Happy Memorial Day! WOW - was it busy today.. ok.. not really. I slept in late (YAY!) and the boys had a bunch of fun with Dada this morning playing. We hung around the house most of the day. Camp got a new "Mawnmower" yesterday since his other one broke. And - he will not put it down. It has a bubble maker AND makes super-cool mowing sounds. It's his new favorite. Who can blame him? All I can say - that in about 15 years when he's trying to back out of mowing the yard - I now have evidence that he once LOVED to mow.. and will use it appropriately. We took an afternoon trip to Winthrop Lake to hang out and just be outside for a while. Camp brought his "mawnmower" and of course, proceed to mow as much grass as he could. And tonight - we grilled hamburgers and a hotdog - and corn. Camp ate corn off the cob for the 1st time tonight. He thought he was hot stuff too - he'd take a bite, then just laugh and laugh. He loved it - at all his "dotdog" and most of his corn that I had already cut off the cob - and then some of the corn still on the cob. He's so funny. I think it must be one of those phases - some nights he'll eat like crazy - other nights, he just doesn't want to do anything but pick - and it could have been the same thing he had devoured the week before. He was good last night about eating a new crockpot chicken recipe - he wasn't sure at 1st, but ended up eating it all. For some reason - he just does not like to eat when Jason and Andy are in the kitchen. But, once J takes Andy upstairs and he's got Mama all to himself - he chows down. Go figure.
Andy chilled with me on a blanket and laughed at the dog near us jumping in the water, his brother mowing, and his Dada making goofy faces at him. Andy pretty much laughs at anything. He's silly and so sweet. Once again, he brought out his big appetite for lunch. Had 2 jars of food at lunch (prunes and mango - what a combo) - and had quite a few bottles today. He goes back for his ear recheck on Wednesday. He's been acting fine - so I'm pretty sure he'll get a clean bill of health. He's making all kinds of very loud screechy sounds. Half the time, if I'm upstairs changing out the laundry, and I hear one of those - I fly down to see what's wrong - usually - he's screeching at a toy on his exersaucer. Never fails to make me run though. I guess after he's been doing it longer, I'll get used to it - but since it's new - man... makes my heart thud. He's also learning to pick up small objects. I put a couple Veggie Puffs on his tray yesterday - and he can rake them up and then get them between his forefinger and his thumb - he's even managed to get one into his mouth on his own! wasn't sure what to make of it when he did - but he'll get there eventually. We're also trying to inspire him to want to crawl. He does excellently with Tummy Time - and is really pushing himself up on his forearms - and started to kick his back feet - I predict in a month, he'll be really really close to crawling, if not already. God save the Queen (me). I'm going to be one busy woman once that starts. 2 to run after. sheesh.
I went over to my sweet friend Amy's last night and just hung out on her porch and drank way too much wine as we chatted until about 11. It was great to just hang out and be and go over stuff that's going on in my world and get some good feedback.. I'm lucky that I have really good friends in my life. Really. I wish they all knew how special and loved they are... so - LOVE YOU!

Well - as you can see - Andy Pandy had his 6 month portraits done today! Someone had given us a gift for the portrait studio when he was born - so we figured it was a great time! I put Camp's 6 month picture up as well. I feel so bad that I didn't have this online blog when Camp was a baby - so I think I'll highlight some of his big moments from his 1st year as I can.

Anyway - Andy is a star! He just laughed and laughed and flirted like crazy with the photographer. She loved the angelic one of him in his baptism gown - that she asked if she could submit it for one of the Walmart ad pics. Sure, why not - then everyone can see how beautiful my baby boy is.

Poor Camp has refused to nap today - so he's TIRED - but I think his teethies are just bothering him too much, despite the Motrin... sweet boy. He was excellent, as usual, in the store - And his beautiful blue eyes always attract comments and smiles. He's so funny because he will act as if he is the coyest boy on earth - but man, if you get to know him - you'd learn differently.

I had a good time with them. I love being out and about with them. They really are just sweet and wonderful and I love them to pieces.

