His Father's Son

If it wasn't obvious just by looking at the child, I'm here to tell you that Camden is absolutely without a doubt his father's son.

One of my favorite stories about Ryan as a child is about the time that he tossed his sister Cara's Popple out of the car window and into the Mississippi River.  (I'm totally smiling and trying not to laugh as I type this).  I have no idea why he did it - but my guess is that he was just being a little shit.

Source

Several Sundays ago we were going through the grocery store for our usual weekly grocery shopping outing.  We had Camden's favorite Wubba Nub Duck in the cart - for something for him to play with and suck on (duh) if need be.  At some point in our shopping adventure, I noticed that the Wubba Nub was gone.  Ducky had been tossed.

Source

Of course, on this particular shopping trip, we had been through the entire store.  Literally.  So, Ryan and I split up, looking for the lost Ducky, and searching to no avail.  I was so determined to find this binky that we searched the store twice and I even asked the customer service desk if anyone had dropped it by.  When I asked if anyone had returned a paci (I may or may not have been sweating), the lady looked at me like I was nuts.  I tried to explain that it wasn't just any paci, and that it had a duck attached to it.  This time, she looked at me like I was really nuts.  We finally gave up the search and headed home, never to see the Wubba Nub Duck again.

More recently, while on a walk in our neighborhood, we (Camden and I) were wrapping up and heading back home when I noticed a small white object just lying in the middle of the road.  I checked the stroller to see which of the gang was missing -- Roberto? Elmo? Sophie?  Sure enough, Camden had tossed his Bubble Puppy (thank goodness it wasn't his beloved, Molly!).  We scooped him up and headed home.

Source

And finally, just this past weekend, Camden and I were on yet another walk.  I get tired of walking in our neighborhood so we set out on Clear Creek Trail.  We had walked 2.5 miles roundtrip (at a 14-minute mile pace), so I was dog tired when we got back to the car.  I bent over the stroller to get him out and noticed that we had left a man behind.  Elmo.  Son of an effing nutcracker.

Source

I stood there (sweaty and panting) and debated for awhile if Elmo was really worth a potential 2.5 mile trek.  I decided he was (never leave a man behind!).  Who can't stand to log a few extra miles, anyway?!  We set out (me cursing under my breath) in search of the small red fella.  Just over a quarter mile in, I spotted two older ladies walking towards us, right where little Elmo was lying helpless in the middle of the path.  One of the ladies picked him up, waved him above her head and I waved my hand wildly back -- assuming that was the appropriate response.

We met and they just thought Camden was the cutest thing ever and thought it was so funny that he had been tossed.  As we jogged away I repeatedly told him (through clinched teeth) that he was really lucky that he is the cutest thing ever because this "tossing stuff out of moving vehicles when mama isn't looking" shit is really getting old.

Maybe I just need to pay closer attention?  Or maybe Camden could stand to not be like his father when it comes to tossing things?

Thank goodness we don't live close to any rivers.

Take Luck,

LP

Lately

- I've been bus-ay tending to my sick baby boy.  I swear, we're on a 3-month-sick-cycle.  He has required a lot of snuggles, which I will never, ever, ever complain about.  I won't complain about my temporary stay-cation from work, either!

- Ryan left for Las Vegas today to play in his men's slowpitch team's national tournament.  Camden and I had initially planned to go, but I decided against it at the last minute.  Not many wives and no other kiddos were going (hello, it's Las Vegas), and the thought of basically being attached to the house for naps and such sounded like no fun whatsoever.  Camden's sickness pretty much solidified my decision.

- Next week, Ryan's sister, Cara, and her hubby, Webb come out west to visit and so the adults can go on an adult only mini-vacay to Portland.  We're planning to hit up some wineries, shop, and take naps.  I. CANNOT. WAIT.

- I've been busy hosting my first challenge group and I cannot even begin to explain how awesome my group is.  Everyone is excited, and that makes it so much more fun!  It's been amazing for me to feel like I'm helping and motivating people.  I really love it.  Better yet, it keeps me accountable for workouts and eating healthy, too!

- This morning, I could feel the slightest bit of crisp in the air.  I may have squealed a little bit at the thought of fall being right around the corner.

- We recently purchased Camden's Halloween costume.  While debating over a fox and a monster, Ryan showed me a YouTube video and it was decided.

