Journeys with Cameron & Connor

Moving Up Ceremony

2011-06-08T17:54:00.003-05:00

The boys graduated from pre-kindergarten today. They'd been working on the performance for weeks and it was completely adorable! Here's a little clip from it:

Their report cards indicated that they have both mastered all expected skills and exceeded a great many of them. I'm so proud of my little guys!

Memorial Day Milestones

2011-05-30T17:45:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we played in the pool. Mike and I knew the boys were ready to swim but they absolutely did NOT think so. When I tried to talk to Cameron about it, he hung onto the side of the pool with a death grip and when I tried to get him to look at me by touching his elbow, he swung it backwards busting my lip.

What a difference a day makes! Today, while Mike was out in the pool with the boys and I was inside catching up on things, Cameron and Connor both started swimming. Both can swim underwater and above. And, Cameron also discovered he could do flips underwater. I'm so proud of my little guys!

Cameron's first dream

2011-05-06T06:13:00.002-05:00

Cameron told me about a dream he had this morning.

"We were at an aquarium and were scuba diving and I was all grown up and knew how to swim!"

Some firsts

2010-09-16T18:55:00.000-05:00

Today the boys had several firsts. They took their first bus ride with their class to a skating rink, their first visit to one, to go roller skating for the first time. They had a great time! I wish I had been there to get some pictures or video. From the stories they told, sounds like there were some pretty cute moments. They told me they held hands with classmates, Ty and Lauren, during the friend skate and Cameron held James' hand because he was having a hard time on his skates. Too cute!

measurements

2010-06-09T20:54:00.001-05:00

CAMERON
Height: 38.25 in (11%)
Weight: 35.0 lbs (42%)

CONNOR
Height: 41.0 in (66% )
Weight: 34.8 lbs (37%)

Both guys are doing great but really, REALLY did NOT want the shot they got. That was painful.

Catching up

2010-04-03T12:09:00.029-05:00

There is no way I can recall all the progress the boys have made over the last many months or the funny things they have done. Following are just a few excerpts of life in our home.

The boys got a new cousin on January 7, 2010 - Ava Jasmine Ramos

Here they are fussing over the latest edition January 16

Here's a little video of my entertainment at dinner. All my guys love making up stories! They crack me up!

To celebrate Tet, we went to the Tet Festival with Nana & Cam (not pictured).

My camera just couldn't capture the cool dragon dance but this was the stage scene:

The shows went through the boys' naptime so they got pretty sleepy

The boys started a new school close to home rather than by my work. These are the pictures from their last day at Pinocchio's:
With the 3-year-old teacher, Ms. Marilyn:

With Ms. Naty whom I can never repay for potty training my guys in about 2 days (day time only):

And with their all-time favorite, Ms. Delsa

We had family in town mid-month which was so much fun! Here are Uncle Jon and Aunt Kim with the boys on Valentine's Day/Jon's B-day at the Sponge Docks

Connor & Daddy

The three muskateers

This is so typical of the kids right now - dress up, dancing, karoyoke, taking care of baby Ava. Classic!

The boys love to dress up. Here they are as dinosaurs February 28:

Witch Super Man with a Connor Pirate March 7:

Firefighter Kaylie with Princess Cameron March 27:

Cousins at the zoo March 13. They love these chairs for some reason. Cameron being his dramatic self:

Connor being silly:

Kaylie and her dimples:

Here's an example of the boys' non-stop movement. Waiting in line? Why not rock climb?

Here the boys just before taking the ice for the first time, March 14.

We had a blast!

And some cuddles over breakfast March 28:

Well, that's all for now!

New Developments

2010-01-03T21:24:00.009-05:00

I am not really able to keep up this blog as I'd hoped but really wanted to note the following developments before I forgot.

Connor has an imaginary friend, Dude (who he's told me his actual name is John). Apparantly Dude is 4 and has celebrated his birtday over and over the last couple of weeks. While this figment of imagination is Connor's, Cameron totally wants in on it and will ask Connor when Dude's party is and gets into the storytelling about the party with Connor. So funny!

Cameron loves, loves, loves the dress up in the outfits he got for Christmas. His favorites are his "beautiful dress" (it's a fairly plain black dress with purple trim but, for Cameron, all dresses are beautiful dresses) and the Superman outfit they got from Titi. He's such a drama guy - loves dressing and then playing the part. It's really interesting.

Yesterday, we went to the train park with Titi and Kaylie. Jackie is due to deliver Ava any day now but we had no problem getting her onto the train (which doesn't allow pregnant women to ride). It's due to the incredibly cold weater we Floridian's are suffering (yesterday's high was only 57 - yes, we are COMPLETE wimps and SO thankful for it!) and Jackie was wearing a winter coat (these are completely concealing in comparison to our normal t-shirts). No one even questioned her. She is all baby and looks great! Anyway, after our obligatory train ride, we went to the playground. Cameron stunned me! He actually crossed about 4 monkey bars on his own - he took both hands to each bar but swung to the next bar, completely unassisted until he got to the other side of the structure at which time I grabbed him, so excited! A little monkey just like his mom! :o) Let's hope he doesn't get any crazy ideas and break an arm in a couple of years thinking he can do it ONE-handed! Yeah, I'm a total brain child, I know!

Tonight, I experienced some sweet nostalgia. The boys were in my room while I was folding laundry and started to coordinate their make-believe scenario. They debated a while on who should be the mom and who should be the baby and then went about making believe that Cameron was the baby and Connor, the mommy, was trying to put him to bed. I totally remember playing "house" at school when I was about 4. It was so funny!

My mom pointed out tonight after talking with Connor on the phone that he seems to have conquered his stutter. How did I miss that? When I think about it, it must have been weeks since I've last heard Connor stutter but it took her talking with him tonight to point out that he was very measured with his words, speaking slower but clearly.

The boys are so... hmmm... changing all the time. But, I just don't have time to post their... ummmm... escapades often. Earlier this week, I had terrible frights - Friday they found my gum and decided, new day, new year, why not? I believe one swollowed, one spit - at least I hope since I haven't found the sticky wads yet. Yesterday with no gum left in my purse, while I was taking a shower, they decided to try out the OTC and serious painkillers in my purse. According to their coorborated accounts, Cameron was the "taster" who spit out the Pepto chewable, Advil (orange) and Tylenold extra strendth (red) located in my purse. I really, really hope the allotted punishment was sufficient. That was actually scary!

Big Day

2009-09-13T10:12:00.000-05:00

The boys both woke up dry this morning. This was Connor's first time and one of only a handful of dry mornings for Cameron. I think we are finally approaching the end of diapers. Woo hoo!

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T22:43:00.003-05:00

This father's day, Cameron, Connor and Kaylie made Grandpa a father's day gift (with a little help from their moms). Here they are with the finished product.

How cute are they?!?!

Then the boys got to work on a little something for their Daddy.

Happy Father's Day!

measurements

2009-06-20T09:13:00.002-05:00

We went to see Dr. Bhumi today for a well visit. The boys are developmentally on target with no areas of concern. Here are their measurements:

CAMERON
Height: 36" (15%)
Weight: 31.1 lbs (42%)
BP: 84/52

CONNOR
Height: 37.5" (49%)
Weight: 30.7 lbs (38%)
BP: 82/46

They're getting so big!

Very Happy 3rd Birthday

2009-06-07T21:44:00.021-05:00

The boys looked forward to their "very happy birthday" for so long. Finally they got to celebrate, celebrate, celebrate!

First, they enjoyed a little school birthday party complete with ice cream cake.

Here's the class picture where they are all saying THREE!

Then we stopped by to see Nana & Grandpa Warren for some hugs

and kisses

When we got home, Granny and Nana & Grandpa Starkey were waiting to wish the birthday boys a very happy birthday too.

The balloons and fishing poles were big hits

A little birthday video

And then on Saturday they had their very happy birthday party at the train park. So fun!

After naps, my family came over for dinner. The cousins ended the night with a super fun bath together.

What could be more fun?

Legacy of an Adopted Child

2009-04-30T03:20:00.004-05:00

Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember, the other you call Mother.
Two different lives shaped to make you one.
One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.

The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love. The second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality. The other gave you a name.
One gave you a talent. The other gave you aim.

One gave you emotions. The other calmed your fears.
One saw your first sweet smile. The other dried your tears.
One sought for you a home that she could not provide.
The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.

And now you ask me, through your tears,
the age-old question unanswered through the years.
Heredity or environment, which are you a product of?
Neither, my darling. Neither. Just two different kinds of Love.

~ Author Unknown

The book Motherbridge of Love (available on amazon.com) illustrates this poem from a Chinese daughter's perspective.

More observations

2009-04-30T01:58:00.004-05:00

Connor and Cameron have such different little personalities that actually play into each other well. Cameron is so demanding but often in a really irresistible fun way. He is the center of attention and very engaging. He always wants to know what's going on and be involved in the activities. My dad was commenting on it tonight predicting he'd do well in sales. I concur.

Connor on the other hand is very easy going socially. He is very content to just be involved and is so sweet to be around. He does have his demanding moments but they are usually not overwhelming.

For example, every morning when I drop them off, this is the typical routine. As soon as I get Cameron out of the car, he becomes clingy which is a totally abnormal behavior for Cam. He is a very extroverted, want-to-be-in-the-middle-of-everything kind of kid, except as this daily morning drama is played out. I hold his hand while we walk up to the school while Connor runs for the door to beat us. When we go inside, Connor very confidently walks towards his class while Cameron becomes even more clingy sometimes wrapping himself around one of my legs or wanting to be carried (which I almost never do). Once we get to class, Connor finds a chair at the table and becomes very interested in eating his breakfast (that I bring for both of them). Cameron becomes more distressed as I try to set up breakfast for them. I give a distracted Connor kisses and a hug goodbye. When I try to do the same for Cameron there is such a production. Cameron asks for "another hug and kiss" sometimes even while I am hugging and kissing him. He just does not want me to go. I go sometimes only after the teacher is involved and holding him. By the time I am to the front of the building, he's fine - eating breakfast being his normal engaging self.

Connor is fairly laid back but definitely sticks up for himself too. Connor still often struggles saying what's on his mind both due to trying to find the right word and stuttering to get it out. However, he is not to be outdone. Cameron is a constant chatterbox and will often speak over Connor as he's struggling to tell me something. So Connor will tell Cameron, "no talk Cameron!" (without stuttering or delay). And while Cameron is very much in the center of everything, Connor is so observant. Connor will point out all kinds of things while we are driving - dump trucks, school buses, daddy's car (Honda Pilots EX trim in any color of his model year, 2005 - not to be confused with any other SUV of similar attribute), uncle Efrain's car (Chevy Avalanche, any color in his model year and trim), police, baloons, etc. Sometimes I think Connor misidentified something because I will not see it but I believe him far more than I trust what I've seen now that this has gone on for months and months. He is looking for these things and I will miss them but then will see them as we are closer to them or when we stop and I have a moment to look around.

