Brothers :-)

Awe, I love being able to say that word about my boys - 'brothers' :-) We've wanted to give Brett a sibling for so long and since it didn't happen according to our time table, I worried that the big age different between the two might make bonding a little more challenging. Well, I am happy to say that I was WRONG! Camden adores his big brother already and doesn't take his eyes off him when he is around, and Brett has happily taken on the big brother roll of helping care for his little brother, singing to him to make him smile, and bringing him toys when he is sad. And I have to say, watching the two of them begin the long lasting bond of brotherhood melts my heart every day.

This was one of the first times Brett played with his little brother long enough to get some great smiles out of him....and Brett was glowing the whole time, knowing that he could make Camden happy too :-)

I spied this sweet moment from the kitchen and quickly grabbed my phone to catch it on camera. Camden started to get fussy so Brett ran over and started talking and singing to him - and VOILA - he was happy again :-) No mom intervention needed!

Entertainment for both boys --- the tablet for Brett, and his big brother for Camden :-)

Tummy Time!

Right before this picture was taken, Camden was looking straight into Brett's eyes in awe....and then the camera came out and he turned away! Still pretty cute though :-)

I love watching this relationship begin right before my eyes - and to think - it's just the beginning.....

Fun with my big boy!

Since Camden was born, I've really tried to make sure I still have special time with Brett every day so he still feels important and never feels like his baby brother has taken over too much of our attention. Brett was an only child for almost SIX years which is a pretty long time if you think about it! And I have to say, although we went through a bit of a rough patch behavior wise over winter break, he is doing pretty amazing. I love this kid so much and the special moments we share together are priceless :-) 

I have been fortunate in that I have had lots of help when it comes to picking Brett up from school every day. My neighbor Kathy brings him home 2-3 times a week and my mom helps out the other days. Atleast one of the days when my mom helps out, I have her stay home with Camden so I can pick Brett up. I look forward to those afternoons when I have some special time with my big boy, even if only for a few minutes on our walk home :-)

And by these smiles, I think Brett enjoys it too :-)

One afternoon I bundled Camden up and we joined Brett and his class for Fun Friday activities! Brett absolutely loves when I volunteer in his classroom and I do too :-) This particular day they were learning about Force, Friction, and Motion. And what better way to teach it then marble mazes, cars, and race tracks! I love that he is still 'learning through play' at times in Kindergarten.

A friend of mine posted a recipe on how to make Snow Ice Cream, so during a snow day last week that is exactly what we did :-) Surprisingly, it actually tasted really good and both Brett and I were huge fans!

Brett got a Circuit Set from Kyle for Christmas, and since he got so many things to put together that required adult help, we put it away for a little while. This past weekend, Kyle took it out, totally expecting to have to help Brett with the whole thing. Well, we should have know better....after learning the ropes, he was able to create each set himself! That's our boy!

Figuring out where each piece needs to go...

...and erupting in laughter as the disk takes off into the air!

Who knew this activity would entertain him all afternoon? Score!

These pictures are just a few of the fun moments we have had together in the past few weeks and I look forward to capturing many more :-)

3 months old!

 The many faces of Camden at 3 months old!

I am so in love!!! The smiles are coming fast and furious these days and I just can't get enough of my sweet baby boy!! At 3 months old, Camden loves to be a part of the action and watch every move his big brother makes :-) He loves to be talked to and look at our faces, and when he is alert, the smiles don't stop. He still likes to sleep which is something we aren't used to because Brett never slept as a baby! His favorite places to sleep are in our arms or in his swing, but he is getting better at sleeping in the bassinet. Camden is a really good eater and not picky about where he gets it from. I mostly breastfeed, but at times I pump so I can have breaks and Kyle can feed him. Sometimes we supplement with formula which doesn't faze Camden at all. Bath time is a new favorite and he smiles and kicks the whole time. I love having a baby in the house again and just so happy and content with my boys :-) Life is good and I couldn't ask for anything more!

