By the way, Mike created this heartfelt e-card that we wanted to share with everyone.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Christmas Update
We celebrated our first Christmas with Cameron, and although he's much too little to understand the magic of Christmas, I still think he had a good time.
Cameron LOVES the busy ball popper that the Salladins gave him, and this might actually be my favorite new toy of his too!
We Skyped with the California Graveses and Salladins in the morning - Skype is the next best thing to being together in person! Here's a picture of Mike and Cameron Skyping.
Cameron LOVES the busy ball popper that the Salladins gave him, and this might actually be my favorite new toy of his too!
My parents came over in the afternoon, and Cameron received another one of his favorite gifts - a toy with gears that spin around and plays music. After dinner, we headed out to catch a little of the tacky light tour. For those of you who haven't seen these kinds of Christmas lights before, the owners of each house transmit music over the radio and then they synchronize the lights on their house and yard with the music. It's pretty neat.
Christmas was fun this year, and I'm already looking forward to next Christmas to see how much Cameron will enjoy it. And now that we're finished with Christmas, it's time to start thinking about Cameron's first birthday party!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Cameron's Christmas Photo Shoot
The week of Thanksgiving, I took Cameron to get his pictures taken for Christmas. He was either in a really good mood or really took to the photographer (or both), because he was super smiley in his pictures, as you'll see below.
A few people have already seen the pictures, and here are the comments we've received so far to prove Cameron's cuteness:
"When I look at these pictures, I can see that he may grow up to be a good looking guy. After these pictures, I think he could be a model." - Mike Graves, proud papa*
"Cameron is totally owning his inner fierceness in these frames." - Tyra Banks
"Cameron is so handsome. I think he just may be good looking enough to be a fireman." - Jane Graves, proud nammy
"That Cameron is so hot right now." - Mugatu (Will Ferrell's character in Zoolander)
"Cameron's so cute he could be a part-time model." - Bret and Jemaine from Flight of the Conchords
I, for one, think his pictures turned out adorable!
*This statement was not fictionalized in any way. These words actually came out of my husband's mouth.
A few people have already seen the pictures, and here are the comments we've received so far to prove Cameron's cuteness:
"When I look at these pictures, I can see that he may grow up to be a good looking guy. After these pictures, I think he could be a model." - Mike Graves, proud papa*
"Cameron is totally owning his inner fierceness in these frames." - Tyra Banks
"Cameron is so handsome. I think he just may be good looking enough to be a fireman." - Jane Graves, proud nammy
"That Cameron is so hot right now." - Mugatu (Will Ferrell's character in Zoolander)
"Cameron's so cute he could be a part-time model." - Bret and Jemaine from Flight of the Conchords
I, for one, think his pictures turned out adorable!
*This statement was not fictionalized in any way. These words actually came out of my husband's mouth.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Peace Out Pump
DISCLAIMER: The following blog entry will only be of interest to our female readership, specifically mothers. To all you men out there, you will most likely be completely disinterested in this post, even though the word "breast" is mentioned quite a bit.
When Cameron was born, I knew I wanted to breastfeed as long as I could. I wasn't sure what would happen when I returned to work when he was three months old, but my goal was to continue to breastfeed until he was six months old. Fortunately, my work made it very easy for me to pump during the day - a private room with a couch and bathroom was made available to pump whenever I needed to, and I was able to pump twice a day without question. So six months came and went, and on and on I pumped.
As Cameron got older, he became more easily distracted while breastfeeding, so I had to start nursing him while lying down on our bed. He was fine with this for awhile, but then about six weeks ago, he just would not cooperate anymore and kept getting up whenever I laid him down to nurse. He would suck for a minute and then roll over and get up to play. There were also a few biting incidents - all I can say about that is ouch! I finally got tired of fighting with him, so he became exclusively bottle-fed about a month ago.
I had totally bought into the "Every Ounce Counts" campaign, so I still pumped twice a day at work, and we mixed formula with breastmilk in Cameron's bottles. Since he stopped breastfeeding, my milk supply really started to decrease. It got to the point where I would pump three times a day and get lucky if I could pump 5-6 ounces. So after much thought and consideration, I ultimately decided to stop pumping this weekend.
I feel a little guilty that I'm not breastfeeding Cameron for one full year, like all the experts recommend. But I'm proud that I was able to surpass my initial goal and feed him breastmilk for 10 months. To be honest, it has been great this week to not have to carry my pump and supplies to work every day, and it's been really great not having to interrupt my day to pump at work. My refrigerator is also looking forward to the extra space that's available once the breastmilk has vacated the lower shelf. My checking account, however, is not looking forward to the increased formula usage...
Here are the lessons I learned over the last few months:
1) Breastfeeding is a beautiful bond between mother and child. I will never forget one of the first times Cameron latched on while we were at the hospital, and his little face looked up at mine. Such an indescribable feeling.
2) The human body is amazing. It is incredible that a mother's body knows how much milk to make for her child and what nutrients and antibodies to include in the milk!
3) It's not embarrassing to breastfeed in public. You are doing what's best for you and your baby, and most people just don't even notice.
4) At first, I felt handcuffed by breastfeeding an infant every three hours. But then it got a lot easier once Cameron and I both knew what we were doing, and it was an enjoyable experience. I have such fond memories, and I'm so glad I was able to breastfeed for as long as I could!
A big thank you to my sister-in-law for generously lending me her pump all these months!
When Cameron was born, I knew I wanted to breastfeed as long as I could. I wasn't sure what would happen when I returned to work when he was three months old, but my goal was to continue to breastfeed until he was six months old. Fortunately, my work made it very easy for me to pump during the day - a private room with a couch and bathroom was made available to pump whenever I needed to, and I was able to pump twice a day without question. So six months came and went, and on and on I pumped.
As Cameron got older, he became more easily distracted while breastfeeding, so I had to start nursing him while lying down on our bed. He was fine with this for awhile, but then about six weeks ago, he just would not cooperate anymore and kept getting up whenever I laid him down to nurse. He would suck for a minute and then roll over and get up to play. There were also a few biting incidents - all I can say about that is ouch! I finally got tired of fighting with him, so he became exclusively bottle-fed about a month ago.
I had totally bought into the "Every Ounce Counts" campaign, so I still pumped twice a day at work, and we mixed formula with breastmilk in Cameron's bottles. Since he stopped breastfeeding, my milk supply really started to decrease. It got to the point where I would pump three times a day and get lucky if I could pump 5-6 ounces. So after much thought and consideration, I ultimately decided to stop pumping this weekend.
I feel a little guilty that I'm not breastfeeding Cameron for one full year, like all the experts recommend. But I'm proud that I was able to surpass my initial goal and feed him breastmilk for 10 months. To be honest, it has been great this week to not have to carry my pump and supplies to work every day, and it's been really great not having to interrupt my day to pump at work. My refrigerator is also looking forward to the extra space that's available once the breastmilk has vacated the lower shelf. My checking account, however, is not looking forward to the increased formula usage...
Here are the lessons I learned over the last few months:
1) Breastfeeding is a beautiful bond between mother and child. I will never forget one of the first times Cameron latched on while we were at the hospital, and his little face looked up at mine. Such an indescribable feeling.
2) The human body is amazing. It is incredible that a mother's body knows how much milk to make for her child and what nutrients and antibodies to include in the milk!
3) It's not embarrassing to breastfeed in public. You are doing what's best for you and your baby, and most people just don't even notice.
4) At first, I felt handcuffed by breastfeeding an infant every three hours. But then it got a lot easier once Cameron and I both knew what we were doing, and it was an enjoyable experience. I have such fond memories, and I'm so glad I was able to breastfeed for as long as I could!
A big thank you to my sister-in-law for generously lending me her pump all these months!