Some observations

2009-04-13T14:15:00.003-05:00

Connor is so my child. He has the same needs to clean, order and tidy things. Mike often leaves drawers slightly ajar. Of course, I need to shut them. So does Connor. He'll come into the kitchen in the morning after Mike's left for work and go through and shut all the drawers. He also voluntarily empties all the little trashcans in the house into the main one in the kitchen. He does this almost every morning. If I have a can to recycle, he will actually get upset if I put it in the recycle bin myself because he wants to do that. He loves to sweep and pulled out the mop the other morning. The only time I've seen him sit to concentrate for very long is when he's stringing things. Very orderely. I can count on him to put things away in their correct place most of the time. Connor is right-handed.

Cameron is more of a normal child. He enjoys making a mess and isn't really pleased when asked to clean it up but will and knows it is expected of him. He wants to do everything. He can concentrate on a variety of tasks. He loves to be around people, interacting and being the focus especially with people he's comfortable around. He warms quickly to strangers though. He's tried the garbage emptying and recycling routines but didn't find them very entertaining and is more than happy to let Connor have those fun jobs. Cameron is left-handed but still uses his right at times.

Here are some pictures to illustrate their differences. They were given stickers and crayons to decorate the picture.

This picture is Connor's. He put exactly one sticker in the middle of each square, made a few lines of color and was done. Perfection to my orderly boy!

This once is Cameron's. "Let's put on as many stickers as I can and color some too. Okay. Done now!"

My cuties

Yes, they have mohawks. I was feeling funky.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T22:09:00.009-05:00

The kids were so cute for Easter. Here's a video of the Easter egg hunt at Nana & Grandpa Warren's house:

Cameron and Kaylie checking out their loot

Connor impressed with his very full Easter basket

In the afternoon, we did it all over again at Kaylie's Grandma's house:

Happy Easter!

Picture post - March

2009-03-31T06:36:00.010-05:00

I don't have time to completely keep up with all the boys are up to. However, I thought I'd just post some of my favorite pictures from March.

Before my work gala 3/7/09

At the train park 3/8/09 - Happy Birthday Nana!

At home 3/14/09:

Cameron welcoming our new kitty, Marlin, to the family:

Marlin was the most mellow, cool cat the Friends of Strays had. He really is a great addition to our family.

Playing at Titi's house 3/22/09:

What a week!

2009-02-12T22:28:00.004-05:00

Monday, as we pull into the driveway, Cameron starts screaming “My penis hurts, penis hurts!” Screaming. Tears. I was stunned. With the car seat he can’t even get a hold of his penis. What on earth is going on?!?! So I jump out of the car and pull down his pants to see what’s wrong. He’s so scared, wants me to be careful, don’t touch. Poor guy. The foreskin tip was a little red but I couldn’t see anything more. He complained about it all night, even waking up once wanting to go to the bathroom on the potty. We put Neosporin on it and when he got up in the morning and was still very upset with the pain, I called the doctor. Tuesday morning we go to the doctor. I explain to Cameron while we’re driving that Dr. Bhumi is going to have to look at his penis to see what’s wrong so she can give him the right medicine to make it better. “Dr. Bhumi kiss it make it better?” “No, Dr. Bhumi is not going to kiss your penis. Dr. Bhumi is going to give us medicine to make your penis better. No one should put their mouth near your penis until you are a LOT older and ask them to.” I’m pretty sure he didn’t get all of that but it’s never too soon to teach them their rights to their bodies, right? Dr. Bhumi thinks it’s just a little infection the Neosporin should clear up. If it doesn’t improve, move on up to the oral antibiotics and so on. No worries as long as it’s not a recurring problem. These things happen.

We go to day care. I explain the problem to their teacher and the owner and they tell me he needs to move out of the pull ups and into big kid pants. Cameron was not very happy about this AT ALL and was insta-melting. I think they worked on him all day because after school he was excited that we were going to the store to pick out some big kid pants. We got MANY. Connor even picked out a pack since he wanted to wear them too. While we are walking through Target, Cameron, ever observant, notices the women’s underwear. “Bra! Bra for mommy!” “Yes, those are bras.” “Boobies! Does daddy have boobies too?” “Yes, Daddy has boobies too.” What great conversations to have with two-year olds in public. Gotta love it!

We talked about wearing the big kid pants that night and they were very excited. Wednesday morning they were excited picking out which big kid pants to wear. So cute! Well, the drive to daycare averages 45 minutes which is about as long as they can go without peeing so I wanted to put a diaper on under the big kid pants just for the ride there and then take it off before taking them into school. That started Cameron into full on melt down. He did not want to wear big kid pants at all and only wanted to wear the diaper. Or at least that is what he told me. I couldn’t get him to explain and sometimes he tells you the exact opposite of what he wants so it’s hard interpreting some days. Wednesday was one of those days. Connor was such a sweetie, so quiet. Watching Mommy and Cameron melting down takes it out of him I think. Cameron made it all day in his big kid pants with no accidents! Connor had an accident, but was up for trying again Thursday. Both boys came home in their big kid pants today. I am so proud of my boys. They are so proud of themselves too!

measurements

2009-02-08T18:48:00.004-05:00

Today we measured the babes:
* Connor 36.25 in
* Cameron 34 in
* Kaylie 34.5 in

Kaylie, almost 7 months younger than Cameron is now clearly taller than him. I hope Cameron is about to have a BIG growth spurt!

no babies

2009-01-25T23:23:00.004-05:00

Today was really neat in a lot of different ways. They boys are just getting so big. They are definitely not babies at all any more. They talk very well and will let you know what happened and what they want, no problem. Their vocabularies are great. They do not often not have a word at least not that I can tell!

One of Cameron's favorite things right now is to demonstrate what he's talking about and then follow it up with the phrase "just like that." For example, today, at naptime, neither Cameron nor Connor were interested in going to sleep but they still need a daily nap. Mom takes them on Sunday afternoons for a few hours and they know they will see Nana when they wake up. So after about an hour of them jumping in their beds, laughing and playing (and after a few reminders from me that they couldn't see Nana until they took their nap), I got upset with them. I asked Cameron if he wanted to see Nana and he said "No!" and started bouncing again. I told him, in an angry voice, "That's it! Lie down and go to sleep. This is your quiet time and I don't want to here another peep from you." I then picked up Cameron and laid him down. I also laid Connor down and proceeded to leave. Cameron started crying whining "tucka in" to which I replied "No. I have already tucked you in 4 times. You need to go to sleep" and walked out. Cameron cried. Very dramatic. For about two minutes and then silence... for the next hour plus until the dog started barking and woke them up. When I went in to get them, we talked a little about how they were missing out on playtime with Nana since they wouldn't go to sleep and how I had gotten upset. Cameron then said he cried, immitated his cry (quite well) for a few seconds and then said "just like that." He also does this to imitate the mixer, blender, dump truck, etc. He's quite a good impressionist.

While Cameron is very animated, energetic and engaging with everyone, Connor is not one to run off in strange places unless he's running with Cameron. Connor is thoughful, helpful and more subdued in his toddler antics. When faced with new or uncomfortable situations, he just needs to hold my hand. (Neither of them try too much to get me to pick them up anymore since I almost always tell them my back is broken and I can't.) Connor's helpfulness and cleanliness are most intriguing to me. Today, for example, just before the boys awoke from their naps, I had discovered a nice flour mess Jack had made for me when I wasn't looking for a minute, which led to bedtime for Jack, which resulted in much barking which woke up the boys. After getting them out of bed, I told them Jack made a big mess and did they want to see. So we all went into the kitchen to behold the flour everywhere. I asked Connor to get the little broom in the closet which he promptly did. This is impressive since I only use that particular cleaning tool maybe every other week. We swept up the flour. When we were done, I asked him to put it back. He put it back exactly as it had been. I find this so amazing since he's two and not genetically related to me. How did I get "my" child?

The boys are gaining a sense of time. They know that their bed time is 8 (and that Wee Willie Winkie checks to make sure children are in bed by 8). I show them our clock in the bathroom and explain that the little hand on the 8 means it's 8 o'clock. I believe that is the only number they can identify. They also have some concept of the days of the week. They know that Saturday and Sunday they don't go to school but on Monday they do. They remember a lot. We went for eye exams at the end of December. We attempted to go again one weekend earlier this month to pick out frames for Mike and I but the store was closed. Now, whenever we go down that street, Connor points out the eye doctor. They still talk about their dentist, Dr. Copeland whom they have met once and won't see again until next month. They're little boys now. They are amazing and I just adore them.

First bubble bath

2008-12-28T23:58:00.003-05:00

They loved it. Can you tell?

Cameron dove right in and was so excited.

Connor was hesitant but concluded the bubbles were awesome!

Happy Birthday Kaylie

2008-12-27T20:04:00.009-05:00

Today we celebrated Kaylie's 2nd birthday.

The birthday girl

Cameron enjoying the party

The birthday song

Opening presents

Sharing a laugh with Nana

Connor doing his Elvis impression with Kaylie's new sunglasses

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T23:12:00.005-05:00

Here's a picture of all of my favorites:

And here is Christmas joy (interrupted by Jack, our very hyper Doberman puppy):

Our very happy boys on Christmas morning:

On our way to Nana & Grandpa Warren's house that afternoon, I caught another one of our favorite things on film - Connor showing us where something is:

At Nana's, a pic of all the babes with Jackie:

quick update

2008-12-18T08:12:00.005-05:00

I'm so swamped but just wanted to share a couple of really quick updates.

Cameron has pooped soley in the potty for the last two days. He tells me he needs to go and then goes. We are so excited about this. Hopefully someday soon he will no longer like wet diapers.

Connor does not like to poop in the potty. Even when he knows he needs to go, he prefers to do it in his diaper. Connor has developed a bit of a stutter. He does this mostly when he's upset or anxious. I have no experience with stuttering. Does anyone know anything about it or know of a resource you could share with me?

Here's a cute picture, just because:

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T22:11:00.032-05:00

The boys were so cute for Halloween. We had been talking about it for over a month - they were going to dress up like dinosaurs and go to people's houses. When the people answer their doors, say "Trick or Treat" and they will give you candy. The boys have been so excited. Here they are trying on their outfits for the first time (9/18/08):

Cameron - the cutest dino ever

Ok, Connor's the cutest dino ever

Can you tell they LOVE their costumes?

Here we are picking out pumpkins (10/25/08):

Getting the pumpkin ready (10/30/08):

On Halloween, we went to our friends' house, Jay and Dorothy, who were having a bit of a block party with all their neighbors and their children.

Here's Jay with daughter, Molly:

Kids in the backyard waiting to trick or treat:

We were waiting to trick or treat in a group but the boys were not happy being in their costumes so we went a little early. They did great!

Knocking at a door:

At one of the first houses, an elderly gentlemen opened the door. As he reached behind him to get his candy bowl, Cameron thought we were supposed to go in so he just went right on inside the house. It was so funny. Totally adorable. When people would offer them the bowl of candy, they didn't know what to do. Especially if the host said to go ahead and take another - that lead to them taking one after another, no end in sight. They had a great time though, no melt downs and they walked all by themselves the whole way. When we got back to Jay & Dorothy's it was dark but the boys were still doing well. Then a "scary" family showed up. Poor Connor saw a little boy dressed in a faceless mask with two red lights for eyes and literally screamed he was so scared. The dad was dressed in all black and had painted his face black with a little green around the eyes. After this, the boys would not leave my lap, they were too frightened. They hadn't seen anything like that before and weren't too happy about it!

