The Boys

Yesterday, on my "day off", I was able to see a lot of my boys. I had a 10 a.m. ultrasound appointment and we were able to see a lot more of Aiden. This has become a frequent occurance, as I have been having an ultrasound every 3-4 weeks and this is the 4th time we've been able to see our newest monster. Aiden is a wiggle worm, so they have to get their pictures taken quickly or he will change positions on them. Yesterday he kicked so hard you could see the wand jump on my belly. It's funny that I can feel him move, then see the ultrasound change. We got some really good pictures of Aiden and wanted to share them. He measured about 2 lbs, which is just amazing to me that something so small can tickle me so much.

Later that afternoon, Calvin had his 18 month well visit... about 6 weeks late. He weighed in at 27 lbs, 8 oz (67th percentile) and measured 33 3/4 inches (80th percentile). Believe it or not, his head was even normal, measuring in at the 59th percentile... pretty impressive considering the size of both mine & Scott's head. He only had to have one shot, so that was nice. Calvin was not impressed, but handled it like a champ. The doctor Calvin saw is actually Grandpa Paul & Grandma Sherri's neighbor, so that's always nice to have a personal connection with his pediatrician.

Aiden with his hands crossed, like he's praying

Aiden's left leg... those look like some solid Gardner thighs!

Aiden's most recent side shot... staring at his umbilical cord

Thanksgiving & Santa Claus

Thanksgiving was a success!! Scott & I cooked dinner and if I must say so myself, we did a phenomenal job! The timing was perfect and everything was delicious. Mom, dad, Michael, and Carrie joined us to watch the football game before eating and stayed for a bit after to watch more football. I think they were just putting off the drive home, and we were putting off finishing cleaning everything! All of us ate WAY TOO MUCH and after talking to mom learned that we all went to bed before 8:30 that evening (which isn't much earlier than my normal bed time these days).



I thought about braving the shopping centers the day after Thanksgiving, but then opted against it at the last minute. Finally on Saturday, I got brave and had to get out of the house as both Calvin & I were going stir-crazy. We went down to Cool Springs Galleria and were very surprised at the lack of people out and about (not sure if the sleet had anything to do with it, but wasn't complaining!). We went inside and rode the carousel. Calvin absolutely loved it and did a very good job of holding on by himself. I, of course, didn't want to let him go in case he got the wild idea of jumping off his animal. We continued our venture at the mall and as we made our way to the middle of the mall realized that Santa had arrived. Santa was set amid all of the husbands whose wives had forced them to go to the mall with them and who were watching the UT/UK football game. The mall looked like a bar and there were even people upstairs standing around the railing watching... COMPLETE MADNESS! I looked and there were only like 4 or 5 people in line to get a picture with Santa and I thought "awesome... the line will only continue to grow" and jumped in line. Calvin was so excited and we talked the whole time we were in line and he kept showing me the big smile he was going to do when he got on Santa's lap. We get closer and closer and now it's our turn. As I approach Santa, with Calvin on my hip, his arm & leg grips get tighter and tighter. I go to hand him to Santa and full panic ensues. I think that if we get the balls and dogs, etc. out that he'll be fine... UM, CHECK NO! After several failed attempts, the lady finally just snaps a picture. It doesn't show the official panic of Calvin, but you can clearly see he's not impressed. I thought he'd be fine because 1) he's not afraid of strangers and will pretty much go to anyone and 2) he absolutely loved Santa last year. Oh well... maybe next year!

We were hoping to use the Santa picture for our Christmas card, but decided to try taking pictures with different Christmas outfits on in front of the tree. Calvin was more interested in the train & other ornaments than taking a picture. We managed to snap a few good pictures in between playing with ornaments and trying to kill Gordie.

Check out our newest dance moves... even Aiden has them down already!! http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9600070859

Just an update

Loving the bath!

A side of Calvin rarely seen by others!

What do you want?

How cute is he?!?!

I love chocolate chip pancakes!!

