Big Brother Cam

The Proud Pusher (notice both are still in pajamas...loving that summer schedule!)

Although Cam has definitely had his moments since Maeve's arrival, lately he's been very interested in being able to help her. Just today, I figured out a new "thing" for us to do in the summer heat. I brought the umbrella stroller out on the porch to stroll Maeve in a shady spot. (She's the baby that likes to stay busy!) I never gave any thought as to who the "pusher" of the stroller would be assuming it would be me. Big Brother Cam gladly stepped up to the job. Maeve loved the constant motion and the fullspeed-ahead pace that Cam kept with the stroller. What a great big brother she has! With both hands free, I actually got to sweep the porch off and water the plants. I guess there really will be a time when neither one of them will need me. But for now, I'll drop whatever it is that I'm doing when I hear, "Mama, I need you!" or "Mama, Maeve needs you!"

Big Brother (trying to keep a grip on her) still loving this Baby Girl!

Just Like My Dad

Tony was in Scottie B's wedding this Saturday. It was an awesome event...a couple that you just know was brought together by God. Cam was very excited about going to "B" and "Z"s wedding. While he's been to weddings before and even been the littlest ring bearer, he has no memory of them. This was quite an experience for him.

We had gotten him a suit a couple of months ago, complete with a jacket and tie. He was very excited about being able to wear it and dress like his daddy. At the rehearsal on Friday night, he was disappointed because he thought he had forgotten to wear his suit. Well, who knew it would be 100 degrees in June and I had my little man dressed in layers?! He was so excited about putting it on. He commented that the two of us were going to go "marry" when we got to the wedding. He kept wanting to pull the tie outside of his jacket instead of tucking it on the inside. We got there early enough to see Tony and Scott before we sat outside and nearly melted.

Needless to say, the suit didn't make it through the entire night (and neither did Cam. We had to leave before the slideshow and the sparkler sendoff. He would have loved both of those things too.) The only pieces left on him at the end of the night were the shirt with rolled up sleeves and the shoes. (Don't worry, I came prepared with shorts!) This picture alone makes all the sweat worth it.

Princess Party

Our goddaughter, Chloe turned five this week, and she celebrated with a princess party. Maeve was invited since it was a girly girl party. As the party approached, we decided that it would be sad if Cam weren't there, so he came as her knight in shining armor. Here are some of the magical moments:

Princess Chloe getting eyeshadow and lipgloss

The Tiny Princesses, Anna Belle and Maeve

Knight Cam

New Tricks

Maeve has just blossomed over the last couple of weeks. I've said this before but it seems as if she's come alive. When babies are newborns, you just spend time getting to know their looks and their needs. Then all of a sudden, they wake up and you have this great little person inside that small package that is just itching to come out. She's been smiling and cooing for while. Now she gets so excited about playing. Her eyes widen and her feet start kicking when you bring a toy into her sight. Last week she mastered rolling over. As soon as she's put on her back, she pops right over on that stomach as if to say, "What do you want me to do now?" She also likes to be sitting upright instead of relaxing in the crook of your arm. She's got too much to see these days. She may be a tad bit spoiled as she no longer is content in her bouncy or swing while I'm accomplishing a task. She wants to be right there on my hip seeing what's going on. (I'm getting really good at one-handed tasks!) What a sweet girl we have! Is is possible for a love this big to grow more and more?

Beach

We just returned from our annual beach trip to Amelia Island. Each year brings a whole host of new memories to add to our collection. Maeve made her debut at the beach in a pink, polka-dot suit. It was a bit too much for her to be out during the day. And, as for Cam, this year still wasn't his year at the beach. I keep thinking, with age, he will enjoy it more. So far, that has not been the case. He would much rather spend the day sitting in the air conditioning watching a show. It appears that our days of spending all day on the beach are officially over! Thanks to our family, we did get a few hours by the shore!

Sandy Toes

"I'm hot!"


The Grands:

Clayton 11, Carson 7, Cam 3, Maeve 3 months

Month by Month

For Maeve's three month pictures, Big Brother Cam actually agreed to take a picture. I was so excited when we actually got two smiles!

I am determined for Maeve to have an equal opportunity as the second child. In Cam's first year of life I took him to have his pictures made each month on the first. So, Maeve's date each month is the second. Although it is a lot of work just getting to the photo place, having those monthly moments is priceless. You can really see the progression of how quickly they grow and change. I just want to soak it all in and try not to forget a single second.

Three Months

Two Months

One Month

The Zoo Crew

This year marks the eighth summer Tony and I have enjoyed together. We learned quick that if you don't make the most of each day, you'll blink and the summer you waited so long for will instantly be over. So, with that in mind, we decided to go ahead and take off to Zoo Atlanta the very first day we were free. Although Cam has visited Jacksonville Zoo a couple of times while were were vacationing, we've never taken him to our local zoo. Tony, more so than me, is usually always up for an adventure even when it's hot and tiresome.

Maeve mostly enjoyed her stroller while Cam could hardly enjoy what he was seeing for wondering what he would be seeing next. (I think he has a bit of Aunt Laura in him!) I just asked him what his favorite animal at the zoo was. His reply was, "The horses!" Tony and I both looked at each other. You mean we spent all that time and energy for him to not even remember what he saw. There are no horses at the zoo. Then we asked a bit more and we realized Cam was referring to the black and white striped horses...ZEBRAS! Of course! Phew...time and energy not in vain.

Here are a few pictures of the Zoo Crew:

Maeve staying in the shade in her sunhat.

Cam posing with the lions.

In memory of Willie B.