Friday, December 10, 2010
The best looking babysitter in town
I just wanted to offer a heartfelt and public thank you to our friend Tim for agreeing to watch Cameron this evening while his wife and I attend a work related holiday party. It is very kind of you Tim. I promise to bring you back some eggnog.
I also wanted to provide you with some quick information about Cameron's schedule. I was going to tell you when I dropped him off, but thought it might be a little too much to remember. I'm not really particular, as long as the following things occur in the outlined times:
5 pm - Drop off
5 to 5:30 - Free play time
5:30 - afternoon sing along. We are doing a holiday theme right now. It must include the 12 days of Christmas Muppet version. Cam really enjoys miss piggy's "5 golden rings" part, so please try to give that voice a little pizzaz.
6 pm - morality and/or social tolerance time. Lately I've been using multi-racial puppets, acting out common stereo-types, then saying "no" in a firm voice.
6:30 - start of dinner. The first course tonight will be 2 cubes of sweet potatoe mixed in with 2 ounces of milk and four tablespoons of whole grain cereal. This will be followed by a lovely spring vegetable mix and a rice and lentle baby food. He will wash that down with some water and approximately six cheerios for dessert. His meals are typically served to taste and are presented with decorative lettuce.
6:50 - Usually this is bath time. Note: YOU WILL NOT BE DOING BATH TIME. I just don't feel comfortable with you applying his ointments. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
7:00 - This is when he spends about 2 minutes on his Bidet. I don't think you have one at your house, so I'll just bring our portable bidet.
7:02 - Nightly cool down and play time. I was thinking it might be fun to position your son under the minature basketball hoop at your house and have Cameron dunk on him repeatedly.
7:15 - Ego affirmation time.
7:30 - Nightly Bottle - Four ounces of un-pasteurized breast milk.
7:45 - Pick up time
I think that's about it. I can't really think of anything else. Oh yeah, we have been trying really hard lately to discourage any sort of vulnerability or weak negative emotions. So if he seems sad or fatigued, please either make him laugh or pinch him until he becomes angry. Again, thanks in advance for watching him. I hope ya'll have fun. See you in a few hours.
I also wanted to provide you with some quick information about Cameron's schedule. I was going to tell you when I dropped him off, but thought it might be a little too much to remember. I'm not really particular, as long as the following things occur in the outlined times:
5 pm - Drop off
5 to 5:30 - Free play time
5:30 - afternoon sing along. We are doing a holiday theme right now. It must include the 12 days of Christmas Muppet version. Cam really enjoys miss piggy's "5 golden rings" part, so please try to give that voice a little pizzaz.
6 pm - morality and/or social tolerance time. Lately I've been using multi-racial puppets, acting out common stereo-types, then saying "no" in a firm voice.
6:30 - start of dinner. The first course tonight will be 2 cubes of sweet potatoe mixed in with 2 ounces of milk and four tablespoons of whole grain cereal. This will be followed by a lovely spring vegetable mix and a rice and lentle baby food. He will wash that down with some water and approximately six cheerios for dessert. His meals are typically served to taste and are presented with decorative lettuce.
6:50 - Usually this is bath time. Note: YOU WILL NOT BE DOING BATH TIME. I just don't feel comfortable with you applying his ointments. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
7:00 - This is when he spends about 2 minutes on his Bidet. I don't think you have one at your house, so I'll just bring our portable bidet.
7:02 - Nightly cool down and play time. I was thinking it might be fun to position your son under the minature basketball hoop at your house and have Cameron dunk on him repeatedly.
7:15 - Ego affirmation time.
7:30 - Nightly Bottle - Four ounces of un-pasteurized breast milk.
7:45 - Pick up time
I think that's about it. I can't really think of anything else. Oh yeah, we have been trying really hard lately to discourage any sort of vulnerability or weak negative emotions. So if he seems sad or fatigued, please either make him laugh or pinch him until he becomes angry. Again, thanks in advance for watching him. I hope ya'll have fun. See you in a few hours.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
And he has risen again
Bingo is back. And he returned without any voodoo from our son. Bingo was found at the pound earlier today. I can just envision my dad walking back to the car with Bingo under his arm and a triumphant look on his face like Greg Focker had when he returned with the fake Jinxy. It is a happy day in the Graves family. Bingo lives. And all and all it seems like he has a new lease on life. Apparently he lied about his age at the pound (telling them he was only ten years old) and took advantage of the opportunity to have some cosmetic surgery done (a mole removed from his face). Looking good my friend. Welcome home.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Let's Get Metaphysical
Weird things have been afoot. Things for which I have no answer. Things that make me question the very fabric of my existence. First, my family's childhood pet vanished. Bingo-the-dog literally disappeared without a trace. He is a 16-year-old beagle who is legally blind and deaf, so the probability that he got very far on his own is small. And unless somebody took offense at his timidity or odor, I don't think there is much motive for abduction / assassination. According to the investigators on the scene, there were some signs of a struggle (a knocked over flower pot), but no traces of blood or other animal prints. Animal attack is unsubstantiated at this time. In the end, my family remains mystified. But I think I have the answer. When Mindy informed me that a coworker had a cat disappear on the same evening, it became clear. There has been a pet rapture. Which means, unfortunately for all of you who still have your furry friends, some pets have been Left Behind. Reilly, your soul was not prepared...
But that is not all. I also learned that my son is a healer. His hands are like unicorn tears. As thirsty visitors to our house well know, the water device on the refrigerator does not work. It hasn't worked for over 5 years. Well, that was true until the Cam laid hands on it. Earlier this week, he batted at the water tube under the fridge and began babbling in tongues. Friday evening I watched in awe as my Aunt placed her cup to the fridge and voila... there was water. Because I refuse to believe that my nine-month-old son is a better mechanic than me, I think it's clear that he possesses magical powers. And even though my Aunt probably ingested an ungodly amount of bacteria from drinking water that has been sitting still in a tube for over five years, there was still great celebration for the miracle. Since that night I have had Cameron bless all my fantasy football rosters and Mindy has been frantically searching his forehead for any indication of a lightning scar. We are also flying Cameron to California immediately to see if he can conjure Bingo back. If the Magic Cam doesn't work I don't know what else to do. You will be missed Bingo. Enjoy sleeping indoors (aka Heaven) and say hello to Sam for me.
But that is not all. I also learned that my son is a healer. His hands are like unicorn tears. As thirsty visitors to our house well know, the water device on the refrigerator does not work. It hasn't worked for over 5 years. Well, that was true until the Cam laid hands on it. Earlier this week, he batted at the water tube under the fridge and began babbling in tongues. Friday evening I watched in awe as my Aunt placed her cup to the fridge and voila... there was water. Because I refuse to believe that my nine-month-old son is a better mechanic than me, I think it's clear that he possesses magical powers. And even though my Aunt probably ingested an ungodly amount of bacteria from drinking water that has been sitting still in a tube for over five years, there was still great celebration for the miracle. Since that night I have had Cameron bless all my fantasy football rosters and Mindy has been frantically searching his forehead for any indication of a lightning scar. We are also flying Cameron to California immediately to see if he can conjure Bingo back. If the Magic Cam doesn't work I don't know what else to do. You will be missed Bingo. Enjoy sleeping indoors (aka Heaven) and say hello to Sam for me.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
'Tis the season to give thanks, so here is my laundry list of things I'm thankful for this year, in no particular order:
Let's get the obvious one out of the way...I'm incredibly thankful for our sweet little boy. He's happy, healthy, and thriving - what more can a mother ask for? Whenever I see his face light up with joy or hear his infectious laugh, I am 100% content. Being a mother is completely undescribable, and I'm so happy to be one.
I'm thankful for a husband who reads Parents magazine in the bath. Seriously.
I'm thankful that Reilly is tolerating Cameron. Even after the American flag incident (see previous July 4th post).
