This Saturday was our last Little Gym class. Starting next week Cameron and her BFF Holden will be taking swimming lessons together. I'm toying with the idea of bringing Cameron back to the Little Gym in the fall but it's pricey - about $20 a class. The MBA in me is impressed with the business model for that place. In comparison, it will cost me a total of $30 (including registration fee) for 8 weeks of swim lessons at the YMCA.
I really enjoyed our time at the Little Gym and was impressed with the equipment. Cameron loved all aspects of it and she definitely showed off for her daddy when he came to the last class with us. The Little Gym does a "graduation" at the end of each semester where families can come and see the progress the kids made. It gave me an opportunity to take some videos...something I haven't been doing a lot of. So enjoy!
Here Cameron shows off her skills at the balance beam.
She did great with a routine on the uneven parallel bars.
To cap it all off, they had a little medal ceremony. Cameron is napping with hers...it was a hit!
Cameron got a lot of great presents for her second birthday. We ended up spacing out the gifts over a few days because there were so many. In fact, there are two presents still waiting in the hall closet. I figure we can keep them in reserve for when bribery is really necessary.
Here Cameron models her new hat and sweater knitted by her great-grandmother, Mimi. There are bunnies for buttons. So cute! Cameron is also modeling her "smile" when I ask to take her picture. I have a feeling that many of my pictures this year will involve an uncooperative child.
I saw this Elmo backpack and knew that Cameron would love it. My sister has written about her child's obsession with her backpack so I am not surprised that Cameron has followed suit.
A random cute shot of my munchkin!
We also got Cameron her first basketball hoop. It's one that will "grow" with her and it's a great outdoor activity for us as a family. Here Cameron practices her jump shot.
This video highlights everything that it means to be 2 years old. Listen for the "mine" the "no, no, no" and then the hysterical laughter. Plus DH got in a great shot.
I realize I haven't written a lot lately about Cameron's development. Our focus on illness and juggling work with travel woes has left me little time to reflect on her advancements. Just 2 months away from the age of 2, Cameron is already developing signs of the "Terrible Twos". Willful, defiant, constant mood swings...basically a preview into what we can expect when she is a teenager.
But along with the emotional ups and downs, Cameron has advanced quite a bit with her verbal, social, cognitive and physical development. She has well over 100 (we've lost count) words and is putting together 2 and 3 word sentences regularly. She engages in imaginative play with her tea set and taking care of her "babies". Cameron can kind of jump although she doesn't really get much clearance. She still can't walk up or down stairs without a lot of help from me or DH but we'll get there soon.
Cameron is getting good at saying "Please" and "Thank you." Needless to say, please was an easy one because we wouldn't give her what she wanted unless she said it. Thank you was a bit harder and she often says thank you to us when she is handing us something. It's very cute though. She has yet to master sharing and was quite the queen bee when we hosted a play date last weekend. Cameron regularly employs the word "mine" in when playing.
We have been using 1-2-3 Magic with time outs for the past two months. Cameron seems to like going into time out so I'm not sure it is having the proper effect. She does say, "No" when we ask her if she wants to go into time out so at least the punishment concept has sunk in.
We've been working with Cameron on her colors but the only ones she's consistent with is Yellow and Green. She can kind of count from 1-10 with some help. She can definitely say her ABCs as evidenced in the video proof below.
I know that development evens out for kids in the 3-4 year time frame. But I plan on pushing hard to get Cameron moved into the Twos room at daycare as soon as she turns 2. Given how long it took us to get her moved up the last time, I better start the process now!
Cameron's language development is phenomenal. I can't count the number of words she knows (granted, only DH and I recognize a lot of them) but she is picking up one or two a day. Just today she learned the word "match" when I put her hair in a ponytail like mine. She also wanted to match me by wearing her sweatshirt and sneakers. Too cute!
A few pictures from warmer days in October. Here Cameron feeds carrots to the goats.
As you can see, she loved it. She fed both goats and then moved on to the rabbits. I am pretty sure we weren't supposed to be feeding the animals but at least it was just carrots.
Cameron has also been obsessed with wagons lately. I'm on the fence about getting one because I just don't think we'd use it that much. She pulled her pumpkin a good 100 feet before I took back over.
