mac

recital
cream in hair
dresses
songs
play with cam

Chatter Box

Cameron,
You are such a chatterbox these days...I love it!!!
You out-talk everyone at day care...they are so impressived with you!!

Last week at day care, you rattled off the months of the year because the 2 year olds were learning them. Everyone at school told us about it mutliple times, they took so much pride in your accomplishment.

Today you went on the potty for the first time by your own accord. I have previously put you on the potty or "held" you there and we have had success...but today, I took your diaper off in the morning and then about 30 minutes later asked if you needed to go potty...you said yes...went on the potty and then peed. I was PUMPED!!!

I went to day care today to spend some time with you. It was so nice, you kept saying "my mommy" while you were tapping your hand to your chest. We were counting, past 10 but not quite to 20. You were quite a show off :-)

You and Mackenzie play together so well sometimes (and other times not well at all). You love to wrestle with her...we have finally taught her to grab your belly vs. you neck. You try to be very independent and don't have too much fear yet...but you do not seem to link animals.

Times are Flying By

Mackenzie girl.
You are now three and with that has come some major changes in our house. Overnight you have become a princess that wants to wear dresses non-stop. One day being forced to wear pants you pleeded/cried "this is not what a princess would wear"

pricess
dress up in the morning
walking into our room
birthday party
surgery


cam words - siunging - happy birthday - names and sentences
touch - stage in the family room
bossy
no no while in time out not nice

Pony rides??? We don't need no stinkin' pony rides...

We took the kids to a party for Kree yesterday. It was pretty fun. I am about to go overboard with some photos, but it is as efficient of a way I can think of to get web some of the photos. Since she was away for work...



There was pizza and snow cones.



There were automated cars that sisters got to cruise around in.













Jake played the "in and out of the car" game for about 25 minutes:











There was a pony for the b-day girl and all her friends...



That our kids wanted nothing to do with:



Jake got the closest of the 3 of them; and when i tried to put him on the saddle, he crossed his legs and lifted them higher than his head... I got him out of there before his screeching scared the pony...



Most of the other kids all had a turn:






Cam got very worried when the pony headed back towards her:



See Mac's finger in her mouth? She was VERY distressed that the pony had to wear a hat:



She kept asking: "He has to have a HAT on?"



I tried to get some glamor shots of Mac-Attack and the convertible:









And then she took her cousin for a ride:









They got muddy and it was a super fun party!!!

That's all I'm saying.

Potty Mouth and Others

- daddy dance, what the heck
- oh jesus
- daddy may I sashay up the stairs
- mommy, that goes with the other mellon

- cam up the stairs
- cam climbinb
- cam's first sentence
- blessing herself

Private time

Today I followed Mac into the bathroom because I had to wash my hands at the same time that she decided she needed to use the toilet. When I turned the water on I heard:

Mac: you washing your hands?
tt: yes, I just changed jake's diaper, so I want to wash my hands.
Mac: (closing the door) I need privacy
tt: (drying my hands) I can go and give you privacy
Mac: No, you can stay with me.
tt: Okay.
Mac: (after a few minutes) Barack Obama is the president now.
tt: yeah, he just took the oath of office a few weeks ago.
Mac: But he doesn't bring presents like Santa.
tt: (not understanding until I repeated it out loud). That's right, Barack Obama is president, but Santa brings presents.
Mac: yeah, he is president, not santa.

Bionic ears

Today was a pretty stressful day.
There was snow all the way to work and so the kids went to "Nana day care".
Work was very stressful and draining.
The ride home was pouring slushy, sleety rain.
I got to Nana and Papa's house late and the kids had already eaten and taken baths. When I walked in the door, my sister called out, "Hi, Web." I heard everyone, but saw no one. Everyone was in the master bedroom or master bath.

But from somewhere deep in the house, Cam started shouting, "TEE TEE" "TEE TEE"...

Cameron is always the one that sees us first. Jake will take his sweet time greeting us at day care, sometimes he is completely unphased at the sights or sounds of his moms, but Cameron hears us before she sees us and shouts the minute she does either. We get a loud, cheerful "KAY-TEE!!!" or "TEE TEE!!!" I thought that was the height of her "excited voice", but the other day I was at day care when my sister arrived, and the intensity of the greeting was at least tripled: "MOMMY!!!"

