Camden { 3-4 } months old

Camden is {4} months old and like every month that goes by, we can't believe how fast time flies. Camden has started to show a lot of personality this month ( and some attitude)...must be something that comes along with {4} months! He can be completely happy one minute and the next screaming...he knows what he wants when he wants it...I guess :)

Here is a recap of the first "quarter" of his little life...I don't think he changed much in looks from {3}- {4} months..except for adding a few more rolls to that cute little body! 

At {4} months, Camden...

* is almost rolling over. He's almost there...he just needs to figure out how to get the other arm out from underneath him. We first discovered he was learning how to do this when we walked into his room after a nap and he was on his stomach. 

* took his first road trip all the way to California! He actually did pretty good for such a long drive. He also had his first visit to Disneyland and the San Diego Zoo. 

  

 

 * talks and talks and talks...there are days he will on his activity mat and tell stories for an hour.

*is loving his Bumbo now...even though towards the end of this month he started turning side ways in it and pushing himself out! OH BOY!

 

* is sleeping about 10- 12 hours a night now. His sleeping schedule is a lot like it has been...he goes down at 10:00pm. Wakes up at 6:00am to eat, and goes back down for another 2-4 hours. 

* has decided that after he eats at 6:00am, he'd rather go back to bed in mom and dad's bed...which is totally fine with mommy :) Dad leaves for work; so Charlie, Camden, and I get our snuggle on. I LOVE IT!

 

*has started to put anything and everything in his mouth. He still loves his hands the best, but he has started to now suck on his teething toys...time to buy a Sophie!

* loves to sit up. We put him in between our legs because he obviously can't sit up by himself, but it gives him enough independence and balance. Speaking of independence...

 

* decided he would like to try and hold his own bottle while getting fed. He does this every time we feed him. There are sometimes we have to tuck those little hands down in a blanket because otherwise the milk ends up all over his face! Those hands...they like to be a part of everything :)

 

 

* had his very first cold...broke my heart! You could tell the poor little guy didn't feel good. The third night was the worst and he ended up sleeping in mom and dad's room. The next day we visited to doctor just to be safe and they gave us the best snot sucker ever! It has helped him be able to breath really well. After lots of cuddling, snot sucking, and the humidifier running full blast he is feeling so much better. This little boy has a very strong immune system and let that cold know who was boss!  

* still doesn't love his car seat...and I am not sure he ever will or probably not until he is facing forward.

* will grab anything you put in front of him 

* knows when John or I leave the room. He will follow you with his eyes as you leave and then cry. He wants to be wherever we are...at all times :) 

* is sorta picking and choosing who he wants to hold him. When people are holding him he will look around the room for John or myself. If he can't see us, he starts to get a little fussy...this is very cute because he knows who we are, but we also want him to be able to go to other people and not be scared.

*  is finally loving tummy time again. He scoots around in circles and it's the cutest thing. He is also holding his head up very well.

 

* smiles whenever you say "hi" or "hello" to him...he absolutely loves when dad gets home from work! John always gets the biggest grins. 

*  is loving bath time still. We have started to spend a lot more time in the tub at night. We used to get him in and he would just sit there, so we would wash him and get him out. Now he loves to splash and play with the bubbles. He would stay in there all night if he could. 

Camden this past month has gone by so quickly! You are chunking up so much and are getting more and more rolls everyday! It's the cutest thing! I have always dreamed about having cute, chunky babies and I definitely got the cutest thing ever. You have definitely become more voice tress this month (both cooing and crying :) You know what you want, but mom and dad don't always do...please be patient with us. We are learning everyday. Sometimes you just want to be held and cuddled...we love these little moments. 

The other night dad finished feeding you before it was time to go to bed. Instead of being out of it and ready for bed like you usually are, you were all smiles and making tons of noise... you were loving it and so were we. We sat in your room as a family and truly soaked up every moment of this time together. I will forever remember it because it is honestly just as I have imagined my life. We love you so much! Happy {4} months baby boy.

Boxes...I need boxes!

