Just thought I'd spread the good news.
On the third night of trying without the binky she handed it to me and said: "Here mommy, I don't need it. You can take it downstairs."
So proud of her!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Friday, February 6, 2009
Another first
Camryn went to sleep with her binky by her side, but not in her mouth last night! That's a first for her! Her lips are so chapped around where her binky is at night that I suggested she really try not to use it so her lips can get better. She said okay and did just fine. We made a HUGE deal out of it this morning and she got to tell her teachers.
Exciting!
TGIF!
Exciting!
TGIF!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Snow time
Aunt Linda came over yesterday and inspired us all to suck it up and just go outside and mess around in the snow before it melted. It was 48 degrees so we stepped out for a few minutes. The neighbors were making their 3rd snowman and came over to join Aunt Linda & Cam on our back porch making their pint-sized snowman. Although it appears that Aunt Linda is making the snowman and Camryn is eating the snow.
Craig came out and it soon turned into a snowball fight. (Go figure!) Anyway, it was probably our one big snow for the year, so got a couple of pics.
Here's Camryn eating more snow.
Then later, Camryn was dancing for us. Thought Id share a video of twinkle toes. And a bonus video below. (Liz, this is really to give you and Jon a laugh. Can you believe Camryn thinks of you like food? Ha!)
Monday, January 26, 2009
That scary bear in the corner!
About 3:00 am last night I hear a meek little "Mommy" coming from Cam's room. I went in to find out what was wrong and she said she was hungry. I could tell she was half asleep, so I talked her out of a meal and suggested she have a couple drinks of water. She was agreeable to this and rolled over like she was going back to sleep.
Then about 20 minutes later I heard the call again. I'm not sure why she's not calling for Daddy, but anyway, I went in and she told me there were animals in her room. I assumed she was talking about the large variety of stuffed animals she had in her bed. I said, yes, you have lots of animals in our bed, so why don't we move some of them to the floor.
"No!", she said. "Real animals are in my room."
"The only animals in the whole house are your stuffed animals and Jake and Josie."
"OK" and then she turned over like she would go to sleep.
5 minutes later she calls out again. (Mom, can you say karma?)
She points to the door. "Mommy, there's a bear over there."
"Sweetie, that's just a shadow. There are no bears." About that time Jake came wondering into her room. "See, there's Jake. He's checking in on you. He walks around the house at night and would let us know if there are any bears." (Not really, but go with me.)
She said "Oh, okay. Yeah, Jake is watching out for me."
"Are you okay? Ready to go back to sleep?"
"Yes."
5 minutes later...
"Mommy. That looks like something right there I think," as she's pointing to the doorway again.
I finally wised up and told her I would turn on the bathroom light to let a little light into her room so she could see there were no bears. That put an end to her beckoning me in at regular intervals.
I'm sad in a way. I guess maybe this means she's at an age where she will start turning shadows into things in her imagination. She might have been half asleep the entire time, but I hope this doesn't mean she'll become scared of the dark. She's done so great up until now. Wait until we move her into her big girl room and she has to learn a whole new set of shadows. Thinking we might do that in stages.
Then about 20 minutes later I heard the call again. I'm not sure why she's not calling for Daddy, but anyway, I went in and she told me there were animals in her room. I assumed she was talking about the large variety of stuffed animals she had in her bed. I said, yes, you have lots of animals in our bed, so why don't we move some of them to the floor.
"No!", she said. "Real animals are in my room."
"The only animals in the whole house are your stuffed animals and Jake and Josie."
"OK" and then she turned over like she would go to sleep.
5 minutes later she calls out again. (Mom, can you say karma?)
She points to the door. "Mommy, there's a bear over there."
"Sweetie, that's just a shadow. There are no bears." About that time Jake came wondering into her room. "See, there's Jake. He's checking in on you. He walks around the house at night and would let us know if there are any bears." (Not really, but go with me.)
She said "Oh, okay. Yeah, Jake is watching out for me."
"Are you okay? Ready to go back to sleep?"
"Yes."
5 minutes later...
"Mommy. That looks like something right there I think," as she's pointing to the doorway again.
I finally wised up and told her I would turn on the bathroom light to let a little light into her room so she could see there were no bears. That put an end to her beckoning me in at regular intervals.
I'm sad in a way. I guess maybe this means she's at an age where she will start turning shadows into things in her imagination. She might have been half asleep the entire time, but I hope this doesn't mean she'll become scared of the dark. She's done so great up until now. Wait until we move her into her big girl room and she has to learn a whole new set of shadows. Thinking we might do that in stages.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Strange Monday
Well, not really. But Camryn was in THE BEST mood.
She was pleasant in the morning, and very helpful and cooperative in the evening, didn't try to get in trouble at the dinner table, didn't fight me to get her pajamas on and even went to bed on time. Things moved so smoothly. It was almost bizarre.
She even ate her dinner, although Craig eliminated the after school fruit snacks this time around. After he told her that we were going to have dinner soon, and maybe she could have them after she ate, she said: "OK Daddy. I'll eat dinner first, but then I get a Lil' Einstein snack." When she repeats the situation it's almost like it's her idea that we're agreeing with her. Love it!
