Mama Pajama

What the...

The dewpoint is in the 60s?!! Hold on to your hat, Cameron. We're going outside! 

I can't believe how dry it is outside today. When the humidity drops it feels so much better. We were actually able to spend about thirty minutes outside without breaking a sweat!

I took this picture back in April, but it's one of my favorites. Cameron loves those wind chimes you can see in the background, but we took them down before we knew where Hurricane Gustav was headed. I guess it's safe to put them back up now!

Thanks youtube!

Cameron's latest favorite commercial is the Mattress Giant "ooh aah" one from the eighties.  It's definitely catchy, and since it still comes on,  he's able to hear it pretty often. (Of course, he prefers it when Daddy sings it.)  This morning Chris found it on youtube, so I've been able to rest my voice a bit while Cameron gets to hear it as many times as he wants.  I also found his other two favorites on there: Lunesta and Caduet. Now why didn't we think of this before?

My Boys

Cameron isn't really sure what's going on with his dog. He keeps going near the kitchen to watch Buster.  We are obviously keeping them apart for a while.  Cameron is fairly gentle with him, considering he's a three year old boy, but you never know. I would hate for Cameron to accidentally hit him where it hurts. 

Fun at Granny and PawPaw's

Cameron had a really fun weekend at Granny and PawPaw's. We brought him over on Sunday and he came home on Tuesday afternoon.  He fed crackers to the ducks, rode the riding lawn mower, and played with all of the cool toys at their house - enjoying every minute of it.  Can you tell?

Air Buster

"Live from the Astrodome....in Houston Texas....it's Buckin' Bronco Buster....." - that's Buster's cue to find that toy and play this game. He's been doing this for the past six years.  I have pictures of him doing this when he was a tiny little puppy.  Too bad they aren't digital, or I'd post them.  Chris plays this really rough game with Buster at least once a week, and Cameron never gets tired of watching it.  But, it is too hard on the arms for me to do it with him!

Summer Safety Tips

With all the fun that summer brings, it's also important to think about safety.  The folks over at Mommy Docs want to make sure everyone knows the following tips that can keep the whole family having fun in the sun!

• Have a Sun Protection Strategy: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15.  Look for products that provide "broad spectrum" coverage to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.  Use this sunscreen routine with your child--daily application 30 minutes before going outside and reapplication every 2 hours (or sooner if swimming, toweling off, or sweating).  Creating a routine will establish good habits for the future.  In addition, don't forget a wide brim hat, sunglasses with 99-100% UVA/UVB protection, and sun protective clothing.

• Keep Pests off Your Little One: In the summer, many insects can bite or sting your child.  For pesky mosquitoes and ticks, consider a DEET containing insect repellant.  Apply sparingly to exposed skin (avoid backs of hands and around the eyes and mouth) and/or to clothing once a day. As the percentage of DEET goes up, the duration of action increases. To prevent unnecessary exposure, always use the lowest percentage that will last for the planned length of time spent outdoors. Never go above 30% or use on children under 2 months old.

• Keep the Pool Cool and Clean: Small yard pools provide a great way for kids to have fun and cool down when the temperature rises, but they can also harbor germs, such as bacteria.  To keep the pool free from unwanted "swimmers," after each use disinfect it with bleach by cleaning with a solution of  ¾ cup regular bleach to one gallon of water, then rinse well and dry thoroughly.  Safety must: Always supervise children regardless of age when they are around any water; whether it's a bucket, a small backyard plastic pool, or the local community pool.

• High Heat Means Hydrate: Excessive heat exposure may cause your child to experience a heat-related illness such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. How to prevent this: take breaks in the shade, avoid playing outside during peak sun exposure hours, and drink, drink, drink!  Make sure your child is taking in plenty of fluids before he become thirsty.

• Rid Rashes and Relieve Itchies: Running through the yard in bare feet, taking a nature walk on a trail, and picnicing in the park are some of the joys of warmer weather.  But all of this outdoor activity can expose your child to a host of plants including those which cause poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac.  If an allergic reaction occurs, ask the pediatrician about an oral antihistamine and/or a topical skin care product such as a steroid cream or calamine.  If the rash is extensive, looks infected, or is not getting better, call your doctor right away.

