May 2008

So I got a new Camera for Mother's day! So excited...it is smaller and like this blog I am sure I can do way more cool things with it yet haven't taken the time to read fine print. In time....

Kieren continues to be the happiest lil man and Cameron continues to be the best brother you could ask for...aside from "close talking" he is gentle and caring.

Cameron sure has bonded also with a good buddy from school and they are inseparable. On Tuesdays when home they try to see each other even then. It is so great to see him excited about his friends. Zadyn has a monster truck and Cameron loves to ride it so we often make the trip a block over to see them..oh yeah they are right near us too so is easy.

I took Cameron and Kieren to Bluebird Park-was a nice day for play and picnic. I had gotten Cameron a dinosaur book and thought he might like to go to Balboa Park and at one of the museums they have a dinosaur exhibit so we went there....he was pretty impressed but told me after "they sure didn't have enough dinosaur stuff!" Disneyland has forever ruined any other place...how do you top that!? We also went to the Museum of Man and saw skulls and mummy's which brought forth talk about death...always uplifting and yes I kept it light ha! We then trudged on to the Japanese Friendship Garden which is beautiful.....amazing bonsai's and a Koi pond where he got to feed the fish. Kieren was a gem the whole day and didn't complain once. It was a very nice day and Tuesday's there are always free museums.

Side note: I had a fleeting yet reoccurring thought that has been bothering me lately. I want to bring it to anyone's attention who may ever read this...please slow down in neigorhborhoods and check any blind spots when driving/backing up.....nearby a family just lost their beautiful, blonde blue eyed lil boy who was full of smiles and life to an accident where a neighbor ran him over and this was on a culdisac. I just came across another story where a man who adopted 3 children from China lost one of them when his teenage son backed up and ran her over in their own driveway with the other 2 witnessing it. I cannot even begin to imagine the torture one goes through losing a young child. So now that I have 2 of my own I drive a little slower and my eyes are always watching.....it only takes a second and these were amazing parents....not negligent in any way.....so those with or without kids-think about that.....I know we are always on the go and running late.....better to be late then live with something like this. Sorry but it really bothered me and I keep thinking of what they must be going through.

It is now almost the end of the month and upon catching up I see how I now need to adjust my blogging to days instead of months or keep notes and do it monthly. Forgive the chaos of me adding to this month as the days pass. It is the last week of May. Cameron and I were talking and I said,"Do you know how handsome you are?" And he said,"yes, really handsome!" and I said,"Oh so you know that already!" and he said, "yep!" I said who tells you you are handsome?" "mommy", he says. I said, Who else?" "no one!"....I don' t think I am biased even for being his mom....he is definetely a cutie. I told him "someday all the girls are going to say "oh Cameron I love your eyes and your long eyelashes" and he said...."nooo mom don't let them take me away!" Maybe he equates girls with taking him away from mom and dad.....marriage....now I know why guys can wait a lifetime to marry or not at all ha!