We're moving! It's a bittersweet thing for me...you see when John and I returned from our honeymoon almost exactly four years ago, we moved into this place. This was the place we were going to make our home. I couldn't wait to paint, to decorate, to really make this place ours. Little did we know we were about to get ourselves into a remodeling mess...to say the least. 

We remobeled the entire place...it made our marriage stronger because anyone that can remodel together will surely stay together :) Lots of sweat and tears have gone into our house to make it our home.

We have a ton of memories here.... it was our first home, we have met great people, we brought charlie here and made this his home (he loved that we added a dog door), and we became a family of three. It's been an adventure that's for sure! But we are ready. Ready to move onto the next adventure. 

I am excited for a new home...we decided building was the best option and since the economy has been bouncing back in Utah, the housing market has really taken off. There wasn't much existing properties to choose from.  Thats when we decided building was best.

When we first got married and bought our current home, we thought it would be nice to keep a long enough distance from our parents, but a short enough one to go visit when we wanted. As we have started our family it has become much more important to be close to our parents. I am so excited to only live about 3 minutes from my parents and 20 minutes from John's parents. We know our family will continue to grow and that's why its important for us to be close to them. 

We have to be out in two weeks and man is it coming quick. There is so much packing to do. There is so much organizing! Since our home sold so quickly we will be moving into my parents until our home is finished being built. This means we basically have to decide what we can live without for the next three months...talk about stressful!

We are so excited for this new adventure.  I'm sad to leave behind this house we have made our home, but I look forward to making our next place nice and cozy too...after all I won't be moving again until all my kids are grown up and moved out ;)

Here's to boring walls, empty book shelves, and feeling like my life is in shambles for the next two weeks...

Trip to Cali {2013}

 Our trip to California started with a 5am wake up call...we wanted to get on the road early in hopes that Camden would sleep through half of the drive. He was so good in the car and I was pleasantly surprised. We made sure to stop for bathroom breaks, feedings, and just to stretch our legs. We only had a slight problem when we decided to stop to eat a buffet in Vegas...It was crazy busy because it was Presidents Day Weekend. After fighting crowds for an hour we decided to eat a Cafe and call it good :) We wanted to get back on the road and get to our destination.

Once we finally made it to San Diego we got checked in to our hotel, ate some Carl's Jr., and got some much needed shut eye. Camden didn't quite sleep as good as he does at home...a couple of nights he ended up in bed with us. We had some good snuggles though :) This kid is a loud sleeper :) It's a good thing he has his own room at home. 

The weather in San Diego was so beautiful! It was so nice to get out of the snow and enjoy the sun. It only rained one day while we were there, but we had our poncho's, so it really wasn't all that bad :) 

 Here are some of the fun things we did while on vacation...

We went to Bernini's Cafe. Steve introduced us to this place and it didn't disappoint. We actually ate there two or three times through out the trip...it was that good :)

We went to La Jolla Cove and checked out the seals. They were so cute and so much fun to watch and plus...the weather was fantastic, so we just enjoyed being in the sun.

  

We went to the San Diego Zoo. This was our Rainy day. We still had a ton of fun and saw so many cool animals. That zoo is HUGE, even bigger than I remembered it from the last time I was there.

We saw the new baby Panda...So cute! 

  

The rain made us a little kooky...

We visited Coronado Island and enjoyed $6 Cokes and $8 fries, but it was fun :) The sea Breeze was a little cold, but the beach was beautiful. I would love to go back here again. I loved all the little boardwalks and shops. 

 

We went to Seaport Village where there was the pier, shops, restaurants, people flying kits, and a beautiful view of the bridge over to Coronado Island. This place was so relaxing to visit and I couldn't get enough of the weather. IT IS BEAUTIFUL! John enjoyed a Weztel Pretzel and I enjoyed my chocolate covered strawberry. Camden enjoyed being in his carrier and the sun...after all he had never really been outside in the sun until this vacation. 

