HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAMDEN! ONE YEAR OLD

September 15, 2013 ONE YEAR You have TEETH. You got your first tooth on August 17. It was just a tiny little sliver that popped through, but you finally have a tooth. Your second tooth popped out a couple weeks later. You had two teeth on your first birthday. They are both on the bottom. Since we cosleep and nurse a bunch at night, I could not really tell if they are bothering you too much. You went to the beach for the first time. It was actually the same day you got your first tooth. We went to Ocean Beach in New London with Grandma. You had a great time playing in the sand. You tried to eat it…a few times. You played, you napped, and you sat in the water. It was a fantastic day. You loved throwing the sand into the air. You were so incredibly dirty with all the sand and saltwater by the end of the day. We went to a picnic at Poppie and Nana’s house for Labor Day. You had a good time. It was kind of rainy, so you and your brother didn’t get to go swimming again in the pool. You did go swimming at other times this month though. You do love splashing in the water. We had so much fun at your birthday party. It was decorated with an Elmo/Cookie Monster kind of theme. You love those two characters. There were a lot of people there and you were so good. When it was time to open your presents though, you were tired and took a nap. You enjoyed spending time with family and friends and let other people hold you and love you. You got frosting ALL OVER. Titi Nelita made 4 cupcakes for you – blue, red, yellow, and green. You were a mess but enjoyed yourself. The next day, your actual birthday, the four of us went apple picking. We went apple picking the day you were born too, while you were in Mommy’s tummy. You napped most of the time though. I have been so blessed to be your Mommy for this past year. You are so adorable and bring so much more love and joy and laughter to our home. We all love you very much.

Happy 11 Months, Camden

Happy 11 Month Birthday

August 15, 2013

YOU STARTED WALKING!!!! Actually, you started walking on your 11 month birthday exactly.  Yay.  Go Camden! You are growing up!  These milestones make me happy and sad all at the same time. 

This month was fun.  It has been a hot summer, but we have managed to stay cool and do some really fun things.  We went back to Lake Compounce.  This time, we went with Grandma, Poppy, Vavo, and Vovo.  We did the water park this time too and we all had a great time.  And you went on the Carousel.  You threw a little fit when it was time to get off though.  You loved that ride.

We went to a couple parties and picnics too and you were happy and sweet.  Cousin Jordan had a graduation party that we got to a little late because you were napping.  You wanted to walk holding hands back and forth on the grass.  We went to our neighbor Liam’s first birthday party and you had a good time eating the pizza and black beans.  We went to our friend’s going away picnic and you had a great time letting some other family members hold you and play with you. 

We went away on our first vacation with you.  We drove down to Sesame Place in Pennsylvania the beginning of August.  We left really early in the morning (5am) and you and your brother were sleeping.  You slept until we were almost to the hotel.  It only took us 2 and a half hours to get there.  We went to the hotel and saw Auntie Kim, Uncle Jeff, and your cousins.  They had slept at the hotel the night before.  We went to the park when it opened (it was right across the street so we just had to walk there).  We had a great time.  You played in the sand and in the little splash pad.  I carried you around in the Boba carrier for a while.  You slept in the stroller.  You were happy and relaxed.  We watched a couple of the shows and YOU WERE SO EXCITED.  You love Elmo, Cookie Monster, and the other characters.  You were so happy.  The next day, we had a character breakfast.  You went NUTS with excitement when you saw Zoe.  You LOVED LOVED LOVED her.  You looked like a bird trying to flap its wings to fly away.  It was so cute.  You sat on Elmo’s lap and took a picture and it was so cute.  You got angry and started yelling and trying to push off me when I took you back from Elmo. 

We stayed at the hotel for two nights.  When we got up the last morning, we didn’t rush to get to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia.  We got there before lunchtime and had a great day.  There were lots of things to do there and you and your brother had a great time playing with the different setups.  You both were great on the drive back home too. We were all very happy with the vacation.

You make me laugh and smile all the time.  Sometimes, when you get angry or frustrated because we say no or won’t let you play with something, you sort of stomp off, but it’s crawling. It sounds like stomping though because you smack your hands down hard and crawl away yelling.  It cracks me up every time.

I love you.

Happy 10 Months, Camden

Happy 10 Month Birthday

July 15, 2013

Crawling, eating, and playing – these are what you fill your days with.  You are a busy little boy.  You crawl all over the place at super speeds. We think when you start walking, it will be a run! 

We went to a picnic at Poppy and Nana’s house for Father’s Day.  We went in the pool and ate some food.  You had a great time.  You like playing in the pool with everyone.  You would rather be held in the pool than sit in the frog float though. After the picnic, we went to see Vavo and Vovo for a picnic at their house. We had a good time.

This month, we went to Lake Compounce. Mommy had her work picnic there and you were so well behaved.  You didn’t get to go on the rides, but you hung out in the stroller and napped and were generally happy and relaxed. It was hot and humid, but you weren’t cranky at all.  You are PERFECT.

