Snow!

The snow is coming down! While there are more 1st for Gavin these days, Caylin and Daddy had a first today... Their first time in the snow together. Caylin experienced her first snow play last year over MLK weekend up in PA. She and I were up visiting while Daddy was in AZ at a swim meet. She didn't seem to enjoy it so much. My, how almost a year can change things! She was so excited to get out there, and Tim was just as excited to get her out there. So, after breakfast, he announced that it was time to get their snow things on and go outside. I pulled out the new boots that she was going to get for Christmas and gave them to her early. She was quite excited about the boots (she enjoys getting new footwear)! We then got her snow pants and other warm clothing and geared her up:

I stayed in (for the most part), as Gavin was still sound asleep, but I did manage to snap a few pictures of our snow adventurers:

As of right now, we've got more than a foot out there and it is not predited to stop any time soon! So, lots more snow playing to come, I'm sure!

Visiting Santa

This afternoon we venture out to run some errands and make a visit to Santa. Caylin was very excited about this last stop in our trip. Though she doesn't really understand the whole concept of telling him what she wants for Christmas, she was looking forward to seeing the jolly fellow. Unlike several of the other children before her, she walked right up to him, said "hi" and enjoyed talking with Santa. Gavin just went along with the flow, if Mama was holding him, that was ok... if Santa was holding him, that was ok too. I think he was more interested in looking at all of the twinkling lights that surrounded Santa's workshop. All in all, we had a very successful visit with Santa this year.

Caylin with Santa

Gavin's First Visit With Santa

Two age markers

Within a week of each other, Caylin and Gavin have had "age milestones".

First, this past Saturday (28th) Caylin officially turned 2 1/2 years old. She is still as spunky as ever; always on the go, go go and talking anyone's ear off who will listen (or is within ear shot). She has such a fun and vivid imagination! And, fortunately for us, she loves to help. So, as long as we can find ways to let her help with things, we can curb some of the grumpies and stubbornness that go along with being 2. Though we didn't do anything to officially celebrate Caylin's 1/2 birthday, we did happen to have dinner at Gpa and Gma Brown's house that day to spend some time with Granny (Tim's Gma Brown) while she was in town. Caylin seems to be settling into her new role as Big Sister, usually trying to help with Gavin as much as she can.

Today, Gavin turned 1 month old! Time is flying by! He is already growing and changing so much. This past Tuesday we had his 1 month well baby visit. Everything looks great! He tipped the scales at 9lbs 10 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long. Though, I didn't need the scale to tell me that he has grown... we can see it in his pudgy little arms, legs, and cheeks and the fact that his newborn clothing barely fit him. Maintaining eye contact and lifting his head up (and plopping it from side to side) are among his newest skills these days. He's quite a nosy little one, making silly little squeaks and grunts when he is both asleep and awake. In the past week he has developed a pretty awful case of baby acne. Tim has called him pizza face on more than one occasion (not in front of Caylin, the human parrot, though). We're hoping that it clears up a bit before we take the kiddos for pictures next week.

Tim started back to full work days this week, so the kids and I have been working on figuring out our day time routine... its a work in progress at this point. I still get a bit of a break to rest when Caylin goes to stay at Gpa and Gma Brown's house Tuesday nights. And, Ama Flo is coming down for a long weekend visit tomorrow, which is perfect timing because Tim has a big swim meet all weekend. Needless-to-say, we are blessed with very supportive family!

2 weeks old

It is hard to believe that Gavin is 2 weeks old already! We were in to the Drs. yesterday for his 2 week check up and everything looks great. We came out of the appointment seeing %tiles that we've never seen before. That is to say, Caylin was and is a little thing... never getting above the 9th %tile in weight and I think maybe getting close to the 20's in height. Here are Gavin's 2 week stats:

Weight: 8lbs 7 oz (71st %tile)
Length: 20 3/4 in (85th %tile)
Head Circ: 35.6 cm (46th %tile)

So far he has proven to be a pretty easy going baby. He's been averaging 3.5 to 4 hrs sleeping at night between feedings. And, he really only cries when he is hungry. This is a good thing for Caylin because she becomes quite concerned when he does cry. On day he started to cry while she was "going potty" and she looked at Tim and said, "Dede Duder cry, he's calling me..." Yes, she is still calling him baby brother, though she is starting to add Gavin to it.