 

We went to Disneyland... oh, where do I begin with this. Instead of writing about how it wasn't what I expected it to be, I'll jot down (for my memory) the things that need to be different next time we go :) 

- even though it wasn't supposed to be busy that day, a whole slew of children were there that were in schools bands...call Disney before hand and ask if they have any special events going on. The lines were out of control, like summer out of control. That doesn't really mix well with a babe in tow.

- don't do two parks in one day...with a baby you need ample time. Feeling rushed to get from one attraction to the next doesn't work so well. There are breaks that need to be taken to feed and change diapers.

- whoever we go with...have them help with Camden in the bathroom. Two people changing a baby can go much faster than me doing it by myself. 

We did go on some fun rides and Camden really loved Little Mermaid and also Pirates of Caribbean. We watched the parade at night, but he was asleep the entire time...poor little guy was so wore out from all the fun things to see. The drive back to San Diego was a breeze, he was zonked the entire time. 

I feel more prepared now for the next time we go...

 

 

Some other activities we did in San Diego that aren't picture...

- we got in the hot tub.

- went shopping at a really awesome mall by our hotel. I NEVER go on vacation and not visit a mall. Shopping is therapy :)

- we took naps in the middle of the day

-  we watched the "hometown dates" on bachelor...just because we were out of town doesn't mean we could miss this show.

- we ate at Corner Bakery, Cheesecake Factory, and about a million other places. I swear I gained 10 lbs. in soda alone on this trip.   

The trip was great...it was nice to see the sun and even get a little sunburned :) just a little rosey red cheeks. We were excited to get home and see Charlie and also get Camden back on a normal sleeping schedule...in his own bed :) I miss you already San Diego and Disneyland...we can't wait to see you again (maybe in another year) 

Four Years!

John and I have been married for {4} years! Oh how time flies when you're having fun... This past year of marriage was a very special one for us. I remember this time last year very well...we had just went in for our fourth IUI (fertility treatment) I remember thinking how great it would be if it worked this month. I would have the same due date from the first time I was pregnant...and March has really always been special to us :) I was feeling lucky! After all March is the month of luck. Who would have thought this year we would be celebrating our anniversary with our sweet little Camden. Thank you March! You never disappoint.

I feel so lucky to be married to the man of my dreams. He makes it possible for me to be a stay at home mom. He loves me so much and cares so much about my happiness. He is my light and my life!

There is no other person i'd rather go through life with than John. I'm excited to see what this next year has in store for us :)

To celebrate our special day, we had Camden hang out with Grandma and grandpa Huston all day Saturday. John and I headed out to the New Traverse Mountain Outlets,  went to a few furniture stores,  and then headed to Gardner Village for some more furniture browsing :) we're building a home, but I'll save that for a later post.

Later that evening we headed to Longhorm Steakhouse for din din and went and saw Safe Haven. We had such a good time just the two of us, but we sure missed Camden. While shopping at Traverse Mountain Outlets I bought him some new clothes and John said...this is what our life is all about now :) it's true...he sure has stolen our hearts!

We will be staying a night at the Montage in Park City to celebrate as well, but because it's ski season they we're booked. So the end of this month we'll be heading up to that beautiful resort :)

We have spent our "actual" anniversary day going to church,  and doing what we do best. ..snuggling together as a family :) there is no other way I would have it! I love my little family so much. 

♥Happy {4} year anniversary to us ♥

Camden { 2-3 } Months Old

My baby boy is {3} months old! How can this be?! Though we are having fun watching Camden learn new things and his smiling and cooing melts our hearts, I miss how little he was. The newborn stage is a rough one, but I miss it so so much. Its true...they don't stay little very long :) 

At {3} months, Camden...

♥is sleeping an average of 8 hours a night.  He definitely knows his days from night. We usually don't have to coax him to go to sleep.  Once he is done eating, he's out (most of the time) 

♥ takes cat naps during the day...about 20-30 minutes. This makes it hard to get a lot of things done, but we make do :)

♥ loves to take his cat naps with Charlie

♥Isn't Loving tummy time right now.. we will have to work on this

♥loves to stand up.. this baby has some pretty strong legs. (I knew this when he was in the womb...my ribs could feel it)

♥loves this sleeping position when dad is holding him...it's called "The Sleeper".

