Cameron is growing...Milestones (9 - 12 months)

There is so much to catch up on with how busy our little lady has been...

9 months:
- 16lbs 10oz, 27.75in
- Your well-baby visit showed a concern of little weight gain (3oz) since your 6mo visit so we determined that my breastmilk may not be getting you all that you need so we started supplementing with 1 bottle / day of formula
 * Note:  I was so happy and blessed to have been able to nurse you for 9 months and just felt peace that I gave it all I had.  You cooperated and loved nursing but I could tell that you weren't getting satisfied and knew that we were nearing the end.  You started throwing fits to nurse because it just wasn't enough to fill you up so...supplementing was a great next step because I was still able to provide for you for another month!
- January 4th - while Aunt Becky and Robyn babysat you so mommy and daddy could go to Papaw's visitation, you decided to start crawling!  We were so excited to see you take 4 little "crawls" upon our return!

You and brother started crawling around everywhere together!

 

10-12 months:

- You began pulling up on things to stand and cruising along the couches.  Just as you did with sitting and crawling, we knew you would wait until you were 100% ready before you started walking on your own...it was only a matter of time.

- We celebrated brother's 3rd birthday and then you made the trip to Louisiana on the team bus.  Even though the trip took 4 hours longer than normal, you were an amazing little traveler and loved having all of the girls' attention!

- You absolutely LOVE bath time and then you can see what happened upon our attempt to let you feed yourself... MESS!

 

Overall:  You are such a happy baby!  You light up our world and keep us falling in love with you over and over again.  You and Alex are already best buds and I am so anxious to watch that relationship grow over the years.

  You and brother are such a huge blessing in our lives!  Daddy and I thank God everyday for trusting us with you both as we try to lead you in the path He has set forth!

  We LOVE you both with all of our hearts and can't get over the happiness that you each bring to our lives!



The beginnings of 2013...loss of Mamaw and Papaw

With the New Year, much heartache was brought to my life with the loss of my grandfather from a sudden heart attack on January 3rd while my grandmother went home to be with him and the Lord just 6 days later.  I wasn't a consistent blogger leading into the year but even less after their deaths because it was hard to even write out those words.

As May has now begun, I have felt a peace when thinking of Mamaw and Papaw.  I don't know if this comes today because it would have been their anniversary or if it's the thought of flowers blooming, sun is shining, and I'm here to take another breath.  I get the biggest smile on my face when I think about sharing the journey of life with Matt for as long as my grandparents got to share together.  What an honor and a blessing it was to watch them stay committed and completely love each other until they left this earth with God at the core of their relationship.

I miss them daily but because of a necklace my mother had made from stones out of my Mamaw's ring, I truly feel their presence with me constantly.  I know they are watching down and have seen all of the amazing moments I have experienced as a mother ever since their passing (more to come on those moments in the next post...). 

To Mamaw and Papaw,
   HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!  You my not be here physically but you are thought about often!  I love and miss you greatly.  I hope y'all were able to get your dancing boots out today as those are some of my best memories as a child.  Looking forward to the day we get to dance together again but until then the Lord has plans for me here.  Please keep watch over us here on Earth...
       LOVE Y'ALL!!!

Christmas 2011

Mamaw and Papaw with all of the great-grandchildren at that time (Avery, Cassie, Cammie, Callie, Carley, Alex) 

 



Mamaw giving sugars to Cameron

 

Christmas 2012 - our list time together with both of them 

Christmas 2012 - 4 generations of girls!

 

The gorgeous flower arrangment my mom put at the graves in honor of Mamaw and Papaw's wedding anniversary.

 

 

Though I may never be "ok" with the loss of Mamaw and Papaw, I do know they will love forever in our hearts and memories...



 



Our "Little Lady" - Cameron Auburn is 8 months

Month 7 and 8 went by so fast that I decided to combine the two!  Cameron hasn't slowed down long enough for me to sit and write up everything she has been up to recently.  Here are some tidbits of her last 2 months and everything she has been up to...

* You are the most content and happy little baby.  I thought Alex was laid back but you have given "happy baby" a new definition!  No teeth yet so your gummy smile brightens my day every time I come get you in the mornings or come to nurse you at daycare.

* Even though "dada" was your first word, you attempt to say "bye bye momma" when I'm leaving you at daycare.  You give me the sweetest grin because you know 'who' momma is even though you don't quite know how to make the word every time you try.

* You are still nursing 3-4 times/day.  You love to put your hand on my mouth so I can give you kisses to hold while you nurse.  I love these times that I get to spend with you.

* Sleeping through the night is still nonexistant but I really have no complaints.  Daddy and I are quite sleep deprived most nights but we wouldn't change those snuggle times with you for anything in the world!

* You think your brother is the funniest thing on this planet.  He never fails to make you laugh as hard as you can; even to the point of losing your breath.  Your favorite thing to do is get your fingers caught in his curly hair!

