Keeping Up with the Jones'

I know I'm incredibly late on this! Alvin had a really good Father's Day. We went to church and then later had dinner at Canoe - which was absolutely delicious. He's such a good daddy - but I never doubted that he wouldn't be.  Alvin's a big candy bar lover! So I made him a candy bar arrangement! He loved it. Candy Bar Arrangement Alvin & Camille at Canoe Family Pic after church Alvin, Camille & Coley

I don't even know where to start. It's been several months since I've written. The summer is almost over and so far it's been great. Camille is growing SOOO big. I can't believe how big she is. She'll be 8 months tomorrow. She babbles incessantly, her giggle is just contagious, and her smile makes my heart melt. No matter how tired I am - when she smiles it must makes me keep pressing on. It's definitely been a juggling act managing my career, motherhood, being a wife, sister, daughter & friend + trying to squeeze some workouts in! I recently started running again with Black Girls Run. I run 3 times per week and I usually run a little over 3 miles each time. I'm so happy to be back with the group.  So, let's dig into what's been happening! Travel: So, Camille had her first plane ride in May - she did great. We went to Anaheim, CA in July for Alvin's company's annual sales awards event. We stayed at the Disneyland Hotel - it was a

I can't believe it's been a whole month! Let me try to refresh my memory on what's been going on!!! Camille took her very first (of many:-) plane rides on May 2. We went to Louisiana for our family's annual crawfish festival. Camille did absolutely wonderful on the plane. She really enjoys riding in the car and I was hoping that it would be the same case on the plan. She was a huge HIT at the airport. Strangers were walking up to us to say HI to our precious baby! We had a wonderful time in Louisiana. Camille got to meet SO many people. She enjoyed every bit of it. Here's a link to our album. Jones Family Annual Crawfish Festival 2013 Notice, I'm not in any of the pictures as I was too busy playing photographer! LOL Oh and the very next week - 2 little perfect teeth popped up! Camille has been teething for quite some time. I was so excited and happy to see her little teeth. I will admit that I was overcome by a bit of sadness to see the teeth as it

She's 4 months old!!! So I was thinking this morning about how my priorities & the things that I get excited about have changed since Camille has made her entrance. I thought I would jot them down so that I never forget: - Getting a good nights sleep consists of being able to sleep for 4 hours in a row. - Being able to pump at least 8 ounces + during a single pumping session.  - The fact that I'm able to pump just about as much (or more) as she eats while at daycare - thus not depleting my stored supply! - Camille actually taking a morning and afternoon nap! - There are a TON of other things, but they seem to escape me right now. Did I mention how forgetful I am these days? This is now my 3rd week back at work and things are going pretty good. Camille has adjusted very well to daycare and I really really like the facility that she's going to. Her teachers are so nice and we feel that they have genuine feelings toward our daughter. I have peace of mind w

Yep, the title pretty much sums up what Miss Camille has been up to! I've seen so much growth in her (physically and developmentally) over the last month....it's just crazy! She's a little ticklish and I got the biggest giggle out of her when I tickled the side of her neck. The problem is I haven't been able to make her do it again! LOL. She loves to sit in her bouncer or swing and blow bubbles.....it's the cutest thing. I never thought I would think blowing spit bubbles is cute! I guess I'm officially a Mom! Oh and she rolled over!!!!! Here's a video of her doing it:-) I was soooo excited that I called Alvin at work and he came home to see it for himself.    She went to daycare for 2 days last week just to get her acclimated. It went really well. Unfortunately, I cried before I even left the building!  I was hoping that I would at least make it to the car! She did really well though.  She took a morning and afternoon nap on both days.... she does

Our baby is 3 months!!! Where in the world has this time gone by? I can't even take it. She is growing so quickly. I just want her to slow down and be my baby a little while longer!!! Pretty soon she'll be crawling, then walking, then college (LOLOLOL). Seriously, it's just amazing to me that 3 months ago I giving birth to her and now she's her own little person! Camille is doing really really great! She's smiling all of the time now! I call her my "yummy baby" and she just cracks up!!! I also call her a "pee pee lady" when I change her diaper. My hubby tells me that she's going to grow up calling herself those little silly names.....I just laugh every time he says it! She really is my "yummy baby" - if I got a dollar for every time I kissed her I would be a very rich woman. I just can't help myself.  Here are a few pictures and a short video of her babbling taken on Camille's 3 month birthday. 3/6/12 F

It is becoming really difficult to carve out time to write in my blog!!!! Camille is taking all of my attention these days - and I wouldn't have it any other way! Let me try to catch up on what has happened over the last month or so! She's making all kinds of really cute noises (other than crying) - she's cooing and giggling. We just love it. She is also following objects with her eyes. We purchased her a little mobile for her bassinet and she really loves it. Oh and she smiles!!! It just melts our hearts. She's starting to smile a bit more purposefully and not random. Camille LOVES when I sing to her, so I spend most of the days singing to her. I certainly don't have the best singing voice, but she loves it. Sleep!!! Her sleep patterns are getting a bit more regular. Instead of waking up 3 times every night, she's waking up 1 time and sometimes 2! So, this helps a lot with me getting enough zzzzz! She takes maybe 2 - 3 naps every day as well. The swing and

My friend Melody recommended the book "The Happiest Baby on the Block" - I read it and got some wonderful tips on how to soothe and calm Camille. It's helped tremendously with stretching her sleeping by as much as an extra hour. My co-worker Deborah gave us the DVD as well. Hubby & I watched it and he learned some tips too! So grateful for the 5 S's and the concept of the 4th Trimester. It all makes total sense! Camille will be 7 weeks old on tomorrow. She's an absolute DOLL. Of course, we're a little biased:-) She's been a real joy. She's still nursing like crazy, which is a great thing. I feel like an "all you can eat buffet" for her - but I do it with a smile. She loves when I sing to her too - I know I'm not the best singer, but I'm all she's got for now! I have sang "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", "You are my Sunshine", and "Jesus Loves Me" so much that I am hoarse! She's starting to mak

Where in the world does the time go? Now that I'm a Mother, I totally understand when people say that children "grow up wayy too fast." I feel like I was just pushing her out and now she's a month old. She is steadily changing every day! This month has been a whirlwind, let's see if I can sum it up before Camille wakes up for another feeding ;-) Company - We've had company for most of the time. My Mother stayed with us for about 2.5 weeks, during that time my Dad, brother & sister visited for Christmas. Then, Alvin's parents and sister visited after Christmas. We have really enjoyed sharing Camille with our family. My sister visited this past weekend too. Sleep - or lack thereof should I say. I can't remember the last time I slept more than 2 - 3 hours straight. Since I am breastfeeding, I have to be ready to feed Camille around the clock. Since breastmilk is digested quicker than formula, she's hungry a lot quicker than a baby who is fed