How is Caylin adjusting to the new addition, you ask? Fairly well! She definitely seeks our attention more than she used to, but she also seems to really enjoy spending time with Gavin and will try to help with him in any way she can. All she has to do is hear the words "can you help...." and she is right there and willing to do so.

Shortly after we came home from the hospital I pulled up Caylin's newborn pictures. It was obvious to me after Gavin was born that the two definitely looked alike in many ways. However, after I pulled up the pictures, I was able to see even more similarities (and differences)... One of these days I'll have to post some comparison pictures. But, for now this update will have to do.

BB2 is here! (and officially has a name)

After a quick and relatively smooth labor and delivery, Gavin Michael Brown entered the world, this morning, Wednesday, November 4th at 2:53am. He weighed in at 8 pounds 2 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long. Everyone is doing great and we could be going home as early as tomorrow afternoon. Wanted to get some picture out there for everyone to see:

Moments old

Time with Daddy

Baby Burrito Gavin

Sleepy Baby Boy

We look forward to showing little Gavin off to our family and friends, as we are unable to have visitors at the hospital due to their H1N1 policies. We feel so blessed to have two beautiful and healthy children! Thanks to everyone for the support and words of encouragement throughout this pregnancy and even just today as the news is getting around.

We are... Trick-or-Treatin'

Early on we knew this Halloween was going to be totally up in the air for the Brown Family. We didn't know if we would be home or in the hospital, a family of 3 or of 4 (plus Abbie either way, of course), and if we were home, how many Halloween activities we'd be able and willing to be involved in. So, when Gma Flo gave Caylin a Cutie Pa Tutti Penn State cheerleader outfit back in Septemeber, we know it would make the perfect Halloween costume if/when needed as well. And, perfect it was. Not only did is serve as her costume for a trick-or-treat trip to the mall (we didn't go out in the neighborhood because it was raining), it transitioned right into the Penn State game cheer attire.

Trick-or-treating Penn State Cheerleader Caylin

Penn State football game Cheering Caylin

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And cheer she does. she like to yell, "get um, get um" when the games on. She will also give a great "Tennnnnnn Tate" response when anyone says, "We are..." I totally plan to get that on video, but haven't gotten a good version of it yet, to share.

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Hope everyone had a good and safe Halloween!

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We are still EAGERLY awaiting the arrival of BB2. His offical due date is this Thursday (11/5). If he hasn't made his grand enterance into the world by then, we will be scheduling his "eviction" (I mean induction) shortly after. So, it won't be long before you will be reading more and more about the newest member of the Brown family!

His room is ready, I think....

A couple of weeks ago I started telling people that we had BB2's room ready and set for his arrival. Then, the nesting bug set in (even more than it apparently was) and I had a great need to clean the carpets. So, now I'm saying that it is ready, again. I don't think there is anything else for us to do (besides putting a few more things on the wall, but that took me months after Caylin was born doe accomplish too). Thought we'd share some pictures! Can you tell that Swim Coach Daddy picked out the theme????

BB2's underwater crib

Coordinating curtains for the closet (we ditched the doors w/Caylin to make more room).

And yes, that is the hospital bag on the glider.

Here's one of the few wall decorations that we have up!

We are ready, especially me, for this little guy to come into the world... guess we'll just have to wait until he is ready to join us!!!

More Celebrating BB2

A few weeks ago I received an email from one Tim's co-workers, Sarah, informing me that they would like to hold a surprise baby shower for him. Surprising Tim is not always an easy thing, but I was excited to be a part of it. And, I'm happy to report that it was a great success... he had no clue! And, thanks to Sarah, we even have some pictures to share:

Tim, calling his superviser a "Jerk" - Don't know if it is so smart to call your boss a jerk after he just took you to Starbucks for a meeting (in order to get you out of the building)

Awwww!

Chatting with everyone, I think Tim is still processing this whole thing: This party is for me and Carrie is here... How cool!