Thanks for the chocolate chip pancakes, daddy!

Ready to watch The Wiggles' "Doodle Doo"

I said "I'm ready to watch doodle doo"

So, it's a few days before Thanksgiving and we're really looking forward to having mom, dad, Michael, and Carrie over for dinner. Calvin has made some really nice Thanksgiving decorations, so we're putting them up and getting ready for the festivities!

As you can see, Calvin is getting bigger by the day. We've started talking to him about the baby in mommy's belly and are trying to get him to say "Aiden"... not working so well, but hopefully he'll pick it up before the new monster is born. Calvin is trying to talk up a storm these days and has started saying Mike, Ash & Linz (his aunts & uncle). His new thing is to pick up the phone and say "hello?"... one of the cutest things I've seen in a while. He has also mastered the art of kicking things when he doesn't get his way... not sure where he got that temper.

We think another tooth is FINALLY coming through. After many sleepless nights, nasty diapers & a major case of diaper rash, we are glad this ordeal may soon be over.

We will post pictures from our holiday festivities. Hope everyone has a safe & Happy Turkey Day!!!!

Calvin Loves His Yogurt!

Oops!

Your turn, daddy!

Calvin & mommy enjoying some quality time

We've learned that Calvin absolutely LOVES yogurt, which will make G-ma C very happy!! Calvin has been having a hard time sleeping the past week, and we've determined that he's cutting some more teeth (fun times!!).

Yesterday, we went to Louisville for a friend's baby shower and he went through three shirts & a bib that his girlfriend, Lana, graciously let him borrow. He wasn't at all embarrassed that he had to wear a pink bib. Thanks, Lana... you're a lifesaver!! I don't remember him ever drooling this much, even when he was a little man. I just feel so bad & helpless for him. He just cries and cries and looks absolutely miserable!

Trick or Treat

The day before Halloween, Calvin painted his own pumpkin and was able to bring it home. It's so darn cute!

Calvin dressed up as a dragon for Halloween this year and threw out the occassional "roar" to let us know he's in charge. He was able to wear his costume to daycare and was joined by an astronaut, a fireman, Shrek, and many others.

Scott brought Calvin to my work and he ran around like a little dragon would do. We left my work and headed to the mall. We thought that would be a safe place for him to run around and exert some of his dragon energy. Enjoy some pictures of our little dragon!!

Outside of daycare with daddy

Outside of daycare with mommy

Inside daycare with mommy

"ROAR!!"

At home with daddy

At home with daddy (no, he's not falling asleep... this just seems to be his normal picture face)

It's the Great Pumpkin, Calvin Gardner

We went to the pumpkin patch on Saturday so Calvin could pick out the perfect pumpkin for himself and his new brother. We ran all over the pumpkin patch and tried picking up a bunch of pumpkins that were way too big for him to lift. Calvin wore a pumpkin sweatshirt and seemed to blend in with the patch at times. We tried to get some pictures with him, but he was more interested in picking out his pumpkin.

In other exciting family news, Michael is on his way home from Iraq. Mom & dad got word that he should be arriving home on his birthday, which is Oct. 29. We're very grateful that he made it home safely, but are bummed that we aren't going to be able to welcome him home.

We've decided on a name for baby boy #2... Aiden (middle name TBD). We're starting to talk to Calvin about "Baby Aiden" and how he is in mommy's belly. We don't really think he gets it yet, but slowly we think he'll pick it up. Aiden has been very active so far, which is really cool. I swear, he's going to come out kicking & swinging! Scott was able to feel him move the other day for the first time and we can't remember if Scott was able to feel Calvin this early.

Calvin began his new daycare last week and seems to be doing really well. He goes to First Steps, Inc., which is less than 5 minutes from where we live. I owe Susan a HUGE thank you, as there were NO daycares (that I was comfortable with), so she made a call and made it happen. He has already colored/painted us several pictures and has been playing soccer in the inside gym with some of his new friends. His teachers told us that he really likes to help them clean the table after lunch and enjoys when the lady comes to sing and dance with them. We're really excited about this program, as we think it will really be good for his development. They also practice sign with them, which is something we've already started.

