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.