The boys are doing well today. Camp has yet ANOTHER tooth coming in - poor baby. I know they have to hurt like crazy. Ugh.. I'll be happy when he's done with that for a while. He's still a sweetheart though - I'm madly in love with both my little men.
Andy is doing great! His hair is coming is so well - and it's sooooo incredibly soft and fine. I just love to pat his sweet head. He's aparently started with the separation anxiety early - if I leave the room - he is an unhappy boy.. sniff.. breaks my heart - but hey, I have to work, I have to clean the house - I have to do laundry.. LOL!
On a personal note - I'm more than likely not going to leave this comment up long, maybe just the weekend, then I'll be a chicken and take it down.. but on a personal note - i am not well. My poor family is having a hard time (though don't tell the kids) and well - I'm really really depressed about the whole situation. We're having to move - which means finding new homes for my beloved dogs, leaving my wonderful house, and upheaving my entire life.. but I couldn't keep up with the illusion, so in misery, we have to give in. I'm not at all happy. There hasn't been a night where I haven't cried myself to sleep and woken up sobbing in the last 2 months. I'm beside myself. But - short of a miracle - we just can't continue. So - we're looking for a rental. I found a possible right down the street from my sister. It's very small - but, on our budget, what can we do, right? I'm trying to convince myself that I am not the worst mother in the world, and the worthless human being I believe that I am - but it's hard. Really hard. And I am dealing with some old demons now. I just wish someone could make it all better.. but that's not going to happen. I get the feeling sometimes that the world would just be better off without me - but then I look at my kids, and I think about what they would grow up with. So, I smile, I laugh, I fake that absolutely nothing serious is the matter - when in truth, I'm falling apart completely. I hate this. I hate everything about it.

Camp KILLS me!! He's just now getting to the phase where he's trying to assert his independence, and expresses when he's displeased because he's not getting his way. I about DIED laughing yesterday morning because we wouldn't let him take his vacuum cleaner (our REAL Electrolux) with him to daycare. He just thought that was the end of the universe, let me tell you!! LOL!! KILLS ME! He's also into saying this "mama, dada, andy" over and over again - at varying intervals of holding the sounds.. so Mama may be mama, maaaaaama, mamaaaaa. It's awfully cute, let me tell you. He picks up new words left and right too. Elbow is another new one today.
Andy is still chubby - but what else is new. He loves his tongue recently - he's sticking it out at every opportunity! Today - he ate like a fiend too. He had 2 jars of food for lunch today at daycare! 2 jars in one sitting! No wonder he's my chubby monkey! He's also discovered his hands and thinks it quite fascinating to stare at them while he's taking his bottles. Also, very cute.

Well!!! Andy got baptized today! It was a really important day in his little life. And I was so glad that Dr. Tim got to perform the baptism - he's leaving next month to work in Columbia - and even though we haven't known him all that long - he has been very special in our lives. He also baptized Camp in that same outfit a year ago... awwwwww.. Andy did very well, and was gorgeous as always. Except when Dr. Tim was holding him to actually perform his baptism - Andy stole the foam covering off of Tim's microphone and tried to eat it. LOL!

My parents, J's parent's, Grammie, Aunt Gail and Uncle Bill, and Beth were all at the church. Aunt Shay and MP, and dear Jermaine came to the house afterwards. We had a nice lunch and hung out with everyone. Camp had a ball!! He LOVES to have people to play with. He was so sweet during church - just sat wide eyed and sweet. He is just a doll. Love him to pieces. He did have a bit of an accident though - he was running in our kitchen and smacked the floor with his face and got a bloody nose - poor boy. I felt just awful for him. He howled - but we got it all cleaned up and he was ok. Then they took a nap, and afterwards, we went to do a little grocery shopping.

Jason's birthday was this past Friday - the boys and I got him some cards, and a couple of his crossword books that he wanted - and his mom got him some shirts, which he needed. And I had a birthday cake for him today at the party. So that was nice. I can't believe he's 29 FINALLY - his last year in his 20's. Gonna have to plan something huge for him next year! I can't wait!!!

Andy had his 6 month check-up today! He weighs 21 pounds, 14 ounces, is 27.5 inches long - and his head measures 17.5... he's getting SO big! He had 3 shots - and did ok with them. I hate when they have to through stuff like that.. good thing he'll never remember it. I just can't believe how fast he is growing.
Camp had his last day in his pre-toddler1 class today. They are sad to see him leave - but a lot of his friends - one in particular - Gabe - is in his new class - so he'll do great. He's so funny. He absolutely loves being outside. He even says "out-shide".. LOL!

OK - so my boys are just cute today. Andy is doing MUCH better this afternoon. He had a great day at "school" as well - so I know that the medicine is working. YAY! He tried 2 new things at dinner tonight - the Ham - which he did NOT like and prunes - which he did. I was hesitant to give him too many of the latter - so he ate about half of his jar. The pic is of him looking an awful like Oliver Hardy (Laurel and Hardy). It made me laugh- so I thought I'd share.

Camp had a GREAT day at school. He will be moving to his new classroom on Monday - so he's been spending quite a bit of time there during the day. His daily reports are so cute. They have a smily face, a neutral face, and a frowny face by each item - such as, "I shared. I napped. I kept my hands to myself. I used nice words" LOL! He got all smileys! YAAY! So sweet. He was full of spit and vinegar when he got home too - just played and played.

I swear, these kids keep me going. If it wasn't for them.. I dunno. I wonder sometimes. But looking at their precious, cherub faces just lights my heart on fire. I love them so much. I hope they know that one day.