I'm thankful for my boss who kindly accommodated my request to change my work schedule to 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, so that I can watch Cameron when Mike sees clients in the afternoon. I'm so thankful that we've been able to spend all this time with Cameron and delay daycare.
I'm thankful for parents and in-laws who showed Mike and how me how to be good parents.
I'm thankful for Cameron's full head of hair. I love that people comment on it everywhere we go.
I'm thankful for Chick-fil-A's spicy chicken sandwiches, and I'm especially thankful for the occassional free coupon in the mail. What will those poor-spelling cows think of next?
I'm thankful for Olympic curling, Parenthood, and the Bravo network. I spent countless hours watching all of those things on TV during maternity leave. By the way, Parenthood is my show, no matter how much Mike tries to claim it.
I'm thankful for Cameron's "treasure," the battery cover on the remote control. That has provided endless hours of entertainment. His happiness is my happiness.
Let's get the obvious one out of the way...I'm incredibly thankful for our sweet little boy. He's happy, healthy, and thriving - what more can a mother ask for? Whenever I see his face light up with joy or hear his infectious laugh, I am 100% content. Being a mother is completely undescribable, and I'm so happy to be one.
I'm thankful for a husband who reads Parents magazine in the bath. Seriously.
I'm thankful that Reilly is tolerating Cameron. Even after the American flag incident (see previous July 4th post).
I'm thankful for my boss who kindly accommodated my request to change my work schedule to 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, so that I can watch Cameron when Mike sees clients in the afternoon. I'm so thankful that we've been able to spend all this time with Cameron and delay daycare.
I'm thankful for parents and in-laws who showed Mike and how me how to be good parents.
I'm thankful for Cameron's full head of hair. I love that people comment on it everywhere we go.
I'm thankful for Chick-fil-A's spicy chicken sandwiches, and I'm especially thankful for the occassional free coupon in the mail. What will those poor-spelling cows think of next?
I'm thankful for Olympic curling, Parenthood, and the Bravo network. I spent countless hours watching all of those things on TV during maternity leave. By the way, Parenthood is my show, no matter how much Mike tries to claim it.
I'm thankful for Cameron's "treasure," the battery cover on the remote control. That has provided endless hours of entertainment. His happiness is my happiness.
I'm thankful for uninterrupted sleep. I didn't realize what a treat it was until I didn't get a full night's sleep for six months.
I'm thankful for hand-me-downs. So thankful that I feel the need to return the favor and share clothes and toys with others - pay it forward, yo.
I'm thankful for friends with kids close to Cameron's age. It's nice to talk to other people who completely relate to what you're going through.
I'm thankful that I've been able to breastfeed for 9 1/2 months. Even though I'm not making as much milk anymore, every ounce counts!
I'm thankful for Chris Johnson. I rode his coattails to win the War of the Roses fantasy football league last year, and I'm counting on him to at least get me into the playoffs this year. Considering Tom Brady blew up today with 40+ points, I need a big game from CJ this week.
I'm very, very, very thankful for my best friend and help mate, Mike. There's no one whom I'd rather spend more time with and no one who can make laugh as much as him. He is a wonderful father, and I don't tell him that often enough.
I am so blessed. My cup runneth over.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Consonants are Great
At Cameron's 9-month check-up, our pediatrician said that Cam's speech development was a little delayed because he wasn't babbling with consonants. Whenever he talked, it was, "aah aah aaaaaahhhh." Of course, Cameron comes from a long line of speech-delayed males, so this really shouldn't have come as a surprise to Mike and me.
But that all changed this weekend. On Saturday morning, Cameron went down for his morning nap as per usual. An hour and a half later, he woke up and voila! - consonants were suddenly a part of his vocabulary. And now the little guy won't stop with the "blah blah, da da da, ga ga ga." Hooray for consonants!
But that all changed this weekend. On Saturday morning, Cameron went down for his morning nap as per usual. An hour and a half later, he woke up and voila! - consonants were suddenly a part of his vocabulary. And now the little guy won't stop with the "blah blah, da da da, ga ga ga." Hooray for consonants!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Inside voice extravaganza
So Cam and I finally made it to "lap sit" story time at the Library. I have to admit, it was actually really cool. There was no story - which was probably a good idea considering the attention span of their audience. Instead it was a large padded room filled with women and toys (aka: my idea of a good time). First parents, and to a lesser extent babies, participated in a sing along. Then a tub of toys was dumped out and the parents sat back and conversed while little people crawled around and essentially violated each others personal space. Basically it was like Gymboree, except free of charge and void of the awkward forced conversations about parenting.
But I wasn't kidding about it being a sea of estrogen. There were probably 20+ mothers in that place and I comprised the lone father representative. A little awkward, but if I learned anything from graduate school, it is the fact that I can hold my own in a land o' ladies. What I really learned today is my son is either a racist or really can't tell Mindy apart from other Asian women. I feel like I might need to mark Mindy on the hand with a marker like Michael from the Office. Seriously, of the 20+ mothers in the room two were of Asian decent. And these two Asian women were literally the only two adults in the room he approached. But, he didn't just approach them. He continually went over to them smiling, pulled himself up on there legs, and tried to crawl into their laps or arms. It was actually a little embarrassing. And it might have been made a wee bit more awkward by the fact that I kept winking at the women and telling them in a creepy voice that they looked just like his mother. Ok, that last part isn't true. But Cam did totally shun the white women. He told me later that as a general rule he finds them too high maintenance.
We did manage to make a friend with one of Cam's surrogate mothers. She was a real nice lady whose son was one day older than Cameron. I was really enjoying our delightful chat about the recall on teething tablets until she had the nerve to ask me if I "was JUST a stay at home?" How dare she?!?!?! After that, every time Cam went over toward her I would say with a slightly raised voice, "NO! She's not your mother!" You subtly disparage stay at home fathers and I passively aggressively retort. Ok, again, the second part really didn't happen. But inside I wanted to... I wanted to.
Overall, we were very pleased with our little adventure. We're planning to go back tomorrow. And I'm hoping to be able to teach Cam how to whistle the tune to "The Boys are Back in Town" by then. We'll see what happens.
But I wasn't kidding about it being a sea of estrogen. There were probably 20+ mothers in that place and I comprised the lone father representative. A little awkward, but if I learned anything from graduate school, it is the fact that I can hold my own in a land o' ladies. What I really learned today is my son is either a racist or really can't tell Mindy apart from other Asian women. I feel like I might need to mark Mindy on the hand with a marker like Michael from the Office. Seriously, of the 20+ mothers in the room two were of Asian decent. And these two Asian women were literally the only two adults in the room he approached. But, he didn't just approach them. He continually went over to them smiling, pulled himself up on there legs, and tried to crawl into their laps or arms. It was actually a little embarrassing. And it might have been made a wee bit more awkward by the fact that I kept winking at the women and telling them in a creepy voice that they looked just like his mother. Ok, that last part isn't true. But Cam did totally shun the white women. He told me later that as a general rule he finds them too high maintenance.
We did manage to make a friend with one of Cam's surrogate mothers. She was a real nice lady whose son was one day older than Cameron. I was really enjoying our delightful chat about the recall on teething tablets until she had the nerve to ask me if I "was JUST a stay at home?" How dare she?!?!?! After that, every time Cam went over toward her I would say with a slightly raised voice, "NO! She's not your mother!" You subtly disparage stay at home fathers and I passively aggressively retort. Ok, again, the second part really didn't happen. But inside I wanted to... I wanted to.
Overall, we were very pleased with our little adventure. We're planning to go back tomorrow. And I'm hoping to be able to teach Cam how to whistle the tune to "The Boys are Back in Town" by then. We'll see what happens.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Family Portraits
Today the photographer who took our family portraits gave me the CD of images from our session a couple of weeks ago. I LOVE the pictures she took! What's funny is that if you asked me, I would have said that Cameron wasn't particularly smiley that afternoon, but the photos prove otherwise. I really think she captured Cameron's happy spirit. So if any of you Austinites are looking for a good photographer, let me know, and I'll happily share her contact information. (I heart Brenda O'Brian.)
