Cam-man

THE Cam-man has not had his due attention on this blog, and I'm afraid that the detailed narrative that he deserves will have to wait until we are settled in Idaho (T-2 days until our departure!).

But, I had to document the major development that has occurred this week:

In all honesty, I don't know when he first started standing.  My parents were in town last week to help with some final projects-- the home is an obstacle course of rolled up rugs, towers of boxes, and stacks of furniture.  At one point, out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw Cameron just standing there looking at me, so I seriously did a double-take...and sure enough, he now stands with confidence.  This transition happened incredibly quickly.  After about 3 days, he became a sturdy and strong upright boy.  He will walk with assistance, but if he starts to take his own step forward without any help, his legs just buckle to the ground.  It took quite a while for Sophie to make the leap from standing to walking, but I think Cameron won't wait so long....

He is also a babbler now.  There are still no sounds/words that have any attachment to the correct person/item.  But there are many letter combinations coming out of his mouth and usually accomapnied with some pointing.  His favorite sound and pointing combo is: "dat".  I have wondered if it means "that" so if he points and says "dat", I respond with the name of the thing/person.

Like his daddy, Cameron loves fresh air and time outside.  If he is upset or frustrated, he becomes immediately soothed and excited the minute we open the front door! (Just in time for a warm spring in Idaho....!!)

He is a healthy eater.  You can't trick Cameron.  He knows if he isn't eating what the rest of the table is eating, and he lets us know how frustrated and angry that makes him. He completely refuses to be spoon-fed.  He must feed himself, so this means plenty of messy meals and finger food madness!  Luckily, the boy loves taking a bath.

He is an active boy, but he is an amazing cuddler.  At random points, he will crawl over to me and nestle in for a hug.  His head always lays down on my shoulder and he wraps his arms around me.  I can't describe in words how sweet and tender he is.  I'm in love with this sweetheart.

Also, Sophie and Cameron have been having so much fun TOGETHER. Although Cameron can't talk and can't quite understand what game Sophie has concocted, he erupts in major grins and definitely loves with they 'play' together.  They spent about 30 minutes wrestling and tickling and squealing together outside this weekend.  There were no toys, no stuffed animals....just the two of them rolling around in the grass.  It was a heart-overload memory.

This photo doesn't show the HUGE grin on Cam's face. He worships any attention from his sister. 

We had a quiet and sweet Easter day---we spent most of the day outside in our yard in the sun. After 8+ years in this home, I wanted to cherish our final hours in this space.  It was a perfect final Sunday for our family of 4.

Static silliness

final WA moments

Our move has been all consuming.  Even in my "normal" life, I like to make lists and to always be productive, efficient, and prepared.  I have had to accept the chaos over the past month and to remind myself that I have two young children who still need to be fed, entertained, celebrated, and attended to...! There have been plenty of moments when I've had to put down the box or tape and choose the PRESENT over the future! 

The three of us made a final visit to the market (Cam is in the backpack behind me).

 Here are a few favorite cell-phone photos of some of the fun we have been having this early Spring.

My beautiful girl held on to the Home Depot shopping list while rocking my sunglasses.  

If Sophie is 3 going on 16, Cameron is 10 months going on 5 years. 

Their friendship is blossoming....

He looks up to her just like my brother looked up to me
(haha...just checking if my bro still reads this blog).

Cam was just so thankful that the "other baby" came to the park this time to give him a much-deserved break.

Her new favorite name: Tammy. Her new favorite animal: a roaring Dinosaur.
In this photo, she was Tammy the roaring Dinosaur. 

This isn't your average box fort; it's a castle of cardboard built from 10+ years of Seattle living.  (Moments later, Sophie ended up pushing a box to trap Cameron because he allegedly scared the fairies.  And Cam ended up eating a corner of cardboard.  A big corner. Yes, he chewed himself to freedom.) 

This coming week brings more final WA moments: Sophie's final days at her preschool, our final evenings with best friends, our final nights in this special home, our final trips to some of our favorite Seattle-spots... and then the great push-off of 2013 occurs! Stay tuned.

2118

The BIG MOVE away from our 2118 home is almost here.  The hard work that it takes to move a family of 4 out of state and prepare our home for a new tenant has been matched by the fun and celebration that it takes to say goodbye to our friends.  This month has been wonderfully full as we enjoy our final days at 2118.

Grandma and Papa

My parents---Grandma and Papa--epitomize generosity.  Their help is invaluable and has never been more appreciated than during this major transition period! They visited us this weekend, and it was a weekend spent checking things off the 'to-do' list.  They both take things off our plate in such an easy, thoughtful manner.



My dad woke up bright and early both mornings, and he didn't stop until dinner time.  He completed a major yard overhaul for us with three, full trailer loads to the dump.  Our yard has never looked better! (I almost felt sad about moving....but then I got over it quickly!!)  Doug worked feverishly on other projects before joining my dad outside on the beautiful spring day to spruce up our house.  My dad is hands down, the hardest worker I know, and we are so appreciative of his help.  Meanwhile, my mom juggled two grandkids and boxes.  She helped me with box after box, and I see the light at the end of the packing tunnel! She cleaned, organized, and simplified.

Sophie and Cameron loved the extra attention, and we appreciated the extra hands.  Sophie is such a sweet, sensitive girl who picks up on everything; she has been a bit 'out of sorts' lately as our house fills with boxes, as we talk more and more about change, and as we get busier and busier.  A relaxing, low-maintenance, loving weekend with her grandparents was exactly what she needed to regroup!



We couldn't do this without my parent's help, and we're so thankful that they are headed back in a couple weeks to help us in the final stretch of the Whitfield move to Boise!



Although Boise is a longer drive to Spokane than Bellevue, we are confident that we will actually get to see my parents more often since we'll be in the same city as my brother.  The whole family is looking forward to the future opportunities and adventures that this move allows!

Thank you, mom and dad/Grandma and Papa! We love you!