It was nice cuddling with them though. :-)

Politics: Suffragettes

2008-10-27T22:09:00.005-05:00

Cutest Obama/Biden Supporters EVER

2008-10-26T18:01:00.004-05:00

Politics: Why Obama?

2008-10-25T16:58:00.001-05:00

My blog-friend Nicki asked her readers to post why they are voting for the candidate they are. She posted a follow up to that after casting her ballot that was so thorough and well written, I must encourage you all to read it here.

I did however, end up writing an email to a friend of mine which essentially stated why I was excited to support Obama. Here is the letter:

Hi G-,

I respect you and value your opinions. Nothing you've said offends me and I appreciate the clarifications. I've thought about your email a lot since I read it yesterday. I want to write a well thought out, non offensive response. I doubt this will be as great as I'd like and I apologize in advance for my lack of pith or if anything comes across poorly.

The reason I support Obama is not because he and I share all views. In fact, according to a match up site I did, I am only a 64% match with Obama's platform (10% with McCain). What Obama does so well and that I find absolutely critical for a President is surround himself with the best and brightest, research the subject thoroughly and try to find the best solution. He does not only go with his party, he tries to see all sides and do what is best. For example, I am an environmentalist, total tree hugger here. When Obama said during his acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination that his plan for energy independence included off-shore drilling, clean coal and increasing nuclear energy, I literally gasped. Horror of horrors! But I understand his point. We have to do something NOW AND build a future that plans to not have drilling, coal and nuclear as the only means of providing energy in this country. I get it. Don't necessarily like it but I understand.

On taxes, I disagree with your stance. I don't think American companies or wealthy individuals suffer from their tax burden. If they did, they would move as you've said but they don't. They find other ways. Wealthy people stay wealthy even if their tax rate goes up. They are not rich, they know how to hold onto their wealth and no tax plan will take wealth away from them. People who find a way to make money but do not educate themselves on how to shield it from taxes and other things that try to take it away will not become wealthy and may feel bitter about the taxes they pay. I don't feel badly for them. Companies may have a higher tax rate but get other incentives at the local and federal levels which partly negate their tax burden. Taxes that must be paid by companies get passed on to consumers. The company does not suffer. I am not an expert on tax policies and their impacts on the economy but I trust Obama to surround himself with experts in this field to enact proper tax policies. I would like to mention, that this year's Nobel Prize in Economics was given to Paul Krugman for his "analysis of trade patterns and where economic activity takes place" (taken from this BBC news article). He is an expert in economics and he rails against Bush's economic policies. Additionally the list of economists who have endorsed Obama is impressive. Other than Krugman, there are 5 other Nobel laureates endorsing him. Here is a list of all Obama endorsements.

As for Rev Wright, I understand how unnerving it is to see his hate filled rhetoric and I can understand the negative impact that would have on one's view of Obama by such a long association. I encourage you to watch the PBS show [Frontline: The Choice 2008] for some of their insights into that situation. From my perspective, I don't hold it against Obama. I will give Rev Wright the benefit of the doubt that he does not get in front of his parishioners every Sunday to say what a crappy place the US is. I will venture to guess that if he has that large of a following and for so long his messages are usually uplifting and encourage those in attendance to do good in this world, to be the hand of God. I understand that blacks face struggles in society that I do not and I know that a black minister has to address those struggles in a way that a white minister to his white parishioners would not. Do I agree with his comments? Of course not. Was he out of line? Maybe. I didn't hear the whole sermon to know. But Obama probably did and if the overall message was good with some really awful comments made to stress a point, well, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt.

As for change, I no longer think that McCain would even attempt to deliver the change this country desperately needs. He used to be a free thinker but he has changed in that regard. Maybe it's just his desire to get into the White House and he will move back to his old "maverick" ways. However, his choice of Palin makes me really question that. She is like Cheney and even more scary to me. I know that you like her so I'm sorry if I'm offending you. She is completely unprepared for the office she is running for (she doesn't even know the actual role of VP based on her response in the VP debate) and even more woefully unprepared to lead our country should McCain not complete a term (based on actuarial tables there is a 1 in 6 or 7 chance that he will not and that does NOT take into account his actual health which has cancer in the mix). I am always fascinated to learn of others who really support her since I just absolutely cannot understand it based on all I've seen and learned of her. Maybe you can educate me on her strengths and positive leadership traits.

I think endorsements for Obama from the likes of Warren Buffett and Colin Powell also say a lot. The wikipedia list of endorsements for Obama is impressive (excluding the Senators and Congressmen since those are just expected and almost always along party lines). I am especially impressed by the scientists endorsing him - I'm very into science and rational fact-based research. McCain's wikipedia entry does not have the economic or scientific endorsements like Obama's. I am also impressed with the number of Republicans in general supporting Obama. Here's another site if you haven't already been that may be of interest: www.republicansforobama.org

I absolutely agree with you that Americans have become greedy, lazy, stupid and/or feel entitled. It absolutely makes me sick. I am totally with you that people need to work to improve their situations and nothing in life entitles them to anything but paying taxes and dying. I was actually pleasantly surprised to hear Obama tell people during his acceptance speech and several times since then many things along these lines. From his acceptance speech (if you haven't seen it, you really, really should).

"What is that American promise? It's a promise that says each of us has the freedom to make of our own lives what we will, but that we also have obligations to treat each other with dignity and respect... ours is a promise that says government cannot solve all our problems, but what it should do is that which we cannot do for ourselves: protect us from harm and provide every child a decent education; keep our water clean and our toys safe; invest in new schools, and new roads, and science, and technology... Yes, we must provide more ladders to success for young men who fall into lives of crime and despair. But we must also admit that programs alone can't replace parents, that government can't turn off the television and make a child do her homework, that fathers must take more responsibility to provide love and guidance to their children. Individual responsibility and mutual responsibility, that's the essence of America's promise."

I believe that Obama will do the things he says - he will invest in clean energy technologies that will bring high earning jobs back to our country. I believe that he will improve our relationships with countries around the world. I believe he will get us out of Iraq in a responsible, efficient manner. I believe he will actually engage our military to find Osama Bin Laden and cripple if not destroy Al Qaeda. I believe that he will responsibly increase tax revenue and reduce wasteful spending. I believe he will work with all members of the house and senate - democrats, republicans, independents - to bring about the changes we need.

These are just my opinions though. I know I'm not in the majority on most of my views but I am so excited to vote for a person who will consider all views before making decisions.

Erin

Politics: Powell endorses Obama

2008-10-19T16:14:00.001-05:00

I have much respect for Colin Powell and this endorsement of Obama is so clearly articulated! How is anyone still voting for McCain / Palin?

Tin Foil Hats

2008-10-16T20:52:00.000-05:00

Today is my birthday. Mike should be easy on me, right? I decide to check my email before heading to work. I see what looks like an interesting article in the NY Times. Mike asks what I'm reading and I tell him to which he replies, "You know they are very liberal paper." I'm so tired of hearing how liberal just about every newspaper and news channel is. I snap. I tell him that I watched the debate and they are not reporting anything I did not see for myself. I tell him if he's so concerned about how liberal the paper is, he should just get his tin foil hat out. So he did. And made some for the boys too. Aren't they cute?

Politics: McCain's military judgement

2008-10-06T23:13:00.003-05:00

My poor children - they have to grow up with a political junkie of a mom. I know I've completely hijacked their site with my political views but this will only last for another month or so. ;-)

That said - I found another great video. I realize that a totally leftist group put it together and it is, therefore, inherently biased. So am I. Oh well. The clips however are not taken out of context. McCain really did say and believe (?) all the things Obama leveled at him during debate #1 related to going to war in Iraq. Here is the clip:

Politics: Late Show's Recap

2008-10-05T12:31:00.002-05:00

Politics: Bidan & Palin Debate

2008-10-03T21:07:00.003-05:00

I was really disappointed that Palin did not deliver a comedic performance as she has been. So, to make up for the lack of amusement from Thursday's debate, here's another great clip where Palin tries very unsuccessfully to BS an answer about which cases other than Roe v. Wade she disagrees with:

The most meaningful part of the debate for me (especially since Palin really has no clue about the state of the union or world) was when Biden shared part of his personal story:

I personally respect the places that Biden and Obama have come from and what they have been through to make them who they are. I also respect that McCain survived being a POW and has continue to serve his country through service in the Senate. What I do not respect about McCain is his character. McCain's first wife, Carol, a former model, married John in 1965 after her first marriage ended due to her first husband's affair. John adopted Carol's sons and they had a daughter together. John was captured in 1967. Carol was involved in a horrible accident in 1969 that resulted in her being "operated on a dozen times and in the treatment she lost about 5 inches in height." (LA Times 7/11/08) John was released in 1973 and started his political career. In 1979 John saw Cindy and started courting her but didn't file for divorce from Carol until 1/7/80. I know divorce is common as are affairs but I think it shows the character of someone who deserts their family of almost 15 years to run after some new woman. McCain is also notorious for his irrational behavior (like the selection of Palin, another former model, as his VP) and hot temper. Thinking about McCain and Palin in charge of our country actually scares me.

Politics: Palin channeling Tina Fey

2008-10-01T19:59:00.000-05:00

All I can think is that Sarah wants to take Tina's place on SNL. This is hysterical. It only makes me scared and speechless to know she wasn’t actually joking. I wonder how Katie was able to keep it together at all interviewing this woman.

Politics: Palin

2008-09-28T22:02:00.004-05:00

Is this for real? Is America seriously going to let this woman possibly be in charge of our country? Oh my word! Here's a clip of her interview with Katie Couric.

This is insulting to me as a woman. Could McCain really not find a more intelligent woman to put on the ticket with him? This HAS to be some kind of joke... Not only is she frighteningly unprepared and uneducated but she scares me with her religious references - "the US is the force of good in the world," "the evil that he (Iranian president) speaks," "good guys," and the "bad guys."

The SNL skit was hysterical. But, it was so close to reality it was also a bit scary!

Kisses

2008-09-14T20:05:00.003-05:00

Today the boys and I did quite a bit of shopping. I always try to sit them in the two-seater carts and today we lucked out with one at both Wal-Mart and Publix. While in Wal-Mart, I saw Connor reach over and grab Cameron's hair. I've never seen him do this before and Cameron didn't really seem to care (he's a tough kid) but I told Connor that we don't pull hair and to tell Cameron he was sorry which he did. I told him to give Cameron a hug to make it better which he did. Shortly thereafter, I saw Connor lean into Cameron (they were sitting across from each other) to try and give him a kiss. Cameron leaned in and they kissed. Then Connor did it again... and again... and again. If Cameron wasn't looking at Connor, Connor would make kissing sounds to get Cameron's attention and then Cameron would lean in to kiss Connor. One time Cameron was busy looking at something and didn't hear Connor making the kissy noises so Connor said "besito" (kiss in Spanish) to get his attention. It was the sweetest, cutest thing I think I have ever seen. It was so spontaneous. My boys love each other and it makes me so happy to see.

POOP!

2008-09-08T19:55:00.004-05:00

I can't believe it! Both boys pooped on the potty for the first time tonight (that I know of since they may have already done this at school and I just don't know about it)! Connor wanted to use the big toilet *I assumed* so he could pee so I had him stand on the seat and reminded him to aim carefully. I then got Cameron set up on the little toilet so he could sit down and go potty. Connor had been standing there for a few minutes and did not appear to need to pee but then I saw the big poop about to fall - right into the toilet. I was so excited I called Mike so he could see too. As Mike came in Connor had another little poop fall into the toilet. I was so excited and happy for Connor. He was really happy for himself too. We were high fiving and saying bye to the poop as Connor flushed. Very exciting stuff!