Here are some of my favorite pics from the session, and I held one back for our Christmas card. To see all the pictures, check out my Facebook page.
Enjoy!
Here are some of my favorite pics from the session, and I held one back for our Christmas card. To see all the pictures, check out my Facebook page.
Enjoy!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Halloween
We finally decided on Cameron's Halloween costume, and it was none of the ones mentioned in the previous post. Instead, we decided Cam would be a greaser a la James Dean or Danny Zuko. This was the winning costume because: 1) the t-shirt was much less than a regular costume, 2) there's no shame associated with wearing a cool t-shirt, 3) he can wear the t-shirt again, and 4) this costume prominently showcases Cam's signature feature: his hair.
Here's our little greaser:
Here's our little greaser:
Here's Cameron enjoying his candy loot:
I did break down and buy an actual costume that was going to be the back-up costume, in case we couldn't find anything else. In the event that the greaser thing didn't work out, Cameron was going to be an adorable giraffe. We still put the giraffe suit on him tonight for pictures, but I am still fully intending to return it to Target this week. This is called the poor man's Halloween.
Also, if you people don't start commenting on Mike's posts, then you are going to be stuck with me as the sole author of this blog. His comedic relief doesn't come without a price tag: his insecurity as a blogger demands that you give him frequent validation, so please, for everyone's sake, comment on the next post he writes, if he ever writes another, which he's threatening not to...
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Scrooge in October
So... yeah, Halloween is upon us. I know it's a really exciting night for many, like pedophiles and/or crafters, but I'm really not a big fan. As far as I can tell, Halloween is really just an opportunity for four things:
A) children to extort their neighbors through threats of violence
B) adult women to dress like tramps and call it a costume
C) parents to parade tiny children around in ridiculous outfits and a look of embarrassment on their faces (it's the same facial expression as when you put a hat on a dog - eyes filled with resignation and shame)
D) eating candy corn until you feel sick
And now that I'm re-reading my list that was meant to disparage the holiday, I'm starting to reconsider my stance. A, B, and D sound like a pretty awesome time. But, that still leaves us with C. And there is no silver lining or positive spin for C. It's just pure degradation and permanent psychological damage.
As new parents, there is a grave responsibility (definite pun intended there) to find a Halloween costume for Cam that is shame-free. However, there is also a strong desire to find a costume that is cute, entertaining to others, and preferably low cost. Clearly, there is a lot of pressure. So I thought we would turn to you, our readers, to help us make yet another monumental decision. Below I'll outline the Halloween costume ideas that we've discussed (with a brief analysis). Please read and then help us decide.
1) Pauly D from Jersey Shore
Pros: Pop culture relevant; allows for Mindy and I to sit around before we go trick-or-treating making "the shirt before the shirt" jokes and shout "oh yeah" all night; and Cam is already a natural fist pumper
Cons: Last week's haircut! I was all for this costume when I thought we could go to the barber on the morning of the 30th and actually get his hair cut and styled like Pauly D. Now that has been ruined. The idea of buying a tiny Pauly D wig, to then cover Cam's most recognizable feature, just seems sad.
2) Calvin from Calvin and Hobbs
Pros: Great comic and seems baby appropriate
Cons: Big Con with this one is that Mindy wants me to dress up as Calvin. Which in her mind means I wear a red t-shirt that says Calvin. First, I hate dressing up in costumes. Second, this costume sounds really lame. Also, I think dressing Cam up as a baby Tiger might be walking a little too close to the "shame" line for comfort.
3) Gilbert Arenas - complete with 2 guns and an ace bandage around his knee
Pros: Unique, humorous, and we already have a Gilbert Arenas onesie (conveniency bonus points awarded).
Cons: Probably 95% of the people that see Cameron will have no idea who he is supposed to be and/or why this is funny. But I think the 5% who do get it will appreciate it even more; kind of like an inside-joke effect. Another large Con is, in order to really complete the ensemble, I probably need to dress in a Jarvis Crittenton onesie. I'm not sure if this is a sacrifice I'm willing to make. Plus, I'm pretty sure that the Jarvis Crittenton adult onesie may be somewhat difficult to locate.
4) Mondo from Project Runway
Pros: I think Cameron would look fabulous in a tight print-shirt, tiny shorts, knee socks, and elf hat; Cameron and Mondo seem close to the same size and have close to the same hair (so that would help with the believability); and it would afford Mindy and me the opportunity to say "Nina Garcia" with a German accent over and over
Cons: Again - nobody would know who he was. And this might actually require some sewing at our house.
5) Chris Harrison / Satan
Pros: Strong statement
Cons: We would have to explain to everyone why Satan was carrying a rose.
6) Tiger Woods
Pros: Provides all kinds of opportunity for inappropriate jokes
Cons: We'd have to push him around in miniature SUV with a fire hydrant glued to the front.
7) Orville Redenbacher
Pros: This is the most memorable Halloween costume that I have from my childhood.
Cons: He'll also grow up to hate Halloween.
Well, those are the options we've got so far. Please cast your vote in the comment section. Or feel free to write-in additional suggestions. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
A) children to extort their neighbors through threats of violence
B) adult women to dress like tramps and call it a costume
C) parents to parade tiny children around in ridiculous outfits and a look of embarrassment on their faces (it's the same facial expression as when you put a hat on a dog - eyes filled with resignation and shame)
D) eating candy corn until you feel sick
And now that I'm re-reading my list that was meant to disparage the holiday, I'm starting to reconsider my stance. A, B, and D sound like a pretty awesome time. But, that still leaves us with C. And there is no silver lining or positive spin for C. It's just pure degradation and permanent psychological damage.
As new parents, there is a grave responsibility (definite pun intended there) to find a Halloween costume for Cam that is shame-free. However, there is also a strong desire to find a costume that is cute, entertaining to others, and preferably low cost. Clearly, there is a lot of pressure. So I thought we would turn to you, our readers, to help us make yet another monumental decision. Below I'll outline the Halloween costume ideas that we've discussed (with a brief analysis). Please read and then help us decide.
1) Pauly D from Jersey Shore
Pros: Pop culture relevant; allows for Mindy and I to sit around before we go trick-or-treating making "the shirt before the shirt" jokes and shout "oh yeah" all night; and Cam is already a natural fist pumper
Cons: Last week's haircut! I was all for this costume when I thought we could go to the barber on the morning of the 30th and actually get his hair cut and styled like Pauly D. Now that has been ruined. The idea of buying a tiny Pauly D wig, to then cover Cam's most recognizable feature, just seems sad.
2) Calvin from Calvin and Hobbs
Pros: Great comic and seems baby appropriate
Cons: Big Con with this one is that Mindy wants me to dress up as Calvin. Which in her mind means I wear a red t-shirt that says Calvin. First, I hate dressing up in costumes. Second, this costume sounds really lame. Also, I think dressing Cam up as a baby Tiger might be walking a little too close to the "shame" line for comfort.
3) Gilbert Arenas - complete with 2 guns and an ace bandage around his knee
Pros: Unique, humorous, and we already have a Gilbert Arenas onesie (conveniency bonus points awarded).
Cons: Probably 95% of the people that see Cameron will have no idea who he is supposed to be and/or why this is funny. But I think the 5% who do get it will appreciate it even more; kind of like an inside-joke effect. Another large Con is, in order to really complete the ensemble, I probably need to dress in a Jarvis Crittenton onesie. I'm not sure if this is a sacrifice I'm willing to make. Plus, I'm pretty sure that the Jarvis Crittenton adult onesie may be somewhat difficult to locate.
