I scheduled a play date with my friend Lavinia and her 7 month old son, Drake. We originally planned for Haggard Park, but due to the recent rain, we moved it to Willow Bend Mall. We ate lunch in the food court, then walked over to the play area. Shortly after arriving to play, the security guard asked everyone to step out for their routine cleaning. So we moved everyone to a a lounging area nearby.
They enjoyed each other just the same. Cam and Drake really hit it off! She might have two boyfriends now. :)
Levi didn't seem too jealous as he stayed busy exploring on his own. He would crawl several yards away, stop, and look back with his mischievous grin.
Then he'd come return to me, and do it all over again. He enjoyed inventing this game for himself. I managed to sit him down with the others for a brief moment:
After the 30-minute clean, we were allowed to re-enter the area. Levi had a blast on the climbing structures. I could not keep up with him! I eventually had to carry Cam while chasing after/keeping an eye on him.
Here's Drake. Isn't he cute?!
Have I mentioned how much Cam loves to socialize?! The next time I'm sure she'll be all over the place. She loved all the attention from two boys today!
One more of my sweet little man...
FInally! A good photo of the 3 of us...:)
Looking forward to the next get-together! Thanks Lavinia for sharing your awesome photos!
Today the house cleaner came, so I thought it would be a good chance to get out of the house. I had planned to walk the babies to Starbuck's. But just as we were leaving, the thunder started, so we pile into the car.
The babies played with empty Starbuck's cups and spare lids while I got some mocha time. (Sorry - no photos of the babies).
Then we headed to the Rec Center. I took some impromptu pics:
Cam would LOVE one of these of her very own!
This girl really loves banging and shaking instruments.
Levi is the king of the play area. We arrived a little early before the big kids wrecked it...
He slid down this little hill over and over. He was proud for thinking of such a fun game!
Levi and I got to see Cam today! We spent the afternoon together while B & L went to the Rangers game. It was a nice change to be together on the weekend. Our highlight was going to Campbell Green Park. They have a really neat splash pad with a large picnic area and playground. Just a few feet away is the Rec Center, where the Mommy & Me playtime is held. Such a cool place to just go and be out of the house for awhile.
Our first stop was the splash pad. My plan was to scope it out for a future outing with the babies. Cam and Levi are in an awkward age - you have to be creative in finding safe and interactive activities for them. Last weekend our family introduced Levi to a splash pad, and it was a little overwhelming. The more they see and watch, the more interested they'll be in wanting to try (just like everything else)!
The splash pad just opened up this weekend, so it was a great people-watching place. They loved being the center of attention, just by hanging out in the red wagon.
I pack two sippy cups for all of our outings. The orange one was meant for Levi. And if you look closely in the first picture, you'll notice that Levi is drinking out of Cam's. Other than the fact that they're of opposite sex, I really don't know why I have to "designate" all their stuff. These two share everything! And by the way, look at those gorgeous blue eyes of hers! Love them!!
After watching the splash pad we went to a shaded area for playtime. They are sharing a rattle here. It's one of my favorite pics. So sweet. Tells a story, doesn't it?
Sharing a "bendy ball" here...
After losing interest in the toys, he moved on to cruising across the wagon. Levi was not in a smiling mood for this outing. His morning nap was only a few minutes long, so he's pretty beat at this point.
It is clear to me that Levi is considerate towards others. A good example was today. Even though he didn't nap well, he tried hard to stay engaged for his mommy and his girl. He knew that we were having fun so he waited as long as he could. This is a picture of Levi waiting in the wagon while Cam enjoys the playground swing. Then he waits until we're packed up in the car to cry "enough!" Thank you for your patience and sweet nature!
Cam loves her Juli, her BFF Levi, and her very own park swing!
She looks so much bigger in this swing, than she did exactly one month ago:
For some reason, the wide-open-mouth smile has not changed. :)
The first car ride for today was Cam's doctor's visit. It was nice to see Lin, meet the staff there, and get some insight on Cam. And by the way, Cam weighs 20 pounds and Levi is 22. Afterward I loaded up the babies and started to back out of my parking spot. Then a strange feeling hit me - you know the kind you get when you swear you forgot something, but can't pinpoint it? So I continued, thinking that my mind was playing tricks on me. Then I noticed something familiar outside my right window. But of course! The stroller!! I laughed at myself, assuming that moms for decades have done the same thing. Please tell me I am not the only one? I parked back into my spot and pulled out my high-tech camera for the photo op. But it wouldn't turn on. Ah yes - I left the battery charging back at the house. Luckily I had my point-and-shoot one in my car. Way to go Juli, on a roll today! Kudos for remembering the children! Is this why they call it "mommy brain?" Technically, it must be "mommy-and-a-half brain"...HA!
