Well- as you may be able to tell - tonight was a landmark night! It was important for 2 reasons - the 1st being that Andy had his first bath in his bath seat - and the 2nd - the boys took a bath together!! they did REALLy well. I wasn't sure how it was going to go - Camp was a little leary - but Andy enjoyed himself immensly. I think that after Camp loosened up and was figured out that it was fun to stick the foam letters to Andy's head.. he loosened up quite a bit.

We had an interesting morning at church - I had to work the Assimilation Committee's Ministry Fair - so we took both boys to church. Camp was grouchy!! but calmed down after a few minutes in his classroom. At one point, the lady who was working in Andy's room brought him to me because he was acting hungry, but wouldn't take the bottle - so I had to explain how he's very particular and has to have the bottle a certain temperature (HOT!). He took it after I warmed it and tried to fall asleep. Jason took the boys home after the service so I could stay and work the fair. Then, Beth and I went and did some shopping for Charlie's 1st b-day next week. I can't believe he's one already! And then, we came home and just hung out. Jason mowed the yard and Camp followed him from window to window, utterly fascinated. That boy just loves his Daddy. It was a good day today. I love my boys.

What a DAY!!! It was fantastic! My friend Alexa and her son, Aiden came over this morning. Alexa wanted to learn how to sew - so I showed her how to make some roman curtains for her sons' bedroom. Aiden is a hoot and a half! He's 3 and he and Camp had the best time playing today!!! It was great. Camp was worn out tonight - as you can imagine. Aiden was so sweet and played great with him. I loved it!! I adored having all the noise (good, happy noise) in the house. I adored hearing both Aiden and Camp screech with joy. I loved fixing them all lunch and listening to Aiden talk to me about the tractor at his Grandaddy's and how he got to help plant some corn. Really - I could have a house full of boys and it would thrill me to no end. Andy found all the activity fascinating! He just watched and laughed. At lunch, he was hungry, but exhausted. So I gave him a jar of Applesauce, and I kid you not - within 3 minutes, he was passed out in his bouncy seat. I kept him in the kitchen with us as we sewed - so it was a little more quiet. But you know, this kid doesn't care - if he's tired, he's going to sleep. :)

On the other side of the coin - I had to make the purse on the left as a prize for the church function tomorrow. I love it! I think it's the cutest purse - and the fact that I actually made it! Well - I'm going to have to make myself one - that's all there is to it. It was my very first purse. I think it turned out well. I hope whomever gets it tomorrow likes it. I do.. I guess that's all that should matter.

And now, I'm exhausted. So I am going to sleep myself!!!

Bathtime for Andy!! Tonight, Andy had his first lay-down bath. He's been using the baby bath - but really, truly has outgrown it. And he splashes EVERYWHERE!! So - in light of the fact that my sister has his bath seat that I've neglected to go and get (I'm slack!)... we decided that he's get to try it this way for a bit. He had a BLAST! Loved every second of it. He laughed and played and splashed and squealed. And he's SO chubby. Ahh... my precious boy.
Camp had a great day too. His beloved Aunt Sharon came by to play a few minutes and she blew him bubbles - he just screeched as he ran around trying to pop them. (Thank you Aunt Ashley for the bubbles!!) And, Jason went to get his new ball out of the car, and he was standing at the door watching - when he saw J coming back with the ball - he said "WOAH!" - except is was more like woehoh. My Southern boy. LOVE IT!!!!
Not much to write today. Went to the doctor about my knee - just said it was a little inflamed and to rest it and ice it.. no biggie. Dang, I can't get out of my excercise class - LOL.

