Pumpkin Patch - Week of Oct. 13th

Fall is settling in and Cameron is starting to settle into a daily routine...

He now goes to bed around 9pm and wakes up at 8:30. He takes 1-2 naps and continues to be a great eater! This week's new eating adventures included crackers and cheese. Cam loves to bite down on the crackers with his big front teeth!

Cameron had extra time with Grandma this week since Annie was out east visiting family.

He really likes the new water mat that Grandma gave him from Shedd's Aquarium. However, Stella seems to like it just as much and we have caught her trying to figure out exactly how to get those fish out of the water. She and Cameron are certainly bonding over the common experience.

Saturday was a fun-filled outing to an orchard with Cam's godparents, Jo & Chris and their beautiful son, Will. The families had lots of fun exploring the pumpkin patch, checking out the 'giant spider' and picking out some excellent carving choices. Cam also spied some cute little barn kittens. Both families went on a hayride, but Cameron & Will decided that the motion of the hayride equated to an awesome rocking chair and they both zonked out. Many thanks to the Alford family for such a fun day and most definitely, a new annual event for both families!

Sunday was a great day for relaxation and playtime for Cameron. The big boy had fun entertaining his parents with lots of laughter and new sounds!

What a beautiful weekend it was - Happy Fall everyone!!

Big Horsey - Week of Oct. 6th

Every week brings a new adventure, or two for Cameron...

This week, Cam continued eating new things and one of his favorites is definitely scrambled eggs! However, the top of the list has to be his Uncle Joe's garden sweet potatoes- yum, yum!

Cameron also tried to help Jane type on her computer. Somehow in the process, he actually pressed the correct sequence of keys to log her off- he's on his way to being a pc genius, just like his Dad.

Friday was a big day for Cam because he picked up his new glasses with Jane & Grandma. Doesn't he look like a genius?! Now Jane feels like she needs glasses too since Chris, Grandma, & Cam all have them...

Saturday was a big outing to Lamoreaux Ridge farm in Grandville. Jane's good friend, Mary, told the family about a festival they were having complete with pony rides. Cam and his parents headed out and Cam's godmother, Joanne, met them there. What a perfect day to be outside. Cameron saw a big red fire engine and firefighter there and also took his very first pony ride! He really seemed to enjoy it and gave the pony named Bunny a nice pat afterwards. Thank goodness Bunny was good-natured, because Cam squeezed a bit of her mane while he was on her back! Many thanks to 'Auntie' Jo for joining in the fun and taking some great

pics! And also to 'Auntie' Mary for showing everyone around the barn and picking out the perfect pony for Cam to ride.

Sunday was such a beautiful day just made for being outside, so Chris & Jane walked with Cam to Sundance for a late breakfast. The big boy enjoyed his first taste of pumpkin pancake, which was followed by a hmmmm, which means 'very tasty.' Cameron enjoyed the ride and Chris & Jane felt good about the 5 mile trek. Hope everyone enjoyed the outdoors as much as Cam did!

Sippy Cup - Week of Sept 29th

Cameron had a busy week hosting dinner guests!

This week, he dined with the Alfords and met his future best buddy, 1-month old Will, for the first time. Although the boys can't play together yet, Jane & Joanne have many playdates already mapped out!

On Wednesday eve, he hung out with his twin cousins, Mike & Eric who are headed to Germany for a vacation.

Cam is now meeting with his developmental therapist, Julie, every week. This week brought some great news- Cameron is right on par with his eating skills. Way to go Cam! He's now eating food with "textures" and drinking out of a sippy cup with help.

Thank goodness for Annie & Grandma taking such good care of him every week to help his developmental skills see continued progress.

Much to Chris & Jane's relief, Cameron's sleeping skills have improved as well and he's back on course with napping and sleeping through the night...maybe he really likes the new aquarium in his crib, or it could be he's just sleepy after a very busy day...good night everyone.

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.

First Laptop - Week of Aug. 25th

Cameron enjoyed his official last week of summer. One of his new favorite bday toys is a little baby 'laptop' pictured here. Cam attended his first neighborhood party on Monday where he had lots of attention from all of the neighbor ladies. He also had his first bite of pineapple- yum!

One of Cameron's favorite playtime tricks is the upside down game with his Dad. It makes him giggle so much! Cam also thinks his spoon is pretty tasty and he's attempted to 'steal' the spoon and try to feed himself. However, he still needs a little assistance in that department!

Over the weekend, Cameron had fun hanging out at the cottage with Grandma & Grandpa and on the beach with their good friends, the Meade family, 'Auntie' Leslie & JB, and all of the cousins, aunts and uncles. Cam also met his Aunt Tracy for the first time.
To top off the weekend, Cameron had quite a few bites of homemade vanilla ice cream, which seems to be one of his most favorite treats. To quote from Cam himself..."Hmmmmm,ummmmm,hmmmm."

We hope everyone had a great holiday weekend!!