Trying to do it different

I tend to use threats a lot when Cameron acts up. I know this isn't the way to go. I know I have to break that habit. I'm not sure when I started the threats. But I know it has to stop. So I've come up with a reward system. Today Cam came home from school with this on the door in the kitchen: Cam's TV Time board. He was intrigued and excited that he had already earned the "Get Dressed" dot. If he earns three dots in a day, he gets to watch a show. The other dots: "No tantrums" and "Eat dinner."

So we gave it a run today. Cam didn't throw any tantrums and he considered eating a pea at dinner, but didn't. So he came one dot shy of getting to watch a show. We're getting there.

Now, at bed time, he threw a doozy... But I think it was more because he needed to be asleep and I waited too long to get him to bed.

One other development in the world of Cam. He's starting to stand and pee. I know everyone wants to know that. But consider this one. I noticed he was in the bathroom this evening and decided things were too quiet behind the closed door. So after he tells me he's cleaning up... I find him using the hand towel to dry up his inability to aim properly. And it made me wonder if he's done that before. Ewwwwwww.

Warning: Gross topic

So you know we've had problems with Cam flooding the toilet. That problem has gotten better. So I'm encouraging Cam to use the bathroom and clean up on his own.

Today that could have been a mistake.

I heard him up there... And I realized a little too late that he was too quiet in that bathroom. So I go in and ask him what he's doing. "I'm cleaning up." Well, it turns out he was cleaning up water he used to clean his butt. Yeah. Toilet water. Disgusting bacteria-filled toilet water. I puked a little in my mouth and asked him to wash his hands thoroughly. I started scrubbing the bathroom, scrubbed my hands and started the bath for Cam to disinfect.

Gross. Gross. Gross.

But he was very sweet after the bath. He wanted to play hide and seek in his towel. Instead, he threw the towel on top of his head and said: "I'm Little White Riding Hood." For some reason I thought that was a darn good joke for someone who is almost 4.

We read Dr. Seuss' "ABC" book and Eric Carle's "The Very Busy Spider." Both books left us with a good book buzz. You know, that smile you wear on your face when you close the book. We felt warm and happy. Putting Cam to bed was a peaceful event after that.

By the way. I'm working on coming up with an award system where Cam has to earn his right to watch TV. Randy thinks I've been too hard on him by just taking the TV away and there needs to be more purpose to it than just saying NO to TV. Today we actually got Cam to eat some of the dinner I made by holding TV over his head. Next step: vegetables for watching The Wiggles. It may be the only way a green bean will pass through his lips.

(That picture at the top was taken in the last hour before we headed to the airport during our Florida trip. I just got it into my computer tonight because Cam dropped my camera on the cement that day. I finally found a USB cord that fit my computer and allowed me to download the remaining trip photos... Most of the pictures were of Cam being cute out at my parent's pool and near their new, cool water fountain in the lake.)

A mouse

There is a mouse in our house. I saw it run out of our pantry and I screamed.... Which was a horrible example to my son. Now he's sitting on the chair in the kitchen telling me he's afraid of mice.

I'm such a bad example.

TV hiatus

I've had it. Yup. I'd had it with Cam's whining and crying because he wants to watch TV. We're going on another TV hiatus. We did this sometime when he was 2. I'm doing it again. I'm sick and tired of listening to Cam freaking out about TV.

Tonight was the topper. Jordan and I picked him up from school and we decided we'd go to Burger Kind for dinner and to play in the indoor playground. Can I just say how brave he was during this trip? It was amazing. He climbed to the top, he went into the helicopter and rocket. He even climbed through a mesh tunnel. He still won't go down the slides and got a little freaked out as he climbed back down the "stairs" of the playground. But he did it. He did it many times and I never had to climb in and rescue him. That was pretty great to watch. Not to mention, his friend Nathan and Nathan's brother Matthew happened to be there at the same time so they all got to play together.

So we went home, I put the baby to bed while Cam played in the bathroom. (You don't want to know... but the good news is he didn't flood the toilet) It was obvious that Cam was getting tired, but I promised him that we'd bake cookies. So after Jordan went down, we threw dough on a cookie sheet and shoved it in the oven. We talked and waited. Then he gobbled down some cookies (my tummy is still upset, so I couldn't eat any).

That's when I announced it was time for bed. And it was. But Cam freaked out because he didn't get to watch his show. He wanted to watch the Wiggles. All out freak-out. I told him it was time to go to bed, we could watch it tomorrow. He kept freaking out. I said that if he continued to freak out, he would lose his chance to watch the show tomorrow. He freaked out more. I've had it. We're going to keep busy in other ways. He can play with Leapster, that's as close as he's getting to TV. I realize Randy will be annoyed with this, but I'm tired of the TV freak outs.

Cam is a wreck. It took a very dramatic reading of The Cat in the Hat to pull him out of his new TV hiatus funk. I'm willing to put in the effort to live a non-TV life with the boy. It will require more PlayDoh and finger painting time. I don't see much wrong with that.

Mommy and Cam time

This morning, Cam woke up an hour before Jordan. What the heck?

Anyway. I took Cam to school on my way to teach a class on campus. I decided to pick him up early from school since I didn't want to go back and forth between the house. So that gave Cam and I the chance to play outside while the baby took a nap. We had a ball. We played basketball -- and it's so great to see him hit the shots on his 5 foot basketball hoop. (Randy put it higher since Cam is growing so much) We hit the baseball... Jumped around... Played with bubbles... And the best part: Cam pulled two chairs together and we made it into a flying ladybug. We both sat facing each other making up stories and songs and laughing at the dogs. I just sat there looking at my happy guy knowing how lucky I am that we have this time together. I took pictures and then we giggled at the pictures. It was a nice time to be a Mom.

Right now he's playing with his Leapster -- learning about letters and getting really good at playing the games. We're excited to pick out the books we're going to read tonight. There's a book reading exercise going on at school and Cam is really into it. The funny thing is they get a free pizza at the end. Cam doesn't like pizza. Hopefully this will be our first step towards him eating pizza.

Only time will tell.

"Are you doing okay?"

I wasn't feeling great yesterday. I was actually pretty miserable. And poor Cam had to deal with me and my misery.

He was so sweet. Every once and a while he'd check on me: "Mommy, are you doing okay?"

Today I'm feeling human again. But Cam wouldn't hear it. When I told him I was feeling better, he said: "No, you're still sick." I guess he likes taking care of me.

A good end to it all

The last thing Cam said before he went to bed tonight: "I'm sorry I yelled at you Mommy."

Wow.

I told him I was sorry too and I hope we can both do better tomorrow.

I broke a plate

Cam had his last swim class for this session. It continues next month. He's going to have to stay in level one for at least one more session... he missed two classes and he's still pretty nervous in the water. But he's amazingly brave from where he started a month and a half ago. Anyway. When we came back, Jordan was hungry, Cam was hungry. I was hungry. So I tried to get some PB&J made before I fed the baby. Then Cam started wigging out because I wouldn't let him watch a movie. I mean really wigging out -- Screaming, thrashing. I sent him to his room. I was so upset, I threw the knife down into the plate with my sandwich and broke a chunk off the plate. I'm such a bad parent. I don't know why this small human who only weight 41 pounds can evoke so much emotion in me. He knows my buttons that's for sure.

He's been sent to his room twice today. The second time he threw toys all over the place and I made him clean it up before he could come out. He did apologize: "Sorry I made my room messy."

But we're having a great day. Really.

The Men's Room

Cameron doesn't like going to the bathroom in the women's bathroom. He gets upset when he has to go potty with me. So today I took him to the Bread Co. (aka Panera) where I was meeting with students for an independent class meeting. Near the end of our talk, Cam had to go potty. He demanded to go to the men's room and he'd be okay. A mom walked by me and said her 9 year old would be willing to help.

So the 9 year old walks in after Cam and promptly walks out and asks me how old Cam was. Then he asked me how old I was. Then he told me that when I turned 60 my ankles would grow.

Huh?

Anyway. Cam was in that bathroom and he was taking a while. That's when I realized he didn't just pee in the men's room. I heard the toilet paper rolling and rolling.. And I was afraid he was going to clog the toilet. It's a problem he's caused at our house a number of times recently. Anyway. I ended up going into the men's bathroom to help him clean up. It kind of defeated the whole purpose of letting him go into the men's room on his own. Oh well.

Cam went to another meeting on campus with Jordan and I... He got to play with Lily. The two of them danced and sang in the convergence lab. Very amusing to me and to a few students. Cam didn't get to school until it was lunch time... Good thing he ate a huge cinnamon roll because they were eating pizza and corn: Two foods he doesn't like.

I just got him to bed. He lost his tent this morning. He decided to wake up around 4 this morning and proceeded to walk in and out of our room a number of times. I didn't wake up to it, but Randy did. He pretended to stay asleep. I don't have proof, but I think he woke the baby from walking into her room too many times. I got up to take care of her, then Cam went into Randy and cried that he needed a lullaby. He didn't get one before he went to bed that night. That's when I told him the tent was gone if he got out of bed again.

So he stayed in bed and cried my name for a good 20 minutes. When he screamed "MOMMY!!!!" That's when I walked in and took the tent away. He went to bed tonight without the tent. I told him he doesn't get it back unless he doesn't wake me up until it says 7 on his clock.

I pray that works.