Cameron totally did not want to be outdone so he managed to get a little poop out and into the little potty which we then excitedly dumped into the big toilet to flush and say good bye. He was pretty proud of himself too. So am I!!!

Politics: RNC - what about policies?

2008-09-06T13:51:00.008-05:00

I didn't watch the entire coverage for either party’s conventions but I did watch the key speakers at the Republican National Convention this week - Sarah Palin, Cindy McCain, and John McCain. Sarah was just nasty (such pretty girls shouldn't frown and sneer so much), Cindy was a drip (and flaunting the corrupt way she chose to adopt her daughter was just disgusting for me personally and seemed to make Bridget really uncomfortable too), and John was a bore (although I was quite touched when he explained how he came to love this country so). The utter lack of mention of how they will actually bring the change they keep claiming was most impressive. I heard blanket statements but no substance. After hearing Obama's acceptance speech, I was really expecting more. This was their chance to rise to the occasion. I was shocked that they didn't even try. Obama really said it pretty well on 9/3/08 in his address at a town hall in New Philadelphia, Ohio:

Politics: Bush

2008-09-03T22:14:00.002-05:00

There are so many reasons that I have the utmost disdain for George W. Bush, it would be almost impossible to list them all. Here are my top 13 reasons I find the Bush administration appalling for their utter failure to serve the people who elected them and who represent them to the rest of the world:

1) Failing to capture Osama Bin Laden.
2) Misleading the US and the rest of the world about the unreliable information they had obtained which was supposed to show that Iraq was amassing WMD and that Saddam Hussein was tied to 9/11.
3) Being on vacation while Katrina was sitting as a category 5 hurricane in the middle of the Gulf and then not responding swiftly and appropriately once it reached and destroyed America's shores. (Didn't Jeb call him????)
4) Continuing huge tax breaks for large oil companies in times of record profits for them and massive deficits for the US. (I'm thinking W's not very good with math)
5) Refusing to end our occupation of Iraq while letting our honorable soldiers continue to be attacked - 4,150 Americans have been killed and more than 30,000 wounded in addition to countless Iraqi civilians.
6) Failing to provide proper medical and mental care for our veterans (remember Walter Reed Medical Center?).
7) Giving tax cuts to the wealthiest 2% during a time of war which is costing us $341 million per day (more evidence of W's lack of basic math skills).
8) Endorsing torture as a method to be employed by the military but then publically denying that torture is used at all (remember Abu Ghraib?). This is also a direct break with the Geneva Conventions which is just shameful.
9) Promising the Iraq war would lower gas prices.
10) Concealing the pre-9/11 Presidential Daily Briefing entitled "Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S."
11) Rejecting the Kyoto Treaty to stop climate change in addition to outright rejecting the notion that climate change was even occurring for the vast majority of his presidency.
12) Allowing Afghanistan to fall into chaos thereby allowing the Taliban and al Qaeda to regain control.
13) Telling the 45 million uninsured Americans "people have access to health care in America. After all, you just go to an emergency room." (7/10/07 in Cleveland) And, no, I did not pull that out of context. He really said it just like that as if that is really an acceptable means of obtaining health care.

These are just a few of the things Bush has done that really get me upset that, not only was he elected, he was RE-elected.

I remember during past election cycles, there was a lot of talk about how Americans thought W would be fun to have a beer with. I'm sure he would be! If you're into cocaine, I'm sure he was a blast on that too back in the day. And there are very good reasons people feel that way. W is a crack up, he's funny. He is not who should have ever been in charge of the greatest nation on earth! As evidence of his fun-loving, laid back nature, here are my favorites:

* Setting the record for most days on vacation by any president in U.S. history - this illustrates a very laid back nature.
* Turning a budget surplus into massive budget deficit - anyone that can spend that kind of money in 8 short years knows how to throw a party!
* Swiftboating John Kerry - this was a great example of making fun of someone. It was so outrageous though because, while Kerry actually served his country in VN, Bush was on vacation (again) in TX!
* Outing CIA agent Valerie Plame to retaliate for her husband, Joe Wilson, telling the truth about Iraq's WMDs. That's not really something fun but it is certainly something people can relate too - getting back at someone who really pissed you off.
* Trying to slash funding for PBS and NPR - those programs are just no fun always having educational, informative programs - SNORE!

Another thing that makes W someone you could have a beer with is his lack of intelligence. I've already pointed out his apparent lack of math skills - simple math skills. There is also a lack of leadership skills in his failure to hire the most qualified and instead choosing to fill appointed positions with his supportive, like-minded friends. Good leaders know that in order to make the best decisions they need a diverse team who will not only tell them what they want to hear but will present the facts even if they are unpleasant (um, sir, you really need to call off your vacation, it looks like a storm is going to destroy a few hundred thousand American's lives and it doesn't look like the NOLA government is handling it appropriately) or are not in agreement with you (no, actually, Saddam can't get his hands on anything dangerous anymore even if he still is one of the nastiest MFers on the planet, he can't harm any Americans or even his neighbors at this point).

What really blows my mind now is that the Republican nominee, John McCain, who agrees with Bush 90% of the time, is enjoying a remarkably CLOSE race with Obama. I just don't get it.

Politics: Obama

2008-08-29T22:01:00.003-05:00

Prior to the Democratic National Convention, I already supported Obama because I agree with most of his policies and the things he wants to do in office. But his acceptance speech... that really "did" it for me.

This link has the speech with its transcript.

I am totally in awe of this man's incredible intelligence, superior leadership qualities (surrounding himself with the best and brightest in every area as well as understanding the necessity and brilliance of compromise to reach the best solution possible) and his ability to see and admit to the realities of a situation. I broke the bad news to Mike - I am in love. ;-)

Staycation

2008-08-24T22:41:00.012-05:00

This year, Mike and I decided to have our family vacation at home the week of August 18th. We opted for the local vacation because we have toddlers. Driving or any other version of travel with them is miserable for everyone. Better to keep any travel to one hour or less. Plus, we aren't exactly flush with cash these days so staying and eating at home is much more economical then traveling anywhere. So, we decided this was the way to go back in March/April… sometime BEFORE hurricane season. Our plans were to go to the zoo, the water park, the beach, and boating - typical Florida vacation plans. All beach and boating activities were cancelled due to not a single meteorologist knowing where or when Tropical Storm Fay was going to reach the states. Tampa was in the middle of the "cone" at one point meaning that several of our plans instantly became non-options - the beaches were unsafe, boating was impossible, the zoo was closed. How fun! It was nice to be home and spend some great family time together but sometimes hurricane season can really be a drag. We did make it to the zoo on the 20th which was a lot of fun. Here are my favorite pictures from the day.

Feeding the giraffes crackers was really memorable for the boys. If you mention giraffes now, the boys normally respond "crackers."

The camel ride was very intense. At first Connor was NOT going to do it and Cameron only did it with me reluctantly.

However, after seeing Cameron and I ride the huge animal safely, Connor (and Daddy) wanted to go too!

The animals were most memorable for the boys but they sure had a LOT of fun in the water fountains.

The looks of pure joy just make me smile. :-D

We did make it to the water park as planned on Thursday with Nana, Titi and Kaylie which was a lot of fun. It was overcast almost the entire day and sprinkled on us a few times but at least it wasn't blazing hot in usual August fashion and no one burnt so it was a perfect day. All the babes really enjoyed it even when Kaylie and Cameron ended up going under water with Titi and me at the end of one of the slides - we both lost our footing and went under with our children. Oops! They still wanted to do it again. Of course none of us brought a camera so there are no pictures to share but that's probably a good idea with my history of vacations with water and cameras. At least mine is still working right now!

The rest of the staycation we just hung out, ran errands, went shopping - like an extended weekend. Oh well! Next year we will be out of town so at least the hurricanes shouldn't be too much of an issue for us!

Mommy's bed

2008-08-24T21:51:00.001-05:00

The boys' new favorite toy is our bed. I think they call it Mommy's bed bacause I'm the one they are always asking to get into it. They like anytime they can be in the bed. On the weekends, they will drink their morning bottles with us in bed. On any given day, they love to climb up on the bed and jump and play. Here's a little clip showing one of those times.

So sad... so many reasons

2008-08-23T11:08:00.009-05:00

I haven't posted in ages. This is due to the fact that the boys literally stop me from being on a computer in their presence. Then, when I went to upload some pictures to our desktop about a week ago, I discovered it had erased all of the pictures I had there, which was all of them. I have completely lost all of June and July (I had previously downloaded the other pictures to the web). This is sad. But I just read a post on APV (a Yahoo discussion group for anyone involved in Vietnamese adoptions) and saw this posted. This disturbs me for so many reasons:
* Cameron & Connor were born in and adopted from Vung Tau, one of the six counties in which arrests have occurred
* We received falsified documentation at referral (their initial medical reports were incorrectly translated - "positif" as "negative" - which was not discovered by us until after the G&R; we actually were not allowed to see the original French medical reports until after we received their visas and were on the way to the airport to come home)
* We have several reasons to believe other paperwork surrounding their abondonment was less than truthful
* The agency we used, FHSA, works with a known criminal previously found guilty of visa fraud charges, My Linh Soland
* FHSA was denied Hague accreditation in May. For those not involved in intercountry adoption, the Hague is a treaty that governs intercountry adoptions between the United States and nearly 75 other nations. As stated on the U.S. Dept of State's site, "The Hague Adoption Convention protects children and their families against the risks of unregulated adoptions abroad, and ensures that intercountry adoptions are in the best interests of children. The Convention also serves to prevent the abduction, sale of, or traffic in children." Vietnam has not adopted these rules yet.
* Just as a strange coincidence, the boys were named Hoa and Binh by their orphanage director (no longer at the orphanage as of Dec-07 when the Goods went to visit). Hoa Binh is another one of the six counties in which arrests have occurred.

I guess my crying is the only thing keeping the boys from tearing me away from the computer right now. To say I am devastated is an understatement. My heart is just breaking. My worst fears and suspicions have been further confirmed. Now we just wait to hear the details. So, so sad.

A toddler workout

2008-08-17T18:28:00.002-05:00

To a toddler, everything is fun and anything can be a toy. Here the boys are playing on the exercise equipment. They get more exercise on it than anyone else in the house! And they ENJOY it! Amazing!

I have never seen anyone else on exercise equipment as happy as Connor is here.

Cameron seeing if he can crawl along this metal bar. He is dangerously daring!

Pool Fun

2008-08-16T22:35:00.006-05:00

The boys have so much fun in their little pool. I think they like it best because they feel safe. It won't knock them over like waves at the beach. If they fall, they just sit up unlike in a big pool. They can move and play without assistance. They love it.

Pictures from the day

Here is a little video I took of them being so funny doing a countdown and then throwing their water.

This is one of my new favorite pictures - I don't think my lap is going to be big enough to meet demand for much longer.

Politics: 'Tis the season

2008-08-15T14:07:00.002-05:00

And I'm not referring to Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's election time!!!

