6 month update

  Our big boy is now 17 lbs 11 oz and 28 inches!   Where does the time go?!

New foods Kam has tried this month: apples, carrots, pears, apricots and sweet potato puffs.   Kamden is a  great eater - he opens wide and 'chews' even when he doesn't need to.  It's so cute check out the video below.   With new baby food comes new solid poops.   GROSS!!   We're also attempting a sippy cup although he doesn't quite get it just yet.    Kam can also hold his own bottle now.  He's even getting cocky and holding it with one hand!  What a show off!













This month Kamden has also gotten his 3rd and 4th tooth!  All 4 of Kam's teeth are on the bottom.  He's still drooling and ton and putting anything he can into his mouth.  He's got a quick grab so we have to be careful to watch what he picks up because it always inevitably ends up in his mouth!   He's also discovered his own ears and his "boy parts" and loves to tugs on them all the time.   It really must be  instilled in them at birth - I really don't their fascination with their balls.


We've had some warm weather in March here so Kamden had his first pool day.  He loves being outside.  The water was alittle chilly still (even though it's heated) but I think once it warms up a bit he will REALLY love it.









We're getting lots of laughing these days and Kamden especially thinks its hilarious when daddy 'scares' him.   We caught it on video today!

Kamden's favorite toys at the moment are his ball popper his standing play table and his singing  elephant.  Here he is 'standing' at the table

Our big boy can stand if he's leaning against something although he is getting brave and hanging on one handed.  He also sits by himself very well for long periods of time.  This is a picture of Kam sitting like a big boy in a hoodie I bought for johnny when he was a baby it makes my heart melt to see my little guy in it now.














A few weeks ago we dropped Kam's mattress down preemptively since he really had been moving around alot in there lately.   Good thing we did as Al, our Nanny, saw him sit up in his crib the other day when she put him down for a nap!   Ken and I still haven't seen it for ourselves yet but sure we will any day now!


Kamden is so well tempered most of the time and its easy to take him out and about.   Here are a few of my favorite shots from some of our fun outings this month

We gave Kamden his first 'big kid' bath in a real tub.  He LOVED it.  I read this trick on Pinterest - to use a laundry basket to help them sit up and keep their toys close.   It worked wonderfully.  He really enjoyed playing and splashing - he didn't even mind getting water in his face.   Ken and I both were a little sad that he's outgrowing his blue kitchen sink tub but with a smile like this it's hard to be sad for too long!

Last week we traveled back to Chicago for the 2nd time to celebrate my 30th birthday.   Kamden was a trooper- he did great on both flights.  He was a bit more squirmy than last trip but still very well behaved.   He had his first night in a hotel - he did great and he also stayed one night with Grandma Suzi and Grandpa  Kevin where he got his first "horsey" (a jumper that looks like a horse).   I actually don't have many pictures of Kamden from that trip - the Grandmas took most of the photos of him so I will have to upload those in my next update.   While we were home he began to 'babble'  he mostly says 'B's' but he just speaks gibber gabber in general.    When we came back from Illinois Al and Kam made Ken and I two special art projects - a birthday cupcake for me and an easter bunny for Ken.  How cute are these?

Today is Easter Sunday so off to church we go.  Will post pictures of Kam in his cute Easter outfit in my next update but Happy Easter to you all!

Love - Kate, Ken and Kamden

5 month update - lots of firsts

YUP - COUNT THOSE FINGERS.. FIVE!!

HAHAHA I'M 5 MONTHS OLD TODAY!

We've had alot of changes over the last month.  It seems like everyday Kamden is learning something new!  Ken and I are getting the biggest kick out of watching him change daily and literally grow up right before our eyes.  He still is a truly happy baby - always smiling and laughing.  He's a true joy to be around.

FOOD:  

This month Kamden started showing a ton of interest in our food, watching us eat and then he would try and grab our food and put it in his mouth so we decided to start Kamden on solid foods.  We started with a little rice cereal in his bottle before bed (hoping that would help him sleep through the night - boy were we wrong - more on that later).  Then we tried avocado.  Kam was thrilled with his avocado. Since then we've also tried oatmeal, sweet potatoes, squash, and bananas.  We've been trying to make our own baby food - so far so good but we'll see how long we have time for that!  Sweet potatoes are definitely Kam's fav!   Here are a few photos from our adventures in solid food.    Oh and one bad thing about Kam eating big kid food is his big kid poops!   I sure do miss those breastfeed diapers.  These new ones STINK and make me literally GAG.  haha

 