♥is intrigued by the tv. When he is hanging out on the floor, he'll turn his head so he can see it

♥has been talking (cooing and babbling) a lot this month. 

♥Is growing out of his rock n' play, but he still hangs out in it while mom cleans or cooks dinner. 

♥graduated to 8oz bottles...he eats about 5oz every 3.5 hours. 

♥has very few 0-3 month clothes that still fit him. We pulled out his 3-6 month clothes last month.

♥Loves to have conversations with his dad...he missing him all day!

♥Loves to blow bubbles...goodness this kid can slobber! 

♥Is wearing size one diapers still, but he'll be wearing size 2 very soon

♥Would suck on his hands ALL day if we would let him

♥doesn't really like teething toys yet (the hands are much better)

♥Has been loving bath time with bubble bath

♥celebrated his first Valentines Day

♥Discovered that pulling "the lip" will get him anything he wants! Usually after doing this he breaks out the saddest cry...breaks my heart. 

 Camden, we can't believe how much you are growing. Life has sure been fun with you these past three months. We of course are still learning patience, the things you like or dislike, and how to manage the day-to-day tasks. We have been so blessed to have you in our family. Your smile melts our hearts...we could sit in front of you and make faces all day long to just get one cute little smile out of you. You're growing so fast right before our eyes. There are days you wake up and I can tell you have grown over night. Your looks are changing so much too, but you still look so much like your daddy. We love you so much little boy! Happy Three Months!

Happy Valentines Day

Cupid has definitely hit us with his bow and arrow this year!

Camden has completely stolen our hearts and given us the greatest LOVE possible...we knew he would from the first heartbeat we heard, to the first time we held him in our arms.

How grateful we are this Valentines to share all our LOVE with this special little boy.

♥ we love you to the moon and back, Camden ♥

Tonight, in celebration of the LOVE holiday we are going to hang out at home in our cozzies, eat some yummy food, watch American Idol, and LOVE on this little man :)

Happy Valentines Day

California Dreaming...

We're getting ready to go to California soon! I've been stressing out about what to pack Camden for vacation...I can't take my whole house!  Nor do I want to. I have decided if there is something I forget then I'll just have to buy it there.

We will be vacationing with our good friends Steve and Kayla. We just hope they still want children after traveling with us :) there is a high possibilty there will be some screaming, crying, possibly a blow out (in the diaper) ...you never know! :) we are so excited though to get away from this yucky weather we have lingering around here and enjoy some sun, beach, fun, and of course some Disneyland! You can't go to California without visiting the happiest place on earth. 

We have a lot of plans for places to eat, sights to see, and some much needed relaxation. I have purchased Camden some fun sun hats....because lets face it, us Huston's are as white as it gets. Our pediatrician could not stress enough how much we need to keep him covered up and what's not covered up needs sunscreen. Trying to pick a sunscreen has been difficult because babies aren't even supposed to use sunscreen until six months...so we got a list of safe chemical free sunscreens to protect his little white skin.

This vacation will sure be an adventure. Even though I am nervous about how Camden will sleep and just the whole idea abour traveling with a baby, I have looked forward to this. After all...he better get used to it because we will be going to Disney every year...wish me luck with the packing!!

Live Without Pretending

Studio 5 here in Utah is doing a segment called "live without pretending". They asked the viewers if they live without pretending online...whether through Facebook, Instagram, blogging, etc.

Here's the picture I posted on their Instagram...

Anyone who tells you there aren't hard days when raising a baby is lying to you :) We've had a few lately...and when i say a few i mean every single night about an hour before bedtime. Hard to admit, but there have been some nights that while i'm feeding Camden after one of his screaming and fussy fits, I just rock him and cry myself. It's hard when your baby is crying and you don't know what's wrong. It can be exhausting and you really test your patience...at least mine. Who knows...maybe I'm the only mom that struggles with that.  

