Lessons Learned

To Preface-Tonight was a tough night...at one point in time the majority of our house was in tears. A parent, who shall remain nameless, was overheard saying "Lord give me patience or wine but you can't leave me with neither!" These nights are rare thankfully.

But it was because of this tough night that I was sitting in Camren's room rocking her to sleep so that I could feed her (yes, that is a little backwards!) that I sat there thinking...thinking about myself, my kids, my husband, who I am as Mom (or Bobpy as Jax says) and what that's taught me.

Jaxon has taught me flexibility (yes Mom and Beth...I have learned this!). He has also taught me to laugh until I cry. Other things I've learned from my Big Boy--car dancing can cure any kind of bad mood. Sometimes a grilled cheese is all it takes to make a person happy. He's taught me to watch-really pay attention-to what I say and how to stand my ground (stubborn little boy!) or when to let go. Anything that I was ever proud of will NEVER compare to how proud I am to hear him call my name, kiss his sister or do the happy dance when Daddy gets home. Jax has taught me that I am stronger than I ever believed I could be and to love harder than I ever thought possible.

Camren--my sweet girl. Cam's taught me that it's possible to cry until you laugh. That all pain is bearable if you smile...a really big cheesy smile. She has taught me that I am a fighter for my children--no rules, gloves off, eye-gouging, get outta this Mama's way Fighter. Little's has taught me to trust my Mommy-instincts. That sometimes a really good giggle followed by an equally good cuddle are enough to get through a day (who needs to eat right Cam?)

Both of my adorable offspring have taught me that while I am strong, everyone needs help and parenting is a team sport! Everyday they teach me that my Love for them will get big...bigger than I can fathom, bigger than sometimes fits in my body...Big. I look at the world differently, at people and children differently. And while I may still not be a model citizen (I spit gum out of my window today) the most attentive friend (there are people I haven't called back for years) or best housekeeper (no explanation needed here huh?) I know that my kids have/are changing me to be a better person and the Mom that they need.

Now for that glass of wine ;-)

Snow Trip

There are many things about Fresno that I am NOT a fan of...some days too many things to count. But the one thing that I love is that we are so close to so much...beach, mountains, snow, you name it and it's all just a quick drive away! And what better thing to do on a dreary Central Valley day than hop in the car to find some sun and snow! Luckily Aunt B and Tia were still around providing much needed back up! Sleds, snow pants and boots were purchased, the car loaded to the max and off we went! The ride was quick, thankfully. Those crazy roads almost got the best of Tia and Jax! Once we got there and geared up, Jax had a great time. He did really well walking in the snow (thanks to REI's overpriced apparel) and seemed to dig the sledding part. We will definitely do this again this season!

Even Camren got some time out in the sun!

The 3 daredevils scoping out the best path down.

Making a snowman with B

You can't have a trip to the snow and Oakhurst without a picture with the Bears at CJ's!

Choo Choo!

Jax and Camren's Aunt B and Tia came to visit last weekend and we thought we would take them to all of our favorite spots! First on the list? The zoo of course! I have to admit that we are spoiled by Justin's work schedule and very rarely are we out with the "general public" on a weekend...too many people for us! It turned out to be a lucky thing we did 'cause the StoryLand Train was up and running for the weekenders! Jax spotted that train before any of us did and he let us know with a very excited "Choo CHOO!" After a quick check on timing and prices it was decided...1 child-4 adults please!

Bundled up waiting for the train...

sooo very excited

He was rattling this gate trying to get in. He wanted on NOW!

Jaxon picked the very front of the train to sit in and the Conductor had him push the button (a bolt) to start the train!

The ride wasn't long in adult time, but for Jax it was the BEST ride ever. He sat totally still, gripping onto the hand rails and uttering whispered choo choo's. We taught him to raise his arms and scream through the tunnels-not sure if he was scared or excited for this part! When the ride was over, Jax hopped out and sauntered off confidently...well...as confidently as an almost 2 year old, diaper wearing kiddo can! It was a great intro to his current favorite vehicle and makes me excited for warm weather and a trip to the Big trains in Spring!

Oh for the Love of...!

So I know that announcing that you are starting Potty Training is like putting a curse on the whole situation...so we are definitely NOT announcing that. But I did want to share the cutest little Thomas the Train booty you've ever seen!

***Dear Grown Up Jax,

Bubbas, I am sorry that I felt the need to share these pictures and embarrass you. However, this blog is meant to record the facts and on goings of your childhood and your cute little booty in these big boy underoos is simply a byproduct of said facts, Sir. Btw, you will thank me later once your future spouse confesses their undying love for you After seeing said factual pictures!