Just when I thought I was a good parent...

Today was the only day that wasn't overly scheduled this week, so Jordan and I went shopping. I picked up the two out of three presents we planned to give Cam for his birthday: The Lady and the Tramp and a Wiggles plate set. Randy just has to pick out a baseball mit and we're done.

So when I got home, I put it all in a bag and pit it on the stairs.

Jordan and I took a nap. When I got up, we headed to a nearby garden... It was an amazing day and I was excited to get outside with the baby. I called Randy and suggested he grab Cam and have dinner at the garden. A little family time outside. Great idea! Not long after Cam and Rabdy got there and we had settled sown into our family time... Cam said he needed to go potty. So Randy and Cam drove away. Jordan and I walked home. During the walk I was feeling like a good parent. I played with the baby outside... My family had outside time together. Bur when I got home I realized I messed up:

Cam found his presents on the stairs.

I was so excited to go outside, I forgot to put that stuff away. I had to tell Cam the movie was for his birthday and he's have to wait. That was ugly. Now that he's calmed down... He keeps saying: "I'm so excited I got the Lady and the Tramp movie." I stink. This kid doesn't forget a thing... So his birthday won't be much of a surprise. I'm not a very good parent today.

Strange illness

Cam woke up this morning with a tummy ache. He walked into Jordan's room just as I was putting her back down to sleep around 6:50 this morning. We walked into the bathroom and he started puking. He kept puking until around noon. When he woke up from his nap, it was like he was never sick.

It was so warm outside today. So after I ran around with Jordan for most of the day, we got to enjoy the backyard with Cameron and Randy. It was really nice. Jordan just enjoyed the air in my arms. Cameron was running around, hittng the baseball and begging Randy to run him around the backyard in his wagon. It was a peaceful family time.

Cameron spent the rest of the night begging for food: "But I'm very really hungry." We tried our hardest to keep his diet bland and basic for the rest of the day. He just kept begging for non-safe foods. So he was upset a lot leading up to his bath time. But once he hit that water and pretended to swim, it was a peaceful bed time. He seriously relaxes when I sing his lullaby every night. It warms my heart every time I hear him sigh after a song.

Stop scratching

Cameron is a good kid... And remembers everything I tell him. My legs are covered with wierd bug bites since the trip to Florida. I can't stop scratching... But Cameron always reminds me: "Scratching makes it worse Mommy." I'm glad he's there to help me.

We had a big fall out tonight. He cried about everything when we got home from school. Add in a crying baby and my brain was starting to ooze out of my ears. So I told Cameron that if he didn't get his act together, he was going to bed. And when he didn't get his act together, I took him by the hand, stripped him down and put his pajamas on him... All under duress. He was out of control upset, to the point where I thought he could throw up. I'm not exactly sure what got him off the ceiling, but he came down and ate peaches for dinner. Yeah. He ate peaches for dinner. It was the only thing on his dinner plate that he wanted to eat. I wasn't going to argue about that. His dinner was also his dessert.

By the way. After he calmed down, Cam sat at the table and told me he was angry. He couldn't really explain why. Then he sat with his arms crossed and told me he was pouting. Then he told me he didn't want to have any friends because he was mad. I have no idea what that means.

Getting back to normal

Cameron is getting his life back to normal since we returned from Florida. He isn't fighting sleep as much... He went to school on Friday and had a ball. He went to swim lessons yesterday and Randy says he saw incredible progress in Cameron. That's exciting.

Cam is still a little clingy to me after this trip. He wants me putting him down for naps and bedtime at night. He wants me to be with him where ever he is in the house or when we are out of the house. I think he'll calm down. It's nice to know he still loves me so much. But it's tough to give him everything he wants when I have a baby who needs to cling to me as well.

Anyway... I have a ton of extra pictures of Cameron and Jordan... But right before we left Florida, Cam grabbed my camera and dropped it on the ground. It caused a failure on my picture card and I can't get it to transfer. I'm a little stressed since I just spent a bunch of money to buy that new card just before Christmas. Not to mention, there's a bunch of fantastic pictures on that card that can't seem to transfer. AHHHH! Hopefully I'll come up with a solution and I can post the great pictures soon.

Lion Country Safari Insanity

We survived the big trip to Lion Country Safari. We got out of the house a little later than we planned... Which probably sealed our doom at the end of the day. Anyway, we headed out and Cameron was ready. He wanted to see all the characters from the movie "Mdadagascar." He survived the 40 minute drive with many "are we there yet" type questions. He did NOT want to go potty before we went into the park. But after threatening to go home, he was more willing to comply.

So we got in and Cameron really wanted to find a hyena. They don't have any there but I didn't have the heart to tell him. But when we started getting close to animals he recognized, Cameron was pretty darn excited. The coolest part was the zebras, ostriches and the rhinos. The rhinos got really close to the car and made for some pretty cool pictures. Cameron kept telling me when to take a picture. (Take a picture now Mommy!!)

After the drive-through safari, we went into the "park" part of Lion Country Safari. We at lunch and Cameron tormented little birds. Then we got to ride on some very cool rides. And that's when Cameron got VERY brave. He wanted to ride a ferris wheel! He had no thoughts of danger, he just wanted to get up and ride on it. So he and his Grandpa had a very cool ferris wheel ride... The picture proves it.

But after that ride, it was obvious we needed to get the tired boy off to home. We bribed him with ice cream and that was fun to see. The only problem: He doesn't know how to eat an ice cream cone. He was digging the ice cream out of the cone with his fingers because he wouldn't actually eat the cone. It was very messy. My mom spent a good portion of the evening cleaning up the disaster on his shirt.

Going home, Cam kept saying how tired he was... But it was a struggle to get him down for a late nap. When he woke from it, he was a monster. He threw massive fits if he didn't get his way -- and many of his issues were totally irrational. It's understandable. He was "on" for most of the day. He never had down time and that late nap was just too late. I was beffuddled trying to keep him relatively calm. So eventually after a good bath and a story from his new Bob the Builder book, he went to bed under a cloud of fire. When he woke up this morning he told me: "I had a really good nap Mommy." I think he's ready to go home. He has his new Lion Country Safari t-shirt on and jaguar socks. He can't wait to show those off.

Beach boy

Cam loved his second trip to the beach. He didn't like the hot sand. So most of the time we stood near the water or under our tent digging for "treasures." Of course the best treasure he found was a top to some kind of food. He actually wanted to take it home.

Cam is such a trooper. This isn't the easiest of trips for him... He doesn't visit Florida that often and he's clearly not in his widest comfort zone. Every day he eases up a little more. But for some reason, he won't go on walks with his Grandma or Grandpa... He barely goes for walks with me. He adores the backyard pool, but deals with me telling him to slow down and keep his feet on the ground when he dunks a toy into the water. We like marching to the lake and looking at the new fountain that flows behind my parents' house. But when he gets really mad at me over something, he tells me: "I want to go home to Missouri."

We'll be there soon enough. We leave on Thursday and should get home in time for dinner. Daddy is going to pick us up and I can't wait to see him. I'm sure Cameron can't wait as well. Tomorrow's trip to Lion Country Safari should be very exciting. I think it's a great way to cap off our big Florida vacation.

Florida Fun!

Cameron is enjoying our time in Florida. It's so cool to hear him say: "It's a beautiful day, let's go outside!." I wish he'd say that more often at home.

Here's a couple of funny stories:
When we got into Florida, we were driving to my parent's house when he looked outside and saw palm trees: "Look! I see beach trees!"
When we got to the gate of my parent's development he says: "We're in Florida now!" (As if we weren't in Florida until we hit that gate)
This morning he told me his friend Camryn was coming to Florida tomorrow so he can have a Camryn day. I don't think he liked it when I told him that wasn't going to happen.

Cam got to go to the beach with his Grandpa over the weekend. My Mom, Jordan and I took him to the park yesterday. I'm hoping we can go to the beach today or tomorrow... But today is surprisingly foggy, so I'm not sure what kind of weather we're going to get today. We're planning a big trip to a cool natural safari-type zoo on Wednesday. Cameron enjoyed visiting it last year, and I think this year he'll love it even more. You get to go on "safari" and see animals in their own environment. It's called Lion Country Safari. My dad is even taking a day off from work to take Cam. I think we'll have fun. It will be interesting with Jordan... But hey, everything is more interesting with two kids.

We had a few troubles when we first got here in the sleep department, but we've finally got a system. Cam is back to taking naps and going to bed at a good time. (Thank goodness) It was a struggle, but we're back on track.

Cameron is being fantastic here. He hasn't had any problems with different bathrooms and he's been a little more open-minded about food. Because I'm stubborn. He's eaten peaches, apple sauce and a piece of an apple since we've been here. It's more than most days. I consider it all a success.

Slightly stressful Valentine's love

For the last 2 weeks, I've tried to get Cameron to work with me as we prepared our big Valentine's Day cards for all 19 of his classmates. I didn't want to push him, but I thought it would be a great opportunity to get him to practice writing his name... Or at least his nickname: Cam.
So today, we had to get serious... We had 10 left and they had to get done before tomorrow. He was pretty good until we had 2 left. He started handing out the cards he'd already signed (and it's so cool to see him finally starting to try and write his name)... He gave one to Jordan, three to me and I think he tried to keep one for himself. Anyway. I couldn't get him to sign two of them and he didn't want me to do it for him. Then he wanted to eat the candy... But he hadn't even had dinner yet. So tension was growing and I just wanted this project over. Once he finally signed the cards, it got easier. We put each card in the envelope bag and stuck various sugary yummies in each bag. Then I bribed him to eat dinner with 2 hershey's kisses. Remember a time in your life when you only needed 2 tiny pieces of chocolate to do something?