The Independence Day holiday was fun.  We went to Poppy and Nana’s for a picnic.  We played in the pool and you had a good time.  After eating and playing, we went to Vavo and Vovo’s house and ate supper there.  We walked to the fireworks down the hill from their house and you fell asleep and didn’t wake up for them.  A couple days later, we went to more fireworks. This time, we walked from Grandma and Poppy’s house and you watched the fireworks.  You liked them.  You take after your big brother that way. 

You are so sweet and happy. Everyone loves you so much.

Happy 9 Month Birthday, Camden

Happy 9 Month Birthday
June 15, 2013

Where has the time gone? You are getting big way to fast.  You started crawling for real this past month.  You love being on the move.  You are so busy getting into mischief. You see something that you want and you crawl just as fast as you can to it. Unfortunately, some of those things that you want are wires and other things we don't want you to touch. We say "No Camden" and you stop, but you do not turn around to look at us.  You pause, and then go right back to what you were doing.  Silly little love.

You cry some mornings when I am leaving for work.  I get sad because I wish with all my heart I could stay home with you and your brother.  You are happy and well loved when I am gone though.   When I get home after work, you are so excited to see me. I LOVE THAT! You have really started eating your foods and not just playing with them.  You still nurse a bunch and all night long though.  I don't mind. I love the cuddle time with you. 

I love you, my sweet boy!

Happy 8 Month Birthday, Camden

Happy 8 Month Birthday.
May 15, 2013

You are 8 months old already.  You are so much fun.  You had to get used to mommy leaving for work, but you normally do not mind it.  You are still generally happy.  You like “eating” your food and do enjoy feeding yourself with your fingers.  You LOVE being outside.  Unfortunately, you would rather pick and eat the grass than play with the toys that I brought out for you.  You watch your big brother play a little bit, but then find that the grass and dirt is way more interesting than anything else.  You like looking out the windows and doors; you throw a bit of a fit if I shut the door before you were finished exploring with your eyes. 

You started army crawling.  You can get around pretty quickly too.  You also keep trying to stand up in your crib but haven’t quite got it down on how to stand on both legs.  Keep trying little man, and you will get it soon!  Scratch that! Stop trying.  I like you being a little bit immobile.

On Mother’s Day, we went to the park (Hubbard Park in Meriden).  We went to the top of Castle Craig.  I don’t think you were very impressed.  We had a little picnic and watched your big brother go fishing with Poppy.  Grandma, Vavo, and Vovo played with you.  You slept while your brother played on the playground.  It was a great day, but a little bit cold.  Once again, you enjoyed the grass and dirt a bunch!

Happy 7 Months, Camden

April 15, 2013
Happy 7 Month Birthday, Camden

You are stinking adorable.  You laugh. You love being tickled and thrown into the air.  You love cuddling with Mommy.  You are fine even when I am not around.  I went back to work just over a week ago.  You were okay.  You take your bottles of pumped breastmilk okay, but not as often or as much as if I were here.  That is okay.  You still don't sleep through the night and love cuddling with Mommy at night and eating.

You have had a few types of finger foods.  Cooked carrots, avocado, sweet potato, and cucumbers.  You tried to eat a bread roll and flipped out when we took it from you (it was Hudson's).  You started waving your hands and screaming.  I laughed. I probably shouldn't laugh when you are being a little naughty.  You have also had jarred apples and apple/butternut squash.  You would rather feed yourself.

Easter was good.  You looked so cute. You loved holding onto the plastic egg (and tried to eat it).  Silly boy.

I miss you so much when I am away from you at work.
Kisses

Happy 6 Months, Camden

March 6, 2013
6 Months

My oh my! Six months went by like the blink of an eye.  It is amazing how quickly you went from being my tiny one who slept all the time, to the big baby you are now who watches his brother and "talks" nonstop.  You make me so happy.  You clap and sit up.  You entertain yourself with your toys. You make chewing motions with your mouth in preparation for eating.  You started solids today, on your 6 month birthday.  You had sweet potato.  You gagged and vomitted all over.  It was funny and gross.

You still are happy most of the time. You have started throwing fits when you don't get your way, or we taking something away from you.  It is cute.

I love you.

Happy 5 Months, Camden

February 15, 2013
Happy 5 Month Birthday

You rolled. This time it was from your back to your belly.  You laugh; you drool; you smile; you love to be tickled. You are very aware of everything. You love your family. We love you.  You are my valentine. You are growing like a weed.

I love you.

Happy 4 Months, Camden

Happy 4 Months, Camden
January 15, 2013

Life has gotten so busy.  I try to just enjoy you as much as possible. I just hold you when I can because all too soon, I will be back to work and not able to cuddle you and your brother whenever I want.  This past month was very busy.  It was Christmastime.  We had a few family parties to attend.  You were generally happy.  You do get overwhelmed with lots of people and noise, so we did have to go into another room a few times for you to calm down.  You are very good-natured though.  You try to reach out for things and everything goes in your mouth.  You try to chew my hand, your fist, every little toy we place in front of you. 