I do try to NOT discuss politics much, especially from where I sit. I grew up in Texas and am now in Florida - both are very red states. I also am a CPA which is traditionally a Republican crowd. I can't say "conservative" because not all accountants/professionals are evangelical Christians but they do tend to have conservative economic/tax philosophies of which many I share. However, I am a democrat. I was so excited that my first election had Gore on the ticket... as VP. I was really excited about him because of his environmental positions and I knew if Clinton could win and keep it for the second term, Gore would be a shoe in. I didn't sleep much that Tuesday, November 2, 2000. I was actually in class when CNN showed Gore winning the state of Florida. By the time I got home that night after class, Florida was red. WHAT??? Gore won the popular vote and lost the election. I was devastated. I had grown a bit embarrassed for my guy though as I watched him make the most ridiculous comments all brought up during the campaign (i.e. "I invented the internet"). There were many. It was embarrassing but I still had hope. And then he conceded and it was my state that lost it for him. It was sad but life goes on. The last election was unfortunately pretty boring. Nothing could be worse than George W. Bush but I don't think anything could be more boring and annoying to listen to than John Kerry. Seriously - how did he get the democratic nomination? Did people just vote for him so he'd stop talking? Anyway, that was a drag but this election is the most exciting one for me yet. I'm finally voting FOR a candidate again and not against one or for the hope of a future one.

Barack Obama has the most unlikely circumstances to have ever even dreamed of running for the highest post in this country. I love that he has risen to the occasion.

Obama is an extraordinarily talented speaker and a very positive one. He doesn't try to win people to his side by scaring them of the other. His is a message of hope and bringing people together. I love it!

Obama's economic policy is essentially that government should stay out except where it is needed. Businesses will respond to market pressures to produce better products cheaper. What they won't always do voluntarily is make sure they protect their employees and/or leave the Earth unhurt while making those products. Government needs to step in to make sure hazardous waste isn't dumped in our water; working conditions for workers are safe; etc. I totally agree!

Obama supports a woman's right to choose. He wants to invest in technology to replace our dependence on oil for energy. He is focused on making sure all Americans have health care - the poor, those with pre-existing health conditions, EVERYONE. He understands the need to join with the global community and not to try and force them into doing what he wants. I'm so excited about the possibility of him becoming our next president! It's official - I'm an Obama mama!

Meeting the Goods

2008-08-10T23:38:00.009-05:00

I was so excited to finally get the chance to meet Laurie and her family this weekend. Laurie and Travis adopted their oldest son, Jackson, from Vung Tau a little more than a month before Mike and I traveled to pick up Cameron & Connor. I "met" Laurie through another FHSA family that was traveling with them to pick up their daughter. Laurie and Travis gave Mike and me one of the most special presents we will ever receive - pictures of our darling babies while we were DYING waiting to go and pick them up. Here is the link she sent me which I probably stared at for HOURS. When Laurie and Travis got back home with Jackson, they uploaded a video of their meeting Jackson which I must have watched a hundred times just to catch a glimpse of my baby, Cameron. When Laurie first walks into the baby room, you can see that Jackson and Cameron were lying together happily amusing themselves on the bed right before Jackson is picked up by one of the nannies to meet his parents.

I'm not sure where Connor is in the room. I know when Laurie and Travis were there, they said he was sleeping so he was probably in one of the many cribs pictured in the video.

Our boys have a unique shared history and it was so nice to finally meet the people I feel I know having followed their blog for so long. Laurie and Travis are such laid back, extremely nice and intelligent people and their children are all absolutely adorable. Here are the only pictures I was able to take since, after the trip down to the beach in the morning, my camera got a little wet and didn't work properly again for about a week.

The adorable Shane bug

Laurie and all of our boys enjoying the tidal pool

The Vung Tau trio

This picture cracks me up. Travis and I were trying to get some pictures of our guys together. Jackson kept playing and being his cute self. My guys, not so much. They really did not think this was a great idea. Don't you love how they show it?!

Jackson giving Cameron a great big hug

Laurie also posted a few pictures of the guys on her site. My boys really liked Laurie. If I mention that we are going to the beach, they respond "Laurie." I hope we can do it again soon!

More cute pictures of Jack

2008-08-08T21:01:00.003-05:00

Here Cameron is putting a bunch of shoes on a peacefully sleeping Jack

Me with a very snuggly puppy

Connor used the potty

2008-08-04T22:24:00.000-05:00

Connor used the potty at home for the first time tonight! His teacher has told me he's gone at school several times now but tonight was the first time with Mommy. I'm so proud of my little man!

Cameron had already used the potty right before Connor but didn't want him to be the only one in the limelight. Cameron then proceeded to stand in front of the little potty and successfully use it again. Show off!

Cousins playing

2008-08-03T21:06:00.001-05:00

Connor making sure Kaylie knows how to use the xylophone

Cameron getting some giggles from Kaylie

Titi and Kaylie

News Summary

2008-08-02T08:53:00.006-05:00

Since this blog is basically like a baby book, I realized that I haven't included news articles about what's happening when the boys came into the world or the cost of things. This is two years too late but a pretty fair description of what's been going on at least in my opinion.

Morning giggles

2008-07-28T20:25:00.003-05:00

The boys were just so cute this morning, I had to take a few pictures.

Introducing Jack

2008-07-27T19:51:00.000-05:00

We got to pick up our new puppy, Jack, on Friday since he'll be 8 weeks old on Saturday. He's such a sweetie and sleepy. Here's a picture from his first day home.

The boys weren't too excited about the puppy to begin but are getting pretty curious about him. Here, Connor is giving Jack a hug (Saturday).

And Cameron giving him a kiss

Jack will eventually be somewhere around 90 lbs. But look how tiny he is now!

I was just eating up having that cute little puppy sleeping in my arms. :-)

By tonight, the boys wanted to hang out with Jack who is still an avid sleeper.

So sweet!

Cute Pictures

2008-07-18T21:28:00.010-05:00

These were just some cute pictures of the boys playing with crowns we made at work (long story).

Cameron's unique style

Connor being silly

The obligatory melt down

Back to playing

Potty Training

2008-07-15T21:15:00.000-05:00

The boys' daycare asked us to start bringing pull ups for them to start potty training them. How nice is that?!?! I love their school!

Puppy Heaven

2008-07-12T22:54:00.000-05:00

Today we went to pick out a Doberman puppy. Mike and I were so excited! The person who breeds the Dobermans also breeds Pugs and he had a total of four litters - three Dobes and one Pug / Boston Terrier mix. Mike and I were in puppy heaven. The boys just wanted to leave. They had no interest in playing with the adorable puppies and I think were a little overwhelmed with the noise. There were SO many dogs in this house. But we are confident they will get over it so we picked out a puppy and now just have to wait a couple of weeks until he's ready to come home.

Here is a picture of the boys pre-puppy arrival playing on the dog's new bed

Cameron used the potty

2008-07-06T23:06:00.000-05:00

I am so happy to report, Cameron used the little potty all by himself tonight. This is so exciting!

2 year check up

2008-06-15T05:54:00.007-05:00

The boys went for their annual check up today. Here are their stats:

Cameron
weight: 25 lbs 12 oz (15%)
height: 33 1/4 in (20%)
head circ: 18 in (25%)

Connor
weight: 26 lbs 4 oz (25%)
height: 34 3/4 in (60%)
head circ: 19 in (40%)

They are both doing great with their physical and verbal development. And they are just as cute as ever!

Happy 2nd Birthday!

2008-06-08T12:44:00.004-05:00

Cameron & Connor turned TWO on Tuesday and enjoyed MUCH celebrating!

On their birthday, Mike and I celebrated at home with the boys. Poor Cameron was so sick though - as in throwing.up.his.birthday.cake.sick. Poor guy! It's just not fair to be so sick on your birthday! They did go to school for a while though on their special day and insisted on wearing their birthday crowns from school all day, and the next, and the next... It was very cute and of course I took tons of pictures but my computer ate them! If we ever get them recovered, I will load all of my favorites from their birthday week!

The big party day however was Saturday, June 7, which started at Nana & Grandpa Starkey's home. They enjoyed swimming and cake. Here's a clip of the boys blowing out their candles.

Possibly their favorite gifts this birthday were the Thomas The Train balloons Nana picked out for them.

After cake, it was time for naps at home. Well rested, the boys went for more fun at Titi's house (my sister's) where there was more swimming and cake. The boys had a blast. I made Elmo cakes for them and Mike and I gave them each a Tickle Me Elmo. They liked their cakes but were terrified of the dolls. I didn't even know that would be possible since they were so popular and Connor SLEEPS with his stuffed Elmo every night. But, there it was, our big gifts for the boys destined to collect dust in the garage. Oh well. All the other gifts were big hits, especially the fake bugs Nana Warren gave them. Ew! The boys were totally overwhelmed with all the candle blowing and gift unwrapping after this long party day.

Happy Birthday Cameron!
Happy Birthday Connor!
We absolutely ADORE you both!

Random pictures in May

2008-05-31T23:00:00.004-05:00

May 3: Here Kaylie is upset about something. How cute is that face?

May 10: Here Cameron is posing for me. Such a ham!

They love to wear their hats but they're too big! We really have to get them some hats that fit.

Here Connor is being silly, moving Cameron's chair around (he climbed into the chair and buckled himself in).

May 18: What I see when I try to sit down at the table

May 31: Playing blocks with Daddy

Connor up to some mischief

A Sweet Treat

2008-05-24T22:40:00.008-05:00

While the boys were playing in their pool, I gave them a special treat - POPSICLES! The looks on their faces while they enjoyed the frozen sugar was priceless!

Here's a video of all my silly boys after we came in for dinner.

A visit from Lori

2008-05-18T23:17:00.004-05:00

Lori stopped by this morning to visit with the boys and I. The guys were in rare form - they were so silly and flirtatious with Lori. They were really funny.

Cameron getting up close to show Lori something:

Here's a little clip from the day:

Melt my heart

2008-04-28T19:43:00.007-05:00

Today was really an intense and emotional day for me. It started this morning when Cameron woke up. He was inconsolable. He was so sad. I gave him his bottle of milk and told him I had to take a shower. He was not having it. I was actually needing to wrap up a couple of things in the kitchen so I didn't hop directly in the shower. After about 5 minutes, he was still crying, so sad. I went back into his room. I tried giving him some hugs to reassure him all was okay but he did not want me to let go of him. So I held him. Eventually, he wanted his bottle but got very upset when I tried to put him back in his crib. So I held him while he drank his milk. He watched my face and touched it like he was a little-ittle again. Connor was getting jealous by this point but Cameron was feeling much better. I got them dressed and finally got in the shower.

Once I got to work, Mom called disturbed by the news in the Vietnam adoption world. It IS incredibly disturbing. I don't really want to discuss it but if you are interested, here is what the US has found during their investigations of adoptions since Vietnam re-opened in 2005. This, on its own, would have made today a very intense and emotional day for me as well as everyone whose life is touched by Vietnam adoptions.

