He's a Mover and a Shaker!

Disclaimer: This is a really long post with tons of pictures and videos.  I have been meaning to blog for a long time, and every time I sit down to do it I get interrupted.  

Over spring break we went to Waukee's Tot Lot (just a big room with a ton of toys, mats, and things to climb on).  Camber LOVED it.  He was the youngest one there both days, but ran around like the "big boys."  He wasn't scared a bit. (Mommy might have been more nervous than he was!)

He is such a mover so being able to play, run, and climb was so fun!  We also bought some small outdoor toys and the weather was so nice over spring break that we spent a bunch of time outside.  

We went to the Urbandale library and then walked around outside. We found some giant chairs and these statues.  He wasn't too sure about them!

We went to a couple different parks while I was home.  We have since found the ones we love, where Camber is able to do most of the things on his own.  He is really into be "independent" right now (which I am sure only gets worse). 

One of Camber's favorite things is to visit Daddy at work.  He knows what he can play with and loves with Dad takes a few minutes to push, pull, or drive him around.  I'm not so sure Doug doesn't like it just as much (if not more!)

Surfer Dude

"Dad, why are you in my truck!? You're too big!"

Camber has had 5 ear infections in a 2.5 month span. It has been absolutely miserable.  We went to see an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist over spring break and he suggested Camber getting tubes in both ears.  Each new ear infection means a trip to the Dr., so Camber is getting really good at sitting and waiting (although there isn't much sitting involved).  I make sure to pack lots of fun toys and yummy snacks and he usually does a great job!

Thinks he is such a funny guy! 

Love his smile right at the end of the video!

We tried to go see the Easter Bunny, but Camber would not have it! We thought he would do a good job, because he loved Santa and usually isn't afraid of people.  But have you seen how creepy this bunny looks? No wonder he didn't want to sit on his lap. I wouldn't have wanted to either.  Needless to say, we didn't push the issue!

"No way Dad!"

After the traumatic experience visiting the Easter Bunny we did something more Camber's style = the park!  He loved the slides!

His face right at the end of the video and his "Mom!"  Little Stinker!

I didn't take many pictures from this day, but Camber did an amazing job getting his tubes.  We were a little nervous about how he would do, because he wasn't allowed to eat after midnight and Camber without breakfast isn't a pretty sight.  He is a bit (or a lot) like his Mama and if we get hungry we get grumpy.  (Just ask Doug!).  We had some new toys to play with and a short video of Mater from Cars on the iPad.  He did a great job and even went with the doctors without any complaint.  After the surgery was another story.  The anesthesia made him very unhappy and they warned us that he might not act like himself for a little while. We were able to get him home and get him some breakfast and he then felt much better.  

He was playing trucks in no time!

Camber did his first Easter Egg hunt and met the Fire Dog.  

Aunt Cas came too!

"I already told you guys that I am not going to see that stupid Bunny!"

Getting ready to hunt!

Good job Bubba!

Getting all kinds of eggs!

We went to Easter Service at Hope and they had an Easter egg hunt for the kids.  They walked through the maze and stopped at each pool for one egg.  He loved digging through to choose his egg!

By the time Easter morning came, Camber was a pro at Easter egg hunting. He even carried his own basket!

 Easter Egg hunting at Aunt Lori's house

She hid them good!  

Aunt Sherrie helped me ride on the back of Payton's tricycle. 

Camber is such a happy, little guy! He is FULL of energy, rarely sitting still for more than a second or two. Unless, of course, he is eating. Then he is still, because he LOVES his food!!  

Me on  the left and Camber on the right

I am sick and tired of being sick and tired

I left for New Orleans on January 15th and that weekend Camber got sick with his first double ear infection.  Since then we have had sickness invade our house.  No matter what I did: constantly cleaning and wiping things down, diffusing all types of oils, or just praying that we get better we were still all sick. 

Camber went through two different double ear infections.  A couple weeks after his first round he fell asleep on my lap at the Cheesecake Factory and at that point both Doug and I knew something was majorly wrong. Camber has NEVER fallen asleep just sitting on me, not even as a newborn (and no,  I am not exaggerating).  Ended up in the ER that night with a 104.7 temp and another double ear infection (and upper respiratory infection). 

Still happy even though he felt like crap!

Then it was my turn.  The next weekend I got a horrible sinus infection that just wouldn't go away.  I lost my voice, which made teaching fifth graders interesting to say the least (pun intended).  

Then the week after that Doug got sick with the stomach flu and gave it to me so I spent my weekend with the stomach flu and a sinus infection.  It was just a great time.  Oh and that was Valentine's Day weekend so needless to say we didn't do anything!!  

They made me wear this at the Dr. until they figured out if I had the flu or not

This last weekend, I said to Doug, "This is the first weekend since January that someone in our family hasn't been sick."  Sure enough, Carly Moe felt left out! So she ate some ibuprofen, which I guess can be toxic to dogs.  One capsule can kill a dog her size.  Wish I would have known that when I found out she ate it and I would have taken her to the vet right away.  Instead we waited until the next day and ended up having to put her in the Puppy Hospital for 2 days. (That was cheap!).

Then this Thursday at daycare Camber had a 102.5 fever and I thought "Oh great, another ear infection." Took him to the doctor on Friday and his ears look perfect and no fever.  Not sure what that was all about, maybe a tooth.  Thank God for my mom watching him on Friday so that I could have my first full week of work since Christmas break (because of my trip to New Orleans and everyone being sick).  

I hate to say it, but I think we are all better at the Taylor Household (knock on wood)! God I hope so!  We need spring!!

Thank you random lady at Pancheros

Last week we were sitting at Pancheros eating lunch when this random lady walked up to our table and said, "Thank you for enjoying your son. He has been so fun to watch! Enjoy him."

Not sure where she was sitting or how long she was watching, but it made my day. Some people might think it was kind of creepy, but seeing the genuine look on her face I knew that she truly meant it.

After being gone for 5 days in New Orleans, while Camber got sick I was so ready to spend the weekend with him! Doug and I had finished eating and instead of hurrying Camber through his lunch, we were just sitting, talking, and playing.

Now don't get me wrong, I had a great time in New Orleans.  I learned so much at our conference and we were able to go explore the city as part of our Inquiry Conference.  It was amazing seeing a city come back from such tragedy during Hurricane Katrina.  As part of my inquiry project I studied locals' Katrina stories and being able to talk to people and hear their story was my favorite part. I also loved the Beignets from Cafe Du Monde, the authentic shrimp (I don't like any other seafood), the company (I went with a great group of teachers), and our conference. But it was truly inspiring hearing how people recovered from such a life-changing event!

Hot chocolate from Cafe Du Monde. The Beignets are amazing!

On the way back to the hotel one night there was a random mini-parade. They were handing out beads! (and flowers)

Such a great conference!

We started our inquiry project at the Louisiana State Museum where they have a Katrina exhibit

I have decided that I will never take another vacation away from Camber. It was the worst torture ever being away from him, especially while he was sick! I am so glad he was at home with Daddy though. Doug did a great job taking care of him, cleaning our whole house, and buying me flowers to return to. Maybe I should leave more often......


Nope! I plan to enjoy my time with Camber!