Just Cute

On Boxing Day, Dave took Pete, Bridgett, Corey, and Coral up to Wintergreen to go snowboarding so Camlin and I got to spend the day together. We had fun playing and napping together.

She is posing in this picture in her new Dora outfit from Auntie Stephanie with the not-so-matching Hello Kitty socks that she insisted on wearing for 2 days straight! You can't see, but her hair is tied back with a purple Hello Kitty ponytail holder. I couldn't resist capturing this designer moment!

The Reazin Christmas

This year it only took 2 days for Camlin to unwrap her presents. Partly because she had to either put on, play with, or put away each one as they were revealed. And now as I desperately seek bins, drawers, or shelves for them all, I am left wondering if I went overboard again!

With the Peers' here, we had a long, relaxing Christmas morning of present-opening, followed by playing outside in the 65 degree weather (while I was busy in the kitchen), and then the day culminated with a huge feast. It was wonderful having family here this year!

Camlin knew somehow that the largest pile of presents belonged to her!


There were plenty of presents to go around.


I am especially proud of the dinner table.


Here is the flaming Christmas pudding.


And this is Boxing Day morning as Camlin finishes opening her presents.

Favorite Uncle

Despite having only met him a few times before, Camlin was as excited as Dave and I were to see Uncle Peter. I'm not sure if it was the chocolates he brought or the readily available loose change he had, but Pete quickly became Camlin's best friend. He had to take Camlin to school, read her bedtime stories, and sit next to her at my birthday dinner. And as he flies home tonight, Camlin is counting down the days until he returns in a few weeks with his girls. Christmas will be fun this year!

Progress Report

As it’s been a while since I’ve written, I decided to provide a detailed progress report for Camlin. Get comfortable: this is a long one. Hang in and you’ll be rewarded at the end with a couple of pics.

Educationally and developmentally, Camlin is progressing nicely. She can count to 15, knows her colors and basic shapes, can sing the ABC song, and recognizes 3 letters: C, M, and L. She is potty trained, speaks in complete sentences, eats with a fork, drinks from a regular cup, holds a pen/crayon correctly, colors somewhat within lines (although everything is usually blue), throws and kicks a ball, and can run, jump, and hop really well. She runs especially fast in crowded shopping malls.

Her favorite activity is to play Let’s Pretend. I think she likes this because she can be really bossy. Not surprisingly, she is always mommy or the teacher. Activities include playing in the pool on the hardwood floor, going to Chuck E Cheese in the living room, or putting us to bed in any designated area of the house. Yesterday while playing pretend Camlin said, "I'm mommy." Pause. "I have boobies now."

Camlin's Idiosyncrasies:
- She asks almost daily about her birthday! (I think it's about the cake.) Tonight I said, "I have a surprise for you in the morning," to which she exclaimed, "It's my happy birthday?"
- She likes to ‘shush’ us if we are talking while she is watching TV or reading a book.
- She obsesses over her hands and face being clean when eating. It's not unusual to go through at least 3 napkins per meal.
- She likes to take off her pants as soon as she gets home. (see below picture)
- When asked something to which she doesn’t know the answer, she responds, "I can’t know that."
- She still has her ‘go-go’ (pacifier), which she will sneak into a pocket or purse in an attempt to get it out of the house.
- She likes to walk around with her hands in her pockets or on her hips.
- She likes warm milk.
- She knows how to share when someone else has something she wants.
- She prefers her bangs in her face rather than held back with a clip.
- She is easily bribed with promises of cake or chocolate coins.

Recent Activities:
- We went to see Disney on Ice. Camlin’s favorite part was seeing Ariel. She now skates on the ice in her playroom, which translates to dancing on the rug.
- On Wednesdays, we take Camlin to Kangaroo Jacks after school so she can get some exercise while she goes crazy on the jumpy castles.
- Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving by relaxing and eating a huge dinner. Our friends, the Grimes', stopped by too so we could meet baby Miller and Camlin got to play with Colby. The highlight of the day was the semi-forced, but incredibly cute hug between Camlin and Colby!
- Yesterday while at the mall, we figured we’d stop and see Santa. Much to our surprise Camlin ran up to him, jumped on his lap and put her arms around him. They had a nice, intimate conversation while she fiddled with the buttons on his vest, and then he actually had to extract her other arm from around his neck so they could pose for the picture. Odd. Next year we’ll dress her in a nice outfit! (see below picture)
- Today we decorated our Christmas tree. Camlin was more interested in having a coffee party with the coffee ornaments I got from my old manager 2 years ago (last year she did the same thing).