You can find all of these safety tips at MommyDocs.com.  Check out their site for even more helpful information!

Can I Help You?

Here's a shot of my three boys on the "bridge".  Cameron has started crawling up the stairs.  When he get to the bridge, he can see the cars on the main road.  So, this is wonderful motivation. The therapist told us that stairs are the very best thing for Cameron right now to build strength all over. As you can see, Buster likes this spot too.

Scouting out the Neighborhood

Here is a shot of my boys checking out the neighborhood.  Cameron has a whole gameroom of toys to play with now, but he would rather just climb up to the windows and watch the cars and trucks go by.  As you can see, Buster likes to do this just as much as Cameron does!

Crawfish Boil

This Memorial Day we decided to have our parents over for a crawfish boil.  Here's Cameron's first look at a live crawfish. He wasn't really sure about all of this, but Buster had fun spinning around and pouncing on his own crawfish (that thought it had escaped).  Chris did a great job getting everything nice and spicy, and we all ate way too many!  But, I think everyone had a great day.

Fun in the Sun

I cannot wait until it warms up.  This year I want to let Cameron play in his little backyard pool.  I think he'll really love it now.  The weather has been pretty lately, but it's still pretty cold.  I'm ready for my Texas heat!

Hangin' Out with Mom

One of Cameron's favorite things to do is to mangle and pull my hair.  He'll come up behind me when I'm sitting on the floor, and really sweetly climb up to standing using my back.  Then he'll give me a nice hug...

But then he grabs my hair with the strongest grip you can imagine.  It has even brought me to tears.  He will also do this when I'm sitting with him in the recliner. He reaches for a hug, and then he'll grab my hair and play with it like he's cooking up an evil scheme.  Trust me, it's instinctive or something. 

Proud Moment

   Chris' grandfather bravely served in the US Navy during WWII at just eighteen years old.  He was on the USS Yorktown during the Battle of Midway. But although he survived so much, he has never been one to talk much about his experiences.  He's just a very humble person. 

Chris found out that his grandfather had always wanted a flag that was flown over the US Capitol. So, after doing some research, Chris found a way to get him one.  Kay Bailey Hutchison, a US Senator from Texas, was able to arrange for the flag to be flown on February 5, 2008 (a very appropriate date for a Louisiana Cajun - as this was Mardi Gras). Here is a picture of Chris' grandparents with the flag he received and the accompanying certificate.  I'm so happy for PawPaw!

Our Home Movies

I just started putting our home videos onto DVDs.  We bought a DVD Recorder and it's actually pretty easy to do (of course, Chris figured out how to get everything wired for me).  We have a lot of footage from when Cameron was in the hospital.  It's sort of hard to watch some of it, but it's also incredible to just see how far he has come in three short years.  So much of his first few months is just a blur to me, so I'm glad we have so much recorded.  He heard himself crying on the tape this morning and he stopped playing long enough to do a double-take.  All of this just reminds me that he truly is a little miracle boy. 

Marriage Does the Body Good

According to this week's issue of Time, marriage can actually help us live longer and happier lives.  Of course, it depends on whether you have a healthy relationship or not.  But, according to research, married people tend to have lower rates of heart disease and mental illness.  While marriage isn't good for our waistlines, it is good for our overall well-being.  However, a bad marriage can put extreme strain on the body, and can even lead to illness.  We all know that holding in anger takes its toll.  So I guess that when we do get upset we should let it out! There's nothing wrong with a respectful argument every now and then. 

Heads or Tails

Wow, this week's Heads or Tails theme is Heads: Anything that starts with the letter C.  Well, let's see...Chris and Cameron are the most important people in my life, and my mom's name is Carolyn. Thanks Barb! :) Here's a picture of my favorite Cs.

Give Me Five!

Give me five things you like and/or dislike about your job.

Well, as a stay-at-home mom right now, I love my job.  I feel very blessed that I am able to stay home at this time in Cameron's life. 