Cameron loves animals. No fear, regardless of whether it has feathers, fur or scales. We have been reinforcing that love with an increase in her vocabulary. When we were in Hilton Head, I picked up a box of picture cards. I took this video of DH "quizzing" Cameron on the cards. It is in two parts because like most kids, as soon as I said something and she realized we were filming her she decided not to do it any more. Cameron either knows the correct word, sound or gesture associated with the 16 animals in the deck. Check out her hand gestures for the word crab. Adorable!
I don't want to brag but I'm pretty impressed with Cameron's language development. Now on to sentences! When can I expect that to start?
Every weekend it is the same story. What can we do with Cameron to keep her occupied and wear her out? I've been looking into a few options around Charlotte and stumbled across a place a few miles from our house called Monkey Joe's. It's $5.99 for Cameron, free for me and DH. There are toddler friendly sections. Here are some videos and photos from our trip there on Saturday.
One of the reasons I'm spending time researching cold weather activities is because it is hard to find places that are kid proofed, not too expensive and easy to get to. So for all of my Charlotte readers, if you have any other suggestions for activities/locations, please comment!
It took Cameron a while to figure out how to walk on the bouncy floor but she didn't seem to mind falling down all the time. A good thing because as a toddler, she falls constantly.
In the past week Cameron has shot up at least an inch. DH and I have both commented that we feel like we can actually see her growing. Aside from her gains in height, Cameron has also picked up a lot of new words. She's been saying Mama, Dada and uh-oh for quite some time. She's now added bye-bye, hi, more, ball, woof-woof, vroom-vroom and lee for Charlie. Cameron also calls Charlie woof-woof.
Cameron has gotten good at picking up after herself too. I credit daycare entirely for this one. If we're in a store and she picks something up I just tell her, "Cameron put that back" and she does! I have no doubt that this is just a phase but I'm glad of it. She also likes to imitate me while I'm doing chores. When folding laundry I take an article of clothing and snap out wrinkles before folding. Cameron will reach into the dryer and once she has a shirt or really anything she will attempt to do the same thing. Unfortunately this doesn't extend to actually folding the laundry but I can already see her doing her own clothes in a few years. Yeah, right.
DH and I were in stitches this morning with Cameron's dancing ability. I use the word dancing liberally. She likes to squat down and bounce a bit and sometimes throws arm movements in. It's absolutely hysterical.
I also saw my first example of Cameron engaging in imaginative play. We bought her this awesome KidKraft kitchen. It's not fully stocked yet but I put some cheap plastic bowls in one of the cabinets. Cameron took them out and pretended to eat out of them, complete with "yum" declarations.
Cameron has also learned (kind of) how to give kisses. She usually aims for the legs or a stuff animal. She's tried to kiss Charlie but he's a little wary of her still so he usually runs away. I kiss and hug her all the time so I'm excited she is close to being able to really return affection.
In talking about Cameron's progress with walking I equated it more to a gradual progress rather than a leap towards freedom. No longer. Take a look at these two videos taken 4, yes 4 days apart.
This video was taken on Sunday night after bath time. Hence why Cameron's hair looks tamed. The most she walked in a row was 10 or 11 steps.
This video was taken last night. For the first time ever Cameron walked laps around the first floor and didn't need anything besides herself to pull up into a walking position. Looks like it's time to really, really baby proof!
I haven't been very good about taking videos lately. It seems like Cameron does something amazingly cute or funny and once DH or I pick up the camera she stops. Take her picture? No problem, Cameron will totally ham it up. But use the same exact device to take a video? No way. It's like she has a sixth sense that I've scrolled away from picture mode to video mode.
But we were fortunate last week to capture two very cute clips of Cameron having a ball. Enjoy!
Cameron does a trust fall with Daddy.
Cameron is fascinated by Mommy's sleeve. This is the first time that we've heard Cameron make a full on belly laugh. So cute!
For years I have battled the gullible curse. I seem to have some kind of mental block that makes me automatically believe everything people tell me. Don't get me wrong, I love sarcasm and can usually spot it but if someone states something as fact I totally believe it.
When I was in NY recently at an off site the theme of the meeting was "flawless execution." To prove the point one of the executives showed the clip below as an example of what we should be striving for. Watch it, it's totally awesome. I was so impressed by this video that I had to research it more. And of course, I was disappointed to learn that it was all fake. Microsoft had their dirty paws all over it which is probably why they tricked me. After all, I did download Windows XP and look where that got me...
So, am I alone in being completely gullible? Do you think women more than men are susceptible to being gullible?
