At his aunt's birthday party, the family sings a song in an attempt to entertain the little feller. Gavin shows his appreciation by cramming fingers into his mouth.

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This is the first time Gavin has offered any reaction to a raspberry besides an unamused stare.

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During an afternoon at his aunt's birthday pool party, Gavin frequently lets out a shout. Some of them are happy, some lonely, but all are very cute.

Before Gavin was born, we blogged about plans to use cloth diapers. I thought it was time to give a little update. I suppose a blog entry about diapers may seem strange or even inappropriate, but it's just evidence that potty habits become acceptable everyday conversation when you have a baby!

Cloth diapering initially did not go as smoothly as we'd hoped. Gavin had umbilical cord stump issues during his first two months so we had to use disposables for a while. By the time we decided to start using cloth diapers he was too big for the stash we bought last Fall.

Once we were ready to dive into full-time cloth diapering, we had a hard time finding a brand and style that wouldn't leak. We finally discovered BumGenius one-size pocket diapers which rarely leak and even keep him dry overnight. It's so great to be putting something soft and chemical-free next to our little man's sensitive bum and not be producing so much trash anymore! These diapers are fabulous and will last him through several sizes because they have snaps that allow expansion. He started on the small setting and is already up to medium. We still keep disposables to wear out when Gavin's outfit requires something a little more trim (the cloth diapers are bulkier than disposables) but found a chlorine-free brand that's a little better for his health than chemical-laden Huggies and Pampers.

Perhaps I should have apologized to Gavin in the beginning for devoting an entire blog entry about his diaper habits. It was a big part of your life early on, my sweet Baby! Please forgive me! :)

It was one year ago today that we first learned our little peanut who would later be named Gavin existed. I wish I could say that my first feeling after seeing that positive pregnancy test was joy and jubilation but it was instead pure terror! It had happened so quickly for us and I hadn't expected to see a positive test until Summer at the earliest, possibly Fall. Never did I think that I would actually have a 2007 baby which is what the estimated due date was at the time.

Quickly, though, that moment of terror passed and fears of the actual birthing process subsided over the following months. Very soon I was so excited thinking about the little chickpea growing inside of me and learning each week how he should be growing and developing.

Looking at smiley, giggly, 16+ pound Gavin today, it's hard to believe that just one year ago he was little more than the size of a speck. We were so incredibly blessed to have a picture perfect pregnancy, labor and delivery much less traumatic than I expected, and now a healthy three month old who's growing like a weed. It's been an amazing 12 months!

Our lives have been very hectic lately so I never updated on the remainder of our North Carolina trip. Gavin met his proud great-grandparents and was thoroughly spoiled by all of the attention he received the whole week. We eventually successfully tested the jogging stroller and can't wait to buy one! Gavin took his first hike in the woods, a moment I'd been planning since last September when I bought him a "Take A Hike" shirt in the 3-6 month size expecting to visit NC in the Spring when he would fit into it! He was a great traveler on the plane rides home just has he had been on the flights up. He slept the entire time again. Those jet engines do wonders for babies! Be sure to view three new videos from the trip including Gavin laughing up a storm for Aunt Kristen :).

Things are slowly returning to normal at the Highsmith house after a last-minute move earlier this month and our trip to North Carolina. Gavin is "talking" a lot more by speaking to us in a language only he understands. He continues to slobber and chew on his fingers which leads us to believe the first tooth may make its appearance sooner rather than later. He's close to grabbing his feet now when he lays on his back and only reaches as far as his ankles so far. By far, his favorite game is still "airplane" which almost always produces a smile.

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Gavin and his father take a walk into the woods, where they are besieged by photog fairies. After having their spirits stolen with strange black clickers, they are eventually released and allowed to trek back to the parking lot.

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Aunt Kristen discovers the secret combination to Gavin's Giggle Safe. Hilarity ensues.

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G-G-Ma is quite impressed not only by Gavin's physical prowess, but by his tenacious grip and his synthetic nursing ability.

Four generations: Gavin, Mommy, Grandmommy, and GGma

Gavin is currently taking his first vacation! We're in Raleigh, North Carolina where Gavin is being played with and enjoyed by his mommy's family. His first plane rides yesterday (layover in Orlando between Fort Myers and Raleigh) were both a complete success! He was a very good boy in the airports, content to look around at so many new things and all of the people. On the plane, he got antsy waiting for take-off but had fun reviewing the safety information card. All of those colorful diagrams kept him very intrigued! By the time the plane was racing down the runway for take-off, he was asleep and never woke up until we were on the ground at our destination. We sat in the very last row both times with maximum engine noise yet he was only startled by the sound of me opening a bag of peanuts! We've now decided to buy a jet engine for the nursery to help him sleep ;).

Today marked a significant milestone in little Gavin's life: His first visit to REI. Yes, he is now a veteran of the recreational equipment superstore. We tried test driving Bob strollers since we will be getting one as soon as he outgrows his infant stroller system (which won't be long!), but he cried every time we tried. Hopefully he'll eventually realize what a smooth and luxurious ride the Bob provides and will warm up to it!

Prior to leaving for North Carolina, we had a very busy week after making a quick decision to move to a new unit in our apartment complex. This move along with traveling have delaying posting Gavin's daily photos. I still hadn't missed a day taking a photo, but have gotten behind posting on Flickr since we were without internet access for several days during the move and I'm without my usual software here at Grandmommy's house. I'll catch up by the time we get home.

Gavin still spends most of his days producing excessive amounts of drool, smiling and laughing, and enjoying his newest hobby - grabbing anything in sight. Be forewarned if you are graced by his presence soon that hair and necklaces are no longer safe from Gavin's grasp!

Tomorrow we will take Gavin apartment hunting and visit his GGma for the first time. His GGpa has been in the hospital again since Tuesday so that first meeting will have to wait a little longer :(.

Until next time, Gavin sends the cutest baby smiles to all of you!