Hmmm. I don't either.

A generous guy

Cam had an interesting week... It started with him puking and miserable. He was diagnosed with walking pneumonia... Put on antibiotics and told he could go back to school whenever. I let him stay home for a day to catch up on sleep.

The next day he went to school and came back telling me he had been "generous" at school. Apparently they're learning about being police and respectful. It's amazing to see him being extra polite at home. The lessons are working. Then I found out after talking to his teacher that he's really doing great in school since the kids were broken down into small groups. He's listening and sharing better than ever.

We're proud of Mr. Generous. So after swim lessons and a nap, Cam got to see the new Curious George movie with Dad. He even got to sit next to a friend from school at the movie. According to Daddy, Cam ate about a pound of popcorn. Not surprising: He didn't eat dinner tonight.
Last night I had a special moment with Cam. Jordan was tired and Randy was still at work. So Cam and I took Jordan to her room. I started feeding her and Cam read books to Jordan. When she was close to asleep, we turned the lights low and I asked Cam to be quiet. He quietly paged through books and patiently waited. It was peaceful and comforting to have my two kids together in that room at that moment. Very cool. Cameron is a fantastic, doting big brother.

Oh no! An ear infection.

Cameron had a rough night last night... He woke up a couple of times complaining about stupid stuff. And I wasn't in the mood to deal with it. He went to swim lessons and had a great time. But when he came back, he wasn't even interested in lunch. He actually ASKED to take a nap. That wasn't right. So I took his temperature. He seemed okay. But a few hours later, he woke up with a raging 102.1 temperature. I took him to the nearby urgent care -- he has an ear infection. It isn't a big one. The doctor thinks the infection is pretty early and antibiotics will beat that down. As for Cam's cough, he thinks Cam should use an inhaler. We have some left over from his many health problems before his adenoids were taken out. So I'll drag that out to help Cam during his next coughing fit.

So after we drugged him up and convinced him to eat a little dinner, Cam was very open to going to bed tonight. Hopefully he'll feel more comfortable tonight. And I'm feeling good about deciding to get him to the doctor the moment that fever started. I'm learning some things from experience -- Don't delay when you have a gut feeling that there's an ear infection. Or you won't get any sleep at night.

I think one of the hardest things for Cam was explaining to him why I wouldn't let him near the baby until he feels better. But the wonderful thing about this kid, is he understood. He was just disappointed.

This new life

I was thinking about the new life we're living now that Cameron is a big brother. It's incredible how another human can change someone so much in so many little, almost unnoticed ways.

I had noticed the bathroom thing. He's getting up in the middle of the night when he needs to. He still is... It's been a month and he just does it. We never asked him, he just does it. When he wants to, he gets dressed all by himself. Sometimes he does it quick enough to not hear me pester him to hurry up. He doesn't complain when we get him to rush so he can leave for school with Daddy instead of Mommy. He can play by himself if he needs to... He makes up stories and pretends in fabulous ways.

Tonight, he was singing songs for me... It was so cool. When we were getting ready for bed, he broke into a song I had no idea he knew... And we ended singing: "I love you!" and pointed at each other through the mirror. It was cool.

When I hold Cameron's hand, it feels so wide and sturdy. I know it's because I hold Jordan's petite hand so often these days.

Cam still really enjoys my lullabies. I stroke his head when I sing to him, and he smiles this content smile... Like he really knows how much I love him... Even after all the arguments and fights. Tonight, we didn't fight about his dinner. He just didn't eat it. He understood he wouldn't get dessert and just dealt with it. That's another sign of his growth -- He's starting to accept the consequences of his decisions.

I miss my baby Cam. I'm so proud of my big boy.

Fun day

Cameron had a ball today. It was teddy bear picnic day at school. Cam got to wear pajamas to school and bring a teddy bear. They even got to watch Goldilocks and the Three Bears. He was very happy. To make the day even better... His Poppy and Grandma picked him up from school (They arrived today with Moma Dot and Daddy Jr). And the day continued to totally rock because it was so warm outside, we got to play and run around.

To make my day great... Cameron actually ate a barbecue sandwich... He didn't eat all of it. But it was great to see him take bites of something without crying or complaining. That was big.

A big owie

Cam woke up around 3am this morning crying: "Owieee!!" His ear was hurting... And I decided it's swim ear. He hurt on Monday during nap time at school. I put in swim drops into his ear and everything seemed okay until early this morning. Fortunately, the doctor's office was willing to listen to my analysis of the situation and prescribe him ear drops without him having to come in. How great is that?

Anyway. This morning, I asked Cam how his ear was feeling and he said it was okay. But later he told me his voice changed, he could hear it in his ear. Clearly, it was clogged up. Poor buddy. So he can't take swim lessons again until his ear gets better. I'm sad about that for him. But Randy said he may work with Cam later next week so he doesn't fall behind. Poor guy.

Swim lesson!

Cam started swim lessons today! I'm so proud of him. Randy says Cam was very brave... He really liked using a kick board and took risks he's never taken in a pool before. I'm thrilled. And from talking to Cam, he's proud of himself.

Big birthday weekend

Cam got to go to brthday parties on Saturday and Sunday. A swim party on Saturday and a standard run around and eat sugar party on Sunday. Randy took Cam to the pool party while I shopped for Sunday's party. I took Cam and Jordan to the party on Sunday. Cam was pretty good this weekend... His desire to fight control continues. He cried through almost all of church today. That was rough. But we're hanging in there. The best part of tonight: Cam and I sat together and listened to a fun CD that has a lyric book. Then later, during dinner... Cam, Randy and I made up songs together. It was cool.

Tantrum Central

I realize Cam has a lot to deal with these days. There's a new baby and there's a lot of focus on her... And not Cam. But all he's been doing is throwing fits. I swear, he cried more than Jordan today. I'm tired and I know my patience is low... So is Randy's. I feel terrible about it. But if he had his way, Cam would have spent the entire day watching movies. He is testing the hell out of us... I just wish that testing would not include so much crying.

Beyond the tantrums... Cam is picking up an amusing sense of humor. When we were at church today, he spoke out in the middle of the children's sermon and made the congregation laugh. He turns to the crowd and says: "Don't laugh at me." But you know he loved it. He also told his friend Camryn's parents that he plans to teach Jordan how to be funny. I think he'll be very good at that.

Space Grandma

Cameron had breakfast with his Grandma Lee one more time this morning before she left for home. She went downstairs with curlers in her hair. Cameron told her she looked like a Space Grandma. She went up and took it off. He thought she looked much better without the curlers.

He was also very persuasive when he was asking for his breakfast... He asked for milk, cheerios, yogurt... and an ice cream sandwich. It's like he thought he could sneak that in. Nice try kid.

More proof he's a big boy

For the last 3 nights, Cam has made it through the final step of potty training. He actually wakes up on his own to go potty in the middle of the night. Incredible. Randy was going up to take Cam to the bathroom a few nights ago when he found the boy was already there. No accidents since then. I realize I just cursed us by posting about this development. Oh well.

Some Christmas Tidbits

I just looked at the blog and realized I never wrote a thing about Cam's Christmas. I was uncomfortable and soon after the holiday, I went into labor. So, who knew.

Cameron had his entire closest family members visiting our house: Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Jon, Grandma and Poppy, Moma Dot and Daddy Junior and Uncle Barry. And the boy was PILED with gifts (as you can see in the picture). The amazing thing is he recognized and enjoyed each gift. He even enjoyed his clothing gifts. He never opened a gift and just threw it to the side. He thanked everyone, gave out hugs and admired everything. Gift opening took FOREVER! But we weren't going to stop him from being respectful.

The gift of the year: The Buzz Lightyear rocket toy that Cam has asked for since this summer. It's a smash hit. He still plays with it obsessively. He has a huge imagination and comes up with all kinds of adventures for Buzz and a little alien toy.

Oh. And the day before Christmas Eve, Cam was on a local variety show to celebrate the holidays. He was a camera hog and ended up upstaging the hosts of the show a few times. By the end of the show, the hosts even knew his name and called on him to give him a chance to talk. The boy ain't shy.

Wow. He needs to go to school.

Cameron has been out of school for more than a week. He's been consumed with family time and nothing is normal. And if he tells me NO over a stupid thing one more time... I think I'm going to lose it.

Here's the funny part.

Cameron's tantrums are loud, violent and upsetting (to him and I try to not let it bother me). Jordan doesn't react. Not one bit. Her brother doesn't phase her. It's amazing. Cam's going to have to work harder to get to her.

"I like being a big btother"

That's what Cam told me yesterday -- our first full day home with Jordan.

He's learning how to balance my attentions. I can't play hard, physical games. His tackle hugs hurt my newly renewed feeding abilities. Plus, he's been surrounded by all kinds of family members. We aren't in any kind of normal life pattern.

We return to school on Tuesday. That should help.

Where is the baby coming out?