Here are five things I like/dislike about my "job". 

1.  I love the freedom of being able to schedule my day as I see fit. I don't have to spend the weekends cramming in all the laundry and cleaning, etc.   

2.  I like spending time with my son, and being there for his Physical/Occupational/Speech Therapy sessions.  He continues to make progress almost daily. I learn so much from them, and then I can work with him myself on the things that they suggest. 

3.  I like having the time and energy to cook meals.  When I was teaching we ate a lot of frozen stuff that I would just throw in a pan or in the oven. 

4.  I do miss the people I worked with and the kids, of course. I taught 3rd grade, and that's such a fun age.

5.  I don't like the fact that I don't talk to many adults during the day. I tend to bombard Chris at the door to tell him about our day : ).

Head on over to BeccA's Buzz to participate in Give Me Five!

Weekend Snapshot

Well, after Chris' adventures in Louisiana last weekend, things are back to normal.  Here's a shot of my boys watching the Chargers vs. Colts NFL game today, as sadly, college football will not be on again until the fall. The NFL will have to do for at least another few weeks, until March Madness begins in March.  I can't leave out my other boy, Buster.  Here he is decked out for the LSU game.  (Cameron loves his "B".)

 

Is This Really January?

The last few weeks have been really fun and exciting, with our trip to Dallas and Chris' adventures in Louisiana.  Our weekends usually consist of renting movies and ordering in pizza.  But, it's nice to have just a normal weekend to stay home and hang out.  We just took a "family" walk with Cam in the wagon, and it's 70 degrees outside!  I love it.  I'm sure we will have a few more cold fronts come through, but I am loving this weather!

What Do Teenagers Want?

Sometimes it's so hard to figure out what teenagers want as gifts.  I know most of them would prefer a gift card, or just cash, but sometimes I like to find them something personal.  My cousin used to like gemstone jewelry, but I don't think that's in my budget this year.  Maybe I'll just give her a gift card to the entire mall.  What do you think the perfect gift is for a 14 year old girl?

Best Gifts

With Christmas coming on Tuesday, most of us have pretty much wrapped up our shopping. I still need to wrap a couple of books for Cam, and a gold anklet for my teenage cousin, but other than that I'm finished.  I'm also still waiting on one more gift to come in the mail for Chris.  He thinks he knows what it is, but he's wrong!!! What gift are you most excited about giving this year?  I can't reveal mine yet, as people in my family might be reading this... Please share in the comments section!

Christmas Chaos

Are you feeling the heat?  Only six more nights are left to prepare for the big day.  Chris and I went ahead and exchanged gifts yesterday.  That's really good for us, because at least we made it until only a week before Christmas. Usually, we end up giving each other our gifts as soon as we buy them...I can't wait to give Cam to get his loot from Santa!!!

Wordless Wednesday: Santa (aka MeMe) and Cam

More Pictures!

Here are a few new pictures of my boy(s).  Buster was actually letting Cameron pet him for a while, and then he put his head in his lap! Of course, I couldn't find the camera in time.  But, it's nice to see them "playing nice" together.  Now that Cameron can really get around, Buster is typically annoyed with him.  He finds places to hide (under the coffee table, on top of the poofy chair) that Cameron is unable to go.  They are quite a pair!

Gift Idea

My parents are so hard to buy for.  My dad loves his computer, but sometimes it runs really slowly.  I'd like to get him a Dell Memory upgrade for Christmas.  This way he could send and receive the jokes he loves to pass around with his retired friends.  I don't think my dad ever thought he'd be spending so much time on a computer for fun!   

Weekend Snapshot

This weekend, Chris went out and found the perfect Frasier Fir Christmas tree.  This is the first year that Cameron's really interested in it, so I'm going to have to really watch him around it.  Last night, he threw his socks off into the bottom branches. Here's a shot of him headed for the tree in his walker, before it was even decorated.

To join in the fun, go to Weekend Snapshot.

