It's a Creative Mind

About a year ago, Camlin was trying to tell us about something and we had no idea what she was talking about. True to Camlin-form, she started getting frustrated and on the verge of a tantrum until she exclaimed, "I'll draw it." With sudden focus, she began drawing on her chalkboard easel. "Look, she said, this is what I'm talking about!"

Dave and I were really impressed with her problem-solving skills, and equally with her ability to draw something that after a few guesses, we were able to identify. We realized that day that we have a very creative child and since then we encourage this talent whenever possible.

Of course, anytime we don't remember an object she wants to talk about, we immediately encourage her to try to draw it; when she's bored or stuck in front of the TV we will attempt to divert her attention with, "Why don't you color?"; and on rainy days we'll pull out the paints. We also let her pick out her own clothes to wear, which sometimes backfires because she loves to mix and match colors and patterns. With the start of pre-K this fall, she now pushes the limits of her uniform with funky socks and hair-dos. (Let's just say that I will NEVER judge a parent based on what their child is wearing!)

We are not expecting to raise a van Gogh or Vera Wang, but we know Camlin will grow up with an appreciation for the arts. If we are really lucky, she will use her interests and talents to find a career she loves.

Disclaimer: I was prompted to write this blog entry by a contest. I'm ashamed to admit that my wonderful daughter and the birth of my son had not motivated me to get back to writing, but the prospect of winning the full set of the Tiny Socialite Collection of the bumGenius Artist Series cloth diapers from Cotton Babies was enough to get pen to paper!

Camlin's 4th Birthday

The celebration for Camlin turning four seemed to last for weeks. It began a couple of weeks before the big day when parcels started arriving from England, peaked with a surprise trip to Disney, and culminated with a small party at Kangaroo Jacs.

Disney

The trip to Disney was awesome. Dave and I had hinted to Camlin that we would take her on a short trip, but we hadn't told her where we were going. So, at 5 AM on her birthday, we woke her up by singing Happy Birthday and presenting her with a bag of Disney goodies. Luckily, the lure of presents and Disney got her out of bed so we would make our 7 AM flight to Orlando.



For the next 3 days, we walked, ate, and stood in line for autographs. Dave and Camlin rode some rides and we all took in a show, but Camlin's favorite thing was to meet the characters. I've never seen her so patient; she waited, holding her autograph book open at the next blank page, facinated. The character meals were fun and a great way to meet them without waiting in line. Two highlights: Tigger shook his bum at her on her birthday and Belle (her favorite princess) stuck her finger in Camlin's eye!





We had such a busy few days, hitting three different parks and stopping by Downtown Disney. We even crammed in a visit with our good friends the Reifs! It was such a good time, even with the constant stares and comments I received. (Apparently, a 7-month pregnant woman - who looks 9-months pregnant - is not an everyday occurence at Disney!)




We left Orlando very late on day three. It was an uneventful flight home after a "Code B" secured all entrances and exits to the airport just as we were about to board the plane. After that short delay, we arrived home safe and sound, albeit exhausted.