Yeah. Cameron is starting ask very specific questions about the female body and how Jordan will arrive. Yesterday he learned the fact that I don't have a penis. Yeah. He asked, I told him I don't have one and that girls don't have one. He's been begging for me to show him. And I wouldn't dare. So we're in the middle of some very challenging questions for a Mommy and her 3 year old.

I'm hoping he moves past this phase. I'm thinking the actual arrival of Jordan will be the only way to really clear Cam's mind about this topic. Yikes!

Singing tunes and playing the piano

There's this new show on Disney... Maybe it isn't new. But we discovered it recently. It's called Little Einsteins. We TiVo it every day so Cam can watch it when he gets home. It's based on a classical song... just a piece of it and a piece of art... and the characters have an adventure of some sort. Cameron really picks up on the songs and he's learning words like allegro and staccato.

Pretty cool.

By the way... Cameron is moving into this phase where he thinks he can ignore us. It leads to some ugly scenarios. He also doesn't like it when I laugh around him. He says: "Don't laugh at me. I don't like that." And then he hides. He's also tried to totally screw up our sleep in the last couple of weeks. He gets out of bed, says he's scared, asks to sleep with us and cuddle... It's not like we've allowed him to sleep with us EVER. But we've let him jump in a little before the time when we wake up (or I wake up)... I started it when I was exhausted in the first trimester of pregnancy. But for some reason, he's tried to take it beyond that. I can't. I won't. And we're all tired.

So the addition of Cam's wake ups, my pregnant wake ups... and I'm a little closer to feeling the reality of when Jordan gets here. Sleep will be really screwed up then.

...And movies

Cameron finally got a chance to see Santa over the weekend. He was very focused during his time with Santa and told him all the things he wants: two movies and a Buzz Lightyear rocket. Very cute.

So tonight Randy was helping Cameron go back to bed after his latest excuse as to why he wasn't in bed. I always sing a lullaby -- it's sweet and I never change the way I sing it. But Randy sings a lullaby with a different song to it. Tonight he sang something about being good so Santa can bring him toys. And Cam chimed in with a tune and added: "...And movies!"

That boy just doesn't forget what he wants.

Giggle crack

You know, watching Cam watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas" is like crack... You can't stop, you want more. Every time Snoopy did something funny, Cam would break into the deepest and most fantastic giggle. You have to stop what you're doing to eat it up and enjoy the moment. It's wonderful.

By the way... There's a new challenge since the addition of the night light. Now he's afraid of the shadow the night light is casting on his ceiling fan. So he's sleeping with his sheet over his head. That imagination of his is in overdrive.

I'm playing with new technologies

I know this is not a surprise since I'm a nerd.

But I have set up an account on Flickr... It's a photo website that I started playing with in August, but just found a little time to play with it. You can see some of Cameron's recent adventures (which by the way, he pronounces: E-ventures) by visiting The Reeves Kids Flickr Site.
You'll probably have to sign up as a member to see the shots. I'm not sure.

Have fun.

Holiday season is alive

Since I keep getting larger and more uncomfortable by the day, we decided to use the weekend after Thanksgiving as a time to decorate for Christmas. On Saturday we set up the tree, put lights up in the front and backyard (white lights in front, colorful pepper lights in the back). We talked about why Christmas is important. After Cam talked about Santa, he asked when Jesus would come for a visit. I told him that his spirit is in our heart and we're celebrating his birthday. Hopefully that made sense to him.

Today we put the ornaments up on the tree. Cameron did a pretty good job putting ornaments up on his own. We also did a project to create presents for the family.

I figure, the more we do for the holidays early, the less work I'll have to do when all I want to do is sit and make a baby.

Funny moment I almost forgot

So Cameron was hanging out in the newsroom on Thanksgiving. I was printing the 6pm newscast scripts when one of the printers was acting up (not unusual in the newsroom). Anyway. Cameron walks up and says: "Do you have a paper jam?" I said that we could have a paper jam. He goes: "Where's the easy button?"

The director of the show looks up at me and says: "Did he really just say that?"

Yes he did.

I think the boy is around too much TV. We play often in the basement while Dad watches sports. Clearly Office Depot advertises often during the football games.

A day at home

I finally had to take a day off from work thanks to my nasty cold. So Cam and I have spent the day together. I was cleaning a little junk off our TV to help make way for our new Tivo when I discovered two checks from Cameron's birthday. That's right. Two checks from Cameron's birthday in April. That is so wrong. I'm a terrible Mom.

I know I've bought him cool toys and games that would include that money. But now I feel bad cashing a check that is THAT old.

Anyway. Cam took a good nap, and so did I. That helped me catch up on sleep I lost last night. Now he's playing with shapes from a shape puzzle book. He's been really into building and creating things with his toys. It's very cool to watch him in this creating phase. He's still not into drawing or learning how to write his name (which all the girls are really into at school). But it's great to see where he likes to put his imagination.

BTW... You know we're really parents after Randy made the ultimate sacrifice today. During a break from work, he trekked to Wal-Mart to buy some Leapfrog books for Cameron. 7 dollars each... I really wanted to take advantage of that deal. Randy was willing to sacrifice the insanity to get something for the boy. What a Daddy.

Too much pepper

Cameron and many family members gathered over the weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving since we have to work on the actual holiday. I cooked my first Turkey and didn't screw it up.

Randy cooked the mashed potatoes and dressing... Both had way too much flavor for Cameron. So he's been walking around saying: "Daddy put too much pepper in the dressing." We're going to eat another batch for a newsroom Thanksgiving meal, we'll see if Cam likes that version better.

I also got Cam to pose for his Christmas card picture this week... After doing a little computer work on it, I think it will work. I ordered a few more things for the holidays. That means I'm just a few gifts away from wrapping up holiday shopping. That's a good thing -- Since I'm going the cash-only route this year to save money.

Cam and I are building space guns with mega blocks (larger version of Legos) and we're watching the Thanksgiving parade. He's really into the balloons.

After Cam's nap, we're headed to the newsroom to eat holiday food and I'll produce the 6pm newscast. Fun.

Fun weekend for Cam

My cousin Christie brought her daugher Ginny to our house to have fun for the weekend. They drove 12 hours to get here... So we were very lucky for their visit. Cam and Ginny played as if they were friends for years. It was very cool.

Cameron and Ginny were very busy -- On Saturday, they went to the Mizzou football game. It was Ginny's first football game... And it rained, so the kids weren't on their best behavior (not to mention, the game started smack in the middle of nap time). But it was fun. We also went to a free movie earlier that day and went out to dinner that night. By the way, the second picture is of Ginny and Cam growling like Tigers in the stands -- Just like the Missouri Tigers. On Sunday, we went to a baby shower for me and three other co-workers. (Acutally, one woman was a co-worker's wife) The kids played and played and played. Christie made us an awesome dinner last night -- But Cam was sleep deprived (the baby shower was smack in the middle of nap time as well) and he was not willing to try a bite. That ended with crying and screaming. Not a very pleasant eating environment. But the food was good!

Cam woke up looking for Ginny... She and her mom left really early this morning to get home. I heard them getting ready to leave... But I didn't have the energy to get out of bed and give them one more hug. We can't wait to see them again sometime soon. First, Mommy has to bring our next family member into the world!

(by the way... this was my 100th post on this blog. that's a lot of talk about a kid)

Two stories from this week

Cameron is running around the house with Ginny, my cousin's daughter right now. They're so excited to be together. It's very funny.

Anyway. Two stories.

First one happened last night. Randy was watching Cam spin around in circles. Faster and faster. When suddenly Cam says: "I can't keep the pee in." Poor buddy. He ran upstairs to go potty (he was playing in the basement). But he couldn't make it. He made a mess in the bathroom.
----
Earlier this week, Cam and I were working on a feather for school where you write down things you're thankful for. After he told me he was thankful all of his toys and toys he hopes to own soon... I explained that Thanksgiving was a time to be thankful for family and friends. SO I asked him again... What are you thankful for? He said: "My family, my friends, my teachers and food." I was impressed. When we went to school, I turned the feather in (it's a piece of paper with a feather drawn on it, and you write down the thankful things on it). The teacher says: "Oh! That's what we sing in our Thanksgiving song!"

And I thought he was a genius. He was just reciting a song.

Where is your belly button?

Cam and I were talking this morning when he took a peek at my big baby belly... When he was shocked to notice I didn't have a belly button.

I told him I'd get it back when the baby is born.

He lifted his shirt up and said: "I don't have a baby in my belly... So I have a belly button."

I think reality finally set in... He now knows boys can't have babies in their bellies. I kind of enjoyed the earlier months when he told me and everyone that he had his baby brother in his belly and I had his baby sister.

I guess all good things must come to an end.

Leaves, leaves... Everywhere!

It's that time of the year when all of the trees are giving up their colors and sharing them with the grass.

That gives Cam and I the chance to play in the most simple of ways -- running, jumping and throwing leaves.

This past weekend, I raked up a big pile of leaves for Cam to play in. I took a ton of pictures. I'm including a couple of my favorites.

This morning, he and I grabbed our jackets to play out in the leaves before he had to go to school. There was some serious wind whipping through the night, so the front yard is blanketed with leaves. (Even though Randy worked so hard last weekend to clear away the leaves... You'd never know he did that if you look at the yard now!) We picked out our favorite leaves... Cam played with a stuffed animal in the piles. We ran (okay, I waddled) through the leaves -- kicking them up and chasing each other. It was nice. It's exactly why Fall is such a fun season.