* You are showing signs of wanting to "go" but you would much rather jump up and take off running.  I don't think you are the bit interested in crawling; you love to hold our hands and walk back and forth instead of attempting to learn to crawl.

* You are absolutely in LOVE with music.  You wiggle and dance any time there is a good beat going.  I think it's funny how mesmorized you are by "The Itsy Bitsy Spider."  Anytime you are upset or fighting sleep, I can just start singing it in a low, quiet voice and you slowly close your eyes and start drifting away.

* You are eating about 3-4 meals/day now while loving yogurt and most fruits.  We still have not given you bananas just to make sure we keep your system moving!

We spent Thanksgiving at Mimi and Pop's house in Georgia where you loved the puppy dogs!  It was a great time with family as you continue to amaze us every single day.

I have started allowing some pink to slip into your wardrobe every once in a while.  I'm not going to lie, I really hope that pink doesn't turn out to be your favorite color but if it does, then I will support you in whatever makes you happy!

I can't put into words the amount of joy you bring to our family.  We are so blessed to have such a healthy and happy little lady!  I don't want you to grow up yet but I'm so excited to see how you continue to change in the upcoming months!  We love you and brother with all our hearts!

Family visiting!!! 10-20-12

We had family in town for Cameron's dedication and enjoyed a day at the pumpkin patch with them.  We loved having my mom, dad, sister, niece, Matt's mom, Matt's stepdad, and our nephew visiting for the weekend.  Here are some pics of the good times!!!

 Yeah, you try to get 3 toddlers to all look at the camera at the same time! Alex, Avery, and JR!

 Well, I finally got at least 2 of them!

 Alex LOVED feeding the goats!  We were cheap and just fed them grass instead of buying the food.

 Avery feeding the goats...

 JR taking his turn feeding the goats!

 More goat feeding!!!

 Avery and Alex watching the really big bunny!

 Avery as a pumpkin head!

 I LOVE that JR's face fits right in with the other pumpkin faces!

 The girls...love their sweetness!

 She is definitely our "blessing"

 JR and Pops playing in the trees!

 Love her...she's always making me laugh!

 Wagon ride!

 Yes, he spotted this tractor tucked away under a shelf from a mile away, so we drug it out and he LOVED it!!!

 Avery's turn on the tractor!

Pops pushing JR on the tractor since he couldn't reach the pedals!

Cameron's Dedication 10-21-12

I can't put into words how blessed we feel to have a church family to help guide and support us in our commitment to raise Cameron (and Alex) in a home that follows Christ.  Our daily prayer is that one day our children will accept Christ as their Lord and Savior and make the personal commitment to follow him.  We also got to witness the baptism of our friend's daughter, Marlee Mayhew, on this same day which was a full circle for them as they made this same dedication commitment when she was just a baby.
When speaking of "dedication" with friends, many have asked what is the difference than "baptizing" at that age.  I wish this is where I could insert Bro. Mark's sermon from a few weeks ago but I will do my best to explain how the Bible describes baptism. 
Dedication is a time used for parents to outwardly and verbally make a commitment to raise our child in a Godly home and the church makes the commitment to the parents to be there for support and encouragement.  The act of Baptism is performed only after someone has made the personal commitment to be a follower of Jesus Christ and is saved by accepting Christ into their heart.  Being saved can happen at any point in your life and therefore baptism is performed as an outward expression of what has already happened on the inside.

We were thankful to have our families here to share in such a special day and also being able to stand on stage and make this commitment with friends and their children.  My mom, dad, sister, niece, and Matt's mom, dad, and nephew were all able to be there during this special time.  Alex was able to sit in the congregation with them and while he doesn't understand yet what was happening, we will be able to one day explain it all to both him and Cameron.

 Cameron's information slide.

 Cameron was talking to everyone and was just so happy!  Telling everyone about Jesus!

 All the babies that we dedicated with including our close friends, Charli Bandermann, Emily Bowen, Cooper Barb, and Mercy Grace Stephens!

 Brunch at O'Charley's following the service!

Playtime with G-mom at brunch!

6 months already...need you to slow down!!!

Well, after trying to catch up a couple of weeks ago, little lady has kept us busy with her continued changes.  Here are a few things you have been up to:

* You are sitting like a pro!  You went from not wanting anything to do with sitting to no wobbles in a matter of 2 days.

* You LIGHT UP whenever you see brother.  You get the biggest gummie grin on your face and then start kicking and squeeling until he comes over and gives you a kiss.  You are the 1st or 2nd person Alex looks for in the mornings, usually after he is looking for daddy.

* You have started trying to "hug" and "kiss" when I pick you up from daycare.  It's like you get so happy to see me and it just melts my heart more than you will ever know!

* You have started take 2-6 oz bottles at daycare.  The 5 ounces just weren't enough to satisfy you.

* We love playing with your thunder thighs which is the perfect sign that you are mine and daddy's baby girl!  You definitely get those honestly...