Turkey Coma

Well, how was your Thanksgiving?  We had a nice day with my parents, my brother and sister-in-law, and their daughter.  For such a small crowd we still made enough food to feed about 25 people.  At least we won't have to cook for a couple of days.  Chris is out getting our Christmas tree, and I've been trying to get the house ready for our decorations. I love this time of year!

Wordless Wednesday:This is Ridiculous

This was two years ago around this time.  I was determined to get a great picture of Cam with his Christmas buddies.  But, Cameron was not amused at all.  He was quite disgusted with me for making him play "photo shoot."  There are only a couple of smiles in the bunch, but there are about twelve other shots where he's looking equally annoyed. This one is my favorite. 

Weekend Snapshot

Here's Cameron on his Zebra bouncer.   This was during the LSU v. Ole Miss game on Saturday.  The Tigers were able to beat the Rebels by a score of 41-24.  This is the second week in a row that LSU has been ranked #1 in the BCS.  There are so many different scenarios as to who they could play in the National Championship Game if they can win out.   This has definitely been the year of upsets, and there is still a lot of football left to be played.  I really hope that LSU will be playing in the National Championship Sugar Bowl this year!  But first, they must beat Arkansas this weekend, and then play in the SEC Championship Game.  Geaux Tigers!

To join in the fun, go to Weekend Snapshot.

Cameron's Therapy

Cameron is doing so well with his Hippotherapy. The last time we did it the weather could not have been more beautiful.  He loves the horses so much, and he is making so much progress with his physical strength.  Unfortunately, we are going to lose our PT and OT when he turns three in March, because the Early Childhood Intervention Program moves into the public schools at that age.  Since we aren't ready to enroll him in school, we're going to have to find a facility to bring him to, or other therapists that will make home visits.  I'm a little stressed about this, because we love our therapists so much!  I'm sure we will find really great people, but I wish we could continue with his current ones forever!

Thanksgiving 2007

This Thanksgiving, we're having dinner at my mom's house.  This year, it's just going to be my parents, Chris, Cameron, and I, and my brother's family. I'm going to make the dressing, because Chris really likes his mom's recipe.  It's a Cajun version of cornbread dressing, and honestly it really is good.

When I was growing up, we would have all the holidays at our house, which I loved.  But, it was so much work for my mom and dad.  I am looking forward to a low-key Thanksgiving this year.  Cameron has fun with his baby girl cousin, and we'll probably end up playing Trivial Pursuit or Spades.  I can see Chris shuddering at this thought already.  Whenever my brother and I get together, we love to play board games.  What can I say, we're both trivia nerds. 

What are your plans for Thanksgiving this year?  Please share!

Poor Little Guy

Cameron isn't feeling too great today. He has a runny nose, and he's cranky because his molars are coming in. We will find out the results of his latest CT Scan tomorrow, so please say a few prayers that everything will still be just fine with his shunt.  We have every reason to believe that everything is OK, he just has to get checked every six months. I hope he's feeling better tomorrow! 

*update: Everything is fine with the shunt!  We are so happy and thankful.*

Weekend Snapshot #9: Rough Housing with Daddy

This weekend was pretty laid back.  We watched the LSU v. Louisian Tech game on Saturday evening, after going over to my parent's house for just a bit. Meme needs her Cameron fix....We are just still so pumped that Cameron is finally crawling!  I know I've already said it, but we're so proud of him.  His days of army crawling only are long gone.  He finally wants to be up off of the floor.  It's such a fantastic feeling to see him make this kind of progress. He's also pulling up to standing using the recliners and his Little Tike Picnic Table.  This is a picture of him playing rough with Chris yesterday.  But, of course, he had to stop and pose for the camera!  Little ham....

To join in the fun, go to Weekend Snapshot.

Weekend Snapshot #8: Weekend Wedding

This weekend we attended my brother's wedding in San Antonio.  This is a photo of my husband, myself, and my parents.  Wow, everyone's eyes are open! This hardly ever happens!  The wedding was at a small chapel near the Riverwalk. If you've ever been to San Antonio, you know how pretty the weather is around this time of year.  Thankfully, everyone had a safe and happy trip for the weekend. One of my aunts who was unable to attend the wedding, stayed with Cameron at our house.  She enjoyed her time with Cam, and we had a fun little getaway!