This evening, the boys were so cute. When one made the other upset, I would tell the offender to say he's sorry and hug the upset one which they did and it was the sweetest! However, night time tonight was the BEST. The boys were both very hyper which is a very good indicator that they are very tired. They were playing and being so silly. Connor was playing with Mike when Mike told Connor "Amo Connor" to which he responded, "Amo Daddy... Amo Nana... Amo Titi." Then he looked at me and said "Amo Mommy." I could have just burst. Yes, I was fourth in line in getting Connor's declaration of love but still! My baby just told me he loved me all on his own. I could have just cried and wanted a hug but then he tipped over (I think Cameron had something to do with that) and it was back to the hyper playing for all.

AND when we did finally get these energized little guys all tucked in with their mimi's (aka blankets), mama's (bunnies) and Elmo(Connor)/cow(Cameron), as we were leaving and telling them we loved them, they blew us kisses.

I love my boys so much!

On to the beach

2008-04-19T22:31:00.007-05:00

The weather is just perfect right now. So Nana, Titi, Kaylie, Cameron, Connor, Mike and I all headed to the beach to enjoy it. Here are the pictures from the day:

Since the boys are dressed alike, it may be hard to tell them apart. Connor is wearing the red sunglasses, is more fair and about 2 inches taller than Cameron. Cameron is wearing the blue sunglasses, is more tan and has a more prominent milk belly.

Silly boys

2008-04-06T20:27:00.001-05:00

Last night, the boys were in rare form. It was raining all day so they couldn’t go outside to play. We did lots of stuff, Nana even took them to Great Explorations for a while but it just wasn’t enough. By the end of the day, they had completely transformed into Thing 1 & Thing 2. If it’s been a while since you saw that cartoon or read the book, Thing 1 & Thing 2 are the Cat in the Hat’s helpers. Once unleashed, they tore threw the house like little Tasmanian devils. By the time Mike got home last night around 7:30, the boys were running through the house screaming their heads off. I was in their room doing something and could hear them just tearing through the house. I think they must have been chasing each other. Not sure. I was so exhausted after hours of being involved in such intense play, I just wasn’t moving much anymore. Mike immediately got involved in the action:

I sure do love all my silly boys!

Me impersonating a Connor meltdown

2008-04-05T21:33:00.000-05:00

Italian Festival

2008-03-30T19:15:00.006-05:00

My friend, Beth, invited the boys and I to join her at the Italian Festival in Tampa today. It was a lot of fun with good food and some really delicious drinks. The boys were too overloaded and tired so they were really good. Here are some pictures from the day:

Cameron and I at Beth's before heading over

At the festival

After a long, fun day

A fun filled day

2008-03-29T22:24:00.011-05:00

So much to do, so little time! When Mike got home from work this morning, he started doing laundry. Cameron really wanted to be included.

Then we went to Jackie & Efrain's house.

A family photo

Nana with her O boys

Efrain and Kaylie

Then we headed to the park to play. The purple dinosaur was everyone's favorite.

Here Connor's pointing out the dinosaur's big teeth

Cameron was actually sick today but was a trooper for most of the day but started getting cranky at the park. But after a nap, we met up with Nana to go to another park!

Connor had so much fun running down the boardwalks. Here he's pointing to something interesting.

Cameron taking a break looking cute as ever

Connor giving Nana kisses

What a fun day!

My little sponges

2008-03-24T21:32:00.003-05:00

Today, Ms. Delsa was not at school and her substitute, Ms. Olga, was there. Ms. Olga speaks some English which is really cool because today she told me the boys really are speaking Spanish now and understand the things she tells them. She said that they can count but they would not cooperate when she tried to show me. Then she showed me the juice jug and told me that when they see it, they say "jugo" for juice.

After we left and had been driving for a little bit, I asked the boys if they wanted to count and then said "uno" to which they responded "dos" and then, as I was saying "tres" they were saying "cuatro." We counted to five/cinco a few times but they always said "dos" followed by "cuatro." It was very cute!

This was followed by Connor's realization this past weekend that he could say si for yes. Previously, for Connor to say yes, he has to think really hard to shake his head up and down. I've tried verbalizing "yeah" for him thinking that may be easier to say but it wasn't working. Then at one point on Saturday, I asked him something and he said si. Sweet! Our boys can communicate with us! Cameron shakes his head yes for us. Also, both boys say "apple" when they want juice at home (all juices are apple juice in their minds). Mike and I were joking this weekend that we'd have to learn Spanish to communicate with the boys but I think they're just going to learn both in their own ways. It's still the most amazing thing to me.

We stopped by my parents' on the way home today. Once we got settled, I asked the boys if they wanted jugo. Cameron repeated jugo and Connor said si. Too cute!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-23T20:56:00.003-05:00

Today was so much fun! We had prepared Easter baskets for the boys. They were very plain and only had one small stuffed bunny and two eggs each but you would have thought the boys had just been given the biggest treasures. I had put one in the corner of each couch and when I got the boys up, told them the Easter Bunny had been here. They found their baskets while I was removing some stinky diapers from the house. When I returned, they had decided which basket was theirs, or more specifically, which bunny was theirs. Connor had the football bunny and Cameron had the soccer ball bunny. When I tried to separate the boys from their baskets to get them dressed, it was quite the commotion. We had to take the bunnies with us. Then, having breakfast was a real trick. I ended up putting each boy's bunny directly in front of him on our kitchen table but out of their reach so they'd stay clean. They just were NOT going to eat without their bunnies, which they promptly nicknamed "ma ma." I'm not sure why they aren't attempting to say bunny. It seems like they should be able to make out that word but they BOTH decided their bunny was "ma ma" and that's it. They aren't even attempting to call them anything else.

Later in the morning, after Mike returned from his parent's (dropping off the Easter eggs I'd made for them to "hide") we all went to see Nana, Grandpa and (great) Granny. There we explained to the boys that the eggs they find go in their baskets. It was very serious business. There was no smiling or laughing they were so intent on trying to comprehend what was going on and get the eggs into the baskets. They are so cute that way. When they are in a new environment or learning something new, there are no smiles from Connor and very few from Cameron. They are too busy concentrating on learning the new thing. Once the location/person/task is old news, they are so fun loving and playful. Once the eggs were all located and each one opened, they proceeded to play as usual. Well, almost as usual. Cameron had to be holding his bunny and Connor insisted on carrying the basket with the bunny in it. Too funny!

The boys with their baskets

Cameron showing his bunny's ball

Connor pointing to his bunny's football

When Connor does NOT want to share

Family visiting

2008-03-16T21:06:00.005-05:00

The past couple of weeks have been pretty neat. The boys' great grandpa stayed with my parents for a couple of weeks and my aunt Kim and uncle Jon also stopped by to visit. It was so great seeing them all!

Kim, Jon, Erin & Great Grandpa

Jackie with Kaylie & Cameron playing on G. Grandpa's chair

Here Grandpa's getting in on the action

G.Grandpa, Nana & Kaylie

* The cool panel picture behind G.Grandpa is one we got for my parents while we were in Vietnam *

Cameron flashing his charming smile

This is a very common predicament for my mom. Both boys always want Nana to hold them.

21 month update

2008-03-03T22:26:00.008-05:00

I can't believe my boys are almost two! It seems like just yesterday I was WISHING they could just walk so they wouldn't be so needy. I see now that walking does not necessarily cure that neediness.

The boys are doing amazing. They are still a little on the small size. They are about the same weight and Connor is still taller. Nana Warren bought them matching 12 month pants for the winter which fit both boys well until, I swear, last week when they suddenly became high-waters for Connor. They fit Cameron perfectly. I can't believe they grow so fast!

The boys are both acquiring new words at a dizzying rate as well. I know they are picking up new words with me all the time. One of the funniest ones for me is "Oh no!" This is one of the first things they say in the morning since the boys like to throw every.single.thing in their crib out either before they go to sleep for the night or upon waking before we get them up and out of their cribs. When I come in to get them, I always turn on the light (after warning, "Bright Light! Bright Light!" which is their signal to shield their eyes) and then, upon seeing the mounds of stuffed animals and blankets in front of their cribs, will stretch out my arms and say "Oh no! What happened?" Now, after I turn on the lights, both boys will lean out of their cribs with their arms outstretched and say "Oh no!" Seriously, it cracks me up! It's SO cute!

Which leads into the next cutest thing they do that Mike and I both L O V E. They totally cannot stand anything dirty. If their hands get dirty playing or eating, they will hold the dirty hand out as if disgusted saying "dee dee" for dirty. They are not happy until the offending hand is cleaned. However, if you tell them it is okay, you will clean it when they are done, they will continue playing/eating without concern. This offense of dirty applies to everything! Last Saturday, Cameron kept pointing to things on their bedroom carpet shouting "EW! Dee Dee! Dee Dee!" until I would pick it up. I finally put both boys in their cribs to vaccuum. They were both quite relieved I got all the Dee Dee up! Then I showed them the vacuum canister to which we all shouted "Ew! Dirty!" SO funny! Seriously, this must be a learned trait. Mike and I both have our own clean fetishes and both boys are picking up on them. Mine is the dirty fetish - dirty hands, little things on the floor. Mike's is the messes - things have to be put away. Both guys totally get this and help to clean them up. It is ADORABLE! In this same train of thought, they also know that dirty dishes go in the kitchen sink, used toothbrushes (and hair items) go in the bathroom sink, anything dirty or labled garbage goes in the trach can (primarily the kitchen garbage which, in our house, is a drawer that they open, put the item into and close). They do get a little carried away throwing cups they are still drinking from into the sink and toys they like into the garbage but, for the most part, they are right on in getting the correct item into the correct room and recepticle. It's great. I hear they are very good at this at school too.

Which leads to my next observation of the boys. Mike and I only speak English. Well, Mike's fluent in French but doesn't speak it at home since none of us would know what he's saying. We can ask the boys to do almost anything now and they will do it. Sometimes, they either won't because they do not want to or, occassionally because they just don't understand the request. When they don't want to, they say no or just ignore us. When they don't understand, they will pause and listen but can't react. You can definitely tell which situation is going on. Cameron opts to ignore us more so I think sometimes he actually doesn't understand so he just ignores us rather than try to think about it. Connor is our contemplative boy and he will really sit there trying to figure out what we're saying. He'll use trial and error trying to get to what we want which is really so sweet. Anyway, watching the boys I know how they deal with our requests and how compliant they typically are to do what we ask. I know at school their teacher only speaks Spanish and I know she's always saying (through the owner's translation to me) how smart they are - especially Cameron. Today, I asked how they are at following directions. I know if someone asked me to do even the simplest task in Spanish, I would be almost completely clueless. The boys, however, normally do what their teacher asks. I find this utterly amazing! They have only been in this environment for 4.5 months and they can follow simple requests in two completely different languages! Amazing! They also understand that things have two names. For example, they can identify the parts of the face in both English and Spanish. I can ask them where my mouth or boca is and they will point to my mouth. Ditto for nose/nariz, hair/pelo, and eye/ojo. They will talk about their zapatos (typically pronounced with way too many sylables like "za pa ta pa mos") usually indicating they they have untied their shoes or taken them off. However, when I ask them to get their shoes, they will get their matching tennis shoes (they have different shoes since Connor has gratuated to the next size up while Cameron's still in the smaller shoes). AND, if I tell them to get their sandals, they will get their own matching sandals. They will refer to any shoes as zapatos. I find this pretty amazing for practically babies. AND they know that their socks are not zapatos and will get socks separately as requested. They know that water and agua are the same thing. When their teacher asks for besitos, they will give her kisses. When Mike or I ask for kisses, they will give us kisses (or say "no"). Cameron also is very adept at getting Baby Tad to give us kisses if I ask him to. Sorry to ramble on with all these details but I really find this absolutely fascinating. Both boys verbal skills are amazing. They try to say all kinds of stuff but since they can't make f, g, k, and v sounds some words are almost impossible to make out. Both boys know that when they want something, they should say "please" which they've just recently begun attempting to verbalize along with the sign for it. They are now working on Thank You - sign only. That one may be confusing a little since it's the same as blowing a kiss which they've been doing for so long. Although I've noticed that they don't make the "mwah" sound like you do to blow a kiss when they are saying thank you so I think they are getting that too. I think "Por Favor" and "Gracias" would be lost causes at this point in their vocal development. Cameron is faster and louder with his vocal responses. If you ask a question, he will answer it before Connor. Sometimes, I have to ask it a few times so Connor has a chance to respond. However, this should not be interpretted as Connor being slower than Cameron. I believe he's just more reserved. Connor has been able to follow complex requests for some time now while Cameron is just now starting to grasp them. Connor also made a complete sentance yesterday. I couldn't believe it! He went slowly but said "More (verbally and with hand sign)... cracker... please (verbally this sounds like "peas" and he included the hand sign)... mommy." Wow! This is going to be cool! Too bad the melt downs don't come with some explanation yet! And, this weekend, we realized the Cameron has a nickname for Connor - Da Da! How cute is that?! This has been tested several times now just to make sure we weren't imagining things. Daddy is Daddy. Mommy is Mommy. My sister, Jackie, is Ti Ti (Puerto Rican term for Aunt). Nana is Nana. Grandpa is something that sounds like "pwa pa" and Connor is Da Da. Connor has not created a name for Cameron yet (that we know of). They both have to think really hard when we ask where Cameron or Connor is. I think they get themselves confused since we get their names confused so often! That's terrible, I know!