4) Mondo from Project Runway
Pros: I think Cameron would look fabulous in a tight print-shirt, tiny shorts, knee socks, and elf hat; Cameron and Mondo seem close to the same size and have close to the same hair (so that would help with the believability); and it would afford Mindy and me the opportunity to say "Nina Garcia" with a German accent over and over
Cons: Again - nobody would know who he was. And this might actually require some sewing at our house.
5) Chris Harrison / Satan
Pros: Strong statement
Cons: We would have to explain to everyone why Satan was carrying a rose.
6) Tiger Woods
Pros: Provides all kinds of opportunity for inappropriate jokes
Cons: We'd have to push him around in miniature SUV with a fire hydrant glued to the front.
7) Orville Redenbacher
Pros: This is the most memorable Halloween costume that I have from my childhood.
Cons: He'll also grow up to hate Halloween.
Well, those are the options we've got so far. Please cast your vote in the comment section. Or feel free to write-in additional suggestions. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Haircut #2
Considering how tramautic Haircut #1 was, I was a little nervous going into Haircut #2. But it needed to be done. Poor Cameron's hair was so long he had to lift up his head to be able to see past his bangs!
This time, the experience was much, much better. I told the stylist that the last person cut it WAY too short, and that I wanted to keep it long on top and around the sides. She also blended the back by putting an end to the baby mullet that was growing in. The verdict - I'm happy with it! It actually pretty much looks the same as it did earlier today...just shorter and out of his eyes.
By the way, the stylist also sold me on some product for Cameron's hair to make it more texturized and to faux hawk it. I can't believe Cameron has his own hair product, and Mike is counting down the days until they can share one big tub o' yellow, maximum-hold gel together.
Anyways, here's the Before pic. For some reason, this picture looks Photoshopped to me. But it's not been doctored in any way, I promise.
Not a good look for Cam. And is it just me, or does his hair look like Billie Joe Armstrong's from Green Day?!?
This time, the experience was much, much better. I told the stylist that the last person cut it WAY too short, and that I wanted to keep it long on top and around the sides. She also blended the back by putting an end to the baby mullet that was growing in. The verdict - I'm happy with it! It actually pretty much looks the same as it did earlier today...just shorter and out of his eyes.
By the way, the stylist also sold me on some product for Cameron's hair to make it more texturized and to faux hawk it. I can't believe Cameron has his own hair product, and Mike is counting down the days until they can share one big tub o' yellow, maximum-hold gel together.
Anyways, here's the Before pic. For some reason, this picture looks Photoshopped to me. But it's not been doctored in any way, I promise.
And the After pic:
And here a few pictures of me experimenting with his new hair cut.
Trying the Justin Bieber look.
This reminds me of something from the 1950s.
Not a good look for Cam. And is it just me, or does his hair look like Billie Joe Armstrong's from Green Day?!?
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Pumpkin Patch
Today was Cameron's first trip to a pumpkin patch!
We went with the Schaber family, and Cameron and Jack cooperated and sat still long enough for us to take a few pictures.
We went with the Schaber family, and Cameron and Jack cooperated and sat still long enough for us to take a few pictures.
Today Cameron decided he wanted to crawl up stairs for the first time, so off he went.
In other highlights of the morning, some kids were dressed up in their Halloween costumes, and Mike mistook Minnie Mouse for "the Princess" from Super Mario Brothers. Apparently in Mike's version of Mario, Peach wears a red and white polka dot dress. In his defense, Minnie was running around with Luigi, so I can kind of see how he might have been confused. We also talked to a cute two-year-old named Ava who babbled nonstop about Buzz Lightyear and her socks, I think, but I'm not entirely sure because she was talking at a volume a little louder than a whisper and it didn't sound anything like English words.
By the way, Mike thought Cameron's outfit today was girly because he thinks overalls are for girls, and I disagreed. However, two different people today called him a girl. Does his outfit make him look like a girl? Cast your vote in the poll to the left.
2030 Slam Dunk Champ
Besides crawling and pulling himself up to standing, Cameron can now check off another development milestone: dunking. Consider the photo evidence below:
Looks like we have the 2030 Sprite Slam Dunk Champion on our hands! FYI - 2030 is the first year that Cameron would play in the NBA, unless the NCAA decides to change its ridiculous rule that athletes must play at least one year of college basketball before declaring themselves eligible for the NBA.Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Just Say No to Matchy Matchy
Today I discovered I have a deep-rooted annoyance for something...something that probably a few of you readers are guilty of. I'm sorry, I don't mean to offend you, but I must speak out against this fashion faux pas.
While at the park with Cameron this evening, we watched a cute family with four boys getting their pictures professionally taken. The boys were all as cute as can be except for the fact that THEY ALL WORE MATCHING SHIRTS. (Gasp.)
Why do parents do this? Don't parents always look forward to the second child to see how his/her personality differs from their first-born? Then why do they insist on making them wear identical outfits and styling their hair exactly the same way, as if the two kids have no unique qualities of their own? To me, it's a denial of sorts that you have two separate kids or it's almost like you dressed one kid in an outfit you'd planned out, but then you forgot you'd already dressed the first one so you dressed the second kid in the same thing because that's what you had in your head - deja vu! This reminds of what Jerry Seinfeld says about the groom and best man looking virtually identical at weddings - if something happens to the groom, then the best man just slides over and takes his spot and nothing is lost.
My annoyance for matchy matchy also extends to families wearing the same shirt in pictures. I am all for color coordination, but I totally disagree with everyone wearing the same shirt. It's like we're trying to ignore that everyone has separate personalities, and we're just pretending that we all think the same and like the same things for the camera's sake. And let's not forget that not everyone can look good in the same color!
As you can see, I feel strongly about matching outfits...almost as strongly as I do about same-side sitting (don't even get me started on same-side sitting!). Besides, you wouldn't want to end up looking like this family, would you?
While at the park with Cameron this evening, we watched a cute family with four boys getting their pictures professionally taken. The boys were all as cute as can be except for the fact that THEY ALL WORE MATCHING SHIRTS. (Gasp.)
Why do parents do this? Don't parents always look forward to the second child to see how his/her personality differs from their first-born? Then why do they insist on making them wear identical outfits and styling their hair exactly the same way, as if the two kids have no unique qualities of their own? To me, it's a denial of sorts that you have two separate kids or it's almost like you dressed one kid in an outfit you'd planned out, but then you forgot you'd already dressed the first one so you dressed the second kid in the same thing because that's what you had in your head - deja vu! This reminds of what Jerry Seinfeld says about the groom and best man looking virtually identical at weddings - if something happens to the groom, then the best man just slides over and takes his spot and nothing is lost.
My annoyance for matchy matchy also extends to families wearing the same shirt in pictures. I am all for color coordination, but I totally disagree with everyone wearing the same shirt. It's like we're trying to ignore that everyone has separate personalities, and we're just pretending that we all think the same and like the same things for the camera's sake. And let's not forget that not everyone can look good in the same color!
As you can see, I feel strongly about matching outfits...almost as strongly as I do about same-side sitting (don't even get me started on same-side sitting!). Besides, you wouldn't want to end up looking like this family, would you?
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Catching Up
I know, I know, it's been forever since we've blogged. Mike and I have basically dropped off the blogosphere. I told Mike that there aren't enough hours in the day for me to accomplish everything I want/need to do (like keeping the house, making Cameron's food, paying the bills, posting on this blog, working out, watching all my reality TV shows), so the only solution I can see is for me to work less. This did not go over well, as you can imagine.
So that's my excuse - work got in the way of my personal life and kept me from blogging. At the very least, I thought I should update you with all the latest happenings since our last post.
That's the latest. We'll be better about blogging more often, I promise!
So that's my excuse - work got in the way of my personal life and kept me from blogging. At the very least, I thought I should update you with all the latest happenings since our last post.