To join in the fun, go to Weekend Snapshot.

Is It Too Early?

I'm not good at keeping secrets.  My husband is even worse at it than me.  Each year, we  give each other our Christmas gifts earlier and earlier.  The first few years we were married, it was more like a few days before Christmas.....at least we had a tree up, etc.  But as the years have progressed, it has turned into weeks, and last year even a month early.  I even already had to give Cameron a couple of his books that were supposed to be for Christmas (because let's face it, they were for me too).  I love getting new books.  I get so tired of reading the same few over and over. But, I also know that repetition is what kids love and need.  Anyway, I already know where one of my presents is, and I'm trying to enforce willpower this year. Hopefully we'll at least make it to December 1st. 

Halloween Night

Well, we were supposed to have a fun little Halloween at my mom's  house with Cam's cousin, "girl pirate." But "girl pirate" had a bad cold.  So, we decided that we better not bring him over there until after they left. We had a good time anyway.  We ate pizza and cookies, and brought home a bag of candy.  Also, we saw some super cute trick-or-treaters in my parent's neighborhood.  Cameron was kind of cranky and sleepy since he didn't take a nap and only slept about 6 hours the night before (including the morning snooze).  I'm hoping that he'll finally sleep really well tonight!

No Soup Sleep For You!!!

Last night Cameron decided that we really didn't need to go to sleep until midnight.  Plus, we really did need to read all 21 books in his basket.  Then, he woke up crying at 5am.  So, after his bottle, I thought we'd all go back to sleep.  Oh no.  Those books are too enticing.  So, we read them all again. He stayed awake until just now. He's crashed out on the floor near his bedroom.  I guess he really wanted to be a nocturnal bat instead of a pirate for Halloween.  This evening we're going to my mom's house so that he can be with his cousin, "the girl pirate."  Mommy just might let Meme and Daddy deal with Mr. Nonap Crankypants.

Wordless Wednesday: I Can Still See You Mom!

This may be the last time I can get my son to wear this costume! He's had about enough of that pirate sash. But, Mommy can't get enough. He's just so darn cute in it. He's supposed to wear those eye patches every day for at least 30 minutes, but that hardly ever happens. Even when I cover his hands with socks, he can always pull it off. But, his lazy eye problem is so much bettter than it used to be. I tried to make him think it was part of his costume, but I don't think he's buying it. Well, so much for "Wordless" Wednesday.

Heads or Tails #11

This week's theme is Heads: Spooky or Scary

It might be a bit of a stretch on the theme, but I've got something spooky and scary to tell.

Last night, as we were watching the Red Sox play the Colorado Rockies in Game 4 of the World Series, I realized that my husband has issues.

Well, I already knew he had issues (smile) but this was something different.  After bathing Cam last night, I brought him out looking super cute with his slicked back hair, and big smile for dad.....but there was a problem.  He was wearing his Astros outfit.  It's perfect for this weather - long pants but short sleeves.  I put his Santa socks (Red Sox) to make sure we didn't jinx the game.....and I thought this would be enough.

But oh no.  The Rockies started getting runs.  Chris made me change him into a different outfit so that the "disAstros" wouldn't ruin the luck of the Red Sox.  You see, we're Astros fans as well, and they had a terrible season this year. Chris even went to our room to change his own clothes. "Maybe it's these purple shorts..." (sigh)

Well, you know the rest. The Red Sox swept the Rockies in four games.  Superstitious fans everywhere collectively say, "You're Welcome."

Heads or Tails #10

This week's theme is Heads: Train.   Wow, what a coincidence! I was going to write a post about my son's Animal Train at some point, just because it has literally changed his life.  I saw a commercial for it last year around this time, and I remember thinking, "Oh that looks like fun."  I mentioned it to my aunt, since she had asked me what we thought she should get him for Christmas that might help him with his mobility. 