Jake and Mac are having some ear trouble that is affecting both of their hearing capabilities right now, but Cam's ears make up for the deficits. She's like eagle ears. It's very cute.

Hidden Toys

Cameron has really taken a liking to the Doll House from my folks for Christmas. She loves playing with it and trying to get the babies to sit in their highchairs. She knows the concept of moma and dada within the house which is really cute BUT she also likes to cart the people/things around the house and dispose of them in random places. I know we should probabaly be able to spot this but we cannot sometimes she is very stelth. Today we found the father in the shoe drawyer, yesterday the dog in the car and the baby girls is still missing from a week ago. At this point we think maybe she took a trip to the garbage.

Cameron now knows her head, belly, ears, mouth and somtimes nose (but mostly nose is also mouth). She understands just about everything we say. He loves to splash in the tub and get a belly laugh from her sister. She helps us get her dressed putting her foot out for "ocks" and "sa-ouse". She knows Dora, Boots, and Winnie the Pooh. She enjoys brushing her teeth and holding tightly to the toothbrush after she is done.

She isn't much for eating meat but loves fruits with blueberries likely being her favorite.

She recently is sleeping about 7:30 to 5:00 which was a welcome change from 8:00 - 12:00 and then 12:30 - 4:30 and then when we were lucky 5:00 - 6:00. She did get a mouthful of teeth in about 3 months but otherwise we are not sure why she wasn't sleeping. In any event, I am happy she has changed her ways.

Cam definately has an opinion about most things and lets it be known but she is still easily distracted and likes to share with her sister (at least for now). She is in a bit of a mommy mania phase but I like it a little bit. My travel schedule has calmed a bit so it is nice to be here and have the girls respond to that.

Vomenious

My daughter says words I cannot even spell. Today she was looking for Cameron and said "come here little ruggie" (that is short for rug-rat which we call both the girls). Then on her way up the stairs she said Vominous, where are we going to get our pajamas on. (gotta love dora).

Monkey Crush

Cameron has a typical, secret first crush - except that it isn't a secret and it with a monkey. Cam is in love with Boots the monkey (Dora's side kick). When Mac asks to watch Dora, Cameron chimes in with a "peese" and anything with Dora on it she brings it to you and points out Boots while saying with conviction "Bloots"

At 14 months Cam has a personality that will not quit with adorable hip hop dance moves (a very low to the ground bounce with a slight sway) and a belly laugh when she is playing with her sister. Her temper is also quite known and she will grit her teeth and groan in a way that is usually reserved for little old men as they mutter to themselves.

Cam, you are so smart - following commands regarding picking things up, giving toys to mom or mackenzie, giving kisses or hugs, etc. - trying to communicate what you want and then in some cases actually telling us what you want. You have a bunch of words and it grows everyday - I think you said something that seemed like 'i love you' for the first time today but I am not 100% sure. Basically you have a lot of on word expressions like up, down, peese, tank you, enze (for Mac), mama, dada, nana, papa, tt, kt and then you know animal noises as well - growl for bear, moo for cow, woof for dog and quack for duck.

One of my favorite things we have taught you is when we get you ready in the morning and put on your coat (which is a bear suit) you growl. It is super cute!

Big Girl Room

Mackenzie started in the big girl room at school today (upstairs). It was great! It was PJ day and they made pancakes so it was a nice introduction to the big kid room. I am really excited. Bill and I reminissed about bringing you in at 6 months old - so much has happened since then!

Mac you are such a good kid! As of now, you go to bed well around 8:00. Usually a little rocking and a little back rubbing. We sometimes count how many rocks...you don't totally understanding the counting concept because you only ask for 10 or less "rocks".

In terms of what you know - it always amazes us (well really it amazes other people!). You speak in full sentences and are clear with your needs. You have a lot of little words and big words - like "privacy". You tend to really reinforce some conversations over and over like "we don't call them boobs mommy, we call them breasts" to which I reply yes mackenzie. You go potty by yourself and can wipe yourself (for the most part). You help me make things in the kitchen which is sometimes hard because the mess is bigger and the time is multiplied by two but I know it is the best for both of us. You know the rules - even when you don't follow them "Cameron that is not for you" "Cam we brush out teeth in the bathroom" "Cameron that binkie is just for bed time". We crack up when you tell Cam the rules that you don't even allow to apply to you - - yet they still apply to Cameron. You are a good sister - very loving and giving with hugs and kisses. You don't share very well with her yet and take toys from her often. This is the biggest reason you find yourself in time out.

