Gavin and I had a long talk last night (he wasn’t in the sleeping mood).  We talked about how excited we are about our new president, about the state of the American auto industry, and finally about what kind of gifts he wants.  He’s open to all kinds of things, but insisted that he doesn’t want any more clothes.

No one should feel obligated to buy anything for Gavin.  We have a lot of great toys from Faye and Sonia that he will just love.  Most importantly – and I say this without an ounce of exaggeration or sarcasm – we have enough clothing to outfit Gavin to at least the age of 2.  There are a few gender-neutral outfits from his sisters, but some great friends have lent us crates and crates of boy clothing, some of which is brand new.  With all of that, we already have the attic full of age-separated boxes.  So I plead and beg of family and friends to minimize clothing purchases for this handsome little boy.  In return, I’ll keep a steady flow of his photos in your mailbox or on the site.

If there are still any of you out there that still wish to buy something for Gavin after my anti-clothing tirade, might I recommend a savings bond or donation to his college fund?  I’m counting on either a football or physics scholarship for him, but it’s nice to have a backup plan.  Coming in a close second would be gift certificates, but he (and we) would all be 100% satisfied with hugs, kisses, visits, or simply good wishes.

Spousal disclaimer: Even though Shannon agrees we have too many clothes, she thinks I am crazy and ridiculous for posting such nonsense.  Please address all hate-mail, lawsuits, and flaming bags of poop to Jason Rubin.

Everyone is back home now, safe and sound.  I had forgotten how easy it is to come home when you have a healthy baby.  There was still plenty of snow on the ground this morning, but the bright sun melted the roads nicely.  Faye had a much better time in the snow this morning and was thrilled to build a big snow man so brother could see it when he came home for the first time.  She has been so sweet to her brother, and even sang him some songs before she went to sleep.

The plans for Gavin’s bris (ritual circumcision) are all set.  We will be having the event at Shannon’s parent’s house in Virginia Beach on Tuesday January 27th at 12:30pm.  All friends and family that are in the area (or can travel) are welcome to come. All we ask is that you let us know you are coming, so we can plan accordingly (food, seating, etc.).  This is a tremendously joyous event for us and want to share it with all of our loved ones.  It’s more than just a medical procedure.  It is a chance for everyone to meet Gavin and to celebrate his entry into The Covenant.  We hope to see you there.

If you need directions to the Edelson home, or have any questions, please email us.

OK, the first “real” pictures are up.  Go to the gallery to see our first photo shoot and Gavin’s first meeting with Faye.

Faye has been somewhat excited about her brother coming.  Sometimes it was all she could talk about and other times, when we would ask if she was ready for brother to come she would reply, “no, you should wait until tomorrow.”  Well the verdict is in and she is in love.  We brought a special bear as a welcome gift and Faye picked out a special song to sing to him when we saw him.  She chose “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and gave a perfect rendition for him.  She was excited to hold him and give him lots of kisses.

Gavin is really a great baby.  He sleeps very, very well and cries nowhere near as much as Faye did as an infant.  He is already taking to the breast well and has a full bill of health.  He’s a total sweetheart.  Can you call a boy a sweetheart?  I have to re-learn all my lovey, adoring phrases in masculine form.  It’s a bit of an adjustmet.

He has some big shoes to fill from his big sister, but he is off to a great start!

Gavin Noach Rubin arrived last night a little past 8:00.  He and mom are doing well.  He is as cute as can be and has already shown he is an easy going baby.

As with any Rubin baby, there will be an obscene amount of photos available to everyone online.  Just give us a little time and I’ll get some in the gallery.  Here’s a quick one to tide everyone over.