Our next stop was lunch at Central Market with the Baby Buddies group. We arrived to a crowded gathering of kids, babies, mommies, high chairs, and strollers. I snagged the last two available high chairs, and strategically situated everyone (and everything) in. Cam and Levi admired all the new and familiar faces. But it didn't take long for them to get antsy. Through feeding therapy I learned that Levi is an extremely independent eater. So I've had to "let go" and let him get really messy because he will only feed himself; even if it means putting it all in front and letting him go wild. As I started to feed Cam her pureed Gerber Goop, Levi wanted to try. I gave him the other spoon so he could taste. He got it all over himself, which is to be expected. But it wasn't crazy yet. Cam wanted to join in the fun, too. So she insisted on feeding herself:
After a few minutes of this Independent Eating Mayhem, they told me enough! They had had enough excitement for 1 day. This week they've been on very similar schedules - and sure enough got tired at the exact same time. What started with throwing food everywhere (Levi) and pushing everything away (Cam) ended in cries and screams. It was time to go. I collected the bibs, food, sippy cups, crumbs, water, formula, etc, etc, etc and we were out of there. They just needed their rest.
Somehow, Levi managed to remove his name tag and put it on top of mine. Look closely at that orange tag (Levanna is a pretty cool name). Also, Dr. Berger suggested that Cam drink formula from her sippy cup. So Cam's now empty bottle was Levi's new toy. Sometimes you just have to let them play with whatever works to to keep them occupied and calm. I'll remember to keep back-to-back outings at a minimum. I love these two - even when they've had more than enough.
Later that day, Cam had a Field Day with these tasty treats:
After a busy day yesterday and Mr. Man getting up at 5:30 this AM, I just had to run to Starbuck's. When Levi and I arrived to Cam's house at 7:30, Lindley met us outside and put Cam in the car. We drove down the street to the nearest one. I enjoyed a tasty treat (arguably the most fattening thing EVER), while the two hung out in the stroller.
As you can see, Cam does NOT need her coffee this morning...
...But this one has a different story!
I get the question A LOT: "Are they twins?" Every single person I talked to at Starbuck's asked me. I mentioned in an earlier blog that for the sake of time, I sometimes just say "yes" with a smile and go about my merry way. But this morning was casual and slow, so I gave each one the correct explanation. Here's how the conversation always goes:
Stranger: "Are they twins?"
Me: "No, but they are very close in age." Stranger gives me a very puzzling look Stranger: "How old are they?" Me: "Well, they are just two months apart. One is almost 11 months and the other almost 9." Another puzzling look Me: Pointing to Levi "This one is mine, and I take care of her during the day." Stranger gives me the Ah-HA! look, and gives the babies a half-smile... Stranger: "Oooo...ok" And then the stranger usually follows with a series of questions or comments.
Perhaps I should change up my dialogue...maybe add a little humor...? How about "yes, it's [the age difference] possible!" And see what kind of response I get, LOL. Any other ideas?
Since Starbuck's is just down the street, next time we'll just walk there. Why didn't I think of that before?
This morning we made our second trip to the Rec Center. They loved the sights, sounds, and excitement as expected. Levi's seventh tooth has come in so he was a tad cranky. But, he persevered the fun and play. He crawled to the other side of the gym again - but this time found his way back by himself. And unlike our first visit, he cruised throughout the equipment area, tumbling down just once.
The coolest part was watching how much Cam has progressed with her mobility. The last time we were here was just TWO weeks ago and she already looks like a different baby!
She remembered that tambourine, so I used it to motivate her. It was the perfect place to capture her army crawling on video.
And meanwhile, Levi finds himself in some trouble...
And she eventually got it back, after Levi moved on to other things...
Look how BIG I am!!!
Cam made some older friends today. How cute is that?! I presume they are in deep conversation. It's SO fun watching children interact with each other = another favorite moment where I get to stand back and just enjoy!
We have one more week to come before it's closed for the summer. I hope we can make it back one more time.
Since we decided that using B & L's in-ground pool is risky with two babies:one adult, we found a safe alternative. What else but a cute little baby pool?! We used it today for the first time, and OMG it was SO much fun! It took some time getting them ready (swimsuits, suncreen, swim diapers, and swim hat X2, plus myself), but we pulled it off and it was well worth it! The pool was the perfect size for the 3 of us, and well worth the $8 investment at Wal-Mart. Thanks B for inflating, filling it up, and adding chlorine for us!
I mean, who doesn't LOVE a face like this?
Cam smiled, laughed, and talked the entire time. She slipped once or twice, but kept on playing as if nothing happened. She was so relaxed, and LOVES the water!
I have two Water Babies on my hands for sure!
I have never seen a Texas Tech garment look so CUTE! This swimsuit on Cam is precious. I had so much fun getting it on her. When else can I dress up a girl for the water?
When Levi wasn't splashing himself, he was crawling around and eventually figured out how to pull up. He never slipped which proves how strong he really is. I am so proud of his independence and endurance.
This was a great way for all of us to get some Vitamin D. And, a successful attempt at wearing them both out for a good night's sleep. :)
Levi studying and looking around. He observes it all...
Nixie standing guard. She was nervous for us, but enjoyed the entertainment.
I am so thrilled for the opportunity to care for two precious babies. Knowing that I can work, be a mom, and play an important role for another family is an indescribable blessing. Cameron Elizabeth, you are an amazing addition to Levi and my life. God gave me a caring hand for your safety, learning and development. You are blessed with amazing, hard-working, and sweet parents that want only the best for you! We are going to make some incredible moments together!
