He hates solid foods & swimming, but loves the swings!!!

Yep. Gavin and I had a week off together and tried three new things: solid foods (bust); swimming (torture); and swinging at the park (mostly indifferent... but a few small smiles, so we'll call it a success!). I had these ideas for a sweet week with my boy, experiencing all these fun firsts, while I was a stay-at-home-mom for 5 quick days... and then life ruled. There was a different plan in store for us! He was so upset he nearly bucked his way out of his high chair and it took a good 10 minutes to calm him down. (I think I might have pushed him a little too hard.)

At the pool (the heated pool, mind you) he lost his mind! He splashed his hands in the water (which splashed his face, which freaked him out) and thrashed around. I didn't dare get his face wet or let go of him... but he just seemed utterly uncomfortable. It took us longer to get changed than we actually swam - Ha! Best of all, we got to support the most profitable pool in the Seattle area. Open swim cost us $9.50. Huh? I kind of thought she was kidding when she said that's how much we owed!

Last, but best, was the park. It was freezing that day, but we walked with friends to the park to give those big-boy swings a try. He likes his swing at home, so I figured the swings at the park would be a hit. With the lack of success with food and swimming (even though he loves to eat formula and likes a bath now and then) I almost abandoned the idea of the park. But this was my Everest, last week. It was now or never. Do or die. So we trekked to that park and we mounted that swing. She shoots; She scores!!! The kid likes to swing!!!! OK, OK, he tolerated it and barely smiled. But in a week of such massive failure, I'll call a few slight smiles "Gavin likes it."

Maybe it sounds right to you, or maybe it sounds nuts. But later last week, I grabbed the camera and found another first with our boy without pre-planning and building it up to be something enormous. He smiled and laughed on dad's lap and mom caught a delightful smile with teeth. Three cheers for capturing the moment, aka Slacking. Isn't he lovely?

No picture; just hope I never forget this moment.

My two guys are playing on Dad's computer. Dan's selecting the next song and Gavin's staring at the screen. Gavin is moving and Dan's helping him dance. When Dan selected a "lame" slow song, he helped Gavin sway to the music and kissed his head. I love these two boys so much. I love watching them spend time together. Dan's a great dad and Gavin adores him! Of course, just as I could wipe a dramatic tear, Dan puts on some death metal and the tenderness is gone... almost.

Houston, we have teeth!

Yes, Gavin has teeth. Usually, I don't find teeth cute, but these little teeth melt my heart! These teeth made their appearance yesterday, the day Gavin was officially 5 months old. In this picture, they are not flooded in the usual saliva that coats our shoulders, necks, and his hands. He hasn't been too crabby about the teeth, but a few random and loud cries (and the constant drooling and hand chewing) clued us in. And they are sharp! Look out!