I can't wait to tell Camden that story someday.

Take Luck,

LP

It's a Major Award

Not really.  But if you've seen A Christmas Story half as many times as I have - you should understand the reference.

My best friend, Tiff just nominated me for a Liebster Award.  How fancy.  Because she nominated me, I get to answer 11 questions.  I much prefer to answer questions than try and think up random and interesting facts about myself, so thanks, Tiff!

[1] You have $200 to spend, but only in one store.  Which one would it be, and why?

Target.  Because, well, Target is like my Graceland.

[2] How did you choose your babe's name?

Ryan and I were tossing around a lot of names.  At some point, soon after finding out we were expecting a boy, I suggested "Camden."  Ryan didn't seem to think much of it.  When we were on vacation in Destin, we saw on E! that a celebrity couple (I can't remember if it was Nick & Vanessa Lachey or Kristen Cavalliri & Jay Cutler) named their new baby boy Camden.  Ryan immediately was like, "Camden.  That's a really cool name!"  Figures.  We added Camden to our list and when he was born - we just knew that was the winner.

[3] You're at Starbucks (or any other coffee shop of choice).  What do you order?

A soy vanilla latte.  And if I'm at Starbucks, a butter croissant.

[4] Share with us the three blogs you truly look forward to/enjoy reading.  Why those?

Camp Patton [there isn't a post I read that doesn't leave me laughing out loud or close to tears]

Harpers Happenings [again with the laughter, the author is funny and real]

The Larson Lingo [the author seems super down to earth, and throws some amaze balls parties]

[5] What children's move do you enjoy watching the most?

This is hard.  I love children's movies.  But, I would probably have to say Tangled.  Even Ryan can't deny that it is awesome.

[6] Where do you see yourself in 2022?

Nine years from now.  Ryan and I will be in our mid-30's (gasp).  I see us with one and possibly (heavy emphasis on the possibly) two more kiddos.  Camden will be approaching 10.  I see us in a bigger home (preferably on the water) and shuttling kiddos around to activities like it's our second job.  Which it will be.

[7] What's your favorite blog post you've written?  Link to it.

It's a tie for Talking about Liam, Sharing the News, and Camden's Birth Story.

[8] What's your favorite food or drink to make?  Share the recipe.

My favorite thing to make and eat is Plum Crisp.

[9] What's one of the most important lessons you've learned?

 Be true to yourself and who you are.

[10] Apple or PC person?

Funny you should ask.  I've always had a PC and been very intimidated by Apple/Mac.  However, my three-year old Dell is crapping out on me at the speed of light.  Ryan "surprised" me and told me he wanted to buy me a Mac for my upcoming birthday.  So, you never know.  I may just be a Mac person in the near future.

[11] What's a good book you've read recently?

I'm currently re-reading 11/22/63 by Stephen King and recently finished Inferno by Dan Brown.  Both are wonderful.

Take Luck,

LP

Camden - 9 Months

Cam has officially spent more time OUT of the womb than he spent IN.

Wah wah wah, I'm a hot emotional mess.  Moving on.

His 9-month well baby check isn't until tomorrow - so for those of you who are just dying to know his statistics, you'll have to come back tomorrow afternoon.


Breaking statistics update:
Length: 27 1/2 inches (29th percentile)
Weight: 18 lbs 10 oz (23rd percentile)
Head Circumference: 18 inches* (66th percentile)

*The doctor said that the particular nurse that measured his head tends to measure big and that come his 1-year well baby check, his stats won't look so lopsided.

This boy loves to crawl up and down (and up and down) the hallway, attempting to sneak into the bathroom.  Sometimes I will leave the bedroom doors open and sit at the living room end of the hallway and just watch him as he explores - going in and out of each room.  He seems to think the exploring is pretty awesome.   

He continues to pull himself up on everything - and I swear that he is getting more agile by the day.  One second he's sitting or crawling, and the next he's up on his chubby feet.  The boy is getting brave and will totally let go from whichever coffee table, couch, empty box of diapers, or mama's leg he was just holding onto to.  I think we've got an adventurer on our hands.

We wised up and positioned some of his toys in front of the Xbox console and stereo system - so thankfully, that has kept him from blaring the volume several times a day.  I swear, we're educated, people.