* We have kept you pretty consistent with your foods since you are still loving to nurse...apples, pears, peaches, prune-apples, and sweet potatoes!

* You still enjoy a feeding in the early morning hours.  I usually take this time to just stare at you in amazement... I feel SO blessed to have a daughter and sometimes I just take a few moments to thank the Lord for you and Alex!

Words will never be able to express what you mean to us and the amount of joy you have brought to our lives.  We LOVE you SO MUCH!!!

 Aunt Loz and Uncle Kyle's wedding!

 Smilin' with daddy!

 Playin' with your feet...which you LOVE to do and also suck on your toes!!!

 One of MANY kisses from brother!

Ready to eat...

 

 

Your free-going personality and love to smile attitude lights up our life in so many ways!  I don't want you to grow up so fast but I'm excited to see what the next month brings!

 

LOVE you our "LITTLE LADY"

 

 

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Where to begin...???

Poor Little Cameron...she is going to look at these posts one day and wonder why I haven't written all about her through her first 6 months of life like I did with Alex.  Well, here is my attempt to catch up:

I can't put into words the joy, love, and completeness I have felt the past 6 months.  Along with all of those feelings has come challenges and struggles that having 2 little ones to care for brings.  There have definitely been more ups than downs and I feel so blessed to have a happy and healthy family.

Cameron is now 5 1/2 months old and here are a few tidbits about her and our family:
* You are the best smiler...your gummy smiles light up the room and you can put a smile on anyone's face!
* You know who mommy, daddy, and big brother are!
* You have the sweetest giggles and Alex never fails to make you laugh.
* Your personality is really starting to shine...you are extremely laid back like Alex was but you've been a good bit more stubborn with trying to figure out a schedule (more on that later).
* August 6th - rolled from belly to back for the first time!!!
* You were 10lbs 11oz and 22.75in at 2 month doctor visit and 14lbs 1.5oz and 25in at your 4 mo visit.  It's hard to believe you are growing so fast.  We love to squeeze your chunky little thighs only because Alex never had thick of anything.  You are in the 50-70% range for weight and height and we are loving every bit of you!
* You started sitting just a few days past your 5mo birthday... This was hard for me to believe cause Alex sat at 6mo and we were told that was early.
* You love your nuknuk when you are tired but really have no desire to suck on it otherwise.
* You are quit the cooer and love making noises and squeels.
* G-mom made you a red and black googoo to go along with the ladybug theme of your bedroom.  You absolutely love snuggling with it, sucking on it, and covering up your face with it when you're tired.  It goes everywhere with us and you even have a 2nd one that stays at daycare.
* You are very attentive to everything around you, especially Marley and Alex...you watch them and want to know what they are up to at all times.
* Your schedule has just now become 4 hours.  You started on a 2.5 hour schedule and then went to 3 hours and then back down to 2 hours and back up to 3 hours...phew, I'm exhausted!!!  We have always had you eat-play-sleep but this is the first week we put you on an actual 4 hour schedule.  It has helped with you sleeping from 8:30pm-5:00am more consistently.  Now we will try to stretch that 5:00am feeding out to 7:00am.
* You have started eating food like apples, pears, peaches, sweet potatos, green peas, and squash.  Your favorite are the fruits (of course) but you don't mind the veggies either.
* You like to stress me out with your pooping schedule...or lack thereof!  The doctor said to start with apples and pears to assist and they have helped for the most part!
* You are still nursing and loving breastmilk.  You nurse 1/2 a feeding at 5:00am and then the other 1/2 at 7:00am, fruit at 8:00am, nap 9-11 (even though you don't always sleep the whole time, 5oz bottle at 11:00, fruit at 12:00, nap 1-3, 5oz bottle at 3:00pm, veggie at 4:00, nap 5-7, nurse at 7:00pm, and then sometimes you get veggie at 8:00 but most of the time you are getting too tired and just rather hang out in your swing!

* We have made 2 trips to GA (for JR's birthday and for Laura's wedding) and 2 to Louisiana (meet grandparents and Papa's 65th birthday).
* G-mom and G-papa stayed the week after your birth and Mimi came for week #2!  This was great help and gave us time to get settled as a family of 4!!!
* G-mom and Papa have come to visit a few times.  They have just left after being here for 4 days while daddy is in Swaziland!  This visit is when you really bonded with  Papa.  You loved laughing at him and sitting on his belly...great times!!!
* You have been a great little traveler and love it when Alex talks to you from his carseat.

* You are doing great at daycare and Mrs. Christy brags on you ALL the time.  She also helps you paint and says you love it when she sings "the Itsy Bitsy Spider."

I believe that is all for now...
I will attempt to do better at keeping updates but I just rather spend the time playing with you and big brother instead of being on the computer!!!

You have brought so much joy to our lives.  Daddy and I feel so blessed to have you and big brother as our little miracles sent from above!!!