Throwback Thursday

I've been meaning to post these pictures ever since I got them from my brother, and am finally just now getting around to it! They are from when Camden was born and Brett met his brother for the first time. I had been dreaming of that moment for years and I can't possibly put into words everything I was feeling. The one thing I can say, is that it was one of the most special moments of my life - a time I will never forget and will cherish forever. 

My sleeping angel, only a few hours old. 

This was the first picture taken of the two of us :-) The doctors had just finished working on his breathing, and once he got going on his own, they handed him to me. I was so happy!

After nursing, it was Kyle's turn to hold his newborn son for the first time. 

 A couple hours later, we were transferred to the Mother/Baby unit...and soon after that, my parent's brought Brett in to meet his baby brother. Melt. My. Heart.

I love how this picture captures Brett's emotions so vividly...excitement, wonder, and apprehension all in one.

Wearing his Big Brother shirt for the first time...and so proud!

After meeting Camden, Brett was given his his big brother gift - LEGOS!!

Yep, definitely a day I will never forget :-)

Smiles!

You want to know one of the best feelings in the world? When your baby starts smiling at you! Camden started giving out smiles at around 5 or 6 weeks, but at that time we would be lucky to get one or two  a day. As  the weeks have gone by however, the smiles have come more and more frequently, and now he is giving them out all day long! Seriously, there is no better gift than seeing my sweet baby boy smile and "talk" to me. Today we had a conversation that must have lasted at least 15 minutes! I was telling him all sorts of things and he kept smiling and cooing back at me. The Best.

My smiley boy in action :-) Love him so much!!

These open mouth smiles are my favorite! Pure joy :-)

I let Brett play on his new Kindle after school today and Camden was all eyes watching him. He already adores his big brother!

My handsome big boy modeling for the camera. 

At 10 weeks old, Brett finally felt comfortable enough to hold his baby brother. I've been waiting for this moment since Camden was born and I can truly say 'my cup runneth over'.

Go Packers!!!

Such a happy boy!

Camden is getting so strong and can hold his head up for longer and longer periods every day! 

j

Life with two kids has really sunk in now and it is definitely a juggling act to get everything done in a day! My back aches from carrying a 15 pound baby around all day, I'm constantly trying to catch up on sleep, there are dirty dishes in the sink, and the house always seems to be a mess.  But ya know what? I wouldn't change a thing.  My heart is so full, and I am finally content knowing that my family is complete.

Christmas!!

This Christmas was a little different in regards to taking pictures because I had a sweet baby boy to hold :-) I didn't really take any Christmas morning because I was nursing Camden and everything happened so fast! Fortunately, my brother took some that afternoon/evening while we celebrated at my parents house...but still not as many as I usually take :-) And since he was the one taking pictures there aren't any of him.....but for once I am in a few - ha!

The one posed photo of the night....our first Christmas as a family of four....the best Christmas gift I could ever ask for!

Love this picture of my dad! He was so happy to have us all there :-)

My beautiful mother holding her newest grandchild :-)

Opening presents while holding my little "Potato" as Matt and Amy so endearingly nicknamed Camden. I think I may update that name to my "Sweet Potato" :-)

So in love...

Since Brett loves to build so much,  he got lots of things to put together. This ended up backfiring because practically everything he got needed parental assistance! Usually during his birthday and Christmas (and for some time afterwards), he has so many new toys to entertain himself with, we kinda get a break - but not this time! So note for next year....make sure that he receives enough gifts that he can play with himself!

Here he is checking out the instructions as he waits for Uncle Matt to help him :-)

My mom gave me this beautiful book called "Dear Mom" with photos of different mothers and their children throughout the world. Love it!

I love this picture of Kyle so I had to put it in :-)

Matt's cat, Sebastian (who has now become my parent's cat) joined in the fun too. 

Matt and Amy gave us some adorable clothes for Camden, this hat being one of my favorites! Adorable!!

After opening presents and having some appetizers and drinks, it was time for a yummy turkey dinner per request from the birthday boy (aka, my brother). Yum! Later in the night we all went outside to celebrate with sparklers (a new tradition that we started last year)! I had such a great time with my family and am thankful for them more than anything!