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.