Other than being on the smaller side of the scale, they are doing great developmentally. They run, jump (almost), walk up stairs, walk down stairs (sometimes without tripping), and climb. They climb everything. Recently, I've had to tell them that they can't climb drawers. Thankfully, they haven't yet attempted to climb out of their cribs. We really need them to stay in those for a while longer. They still stuggle to use a fork or spoon and often prefer to eat with their hands. At least they are fully capable of getting food into their mouths using a utensil. They have great appetites and will try anything. Some days they are ravenous and others they will just pick at their food. There is nothing they consistently refuse to eat and they still love bananas although a little less than their prior insistent requests for them at any meal or snack time (that was especially true for Connor). Now, they still enjoy them and have them almost every morning but it's not as constant of a request.

The boys are a joy to be around when they are happy. They are so playful and fun. They love to hide from you and especially to be chased. They will give hugs randomly as inspired and as a way to say they're sorry. Connor is friendly by saying hi and bye to people but if they try to pick him up, he will throw a complete fit. Cameron is still incredibly friendly but still prefers for me to hold him rather than anyone else. Except my mom. Both boys HAVE to have their Nana. It's really something. She must get exhausted when she's with them since they are as demanding of her time now as they were of my time earlier. Both want her to hold them and at the same time and no one else, myself included, will do.

Picture Day!

2008-02-09T21:41:00.002-05:00

Continuing our celebration of being a family for a year, we had professional photos taken. Here's a collage the studio made for us that has most of the really cute ones in it.

I really like this one they did of all my boys. I love them all so much!

Happy Family Day!

2008-02-01T20:36:00.000-05:00

It was exactly one year ago today that we became a family. Mike and I are both overjoyed to be parents to Cameron and Connor. It seems like so long ago that we met them. They were so little. They could barely sit and weren't even crawling yet. We couldn't communicate with them at all. And they weren't very fond of us. At all. They were so sad and sickly.

One year ago today right after the Giving & Receiving ceremony in Vung Tau, VN

At the end of this life-altering day:

What a difference a year makes! Now they run and jump. Overall, they are very healthy (3 out of 4 of us have colds right now but that's just daycaritis). They play and laugh and are generally very happy guys. They try to communicate using signs, English and Spanish. And, best of all, they love us. We get hugs and kisses from them all the time which is THE BEST. We absolutely adore these little guys. We are so glad to be a family.

Today - Cameron giving hugs to Dad

Mom hugging on Connor

Happy Family Day!!!

Grandpa's Birthday

2008-01-26T21:02:00.001-05:00

Everyone came over to Grandpa & Nana's house to celebrate Grandpa's birthday

Grandpa & Kaylie

Nana & Cameron

My boys & me

You can tell from Kaylie that it was a lot of fun!

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T15:41:00.003-05:00

Happy 1st Birthday Kaylie

2007-12-29T21:18:00.006-05:00

Kaylie's birthday was on Christmas but she had her party on the following Saturday. Here are some pictures from the day.

By this time, the boys had the unwrapping thing down and were very willing to help Kaylie out with this task.

Happy Birthday to you...

Once she got the hang of it, she really enjoyed her cake. Check out her dimples! So cute!

Christmas at the Starkeys

2007-12-27T23:41:00.009-05:00

We had such a great time with Nana, Grandpa & Granny tonight. We normally spend Christmas Eve with the Starkeys but had to celebrate Christmas a little late this year due to me being sick. Today was so much fun though!

Here's Cameron posing with one of Nana's many snowmen. She alwasy has such a festive home at the holidays.

Cameron showing Granny the best present ever - a baloon!

Faces of joy

And then, it's time for unwrapping

The hug... here Connor is telling Granny thank you for his gift. He could also be saying I love you, I'm sorry, I hope you feel better... Aren't hugs the best?

The ticklish dinosaurs were big hits with the boys

We had such a great time. Thank you Nana, Grandpa and Granny!

Christmas morning

2007-12-25T22:24:00.000-05:00

We celebrated our first Christmas as a family this morning. The boys still didn't really get the whole unwrapping presents thing but it was still a special morning for us!

The tree and gifts all set up

The rocking horse was actually a present from Grandpa Starkey. He made it!

Opening stocking stuffers in bed.

Connor wearing his new sun hat

Cameron sitting in Dad's lap. Dad thought the swim trunks made a MUCH better hat.

This Christmas business is seriously stressful for toddlers. Our guys were in total overload and melting down and it wasn't even 10 AM. So we packed up and headed to my parents for Christmas morning there.

Kaylie likes her new glasses and knows they go on her head...

Connor liked them too

After all the unwrapping madness was over

Efrain and Kaylie

Merry Christmas!

Christmas with the Starkeys

2007-12-23T13:03:00.000-05:00

Mike's current job is at the airport which is open 365/24/7. Mike's shift is Sunday through Wednesday and Friday from 4 PM until 11 PM. Yes, lucky Mike is scheduled to work on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, NYE, and New Years Day. Really stinks. So, in order to coordinate the Christmas holiday, we had Christmas with Mike's family on Saturday. Here are a few pics from the day:

Cameron and Grandpa

Connor may be small but it still really hurts when he stands on your toes.

Connor discovered he could make a fish face this week. He was doing it all weekend. So funny!

Nana must have something good!

Dad getting some loving from Cameron

Opening the presents was fun but a bit overwhelming for the boys. It was just about bedtime when we started the gift exchange and they were very confused by us trying to show them how to tear the paper. Since this was their first Christmas and they probably don't remember their birthday six months ago, they just didn't know what was going on. So, there are no pictures from my camera since I was so busy with at least one if not both boys in my lap during this time. Mike may have taken some but they're in his phone.

Morning Stories

2007-12-18T20:09:00.000-05:00

Mike helps me with the boys every morning. Here he's reading stories to them to keep them occupied until I'm ready to go.

Surprise visit

2007-12-08T23:03:00.000-05:00

This weekend Ashley and her boyfriend, Rod, stopped by to visit. That was quite a stop since they live in Chicago. We hadn't seen Ashley since April so it was a great surprise.

Connor laughing

Grandparents having fun with their grandbabies

Mom and Cameron laughing

This was our Christmas card photo

This one also went in some of our Christmas cards

Boys playing

The lovebirds

Cameron saying good-bye to Ashley. You can tell he'll miss her!

We all will!

Cute pictures

2007-12-07T22:28:00.000-05:00

Cameron playing the drum

Connor showing off a picture

18-month Dr. Visit

2007-12-06T23:18:00.002-05:00

Here are the boys' stats.

CAMERON
weight: 24 lbs 4 oz (30%)
height: 31" (20%)
head circ: 18.25" (20%)

CONNOR
weight: 24 lbs (30%)
height: 31.5" (30%)
head circ: 18.5" (30%)

They're still small but gaining on the charts with each visit. Our pediatrician thinks they're doing great. So do we!

I wasn't there for this visit so I'm not sure what happened but Connor is actually about 3 cm or just over an inch taller than Cameron. I'm not sure why they are only showing him .5" taller or whose measurement is off but it is definitely off.

18 month update

2007-12-03T22:04:00.000-05:00

The boys are SO toddlers now. They are super high energy, constantly on the move and, if things do not go their way, they have no problem showing their frustration. For Cameron, this display typically includes forgetting how to walk, melting into a puddle on the ground and crying. Connor's displays usually consist of stomping feet with crying. Cameron's outbursts are more frequent than Connor's but I have no doubt that Connor will catch up soon. He's always learning from Cameron. Yippee.

The energy levels of both of them are amazing. It's like we give them crack or something. They are always running and L O V E to throw everything. If it can be picked up and held by a little hand, it can and will be thrown. Small heavy objects do not exist in our house right now. Those would be deadly. But food, oh, that cannot be stopped... and it drives Mike absolutely crazy. Cameron often finds it more entertaining to throw his food than to eat it. Connor will imitate this and/or start mashing the food that's left once he's full and/or bored with a meal.

Both boys are talking now. Cameron is quite the mimic and will at least attempt most things you ask him to say. Some words sound right, others are just sounds. Connor has mastered mommy and daddy but often calls us the other name. Very funny. He also will tell you what a monkey says and tries to tell you what the dog and cat say but not as successfully. Both boys have mastered Nana which thrills their Nana's but they don't realize that Nana is also their grandma's names - they are saying it only for banana right now. They also have learned the sign for banana - but I mean that loosely. NO ONE else would know that was what they were signing so, thankfully, they say nana at the same time.

Cameron is quite a little comic. If he gets the slightest inclination that you are amused by something he's done, he will build upon it. He loves to laugh and have others laughing too. He's very friendly and has no fear. He's very cuddly right now... when he's not running. If he wants a break from running, he wants to be held. And he's not terribly picky either. He will go to just about anyone to be picked up or to sit in their lap. I've had him wait down other parents arriving at day care just to get a ride into the building. Out in public places, he goes up to perfect strangers, arms up asking to be picked up. Of course, if I'm not right there, they get a look of panic with "OMG! Where are your parents!?!?!" written all over their faces. It's really embarrassing since I'm so close by. Cameron is just really friendly with NO TRACE of stranger anxiety. He's the consummate baby charmer.

Connor is getting very independent. He's very content to be doing things on his own. And he frequently imitates Cameron. This takes many forms - taking the toy away that Cameron was doing something fun with, imitating Cameron's food throwing techniques, and the like. Connor is still VERY attached to me. If I am around, there are only a very select few that Connor will go to including Mike, Ms. Delsa and my mom. Some days he still acts like he's been set on fire if I leave the room. Those are long days so, thankfully, they aren't very frequent.