It truly never ceases to amaze me what each day will bring. Today, my friend Dana buried her beloved Father, Wes. I went to the funeral - it was absolutely beautiful outside. The birds chirped, and the crowd was quietly moved by the serenity of it all. So, tonight I'm melancholy. I stood and watched my friend and her family mourn the loss of the biggest impact on their lives. I watched her shoulders shake from behind, her hand dart up to her face, and her sweet husband wrap his arm around her and gently stroke her back. I can not imagine myself in her shoes - I don't want to. ever. Though the remembrances were sweet, and touching and funny.. it's still utterly heartbreaking. I feel for my friend. I wish I could tell her how my own heart aches for her and fears for me. After the service, I hugged her and her mother. Such sadness. And as I drove away, I promptly picked up my cell and called my own parents, just to tell them I loved them. I tried my sisters too - but couldn't get either - and I called my best friend to talk to her. And of course, my Jason. All the people that I adore and love - I had to call them and tell them. I only wish my boys could talk on the phone.
On brighter notes - Camp is just doing more and more every single day. He is utterly hilarious. Tonight - he was spinning and singing in the kitchen while waiting for me to finish making his dinner. I walked over to him, took his little hands in mine and swung him around - he just screeched! He's saying more every day too - we're still working on please and thank you .. but he's getting there. Did I tell you that he calls hot dogs "dot dogs"? cracks me up!
Andy had a great day as well! His favorite teacher was with him all day today - so I know he got plenty of love and kisses all day long. He's eating 2 meals a day now, in addition to his bottles. I weighed him over the weekend and he's up to 21 1/2 pounds!! Good grief!!! When we got home this afternoon, I had him on my lap and was shaking one of his peek-a-balls for him - this one has a "mini" tambourine in it of sorts - he just laughed and laughed and laughed. I have no clue what was so funny - but if it started clanking - he just cracked up. He has the brightest, most bubbly laugh in the universe. I could dance on it.
Well - I'm signing off for the day. I thank God for all my wonderful friends and family - and I really hope they all know how much they mean to me. I hate that it takes sad days like today for me to make sure they know.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WALKER!!! My gorgeous (no kidding!!) nephew Walker is 1 today!! The party is tomorrow and I can't wait to see them. I'm hoping to get some pics - and I'll be able to post one tomorrow.. but it just makes me all sentimental when I think about Wah being 1. He was sooooo teeny when he 1st arrived - he was early too - but man, he sure has changed! He's bright, and active, and is just adorable. Wait until you see his unbelievable eyes... My sister makes pretty babies. I hope she has another one. I swear I had a dream about her last night and she was pregnant - but she told us on Mother's day? Anywho...I'm really excited for them. She and David are awesome parents.. I'm so grateful to have them and my beautiful nephew in my life..
So - today was interesting. We all got up early, and went to breakfast. Camp once again entertained everyone walking by with a loud "HEY!" He even tried to grab the poor waitresses as they walked by. oy. But he ate his melon, egg, bacon, and hashbrown - then more melon and some raisins.. so sweet. Andy ate an ENTIRE jar of bananas today at breakfast! Not only was this his 1st time having a breakfast - he ate the whole thing!!!!!!!! He's growing - fast! We're pretty much in 6-9 month closing - some 9-12. I NEED to try on his christening gown to make sure it actually fits! Yipe! After breakfast, we came home - I ran out to an auction they were having in town - but because of the rain, they cancelled it. Shame too - they had a really cute child's piano I wanted for the boys.. Then, I ran to Walmart. Well, maybe RAN is the totally wrong word. Drove slowly through blinding rain only to totter around Walmart for the next hour and a half... then having to come home and help with kiddos. I gave Camp a grilled cheese sammich for lunch - he ate a little, but was SO tired. So he went to sleep. I mopped the kitchen, did some laundry, and put away dishes before reloading it.. and then had to run to my hair appointment. I finally FINALLY got my manicure/Pedicure that Sharon gave me - I looooved every second of it - and my nails look so pretty. Course, I also got my hair cut - and Jason hates it, even though he says he doesn't. It was one of those reactions "well, what do you think?" and he shrugged and said "ehh".. NICE... well, there goes any hope of trying to be cute for me. I just give up..
Gave Camp and Andy dinner, and they are currently down for the count. We're grilling out tonight.
Oh - sad news. My friend Dana's daddy passed away at 1:20 am today. I am so incredibly sad for her. The heartbreak in her voice - man... I didn't know her Daddy that well - but I know about him and I know how much Dana loved him. It's just tragic. Dana is trying to be strong - but this is killing her and all I want to do is wrap my arms around her and just hug her. The visitation is on Monday night - so I am definately going to that. I may even attend the graveside service, if I can. I'd really like to anyway.. I'll pray for Dana and her family. I can only imagine the pain..

