Baptism

 Gavin has been looking forward to turning 8 for two big reasons: getting baptized and becoming a cub scout. Today the first took place; he will start scouts on Wednesday. Today Gavin demonstrated his willingness and desire to follow Jesus and become a member of His church by being baptized and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. Jake performed the ordinances, with lots of friends, Meemaw, and Gavin's birth mom, sister, and grandparents attending the event. It was a super special day and everything went smoothly.

 

 Some of those who attended the baptism joined us for lunch at El Bronco afterwards:

 Gavin was happy to receive Christmas and birthday presents from his birth family:

This week

 every day standing on everything possible:

 The kids have been enjoying playing with their birthday balloons each evening. 3 out of 6 are now on the ceiling.

When I take pictures of the kids I generally squat down to get a straight on shot. Amelia tends to think she needs to do this too:

 

Jake left this note for Gavin to find when he woke up on his birthday yesterday. Gavin said it was his favorite present. He also said at first he thought Santa left it for him.

Birthday Party

Once again we combined the kids' birthday parties and had one party in between the dates, on Jan 30. I offered to Gavin for our family to go to the science museum in Atlanta instead of a party, but it was important to him to get to play with his friends at his birthday party. We had lots of friends, lots of food, lots of presents, and lots of fun.

 

 

 Sunday after church playing with playdoh she recieved as a gift:

Gavin and his electronics kit:  

2

 Amelia turned 2 on January 14th, and this is what that photo shoot looked like:

 

At her 2 year checkup she weighed 25.5lbs (32%), was 33.25in tall (85%), and is healthy. She continues to be cuddly and sweet. Every day after Gavin leaves for school she and I cuddle up on the couch while she drinks milk and watches a cartoon. I love it. She still sleeps well at night, usually from 8pm-6:45ish in the morning, and takes one nap in the afternoon. About once a week she skips her nap, a sign of whats ahead I'm sure. She's still in her crib, and hasn't started trying to climb out yet. She is climbing everywhere else though. She pushed her toys, overturned toy bin, or picnic table around the house to stand on so she can play with light switches or the door lock. Yesterday I went out front to talk to Gavin and she locked me out. She likes to color (she calls it "yellow!"), play with baby dolls and stuffed animals, and loves her toy kitchen and eating pretend meals on her picnic table. She likes playing around other kids but doesn't like to share. She often sings "no more monkeys jumping on the bed," "ashes, ashes, all fall down," and "we will, we will rock you." She knows too many words to list, and usually speaks in short phrases. She says please and thank you. She is starting to get interested in the potty, and sometime wakes up from her nap dry. Gavin makes her laugh the most, and they enjoy running around crazy and playing together. She can now say "Gavin" pretty clearly - sounds like "Gabbin." She is still not a big eater most of the time, but is becoming a little more adventurous. Sunday she ate bean dip, and yesterday hummus. Her favorite foods are cheese, bananas, and goldfish crackers. She would rather eat snacks than a meal. She is stubborn and screams when she doesn't get her way. She gives good hugs and says "luv oo."She is a good helper and likes to mimic my actions. She loves going to play at Meemaw and Pop pop's house. If she doesn't want something she often says "yucky."