Last Christmas, Cam was 21 months old.  Part of his condition is having extremely low muscle tone, called hypotonia.  At this age, Cameron was rolling a lot, but he wasn't scooting, or even pivoting around yet.  When he received his giant loot of Christmas gifts, he seemed to like his Fisher-Price® Amazing Animals™ Sing & Go Choo-Choo™train. But, we had no idea how much it would help him.

  After a few weeks, Cameron figured out that he could push the smoke stack to make it "go".  But, first, the animals and everything but the engine had to go. Bye bye animals. You just slow it down.  Within a month or two, Cameron started rolling out of the way after he started the train. Then, before our eyes, he pushed himself up and pivoted with his arms!  We were so proud of him.  By his second birthday in March, he started "army crawling" or creeping.  By the summer, he was a pro.  He would start the train, immediately roll out of its way, and then "steer" it in the direction he wanted it to go.  Now, his favorite thing to do is point it towards my husband's feet.  Then, Chris flips it across the room with his feet and Cam gives his dad a mischevious grin.  Repeat. Repeat. Repeat....

Now we're on Animal Train #2.  After months of abuse, and probably twenty battery changes, the first train finally stalled out.  Cam found train number two in my closet.  He actually got inside my closet, shut the door, and then I heard, "All Aboard!!!"  That stinker must have known his first train was about to die.  

We bought Animal Train #3, which is now hidden in a secret location, so that when this one is worn out, we won't have to worry about finding another one.  Cameron is currently army crawling all over the house, and we owe a lot of it to his train.  Physical Therapy helps so much, but finding something motivational was really the key to his progress. 

Smart Habit Saturday

  .....the meme that forces me to recognize my laziness and do something about it!

Week 5: I'm not going to eat candy after dinner! My husband must eat something sweet after every meal, and I've gotten into the same habit.  All these little bits of chocolate over the weeks add up a lot of extra calories.   I'm not really that much of a sweet tooth anyway.

Week 4: Wow, a cavity made me actually floss my teeth!  (7 out of 7 days).  I haven't been using the elliptical much, but I have been jogging a little every night when I walk the dog.  My allergies are starting to kick in though.  This week I am going to drink less coffee.  I'm only going to make this amount so that I can't cheat.

Week 3: OK, I took a month off from SHS.  I just went to the dentist and I have a cavity.....ugggg.  So I will really floss now every night.  Also, I will make sure I go to the dentist for a cleaning every 6 months.  We've been letting it slide to more like once a year.

Week 2:  I pledge to start timing myself on the computer.  For every hour I spend on the computer, I must use the Elliptical Machine 10 minutes.....will the computer time be worth it?  (6 out of 20 days)

Week 1:  Daily Flossing (4 out of 7 days)

To join in SHS go to The Lazy Organizer.

Cameron's Hippotherapy

This week Cameron has Hippotherapy on Thursday. We can't wait. Last friday he rode a new horse, named Pearl.  She is a beautiful brown Haflinger (I'm just learning about horses).  The first time he rode an Arabian, named Capuccino (see photo) .  It is amazing to see him sitting up there.  These horses are so calm and respond to verbal cues.  We are teaching Cameron to tap her once on the back to "go."  Last week he had little handles to hold on to.  This really helped.  With time, the therapy will help him gain better trunk support and stability.  It should even help strengthen his legs.  The therapists play games with him and have him ride forwards, sideways, and even backwards to work different muscle groups. More than anything, it is a fun way for him to exercise. We are so grateful that this therapy is available to him! 

Thank You, Les Miles

As the wife of a college football fanatic, I just wanted to thank the players, coaches, and staff of the LSU tigers.  Not only did they manage to beat the number nine ranked Florida Gators 28-24, they did it by making a series of fabulous and "balgutsy" plays.  Florida has been a problem for LSU in the past, even losing to them during their "co" National Championship Season a few years ago.   But this game was held on a Saturday Night at Tiger Stadium.   LSU fans are brutally loud for opposing teams.  I did have to whip out the "Good Luck LSU Blanket,"  reserved for those special 4th quarters when a little extra good karma is needed.   I don't know if it helped, but the Tigers are still the number one ranked team in the nation!  Cameron wouldn't even look at the camera so that he could keep his eyes on the game. (Oh yeah, and did I mention that USC lost to Stanford? USC, the team that maybe should have still been ranked number one??? Hahaha) I love college football...This weekend LSU plays Kentucky. I can't wait!