- Nammy and Poppa Graves visited from the OC for a week. This meant that Cameron experienced his first Christmas in September. I'm serious, it was a major windfall, as evidenced in the picture below. I can only imagine what the TSA people thought when they X-rayed the suitcase with all the toys!
- Cameron started crawling two days before Nammy and Poppa arrived. The contrarian side of him took over and he decided he just couldn't wait to crawl until they got here. Now he not only crawls all over the house, but he also pulls himself up on everything (the couch, the bed skirt, the dishwasher while open, me, Reilly) so he can stand. Here's the latest pic of him standing.
- As a result of the newfound mobility, we had to make our first pass at babyproofing the house. So far, we've covered the electrical outlets and glued the rubber pads onto the doorstoppers. Thank you for that suggestion, Pam!
- Cameron experienced his first loss to OU as a Longhorns fan. Here he is looking despondent in the fourth quarter.
- The two cysts on Cameron's lower gums suddenly vanished. I was convinced they were budding teeth and I wasn't sure how our pediatrician could have confused them for cysts. Well, I guess our pediatrician knows what he's talking about after all. Note to self: Remove egg from face and don't question Dr. Spencer again.
- Cameron got his first cold. This resulted in five VERY rough nights of limited sleep in the Graves household. It was the perfect storm of baby-induced insomnia: congestion, teething, and nighttime separation anxiety. Christie, as Cameron screamed and screamed for hours into the night, I completely empathized with how you must have felt during Sadie's earlier screamy period. Not fun.
- I made a Taggies blanket for Cameron. I'd always balked at the idea of paying $25 plus shipping and handling for a 12" x 12" blanket, but then I suddenly realized I could make it on my own. I Googled the instructions and then embarked on a ribbon hunt. It was super easy to make, and I think it looks pretty cute, if I do say so myself.
- I managed to badger Mike into submission/compliance to hire a photographer to take family portraits later this month. I had to resort to my most cunning and devious ways and employ a little reverse psychology, but I was finally able to get him to agree to appear in the pictures. I have consequently spent the last few days trying to decide what the three of us will wear. As Heidi Klum says, fashion is NOT matchy matchy!
- It is finally starting to feel like fall in Austin. The morning lows are in the 50s, so I easily justified the purchase of a new winter hat for Cameron. Who cares if he can only wear this Sherpa-lined trapper hat for maybe a month or two out of the year...
That's the latest. We'll be better about blogging more often, I promise!
Friday, September 17, 2010
The mobile mute
It's official, Cameron can crawl. I'm sure the wifey will be supplying video confirmation shortly, but I thought I would beat her to the punch and narrate the milestone. It went something like this: right leg a little forward, left leg a little forward, right arm a little forward, left arm a little forward, right leg a little forward, left leg a little forward, right arm a little forward, left arm a little forward, (repeat about 4 more times) and... dive for remote control. In all seriousness, it's really quite remarkable to see him crawling. We've been watching him break it down into isolated components for a week or two now and then all of a sudden it just all comes together somehow and he's moving. And it's also somewhat ironic that he is always motivated to crawl to either the remote control or the phone. If that isn't evidence of social learning then I don't know what is. If he stands up tomorrow walks over to the computer and logs onto yahoo fantasy sports, I'd just think, well... that makes sense.
Speaking of standing, that brings us to his next feat. We have amped up the training where he stands holding my hand and practices maintaining his balance. Then I try to position him perfectly to sustain unassisted standing for as long as possible. It's really quite fun and intense. It feels like I'm building a house of cards - you have to stay focused and keep the hands steady and then gradually remove. But despite many tumbles and one instance where I actually believed for about 30 horrifying seconds that I had just torn my babies' ACL, he is starting to get it down. I think our best time is somewhere between 6 and 7 seconds in which he has remained a homosapien erectus all by himself. He did it once today at a car wash (please note - it's somewhat humbling when you are the only people sitting in a car wash lobby waiting for your car in the middle of a torrential downpour) and once in our living room. He's versatile like that; he can conquer multiple surfaces. However, on another practice session today, he lost his balance and as he was falling literally grabbed onto the flesh of my cheek with one hand and wouldn't let go until he had righted himself. That didn't feel so good. But to quote the great Ron Burgundy after Baxter ate the entire wheel of cheese from the refrigerator, "Heck, I'm not even mad. I'm just impressed."
Alright, I'm done with the bragging. Let's get to the negative stuff. I'm starting to get somewhat more sure that Cameron is going to have some articulation speech delays. Exhibit A: at least three generations in a row of men in my family who have had some articulation delays. Exhibit B: Cameron has a father who, according to his mother, "had two sounds" (not words, SOUNDS) at the age of 2-and-a-half. I also didn't really master some of those pesky consonants until well into grade school. I was a vowel machine though. Some might say I was an "Uper An" of vowels. And that brings us to the troubling exhibit C: Cameron's girly-scream consonant-devoid babbling. Every day, wracked with guilt, I listen furtively for the sound of a consonant in that Mariah Carey-octave squealing. But there's nothing. I try to over compensate by talking to him throughout the day with only consonants (not an easy feat I might add) - but it's to no avail. So, I want to say I'm sorry my son. I feel badly if I have passed these speech difficulties down to you. It pains me so. But then I think, hey, at least my genes aren't responsible for keeping you from being a real sized boy. And that makes me feel much better :)
Speaking of standing, that brings us to his next feat. We have amped up the training where he stands holding my hand and practices maintaining his balance. Then I try to position him perfectly to sustain unassisted standing for as long as possible. It's really quite fun and intense. It feels like I'm building a house of cards - you have to stay focused and keep the hands steady and then gradually remove. But despite many tumbles and one instance where I actually believed for about 30 horrifying seconds that I had just torn my babies' ACL, he is starting to get it down. I think our best time is somewhere between 6 and 7 seconds in which he has remained a homosapien erectus all by himself. He did it once today at a car wash (please note - it's somewhat humbling when you are the only people sitting in a car wash lobby waiting for your car in the middle of a torrential downpour) and once in our living room. He's versatile like that; he can conquer multiple surfaces. However, on another practice session today, he lost his balance and as he was falling literally grabbed onto the flesh of my cheek with one hand and wouldn't let go until he had righted himself. That didn't feel so good. But to quote the great Ron Burgundy after Baxter ate the entire wheel of cheese from the refrigerator, "Heck, I'm not even mad. I'm just impressed."
Alright, I'm done with the bragging. Let's get to the negative stuff. I'm starting to get somewhat more sure that Cameron is going to have some articulation speech delays. Exhibit A: at least three generations in a row of men in my family who have had some articulation delays. Exhibit B: Cameron has a father who, according to his mother, "had two sounds" (not words, SOUNDS) at the age of 2-and-a-half. I also didn't really master some of those pesky consonants until well into grade school. I was a vowel machine though. Some might say I was an "Uper An" of vowels. And that brings us to the troubling exhibit C: Cameron's girly-scream consonant-devoid babbling. Every day, wracked with guilt, I listen furtively for the sound of a consonant in that Mariah Carey-octave squealing. But there's nothing. I try to over compensate by talking to him throughout the day with only consonants (not an easy feat I might add) - but it's to no avail. So, I want to say I'm sorry my son. I feel badly if I have passed these speech difficulties down to you. It pains me so. But then I think, hey, at least my genes aren't responsible for keeping you from being a real sized boy. And that makes me feel much better :)
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Photo Update
Just thought our readers might enjoy some recent pictures.
Cam has recently learned he can make funny faces. He looks like he's angry in this picture, but he's really just messing around!
Our little ham scrunching up his face yet again!
Hanging out at the pool - trying to look cool and impress Haley McElroy!
Enjoying the view from the backseat of the car!