I feel so lucky. After our nightmare experiences of getting no sleep with these guys when we were first united, they have become the BEST sleepers! They normally go to bed around 7:30 and fall asleep (or at least stop making any noises - playing or fussing) within 10 minutes. On week days, they wake up between 5:45 - 6:15 AM (about 15 - 30 minutes after I start making noise getting ready for work). On weekends, they will sleep until 7 since we don't want to get up any earlier than we have to! Nap time has even gotten easier. Connor has finally consented to sleeping for more than 45 minutes and both boys get 1.5 - 2 hour naps around lunch time. So nice!

Both guys are flashing some seriously toothy grins these days. Cameron's front grill is all in and he flashes it often. He also has all 4 molars and the tips of all 4 incisors poking out. Poor guy chewed on his hands for a few days while his incisors came through ALL AT THE SAME TIME! Connor still has only 7 of the 8 front teeth. That last bottom one is nowhere in sight. Three of the four molars are in and the fourth has barely started peaking through. They eat like champs. We cut things up for them but sometimes I wonder why we bother. They shove as much as they can fit into their mouths when they eat. It's amazing they don't choke themselves. I encourage taking bites, chewing with closed mouths and the like but it's like telling water not to get things wet. We brush their teeth every night as we have since they were 8 months old and they still don't like it. Some things don't change, I guess.

They are just the sweetest, cutest, most loveable little guys! Mike and I feel so blessed to have them in our lives. It's like everything they touch is new and fun! It is the neatest thing to experience.

Thanksgiving

2007-11-25T22:44:00.000-05:00

This was the first Thanksgiving that I did not spend with any of my extended family. This was certainly not the original plan. We were invited to spend Thanksgiving with Jackie's in-laws and we were really looking forward to it. They are such a fun group! Unfortunately, we were so sick that we had to cancel. I actually had NO voice (a first for me). I couldn't even call Barbara (Jackie's MIL) myself to cancel. Mike had to call for me. I just felt so awful on so many different levels. But this Thanksgiving made me realize just how thankful I am for Mike. I could barely move. Mike, Connor and I were all on antibiotics and equally miserable. But Mike was determined that we would have Thanksgiving. He went to one of the open grocery stores late Thursday morning and purchased all the standards - turkey (although at that point, we had to make do with a pre-cooked turkey breast and leg), stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes and peas. Then he came home and made the sweetest meal I've ever had. The boys and I really have a lot to be thankful for knowing we have such a great dad and husband in our lives! We love you, Mike!

Sleeping On Daddy

2007-11-18T11:11:00.000-05:00

November ended up being the beginning of the O'Brien sickies. We've all been sick and more than once.

Here Cameron's sleeping on Daddy 11/4/07:

And Connor on 11/18/07:

Great Explorations

2007-11-10T16:17:00.000-05:00

Nana and I took the boys and Kaylie to Great Explorations which is always a good time. Here are some cute pictures from the day.

Nana & Kaylie

Boys busy playing

Nana & Cameron

Erin & Kaylie

Nana with her grandbabies

Nana telling Connor a secret

Ms. Delsa

2007-11-01T20:01:00.000-05:00

The boys started going to a new daycare on October 15. Mike and I chose to change providers since he graduates soon and our previous provider requires pick up BY 5PM which is impossible if you work until 5 as I do and Mike likely will too. The new daycare is very close to my work which is very convenient and the teachers all seemed really nice. The children there were all happy, giving hugs to teachers and even me when I came to visit. We also really liked this place because all the teachers speak Spanish. Since the boys are intensely learning language right now, we thought it would be so beneficial for them to be exposed to both English and Spanish while they are developing those neural pathways. Most of the teachers there are bi-lingual but a couple, including Ms. Delsa, really don't speak English at all. Ms. Delsa happens to be the toddler teacher and we couldn't be happier with her! Today, it was clear that the boys feel the same way. When I went to pick them up, Ms. Delsa was waiting for her ride outside. When I walked in, I could immediately hear Connor and his "I am not happy about something" cry complete with his infamous wookie noise. The owner told me that he can't see Ms. Delsa leave, he just gets so upset. He's obviously very attached to her in only a couple of weeks which just makes me feel so good about them being there all day. Most days, when I pick them up, they are both sitting on Ms. Delsa's lap. Sometimes Cameron will be in a high chair or on another teacher's lap since he's such a friendly little guy but Connor is always on Ms. Delsa's lap. Ms. Delsa usually helps me take the boys out to the car and is so sweet to them. I wish I spoke Spanish to know what she was saying and to let her know how much I appreciate her. She really loves the kids and they love her. You just can't ask for more than that!

UPDATE: Here is a picture of the boys when I came to pick them up on Nov 9. Connor is on Ms. Delsa's lap and Cameron has found another willing lap to hold him.

Happy Halloween

2007-10-31T20:58:00.000-05:00

For Halloween, the boys were themselves - cute little pumpkins!

UPDATED 11/11/07: More photos in full halloween gear. It was actually too hot on Halloween for them to wear the pants we bought to go with their shirts.

We think at daycare they know to get a blanket or mat and lay down for naptime. Here Cameron was showing us how he lays down so Connor wanted to show us too and laid down on top of Cameron on the mat. So cute!

Pumpkins

2007-10-27T20:23:00.000-05:00

I really wanted to get some pictures of the boys in a pumpkin patch. The only thing I could find within a 45 minute drive was a pumpkin patch the Humane Society was hosting in Hyde Park. Unfortunately, the volume of pumpkins available was not the plethora I was hoping for but we still managed to get some cute pictures.

Connor checking out the pumpkins

Cameron took a while but finally took some interest in the big orange balls.

Kaylie had a good time too!

Kalyie getting a ride on Mom's shoulders

What the boys really enjoyed was the fountain there. Nana gave them all her change which they gleefully chucked in the water.

Don't they look so serious?!

Cameron trying to show Nana something very important

On the bales of hay

Pre-Halloween at Nana's house

2007-10-27T15:45:00.000-05:00

Enjoying some Egg McMuffins

Kaylie showing off what a cute ladybug she will be for Halloween

Kaylie was making us all smile and coo over her. She is such a little cutie! When Jackie took the outfit off of Kaylie and they left the room, Cameron had an idea. He picked up the costume and started trying to put it on. I helped him out and then he went to find the others and show what a cute ladybug he is too!

daily life

2007-10-24T21:30:00.000-05:00

Here's Cameron's most interesting bed head to date:

Mike was trying out new hair styles for the boys:

Cameron thought the horns were pretty funny!

Connor did not!

Playing in the water

2007-10-21T16:40:00.000-05:00

The boys just love the water. As soon as I turned on the hose, they were busy playing in it.

Right now, the boys are so sweet. If you ask one of them to give the other a kiss, they both head for each other to do so. SO PRECIOUS!

I've heard it's best to lose the regular diapers before they disintegrate in the water. So, the rest of play time was in the buff.

It's never too early to start learning water safety! Here we're practicing wearing the life jacket.

And here, we're practicing throwing it.

Family Sunday

2007-10-14T21:43:00.000-05:00

The boys got to meet Mike's mom, dad and granny this Sunday. They had us over for the game. Go Bucs!

Brotherly love

With Nana & Grandpa

Cameron checking out Nana's windchimes

These are fun to hit!

Meeting Great Granny

Nana showing the boys the pool

Cameron really wanted to go swimming!

Maybe next time...

Pre-game playing

2007-10-07T15:32:00.000-05:00

Cameron really likes to wear his bear. It's actaully a leash but we've only used it like this to date.

So proud!

We still fall down a lot but sometimes it's kinda fun.

The phone is actually quite fun for Connor right now. He holds it to his ear and says "Hey!" This is his first real word. He says it clearly, loudly and for the right reasons. It' pretty funny.

16 month update

2007-10-03T22:13:00.000-05:00

BOTH
* Are turning into great little helpers. They will put things back where they go and are expert drawer and door closers. They get so excited when they help clapping their hands and smiling after completing a requested task. It's so cute!
* Are still great night time sleepers. They go down to sleep now most nights around 7:30 - 8 PM without a peep and even on the nights when they aren't quite ready to sleep they will entertain each other until they are ready to lie down. And they don't wake up until morning. Early morning, usually around 6 AM, but that is just the time they like to start the day. If we are really lucky, when we give them their milk bottles upon waking, sometimes they will fall back asleep for another hour or so which is a nice treat on weekend mornings!

CAMERON
* Has a full set of toddler teeth - all 8 front teeth plus all 4 of the 1 year molars. The difference is very clear when the boys are eating. Cameron eats about twice as fast as Connor now... when he feels like eating. He can get pretty cranky during mealtimes. I think it's because he wants something different - a different food or to feed himself rather than being fed but his way of expressing it is basically a meltdown.
* Talks up a storm and really tries to imitate the things you say. He's added tower, eat and meow to his growing vocabulary.
* Loves to be held and snuggled with. Not doing this on demand also results in a meltdown.

CONNOR
* Only his top jaw is pushing teeth through. He has all 4 front upper teeth plus both top molars are peeking through but he still only has the 2 middle bottom teeth.
* Is such a quiet and content little guy most of the time. He doesn't say much and doesn't melt down really at all (yet). He will cry but is pretty easy to appease.
* Is very independent and prefers to be on his own. When he is in the mood to snuggle it is usually when he is alone with me. He also insists on being held when he is around unfamiliar people or places.

Random pictures

2007-09-30T16:17:00.000-05:00

9/15/07 a morning ride in our car seats

9/15/07 Cameron proving that he can climb into anything!

9/23/07 the faces I adore

Cameron

Connor

10/1/07 playing in the backyard

A morning flight

2007-09-15T15:03:00.000-05:00

Mike and I had an opportunity to go for a plane ride with one of Mike's friends from school, Ken, and his wife, Dori.

Here we are in front of their plane, a Piper Cherokee

Getting ready to take off

Playing around

Mike got to do the flying for a while!

Some scenic views from the back seat

It was really a neat experience although turbulence in a very little plane is quite a bit more disturbing than on a commercial aircraft!

Cool pics by Daddy

2007-09-12T22:47:00.000-05:00

These were just some great shots taken by Mike:

A chillin' lizard in our backyard 9/3/07

for size perspective... the lizard was hanging out on a large philodendron leaf

A storm rolling in on 9/12/07

Meeting at MOSI

2007-09-09T20:16:00.000-05:00

Today we met Bill, Jenna and Spencer at MOSI. This was such a neat meeting for us. It was actually a reunion of sorts - Cameron, Connor and Spencer were all at the Vung Tau orphanage in Vietnam together. Bill and Jenna gave Mike and I one of the best Christmas presents we've ever received - pictures of our boys while we waited for travel. These were among their gifts:

Connor sleeping

Cameron just being his cute little self

Here are pictures of the boys' first meeting.

Spencer is such a happy little guy!

Dad showing Connor the smoke tornado

Mom showing Cameron the water cyclone

Dad took Cameron into the hurricane simulator. Both thought it was pretty fun.

Jenna & Spencer

Getting ready to go.

We had such a good time with them and can't wait until we meet up again!