And my final thought: At a recent parent/teacher conference, we learned that Camlin doesn’t listen (not a surprise; she gets that from her dad) and she is incredibly bossy (again, not a surprise; she gets that from her mom). We’re screwed.

Decorating the tree (without pants)


Sitting happily on Santa’s lap

Our Happy Halloween

For us, Halloween lasted a week. It started last Friday night with the Harvest Festival at Camlin's school. All the kids went back in the evening for games, crafts, and trick-or-treat. Camlin proudly (and cutely) wore her Ariel costume and announced to anyone who would listen, "I'm a mermaid."

Camlin's candy loot from the festival was gone by Monday morning, but we were still reading her Dora book, The Halloween Cat, every night before bed. On Thursday we made Halloween cookies, although I think Camlin was more interested in eating the cookie dough rather than waiting for the finished product.

The festivities culminated with a glorious night of trick-or-treat. Luckily, the weather was mild so Dave and Camlin visited the houses in our cul-de-sac and then she experienced the giving side of trick-or-treat by handing out candy to the kids who knocked on our door. I think she was more excited about giving the candy away - after each visitor she exclaimed, "I want more kids!" Hopefully the candy will last a little longer this time.

Message for Daddy

Here's a short video message for Daddy. Hopefully, it will brighten his day while he is on business in Phoenix this week!

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Scary Pets

Dave and I decided that we should get a pet for Camlin; something small so she can learn about taking responsibility. We thought a guinea pig was a great idea: not too messy, pretty well contained, easy to feed, etc. So, on Saturday we drove to the pet store and Camlin picked out an adorable white, black, and tan female and she was giddy as she petted it's silky coat. But, when we attempted to pass it to her, she screamed so loud she scared us! This was quickly followed with, "I don't like guinea pigs".

Next, we looked at fish. Camlin was completely taken with the Disney Little Mermaid fish tank, but when we went to pick out a fish she was just a little too excited about hitting the tank to scare the fish. Another plan foiled. We left defeated.

Then just last night as we played in the yard after dinner, a neighbors (rather large) cat joined us. Camlin had so much fun playing with Mars. She was so cute and things were going so well. Maybe we should get her a kitten. Then disaster struck when Camlin went in for another stroke, covering Mars' head, and he bit her on the arm. We've officially given up.

All About Me

Well it's been a year since I finished the course work, but I finally picked up my degree from school. While I've been a graduate for sometime now, and even started on my MBA already, it didn't really feel official until I had my degree in hand!


A couple of weeks ago, my friend Christina lent me a book called Skinny Bitches. It's title is misleading however, as it's purpose is to convert meat eaters to vegans rather than to help people lose weight. Let me tell you, if you've ever needed a reason to stop eating meat, read this book. I am not ready to commit myself to a completely animal-product-free existence, but I have cut out most meat from my diet (much to Dave's chagrin). We'll see how long I can live without a nice bloody steak ...

Magic Crown

Camlin's favorite thing in the whole world right now is the Dora story Dora Saves the Magic Kingdom. She has the DVD, 2 copies of the book, and even the TV episode saved on the DVR. The book fair is at school this week and every day that she's walked past the display, she has stopped to hug the book.

While this may sound mildly obsessive to most, we have found ways to utilize this fixation for our own advantage.
1. Camlin decided half way through her hair cut that she didn't want to sit still anymore; the DVD was paused until her little bum was back in the seat.
2. There was a mess of toys in the playroom; we sang the 'clean up' song (from the story) until the room was clean.
3. Bedtime dawdling is a daily occurrence; the threat of no Mermaid story usually does the trick.

By far the cutest part though, is that Camlin has her own Magic Crown, which we decorated together. While it doesn't turn her into a mermaid like it does for Dora, it does bring a certain sparkle to her eyes that can make just about anyone smile.

Family Time

I'm a couple of weeks behind, but I wanted to post some additional pictures from our time we spent recently with Nanny and Auntie Shelley.

We started out with a shopping trip to Virginia Center mall. (There's nothing quite like eating Chick-fil-A on the floor of the mall.)


Camlin played in her paddling pool she got from Auntie Helen. Thanks Helen!


Auntie Shelley made the mistake of allowing Camlin access to her handbag!