He still loves his baby food and gets very annoyed if we get distracted or do not feed him fast enough.  We've introduced Puffs but like baby food, it's taking some time for him to embrace their puffy-goodness.  He'll get there.

Cam started his "Shrimp" swim lessons two weeks ago.  It's safe to say that he thoroughly enjoys his baby pool and bath much more than a big pool.  This kid doesn't mind being in the water, but clings to me with a death grip, doesn't like being splashed in the face, and loathes (seriously) back floating.  During back floating (where I am holding and singing to him), his little chubby legs stick straight up in the air, his eyes are squeezed shut, he's clawing for my face/neck/body, and he's crying.  The instructor showed me a different way to hold him so I'm hoping that Saturday will be slightly less traumatic.

Three more teeth have come in, bringing his grand total to six (four top, two bottom).  I may be slightly biased, but he has the cutest giant-gapped-tooth smile I've ever seen.

Camden is so happy.  So happy.  And I'm finding that it's nearly impossible for me to be in a bad mood when I'm around him.  His personality shines through more everyday and the pictures I took today totally show it. He is a very special little boy, and I just feel so lucky to be his mama.

Take Luck,

LP

10 on 10: September 2013

10 on 10: 10 pictures on the 10th day of the month!

Document a snapshot of your life & find beauty among the ordinary things in your day!

 

[1] This little booty is almost always up in the air while he's asleep.

[2] Someone is not quite ready to be awake.  He wasn't the only one.

 [3] The toe curl never fails.

[4] Glorious (and I mean, glorious!) sun and sun flare this morning.

[5] Patiently waiting my turn at the bank.

[6] Homeward bound.

[7] Punishment light sun flare.

[8] We don't go far without Roberto (monkey Wubba Nub).

[9] The awful (drenched in sarcasm) view from our friend's house.

[10] Succulents in a boot. 

 

Take Luck,

LP

Sassmouthin'

When I think of words I could use to describe my husband, punctual is not one of them.

Day #1, I realized that Ryan runs on his own clock.
 

Date #1, 2008

Still to this day, when out with friends or golfing, or whatever - he will tell me to expect him home at a certain time, and I ask, "Is that Ryan time?  Or normal people time?"  Because if it's "Ryan time," I should tack on an hour so, and if it's "normal people time," I should tack on 15 or 20 minutes.

(In case you were wondering, "Lauren time" is 5-10 minutes early)

Up until recently, I would let this charade continue without putting up a fight.  As irritating as it could be, it wasn't worth getting into an argument about*.

*I am a very non-confrontational person, and would rather hold my irritation/frustration inside and get over them myself than say something that would risk sparking an argument.  This is true for anyone, not just Ryan.

One time recently, I tried to play the bitchy card.  I wasn't mad, but I was certainly thinking, "Seriously?  Get your ass home," and tried to convey that through our conversation.  Long story short, I'm not good at being bitchy (I crumble like coffee cake), and it didn't get his ass home any sooner.

So, the other night, Ryan went to meet some buddies at the local watering hole to watch football.  He left at 5:00 and said he'd be home at 7:00 - with food for mama.

7:00 came and went.  Shocker.  At 7:30 I sent him a text and the sassmouthin' began.
 

Me: Hi

Ryan: Hey babe! One more beer.

Me: You said 7:00.

Ryan: I know.  I'm talking a lot. I have your food.

Me: You having my food doesn't help me eat, now does it??

Guess who was home five minutes later?  He claimed he didn't notice the time.  Pssht.

Maybe there is something to being sassy afterall?

Take Luck,

LP

Embrace the Camera - 9/5/13

My parents hosted a Labor Day BBQ, and we took the opportunity to take some family pictures.

This long-legged beauty made me an aunt almost 13 years ago.  I still vividly remember waiting at the hospital anticipating her arrival.  When seeing Jaiden on Sunday, I couldn't get over how beautiful (seriously, beautiful) she is.  

We practiced being sassy together.  I'm not very sassy, but apparently I'm pretty good at tossing my head around like a diva.

 Sometimes I forget (OK, take for granted) how lucky I am to have my sisters and brother.  So much of who I am is because of them.

Even though we were missing two important people for our "kids and grandkids" picture (Ryan and Mia), we took one anyway.

Go embrace the camera with someone you love!

Take Luck,

LP