In the middle of a mini-meltdown at dinner time. He was smiling only seconds before!
This is what doing laundry looks like at Daddy Daycare. And is it just me, or does Cam look like Dobby, the house elf from Harry Potter? Mike says he gave him clothes to set him free - only true Harry Potter fans will get this nerdy joke! 
Mike and Cam ventured out on a Daddy Daycare field trip to a Gymboree music class. Love the flower maraca!
Cam has recently learned he can make funny faces. He looks like he's angry in this picture, but he's really just messing around!
Our little ham scrunching up his face yet again!
Hanging out at the pool - trying to look cool and impress Haley McElroy!
Enjoying the view from the backseat of the car! 
In the middle of a mini-meltdown at dinner time. He was smiling only seconds before! 
This is what doing laundry looks like at Daddy Daycare. And is it just me, or does Cam look like Dobby, the house elf from Harry Potter? Mike says he gave him clothes to set him free - only true Harry Potter fans will get this nerdy joke! 
Mike and Cam ventured out on a Daddy Daycare field trip to a Gymboree music class. Love the flower maraca!
Foodie Update
Cameron tried mangos for the first time yesterday. The report was that he was startled by them at first, but then he warmed up to them. Success!
So far, Cam has pretty much liked everything we've given him, and he's up to two meals a day. We're working on cup training with a sippy cup, and our pediatrician also gave us marching orders to work on his pincer grasp by giving him puffed wagon wheels. I realized it's been awhile since our last food update, so I thought I'd share all that's on his palate nowadays.
GRAINS: rice cereal, oatmeal, barley cereal
Next grain to introduce: brown rice cereal
FRUITS: avocados, bananas, apples, pears, peaches, mangos
(I made apples once, but then after coring, slicing, peeling, cooking, and straining, I realized it was just MUCH easier to buy organic, unsweetened applesauce!)
Next fruit to introduce: papaya
VEGETABLES: sweet potatoes, butternut squash, peas, green beans, zucchini
(I made everything but the peas and green beans - again, the straining is too time-intensive for such little final product.)
Next vegetable to introduce: carrots
I am a little concerned that Cameron's milk in-take is a little low, and maybe this explains why he's in the 30th percentile for height. I have keep to reminding myself that Cam is half-Asian, so it's really his genetics that are dooming him to a smaller stature. Also, our pediatrician says that these percentiles don't really correlate/project to adult height until kids are two-years-old, so we have a little time to catch up. In the meantime, Mike keeps asking me why we can't have a full-sized boy...
So far, Cam has pretty much liked everything we've given him, and he's up to two meals a day. We're working on cup training with a sippy cup, and our pediatrician also gave us marching orders to work on his pincer grasp by giving him puffed wagon wheels. I realized it's been awhile since our last food update, so I thought I'd share all that's on his palate nowadays.
GRAINS: rice cereal, oatmeal, barley cereal
Next grain to introduce: brown rice cereal
FRUITS: avocados, bananas, apples, pears, peaches, mangos
(I made apples once, but then after coring, slicing, peeling, cooking, and straining, I realized it was just MUCH easier to buy organic, unsweetened applesauce!)
Next fruit to introduce: papaya
VEGETABLES: sweet potatoes, butternut squash, peas, green beans, zucchini
(I made everything but the peas and green beans - again, the straining is too time-intensive for such little final product.)
Next vegetable to introduce: carrots
I am a little concerned that Cameron's milk in-take is a little low, and maybe this explains why he's in the 30th percentile for height. I have keep to reminding myself that Cam is half-Asian, so it's really his genetics that are dooming him to a smaller stature. Also, our pediatrician says that these percentiles don't really correlate/project to adult height until kids are two-years-old, so we have a little time to catch up. In the meantime, Mike keeps asking me why we can't have a full-sized boy...
Monday, September 6, 2010
Cameron Dufresne
The baby book says that pronouns are confusing to babies, so parents should replace pronouns with proper nouns instead. It seems to Michael that language doesn't make a whole lot of sense to babies in general, not just pronouns. But, Michael defers to the wisdom of the book. Plus, Michael is not going to pass up this rare opportunity for shameless third person speech. Michael likes.
Michael thinks Cameron is trying to escape. Michael watches Cameron on the video monitor and sees Cameron training. Cameron exhibits secret feats of strength in the quiet shadows of his room that Cameron would never show in the light of day. Cameron sits up on Cameron's own from a prone position. Cameron spins around the crib, contorting Cameron's body into various yoga-like poses. Cameron's hidden skills are impressive, yet frightening, to Michael. Cameron has taken to repetitively banging Cameron's pacifier against the side of the crib. Michael fears that he might be slowly forging an escape route a la Shawshank Redemption. Michael checks to see if Cameron is hiding wood fragments in his onesies and slowly transferring them to the yard. Michael fears the day is coming when Cameron will sign asking for a poster to put up in his crib. Cameron's motto is "you better get busy crawling, or get busy staying here." Cameron thinks it's time to go.
Michael thinks Cameron is trying to escape. Michael watches Cameron on the video monitor and sees Cameron training. Cameron exhibits secret feats of strength in the quiet shadows of his room that Cameron would never show in the light of day. Cameron sits up on Cameron's own from a prone position. Cameron spins around the crib, contorting Cameron's body into various yoga-like poses. Cameron's hidden skills are impressive, yet frightening, to Michael. Cameron has taken to repetitively banging Cameron's pacifier against the side of the crib. Michael fears that he might be slowly forging an escape route a la Shawshank Redemption. Michael checks to see if Cameron is hiding wood fragments in his onesies and slowly transferring them to the yard. Michael fears the day is coming when Cameron will sign asking for a poster to put up in his crib. Cameron's motto is "you better get busy crawling, or get busy staying here." Cameron thinks it's time to go.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Dead Air
Ya know... you go a few weeks without blogging and then so much time has gone by that it's difficult to just come back and pick up where you left off. So you keep waiting for something big to happen to give you a reason to blog, but then, of course, nothing but ordinary everyday things are happening. You start looking at your child with thoughts like, I wish you would just hurry up and crawl, then I would have something to blog about. But no, he just sits there stationary and staring at you with that cute, slightly disturbing, gummy grin. You know the people are pining for a blog, but you've got nada. What do you do? Well, first you consider composing an angry diatribe about the ridiculousness of pre-season college football polls and how the entire BCS system is ultimately plagued by the principle of confirmation bias. Then you think about creating an only slightly fictional tale about the great breast milk shortage of '10, where all remnants from feedings are collected into a community storage bottle used for emergency purposes. You ponder the idea of describing your first experience in that land of dandy and good vibrations known as Gymboree. And you toy with the notion of actually writing a serious blog about fatherhood. But in the end, these possibilities are found wanting. Nothing is written. The silence goes on.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
The First Annual Comment Contest
So we’ve had this blog thing up and running for a little over a year now. It's time to take a look back and honor what you, the general public, have contributed to this blog. After re-reading all of your words, I would like to present your top comments of the year (with some commentary in parentheses and italics).
Honorable Mention:
On August 5, 2010 10:26 PM Kempf Kids' Korner said...
I can see the advantage of a few extra wives around the house, but why, oh why, would I want ANOTHER husband. I have too much work to do picking up after the one I have! (Truer words were never spoken. Goodbye Tim Allen, hello Scarlett Johansson).
On September 27, 2009 9:52 AM Anonymous said...
After yesterday's phone call from Michael requesting my help, I was a little nervous to approach the 'BLOG', not knowing the nature of his request. But this is a subject I can really understand since I have taught enough students with "creative" names to write a book! Well, I approached Richard with the idea of changing his middle name to Stryker. Anyone who knows Richard knows how cautious he is, always pondering the pros and cons of each question before making a comment. He felt he should sleep on this idea before making such a momentous decision. After a lengthy discussion this morning, he is willing to follow his son's wise council. "I will change my name after Michael changes his," he concluded. "But approaching dad (Harold) is his responsibility." Well, chalk one up for Stryker!