Cuteness in the morning! Got to LOVE it! So - Camp woke up all bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning. Got him dress and we headed downstairs to make breakfast - a glass of milk, cheerios and cheese toast. He said it this morning! The 1st time! It came out more like "thee toes" but hey, I'll take it - the adorable factor alone kills me.
Andy was the same way when he woke up - all wiggles and sunshiney smiles. He's a doll. I think we're going to start giving him cereal in the morning soon. He's sucking down 6 and 7 ounce bottles like there is no tomorrow - and eating a big bowl of oatmeal with bananas at night. We tried to give him carrots last night - he did great when mixed with the oatmeal.. but man - the face he made at just the plain carrots - HAHAHAHAH!!! Too cute!!!
Ahh, my boys - here I sit, at work, on my lunchbreak typing about my darling boys.. Can you tell they are pretty much all I think about?
:)
OK - so here's my Evening Update!! Andy is such a sweetheart! I swear - he really, truly is just a great baby!!! Tonight he started a new thing with his oatmeal - blowing it - I ended up with it ALL over me - but hey, that's perfectly ok with me. It's currently 7:33 pm and I just put him in his bed for the night.
Camp is saying new stuff CONSTANTLY! He's got "bye" down - and whenever Jason or I leave the room - he's waving and yelling it. So cute!!! He had mango as his snack when we got home! His 1st mango - he ate almost the entire thing! (I snuck in some bites too). And then he ate most of his pasta shells with cheese for dinner. But - after all that mango, I'm not surprised he didn't devour his dinner as usual. He's in the tub, at this very moment. I can hear him talking to Jason in his jabber. Non-stop too. This kid LOVES water. We signed him up for swim lessons too - so he'll really get a kick out of that.
Me tonight? Tired. Really tired. I've started this training class at the Y - 3 days a week from 5:30 - 6:30 AM! Yes folks - I get up at 4:40 in the morning and go to the Y at least 3 days a week. I really like the class and I'm learning alot about the way I should be working out and what's best for my body!! And - I've quit smoking! I started smoking again after Andy was born - 1st at work, then at lunch, then at night after the boys went to sleep (outside of course! Never in the house!!) and I've quit.. I don't want to keep doing that to my body - or risk my kids seeing me and picking up such an awful habit. So - no more for moi! :)
I had a review today at work - and it went pretty well. It was my 1st one in a supervisory role - so that was neat to see.. and I've been challenged with some great goals - and I can't wait to get started on learning all that I can.
Well - I think that's it for the day. I'll write more another time.
T

Not gonna write a lot today - just another Monday! Andy was so funny this evening. He was HUNGRY when we got home - so we gave him a 4 ounce bottle, then a ton of oatmeal and he passed slap out in his bouncy seat - with oatmeal all over his face. Jason managed to wake him back up and get him a bath. But then, he only wanted 2 ounces and then he wanted to go to sleep!! So funny. Squirmed and fussed until I put him down on his side - and he popped his thumb in and went right to sleep. My little sweetheart.. just has me all sorts of wrapped around his fingers.
Tonight Camp tried a fish filet for the first time. He loved it! Course it helped that he had "dip dip" as well (ketchup). And his mixed veggies. I'm lucky because he likes veggies SO much. And he passed out during his 1st book tonight. Poor little guy has 2 new teeth coming in near his front 2 on the bottom. His gums are so swollen. I wish they would go ahead and break through, ya know? Good thing it happens when they're babies and don't remember any of it.
Oh well.. it's late for me and I'm pretty exhausted. I had a friend and coworker, Amy, come in from NY tonight - so we had dinner and went for coffee. Love her too!!!
Nite!

HAPPY EASTER!!! I love Easter - I really do. It was Andy Pandy's very first Easter - and Camp's first Easter where he was actually semi-aware of the festivities. The picture is taken at my beloved Mimi's house in Columbia. I have such wonderful memories of happy Easter's at her home - and I hope my children's memories will be just as wonderful.