Good boy again!

Seven straight school days... That's right folks... That's seven days with two weekends in the middle where the boy hasn't been sent home with a note saying he hurt a "friend."

It's a miracle.

Maybe we've finally moved past this "violent" phase.

(sigh of relief)

Camryn D_____ isn't here today

So, Cameron and his dad were walking out of school today when a little girl named Suzanne asked Cam for a hug before he left. They had their hug... And as they walked away from each other, Randy heard Suzanne say: "Camryn D_____ isn't here today."

Camryn is Cam's "girlfriend" who goes to school with him on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Since today is Wednesday, apparently Suzanne decided Cam was fair play.

These are 3 and 4 year olds. Don't you think that kind of behavior is a little strange... And amazing. Suzanne actually notices how Cameron and Camryn interact with each other.

Amazing.

I laugh at Halloween

So we survived Halloween. I skipped out of work to take part in Cameron's class party and school celebration for Halloween. The kids were so great. It was also fun to just hang out and talk to the parents. I'm finally starting to feel like I'm a part of the class -- the kids know my kid, I know the kids and I'm starting to really know the parents.

Anyway. After Cam's party, we ran over to the newsroom to pick up all my stuff (for some reason, I had convinced myself that Cam and I could leave his party early so I could get back to work).

We ran home to eat dinner with Daddy and a former student who was in town. Then we decided to split up the Halloween responsibilities. I took Cam out trick or treating in the neighborhood while Randy stuck around talking to our former student (and friend) and he got to hand out the candy. Cameron wouldn't let me go near the door of each house where he trick or treated. He was very good at saying Trick or Treat! and Thank you! Sometimes he was willing to drop the bucket of candy (which got pretty heavy by the end of our time out there) and strike a Mr. Incredible pose. Very funny.

I'll get more pictures soon. I think the coolest part of the night was how we got to light up our real pumpkins. That just looks cool. Now I remember why carving those suckers are worth the effort.

So this is the start of Halloween?

We had a rough day today. Things were going well until Cam woke up in the middle of his nap and did something that's so disgusting... It's not worth going into the details.

After interrogating the boy for at least an hour, we couldn't get an answer from him -- And now we wonder if he even knows what happened.

So we went to our neighborhood Halloween party... And Cam got to see his new Mr. Incredible costume for the first time. He planned on being Dash for most of the months leading up to Halloween. On Thursday, he decided he'd rather be Mr. Incredible. The good news: Dash and Mr. Incredible wear the same outfit.

He was good at the party and made friends with a couple of 5 year old little girls from the neighborhood.

The last thing he said to me before he went to bed tonight: "I love my supersuit Mommy."

Let's pray for a good night. I could really use it.

Am I going to be four today?

Cameron is fixated on turning four. I keep asking him when his birthday is... And Cam knows it's April first. But he keeps asking. I think some of his friends are turning four and Cam wants to join in the fun.

He had a bad day on Thursday. But he ended the week with positive comments from his teachers. So we have our bad days and our good days. When Cam's days are bad, they're bad. When they're good... We're all happy.

Cam is really scared of shadows and noises these days. He got all freaked out by the squeaks of the second floor while I was getting dressed upstaires -- Cam was in the kitchen eating breakfast. "Mommy! I'm scared! What's that noise?" I know Halloween is exciting, but I look forward to us moving past this holiday just so he can stop feeling so scared.

We're taking him to St. Louis tomorrow. He gets to hang out with his Uncle Barry while Mommy and Daddy go to an uppity dinner/awards ceremony for the TV station. That will make it two weekends in a row when Mom and Dad get to hang out alone on a Saturday night.

Who knew that could happen?

Success on the playground

Yesterday Cam went home with a POSITIVE note from his teachers!

He actually made an excellent choice in the heat of a moment. He was out on the playground with his friends. He apparently got mad at someone and raised his hand to do hit... When he stopped himself and put his hand down. A teacher watched it happen and Cameron got a TON of praise from his teachers and his parents.

I put the note up on the refrigerator to keep looking at it. He got tons of hugs and he even got to eat an ice cream sandwich!

I hope he can keep up the good work!

What a pose

So... I was downloading pictures from the last month or two... And I came upon this shot of the boy trying to look tough. It's kind of GQ, kind of Dash from The Incredibles (Which is who he was pretending to be in this picture).

Cam had another accident last night. We can't figure out how to put an end to this 5-6 am wake-up annoyance. I'm almost ready to have him clean it all up himself... It took me forever to get back to sleep. And once I did, it was really hard to wake up. And no one wants to be around a cranky pregnant mommy.

Anyway. Cam was really excited to go to school today to show off his new shirt (with arms that were too long!!). And he was extra excited to wear his fireman jacket because of the cool and wet weather outside. It's always the simple things that makes him so happy.

I can't figure this kid out

So Cam started the morning crazy. He peed on his underwear during an early morning trip to the bathroom... I helped him go back to bed. One hour later, he did it again. That's when we got angry. There was no need for him to continue coming to us with his wet clothing problem... And then he started screaming out of control. I pounded into his room, demanded he get dressed and put him back to bed.

Did I mention his grandparents were here and had to listen to the insanity?

Not fun.

So Cam was a loose cannon for most of the day. He had to go to his room and scream it out because i wouldn't let him watch a movie. But minutes before that, he'd been fantastic at the grocery store, and even politely looked at a little baby that I demanded he see.

We ended the day carving pumpkins... Cam went to a pumpkin patch last week, so we carved that one along with a big, big pumpkin from a local store. Cameron decided the little happy face pumpkin was for Jordan, the big pumpkin is his.

I'm going to be a good boy today

I called Cam this morning to say hi... He answered and told me immediately: "Mommy, I'm going to be a good boy today."

Which makes me wonder... What happened yesterday?

Actually, he had a note sent home to tell us about an incident he had with a "friend" on Tuesday... And Daddy had to institute the new rule: hurt a friend, dog or family member... lose a toy.

Hopefully Cam will focus more on using his words (He likes to yell: "Stop! I don't like that!" And yesterday, Cam and I discussed how we can walk away when someone upsets us... instead of hitting. Of course, he immediately walked away from Randy during an incident where Cam threw a toy into the Goldfish cracker bag. Who knows if I gave him a good idea.

Only time will tell. (Just like everything else)

Out of town AGAIN

I'm in Florida right now... And I'm sad... Because I got here and quickly set up my computer to see if it would work. It didn't, I got a phone call to meet people for dinner... And I didn't call home for the second time in the evening. And that worried Randy to death. I feel terrible.

I'm sure Cam was upset too.

Fortunately, I tinkers and spent more money on the web connection in this room... So I can get the camera to work tonight... And Cam and I will be able to talk!!

:-)

Busy weekend

Yesterday was the big homecoming parade and Cam had a chance to ride in it. I joined him in the trailer... While Daddy followed the float through town. We were all exhausted after that. Cam and I also enjoyed a grocery store trip and we made dinner for house guests who were in town.

Today we took an early nap and got to go to Cam's second theater show... Today we saw Beauty and the Beast. Cam wasn't so sure about it during a couple of portions... But he loved the big group songs and when we walked out of the show he said: "I had a great time!" He had a chance to sit in the second row and we got to say hi to all of the stars of the show afterwards. He HAD to say hi to the Beast and Belle... And at the end, he decided he had to say hi to every single person. I asked him if he was ready to go and he said: "I have to say some more hi's!"

This is messy

So... I'm thinking Cam is sick. I'd like to blame it on a sickness. But the boy has wet the bed the last three nights in a row. This past night, he was waking up crying out for me -- Which just isn't normal.

My second theory -- The thoughts about Halloween have spooked the boy and he's afraid to get out of bed.

So the big question of the week: Should I plug in the nightlight? I think he'll use it as a light to read books... And not sleep as well. But he isn't really sleeping very well right now.

Hmmmmmmmm.

Fun with Aunt Jan and Uncle Chuck

So Cameron's had the chance to hang out with his Aunt Jan and Uncle Chuck in the last two days. He has been a fantastic show off... But showed how he can play intently with a simple toy from McDonald's and eat a huge grilled cheese while jamming to jazz music at a restaurant.

He's finally getting good at going back to sleep after I've been out of town so much.

We did learn something the hard way this past weekend. Randy and Cam drove down to the Lake of the Ozarks to pick me up after a conference and then we went shopping for all of Cam's winter and fall clothes. Unfortunately... Cameron saw a ton of toys he NEEDED. So it wasn't very pleasant. But Cam scored a ton of clothes and Mommy was very good and didn't buy any baby clothes. We don't need any little stuff... It's amazing how much yellow, white and green stuff I have from when Cam was little. That's the benefits of not knowing what brand baby you're going to have when he or she arrives.

Cameron's gotten really into asking us to tell him stories... Mostly about Disney movies and fables. It's so funny when you hear him ask: "Mommy, please you tell me the story about _________." My favorite story to tell? I don't know yet. I think Little Mermaid is my favorite so far.

Woah... How old are you?

So yesterday I was rushing around the house before heading to work and out of town for another conference. (I can't believe how much I can travel with this job)

Cameron was fooling around with something, I don't know what it was. But I asked him to put it down. He immediately sat down on a stool and looked very sad. I asked him what was wrong... And he said:

"You never let me do anything."