Mmmmmm, Cake!
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Thanks, again, to everyone at Wilton Woods who was a part of the this fun celebration. You are all so sweet and very generous in celebrating the upcoming arrival of BB2!

Getting ready for Fall

This weekend we headed out to Cox Farms for the kick off of their annual Fall Festival. I personally think the name is a bit misleading as this so call festival lasts for over 2 months... but whatever. Basically, for those not familar, this the time of year when they open up the farm for the masses to come and play on a bunch of slides and take hay rides, go through a corn maze, see and in some cases pet some of the farm animals, etc. This is the first year the Brown's ventured to Cox Farms. And, while it definitely an over priced affair, Caylin had a lot of fun!

Caylin and Daddy

Caylin's First Pony Ride


Though Mama had to get a picture w/ the Ladybug, Caylin was more interested in the slide "over there'

Though we have quite a few cute videos from our afternoon at Cox Farms, this one is, to me, is too funny not to put in. A few of the turkey, hens, and a few other of the farm's feathered friends could be seen roaming around the property. Many of the children, including Caylin, thought it was fun to try to get a closer look, pet, or even chase them. (Warning, if you are a friend of PETA, you may not want to watch this, but rest assured that no animals were harmed on our watch).

Though it was a fun day, it was a bit weird to me to be "welcoming fall" in almost 80 degree weather... We each received a pumpkin take home and we stocked up on apples (one of Caylin's favs), but I just couldn't bring myself to by the cider or other goodies quite yet. None-the-less, we are all exicted for fall to arrive.

Boating Babe

Last weekend Tim, Caylin, Abbie and I headed over to the bay (Chesapeake Bay) to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon with Gpa & Gma Brown and Dave & Joan on the Boat. None only was this the first time we have been able to out out for a cruise, it was Caylin's big chance to assist Gpa with his captaining duties (aka she got to help drive the boat). She had so much fun, as you can see from the pictures below. We did take some video footage of Caylin at the wheel, but I'm having technical difficulties with the card reader and camera this evening (and my tech support currently unavailable, so stills will have to do for today).

We headed out of Herrington Harbour for a quick trip across the bay to Knapps Narrows for some lunch. Though Caylin resumed her duties as assistant to the Captain for the first part of the trip, it wasn't too long before the air, sun, boat engine noises, etc. over powered her, causing her to look like a human bobble head....

For good measure, I figured I'd throw in a picture fo Tim, Abbie and I... just to show were were along for the ride... As you can see BB2 is growing and growning... I believe we are at 32 week in this picture.

We had a wonderful day with wonderful weather and a great time with family!

A Big Girl's Room

About a week after we returned from the beach, Caylin made the big transistion to her new "Big Girl" room. Though it is not 100% finished (i.e. we still have a few pictures and pieces of wall art to get up) it was ready enough for her to move in. She needed a bit more reasuring than usual on her first night. However, it has been pretty smooth sailing since. She loves calling it her "new room". Fortunately for us, she seems to stay in her bed thoughout the night and during nap times. She still calls for us when she is "done nigh-nigh"... We can tell that she has ventured out once or twice, but never for very long. Need-less-to-say, we have had it pretty easy, so far!

Here is a picture of her new digs:

Toddler bed surrounded by her stuffed animals

Another view


3 Pictures Gma Flo made for Caylin

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We have since added some book shelves (under the pictures above) and a few other things that I haven't had a chance to take pictures of yet. If you couldn't already tell by the pictures, the lady bug theme continues to live on....

Beach Recap

All in all, beach week in Avon, NC was a blast! I think it is safe to say a fun time was had by all! This I can say for sure, Caylin certainly had a great time! From getting her fill of water fun to having a multitude of family members at her disposal to play with every day, this lil bug seemed to enjoy every moment of the trip. Needless to say, we got lots of great pictures and video... Thought we'd share a few with you:

Caylin's first time in the ocean:




Pictures of our fun:

swimming in the pool at the beach house

building sand castles

playing w/Trent

Friday evening bondfire w/s'mores

Caylin's first s'more

visiting Hatteras Lighthouse

Caylin also suckered many into her favorite song/game these days... You may know it as Ring Around the Rosie, she calls it "Pocket full a Toes". Here's some video w/Gma Brown. Apparently there was a specific spot in the beach house that Caylin found most suitable for this game.