Andy Pandy turned 6!! Months old today!!! What a sweet boy. I picked him up from daycare and they said his eye was awfully crusty.. so we got home, I gave him a bottle and called the doc. I took him in and she said he has a double ear infection and pinkeye!! WHAT? He's not complained once! And - he hasn't run a fever, he's been eating fairly well - I am just astounded that he has such a yucky infection - and his poor eyes.. My monkey. She gave us antibiotics as well - so that was something good. My brave little man.


Camp had a good day though. He moves up to his next class next Monday - so they had him visit his new room today. He did really well. His daily report showed all smiles all the way down! That's my sweet boy! :) Then, when he got home - he took his lawnmower outside and mowed for a bit - as you can tell from his picture. Then, we came in and he had some grapes. He and Jason played and ate dinner while Andy and I were at the doctor's office. When I came back, he was just about done with dinner, so he and I finished that while Jason took Andy upstairs to rinse him off, give him a bottle and put him to bed. Then - Camp discovered a golf ball, took it into his bath, and is now currently asleep with his golfball in his hands.. I should have gotten a picture of THAT! LOL!

Charlie's birthday party was fun! Camp certainly had a great time playing outside with everyone - he was asleep in the car within 3 minutes of us leaving my sister's house. Charlie was SOOOOO cute. He just had the sweetest, happiest expression on his face when he had his cake. At one point, he was leaning down, sucking on the icing - soooo cute. He's such a beautiful little boy - he looks a lot like my sister, except with dark hair! My other sister, Ashley, had arranged with our favorite children's artist to paint a sweet picture for Charlie's room. It turned out really well - and Beth was very surprised. I thought it was really sweet.

Well, I suppose that's enough gabbing for one night. My mother will be here in the morning - so I need to go and clean my house before she arrives.. otherwise, I'll be mortified.

Ta Ta!

Ok.. so I was slack this week. Sorry about that my darling boys - but it was a busy, busy one for your Mama. I've been up most nights of the week working on various sewing projects, with the hope that someone will actually like what I create and buy them from me - any income is good income.
Camp had a good week. His right front/side tooth FINALLY broke through. Now he's got his 2 center fronts, and the side right - and his side left should be officially broken through any time. I hate when he teethes - I know he's uncomfortable and ouchy. I think this is why we have to go through all this stuff as babies - so we won't remember it. I still adore the way Camp says "Go Kah!" Ahhh.. a future Gamecock!!!
Camp also had his 1st official swimming lesson today. I was expecting us just to basically get in the water and splash around for 45 minutes or so. We got there, changed and stepped out into the pool area and Camp immediately began to cry. He was scared. So I picked him up - he *slightly* lessoned his complaints... but was making it clear he was NOT happy. So - we put our stuff down, met the instructor - Ingrid (very nice, by the way - English, I think). And then we gently and slowly got in the water. Camp complained for a bit more - so we sat on the edge of the pool until class started. I was impressed with the kids in the class. All around Camp's age - some had obviously been in the water quite a bit more than my boy - but some, not so much. Anyway - we started off by singing "this is the way we... wash our face, wash our hands, kick our legs, wash our hair" just to get the kiddos warmed up. It worked. Ingrid then showed us how to get them to blow bubbles in the water. Camp did twice!! And then drank half the pool. Then - the next task was to get them to the edge of the pool, have them latch on with their hands, and with our assistance, climb out. A little toy motivation was all it took for Camper. He found these little water balls and LOVED them. He was sitting on the edge of the pool and chucked them in - then - on the count of three - I lifted him into the pool and he went and got them. By then end of class he was jumping into my arms. Very brave. The only thing he did NOT like was the part where the kids had to be on their backs - I think it bothered his ears. After class, Jason picked us up and Camp was sound asleep within 5 minutes. Love this kid.
Andy is doing more and more every day. He's now sitting up pretty well - and putting anything and everything that's within his reach into his mouth. I think he has a swollen spot on his right lower jaw - and he's drooling a bunch more. He's also had a bit of a cold this week. Poor monkey. He's started doing blowing raspberries as well. Growing too fast. One thing about Andy - I adore his little smile. I think my favorite thing in the entire universe is to go and get him out of bed in the morning - and when he sees me, his whole face lights up and he wiggles and just grins. It makes my heart sing. I can't imagine my life without my little Pandy. Tonight, I had peas for him to eat. Let's just say - he doesn't like peas all that much right now. We'll try it again - but boy - the look on his little face - and the peas all over the place - pretty much indicated it was not gonna happen tonight.
Tomorrow is Charlie's birthday party. It was supposed to be last weekend, but Ford was awfully sick and running a fever, so Beth postponed it a week. Which is fine. It's actually really sweet. Tomorrow is Mother's Day - and Charlie was born on Mother's Day last year - May 8th.. how fitting that his 1st birthday party is on Mother's Day too. I think it's nice. I found a cute toy for Choo Choo - along with the other surprise thing that we're getting him. I can't say what it is - in case Beth reads this before tomorrow. LOL! But - I think she'll like it! I know Charlie will! I'm looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. And it's Mother's Day!!! I never imagined I'd be so happy just to be a Mama. My boys are gifts enough - they are all I ever need.

