Chicago - Week of Sept. 22nd

The family was still in Chicago on Monday, so before leaving town, Grandma, Grandpa, Annie, Chris & Jane took Cameron to see Shedd's Aquarium. He watched the exotic fish, sharks and stingray swim around and saw a giant sea turtle named Nickel. After a long drive home, Cam had a good rest.

Cameron's teeth are still causing him some irregular sleeping this week, but when he's awake, he's still a happy camper as you can see!

Saturday was the most exciting day. Chris & Jane brought Cam to the NICU (neo-natal ICU) Reunion! The family reunited with their 'roomies' from NICU & NIM, twins Lindzi & Loghan. Cam got reaquainted with his pals and Chris & Jane had fun catching up with the twins' parents, Tony & Paula. The kids have all come such a long way and everyone promised to keep in touch.

It was fun to also see another NICU friend, Taylor, whose mom, Jenny, became good friends with Jane when both of them saw each other daily during the hospital stay. Nurse Deb couldn't believe how much Cam had grown and couldn't resist holding him, just as she did so often when he was at Spectrum. Cameron's NNP (Neonatal Nurse Practioner), Laurie, stopped by with her twin girls to see the big boy as well. Laurie was such a huge help to Chris, Jane, and Cam and they were so happy to see her again! Although Cam didn't get to see all of his favorite nurses (especially Lora, Tammy, Jan, Mindy...and the list goes on), he still enjoyed seeing some old pals.

What a wonderful day it was for everyone!

Congradulations Liz and Dave - Week of Sept. 15th

Cameron is working with 'touch & feel' books this week to associate words/sounds with animals and their different fur textures. These are his favorite books and he seems so interested in them.

Cam's 'Auntie' Amanda came for a visit at the end of the week and she was so surprised to see how grown up Cam has become. She told him that he's growing up much too fast! Cam says he's very excited to have Dr. Amanda check his eyes when he's older.

On Saturday, the family drove to downtown Chicago for a very special cousin's wedding for Liz Jellema. Cameron had tons of fun in the windy city.

On Saturday evening, he attended a special barbeque in Millenium Park in honor of the happy couple. He loved seeing all of his cousins and even had extra time with his nanny, cousin Anne.

Sunday was an another adventure when Cameron went with Chris, Jane, Grandma & Grandpa back to Millenium Park to hang out at the Crown Fountain. If you've never been to the Fountain, it is a must-see for kids and adults. It's a very large splash park and feels great on a warm day... Cam absolutely loved getting his feet wet! After a long walk along the lakeshore, the family had to get ready to attend Liz & Dave's wedding. What a wonderful evening everyone had!! Cameron gets the award for being the youngest cousin to stay awake and hang out both Saturday & Sunday night!! Chris & Jane wonder if this is an award or a payback for their own late nights of earlier years...either way,

Cam had a great time and the entire family wishes Liz & Dave a wonderful life together!

Teething - Week of Sept. 8th

This week, Cameron has been trying to figure out these new teeth that are trying to push through his gums!
His sleeping patterns have been a big irregular, but he's still a happy guy when he's awake.
Cam's definitely more interested in the teething rings, as they provide some comfort.

On Friday, Chris, Jane & Cam traveled up to the cottage and had a yummy dinner with cousins Mike & Annie.
Grandma & Grandpa were very happy to see their grandson on Saturday. As a special treat, the Schulzes babysat Cameron on Saturday night because they treated Chris & Jane to dinner out in Muskegon.
Cam wore his special baseball Phillies jersey that Uncle Joe gave him. Thanks so much Aunt Joyce, Uncle Joe & Annie for babysitting!

It was such a rainy weekend and being outside wasn't much of an option.

As a sweet surprise, Chris ventured out on Sunday to "run a Home Depot errand" and came home with a new toy for Cam and a dozen roses for Jane.

Cameron & Jane already know, but it is worth saying that Chris is the best dad/husband ever!!

Hey Will! - Week of Sept. 1st

We'd like to welcome William Carter Alford into the world as he is the first son of Cam's godparents, Chris & Jo! Will arrived Friday weighing 7lbs and measuring 20 inches. Welcome to the world, Will!!

Cameron had a great week getting back into his routine after being up at the lake for the long holiday weekend. After all of the excitement on Friday with the arrival of Cam's future best buddy, Will, Chris & Jane decided it was time for a special treat for Cameron.

On Saturday, the family and 'Auntie' Ro walked to Pal's Diner.

Cam loves to ride in his jogging stroller and Chris & Jane love the Ipod hookup!! A yummy dinner complete with classic rock'n'roll music was a treat. Cameron enjoyed some tasty vanilla ice cream, which definitely seems to be his favorite...

After dinner, Chris discovered a big surprise-- he felt Cam's first tooth starting to push through his bottom gum!! It won't be long now before Cameron starts showing some white stuff in that cutie, wide smile of his.