Doesn't that sound like a teenager talking? It totally surprised me.

Daddy, Are Those Horses?

Cameron was walking by the TV where Dad was watching all of the day's football games... He saw the Denver Bronco's logo and asked his dad if the team was The Horses. Broncos, horses... Same thing in Cam's world.

We've had a weekend full of picnics... Or as Cam likes to call them: pick-a-nicks.

On our way to one of the picnics, we saw some neighbors who told us the kids around here are planning another Halloween party for the little ones in the neighborhood. So Cam was invited. He had to ask permission to go as Dash from The Incredibles: "Please I be Dash?" Randy says it's because Cam wants to be sure everyone is okay with his Halloween plans. (I really have to start looking for a red sweatsuit for that costume)

Anyway, we went to a nearby waterfountain to eat a snack... And then to a nearby garden where we stopped at many different locations to enjoy crackers and the leftover peanutbutter sandwhich from lunch. Today we enjoyed our backyard picnic with crackers and mosquitoes. Man, those bugs are mean.

Cam was talking to his Aunt Tisha about the new fence in his backyard -- And he told her it was a place for Jordan and he and the dogs to play. It was kind of cool to see Cam include Jordan in casual conversations.

Right now Cam is building cities out of blocks on the kitchen table... And everytime he finishes, he announces: "It's for you!!!" He tells me it's Jennifer City. Then he knocks it down and builds it again in a different way.

Stuff You Probably Didn't Want To Know

I just wanted to mention that this past few days Cam has battled an intestinal bug... And I'm only mentioning this because it's the first really gross health problem we've needed to deal with since we've been fully potty trained.

I know I constantly promise not to talk too much about potty stuff... But I'll just say this: The boy was so good about waking up in the middle of the night when he needed to go... Not a single accident in bed.

We're very proud. And really happy to have this health problem WITHOUT diapers. It's so much easier!

Hi Mommy!!

I had yoga class tonight so I didn't get to hang out with Cameron tonight. I talked to him on the phone and told him I would give him a hug in his bedroom when I get home. I guess that was a bad decision since the moment I opened the door into the house tonight, I heard him pop out of bed and run to the top of the stairs:

"Hi Mommy!"

He acted like we hadn't seen each other in a month. I got a huge hug. It was so sweet.

I talked him into going to the potty one more time and he asked me to carry him back to bed and give him scratches -- That's what I do when I wake him up in the middle of the night for an accident-proof potty visit. He doesn't have accidents in the morning if he has that middle-of-the-night pee break.

I gave him scratches and tucked him into bed... And then he attempted to stall his sleeping as long as he could -- Including if he could sleep in the bed with Mommy and Daddy... "You're bed is big!" Good argument kid. You're still not sleeping with us.

Toothbrush talk

Cameron's wanted to talk about toothbrushes a lot lately. Last weekend, we went to the store to buy items for health kits to help the many people who lost their homes along the Gulf Coast. Since then, he talks about people who have wet home... And their toothbrushes are dirty. I keep reminding him that's why we bought toothbrushes to help people who needed them.

Cam's even offered to let people move into our house, because it's dry. I think it's wonderful he wants to talk about the hurricane disaster and seems to understand some of the ways we can help.

He's a sweet guy.

Today he asked to write his name. He wanted paper and a pen to write. It's the first time I've ever seen him interested in focusing on writing. He was learning how to write the letter 'C' this week at school. He's getting good at it... But he's writing it the wrong way. It's cool to see him interested in that.

Oh, here's another story. Last night we shared a babysitter with a friend of ours. Her daughter got to stay here and play with Cam. They're good friends even though she's in Kindergarten and Cam's just starting pre-school. It's pretty cool. The babysitter put Cam to bed and he pulled his regular scams. But she was pretty sure he'd gone to bed when 2 hours later Cam tells her he can't read one of his books. She took him back upstairs to find a pile of books on the side of his bed. Apparently, he'd been going through a bunch of his books and "reading" them instead of sleeping. He's going to be a book sneaker just like his mom: I used to read books under my sheets with a flashlight and then pretend to be sleeping when my parents came into the room.

Working on our safety

So... Cameron is really pushing his limits and having a hard time controlling his temper. I talked to his teacher today and she says she's having the same problem. When Cam gets upset, he loses control of his temper and his extremities. He starts swinging in anger... Not thinking about what he's doing. We don't think he's hitting with purpose, he's hitting in anger without any premeditation. So his teachers are working on teaching Cameron ways to "keep his friends safe." Cameron became his teacher's "safe buddy." Cameron held her hand all through playground time while they worked on using their hands safely together. It's an interesting idea and I plan to use it at home as well.

So wish us luck. We're going through a challenging phase. And I think I know why. A week or two ago, I thought to myself abouut how great things have been with Cam when I compared the challenges we dealt with last year with all of his health problems. These challenges are different... I can understand why Cam is angry. Last year he was flipping out for no reason.

I have a couple of ideas why Cam is acting a little loopy. We've been so into the "big boy" transition. Here's just some of the things he's transitioned into in the last 6 months:
Big boy bed
Big boy underpants (okay that was about 9 months ago)
Pull-up free nights
Big boy chair in the kitchen (the toddler chair is gone to make room for a high chair)
Seat belts in the car (with a booster chair)
Pregnant mommy (and the belly is getting bigger)
Pre-school started two days ago

Heck, I even took the little toddler seat cover out of his bathroom... He balances on the toilet seat without it, so why keep it around.

It could be very possible that he's stressing out over all of these changes. I can totally understand that. I just have to figure out how to help him through this tough time.

Big day

Cameron started pre-school today. He was pretty excited and proud that he slept through the night dry... (I did wake him up in the middle of the night for a quick bathroom break).
So as we turned into school, Cam got really upset. He thought his new pre-school would be in a new building. But it was just in a new room. After I challenged Cam to a race to the front door of school, he gave up his anger and shock.

Instead of driving home like I normally do after dropping Cam off, I actually turned left and headed to work. I am officially a normal working person. Okay, probably not normal, but I started working a day shift today. 9 to 6... And I'm trilled. I actually got home in time to sit down for dinner with Randy and Cam. It was wonderful.

I got to give Cam a bath and put him to bed. Very cool.

I really missed you!

I got home tonight and Cam was pretty happy to see me... But he decided to go find his new transformer toy before he hugged me. Then I got monster hugs and kisses. Lots and lots of hugs and kisses.

I sat down to enjoy some dinner when Cam walked up to me and said: "Mommy, I really missed you."

Wow, that's sweet.

I gave him lots and lots more hugs and kisses for that.

We talked about how things are going and I put him to bed. When we wrapped up the prayer, Cam said: "Night, Dad." And he realized what he said and asked: "Are you Dad?" Of course I told him I wasn't. Then he asked: "Are you Jennifer Reeves?" I said yes... And I asked him: "But what do you call me?"

"Mommy"

At least he still remembers.

A REALLY big boy

Cameron decided to go to bed in his big boy underpants for the first time last night. We considered starting that this weekend, but Cam asked to do it last night. He's been getting out of bed often to go potty and Randy thought it was possible.

So at 2:30am this morning, Randy says Cameron walked up to the side of his bed. Cam asked if he could sleep with Daddy because his bed was wet. Bummer. So a late night change of sheets got Cam back in bed. I don't know if he returned to the pull ups for the second round of sheets.

I do know that Cam was ready to try again tonight. He's been dry every single day during naptime at school. I think he can do it. This has become Cam's personal crusade. We don't even have to push him on this issue anymore. Cam wants to master the art of being a really big boy.

I'm proud of him. I can't wait to return home from my work trip tomorrow and help Randy change sheets!

Rough night

Cameron has a long memory.
This morning I woke up at 6am to say good morning to the boy and Randy before they left for school and work (it's an hour earlier here in Canada). Cameron asked me where his big Buzz Lightyear doll was. I told him I didn't know (when actually we do know... It's hiding because Buzz has a hard time standing up and Cameron gets so frustrated, we hid the toy to keep us from going mad). I told Cam that maybe Dad would help him look for it after school.

And after school, Cam expected Dad would find it. He kept thinking about that ALL DAY.

So when he couldn't find Buzz, the rest of the night crumbled according to Randy. Cam didn't really calm down until 2/3rds through his prayer tonight.

That's rough.

Great traveller

Cam and the rest of the family went to Kentucky to visit family. It's so obvious that Cam is getting big enough to travel well. We didnt' even let him know we had the DVD player in the trunk as an emergency hush machine. When his Leapster ran out of batteries just 15 minutes into playing, he freaked, but he was pretty quickly convinced to read books. When I told him I couldn't read the books to him... He read those books to himself for a good hour. He colored and made up stories as he drew. He had toys talking to each other... He was making up games. It was awesome. Around dinner time, he made sure we knew he wanted "Old McDonald." (McDonald's for those of us who didn't know)

It was a relatively calm experience. Enjoyable even.

I guess that's why we're going to have another one... It will get dramatically more tricky with Jordan's appearance.

Please I sleep with...

So for some reason, Cameorn has suddenly discovered the joy of being naked. That's a little strange... Doesn't that happen earlier in life? Who knows.