AND - Happy Birthday to my absolutely terrific best friend Sharon!!!! She's 29 and holding today!! (Shay - if you ever read this - you will ALWAYS be 29 in my postings.. no matter what!)I called and left her a voicemail. I hope she's had a faboo day. I know she was going to have lunch with her family and her darling boyfriend.. I hope she's had a great day! She's amazing and wonderful and talented and very pretty - I should hate her endlessly - but I can't!!!! You see those movies about those women that have remained friends through there entire lives - well - that's Shay and I. I'm lucky - I have a few women in my life who I just know will always be there.. and Shay is one.

The day started well for us! Andy slept until 6:30!!! YAY!!! I love when he sleeps ALL NIGHT. It's finally becoming more and more frequent. Which is such a wonderful thing. Camp got up around 7 - and we all had breakfast. Lo and Behold - the Easter Bunny came for the boys. Camp got some candy, a bunny that hops across the table (when you pull on it's pull-string), a Hollow Easter Bunny, and - his very 1st Matchox car! It was a yellow Plymouth something or other. Jason liked it - and Camp sure did. He would not put it down. It has officially begun. Andy had a basket with some plastic eggs in the shapes of balls - football, soccer, etc - and he has a new stuffed bunny that says "my 1st Easter" on it - it's yellow and white. Course, next year - he'll get HIS first matchbox car - but it's way way too early for that.

We all went to church this morning. It was packed. We dropped the boys off in their classrooms - and Jason and I were helping with the 3 year old nursery room. Good thing - as there were 16 kids today! Wowser! I like helping with the 3 year olds - they're so funny. We read, and did puzzles, and had snacks. And best of all - my sweet, precious, nephew Ford got to be in the room too! He's 3 and a half. I could eat him up he's so sweet. He played really well with the other kids - even when some child kept taking the dinosaur he was playing with. I am very proud of him. Not only is he brilliant and handsome - but he's such a sweet boy too. Our family is very lucky.

Then - after church, we all packed off to Columbia. My grandparents are getting so old. It breaks my heart to see them getting that way. I think back when we used to play with them - and go to the beach with them - and man - they were so lively and energetic - and we did everything with them. And now - time.. marches on - and it's just sad to think about. At one point, my Grandaddy was in his recliner, leaning to one side so his arm was off the far edge so he could pet his dog- and the expression on his face, and how ridgid his body was in that position. It just made me view the inevitable right then and there. I know what he'll look like when he dies - I saw it today. And it broke my heart. I got up and kissed him on the cheek and told him I loved him. Which I do, very much. I've never understood much about his life - I know he was an orphan - and he was given up for adoption during the depression. He was also in the Military. But - how sad is it that I know so little about the rest of his life. I need to fix that asap.

My Mimi - whom I want to grow up and be just like - is terrific. She's old too, now. But she's so sweet and always smiles at me and has the most affectionate look in her eyes when she does. I just want to reach out and pick her up and put her in my pocket. I think she's proud of my boys - she thinks they are sweet, I think. She repeats herself alot, and is not in the best of health anymore - her alzheimers is wearing on her too - but I love this woman. Very much. I really do want to grow up and be a lot like her.. or at least the her that my memories are of. She's amazing.

So - now back from the tangent.. We saw a lot of the family today - my cousin Mark and his wife Trisha and their beautiful son, Evan. (he's got the most gorgeous dark curls). My cousin Andy (whom my son is named after). My cousin Ginny and her handsome new hubby Bubba. And of course, sister Beth and Will with Ford and Charlie. And my other sister Ashley, her hubby David and their gorgeous son Walker. I hadn't seen "Wa" in a LONG time - he's gotten HUGE - and BLONDE! When did that happen. He'll be 1 this coming Saturday. My Mama and Daddy, Mimi and Grandaddy and my Aunt Gail and her husband Bill - who I consider my Uncle. They've not been married but more than a couple years - but it seems like he's just been part of our family forever. I really adore him. And he treats my aunt well - which is the most important thing. I love my family. All of them. Maybe they just don't realize how much - but each one just plays such a roll in my life, quiet though it may be.. but significant.

We had lunch, Camp and Ford played in the yard with the spigot (it doesn't take much to entertain toddlers). Andy just kind of hung out and looked chubby and cute - which he is. We left Cola about 4:15 and came home. Jason mowed most of the yard, before the lawn mower died, then we fed and bathed the boys and put them to bed. It's now 8:15 ... and I'm WIPED! LOL! Sad, sad, sad. Oh well - still have to clean the downstairs, or at least make it look decent, wash bottles and RELAX a bit.. ya know? Anyway - my life is boring - but I don't care. It's my life, and I love 98% of it. (ok - make me really skinny and rich, then we'll be at 100%).