Dave and I took advantage of our visitors and had a mini-vacation to Downtown Richmond! We ate at the Hard Shell, stayed at the DoubleTree, and enjoyed breakfast in bed the next morning (a luxury we'd long since forgotten about). Meanwhile, Camlin was entertained at home.


We finished out the visit with an afternoon at Chuck E Cheese.


It was wonderful having family visit and we were sad to see them leave. Now we are counting down to Christmas when Uncle Pete, Auntie Bridgett, Corey and Coral will be here!

Congratulations Dave!

Dave started out his thirties with a bang by getting promoted! After his success as a trainer (specializing this year in management training), Dave's efforts were rewarded with a promotion to Senior Training Manager. Beating out almost 100 candidates, Dave will now manage Data Trainers over a 5-state area! We are so proud!

The Big 3-0!

So Dave turned 30 this week! For the big day, we had Nanny and Shelley (my sister) visiting from England and we all went to the mountains. We stayed in a B&B, had a nice birthday dinner, and Dave and I went horseback riding. Unfortunately, Camlin got bitten by something and had an allergic reaction, so she missed out on the pool play during the afternoon, but had a good time nonetheless.

Camlin's favorite part had to be the birthday cake, for which she sang Happy Birthday perfectly, and repeatedly. (Check out the video below.) She was still singing it as she lay in bed that night.

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Below are some pictures from the trip.

Final Braves Game

For Labor Day this year, we attended the last ever Richmond Braves game. It was a sold-out game and despite not being baseball fans, it was a good time. Camlin especially liked strutting her sassy self around in her sunglasses, necklace, and bracelet while she carried her purse. Too cute!

Book Blanket

A couple of weeks ago, Camlin decided that Daddy needed to be covered up with books (as he was cold). Oh to have the imagination of a 2-year old!

A Birthday Wish

Today is Nanny's birthday! Happy Birthday Nanny - we wish you lots of love on your birthday and we can't wait to see you in 10 days!

Playing Catch-Up

So a few weeks have passed without a word. This is partly due to our busy schedule as well as the fact that my employer has now blocked this site from our Internet!

Nothing too exciting has happened recently. The weeks have flown by with too much work to do, a trip to West Virginia, and lunch time swimming lessons with Camlin. Our weekends have been spent at the pool and preparing for our upcoming visitors.

Camlin has filled these hours as a typical two-year old: a perfect angel one minute; a little devil the next. Below I've posted some of the more angelic moments.

Here she is feeding Dora a bottle.


Here she is 'working' on her Blackberry.


And here she is singing and dancing!

"I'm a Big Girl Now"

In an effort to support Camlin's plight to wear only big girl underwear (at which she is doing incredibly well), we have encouraged her by telling her that she is a big girl now. Unfortunately, she is smart enough to realize that being a big girl can transcend into other areas of her life. This has included swimming on her own in the pool, walking down stairs without holding hands, fastening her car seat straps unassisted. Actually, any instance where she doesn't want help, "[she's] a big girl now"! I assume this won't be the first time a parenting skill will backfire.

Potty Update

The question we are asking ourselves today is: Could Camlin really have potty trained in one day?

Camlin went all day yesterday without an accident. I put a pull up on her for nap time but she woke up dry and immediately went and peed on the potty. At one point we were outside while Dave was grilling dinner and she sneaked inside by herself. I went looking for her and found her sitting on the potty clapping, "I pee peed on the potty, yay!"

So, off she went to school today in her big girl, Dora underwear, and two extra outfits packed in her backpack. My fingers will be crossed all day ...

Hooray!

Camlin used the potty today! Finally, after months of prompting to sit on the potty, wear big girl underpants, and several attempts, pee finally ended up in the bowl!

Until today, Camlin would walk around for hours in regular underwear but then insist on putting on a diaper before she had to pee. We also spent a lot of time sitting in the bathroom, waiting.

I'm not sure what was different today. Maybe it was the new Dora underwear I gave her this morning or maybe she is just now ready. Either way, it was cause for a big celebration. I was thrilled to be able to present her with the gift bag from which to choose a prize. (I had been gathering little presents for a while in hopes this day would come soon.) And Dave immediately began talking about what we could do with the extra money we'd have from no longer purchasing diapers.

I'm not throwing out the nappy coupons just yet though; however, today we will revel in the fact that our baby girl is starting to grow up. We're so proud!


Camlin saying 'Hooray! (Notice the Sesame Street ponytail holders in her hair and on her wrist - that was the prize she chose.)