Anyway... Recently, Cameron started asking to sleep without his pajamas on: "Please I sleep with my belly?"
So he sleeps with his Pull-Ups.

Tonight he tried to push it a little further and asked Randy: "Please I sleep with my butt?"
Daddy said no... Cam isn't ready for that just yet.

I'm walking around the newsroom giggling and saying: "Please I sleep with my butt?"

Cameron's baby thoughts

So since we know Cameron's new baby sister is on the way (notice the picture above)... Cameron has now decided that he has a brother baby in his belly. Last night he told me his name is "Baby Dad." Ah the brain of a 3 year old.

This morning, Cameron quietly crawled into bed with me after going to the bathroom (without flushing, he never flushes without encouragement) and announced to me very quietly: "Mommy, I went potty all by myself!" He was actually dry all night and earned another car... The first car in 3 days. We're very proud.

Her name is George

So we took Cam to the ultrasound today. He was interested for a little while, but started playing with a toy as the testing kept going on.

The big news is, Cameron is going to have a baby sister. He was okay with it... Not overly excited or anything, but he was cool with it.

On our way to school, I had Cameron practice the fact that has was going to have a sister and her name is Jordan. He practiced a few times and pronounced Jordan like "JOR-dan." I guess the JOR isn't really easy to pronounce. So we get into school and Cameron makes the big announcement: "I'm going to have a baby sister... And her name is George." I quickly corrected him to say Jordan.

Now that's funny.

We've done a silly thing

So, we're trying to encourage Cam to use the toilet when he needs to go at night. With the bribe of a hot wheels car, we've told him that if he's dry in the morning, he'll get that prize. Well, it's working... Except he's waking up a whole hour earlier. Yesterday it was 5:45am, today it was 5:20am. Today, I talked him into going back to sleep. That only lasted about 30 minutes. That wouldn't be a problem if he'd stay in his room and reed books and play. But he walked back and forth between his room and our room to tell me stupid things... Like how he had a dream about the Incredibles. No matter how many times I ask him to play on his own so Mommy can get some sleep, he just doesn't get it.

I'm tired.

Challenges of a 3 year old

So Cameron is in this non-stop whiny phase. We've been here before. I usually assume he's sick or over tired or something. It's just aggravating and tough to dig out once it starts. We know that time out doesn't work... But we want him to go away when he's so annoying. Yesterday I held him after time out, talked to him about how difficult it is to communicate through whines and cries. I was sure we worked past it and he started up again. Eventually, we started playing fireman and he got past it. And shockingly, a trip to the grocery store cleared up the problem. Most kids go nuts at the grocery store. My kid calms down. Mainly to get that promised cookie.

But hey, whatever works.

Cam got to go to his Uncle Barry's house this weekend. We went to the zoo along with the Overby's... Including Shelbe! He really likes her. And even though they're three years apart, they play really well. It was fun to watch and not have to hover over them. It's really nice to have Cam at an age where he can play and I don't have to worry every second if he'll kill himself. He did draw crayon on a glass table. That was bad, but he didn't do too much damage when we weren't looking.

The first LIE

Randy was on the phone while Cam ate dinner tonight. It wasn't his favorite: rotini pasta with sauce. He had eaten about two-thirds of his dinner... And he must have noticed Randy wasn't in the room anymore. He dumped his food in the trash can and put his plate back on the table.

Randy came back and Cameron played it off as if he had eaten all of his dinner. I guess Randy noticed the food in the trash can. So now Cam is in time out.

Wow. His first lie. Let the scamming begin.

All kinds of stories

There's all kinds of funny stories to tell about Cameron these days.

On the 24th, I took Cam to his first play. It was called: "5 Frogs and a Prince." Cameron was so engages and into the show. He loved the story. He'll tell you about how the prince was turned into a frog (his dad asked a fairy to save his son from drowning, so she turned him into a frog). He has a harder time discussing how the frog went back to becoming a prince (a princess kissed him). He keeps asking me if he can go back and see the 5 frogs and a prince again... He doesn't seem to understand that once a play is over, you can't see it again.

The next day (and the many days after that), Cameron has needed to talk to women carrying babies. He asks: "Did the baby come out of your belly?" She says yes... And at least a couple of time he's replied: "Oh yeah. I knew that."

This morning, Cameron told me he drank too much milk and he "hurt the baby in my belly." His stomach felt full... But he had to remind me of the baby. Yesterday, Cameron told me he had his baby sister in his belly and I had his baby brother in my belly.

Ahh. The mind of a three year old.

Belly Flop

It was beach day at Cam's school today. That means he got to put on his bathing suit and play in water. He loves that. He absolutely adores it. So when we were playing in the house this morning, I mentioned to him that it was beach day. Immediately, he decided he had to get to school. He started stripping to put on his bathing suit... But I made him keep the clothes on. He could change at school.

SO... After talking to Randy, the water play was a success. They had a sprinkler and it created a big puddle in his playground. That sounds fine and good... But that puddle was in the shredded up tires in the playground. That's okay... But Cameron and his friend thought it would be fun to jump from a piece of playgound equipment and bellyflop into the water. Not so smart. SO his teachers asked the boys to stop... But Cameron did it one more time in spite (that's his thing these days). When the teacher asked: "Cameron, doesn't that hurt?" Cam looked at her with a smile and said yes.

A tumble out of bed

So... We figured it would happen someday. Cameron fell out of bed around 11:45 last night. We were laying there in bed when we heard the bump. But there was no sound after that. I was waiting for Cam to start crying. We just waiting for a moment. No sound.
So we rushed to his room and found him standing there... About to get back into bed. He says: "I fell down." I made sure he was okay... He was just fine. He was happy. It was so strange.
We gave him hugs and kisses and said good night and he happily went back to sleep.
He ended up having a quick bathroom break before he really went back to sleep... But he was able to do that all by himself and just told us good night one more time. No problems after that.

Yeah. We finally get Cameron to a place in his life where he's reasonably self-sufficient and we mess things up and bring another one into the picture. We're silly, silly people.

By the way. On a totally different topic: Cameron can say the Pledge of Allegiance by heart and he likes to call eyebrows "eyegrows."

A McDonald's Disaster

While his parents are in Chicago... Cameron's Poppy and Grandma took the boy to McD's... Which sounds like fun for any kid who likes cheap little toys. But Cameron encountered THE PLAY AREA.

Sounds like fun right?

Not when Cameron got stuck at the top. There's a little bridge that is see-through and very wiggly. That's not so great for a relatively safe and worried three-year-old. Poppy had to climb up and help him out.

Poor Cam. Poor Poppy.

I bet everyone slept well last night.

Cameron's belly

So Randy just called to tell me the big news. Cameron thinks he has a baby in his belly. He says her name is Haley and he let Randy talk to her and then he let me talk to her over the phone.

Hilarious.

A farmer's market doesn't have cows

Cameron got a chance to visit a farmer's market with us over the weekend. He had fun talking to everyone and touching vegetables. (That's about as close as he gets to eating them)

Anyway. He kept asking where were the cows. I realized he thought a farmer's market is like visiting a farm. He just couldn't understand why there weren't any cows. So I decided to buy some burgers for dinner. That's about as close to a cow we could get.

Big boy bed

Cameron's room suddenly looks like a big boy room. We moved in a twin bed into his room yesterday. Cameron was very excited and wasn't very patient as we moved the big bed in and the baby bed out. He did a pretty good job in his first night. There was one moment when he woke up crying... But it's because he slithered lower on the bed and ended up sweating under the comforter. That scared him a bit. Other than that, all is well.

What a big boy.

Our reliance on technology

So I was out of town for a few days. That's no big deal. But the problem was I couldn't get enough bandwidth to talk to Cameron on my little iSight camera. Cam was so bummed. When he woke up this morning, the first thing he told me was the computer was broken so he couldn't see me in Denver. We've been so lucky to talk on the computer on all of our other trips. So this was actually a shock to Cameron! It's funny how lucky this kid is to stay in touch with us the way we do.

By the way. His new thing is to want to read a book with me in my bed before I officially wake up. It's very sweet. We cuddle up and read. This morning, all three of us read one of Cameron's new books about having a little brother or sister.

A Cook-Out!

We got to enjoy a cook out with his classmates this afternoon... After Randy and I went to the doctor to hear the new baby's heartbeat. I brought a sound recording to the park to let Cameron listen. He was really excited.

Cam has been learning about the Fourth of July at school. He told me that it's a holiday and it's called "Independensteak" instead of Independence Day. Very, very funny.

This morning I told Cam about his cook out at school... And he spent the whole morning using that word as often as possible.

By the way... he's acting less moody... So we're back to having fun.

A monster in my house

I'm guessing allergens or a cold changed Cam's mood for the last couple of days. He's whining, crying and dwelling on stupid things... Like how he wanted Cheerio's for lunch. He dwelled on that issue for 2 hours. 2 HOURS!

I'm hoping a little allergy medicine and a good night's sleep will help.

Randy's home and he's finally exhausted after 24 hours of travel. He mowed the lawn... I have no idea how he found the energy.

Baby talk

Cameron is excited about being a baby brother.

Last night I was reading him a book about the Berenstain Bears where the boy bear grows out of his bed and goes with his dad when they build a new, bigger bed. When they get back home, there's a new baby in the old, small bed. So when Cam went to bed that night, he asked me if his bed was too small. I said I guessed it was. Then he asked me if he was going to get a new bed and I said yes.

