If you give a chunker 20 bucks...

For Cameron’s birthday, Grandma J sent a box of goodies. Inside his birthday card was $20 “to spend on whatever you want.” Well, for awhile I kept thinking of certain toys or books that the $20 could be put toward. Usually when I found something Cameron just needed the $20 was safe at home & I ended up forking out my own cash. ;)

Well, a little over a month ago Safeway put out these huge teddy bears in celebration of Valentine’s day. It never failed, we would pass by them & Cameron would stretch his arms out watching to “touch it!” They were usually displayed on the aisle corners on the very top. I would pretend it was too, too high & daddy would have to come help one day.

As V-day approached I thought of buying the bear & giving it to Cameron as a surprise. But then, I came up w/a better idea. I thought why don’t we make a fun trip down to the market & have him finally “touch it!” & bring it home.

Since that V-day present was nixed we headed to Target to look for all things Yo Gabba Gabba! Unfortunately, we weren’t the only one looking. Cameron spotted 1 (of the 2) YGG books. Um yeah, don’t mess w/this boy & his books. On top of that his YGG books. So, while Paul read to him in the store I snuck book #2 in the cart.

Don't Bite Your Friends! YGG book: $7.99 + tax

Oh no, Muno bit Foofa? What happens next?!Then we headed to Safeway! Trust me when I say the following pictures do not do justice for the experience. It was the sweetest moment when he realized he could finally touch his new friend.

There were 3 colored bears, white, chocolate & tan.

We avoided white all together so we walked up to the display of just chocolate & tan.

Would the chocolate bear go home with us? Or the tan bear? Let me see that Chocolate one again mama.
Who do you think won? ;)


Tan Teddy Bear: $14.99 + tax

Letting Cameron shop with his own money? Priceless.

Thank you Grandma J! Cameron wrestles his bear daily. ;)

I am a good mother, I can (finally) cook rice!

Ok, so this may be 1 out of 533,124,643 times but that's neither here nor there. I was so thrilled at my Martha Stewart moment I could have screamed.

Ok, so I did. I screamed out toward Paul who was reading to Cameron, "Omg, my rice taste GOOD!"

Little did I know that feeling was worth squat over hearing Cameron's reaction to my edible rice.

*swoon*

His new favorite word is "that". I think the new found love comes from the power of pointing, saying "that" & getting whatever he wants (most of the time).

But, I don't think "that" or any other word will ever replace his love for "cookie". ;)


I'm not bias, but isn't he the cutest chunker you've ever seen? Love.

It's almost party time!

I could be upset that they're more than a week & a half late, but I was too busy awing over my baby turning one.

That aw quickly turned to tears. I was dancing with Cameron while watching Yo Gabba, Gabba! The kids were making funny faces, so we were dancing along to the music. Then I realized he's not going to need my help standing up for long. Paul saw I was getting teary eyed & hugged me. I said, "I'm not crying. I'm not, I'm NOT!" Quickly the tears turned to laughter, but it's still so bittersweet.

Not that I wasn't expecting tears but I don't really understand why I'm crying. I guess because I wish we could relive some of his first, or that I'm happy he's happy, healthy & celebrating his first year of life.

It seems that lately he's turning more into a boy than staying my little baby. Now we're greeted with him standing in his crib than laying down, waiting for us to pick him up. Wanting to walk rather than crawl around the house, throwing the ball farther than an inch for Sadie & mimicking more words. His new word is "star", taught by Miss Ruth from daycare.

I don't know what I expected with Cameron's first year, but I can say it's been quite the ride. :)

I think we're the ones being trained. ;)

We’re pretty big on routine around the house. I’ve read again & again routine does not come easy with a baby, but it works for us.

One of our routines or habits, we will knock on Cameron’s door before going inside. That way if he’s crying he knows we’re going in or just for the sake of doing it. :)

On our way to lunch Paul shared a cute story from this morning, so I thought I would share it with you.

It was time to get ready & Cameron was still sound asleep. So, Paul knocked on his door (yes knocked, it’s polite) & started singing good morning. He didn’t turn the light on since Cameron was still half asleep. Paul helped him stand up & right away Cameron started signing “light”. So, being the good daddy that he is Paul promptly turned on the light. Of course that made Cameron smile ear to ear.