This weekend I stole a few hours to do some shopping for Cameron. It is so much more fun to shop for her than myself! Kohl's was having a great sale with some stuff up to 70% off for kids. I hadn't even been planning to go into the store (isn't that always the way?) but I had something to return and Babies 'R Us was very lacking in fleece PJs and socks.
As of today all of Cameron's 9 month clothing has been put away and she's been moved into her 12 month clothes. I love it because it means all new outfits for me to enjoy. Cameron could care less, of course...the pants are still a bit long but she can still crawl around with no problem.
Yes, she really is adorable, isn't she? No, I'm not biased! We've had to start putting clips in her hair to keep it out of her eyes. It usually only lasts an hour or two before falling out. But at least she doesn't pull it out herself.
Our friends, Pat and Nikki, sent along this adorable Adidas outfit. Cameron is ready for her professional sports career to start! As you can see, the squinty look has become a favorite of Cameron's when the camera is whipped out. She's quite the ham.DH and I try to present a lot of options for finger foods but Cameron always prefers her carbs. I can put a new kind of food in front of her and she will only pop it in her mouth if it is carb related. Otherwise it takes 6-7 introductions for a new food before she puts it in her mouth to try it. Then it is a 50/50 chance if Cameron will actually like it.
Despite her pickiness with finger food Cameron has always been fascinated with Charlie's food. One day, we let her indulge herself. Watch and enjoy!
I know I've said this before but I feel like Cameron is at that perfect infant age. She sleeps and eats well, loves to play with toys and isn't too mobile. So DH and I have been having a blast playing with our little munchkin. Here are a few videos from the past week or so.
Cameron and Mommy make up a new game.
The Tower of Daddy scared Cameron originally but now she loves it as readers predicted!
Cameron started "dancing" the other day. Too cute!
First off let me wish my wonderful grandmother, Mimi, a very happy birthday. I would tell you her age but she would kick my butt!
This week has been challenging for me work-wise. Lots of issues with my projects and lots of waiting around for other people to get their jobs done. So it has been absolutely wonderful to spend an hour or two with Cameron before she goes down for bed.
Cameron is now sitting up for a few minutes at a time. She still isn't quite steady on her own so I have piled two boppies behind her for extra support.
What I love the most about this picture is that it highlights the double chin. My little chunk monster! Like her daddy, Cameron is not a fan of peas.
Here is a video DH took while feeding Cameron. You will see two distinct favorite actions: the head shake and the raspberry.
As I mentioned in my previous post, we had a wonderful time in Hilton Head. It was great to do a little shopping with my mom and DH played golf for two days. I even got to sleep in one morning and had a facial! Pure bliss.
I actually managed to work out to the 30 Day Shred every day I was there. Aren't you impressed?
We had a wonderful photo shoot at the beach. Cameron loved the water.
Today you are seven months old. Can Mommy and Daddy hope that this means you are old enough to stop waking up at 4 AM and 5 AM?
This month was a busy one for you developmentally. You are rolling all over the place and have managed to move yourself across the room and spin in circles. I have a feeling that crawling is in your immediate future. In the meantime I've had to watch out for my computer cords. A million toys but you go right for the dangerous stuff. Daddy is so proud.
This month you also received a lovely present: your first tooth! Mommy had no idea it was coming in and decided it was a good time to do cry it out with you. We haven't been quite successful in getting you to sleep through the whole night (see above) but now you aren't swaddled any more. I think we all kind of miss that. Daddy is convinced that your second tooth is coming in any day now but he's been saying that for two weeks. I think you are following in the tradition of your cousins and won't get the matching tooth for a few more weeks.
While you are very close to crawling you are also very close to sitting up on your own for extended periods. Right now you still wobble a lot so we have to be careful not to let your head thump on the ground. If we can't catch you in time you just laugh and roll over.
I think this month you have had more smiles and laughs than the previous months combined. You love it when we swing you around or Daddy does the "Tower of Daddy" with you. We've also moved you into your 6-9 month clothing and we love all the cute outfits you can wear. They are still a little big but we have no doubt you will grow into them quickly.
This month you also got to see your Grammy and Bumpa again. They both had fun playing with you and can't believe how much you've grown up.
This month has also seen an increased interest in Charlie. You try to twist out of my arms to get to him as soon as we get home from daycare. Charlie comes over to sniff you and you love to screech and turn your face into my leg.
As of last week your new favorite toy is the jumperoo. You love it so much that when Daddy stands you up you immediately start bouncing up and down. At this rate you might be bouncing across the room instead of walking!