The other night before putting Camden down for the night he cried for 30 minutes straight. He was over tired...which was our fault. We kept him up later than usual. I could tell I was starting to get frustrated as I changed his diaper and got him into his pajamas. While feeding him I opened up an email from a friend. It had video of a little girl just one year old who has cancer. Her family lives here in Sandy. As I watched this video of her journey I got brought back down to reality. It was just what I needed. I looked down at Camden sleeping so peacefully and felt so blessed. Blessed for his health, blessed to be his mom, blessed to comfort him and take care of him even in the rough times...yes I even felt blessed for his screaming and crying! Because after the screams and cries comes the cuddles.

 I know I'm not the perfect mom...I'm learning...learning to have more patience, to believe in myself, and believe I got this. I'm learning to not get down on myself so much...after all heavenly father trusts me with this baby boy...so I owe it to him to be the best I can be. 

Things in life aren't always perfect, but I believe my life is pretty darn close because I've got everything I need...and that's most important :) here's to living without pretending!

Camden's Baby Book

This is the first of MANY books about Camden. I hope to make one of these for all our children. It is so fun to go back now and read about my experience with his pregnancy. I am SO glad I kept up on my updates every week...even though some weeks I really had no motivation.

I made this book from Heritage Makers. Our book is also made from this company. I am a huge fan! They are a little bit more expensive then companies like Shutterfly, but you get the cutest art if you purchase the premier package...you won't regret it!

Enjoy

Camden { 1-2 } Months Old

My baby boy is two months old!!! Time please stop...he is growing so much and literally changes every single day. Month {2} has been a lot of fun as we continue to get to know our little boy more and as he continues to grow and interact with us. 

We had his {2} month wellness appointment today...HE IS A TANK! Camden is weighing in at 12 lbs. 13.5oz and is 24 inches long! He is falling in the 89%tile for his length and the 70%tile for his weight. He's a big baby, but the doctor said he is healthy and looks great. We love our little chunk!

 (Before his shots and after we got home)

At {2} months, Camden...

*opened his first pair of Christmas Eve Pajamas and had his very first Christmas

 

*loves to put his hands in his mouth

* is sleeping through the night! He usually goes down at about 10:30, wakes up at 5:00 to be fed, and goes back down for another 2-3 hours.

* is starting to notice more colors and objects. He enjoys playing on his activity mat, but not for too long :) he gets bored. I'm sure this will change over time. 

* is fitting snug into his size 1 diapers...no more newborns that's for sure!

* is growing out of his 0-3 month clothes because he is so long. He has started to wear his 3-6 month clothes

* has started to smile and coo a lot

* had his first blowout! That's pretty good for a {2} month old. The best part was it happened while my parents were watching him. Thank you pampers for providing great support :) (this picture was taken after the blowout incident)

 

 

*eats like a champ! As you can tell from his weight :) This kid downs 4oz every 2.5-3 hours. 

* is still trying to decide if he likes to ride in the car. 

*does not like to be put in his car seat

*had play dates with both his grandmas and grandpas so mom and dad could go on a date

* can roll himself over when he is having tummy time

*has the most beautiful big blue eyes

* his hair is becoming more and more strawberry blonde everyday (just likes his dad)  

* he celebrated his blessing day on January 6th. 

*doesn't like when I put baby lotion on him

* can hold his head up 

* loves his stuffed animals...especially Kanga and Roo. During tummy time he has conversations with them :) 

Camden, we can't believe how big you are getting. I wish time would stop, or at least slow down so I could enjoy these little moments with you a little longer. I love to see you grow, but I already miss the newborn stage. Even though you are starting to move a lot and want to constantly kick your legs and wave your arms, I cherish our cuddle times when you are asleep in my arms and I can just stare at you. 

Your smile melts my heart, especially when we leave you with grandma and grandpa for a couple of hours and when you hear our voices you let out the biggest grin. You truly are such a blessing in our life. We have grown a lot together over the last two months and you have really taught us a lot. We are still adjusting to life and I am sure we will continue to do that with each stage of your childhood. It's exciting to wonder what changes we will see in you next. Mommy and daddy love you so much! And Charlie too! If he had his way he would lick you all day long. :)