You don't mind being on your tummy and don't try to roll over much.  When you are on your back, you will roll from side to side. Eventually, I am sure you will start rolling and then crawling.  I have a feeling when you walk, it will be always at a fast pace.  You seem to always be in motion now. You constantly kick your legs, and bounce up and down.  Somehow, in your swing, you get it to move across the floor by kicking your feet. You also try to twist your body out of the swing so you are perpendicular to your seat. Silly boy.

I love you.

Happy 3 year birthday, Hudson

January 6, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, HUDSON!

OH MY WORD! How did this happen?! You turned 3.  You are not a baby anymore.  I am so happy to watch you grow up and so sad at the same time.  You are just a wonderful, sweet, determined, intelligent, hysterical, emotional little boy.

This past 6 months have been big for you.  You got a brand new brother and you LOVE your baby.  After constantly asking me if my belly would pop soon, your brother was born the day we went apple picking.  I am so glad we got to go apple picking as our little family of three. You enjoyed it. It was a wonderful date before everything changed and you couldn't have my almost undivided attention anymore.  You have to share me. So far, you do really great with that.  Sometimes you want me or whoever is holding Camden to put him down to play with you, though.  It is funny. 

You enjoy cuddling.  Randomly during the day, and almost always at bedtime, you ask to cuddle with me.  I LOVE IT!  I am a cuddler and so glad that you are right now too.  You love cuddling with Camden too. You want to hold him and kiss him.  You sing to him.  You sing "Hush Little Baby" when he cries.  It is AWESOME! 

You still go to your preschool class and had gone to your gym class and enjoyed yourself.  I still love seeing your crafts.  This time, the preschool class is a little different.  You've taken a liking to a little girl there named Ashlynn and sit with her a bunch.  Vavo brings you to your classes. 

You were Spiderman for Halloween this year.  You are OBSESSED with Spiderman.  You pretend to throw out a web all the time.  It is cute.  You put on your costume at random times and run around the house pretending to get the bad guys.  It makes me smile.  You have races with yourself in the house. You like to run from the kitchen to the living room constantly.  You still love your tools and play with them and fix everything in the house all the time.  I LOVE IT!

The holidays were eventful.  At Thanksgiving you came down with a bad cold and had to stay home and miss the festivities.  You had a great time at Daddy's friend's Christmas party.  You made a Santa hat and got to decorate it.  We had many other Christmas parties after that with different groups of family members.  You had  a great time opening all your presents.  New Years Eve, we let you stay up very late. I don't think you enjoyed it that much though. 

We had your birthday party with your friends at KidCity in Middletown.  It was a tool theme.  You seem like you had a great time playing and eating ice cream cake before lunch. 

You have said some funny things these last few months.  One night you woke up having a nightmare.  I asked you what was wrong and you said there were caterpillars in your bed.  One day, you had a scratch on your face (I think it was from your fingernail).  You told grandma that you got the scratch from Cooper (Grandma's dog). You said he bit you.  Then, when Poppy came over a little later, Grandma said, "Tell Poppy how you got the scratch." You then said a crab bit you.  You are too funny.  You enjoy making up stories with your fantastic imagination.

When you are told that you aren't allowed to do something, sometimes you burst into tears and say, "Oh no! Not again."  

Sometimes, we will be playing with toys and you turn to me and tell me I can't play with them.  Then you tell me that maybe when I get older I can play with them.  It makes me chuckle.  You say your a such a big boy and Camden can't do things because he is little, but will when he gets bigger like you.

One other thing that you say that makes me chuckle is that you call the squirrels outside your friends.  If you are sitting at the table or looking out the window, you will yell, MY FRIEND! MY FRIEND! 

YOU ARE SO ADORABLE.

I love you!

Happy 3 Months Camden

December 15, 2012
Happy 3 Month Birthday, Camden


I wish time would slow down.  You have outgrown your 0-3 clothes.  It made me sad to put them away. I love being home with you.  All too soon, I will have to leave you and go back to work.  You are just so sweet and cuddly.  I love holding you all day long and kissing your chubby cheeks.  I love playing with you. You laugh and smile at me like I am the best thing on earth.  It is great.  You always have your hands in your mouth.  You chew on your knuckles; you suck you thumb; you suck your fingers.  You are a drooling mess. I love it! You found your feet.  They fascinate you.

Your big brother fascinates you too.  You look at him like you have so much to learn.  It is adorable. You seem to like when he plays with and talks to you.  I hope your smiles at each other always stay!  I know someday there will be fights and tears, but I truly hope you two are wonderful friends all your lives.

I love you.