You and Camilicious have the most fun in the tub together I think. She loves to splash and you both laugh these belly laughs that I don't really see any other time. Cameron babbles so much in the tub and you look and her and say "Cameron what you say?".

Meals are a little harder these days as you are getting fussier. It is very hard to resist the tempation to put mac & cheese in front of you every night. Some nights we do better than others but you like fruit and some choice - stand by veggies!

Christmas was a blast but you were a bit overwhelemed with all the toys. You are really liking your doll house the best I think. You enjoy the tool bench also but of all the gifts I think the doll house is getting the most airtime.

Lately you haven't been hearing too well and have gotten in the habit of asking WHAT a lot. We go back to the Dr. on Monday and I hope that they have gotten better.

Love you, Teri

Santa is Busy

Today at the mall, Mackenzie saw Santa. My mother told her the line was very long.

When we checked in with her later in the day we asked:
"Did you sit on Santa's lap"
"No, he was too busy"

Santa, too busy? That's ridiculious!
:-)

Christmas Time

We have tried, without success, to have Mackenzie sit with Santa for a photo. She will watch from a distance and wave at him but she doesn't want to get too close. It is strange because she asks random people (e.g., waitresses) to pick her up.

For months she has said she wants santa to bring her a camera...and then quickly asked for binkies. Binkies? "Yes, for Cameron" Then when we asked if she would ask for something for Jake she said "Yes, Ernie"

Today talking to her on the phone we asked if she was going to see Santa with Nana and Papa and if she would sit on his lap "I like him, but I do not want to sit on his lap"

So Little Time

The girls are great, just not enough time to write.

Cameron has been walking a little over a week. Thanksgiving weekend she took about 5 steps -9 days later she is walking all the way down the hall without any issues. It is great! She is getting a little personality - a strong one!!! She is very verbal and very strong willed. Her vocab now includes please (pees) and thank you (ank ou) and some version of Mackenzie. She says Papa, nany, TT, KT, Mama, Dada...it is really cool to see her develop and see how Mackenzie enjoys her talking.

Mackenzie, as soon as she uncovers a new word Cameron knows - - she will create a little skit
"Cameron you say me"
"me"
"Good girl Cam, you say me"
"me"


Mackenzie continues to be a delight - except when she is in terrible twos mode. She likes to dig in her heels about certain things - like not getting into her car seat - but she is very bright and very loving.

We have been trying to clean her ears as she is having some hearing issues (I think) and she has been receptive to using the baby oil every night. I really thought it was going to be a hassle but it hasn't been at all.

can't remember more - will write more soon

Wordsmith

Cameron has an insane vocab. She has at least 8 to 12 words: mama, dada, TT, papa, nana, owl, alligator, me, sister (her mom can probably add others) that she uses appropriately and consistently.

The really amusing thing is, she points and wants you to tell her the name for everything, as if she's taking it all in and later will write a dictionary.

When Cam and Jake were about 6 months old, I was worried that Cam was going to get steam-rolled. She was very content, and happy, kind of passive; And there was Mac, all demanding and verbal and mobile; and there was Jake the boy, with two mommmies fawning, the only nephew of Cam and Mac's parents, etc. But lately, Cam has shown she can advocate for herself. She has found her voice literally and figuratively and usually uses it to get the attention she desires.

I don't hear her shouting or screaming for personal attention as much as to get you to tell her what things are...

Typical example: Last night we went to Cheshire to play, eat dinner, and have "cousin joint bath time." I had Cam and Jake in the tub together and Katy got her dried and dressed, while I got him dried and dressed. Then there was a brief period of chaos where Jake was fussing, Mackenzie was demanding her share of the attention, and Cam was just screeching. As sometimes happens, I was attending to the other two saying to Cam, "one minute honey," but her screeching, turning to shouting and yelling at fever pitch. Finally I turned to see her with her hand outstretched, showing me a red shoe, telling me, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH AAAAHHHGGGGGHHHHHH AAAAHHH, AAAAAGGGHGGH."

I replied in all caps: "A SHOE. YES, CAMERON, THAT'S A SHOE."

Immediately, she was silent. She gave a half shrug and tilt of the head as if to say, "That's all I wanted to know," and put the shoe back in the closet.