It's a...

BOY!!

In a few years, Calvin will be able to run around with his little brother. We're really excited about having another boy, as they will be two years apart and will cause a TON of trouble.

It was so funny during the ultrasound, we weren't really expecting her to tell us what we're having at that point and all of a sudden she was like "it's a boy" and I thought Scott was going to jump out of his pants!! He gave Calvin high five, then it was my turn. I think Scott's just looking forward to when they're teenagers and I'm totally outnumbered!

We're not 100% about the name yet, so we're going to figure it out and then let everyone know.

October 24 can't get here fast enough!

So, we went to the doctor this past Friday and set-up our ultrasound for October 24. This time around, it seems like everything has gone by so fast, but I still feel like October 24 is YEARS away! We have picked out some names if it's a girl, but only have one name if it's a boy. Won't share those yet... you'll have to wait for the big announcement!

I FINALLY found a job this past week. I will be one of two Program Assistants for the Occupational Therapy department at Belmont University. I am very excited about this position and am looking forward to beginning my new job, although I will GREATLY miss my current position. If I like my new job half as much as I like my current job, I'm in great shape!

Calvin is, well... Calvin. He's getting so big and is just learning so much. We've pretty much mastered all of our major body parts and are now trying to work on some of the smaller ones. Calvin is obsessed with trucks, buses and fire trucks. Thank goodness the IU Homecoming parade is next week... lots of trucks! Calvin will be 18 months-old the day we find out if we're having a boy or a girl, so that will be a very exciting day. He is developing quite the little personality and loves to tell us "no", even though half the time he means yes. And, my goodness is he a flirt!!

Well, that's about it for now. I will make sure to update this as soon as we find out what we're having. Hope all is well with everyone.

Same stuff, different day

I had my second doctor appointment on Friday and everything still looks good with Baby Gardner #2. I heard the heartbeat for the first time and since Scott wasn't able to make it to the appointment, I called him so he could hear. The little peanut was very easy to find, which made it easier for the doctor.

Lindsey is in town (Nashville) watching Conor & Skylar while Sherri is in Russia visiting Paul, so we were able to stop by and visit with them on Saturday after going to Dalton's 3rd birthday party in Bowling Green. We don't get to see Lindsey often, so it was nice to be able to see her twice in such a short amount of time. Oh, and we experienced another first... while at lunch with Lindsey & Brittany, Calvin fell asleep at the table. He put his arms on the table, put his head down and passed out! Unfortunately, it was at the end of lunch so we had to wake him up, but it was seriously one of the cutest things I've ever seen. Lindsey took pictures, so as soon as I get them, I'll get them posted. We also discovered that Calvin loves to have a blanket thrown over his head (one that he can see through) and run around the house like a ghost. Hmm... do I sense a Halloween costume (and a cheap one)?!

Calvin looks like he got in a fight thanks to his actions this weekend while at mom & dad's house. He fell on the back porch and bruised his ear (never seen that) and was trying to go over Scott's leg and fell with a book in his hand. He fell face-first on the book and ended up with several scratches on his face, a cut inside his mouth and a fat lip. He's such a boy!!

I had an "interview" on Friday with a company in Franklin, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will work out. If it does, I will be moving within the next three weeks... YIKES!!

Mixture of Emotions!!

So, yesterday was a day filled with quite a few emotions!

Calvin and I got up and went to the park for over an hour. He had fun climbing up the stairs at the playground and going down the swirly slide. He couldn't decide whether the slide or the swing was his favorite, so he kept going back and forth. Thank goodness it was only 65 degrees!