Love your guts...

Mom (or as you like to call/scream MA)

Happy 3 months old!

This past month has brought so many changes in this Little Girl (at 11lbs & 23in)! Let's start with all of the best stuff...Camren Grace is such a smiley girl. She loves to flirt with anyone who'll give her attention--looking sideways, batting her eyelashes and then the eyes light up and a big 'ole gummy cheeser follows! Cam is also quiet the talker. She spends a lot of her day cooing and grabbing at various toys that Jax brings to her. The girl is strong and is able to control her head well enough that she's spending time in the beloved Bumbo chair everyday. But by far the best news of the month is that she is working on her giggle and sense of humor! She is super ticklish (under the chin and tops of the thighs especially). I probably spend too much of my day torturing-I mean tickling- her coaxing out that baby giggle that makes me tear up every time!

On the good but not as good as all that other stuff side...Camren is still battling with reflux and allergies. We are lucky enough to have met with a pediatric GI specialist this week who has confirmed that she needs more medication that she was currently on (YAY!) and had many suggestions to help with pain management. Let me tell you people-we have one tough little girl on our hands! Camren displays what is called Sandifer's symptoms (or syndrome) which is repeated body movements to help cope and alleviate pain. It kills me to know that she's so uncomfortable that she's had to develop those skills but at the same time I marvel at her survival skills! This should all go away once we get her meds and formula all evened out which could take up to 6 weeks. :( In the mean time we are taking it day by day and trying to stay positive!

Here are some pics of our favorite girl!

I can't get Jax to sit still for HIS Red Chair pictures but can't get him out of the way for Camren's! sheesh

First go round in the Bumbo seat!

woo hoo....we have thigh rolls! Yes I did have to take a picture of her chubs. I've been so obsessed with her weight gain...these little chubbers are proof that she's gaining and thriving!

Never Say Never...

Not so long ago my best friend Tiffany and I (who's boys are almost 2 and 4) had a humorous conversation about all of the things we swore we would never do as parents.

As in...I will never let my young children eat candy.

(Jax' first experience with Pop rocks)

Or play in those horrid, germ infested, crowded with god only knows what kind of kid, indoor mall play areas

(Not only playing at the mall but doing so bare foot *sigh*)

And I am positive that the list of "Nevers" will continue to shorten while the "Do what you gotta do" list will lengthen. If there's anything that I am learning (yes...the hard way as usual) from parenting it's that flexibility is key and sometimes--ok alot of the time--you just gotta fly by the seat of your pants, hold on for dear life and hope you can regain control tomorrow! ;-)

And just for good measure a picture of Littles (as she's been going by) cause she's too cute to leave out! I hope you enjoy the benefit of being #2 Sis cause we are working out the kinks in our game plan with your Brother!

New Year, New Blog Name, New Mission...

Happy New Year! I hope that you all rang in the New Year just like you wanted too(and are hopefully not regretting the ringing!)...I was sound asleep in bed, as were the kiddos, which is exactly what I had wanted!

You may or may not have noticed that I've not only changed the style/background effects of my blog, but the title as well. After a short (solo) morning in which I had changed 3 dirty diapers in the span of less than 3 hours and hadn't yet had any caffeine to combat the haze I realized that while I am on an "Adventure" right now I am just too darn tired to appreciate it as such! Diaper Daze is a much better description of where I am at.

With the change of name has also come a change in purpose of this page. For those of you who've been with me from the beginning (Jax' pregnancy updates) this blog was started for You. To keep our loved ones close to us and in the "loop" with the coming of a grandchild/nephew/favorite boy (etc). And since Jaxon's arrival I have enjoyed keeping you all up to date on his latest as well as the newest happ's with our girl Camren. But I've had a change of heart? A realization? Mid-Mommy Crisis? Whatever you want to call it...but I've decided this blog is no longer specifically for YOU. It is now all about creating a Memory Keeper for my children. I am admittedly horrible about keeping up their baby books (boo I know...) but I truly love blogging about them. I feel like it gives all of us (yes you included) a much better picture of WHO they are...so much better than any baby book could.

So--I will still post and hopefully more often. But my goal is to no longer wait for a fun outing or milestone and start recording the chaos- I mean awesomeness- of our family! I hope you will continue to stick with us and enjoy reading as you have in the past. And well...if not please take my (and probably your) Mother's advice...if you don't have anything nice to say______...I'm sure you know the rest!

Our love to you all!