I love watching him understand & use his signs. He’s using them more & more each day & it’s so cute!

I know seeing rather than reading is more entertaining so I’ll try to post some video.

Today, I'm going to take over the world.

To say Cameron has a strong personality is an understatement.

For being so young, he already behaves so grown up at times.

Well, grown up in a baby kind of way. :)

“I don’t want to sit in the cart mama, I want to sit on the floor.” Ok, happy baby.

“Oh, a duckie washcloth. Let me reach over & pull it off the shelf. Here mama, you can buy it for me.” Ok, happy baby.

“You really don’t have to lay me down to take my medicine. I’ll willingly drink it sitting up. I’ll even cry for more, because I know it will help me get better.” Yay, happy baby.

“Oh, I think I’ll crawl today.” Yaaa – Wait, what?

Yup, just like that Cameron decided he was going to crawl.

I went to pick him up from daycare last night & Miss Becca was so excited to tell me the news. She said it was for a few seconds but he was definitely crawling. At first I was a little upset that I didn’t get to see for myself, but then I sat Cameron by the kitchen while I got his dinner ready. And he just crawled on over to the dogs dish bowls & started taking their food out. I couldn’t help but laugh, laugh because of course that would be the first thing he would crawl too but the fact that he was on the move.

When Paul came home I had plenty of video to share with him. We just kept laughing & replaying the footage.

I just can’t believe it. My son, Mr. Anti Crawl I can reach it if I just stretch enough, decided he would crawl. Not just semi crawl, but crawl as if he’s been doing it for ages too. I can’t help but laugh, he just does what he pleases & there’s really no guessing what he’s going to do next.

So, if/when he declares he’s going to be an astronaut, President or a cowboy that wrangles cats, I won’t be the least bit surprised. I’ll just think back to this day & say, “I think you’ll be the best *insert aspiration here* there ever was.”

Home Is Where The Cheese Is

This weekend was hard for many reasons.

1. I was leaving Cameron for almost 3 days.

2. I was saying good-bye, to my beautiful friend Jewelyn.

3. I was leaving Cameron for almost 3 days.

I knew I was going to cry.

Admitting I was stressed out is sugar coating it.

I was scared out of my mind.

It was stressful, the upcoming services, driving alone, being away for so long but I knew if I didn't go, I would regret it.

I'm so lucky to have Paul. I don't really know if I would have went if he wasn't so supportive of me going.

So, I packed the night before & "planned" on leaving after Cameron went down for his first nap & then decided to leave at 8.

Well, after trying to leave several times, I ended up leaving after he went down for a nap. We said goodbye & Cameron started to reach out & cry for me.

*insert worst mama in the world feeling here*

I stayed a bit longer, we sang "the ants go marching", marveled at the wonder that is a ROCK and danced.

Then finally I was on my way.

The drive wasn't terribly bad. It was great to spend times with wonderful friends, missed family & driving through familiar roads.

The services were so beautiful. I was so nervous the day of. My palms were sweaty, my stomach was just in complete knots.

Then I arrived at the church.

All my anxiety just lifted & I knew I had made the right decision.

The services were beautiful, just as Jewelyn. Every moment was heartfelt & I was so relived I was not only a part of her celebration of life, but that she was & will forever be my friend.

My trip was short, bittersweet but full of love & priceless memories.

It's always wonderful to surround yourself with people who love you, for you.

So, of course coming home was the cherry on top!

I made excellent timing & was so happy to see my little man.

As I walked through the doors he smiled & then looked around as if he was thinking, "look! mama's back!"

I picked him up & he starting pulling himself up in excitement. It was the best welcome home hug.

Since it was still early a trip to the park was in order.

The famous, crawling is over rated, I can reach it streeeeetchhhhh.

We decided to feed the ducks.

Ok, Cameron ate but he was kind enough to let the ducks watch.

Paul joined us after work, ahhhh another face I've missed.

It was so nice relaxing & spending time together.

We walked around & found a bucket swing!

