Boy Genius

Brian and I agree that within the last couple days Cameron has aged several months. All of the sudden he's like a big boy who understand us and responds appropriately. For example, I have been reading him this sign language book for animals for several months and besides panting when he sees the dog he's never done any of them. Then last night, he did EVERY one. Bunny- check, cat- check, frog- check. I couldn't believe it. He still won't do it on camera, but we all saw him do it.
He also follows instructions very well. If you say "Cameron let's go upstairs for bath" he will start up the stairs and then help you take off his clothes. "Close the drawers" is a favorite task of his, he is always helpful in the kitchen closing things behind me. In the morning he'll even go "get" his shoes and coat (he can't reach them, but he points).
This is not to confuse you into thinking Cameron always does what we ask. That's what to me is the most frustrating part of the stage he's in because now I know he understands me but doesn't do it. Like when he looks me straight in the eye holding his sippy cup and I say, "no, don't drop it" and then he drops it. Then replace sippy cup with food, fork or plate and he does the exact same thing (and now you know our meal routine).
Nevertheless, I am impressed with his latest developments and his ever expanding vocabulary. Just today he pointed to the door and said "door" for the first time and then I sang to him and said "la, la, la" and he repeated it. I know chances are small that we would get two genius children, but it sure looks like we did:)

Happy Valentine's Day

The kids woke up to some Valentine's surprises and got to wear their festive clothes from Grandma and Grandpa. They had a party at school and got all kinds of fun stuff from their friends. Our candy drawer has been restocked, we are so lucky that Addy knows it's something "special" that she doesn't get every day. Poor Cameron doesn't know the difference so why not give toothbrushes and a hand-me-down-car? 

14 months

Cameron is 14 months old and I swear there are days he seems like a 2 year old already. He runs (truly runs) and knows when he is being funny and talks a lot. He says "nigh nigh" and signs and says "done" and "more" during dinner. He is very opinionated about what books we read (or don't) but I'm just glad he tolerates them at all. He loves to torment his sister by taking whatever she has, especially her crayons or markers. He can spot a cell phone from 2 rooms away, knows the difference between real remotes and not real, and he can tell instantly if anyone is eating food and then you have no choice but to give some to him. I swear some nights he eats more off of Brian's plate than Brian does.
He's pretty much dropped his morning nap but is still sleeping like a champ at night which is great. He is usually a disaster after school and dinner is a real challenge, but hopefully that will get better soon. He still remains a true charmer and knows when to show off the devilish smile of his.
I just got a bag of clothes from a friend and realized that one of the pair of pants was for girls. I put them on anyway and laughed hysterically as Cameron walked around in his "dancing" pants and showed off his belly (and found his favorite remotes).

Surprise Snow

Last weekend we were lucky enough to get a surprise snowfall. Unfortunately I traveling so I wasn't there enjoy it, but Brian got some pictures of the kids in the snow. They even got to go sledding. It all fell on a Saturday night and was gone by Sunday, but there were still traces of the snowmen when I got home yesterday. 

Princess Adelyn

I'm sure every 4 year old girl has a certain amount of interest in princesses, but I'm pretty sure that Adelyn takes it to a whole new level. She is obsessed. She loves dressing up like a princess, she loves reading about princesses and she loves dancing like a princess. Here are just a few quotes she's had on the subject.

"I am not wearing long sleeves because princesses do not wear long sleeves."

"But if I take this off then I won't be a princess and then I will be sad."

"Let's have a play, who do you want to be? No, you can't be a princess because I'm a princess. You are the evil stepmother."

"I know that no matter what I will always love princesses."

On the Mend

Last Friday Cameron came down with a terrible fever and still had a lingering cough that was so bad it caused him to throw up. Brian ended up taking him to urgent care that night and it turned out he had a double ear infection. Poor guy. He was nearly inconsolable that night and Brian and I were reminded of our sleepless nights with an infant.
Luckily he appeared to sleep it off for the next two days as he took marathon naps and his fever broke. The antibiotics are kicking in and he finally seems to be back to normal. Now the new battle is that he doesn't seem to want to take his regular naps during the day so he is quite unhappy when he gets home from school, which makes dinnertime even more challenging than normal. Ahh, the joys of parenthood.

SeaHAWKS!

After weeks and weeks of "Blue Friday" preparation we were ready for Sunday's big game. Everyone was decked out in their finest Seahawks apparel. Unfortunately the kick-off time was competing with Cameron's nap so I stayed home with him for the first half while he worked on his 4 hour nap!! But I made it to the party for the 2nd half and it was a blast. Addy didn't care for the noise, but she rallied through, she's learning what it means to be the 12th man!