Aww- what sweeties I have in my 2 boys. Today, Camp had a class party for Easter. So Jason took off early to go and play with him - then he picked up Andy too and brought them to work to see me. I love when they do that. And I had them in matching outfits too. So sweet. Everyone just says how beautiful they are - and how they are so chubby and sweet and happy. And it's true. I am proud, can you tell? Then, when we got home - I fed Andy and Camp was playing with his ball - his soccer ball. He loves that thing. And then Andy went into his exersaucer. Camp brought him his stuffed ducky that their Aunt Sharon gave to Andy and was trying to play with his baby brother. I'm telling ya - this kid knows exactly how to wrap me around his finger. He was all bubbles and laughter at Muzak. And he got to play with his favorite play-person, Mr. Grey, whom he promptly knocked in the head a bunch of times with a hard, plastic car. Poor Grey. Tonight - we're just going to hang out and be a family. And tomorrow, I took the day off to be with the boys, since they are off too. Should be FUN! I love it. I wish I could stay home all the time with them. Maybe we SHOULD downsize our house. Find an older home and make it our own... hrm.. options, options.

Day one in the life of Boys

Well...
This is new and interesting. My friend Amy got me started on writing a blog - how cool is THIS? I keep a diary for each of my 2 boys.. but now I had an online place, just for ME! Maybe I should introduce myself, or something.

Well - I'm a Mama. 31, married - and have my 2 precious boys - Camp and Andy. Camp is a family name - short for Campbell, and Andy is short for Andrew- after a beloved cousin of mine. I also own a slew of dogs and cats, and work full time. Yes - I stay very busy.
Now - a little about my two sons. I struggled for years with infertility. So, after shots, and IUD's and all that fun, I decided to have Gastric Bypass in July 03. I have PCOS - so that makes me insulin restistant and more apt to gain weight - which makes me me insulin resistant, and so on..
Anyway - I had the surgery adn lost a lot of weight - 100 pounds in 6 months. So in Feb 04, my Reproductive Endocrinologist decided to try 1 cycle to see how my new improved body reacted to the Gonal-F. Well - in November, Camp was born. I can't tell you how very amazing that felt. to have miscarriages, and finally, finally have my miracle boy - wow. Then, in March of 05.. I was feeling SO tired all the time. I wasn't even late, but I decided to test - why the heck not? And sure enough - PG! Andy was born in November as well. They are 1 year and 9 days apart.

My boys - I can't even describe. Camp is active, and vivacious and stubborn and smart. He absolutely loves to entertain whomever will watch and play. He loves to laugh. His newest trick is to "tickle" people. So - he sticks out his pointer finger and pokes you - and then cracks himself up in the process. Sweet, silly boy. His smile lights up my world.
Andy is my happy, chubby baby. He's so laid back and just loves to coo and talk and smile. Today, after we got home, I had him playing in his bouncey seat, and he just starts running. LOL! I don't know where he was going - but hey - he was running. And laughing. He's got a bit of a cold right now - so that makes him all stuffy.. poor monkey. But my favorite thing about Andy is that he's just so happy. And he's SO chubby. He'll be 5 months old on the 15th - and we had him weighed at the dr. office yesterday - and he's 19.8 pounds. WOW. Big boy.

I'm married to Jason - I love him deeply. We just celebrated our 6th anniversary this past Saturday. Amazing how fast time flies. 10 years together, 6 years married. unreal. And for the most part, we've been very happy. I think I fall in love with him all over again when I see him holding and playing one of the boys. So sweet. And how he takes my hands when we're driving, and just holds them.

The other thing that's going on in our household - my beloved cat Niles is missing. My parents came up to babysit the boys for the night on our anniversary, and they let Niles out. He's an indoor only kitty - and he's been missing ever since. I can't stand it. I just wish I could see him again and hold him and hug him and see his sweet little face looking expectantly, and his sweet little meow. I keep dreaming about him. I wish I knew. I miss him.