My Birthday!

This year my 31st (hold...on...must...catch....breath. Sheesh. It still hurts to say that number!) birthday was spent celebrating with family. In Merced the kiddos and I hung out with G-ma, Mammo, Aunt B, Tia, Uncle Ben, Aunt Becca and cousins Elijah and Lillian. The weather was gorgeous! Of course we took advantage of the opportunity to thoroughly wear my Jax out!

Jax and Elijah grubbin on some lunch. We mixed healthy with yummy for this birthday. Subway sandwiches and holy moly delicious homemade cupcakes by Becca. See how mature I am becoming?? Compromise and moderation! (ok...so I literally ate about a dozen of those cupcakes but whatever.)

This little park was so clean, had cool toys and was Empty! The perfect trifecta! Jax catching Camren as she slides with Tia.

Riding on the motorcycles...complete with sound effects of course.

My Little's...

***For the date of my actual birth we were in the Bay area (see next posts) and was able to celebrate with my Bay area family with yummy blue cheese burgers and the most amazing chocolate mocha cake that seriously haunts my dreams! (thanks Kelly!) Unfortunately there isn't any photographic evidence of the stuffing of my face that occurred. HA!

4 Months old!

At 4 months old, Camren is really starting to show her personality. She is quiet the smilie kid as I've mentioned...things have only gotten cheesier in the past month. Her vocabulary has expanded from just mere coos to singing, aaahhs, gaaas and screeches! Little's is an explosive laughter. She tends to hold it in until she can't contain herself any longer. Favorite pastimes include rolling from belly to back, sucking on her fists and working on finding her thumbs consistently. Jaxon is her all time favorite thing to watch and she'll track him as he bounces around the room. Camren is no longer content to just lie back and enjoy the view...she strains to be sitting up right and wants to be in the middle of what ever's going on!

For now, her eyes are sticking in the blue family. Only time will tell if they decided to stay there. I can proudly say that Camren has my crooked smile! (finally---proof that she's IS mine!) Her hair is growing as fast as it can! In reality I should be thankful that we don't have a full head of hair yet, what with the amount of vomit this girl can produce...puke in hair is NOT attractive.

We are still battling the reflux and it's accompanying issues. I feel like we've finally been able to settle into a medication that's working for her. Now it's about fine tuning the dosage and continue dealing with any of the side effects and learned behaviors of the reflux (constipation, tummy cramping, insomnia, arching, snacking rather than meals, severe posturing and positions for feeding...the list could continue) 4 months is the peak for reflux so I am optimistic that we are now working our way down the hill of this crazy ride. I consider myself very lucky that when she's isn't in pain my girl is all smiles and stories and I know that things will only keep getting better from here!

Slumber Party

Jaxon's buddy Gannon was going to be in town for an appointment with his mom (my best friend Tiffany) and we decided that it was perfect timing for the boys' first slumber party! Tiff and Gannon got to the house just in time for naps--which gave Tiffany and I a little bit of chat time. Once everyone was awake we packed the boys and Camren in the car--three car seats across the back of their Tahoe was no mean feat--and headed off to the mall for a quick trip and then to visit Daddy at the station. Jax and Gannon both had a great time climbing on all of the rigs (engine and Rescue for those into the correct terminology). Gannon especially loved the Rescue rig. Randomly and uncharacteristically-both Tiffany and I made it out of the house without our cameras so we missed all of the fun! The boys even got to wave goodbye to the Fire Engine as the crew got a call. The rest of the night was a blur of trains, pizza, baths, books and a little Handy Manny to top off a great visit. I can't wait for these guys to get a little older and continue their slumber parties! I volunteer your house for the first solo slumber party Tiff! ;-)

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)