After the park, I decided to go to "church" (aka the grocery store). I also needed my oil changed, so we went to Wal-Mart & Sam's Club (had to get a pretzel). Calvin & I get home around noon (nap time) and I take him inside with his diaper bag and go back to the car to get the groceries. Well, when I get back to the house and try to open the glass door, it won't open. Apparently, when I left, Calvin decided to lock me out of the house. Keep in mind... this is the FIRST time he has ever locked that door. Well, panic sets in. My cell phone is inside and NO ONE seems to be home around me. I try to convince a 16 month-old to unlock the door to which he just sits there and cries. I start freaking out now and have no idea what to do. So, I try to kick in the glass door. Calvin does not like this and begins to scream. Finally, one of our neighbors comes home and I am able to call a locksmith. 15 minutes later (which seemed like an eternity), he arrived and plays with the door for a while. He FINALLY gets the door open and I'm able to get my little monster. Thankfully, Calvin sat by the door the whole time and didn't try to go anywhere. After that traumatic experience (by this time it was after 1 p.m.), Calvin passed out and slept until 4:45!!

Other than that, everything is wonderful. Scott left last week to begin his new adventure at Vanderbilt and I am stuck in Bloomington until I can find a job in Tennessee, or until my bosses kick me out here. We'll be going to Tennessee this weekend to see Scott and our first Vanderbilt football game... WOO HOO!!

Baby Gardner #2 is making me get "fluffy", so my pants don't fit like they used to... people say that you get "fluffy" earlier the second time around and believe me... IT'S TRUE!! I'm 10 weeks and will need to slip into the maternity pants soon.

Hope all is well with everyone!!

Canada & 15 month appointment

Calvin hugging his new friend... Aunt Lindsey's doggy

Calvin's new face... with Aunt Ashley helping him

Riding the tractor at Great Uncle Frank's house

Calvin discovered that he loved this Canadian Olympic hat

Calvin & daddy swimming in the lake

We had a blast in Canada and were able to get some r&r thanks to Gma C, Papa H, Aunt Lindsey & Aunt Ashley. The weather was beautiful... high-70s to mid-80s, which was quite a change from the 103 we left in Tennessee the week before. We were able to get to the cottage to visit Great Oma and Great Papa Lawrie and made it to Toronto to see Great Grandma Mary and Great Uncle Dave.

We returned from Canada on Monday and Calvin had his 15 month appointment on Tuesday. He measured in at 33 inches (90-95%) and weighed 25 lbs 11 oz (50-75%). The doctor said he was healthy, which we pretty much figured was a gimme.

Blame Canada

So, after arriving home from Tennessee late on Monday evening, I dreaded going to work on Tuesday. I'm getting ready for work and the phone rings... it's Gma C calling from Canada to let us know that she is planning on flying to see us for a couple of days. Originally, we were planning on being in Canada at this point, but the whole Vanderbilt thing put a kink in our plans. So, after a couple of phone conversations with Gma and Scott & I, we decided to head off to Canada to see the family. We left Bloomington at 6:00 Tuesday night and stayed in Lansing, MI with one of mom's friends, Valerie, who graciously allowed us to arrive at 11:30 on a work day. We got our 5 hours of sleep and headed off to Canada. For the first time EVER, we were the first car at the border & were in the country within 2 minutes of arriving at customs... NICE!!

We've been enjoying our time here and Calvin has enjoyed getting spoiled to death & being allowed to do whatever he wants... apparently that's what grandparents are for... teaching him new "tricks" mom & dad won't allow him to do. The weather here is absolutey beautiful (mid- to high-70's), which is quite a change from the 100 degrees we left in Tennessee.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Big News!!!!

In case you can't tell from Calvin's t-shirt... we're expecting again. Baby Gardner #2 will be arriving into this world sometime around March 22. We saw our little peanut yesterday and "it" measured at 7 weeks 5 days (whatever the heck that means). We are so excited and can't wait to welcome our new addition!!

In addition to that news... we're moving back to Nashville! Scott did very well in his first year of law school at Indiana University-Bloomington and has been accepted to Vanderbilt University Law School as a transfer student. We're very excited about being close to family & friends again, but dreading the moving process.