And then when we actually sat down to eat and after a few bites she looked at me and said "Mommy, you did great. This is awesome! I like it."
I don't think I've had anyone ever call my cooking awesome. I've come a LOOOOOOOOOOONG way in 10 years, but awesome? (Yes, I realize she's two and she heard me describe something new Craig cooked last week as awesome. But still! I'll take it.)
Great way to start the week!
She was pleasant in the morning, and very helpful and cooperative in the evening, didn't try to get in trouble at the dinner table, didn't fight me to get her pajamas on and even went to bed on time. Things moved so smoothly. It was almost bizarre.
She even ate her dinner, although Craig eliminated the after school fruit snacks this time around. After he told her that we were going to have dinner soon, and maybe she could have them after she ate, she said: "OK Daddy. I'll eat dinner first, but then I get a Lil' Einstein snack." When she repeats the situation it's almost like it's her idea that we're agreeing with her. Love it!
And then when we actually sat down to eat and after a few bites she looked at me and said "Mommy, you did great. This is awesome! I like it."
I don't think I've had anyone ever call my cooking awesome. I've come a LOOOOOOOOOOONG way in 10 years, but awesome? (Yes, I realize she's two and she heard me describe something new Craig cooked last week as awesome. But still! I'll take it.)
Great way to start the week!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Wow! It worked!
Camryn listened in circle time yesterday! All it took was a small little threat to take away her Little Einsteins episode after school, and she followed directions like the others!
Hmmm...now how do we not abuse this system?
Hmmm...now how do we not abuse this system?
Monday, January 12, 2009
Why don't they just listen?
I know. She gets her stubborness from me.
Camryn gets in these modes like it's her way or the highway!
Her teacher pulls me aside once a week to ask if we're having problems with Camryn listening at home. Because she doesn't follow directions during circle time. And I always reply with a "Yes, we're working on it."
But the truth is, I don't really know if we're working on it.
Camryn gets in these modes like it's her way or the highway!
Her teacher pulls me aside once a week to ask if we're having problems with Camryn listening at home. Because she doesn't follow directions during circle time. And I always reply with a "Yes, we're working on it."
But the truth is, I don't really know if we're working on it.
Our priority right now is to get her to stop whining all of the time. We're trying to teach her it's not welcomed by anyone. I know I did that, because I remember mom and dad on my case about it. I had to have been old enough to remember that. So, I just don't know what the age is when you're supposed to do things like take away their toys to teach them a lesson. Or take away their rights to watch a movie on TV. Maybe she's old enough. She seems to understand more than I give her credit for.
I am certain the punishment should fit the crime, and we shouldn't just arbitrarily pick something at random to take away from her. And I guess I won't know until we try, but honestly, I'm not sure if it will work. She literally thinks it's funny to sit in timeout. Only when she's really worked up, does she throw a fit when I place her in the corner.
Sometimes I feel like I'm crushing her chance to be a carefree toddler, and imposing my rules will set the tone for who she becomes. But at the end of the day, the girl needs some guidelines. And her parents didn't turn out so bad. :)
Friday, January 9, 2009
2008 letter
If you read our Christmas letter, than you've read this posting. Just trying to capture it in case I ever catch up to scrapbooking some day!
Happy Monday!
Camryn turned two back in March. I know that statement says a lot right there. She is such fun, but keeps us on our toes at all times. She’s this little person, who absorbs & retains everything! She’s taught Craig and me so many things, including patience, humility and creativity. Nothing like potty training to teach all three. Wow, what an effort that has been this year! Sure, all kids are different. We’ve heard everything and tried everything. But her stubbornness (and quest to control each situation) seems to have extended the training.
Camryn continues to experience lots of firsts (first time on an airplane, first trip to the beach, first Wiggles concert, first time trick-or-treating, fishing, swim lessons, trip to the movie theater, etc.).
The three of us traveled to Destin with my parents, brothers, sister-in-law and niece in July. Despite the flight cancellation, impromptu decision to drive (thanks Liz & Craig), and the hours it took us just to leave town (a big thanks again to “Judy” the GPS system for getting us there safely), we all eventually arrived at a beautiful house right on the beach. We’re spoiled now. That’s the way to travel with kids! We were so grateful to be able to make this trip with family, and have a lot of memories to laugh about for a while.
My 2008 has been focused on family, which is a nice change of pace. I started a new job at the very end of 2007. Maritz is a very family friendly place, and presents a new and different professional challenge. And, I developed a new hobby of making bows. Like I need something else to take up non-existent spare time, but I refuse to pay the boutique prices for those little bows that are so darn cute; and in the process found out it’s kind of a relaxing hobby.
Speaking of hobbies, Craig’s love for fishing has continued to grow this year. He’s admitted to stopping and throwing a line in a creek along the side of the road when he knows he won’t have time to get to Busch’s Wildlife. The cold weather makes him a bit stir crazy so we’re hoping for an early spring in 2009.
Fall was an exciting time for our family. Craig led his football team to a perfect 10-0 season, with a conference title and district championship. He even earned the St. Louis Rams Coach of the Week during the season. Unfortunately the season ended sooner than expected in the first round of playoffs. But one, possibly two of his players will be playing Division 1 football next fall, which is exciting for him.