Cameron has yet to swing on his own, so I was (probably the most) excited. :D




Well, it looks and sounds like someone was a little excited too. *coughpaulcough*



After the park, we headed home just in time for Cameron's bath.
His new "game" is leaning over & reaching for toys.

Then, if they're just a wee bit out of his reach, he politely says, "mama can you get that for me?"



Ahhh, I've missed that face.

So very happy to be home with my boys, my beautiful family.

Cali, see ya in December!

Seriously, how do you title a story like this one?

When most people ask how Cameron's doing I'll always make it a point to say, "he's still nosy".

Inquisitive, taking in the world, always wanting to be in the loop.

Call it what you want, my son is down right nosy.

Not sure where he got that trait from, hmmmm.

Being so inquisitive has led him to mimicking as well.

He's gone from mimicking noises, gestures, rubber neck syndrome & now this.

Last night we got home a tad late from daycare (read: I talked too long with Ruth).

We usually take out his red push car & walk all around the neighborhood.

Since we were already running late I decided to just carry Cameron.

We walked over to the poop zone.

Sadie is a poop champ. She doesn't put on a show, just takes care of business.

Oscar on the other hand is a PITA.

I mean, he needs coaching. :D

I'm usually quite patient w/his song & dance.

You can't look at him, he has to sniff over every inch 3x over, circles 3,423x then when you finally think he's going for it, he hears a noise & the process starts all over again.

Ugh.

I'll usually yell out, "POOP! OSCAR POOOOOOOOOOP!!!"

I am fully aware the neighbors peak out their window & judge.

I know & accept this.

But, I live w/freak dog & can yell if I please.

So, it didn't matter to Oscar that it was getting dark & Cameron needed his bath.

After pleading I finally told Cameron, "Tell Oscar to go poop."

Funny enough he started yelling out toward Oscar, da a-daaaaa!

So, here I am saying poop! Poooooooop, go poo poo!

And what do I feel?

Cameron bracing down.

He was bracing down, red in the face & grunting.

My son was trying to poop.

I've heard of sympathy pain, but he was taking it just a bit too far.

The Evolution of Cameron's Personality

We expected for our baby to be able to communicate before being able to speak.

How he would communicate was beyond me.

A smile?

A laugh?

When Mr. Man was a newborn he would let us know what he liked,

By not crying. hehe

Over time he began to smile, kick, open his mouth wide open, blow raspberries, yell, grab for anything within reach, sign "milk", kiss, mimic, hug...

PHEW! I'm sure I missed some, but you get the picture.

I guess he wanted to make sure we kept up the good work.

Now he's acquired, ummmm a new reaction to his favorite things.

Favorite thing #1:
Watching the dogs walk toward him.


As you can see in the end, Sadie kept putting her ball by him. :/ I guess she's trying to make "throwing the ball" on his list of faves.

Favorite thing #2:
Blue Wall!!! (It's at the park downstairs from our apt. It's a crime if we don't visit it before & after our walks)

Heh-heh, heh-heh, heh-heh

Giggle Fest

Monday night Cameron was full of giggles.

After swimming (for over an hour) he was ready for a bottle.

Of course once he was on the floor the Sadie & Oscar had to be within arms reach.

We're so lucky that they've adjusted so well with Cameron (not that they had a choice).

And Cameron is slowly but surely learning "nice" when petting them.

Sometimes he gets nice confused with yank.

But we're working on it. :)

Even if we're around the house he's usually wearing a onesie.

But since he was starving, I didn't waste time.

Before we knew it he was busting up as Sadie's hair rubbed up against his buddha belly.

Which of course made us laugh.



Then it was bath time.

Paul is definitely the animated one of us two.

He's always finding new ways to put a smile on Cameron's face.

And mine too.




I love that laugh.

love, love, love.

free admission = priceless memories

Not too long ago we joined a few playgroups on Meet Up.

It has definitely helped us (ok me) living in a new state.

The people are nice, and most of them are savvy on children friendly places.

On Sunday we headed to Az Museum for Youth.

Not only was it baby friendly, but admission was free!

We got there early so we hung out downtown to watch the cars whizz by.