Chris and I got away for 2 nights in Santa Barbara Memorial Day Weekend. A weekend without kids...could it be real!? My parents got our kids somewhat forced on them this Memorial Day Weekend. There was a chance to getaway and we jumped on it. Chris brought up idea of heading to Santa Barbara. We have gone there for the day before while staying with my parents and enjoyed walking State St. and getting a beer and lunch but never stayed there. It has been longer than I can remember since we had gone anywhere more than one night so this was a treat. We got a wonderful room near Stearns Wharf. We checked into a quaint hotel a block from beach, antiquish style with small kitchen. They had bikes, beach towels, chairs, dvd rentals, you name it to use free of charge. They gave us a basket of goodies to boot. We decided to walk over to Stearns Wharf Pier. We went to Longboards because it has a patio outside over the water...nothing fancy at all but good view. We chatted up another couple from Northern California, mainly due to the fact they had an 8 month old and were apologetic for the noise and we let them know we were more than used to that! This lead to kid talk as it always does....For once we could say "we" were the ones who were kid free this weekend. Anyway...after that we walked the long pier of which Chris could not believe there were no fences or railings at the far end.....guess the drunks who'd fall off don't get that far?! It was a lil weird...kids could fall. We passed some touristy shops and museum and headed back towards State St. I had made the realization.....the painful realization that I had forgotten a restaurant/bar itinerary that had taken me far too long to put together at home. I had it detailed down to those voted the best...verified by comments/ratings...to the exact directions..to the price range.....kinda of irritating. Anyhow as we passed many streets I would recall the many but not to the degree I remembered which direction or what it was. We headed up Chapala St. trying to find a good happy hour place and passed by Chad's which was more of a dinner place...ended up after much walking at the Sandbar which was voted best happy hour...we enjoyed some drinks and headed back to room......we decided to go to a seafood restaurant nearby-Chris with his oysters, scallops and more and me with Mahi mahi. We enjoyed a night of uniterupted conversation and peace! The next morning we hunted and I mean hunted for one of my places....Jake's...we after about an hour of driving....found Jake's...not cottage like with a cute patio like I pictured but undoubtedly was a yummy meal. Thank goodness as the ambience was lacking and although relaxing the "live" music was questionable. ..but relaxing so I give it an A. We went back and decided that instead of driving or walking we would take advantage of bikes so we both got a couple crusiers and biked to the wharf...walked out to Sandspit Beach point, and biked along coast...they had put up hundreds of crosses in the sand in rememberance of those who have died for our country..I think we all forget it isn't just 3 day weekend but one that is/should be acknowledged more for the loss and bravery that those put forth while we go about our sightseeing and normalities of daily life. They apparently have voluteers that put the flags up and light them at night. We passed that and stopped off to check out crafts and Art that lined the coastal sidewalks. Nothing I saw that I needed and much of the crafts were a little to "crafty" for me and the jewelery just a tad to over the top for my taste but was fun to see and nice to just be outside. We decided to ride our bikes up to State St and go shop and find a present for Cameron for being "a good boy" for the weekend which had to be happening of course! We got him a puzzle at a local shop and decided whew we deserve a beer! We went to a local bar and had Hefferweisen and the Lakers to entertain us for a few hours. We got a chance to talk about Chris and buisness, old times, thoughts on whatever...people watch-was fun! We later got Steak at Holdren's....fyi med rare to them is rare....we ate it anyway but not best steak I have had. Being exhausted...free time, fresh air, beer, good food....too overpowering!! Had to sleep! Slept great that night...7:30am seemed like 11 am and we were up to Starbucks, breakfast at Cajun Kitchen....(voted best but Jakes was way better...wasn't a fan...was like any other ordinary place)....Off to pick the boys up...I am sure my parents were very happy that we took them off their hands....boy was it nice to just be together and relax. At least this time there was someone to waste away the hours.....Mother's Day I took 4 hours to myself while visiting my parents and it wasn't all that exciting alone.

April 2008 Padres, buddies, silliness

Well it was our first official trip to the Padre Game this year with the whole Gordon family of 4. Kieren of course was oblivious to the game, what with Cameron poking him and sticking his face into his.....We saw Julie/Chase and Carolyn/Charlie there for awhile so Cameron got to run like a wild man around the park....we rarely see much of the game but it is more the idea of it and the energy there.....thank god for $5 tickets and a grass hill to sit on. Always time to enjoy a beer at the game to-can't beat that.
Cameron continues his interest in Skateboarding and I feel bad to not take him to the parks.....with Kieren and Cameron's no fear attitude ...I am the one in fear! Fear I will have to rush a bloody mess to the dr. with Kieren in tow......these are the days I fight the guilt of having the second baby....slows down the 1st ...but it isn't like Cameron is lacking in attention and activity.
He also has really gotten into having a click of friends at school....and click is what I mean....I had to talk to him about letting others into the "group".....I don't think he will be shy like I was....who knows....He has a good buddy Zadyn and I would love them to get together more often sometimes but again it is with Kieren in tow and while it works out...can be tiring sometimes. So good to see him happy with buddies.
We went to Knott's Berry Farm for Colin's (another good buddy) Bday.....it was the hottest day yet. I made about 4 circles trying to park and find lexy and group (got separated once we got to park) and finally found everyone....Lexy lost her ring Gary had given her....off to good start.....we had lunch at Friday's and us adults had several cocktails....sure did lighten the mood after that and the kids being crazy sure didn't bother us after that ha!

March 2008 Parks, Brothers, Easter

I can happily say we did our 1st official trip to the happiest place on earth....yep Disneyland....I have wanted to take Cam there for so long! My parents watched Kieren so we could just take Cam and have a fun day. He was in his glory to be alone with us. I think it oretty much blew his mind. He was more scared of the kids rides which really now as an adult going on them I never realized how dark and scary they could be to kids.....witches, hell, etc....I think Snow White was his scariest ride.....and he went on the Matterhorn and Pirates of Carribean, haunted house...what does that tell you! He ran those lil legs around that park from the time it opened until 11 that night. I couldn't believe it....he woke up around 5:30am too. We watched parades and the fireworks show at night which is really cool. He was on his dad's shoulders and he said, "mom, I am ready to go home now!" So I knew he was tired! But he regained some energy on way out to pick out some souvenieers.....dad got his hat with his name on it just in time to see mickey and minne and score a photo opp! What a fun day!