Matching Game

If you have (or have had) a toddler, you will appreciate this. Camlin has always been a good eater, but there are days when she is just too busy to eat. So, Dave created a game that guarantees an empty plate: The Matching Game!

This is how it works: Daddy picks something off his plate to eat, like a piece of broccoli, and then Camlin has to match it. Then it's Camlin's turn. Camlin picks something off her plate to eat, and then Daddy has to match it. Occasionally, Mommy is invited to play. And so the game continues until bellies are full.

This started out as a sneaky way to get Camlin to eat, but now it is a regular dinnertime activity. It's not unusual to sit down at the table and hear Camlin say, 'Matching Game, Cami's turn!' She is also getting creative by putting different things on her fork at the same time to see if Daddy can match the combinations! The good news is that she doesn't seem to care much if the match isn't exact. Definitely a win-win situation.

Todder Fashion

Camlin is at that age where you have to pick your battles when it comes to outfits and accoutrements. This weekend, I lost one battle and compromised on another. Saturday we went shopping while Camlin wore swimming goggles - this wasn't even worth arguing over. Sunday we went shopping while Camlin carried around her Dora nightgown - the alternative was her wearing it. I will never look at how other kids are dressed and judge their parents!

New White Dress

This weekend, Camlin got to model her new white dress (courtesy of Auntie Bridgett) at her friend Nathan's first birthday party. She looked, and acted, like a complete angel. (Hmm ... I wonder if it was the dress.) Attached is a short video I took right before we left.

Make Up Artist

For weeks now, Camlin has been playing with my hair products and make up, so I finally decided to give her some old stuff in her own box. She loves turning her head upside down to spray water or scrunch in some gel, and this weekend she had her first encounter with lipstick.

Independence Day

Despite the comments I get ("today is the day we celebrate breaking away from 'your people'"), I still enjoy Independence Day. So this year, we traveled down to Williamsburg for a festival and fireworks.

Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate so after a rainy walk through Colonial Williamsburg, we spent the rest of the day in the hotel pool and watched the fireworks from our hotel window. Camlin was upset that she didn't get a pony ride, but she loved jumping in puddles and playing in the pool. I think her favorite part was playing with the microwave in the hotel suite. She didn't quite understand that it wasn't a toy (like the one in her playroom at home), so we had a few close calls at burning down the place when she tried to microwave teddy bears, juice pouches, and blankets!

Chocolate Snob

Well there's one thing that Camlin certainly got from her mom ... the love of chocolate. And not just any chocolate. Her preferences include Cadbury's Buttons, white or dark - it doesn't matter, and the yummy white chocolate bar, Milky Bar. It sure is a good thing that there are two stores locally that stock British imports!

Design on a Dime

A few months ago, Dave and I discovered HGTV. In case you haven't uncovered this gem yet, this channel offers home improvement/design shows 24/7. Quickly we were hooked. So, when it came time to redecorate Camlin's bedroom, I decided to take on the project and test out my newly learned skills from the plethora of shows we've watched.

Dave wanted lilac. Camlin wanted blue. I had a budget of $5oo and a week vacation from work. Below you'll see the fruits of my labor. I finished in 2 days and spent only half of the budget (luckily all the furniture was reused).

Here is Camlin's new 'big-girl' room.

The framed artwork was painted by our little artist herself.

Terrible Twos

Well the weekend had a rocky start. On Saturday, Camlin was having a Terrible Twos day and as usual, she took it out on Mommy. I endured slaps, kicks, and even a blow to my arm with her new 'butterfly cup', which was immediately confiscated. Of course, any effort of reasoning with Camlin was completely futile as she isn't able to hear on days like this. At one point I asked her if she was listening, to which she replied, "I'm listening Mommy." However, she then stuck her fingers in her ears and started clucking her tongue to drown out my voice. Fun. The only thing that got her somewhat in line was a promise of going to the pool on Sunday.

Sunday was much better! Camlin loves the pool and loves to play with other kids, so playing with her friend Braeden in the water was a treat.

Here she is 'swimming'.

Here she is playing with Braeden in the playhouse.

And here she is crashed out on the couch afterward!

The day ended with a bath and Mommy's special treat (bananas and strawberries in melted chocolate). Between rushed mouthfuls Camlin looked up at me with her big brown eyes and said, "Thank you Mommy. I like my special treat." And at that moment, the Terrible Twos from the day before were completely forgotten.