No matter what

I haven't always been a big fan of Mother's day. It used to be the one time of year that I'd consider skipping church and all the candy bars, tomato plants, and other typical gifts the "moms" would get. It was the one day of the year that I would really just feel sorry for myself! But not any more, because I am finally a mother! In honor of Mother's day, here are some lessons I learned while waiting to be a mother:
*Things that matter most and are worth having take time and effort. I never dreamed when I got married at 21 that I would have to wait 6 years to have a baby and would be an old lady when I had Gavin. :) I didn't realize that there would be so many prayers, tears, fertility drugs, surgeries, shots, procedures, ultrasounds, and worries. But every time I look at Gavin, there is no question that it was all worth it.
*How can people not know that God is real and is in the details? Watching Gavin grow from a simple cell, to an embryo, to a fetus, to the monster he is now, is completely amazing. Had I not gone through IVF, I would not have been able to appreciate the miracle of life at every step.
* Faith is a real power that we can use to heal, strengthen, and make miracles happen in our own life. I would not understand faith the way I do now if Heavenly Father hadn't allowed me this chance to trust Him and learn the things He knew I could only learn by going through this experience.
* I've learned that Gavin didn't have to be mine. I feel incredibly lucky that the whole IVF procedure worked perfectly the 1st time. I know other people aren't as lucky. It's helped me not take any of my time with Gavin for granted. I have no regrets rocking him to sleep each night, taking pictures of him fanatically, and playing all day with him amidst piles of laundry. Even though, I don't like Gavin growing up so fast, I'm glad our time together has been well spent.































A few weeks ago, my Dad prayed that we will remain faithful no matter what happens with my Mom's cancer or what other trial comes our way. I've thought about that phrase "no matter what" a lot in regards to my mom. No matter what's going on in her life she finds time to serve others and be happy. She doesn't complain and ask "why me?" and trusts in God completely. My mom is amazing and it's scary for me to think of a time when she won't be around. I am so grateful she is my mom. So far, Round 2 of cancer is going well and and it looks like we can keep it away for awhile. Happy Mother's Day to all of you mothers and future mothers!

And this too shall pass

A few weeks ago, Gavin swallowed a marble while I was at work. The Dr. recommended that we bring him in for an x-ray. A few hours later at InstaCare, they weren't able to see the marble on the x-ray so we don't really know if he swallowed it or not. We've seen no sign of the marble but it could take awhile for him to pass it. Little stink! He's always been really good to not put things in his mouth but ever since then he's been so naughty!
Now Gavin is constantly putting rocks, dirt, any nasty thing he finds off the floor into his mouth. He dumps stuff out of drawers into the tub, down the stairs and he's so fast that I can't always catch him. I thought our house was baby proofed but apparently not enough! He's been throwing huge temper tantrums too. If you try to get him dressed, change his diaper, put him to sleep... watch out! I didn't realize those fits started so early. This age has been really fun but so busy. When I was a kid I remember my Mom saying occasionally that she would just like to go on a vacation by herself for a few days. I can now completely relate!

New kid on the block

Meet Riley Trevor Kimball. He finally decided to make his debut to the world 1 week late on Tuesday around 12:30 p.m. I guess he wasn't in a huge hurry or maybe he's just laid back like his Mom and Dad. I don't remember much of what happened Tuesday at work but staying up to meet him was worth the wait. What a cutie! Congrats Janalee and Trevor!

Where, oh where, has Gavin's binky gone?

It's a....

BOY! We had a family baby shower at my house over the weekend for my sister, Janalee. She's expecting a boy at the first of March and we couldn't be more excited! Gavin will finally have a cousin on my side--we can't wait to meet you Riley!




































































































































New carseat.

















Crib set and diaper cake.

New pictures!

I don't know where he gets this cheesy, toothy smile from, but I love it!

Better late than never, right?

Well, we survived Christmas! I don't know why I was so stressed out this year but I'm sure glad it's over! I started having reoccurring dreams in July that it was 5:30 Christmas Eve and that I didn't have gifts for anybody. I would then rush to Wal-mart and start throwing random stuff in my cart and then I'd wake up in a cold sweat . That didn't happen of course, but I think next year I'll start earlier and do more online shopping. We had a wonderful Christmas and got spoiled rotten. Gavin was an expert present un-wrapperer (probably from all the months of practice destroying my magazines and grocery ads) and loved playing with the paper and bows. We redecorated our tree several times a day and are pretty sure Gavin understands "no" but clearly doesn't obey it. The best part of Christmas was that we were able to skype with my sister, Megan from Denmark. We love and miss her so much! Well, here it is, better late than never... Merry Christmas!



















































































































































Opening up Christmas pjs.









































We got Gavin a Fisher Price house and it has been the best $50 I've spent. He loves it and will entertain himself while I get ready in the morning, catch up on some dishes, it's been so nice!
















This is my darling nephew Kayson and his gorgeous Mom, Candee. Kayson reminds me so much of Gavin at this age.
































This is my newest nephew, Easton. Isn't he so precious?