Cameron is so fascinated with cars nowadays.

At our complex a Harley was about to drive off & the driver saw Cameron

He was nice enough to drive up to us & let him touch his bike.

Cameron was in boy heaven.

Even when the engine was revved, Cameron was unphased.

Total, 100% boy.

I'm sure we could have stayed for hours car watching, but we had play dates, so off we went!

Right away the kids running up & down the slide ramp caught Cameron's eye.

He kept opening his mouth wide open & kicking his legs in excitement.


After running up the ramp with Cameron, handing off to Paul so he could "slide" down,

Walking down the ramp, Paul walking up & handing Cameron off to me so he could slide,

We decided to move onto another portion of the museum. :/

There was a closed off play area for 2 & under.

We forgot socks (oops), and little did we know the sock police were on patrol.

Thankfully one of Cameron's play dates let him borrow a pair.

He really loved grabbing all the toys & making sure they were safe for the other children.

He's so polite.

As you can see, he's really got his impression of a bulldog down.

Bibs have become a staple part of his outfit.

After a quick wardrobe change, bottle feed & 15 mins nap, we headed to the light table.

Even though Cameron kept making faces as he tasted each piece, that didn't slow him down.

It must be a good chapter.

It's toe curl worthy.

The famous (to us) look of excitement.

It's the slide Daddy, the slide!

Yup, did that for another 15 mins.

Wrapped.

Wrapped, tightly around those perfectly kissable little fingers.

My Little Bookworm

When your Uncle Richard was a baby I would read to him. One of my favorite memories, when he started bringing the books to me. He would even ask me to sing along as we watched Disney movies. But, that’s another story. I loved reading so it was fun for me. I would sometimes get in trouble with your Great Grandma for reading in bed with my Mickey Mouse flashlight (yes, baby you can have a Mickey Mouse flashlight).

While I was pregnant, we started your book collection. I couldn't wait to read the classics! Dr. Suess, The Bernstain Bears, Little Critter or any book for that matter. When we first started reading to you, you just listened. You’re not so quiet now.

You bat at the books, “read” along & my new favorite, hold the books. We usually read at bedtime but anytime is a good time to read if you ask me.

So I grabbed "Rainy Day Friends" & I think this may be your favorite so far. You were laughing which made me laugh & squealed every time Patches the giraffe was on a page. She’s so pretty.

I love that you hold the book now & asked Daddy to take a picture. It was a wonderful surprise to see he took pictures of us. He’s the best.

My little bookworm, I can't wait for you to bring the books to me.

It's amazing how much my love can grow for someone so little.

all my hugs & kisses

Mommy

P.s. Auntie Julia, I included all the pictures for you. It's like you were there! ;)

just keep swimming, swimming, swimming

We were very busy this past weekend. On Friday, we made it to the menu tasting! It was nice to do something out of the ordinary and not have to worry about dinner. The food was delicious but the real highlight were the people. It’s always nice when strangers go out of their way to say how cute you are, look at that hair! or just to simply say hello. Usually you smile or coo back. You’re becoming quite the social butterfly!

On Saturday we woke up bright & early for our nature walk.

Nothing says good morning then a nice big stretch!

It was pretty windy so we put you in the stroller. I guess you weren’t too impressed by all the cacti.

So you decided to take a nap. I think you were just saving all your energy for later that day. The real fun began that afternoon. We drove out to Gold Metal Swim School for your very first swimming lesson.

We hoped you would enjoy the lesson but weren’t sure how you would react. Well, guess what?

You loved it.

After a few songs & water games the instructor handed us a swimming noodle. I held you for awhile but finally I (nervously) let you go.

My own little fishy. You did it! You kicked those little legs, sucked on the side of the noodle (very important) & just floated around worry free.

Daddy & I decided to sign you up for lessons. We’re going back on Saturday & it’s Daddy’s turn to play with you. Lucky Daddy.

Weekend low: Mommy was nervous about submerging you under water. Daddy was showing me how to do it & accidently dropped the camera in the pool.

Weekend high: Seeing you in those red Speedos.

I love you sugar plum.
All my hugs & kisses
Mommy