Y-M-C-A!!!!! Yep - as you can tell - the fam all went swimming today! It was Andy's very 1st time swimming - and Camp's very 1st time swimming at the Y in such a big pool!!!!
Camp was not really very sure about it at first. He pretty much clung to Jason and I and was very wary. It took a while, but he finally warmed up to it and started splashing and pointing and laughing. He's so sweet. What a cutie. His swim shorts are only about 18 sizes too huge - so they looked completely adorable. Camp ALSO learned how to say "Go Cocks!" today - sorta... it's more of "Go Kahhhhhhhh" (the gamecocks are our football team - we LOVE some USC!!! Especially since ONE day I will get my degree from there.) I love the fact that he is picking up on everything now. God God and Oh-Man are my other 2 favorites. AND the way he says Andy - AAH-Dee. I could squeeze his lips off.
Andy, on the other hand, loved absolutely every second. From the moment he got in the water, his legs just kicked and kicked. I took him out a little bit, and spun with him in my arms and lifted him up and down gently - and he just laughed and laughed. All smiles. A very nice woman commented on how adorable he is (he is!) and when I told her it was his very first time in the pool, she said, "aww!! A water baby! Hey Honey (to her husband) - It's his very first time in the water - isn't he adorable?" that was sweet - and a little odd - but still, sweet.
Charlie's turns the big 1 tomorrow. Beth had originally scheduled his party to be today - but Fordums is not well. He was up all night with an upset tummy and his ear was hurting him. Beth took him to the doctor this afternoon and he's got a really nasty ear infection and white spots on his throat (though he was strep negative) and a virus of some sort in his eye. Bless his heart!!! I can't stand when any baby is sick - but it's 20 times worse when it's someone I love - and I absolutely love Ford. Ok - I love ALL the babies in our family - but you know what I mean. So - Choo Choo's party is NEXT weekend.. which will still be very much fun. I think I might run a small present out there to him tomorrow.. you can't have a birthday without a present! Sheeesh!
I guess that's about it! Ta!

Andy had a big day today!!!! He rolled over completely from his tummy to his back tonight for us! YAY ANDY!! I can't believe how fast my little baby boy is growing up. Awwwww... He's also chewing on anything and everything he can get his chubby hands on - so I have a feeling that teething is not far off. I'm just so tickled with him - he makes me laugh all the time.
So does Camp! What a funny monkey. His favoritest human alive, Aunt Sharon, stopped by - and he went and got his golf club for her - just so he could show off his fine putting skills. :) He's also definately getting more and more independent every day. His new favorite word is "No". It was so cute - we were sitting at the table feeding the 2 boys - and we started singing the "God our Father" song - Camp folded his hands (sorta) and said GOD, GOD. LOL! Love him!!!!
I made a couple purses to have Danita take to the Fort Mill Festival this weekend - let's hope they sell. I could use the cashola. I'm heading to Columbia with Sharon tomorrow so we can help out my sister Ashley do the flowers for a Bar Mitzvah at the Capital City Club. Should be a lot of fun. Can't wait!! Oh - Happy Cinco de Mayo too.. I think having to listen to it ALL day today at work, I just tried to tune out the thought of it.

What a day. I am tee-total exhausted. Really. Completely worn out. We had a cookout at work today, and I was up late last night preparing for it. Then, I had to get up really early and go to my class at the Y - and my trainer wore us all OUT this morning. Yikes - so that exhausted me. Plus - well, without going into details- this has just been a bad week so far. Not one I care to repeat. Someone very close to me disappointed me, not that it was unexpected - but nevertheless, shocking. So, I've been dealing with that issue, and it stresses me to no end.
The boys are ok today. Andy took 9!!! ounces before his lunch today! I think that's the most the boy has ever consumed in 1 sitting - then he ate on top of that. Sheesh. He's sleepy tonight - and is currently in the bath with his brother - and he's getting tired. Off to sleepy land for him early tonight, from the sound of it. He ate carrots tonight for dinner with his oatmeal and LOVED them. Ate every ounce.
Camp had an ok day too. He didn't get much of a nap in, and he's a slight grump tonight - but everyone is allowed their off days. He's so funny. I got him a plastic golf set over the weekend from Walmart - nothing expensive - but he carries the clubs everywhere. He tried to even take them in to his school this morning. He's addicted. My father will be proud.
Well, not a lot for me today. I'm melancholy and tired - so definately not the most entertaining state of mind to be in for putting in a journal entry.. but what the heck. Life is not always exciting.