VISITORS
Grandma Kathy came out for a week at the end of January.   She came to help out for a few days while Ken had to travel out of town on business. We had a great time and she couldn't believe how much Kamden had changed since Christmas.   While she was here we took Kam on his first trip to the zoo.  Although he was too little to know what exactly was going on, he seemed to appreciate the pretty scenery.    I wore him in a carrier most of the day and he was very alert and interested in his surroundings.   Grandma Kathy bought us zoo passes so I have a feeling we will be there alot more now!     We also took a trip to the beach one day while Grandma was here and enjoyed a trip to the Little Italy farmers market followed by lunch at the Prado in Balboa park.  Kam is such a good little traveler was well behaved on all of our trips!

Our Cool SoCal Kid at the zoo

Here are a few snap shots from our adventures while Grandma visited:

in front of the zebras - my favorite at the zoo!

KAM LUNCHING AT THE PRADO.

Kam also had his first play date with his friend Immi.     Immi is my co-worker Nikki and her husband Adam's baby.  She was born in November and is only 10 weeks old.  She's teenie tiny compared to Kam but that didn't stop Kam from loving on her and pulling on her thick hair.

How cute are these two:

SLEEP
Around Christmas time our good little sleeper left the house.  Kam has been doing well at night but between the time change and then teething Kamden's sleep schedule had been all across the boards.  After a while we realized he was just waking up at habit - and now that I'm back at work I couldn't afford to be up every 3 hours.    We decided to attempt sleep training/night weening and boy did it work!   It only took 3 nights and Kam has been sleeping like a champ ever since!  Mom and I started it while  Ken was out of town.   A glass of wine to calm my nerves before bed and a couple of set of ear plugs and we were on our way.   We used a modified 'Cry it out' approach where we would let him cry for one minute and then go in and give him his passie and pat him for a minute and then walk out.    If he continued to cry then we wait to go back in after 3 minutes and do the same thing,  pat and passie for one minute and leave.   Each time we walked  out we would increase the waiting time by two minutes, so  5 mins, 7 mins, etc.   The first night it took about an hour get him to go back to sleep on his own.    The second night it only took about 20/25 minutes but he was up 2 different times.  Mom and I would alternate going in but it was so nice to have reenforcement!  By night 3 when Ken returned home Kam only woke up once and when right back down on his own.  By night 4 he was sleeping through the night!   He's been sleeping from 7pm to 4:30 or 5 every night since.   I feed him at 5 and then put him back down until 7:00 most days.   It makes for a much happier, well rested mommy and daddy!  We will see what happens when he starts teething starts up again but fingers crossed it won't throw us for too much of a loop.

A HAPPY BABY AFTER A FULL NIGHTS SLEEP

Another "sleep" development in the past month is the way Kamden likes to move all over in his crib.  We will put him in the crib with his head facing one way and then when we wake up his head will be on the other side of the crib.  He also has decided he likes to sleep sideways in his cribs most nights.    I watched him on the monitor one night to see how he moves around so much and I was impressed by his technique.   First he kicks his feet over so he can roll onto his side then he pushes off the bars on the crib until he twists 90 degrees in the other direction!      Today I was watching him on the monitor while he was trying to fall asleep for his nap and he actually flipped over from his back to him stomach.   He was really proud of himself so I went in and snapped this photo of him.  Now every time we put him down for bed or a nap he flips at least once before falling asleep  What an active sleeper we have!

WHAT YOU MEAN I'M SUPPOSED TO BE NAPPING MOMMY?

LAUGH
Ken's been obsessed with getting Kam to belly laugh and finally this weekend he got a big ol' belly laugh out of Kam.  He was jumping in his jumperoo (which he still loves) and Ken was trying to surprise him by saying boo.  Kam let out a big belly laugh and thought it was too funny.    I was in the shower so Ken grabbed his phone to capture the moment.  Thanks goodness he did because it was pretty darn cute.  We've heard him laugh a few times since but are looking forward to hearing it much more!

Video fo Kam laughing

SIT, PLAY, SWIM
Kam now sits up on his own for extended periods of time without toppling over.   I have a video of it but for some reason it won't upload.  I'll have to try it again later and if I can get it attached I'll send out the update.    He's not super stable but he can sit for a few minutes or so and play with his toys.  He's especially intrigued by his new ball popper toy.  He watches the balls very intently and tries to grab for them as the pop up.     Kamden also had his first ride in a swing at the park today.  Al put in him a swing and he of course loved it.  He really thinks he's a big boy in this swing   Kam also attended his first super bowl party  check out this picture of him relaxing in his football jersey!

