Ethan's New Role as Gavin's Big Brother

I was very apprehensive about Ethan's reaction to his baby brother, I wanted Ethan to still feel as loved as before Gavin came home while also feeling protective of our tiny, defenseless baby.  I imagined Ethan asking for me to hold him instead of Gavin, as he has when I have held other friends' babies.  Instead, we have encountered Ethan begging for "Ethan's turn to hold baby brother Gavin!" He's not jealous of Gavin's time with Mommy or Daddy, he's jealous of Mommy or Daddy's time with GAVIN!

Ethan has had a wicked cold and our worry has been Gavin catching this cold as he was just in the hospital for respiratory issues.  The doctor told us that Ethan's cold is not airborn, it's through contact with mucus membranes.  So after thorough hand washing with a bonus of hand sanitizer (called "magic soap" in our house now), Ethan can hold Gavin.  The one rule is that he can only touch his hair or his feet.  So Gavin's feet are getting lots and lots of tickles, kisses, and sniffs to see if they are "stinky!"

 

I know this is just the beginning of a lifetime of ups and downs in their relationship as brothers, but it's been a heartwarming and sweet experience this first week.  

Gavin's Birthday!

 Epidural? Check. Let's do this!

Four pushes later...

 The first moment Mommy ever held Gavin in her arms.  Magical.

Daddy's turn!

 Weighing in at 5lbs, 9oz at 36 weeks.  His older brother was 5lbs 12 oz at 38 weeks.

Pure bliss.

This Christmas is so much fun!

Ethan is obsessed with all things Christmas, lights, Santa, wreaths, stockings, chimneys, trees, reindeer, everything ... except the toys part! It's amazing! He loves the magic of it all and doesn't get that he's getting some pretty great gifts Christmas morning! This is the most perfect age for Christmas ever.

Ethan's version of a mash-up

This morning he lined up his dinos and yelled, "Look! A dinosaur train! Take a picture?  CHEESE!!"  (Excuse the bed head) 
Two of his favorite things in the world merged into one!

Ethan's First Field Trip

Our preschool had their first field trip, to a local orchard for their pumpkin festival.

 Ethan was particularly thrilled to meet the "Scared Crows," as he calls them. He's recently developed a couple of fears and seems happy these little hay friends might be scared of things like shadows and surprising sounds like him!

Of course their dump trucks were a hit! And required some serious concentration.

 

Then we picked our own pumpkins in the field.

Pretty great day of school!

Family Visit Highlights

This past weekend we were blessed to host family from all over the country.  It was a blast sharing with them our home and some local traditions (like Maryland blue crabs, yum!).  Here are some of the highlights!

Nothing says third trimester like...

Washing, folding, and lining up the 0-3 month clothes. Thank you Ethan for the hand-me-downs, consider this preparation for a childhood of sharing with your little brother!

These ultrasounds better be accurate because there's not a lick of neutral clothing in that drawer!