Then he asked if Papa Bear was going to build him a new bed... with nails. I told him I'd see what I can do.

Tonight I were were in the middle of our nighttime prayers when he reached over to my belly and quietly said: "I love you baby."

Wow that was sweet.

He knows

Cameron asked me: "What you got in your belly?"

I asked him a question back: "What do you think is in my belly?"

He said: "A baby?"

I told him he was right.

He stared into the distance for a little while and said: "Take it out."

I told him I couldn't do that right now.

He stared a little while longer, like he was ingesting this information. I don't know what comes next. I put him down for his nap. Maybe I'll buy him a children's book about babies.

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We had a great weekend together... We went to a really fun pool with Cam's friends Justin and Lily. We had a dinner picnic with Lily and his Mom in our backyard. Cam got to sing with his choir in front of church. We played with puzzles, we read a lot of books... We took really great naps. We miss Daddy... But we're hanging in there and keeping busy.

So Many Things

I've been so busy with vacation and our big family announcement... That I haven't posted much here lately.

If you don't know by now... We're expecting baby number two in the first week of January! Cam doesn't know yet, but it won't be long. We're waiting until he notices that big belly that's already forming.

Anyway. Cameron's been very, very busy. He got to go to Maine with the family and had a blast. His favorite things to do were throwing rocks and standing on the big tall rocks. We got to spend time with my parents and brother and meet my uncle's new wife and daughter. It was a great trip. We also announced Baby Z (yes, he or she has a blog too: reevesbaby2.blogspot.com)!

Cam's been really lovey with me lately. My favorite story is how we were sitting together at the breakfast table when he reached over and stroked my hair and said: "I like your hair."

I thanked him.
"De nada!"

Then he stroked my leg and said: "I like your leg."
I thanked him again (but with a bit of skepticism)
"De nada!"

Mind you, the de nada came with a really cheesy, lovey smile. We are clearly in love with each other these days. Man, 3 years old is so much sweeter than 2!!

What's Your Name?

Cameron's really into know what people's names are. He just likes walking up to strangers and ask: "What's your name?" Everyone seems willing to tell him... And he's proud to say he's: CameronLeeReeves. He says it so fast, it sounds like one very long first name.

He's very interested in my name. So I told him... Now I have a "real name" and a name that Cameron calls me: "Mommy." Fun.

High energy kid

Randy and I just got out of Cameron's parent-teacher conference. He's doing great... But we all know, he's very high energy. His teacher says there's times when she just hands him some play-doh just to keep his hands busy. Yikes.

But the great news is what we already know: He loves to learn and he's learning a lot. He's incredibly verbal... And just has times when he has a rough time controling his emotions from time to time.

The teacher commented on how we were amused when we were going through his files... He's not perfect at everything? Of course not. She said some parents get really concerned. We know the boy is okay. No reason to stress out yet!

I'm sweet too

So it appears that Cameron's new thing is to stroke my ego when I do something he wants me to do. Today, after having a battle over how he had to eat a bannana *before* he could eat granola... When he finally got to eat the granola... As I handed it to hime he announced that I am "a really sweet girl."

Goodness. That's very kind. But I see through his coy plan.

I'd Love To!

Cameron has had the chance to enjoy a bunch of babysitters this weekend because of graduation. Cameron tells me it was fun. He was able to scam last night's babysitter into letting him sleep with every single toy he's ever owned and leave the light on so he could play with them. Today he convinced his babysitter that watching TV for hours would be fun.

He's a scammer.

We took him over to a graduation brunch and he was amazing. Cam played by himself with a bunch of super hero toys that was at the house. He was incredibly social. When he went outside, one adult asked Cam if he'd like to play soccer with her. Cameron responded: "I'd LOVE to!!!" Where does he get this stuff?

He was pretty loopy because he was so out of his schedule this weekend. We also got word a couple of days ago that Cam can eat dairy again. So I had to get him ice cream this weekend. Unfortunately, I decided to buy some an hour before bed time. He got sticky, gooey and started complaining that the ice cream was too cold. So I put it back in the freezer for later. That led to a freak-out fest right before bed. I blame myself. But he got to bed.. Just 40 minutes later than usual.

By the way. The way I get Cam out of a freak out these days: I rock him in my arms and sing "Rock A Bye Baby" until he starts screaming: "I'M A BIG BOY!!!!"

Bad Habit

Cameron has a thing for playing with his toys at the dinner table. We haven't put a stop to it. The latest rule is no big toys are allowed on the table... After too many spilled milks.

It's hard to put a stop to an imagination.

He just tried to put Mr. Incredible in his rice krispies. That's not good. Hmmm.

Earlier today Cameron and his dad sang me happy birthday. It was very sweet. Cameron decided that since it's my birthday, it his as well. So we've been singing happy birthday to each other all day long.

I'm Nice!

Cameron loves me. It's the day before my birthday and he slept in until 8:15am. Then we went downstairs for breakfast.
He asked me for milk with a very nice please... And as I poured the milk he said: "You're so nice to me."

Gosh. Thanks! I feel so good about myself.

Sky time

Cam and I are enjoying the great weather out there.

Yesterday was a really cool day. We ran around in the backyard chasing after monsters. Then I noticed our front yard looked really great with all of the leaves. So Cam asked me to lay on the ground with him and look at the leaves.

We did just that -- looking up at the trees, the sky, clouds and birds. It was so cool. Then we started looking at the colors and talking about those colors in Spanish. Very cool.

By the way, Cameron's turned the back stoop in our backyard into a stage. He stands there and sings. When I clap he starts to bow really low as if he made a performance of a lifetime. Fun to watch.

Sticky mud

Cameron and I are hanging out at the kitchen table right now. Bubba is barking at squirrels in the front yard. I'm surfing the web while Cam plays with morado play-doh. Yes, that's right morado. We're talking spanish colors when we play with play-doh for some reason. Cameron decided his Mr. Incredible toy is stuck in sticky mud (or purple play-doh)

Nevermind. Now Mr. Incredible created a face in the play-doh and now the face is talking to Mr. Incredible. You never know what can come alive in Mr. Cam's eyes.

Cam woke up really early this morning... He needed to go to the bathroom... Then he spent about 45 minutes trying to talk me into coming into his room or letting him sleep with me. In the end, we got into a tickle fest in my bed while daddy got ready for work.

Not a bad morning in our household.

Funny things Cam said

Yesterday we were about to go to a friend's house. I wasn't sure if we knew where to go. So I asked Randy if he knew how to get there.

Cameron responded: "You drive like this:" And he held his hands up like he was holding the steering wheel of the car.

Ahhhh. So that's how you get there. Thanks Cam.

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Cameron was in sunday school eating a snack. Randy and I were talking to a parent when I asked Cam if he was ready to go. He said: "No. You keep talking."

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Cam doesn't watch as much t.v. as before. I decided to turn it off on our mornings. We play more... We mainly play with Incredibles toys. Anyway. He just looked at a TV and called commercials: "Commershinals"

Azul y Rojo

Cam and I went to the library this past week. I thought he might like to listen into story time. We got there... But he wasn't interested in the story time. He wanted to run around and read as many books on as many different chairs in the kid area.

The best part was when a little boy threw a book on the floor that was all about colors. I told Cam to pick it up and read the book to the little boy. So Cam sat on the floor in front of the little boy and said:

"Hi! I'm Cameron. I'm going to read to you."

He opened the book and said: "Blue. Azul. Red. Rojo."

Those Spanish lessons seem to be working! That's pretty cool.

Teenage years in preview

So we've had quite a ride lately. Cameron had his adenoids out two weeks ago. It's like we have a different child. He runs all the time. There really isn't a moment when he slows down. But we realize we're probably already getting a little peek at what Cam will be like as a teenager.

Here's an example: We went to the Earth Day celebration today. Cameron was so NOT into it. There was music to enjoy, games to play... But he didn't like any of it except for the popcorn.

Until we found two of his friends from school. Suddenly it was awesome. Suddenly he had Luke and Justin to play with. Suddenly they could share popcorn with each other. Hilarious.

It was also kind of nice just to be able to talk to adults. I need more of that.

Long time, no blog

So... There have been dozens of funny moments... And I've forgotten to post them.

Today is Easter. Cameron was very lucky and got some very cool toys... Including a Buzz Lightyear and Woody toy. He had a hard time at church because he couldn't bring Buzz to church (he says: "To infinity and beyond!"). Anyway. Cam immediately starting singing about Buzz with a tune created by the VeggieTales folks for its hero, Larry Boy.

Here's one from last week:
Cameron’s really obsessed with a little character toy from the movie, “The Incredibles.” He loves playing with Dash. One day, I sent Cameron to school but I had to take the toy away against his wishes... We don’t bring toys to school from home. It just starts fights. (My toy! No, my toy!) Anyway. I left the toy in the car and realized Randy should take it with him... So I put the toy in my purse to hand over to Randy.

But I forgot to give the toy to Randy.

SO, I get a call during a meeting. I answered thinking it was Randy... When a voice says: “Mommy? Do you have my Dash?”

I responded: “Oh no! Yes I do. I’m sorry buddy!”

“Bring it back to me.”

Very demanding little bugger. I ended up leaving Dash in bed with him when I got home. He was very excited when he woke up the next morning.