celebrated at Cottonwood Grille and it was so nice to be out just the two of us since Gav was born. I know I'm lame because I did not take ANY pictures of Tay's birthday celebration. We are also so awesome because we were in bed and asleep before ten. I guess you can tell we are parents of a three month old! 

Friday we took Gavin swimming for his first time. I thought he might love it because he LOVES his baths. Whoever gives him a bath ends up soaked because he kicks and splashes the whole time. Unfortunately we have a baby who is into EVERYTHING that is going on, so between the swimming lessons, the three year old trying to splash us, and the loud fountains in the baby pool he was a little overwhelmed. He never cried, but this is pretty much what he looked like the whole time...

We did get him to kick his feet a little, but there was absolutely no way he was going to smile. This was as close as we got...

Gavin loved hanging out with Grandma, and she was SO nice to takeover all the night feedings a few nights so we could sleep. We love you Grammy! We can't wait to go back to Boise, hopefully next time we can add more family members to the party. 

General Conference Weekend

This weekend my parents came into town. They say they came to see "us" but we know they really came to see Gavin. We decided to spend the day in Park City and couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day and a happier baby. We checked out the Olympic Park, hit up the outlet malls, and some of us even did the zip line at the resort. We can't wait to go to Boise to hang out with them some more!This is what Gavin did most of the day! He loves being outside and in the sun.