birthday time...

wow!  L is six!  i look at this mini-grown up and think about the amazing journey we've been on.  i remember sitting in the doctor's office when L was just 3 months old, being fitted for hearing aids and being told he would most likely never use spoken language.  here we are, six years later, and we can't get the kid to be quiet or stop singing his favorite songs!

this year, he wanted to celebrate with pizza and games at gatti town!  since the cousins had just moved to town, they came along, too.

T and a cousin...

his first party, at just one week old...

we're in love...

 gavin eli cragun 

(the name eli comes from his angel-sister, elizabeth) arrived on his scheduled day on january 18th.  the pregnancy became a bit difficult the last 3 weeks and we totally expected him to come early, but all was well and he was delivered at 7:40 am and weighed in at 6 lbs, 13 oz.  the c-section was my best one yet and the recovery was easier than expected.  

he is a fantastic baby and a sweet addition to the family.  from day one he has been so alert and really aware of his surroundings.  he seems to have an "old soul" and we simply adore him.

my mom, dad and youngest brother, tyler flew out 3 days before the delivery--it was nice to have them here!  my dad babysat the brothers while my mom and i got pedicures the day before gavin was born.  when we came home this is what we found.  my dad thinks he's hilarious...

 (look at grandpa "asleep" on the couch...)

just a few hours old...

 

a few random pictures of our first 3 months together...

2011!

we spent new year's eve getting our teeth cleaned by dad...

playing at the Galaxy center at Neiman-Marcus...

having dinner with friends...

 making our traditional "new year firecracker" treats...

 playing a little Wii with the brothers...

setting off some poppers...

and doing a midnight (or 9 pm) toast...

HAPPY 2011!