Cameron's journal

When we pick Cameron up from daycare they always have a pre printed slip waiting for us. It lets us know how many times he ate, slept & pooped that day. When we first started to receive the slips I asked Miss Ruth if she could please write a little more about his day. So she began to jot down 15 mins bouncer, 10 mins tummy time in a small box on his slip. When we go to pick up Cameron we always ask how he behaved & was for the heard the same, “he was great!” day after day.

During our ride home I’ll sit in the back with Cameron & read aloud what was jotted down. The first few days it was exciting to see how many mins he spent on the activity gym or poops throughout the day but I was always a little sad. I knew by spending my day with him that there was so much more to be said!

So with the new, set staff for the infant room I approached Ruth, Ellen & Niki. I asked if I brought in a notebook would they be so kind & jot down about their day with Cameron. I wasn’t looking for a novel. I honestly don’t know what I was expecting but I just wanted more than the standard sheet.

When we picked up Cameron last night we had two surprises waiting for us.

Mr. Cameron has a personalized cubby complete with picture!

Miss Ruth got a perfect smile.

Picture (both) Taken: March 9, 2009

As we got into the car & ready to head home I opened up Cameron’s journal. What a wonderful surprise! The ladies wrote as if they were Cameron. It was so cute to read, “When Ashton woke up we played on the activity mat. We had so much fun mommy & daddy!” & “Miss Ruth read me The Great Big Spider, tomorrow she said we’ll read The Big Hungry Bear! I can’t wait!” Entries from each lady melted our heart. Not only did they write in the journal but they made it truly special. Paul was very adamant that out of respect Cameron would know/call each staff member as Miss Ellen, Ruth, Niki & not just Ellen. They kept this small yet special request in mind when writing in his journal & that to me speaks volumes about the new staff.

Cameron's first project!

Cameron is settling into daycare like a champ. He’s already participated in a group project. As you can see it highlights one of his many loves.

His hands.

He's getting so big! His hands are the same size as Shaune who's 6 months old. :/

Miss Ellen is the morning aide & always greets us with a smile. When we go to pick up Cameron Miss Ruth is there to recap his day. She suggested on Thursday we leave a disposable camera so they can take pics of him throughout the week. We loved that idea! So today we left one behind.

Maybe they can keep track of what’s going on here.

Yes, Mr. Cameron we see what you’re up to.

Outfit: Sent with love from Grandma Jackson

All pictures taken on: March 5, 2009

Cameron's first day at daycare

This past Monday was Cameron’s first day at daycare. It didn’t go as smoothly as we had hoped but we are counting our blessings & are extremely thankful that God was watching over our family.

Monday afternoon Paul decided to drop in unexpectedly at the day center. When he arrived Cameron was lying in his crib face down. The employee who put him to sleep this way defended her actions & stated that, “SIDS can happen numerous ways. You (Paul) slept on your stomach & you’re fine.”

When Paul called & explained what happened I was beyond upset. I called the facility, spoke with the Director Asst. & told her that my 2 month old son was lying on his stomach asleep. She promptly said she would go into the infant room, move him & we hung up.
I was sick to my stomach. I couldn’t believe what happened while he was in the care of professionals. I left work & went to go pick up Cameron. I wasn’t sure what to do/say I just knew I wanted to take him home & hold him.

When I arrived I saw that the woman in question was feeding Cameron. Instead of storming into the room I took the opportunity to sit down with the Director & go over what just happened. She immediately agreed that not only what she did put Cameron in danger but it was 100% against company policy. She apologized profusely & offered her home number if I wanted to talk later that day or night.

As I relive the day the support from my family stands out the most. As I drove to the facility Aunt Roma stayed on the phone with me to keep me calm & level headed. I honestly don’t think without talking to her first I would have had the courage to take such a strong stand & speak to the Director. My emotions definitely take over my actions & I’m glad & proud of myself for not letting it happen this time. Uncle Jeff talked & calmed me down after I left the facility. He help me see that the reaction I received from the Director said a lot for the facility. At the time it was hard to find a positive (beyond Cameron being alive & out of harms way). I was enraged & was quick to think, “we’re never going back!” but after our long discussion I waited until Paul came home to talk about what the smart option was for us.

We agreed to meet with the Director the next day & I had my list of questions. Questions about their policies, the woman in question & the action I wanted them to take against the woman in question. But I didn’t even have to give a list of wants when it came to “her”. During our meeting the Directors mgr (who oversees this location) called & said that the woman in question was under investigation & was not allowed in or around the infant room.
The immediate action that they were taking calmed me.

I truly believe that God chose us to help out families to come. Cameron wasn’t the first 2 month old in her care. Not all parents are fortunate enough to pop in whenever they want during the day & who knows if a scared new parent (considering she was the professional) listened to her theory.

Today is Cameron’s 4th day at the center & the new staff is beyond wonderful. They give detailed reports of his day, he comes home in the outfit we send him with (the woman in question went through two outfits within 4 hrs) & one staff member in particular, Ruth has been very sweet. You can see that she genuinely cares for Cameron. Paul & I are very optimistic that Cameron will receive the best of care & are blessed to have the support of our friends & family.

Photo taken : February 12, 2009