Stryker's Grandma
(This comment was well crafted, clever, and made me laugh out loud. Well played, Mom. However, I have to say I'm not taking kindly to the 'Blog' put in quotes. It's a real blog, damn it!!!).
On August 8, 2010 10:52 PM Sadie-pops said...
My initial reaction to this is horror, followed by intrigue, then followed by horror. Tim Allen? (It brings me great pleasure to know that my words can create such powerful, conflicting emotions in another. Thank you for taking us on your emotional journey, sir.)
On October 20, 2009 7:25 Mamacita said...
I have spent many many moments lying on an ironing board upside down while pregnant. It isn't easy or fun. Add delight by using light and vibration to prompt the baby to move (dirty mind mike). (I really feel like we all got a secret glimpse into a night at Mamacita's house here. I also think any sentence that starts with the phrase "add delight by..." is probably going to be a good sentence.)
On April 17, 2010 11:13 Anonymous said...
Let's do some book burning next weekend... Tim S. (Tim S. is really trying to protect his anonymity here. But this known fascist is at large today in the greater Cedar Park area.)
On July 24, 2010 6:02 PM Candie said...
I couldn't agree more. I'm so glad someone has finally said it. That show is lame. I stopped watching it after the Jason saga. What a bunch of crap. (This comment makes the list just because I'm so happy somebody took the time to engage me in a legitimate Bachelorette discussion. It warms my heart. Plus, Candie is our most frequent commenter over the past year. Thank you for all of your contributions.)
Now the moment you've all been waiting for. Ladies and gentleman, I present to you...
Top Five
Honorable Mention:
On August 5, 2010 10:26 PM Kempf Kids' Korner said...
I can see the advantage of a few extra wives around the house, but why, oh why, would I want ANOTHER husband. I have too much work to do picking up after the one I have! (Truer words were never spoken. Goodbye Tim Allen, hello Scarlett Johansson).
On September 27, 2009 9:52 AM Anonymous said...
After yesterday's phone call from Michael requesting my help, I was a little nervous to approach the 'BLOG', not knowing the nature of his request. But this is a subject I can really understand since I have taught enough students with "creative" names to write a book! Well, I approached Richard with the idea of changing his middle name to Stryker. Anyone who knows Richard knows how cautious he is, always pondering the pros and cons of each question before making a comment. He felt he should sleep on this idea before making such a momentous decision. After a lengthy discussion this morning, he is willing to follow his son's wise council. "I will change my name after Michael changes his," he concluded. "But approaching dad (Harold) is his responsibility." Well, chalk one up for Stryker!
Stryker's Grandma
(This comment was well crafted, clever, and made me laugh out loud. Well played, Mom. However, I have to say I'm not taking kindly to the 'Blog' put in quotes. It's a real blog, damn it!!!).
On August 8, 2010 10:52 PM Sadie-pops said...
My initial reaction to this is horror, followed by intrigue, then followed by horror. Tim Allen? (It brings me great pleasure to know that my words can create such powerful, conflicting emotions in another. Thank you for taking us on your emotional journey, sir.)
On October 20, 2009 7:25 Mamacita said...
I have spent many many moments lying on an ironing board upside down while pregnant. It isn't easy or fun. Add delight by using light and vibration to prompt the baby to move (dirty mind mike). (I really feel like we all got a secret glimpse into a night at Mamacita's house here. I also think any sentence that starts with the phrase "add delight by..." is probably going to be a good sentence.)
On April 17, 2010 11:13 Anonymous said...
Let's do some book burning next weekend... Tim S. (Tim S. is really trying to protect his anonymity here. But this known fascist is at large today in the greater Cedar Park area.)
On July 24, 2010 6:02 PM Candie said...
I couldn't agree more. I'm so glad someone has finally said it. That show is lame. I stopped watching it after the Jason saga. What a bunch of crap. (This comment makes the list just because I'm so happy somebody took the time to engage me in a legitimate Bachelorette discussion. It warms my heart. Plus, Candie is our most frequent commenter over the past year. Thank you for all of your contributions.)
Now the moment you've all been waiting for. Ladies and gentleman, I present to you...
Top Five
5. On December 29, 2009 10:54 AM Anonymous said...
Mike:
My father was almost 40 when I was born. He survived World War II and a few other dangers in his life long before I ever came along. He just turned 86 and I treasure every moment with him. He has a somewhat fatalistic view of life, but he has worked hard to teach me that every minute counts. Even the bad/difficult stuff can be survived if you have a family to support you. While both he and I would have liked some things to be different, we get that this is the life we are dealt and that a father/child relationship is just as important as a mother/child relationship. That unconditional love transcends all and goes both ways. You will be a great father and will nurture your son to be all that he can be in life. Even the little stuff you do together will be treasured memories. Take a deep breath and jump in! (I have no pithy retorts for this one. It was just a nice comment. Another interesting fact about this comment is I have no idea who wrote it. Come forward and claim your prize, sir!)
4. August 18, 2009 10:05 PM Naked Man said...
Never fry bacon when you're naked. ( To provide some context, comment was posted in response to a call for advice for G-Baby. My favorite aspect of this comment is that someone took the time to create an account entitled Naked Man to go along with the post. Either that or someone who goes by Naked Man is a reader of our blog. And I am now seriously considering a change in our security settings).
4. On March 27, 2010 10:34 AM Anonymous said...
He's in good company! Kevin rocks the sleeping gowns and Dan is a big fan! (I think this one is much better with no added context).
3. On August 6, 2009 11:11 PM Krissie & Kevin said...
Kevin suggests signing off as "Bloody show you later" (I never saw this gem until I went back through all the comments today. But I think we have a keeper for a sign off tag line. Genius! By the way, Goldie says hi. And, oh yeah, Dan really wants you to keep rocking those sleeping gowns)
2. On October 17, 2009 7:51 PM Anonymous said...
Embarrassingly, with the first two hospital tours we did, the only question Donny had was - "Do you have cable?" Then with the third hospital tour he had the audacity to send me alone to the tour (yes I was the only one that had to collect the "coach's gift" on my own) and still to call me on the cell phone and make me ask the tour guide that "my husband wants to know if you have cable."
Cheryl (I must say this almost got first place. It was really close. This story makes me laugh every time I read it. Considering that this was your singular post for the year, you really should be quite proud. In fact I think you should stand up now, raise your fist in the air, and hop around your living room while repeating "that's one shot, that's one shot, kid." That's how you celebrate efficient success in Jersey and Yorba Linda. )
But without further ado, I present to you the post of the year. This post was also written in response to call for advice for the fetus..
1. On August 24, 2009 10:44 PM Aaron said...
Always play to win, and always play by the rules.
When these two seem simultaneously impossible, defer to the prior by either...
1.) making your own rules thus improving the game that must have been inherently flawed in the first place.
or
2.) completing the game under official protest while making snide, juvenile, and demeaning comments towards the remaining contestants, thus ruining the experience for everyone else.
This is how your father does it, this is how I do it, and this is how all great champions will continue to do it until the sun burns out.
(And let it be written. I have nothing to add. Congratulations! Now we want a speech. Speech! Speech! Speech!)
And thanks again for all of your comments this year. Think hard and comment often and you too might some day be able to hold the prized moniker of Commenter of the Year. Dare to dream!
Bloody show you later,
Father
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
My Dog Reilly
You know how they say older children often entertain their younger siblings so parents don't end up needing to? We are experiencing this phenomenon right now...with Reilly. Check out this video to hear how funny Cameron thinks Reilly is.
Our Little Swinger
Cameron loves him some swinging!
Cam, you're so money, and you don't even know it!
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