The Big Dance...

or more appropriately, the Big Stand. Curtains opened, lights came up and six 2 and 3 year old ballerinas stood starry-eyed and transfixed by the ginormous crowd of people before them. There was very little dance involved, but in my completely unbiased opinion, they stole the show. I must admit, I burst into tears at the mere thought of my baby girl dancing in her first recital.

Those tears soon turned to laughter as Gracen stood in her sparkling white tu-tu, moving her tongue from side to side in what I can only assume was an attempt to lick off her lip gloss. Regardless, she was absolutely beautiful and we couldn't have been prouder. Below are some of the pre-performance pictures, including the hair and make-up session. :)

She had quite a showing in the audience, including Mommy, Daddy, baby brother Pavin (who slept through the entire show), Aunt M and Richard, as well as Grandma Melody and Grandpa Fred.

In addition to attending the big performance, Grandma and Grandpa also ushered in the arrival of Snow White. We already had daily appearances of Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. We now have a third to add to the mix. Something tells me that Santa (or one of his helpers) might be waiting in the wings with yet another fair maiden to expand an already exploding imagination.

We finally have some good snuggling weather! For our two little ones (especially Pavin), this is a welcomed comfort.

Here's hoping the cooler temperatures stick around for at least another few weeks...and that the desire to cuddle never goes away.

Speaking of the little snuggle bug...he's getting big! He's 6 weeks old today and seems super tall...or long, I guess you'd say at this stage. He's already in 3-6 month onsies due to the length. He is such a terrific little guy. He's so sweet and has slept through the night twice in the last week, which of course only makes me love him more because I am viewing him through well rested eyes. He smiles, appears to recognize my voice and lets out an audible sigh of relief/security when he nuzzles in close. What more could a mother want?

Baby Prince Charming

The obsession with all things princess continues...Gracen has renamed Pavin, Baby Prince Charming. She puts on her blue dress and holds his little hands, swaying to "So this is Love." Pavin has no clue what's going on, but shoots her a smile now and again regardless.

Pavin LOVES to stare at the Christmas lights (which are out of sight in this picture). His big sister just loves to stares at him, singing, "Cue-y, Cute-y, Cue-y, McCute-y!" :)

Pavin met his new buddy, Max this week. Aunt Stacey and I are looking to lots of years ahead with our giggling boys in the back seat.

Fa-La-La-La-La!

Even Pavin is feeling the spirit of the Christmas Season! Isn't he just the cutest little Santa Baby?

A lap full of love! :)


Last night we decorated a little Gingerbread Family. Gracen and I worked on hers (complete with tu-tu and crown), Pavin's (she insisted his wear jammies) and mine. Freddy did his own. :)

For an extra laugh, check out our merry family of elves! :)

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9637626558

It's here...

The "most wonderful time of the year" is officially underway! We kicked it off with a terrific and very thankful Thanksgiving weekend. We began the morning with the Macy's Parade, which Gracen thoroughly enjoyed. She especially loved the Cheerleaders and the dancers. After the Dog Show (which was also a big hit) and some football, we shared a yummy dinner with Melissa, Richard and Nannie. Pavin kicked back most of the day in his bouncer...

This adorable shirt was his first personalized gift and made for the perfect Thanksgiving Day outfit. Gracen calls it his "cock-a-doodle-doo shirt." :) (Thanks, Heather!)

While you can't see them, this dress was complemented by a pair of gold satin slippers that Gracen insisted on wearing. Since the dress had blue flowers, she said it looked like Cinderella's dress and thus...she was Cinderella for Thanksgiving.

Freddy and Pavin relished the effects of the "turkey coma" with an afternoon nap.

On Saturday, Sleeping Beauty joined us to put the ornaments on the tree. We have already deemed this a Princess Christmas! Her ever growing obsession with Belle, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella...and anyone with a big dress and a wand for that matter is all she talks about. It's definitely added to her already blooming imagination which has provided endless entertainment. Yesterday she kept asking, "Where Prince Charming? Where Prince Charming?" This is princess code for "Where's Daddy?" She's usually sufficed with the answer, "Prince Charming's at work." :)

Getting in the Swing of Things...

After an exciting, wonderful blur of a week, we are attempting to get back in the groove. Pavin had his first pediatrician's appointment this week, confirming that we have a big, healthy baby boy! After our visit, Gracen had ballet, where she is preparing for her big Christmas recital next month. The one minute performance by the 3yr. old class is sure to be a show stopper! Yes...note that Gracen is in the THREE year old class...she's quite advanced! :)

Pavin loves the fresh scent of...Dreft, apparently. In a particularly fussy moment, I laid him down in a pile of laundry to swaddle him. He instantly stopped crying, took a deep breath and fell asleep. I'll try to remember this tactic at 2 in the morning.

Pavin enjoyed watching his Big Sister eating her breakfast.

Gracen just enjoyed breakfast. What a little nut!

Our Family is Home!

Freddy and Gracen arrived bright and early to bring home our beautiful baby boy! Gracen was wearing her "I'm the Big Sister" t-shirt and happily told everyone that she was bringing Baby Pavin and Mommy home from the hospital.

This was our first car ride with a very full backseat. Gracen loves talking and singing to her baby brother.

A very happily family. :)

Pavin smiles, while his big sister gives him smooches.

Welcome, Pavin Rhys!

Welcome, Pavin Rhys Denton!

Born November 6, 2007

11:54am - 9 lbs, 5 oz!

Though he looks super grumpy in this picture, Pavin is just the sweetest baby! Our labor and delivery experience simply could not have been better. Three of our four doctors participated in the process and we felt like VIPs. We are thrilled to welcome our BIG baby boy to our family!

Gracen loves her baby brother! She is a little confused, as she was convinced that mommy had a baby girl in her belly. But she loves to touch his feet and kiss him on the "kissy spot".

We will post more when we return home with our newly expanded family. God is awesome, in control and so very, very gracious. We are beyond blessed!