Most of Cam's noise in my experience is associated with her trying to get you to tell her the names of things. She seems to like words.

Nick names and defending cousins

We were at my mom's last night as she had brought both Mac and Jake home from school.
First there was the story that Nana and Papa witnessed Mackenzie "defending" Jake's honor.
Apparently, Bryce had taken a toy from Jake and Mac told him "No, Jacob was playing with that, Bryce. You give that back to Jacob." Then some pulling and shoving ensued that got Bryce put into a timeout while Jake when off looking for a replacement toy.

Then I overhear a conversation between katy and Mackenzie.
K: Mackenzie, I don't have a nick name, you should help me get one.
M: yeah.
K: Do you know what a nick name is?
M: (silence)
K: What is your nick name?
M: Mackenzie Bella Lewis
K: No, that's your full name, what's your nick name?
M: (silence) heh
K: what do we sometimes call you?
M: (silence)
tt: Do we sometimes call you MacMac?
K: do we sometimes call you Mac?
M: My mommy sometimes calls me Mac Attack.
K: YES!!! THAT'S YOUR NICK NAME... What is Cameron's nickname?
M: Cameron Philicity Lewis
K: That's her full name. But what do we sometimes call her?
M: (silence)
K: Is it Cam?
tt: or do we call her CamCam?
M: Or we call her Cam-a-licious.
tt and K: YES!!!
K: Yes, everyone has a nickname. tt's name is tracy, but we call her tt. Nana's name is nancy, but we call her Nana. Papa's name is Brian, but we call him Papa. But I don't have a nick name. What's my nick name? Will you give me one?
M: You're name is KT, Katy... Don't you know your name?

(true cuteness)

Cold feet and chapstick

Sunday, we went to the mall. Three cousins and three mommies.
Then we went to TT, Kt, and Jacob's house for some homemade soup.

Mac is really cute, requesting things in extremely polite full sentences:
"TT, can you please get me more soup to eat?" And then later:
"Thank you for getting me that soup, TT."

She has a cracked lower lip and asked me,
"TT, can you please get some chopstick for me?" After a few minutes, I realized she meant chapstick and I was so enamored that I gave her the brand new tube out of my own pocket...

"Thank you for giving me that chopstick, TT," she said after the 6th or 7th re-application in less than fifteen minutes.

After dinner when we were playing, Mac peeled into hysterics when Jake was "flooping" on my belly. Then she started to take her shoes and socks off saying, "My feet are so cold." I wasn't really paying attention and I realized after that she kept repeating it, "My feet are soooooo cold..."
Next think I know, I feel two, small, completely toasty-warm feet up my shirt onto my back,
"Oh, TT, my feet are so cold, you warm them up..." And then giggles- she cracks herself up.

And yeah, she cracked me up too.

Hugs at drop off

Yesterday, when I dropped Jake off at day care, Mac saw me and started crying out,
"TT, WILL YOU PLEASE COME OVER AND GIVE ME A HUG?"

It was not a begging scream, but the sweetest request you can imagine.

When I brought her cousin over, Mac hugged and kissed him and then turned her attention toward me, (hugging) "TT. oh, TT." (laughing, giggling, hugging)

I dropped Jake off in the one year old room and went back for some more of that sweetness.

Update on the rugs

writing quickly on my way to the airport

Funny Mac Story:
Going to be is much better these days but she still plays games some night. One recent evening I hear from the bedroom
"Mackenzie you need to go to bed"
"why"
"Because I need to go to bed"
"Then go"
"I can't go until you are in bed"
"Oh"

Mac is really cute with Cam trying to motivate her to do things and telling her good girl all the time and also talking slower to her and in her face and asking her to repeat. I hear all my words coming back through her...even the DO NOT DO THAT words as well.

Cameron took one step (I think) yesterday.
She has a vocab - can you bleieve it - and understands what you are telling her like.

Give that to mommy...
Take your binkie out and give me a kiss...(open mouth of course)
She says "owl, moo (when she sees the cow), dada (which is so clear she means it), mama, papa, oh (for ut-oh), uuup (up), dow (down). It is impressive!!!

Love you girls!

Making Progress

Yesterday, Cameron did the following:
- stood on her own (for about 6 seconds)
- crawled up the stairs TWICE
- fed herself with a spoon (a messy venture but a goal none the less)

All this on a day that day care said she was SICK :-)