 

We had a 80 degree sunny day today so we decided to take Kamden for his first swim.   He seemed to not mind being in the water but even though the pool was heated I think he was still a little cold.  He didn't really cry but he didn't "love" it either.  I think he'll really enjoy it more this summer when he is a bit bigger and the water is even warmer.  Mommy and Daddy were just happy to get out in the sun!

We can't wait to see what the next month brings for us and our ever changing big boy!

4 Month Update... Back To Work I Go

Well, I did it, I finished my first two weeks back at work.  It wasn't as bad as I thought but I being back at works makes me think boy did I love my 'baby vacation' aka maternity leave.    I'm thankful I only am working 4 days a week, with Fridays off and I'm very grateful for our Nanny Al.    She makes it easier to leave Kamden in the mornings.   Kamden loves when she arrives to the house in the morning and she sends me pictures and updates throughout the day.  It helps the day go by fast.  Then Kam greets me with a great big smile when I come home from work, so that in itself makes it all worth while.    This week I was even able to see Kam twice during the day.   One day I came home for lunch and on Thursday Kamden came into visit me at work because he was a baby model for our Personal Creations baby lines.    He was such a good model and looked super cute in all the outfits - I can't wait to see what the photos look like.

This Friday Kamden had his 4 month Dr. appointment.   He is 15 lbs 6 oz and 26.5 inches.  He is in the 75 percentile for his weight and the 90th percentile for his height!   Such a big boy.   The Doctor commented again on his long eyelashes and was telling us he should be a Baby Gap model.  Little did she know that he is modeling for the Personal Creations website later that week!   Kamden was a CHAMP for the shots he had to get.  He didn't even flinch for the first shot and just cried a little bit for the second one.   I picked him up off the table right away and then he looked the nurse dead in the eye and smiled.    Who smiles at the nurse that just stuck them with a needle??  Kamden apparently!  haha.



As mentioned in my last blog, Kamden has 2 teeth now.  He has started to discover his teeth with his tongue so now he constantly has his tongue hanging out his mouth.  Cute but just make for even more slobber - if that's even possible!   I swear there is a constant stream of slobber running down his chin at all times.   He has also learned how to smack his lips together and it's completely adorable!  It totally melts my heart!

Last Friday we took Kamden's 4 month photos.  It's getting harder and hard as he doesn't want to sit still and the slobber adds a new element of challenge! 

YES THIS IS THE SLOBBER STREAM I WAS TALKING ABOUT DRIPPING OFF HIS CHIN!

Here are a few other pictures from our 4 month photo shoot this really demonstrates  all his new tricks - 

trying to sit up on his own

Grabbing his toes!

Chewing on his fingers

Grabbing both his toes at the same time!

This weekend we got together with Jill, Jeremy and Mila.   It was the first time we have gotten together with them and were actually able to hang out and talk.  The babies napped a bit and then were very content to be held or sit in the bumbos.  The mommies were able to chat and have a glass or two of wine - just like the old days!   We're looking forward to many more 'play dates' with the Biancardis!

The Hectic Holidays

I'm writing you on my last day of maternity leave....  *tear.   These 4 months have flown by I can't believe my baby boy will be 4 months old in one week.   He's changed so much and brought us so much joy already!     The past month has brought us the most changes.     Kam has become VERY vocal while he discovers his voice.    He also giggles and smiles all the time.   He is reaching for his knees and toes and while laying down he will push up on his feet and arch his back.  He also picks up his legs as high as he can and then drop his legs to the floor with a loud thump.   We've been swaddling him alot looser lately so that he can get his arms out at night.  This way he can soothe himself in the middle of the night by putting his hands in his mouth.  He is also moving all over in his crib - yesterday I woke up to find him turned 90 degrees  sideways from his starting position.     He is still only rolling over from tummy to back but is getting close to rolling from his back to stomach, another reason to let his arms out at night!.  Kam's squeal is also a new development.  He is discovering his voice by letting out a very loud, high pitched squeal when he's happy, when he's mad, or when he just wants some attention.   It's quite the sound that's for sure.    Kamden received a jumperoo for Christmas from Grandma Rodeen and he loves it.  He jumps and squeals with glee when he is in it.   check out this video  of Kam jumping and squealing:

Other firsts that have happened in the last month are:

KAM'S FIRST THANKSGIVING

 Kamden experienced his first Thanksgiving!   He loved every second of it. Mostly because it was the first chance for him to meet his aunt Nattie too!  Natalie came out to visit over her Thanksgiving break and it was love at first sight.  Kam and Nat spent a lot of time bonding and getting to know each other, taking naps together, and of course taking photos together!   Natalie captured some great photos, including the photos for our Christmas cards.  My favorite photos is the one I captured of Kam and Nat napping together!   