Lil bug wasn't the only member of the Brown clan who had a good time. It was a nice break for Carrie to have all of those hands around. Sun, sand, water, and RnR was just what I needed. Plus, I got to play with my cameras, which I love to do! Tim and Lisa (aka An Esa) were able to get a dive in on Wednesday. They got to utilize the Nitrox certifications that they obtained a while back on a two dive trip down to the sunken SS Dixe Arrow Tanker. Though it sounded like things were somewhat turbulent at times (rough waters) it seemed like they both had a good experience overall. Abbie became quite the beach pup... taking every opportunity to get ocean side with who ever was willing to take her. She loved getting her feet and belly wet as well as trying to chase the birds. Even BB2 seemed to enjoy the time... Since we've been back he has been much more active, as if to say, "I want to go back to that relaxing place!"

Bump watch photo

Abbie - beach time bliss

Carrie and Tim - making a break for the beach, w/o lil bug

Thanks to the random stranger for taking our pic!

To Dad (Ampa) & Mom (Ama) Brown, Mom (Ama Fo), Dave (Des) & Joan (Joon), Lisa (An Esa), Maddy (Nady), Nik (Nek), and Trent (Tent), we had such a great time with you all!

Another first for Caylin

This week marks another first for Caylin... her first beach trip! Today, she had her first beach/ocean experience. She LOVED IT! In fact, she kept asking for more, more! Here are some picts of her first morning....

July 4th weekend

This past weekend Tim, Caylin, Abbie, and I headed up to PA for the long weekend to visit with my family. Though we didn't take in any fireworks this year :(, we were not at a loss for summer fun. And, Caylin had a new first... her first hair cut, thanks to Aunt Marcia (aka An Asha). She had so much fun w/ Gma Flo (Ama Fo), taking a visit to see Gpa Arndt (though she missed seeing Nanny and Uncle "NEAT"), and spending time with her cousins at a picnic on Sunday afternoon!

Playing in the "Kiddy pool" at Gma Flo's

Snip Snip

An attempt to get a picture of the hair cut... Caylin was much more focused on playing with the toys in the garage.

In other Caylin news, we (Caylin and I) started attending a water class. Since her Toddlin Time classes are off for the summer, we thought this might be a fun alternative. Well, we were right! Caylin had so much fun in the first class, today. And, I have not doubt that Daddy would have been proud of his little swim bug too. She was kicking her legs and stroking her arms like a champ. She was even willing to lay on her back in the water, something most of the others were not so keen on. Now, we just need to work on keeping that mouth closed any time water gets near it! We've got 7 more classes to go and she has been talking about "more water, more pool" all afternoon already.

Caylin hasn't been the only one having lots of fun. Apparently BB2 seems to be enjoying his own bit of "swimming" around. He has definitely been making his presence know with much activity. And, just like is big sis, he's established a bit of a routine, becoming very active a specific times of the day. I can only imagine how strong his movements will feel a few months from now... yikes!

More about BB2

Other than announcing the anticiapted arrival of Baby Brown 2 (BB2) a few weeks ago, we haven't really given the baby much blog time... But, today's 20 week ultrasound couldn't go by without giving BB2 some attention. First, and most importantly, BB2 looks great! All development seems to be right on track and there were no noticable concerns. Secondly, following in Big Sister's footsteps, BB2 was not shy in showing of EVERYTHING! Take a look below and see if you can figure whether BB2 is a boy or a girl!

(Profile)

(it must have been loud in there - face and hand/arm)

(foot (in the upper left corner)

(Yes, this is the gender picture... have you guess it yet?)

(this is a 3D shot... though it didn't come out too well... look for the face)

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Ok folks, if you have figure it out yet, BB2 is a BOY! We are very excited (though we would have been happy with another little girl too). Now, to get Caylin prepared for having a baby brother! Our extended family is quite excited too!