Camryn is quite the football fan, wearing her “ball game” shirt when she can. I think she’s going to understand the game more than me by age 4 (okay, maybe even by 3). She entertained many in the stands with her cheers this year. Thank you to all of the family and friends that supported the Wolves this year and came to watch a game!
Craig and I are currently living through Camryn’s excitement for Christmas. Her joy when she sees something simple, like a reindeer with a red nose, is unmatched. She’s hearing plenty about Santa’s arrival, but she’s also very curious about our nativity scene, so I’m taking that opportunity to teach her the real meaning of Christmas. Well, as much as a 2 year old can understand. J
Looking forward to the adventures we’ll have together in 2009!
Happy Monday!
Camryn turned two back in March. I know that statement says a lot right there. She is such fun, but keeps us on our toes at all times. She’s this little person, who absorbs & retains everything! She’s taught Craig and me so many things, including patience, humility and creativity. Nothing like potty training to teach all three. Wow, what an effort that has been this year! Sure, all kids are different. We’ve heard everything and tried everything. But her stubbornness (and quest to control each situation) seems to have extended the training.
Camryn continues to experience lots of firsts (first time on an airplane, first trip to the beach, first Wiggles concert, first time trick-or-treating, fishing, swim lessons, trip to the movie theater, etc.).
The three of us traveled to Destin with my parents, brothers, sister-in-law and niece in July. Despite the flight cancellation, impromptu decision to drive (thanks Liz & Craig), and the hours it took us just to leave town (a big thanks again to “Judy” the GPS system for getting us there safely), we all eventually arrived at a beautiful house right on the beach. We’re spoiled now. That’s the way to travel with kids! We were so grateful to be able to make this trip with family, and have a lot of memories to laugh about for a while.
My 2008 has been focused on family, which is a nice change of pace. I started a new job at the very end of 2007. Maritz is a very family friendly place, and presents a new and different professional challenge. And, I developed a new hobby of making bows. Like I need something else to take up non-existent spare time, but I refuse to pay the boutique prices for those little bows that are so darn cute; and in the process found out it’s kind of a relaxing hobby.
Speaking of hobbies, Craig’s love for fishing has continued to grow this year. He’s admitted to stopping and throwing a line in a creek along the side of the road when he knows he won’t have time to get to Busch’s Wildlife. The cold weather makes him a bit stir crazy so we’re hoping for an early spring in 2009.
Fall was an exciting time for our family. Craig led his football team to a perfect 10-0 season, with a conference title and district championship. He even earned the St. Louis Rams Coach of the Week during the season. Unfortunately the season ended sooner than expected in the first round of playoffs. But one, possibly two of his players will be playing Division 1 football next fall, which is exciting for him.
Camryn is quite the football fan, wearing her “ball game” shirt when she can. I think she’s going to understand the game more than me by age 4 (okay, maybe even by 3). She entertained many in the stands with her cheers this year. Thank you to all of the family and friends that supported the Wolves this year and came to watch a game!
Craig and I are currently living through Camryn’s excitement for Christmas. Her joy when she sees something simple, like a reindeer with a red nose, is unmatched. She’s hearing plenty about Santa’s arrival, but she’s also very curious about our nativity scene, so I’m taking that opportunity to teach her the real meaning of Christmas. Well, as much as a 2 year old can understand. J
Looking forward to the adventures we’ll have together in 2009!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
What happened to naptime?
Oh, just a few weeks ago, I'd have an hour or two on my weekend afternoons to relax (if I had the time), but ever since Santa Claus took the binkies, the naps have appeared to go away.
Isn't this too early for her to give up naps? I mean they take them in the 3 year old class room every day.
Is this a coincidence? Or is this God's way of telling me "Look, you clearly want her to grow up by taking away her binkies which is basically the last remaining link to her being a baby, so be ready for this!" (No! I want her to stay little.)
I bet she's taken 3, maybe 4 naps since we shipped off the binkies. Her reports from school just say she "rested" or "Camryn read a book while the others napped".
I have to be honest, this makes it easier to plan things on the weekends.
Isn't this too early for her to give up naps? I mean they take them in the 3 year old class room every day.
Is this a coincidence? Or is this God's way of telling me "Look, you clearly want her to grow up by taking away her binkies which is basically the last remaining link to her being a baby, so be ready for this!" (No! I want her to stay little.)
I bet she's taken 3, maybe 4 naps since we shipped off the binkies. Her reports from school just say she "rested" or "Camryn read a book while the others napped".
I have to be honest, this makes it easier to plan things on the weekends.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Ah...the power of Santa Claus
I've now realized that the magic of Santa Claus was dreamed up by a really, REALLY smart parent many years ago. I've been able to leverage his pending arrival quite a bit this month. Camryn has been accident free for more than 2 weeks now and she's shipped her binkeys off to good ol' Saint Nick. Just this morning, out of the blue she told me that she's been really good because she knows "Snta Coz" is watching her.
I'm a believer in the magic!! Thank you Santa!
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