KAM TURNED 3 MONTHS

 Our big boy turned 3 months on December 11th.  He's got his big smile down pat since his 2 month photoshoot.  Here are a couple of my favorite snap shots!

WE FOUND A NANNY:

We hired an AMAZING Nanny in the first part of December.  Her name is Allison (Al) and she is GREAT with Kam.  He gives her the biggest smiles when she comes in the mornings and they seem to have alot of fun together.  She has gotten him on a great schedule - he naps well for her and even falls asleep in his crib on his own.  What a big boy!  They even do fun art projects together!   We are so blessed to have found someone who loves Kam just as much as we do.   We feel so comfortable with her that we even left Kam with her so we could go on a date night.    She did a great job entertaining him and doing his bedtime routine and he went to sleep for her like a pro!     We even came home to a little art project they had made while we were out- our first presents from Kam!  how cute!! ( i can't figure out how to rotate the picture, darn)  

KAMDEN'S FIRST CHRISTMAS:

Ken and I had our own little family Christmas celebration in San Diego before we came back to IL.  Here's a picture Kam sitting on his big present - his Jumperoo!

KAMDEN'S FIRST AIRPLANE RIDE

Kam took his first airplane ride.     Going back to Illinois for Christmas required taking Kam on his first airplane ride.  We were originally supposed to leave on Thursday but the weather was not looking very good so we decided to leave a day early to avoid any complications.  Thanks goodness we did as all flights on Thursday were cancelled.  We flew bright and early (6am) on Wed morning and Kamden was a great flier.  He didn't cry once.   On the flight home we flew back on 7pm flight and Kamden did even better - sleeping the entire flight!    We were so proud of him!   Here are a few pictures from his flights!  What a traveler we have!!

Kam getting comfy on the plane: 

 We made it!  Waiting for our bags at Midway!

OUR FIRST CHRISTMAS IN ILLINOIS 

Our trip to Illinois was a hectic one that involved 4 family Christmas's, family photos, a wedding, and a baptism.   It was exhausting but worth every minute and it was wonderful to see everyone.  

While we were there Kam met Santa for the first time!  Santa came to visit on Christmas Eve at my Aunt Beckys.   All the kiddos loved him!

 Working with Daddy while we were at Grandma and Grandpa Laws.

 The Cousin's hanging out!  We finally got to meet cousin Lucas.  The boys are only 10 weeks apart but Kamden looks like a peanut next to his cousin Lucas!  Can't wait to watch the boys grow up together!  How blessed we are! 

KAMDEN GETS BATPIZED:

While we were home we were lucky enough to have Kamden baptized at the same time as his cousin Lucas in my childhood church.   Both Kam and Lucas did great through the service and we were so happy to share such a special day with all our family and friends, including Kamden's beloved Godparents Chris Nicholson and Natalie Rubino who both made the trip down to Paxton for Kam's big day.   Here are a few of my favorite photos from that day:

MOMMY AND DADDY'S FIRST NIGHT AWAY:

Also while we were in Illinois we had our first full night away from Kamden!  Our friend Erica was married and I was in the wedding so I left Kam for a full 24 hours.  Ken and I were both away from him over night.  Grandma and Grandpa Law took excellent care of our little guy.   It sounds like they had lots of fun without us.   It was nice to have a full nights sleep but we were eager to get home and see our little guy after our night away!  

KAMDEN GETS TWO TEETH:

While we were back in IL Kamden started teething.  Oh Joy.  In fact we had a couple of rough nights.  The worst being New Years Eve.  Poor Grandma Rodeen was a trooper.  She watched him for a few hours while Ken and I went out.  He was in so much pain he cried for 3 hours and didn't smile at her once - not like Kam at all.  That night after Ken and I came home (at 10 we didn't even make it to midnight) Kamden was up every hour on the hour.   The good news is his TWO teeth finally broke through.   Now he's a slobbering mess.    He loves to chew on anything he can fit in his mouth and he goes through about 5 bibs a day.  Below is a picture of Kam's first teething toy.  He loves it.  This is how I set him up in the mornings in the bathroom when I get ready.  He seems pretty content! :-)

There were alot of firsts this month and I'm sure there are many more to come next month!