Weekend Snapshot #4: Halloween Dress Rehearsal

To join in the fun, go to Weekend Snapshot.

Halloween

I can't believe that Cameron's third Halloween is almost here. I am always searching through the old pictures stored on my computer to see how much he's changed.  This year he is going to be a pirate.  My mom has declared herself "in charge" of Halloween (LOL) so she found him a super cute pirate outfit from Target, complete with new black tennis shoes that look like Vans....so cute.  I can't wait to get him ready. My brother's little girl will be a girl pirate, so I can't wait to see the two of them together.  Here is a picture of his first Halloween outfit.  It doesn't seem like two years have already passed since I took this!

Wordless Wednesday: My PawPaw is Giving Me a Big Boy Haircut!

This weekend we visited my husband's family in Louisiana. It was so good to see all of his aunts and his uncle. We hadn't been since 2005. I am lucky that all of my family lives really near us. His parents live about an hour away, so it's not too bad. We see them every two or three weekends. They miss Cameron when they haven't seen him for too long. I was so glad that Chris' PawPaw could give him his first real haircut. We have a picture of Chris getting his first from him as well. I want to put the two pictures together in one double frame. Pretty neat, huh?

Weekend Snapshot #3: Puppy Love

To join in the fun, go to Weekend Snapshot.

Fall, Where Are You?

October is almost here, and it's still so hot!  I've seen so many beautiful pictures of  "fall scenes" on other blogs lately....and I'm a bit jealous.  I could really use a brisk walk on a cool night. But instead, I'm sweating in the humidity covered in mosquito repellant every night.  I shouldn't complain, I know.  I'm not asking for snow. I would just love to be able to take out the trash without breaking a sweat.  Spring and Fall each last only a few short weeks here.  Come on Fall.  Then it's wet cold - or back to wet hot.  I hate the humidity!

Coastal Dwellers

My husband has a new obsession.  Generators.  He has two....and he plays with them a lot (running them, checking them, admiring them).  During Hurricane Rita, Cameron was only about six months old.  We drove EAST, yes EAST....to get away from the storm, which apparently followed our car into Louisiana.  Luckily, my husband's relatives had a generator, because they did lose power for about a day.  If we had stayed home we would have missed the storm, but when you aren't sure where a hurricane is headed, you have to make big decisions in a hurry.  Sometimes we wonder why we choose to live in a place that could be hit by a hurricane, but we do enjoy living on the coast.  Plus, there aren't too many places that aren't prone to some sort of natural disaster!

Wordless Wednesday #7: Cancun, Mexico - 2004

Germ Freaks

When Cameron was born, we became really obsessive about germs.  I had been an elementary school teacher right up until he was born, so this was a big change from that environment.  We had to be extremely cautious about touching his head after his shunt surgery (done when he was only about three pounds). He was also highly succeptible to meningitis, colds, and the flu. We spent 70 days in the NICU making sure that every single person with whom he came into contact knew how important it was to wash his or her hands! 

Well, we managed to keep him free of illness for almost two years. We just never brought him into stores, the malls, etc. We were really lucky that all of his initial therapy was given at our home.  My husband did (and still does) most of the shopping and running errands, so that I don't have to bring him around many crowds.  And then when we are at people's houses, we just make sure everyone has washed their hands.  He's had two or three colds now, and he's handled them like a champ.  But, since he is underweight for his age, and does not eat much anyway, even something like a cold makes it harder for him to grow and get stronger. 

So, around here, we all get flu shots.  I just got mine Friday at Krogers.  My husband will get his free at  work in October, and we'll  get Cameron one as soon as the pediatrician has them in stock.  I've been getting the flu shot for over 10 years now.  Now that the immunization is available, I can't find a reason not to take advantage of it.  The flu would be really bad for Cameron, so we even ask all the grandparents to make sure that they also get immunized.  Here's to a happy and healthy flu season to everyone!