It has been a wonderful month and we can't wait to see what you will do next!
Cameron has been a rolling fool for the past few weeks. I turn around and the next thing I know she has rolled clear off the blanket and under the coffee table. While she normally rolls right to left she has no problem rolling in whatever direction gets her closer to a toy or some other object of interest. She has also started turning herself 360 degrees while on her tummy. So her head stays in one spot and she manages to swing her whole body around. What does this mean? Crawling is soon to come, I'm sure. I have a feeling she will be doing commando style crawling first (just using her arms) but she could surprise me.
DH is convinced that her second bottom tooth is coming in. I'm not so sure but her intake of bottles is down again so he is probably right. Cameron has also decided that 5 AM is the perfect time for a bottle. She usually goes right back to sleep but it throws my whole morning off. Anyone have any suggestions for how to get her to sleep an extra hour? Or at least assure me this is just a phase?
Cameron reads her book, just like mommy.
Cameron's hair is starting to get poofy. But I am a long ways off from cutting it, unlike A. Cameron starts a roll.
I finally caved and started posting videos through YouTube. Blogspot was taking more than 12 hours to post a 1 minute clip. Ridiculous! Here are a couple of cute videos to brighten your Wednesday and get you over the "hump."
We've done rice cereal one more time since this video and Cameron managed to eat a tiny bit more than the first time.
This video demonstrates Cameron's new skill: manic laughter. It's so adorable! She goes crazy when her Daddy plays with her.
Cameron has definitely chunked up in the past few weeks. I think it's because she is getting 4 ounces in her bottles at school. And because she is getting older. We have her 4 month appointment next week and I can't wait to find out how much she weighs! Any predictions?
Speaking of school, there has been a case of rotovirus in her classroom. To say I am not happy is putting it mildly. Cameron has had her first oral for the virus but requires two more to actually be vaccinated. The school claims that it's no big deal and that "every" child gets it before the age of 5. If that's true then why is there a vaccine? Has anyone else experienced this? Cameron has been fine so far but I won't feel secure until she makes it to the weekend with no symptoms. I've asked that she not be placed in the shared big toys (like the swing and exersaucer) for a few days and do tummy time on a fresh blanket. The director was very amenable to that request. Are there other precautions I can ask for?
Cameron looks like she is ready to be a wide receiver.
Cameron loves watching baseball with her Daddy. Look at that double chin! This picture is just because she is so darn cute!
Last night we tested out the exersaucer and Cameron loved it! I didn't think she was ready for it but one of her teachers told me she had a great time in the one at school so I asked DH to break it out of the box and put it together. About an hour later and a dozen triple A batteries it was all set. We have to tuck a blanket around Cameron to keep her upright but I figure that just means she will be able to fit in it for months to come.
I'm excited to see her explore this toy. There is so much going on and she can already reach for toys so it makes it more interactive for her. The biggest problem? It takes up so much floor space!!! So, how long will this new toy entrance Cameron? What have your experiences been with this and other similar toys?
Yes, my eyes really are this wide all the time.
Sure, there's some drool but it doesn't interfere with my play time.Somehow I got this huge double chin in the last week.If you stare long enough it will stare back. The "Tower of Daddy" didn't go over too well the first time around but I have a feeling it will quickly become a favorite.
Really, doesn't the title say it all? What more do we need for a perfect 4th of July weekend? Plus we got to watch Tiger Woods win the AT&T Invitational. Is it just me or is Tiger really, really jacked now that he's back?
I'm sure you are all more interested in some pictures and video of Cameron in her adorable outfit. It was given to her by my friend Ross and is appropriately red, white and blue.
Daddy and Cameron hanging out before we head out to a neighbor's house.
The hat lasted about 15 minutes. Just enough time for everyone to coo over how adorable she looked. Cameron is quite the talker these days. I keep trying to get her to say "Mama" but no luck yet! I think she will be more influenced by DH yelling at the Yankees...
I am an English major (well, really Creative Writing) who reformed with an MBA and started working in Technology for BigFinance. Along the way I moved from Boston to Charlotte, got married to a Yankee fan, and joined the world of home ownership. We were joined on 3/24/09 by Cameron Patricia who is rapidly teaching us to become parents. My interests include watching tons of TV (hey, I'm a child of the 80s), reading as many fantasy books as I can, lavishing attention on my super cute dog and husband (aka DH), and the occassional puttering in the garden.