On a sad note.....Brad brought Atlas (his dog who grew up with Zion) to our house. He hasn't been doing very well and Brad was takin him in Fri. to be put down. It is heart wrenching. I snapped some photos of him that day. Zion would always love Atlas and Atlas was like a dad to him....I am not sure if dogs know what is going on but I am glad he got the chance to see him even if he didn't know it would be a goodbye. So hard. I hope Brad realizes he IS doing the right thing. Hard to live with I know and I feel so bad for him. Zion has been doing well with Chemo treatments but hard to think of in the future going though it as well.

We had many Easter celebrations/hunts....met the girls at Aviara Park for a hunt. Had a hunt at home...still scarred from brutal hunt at public park a year ago. Then we went to Armstrong's for some more fun! I think the bunny was busy this year!

Last but not least I had 2 for 1 tickets from our day at Disney and me being a kid wanted to check out Ca Adventures so I took Cam and the 2 of us went. It was a great day-lots more shows .....there was an interactive show and Cameron talked to the turtle....lots of 3d shows, parades....rides....we went to a really good show "Aladdin" before we went home and I am so glad we waited for it...amazing show and Cameron loved it!

Feb 2008 Kieren at 5 months

Kieren is by far much bigger than Cameron was at 5 months....I haven't checked but he seems so giant. He tried his first cereal and seemed confused but didn't turn it down....we tried a little and will work into it this week(S) to come. Took some shots of the boys this month...trying to be better at making sure I keep up with pics.
I took both boys to Legoland....met lizbeth and Alessandro, Julie/Chase and Carolyn/Charlie there. Was warm day....Nice to have other adults so I could go on rides or Cam had others to ride with. He loves going. Kieren seemed to like the chaos...was really good.

October 2007-Jan 2008

Dec. 30th was our 5th wedding anniversary ....wow time flies and we had dated since Dec 96 so yeah long time...okay now I feel old! For New Year's Eve we got G/G Gordon to babysit overnight. We got a room in Solana Beach. Had dinner at a wonderful Thai restaurant with Noah and Katie and Chris's brother/my brother in-law-Tony and his girlfriend Heather. We walked over to Noah's after for drinks then onward to The Belly Up for a show. Was such a fun night....and we were all pretty toasted by nights end....Chris and Tony wrestled on our way out of his room so it was definitely a good night. Waking up to blacked out curtains was a godsend....the curtains not the waking up part....one of those where you think you feel okay but realize you feel horrendous as time goes on....and back to our loving kids we came....no rest for the hung over! Worth it though!

January was made up of Jessica's Wine tasting bday first off....and was it fun! We went to several Temecula wineries and got a shuttle from her house and back. Yep the group could put em down. I always know Jess is up for a good time and a great happy hour and conversations are in store for us. Later that evening Jess and I retired to her room and slept while the party at Opal continued without us.
Zion continues to have his appts and doing well. A few days after he tends to be a lil queasy.
Kieren had his dr. appt. He..
Chris and I got tickets from Gordon's to see the Cirque De Soleil Show in Del Mar. I didn't know what to expect really but it was one of the most amazing shows I have seen. It had a dark undertone/death...but with the craziest acrobatics and gymnastics, singing, etc.. Would love to see another someday. I wish Cameron had been with us even though we got out alone on a date as it would have blown his mind.
Cameron got his first official haircut...yes until now I have been cutting his hair and up until the last one I was good...I did it somewhat uneven and not sure anyone would notice other than Chris ..it made me self conscious so to "trained professionals" I go! I also got the boys pics together at Target. They got the best pics of them and what hams my boys are-smiling ear to ear and posing.

September 2007 The New Addition to the Gordon Family-Kieren James

Well I was sure that I was going to be a week if not a month early as I read and believe to many of what "they" say...."they" being the people with advice, criticsm, judgments and predictions....this comes from people at work, friends, books, articles, computer....yes I have learned to take so much more with a grain of salt but I think the impending notion of having a busy, congested freeway separating me from my epidural and doctors was not a comforting one....so I was hoping Kieren would be kind and come when freeways weren't busy.....although they are always busy. I have talked to my doctors about induction and they looked at me funny as if "why would you ask that?" (Even though they were the same folks who even brought it in as an option at one previous visit) According to the formentioned "They" sources-this has become quite the trend and quite normal....although when I read the cons I wasn't a fan. I am all for it happening natural yet not in the car and making the 5 o'clock news. So when it finally got down to the wire we decided to schedule an indcution if nothing happened. I asked my parents to come down about a week earlier and my mom's time was running short....thus the scheduled appt...not only did I not want to rob them of a happier, smoother experience for them (and us) I also knew the help would be great this time round with now having Cameron in the picture. So they did what grandparents always do-were so supportive and helpful and spoiled Cam. He needed the distraction and he got parks and Chucke Cheese treatment to no end. It was Chris's bday and we had a small lil dinner and cake for him. We then got to go to a movie-I felt a little uncomfortable but when you ate so much and are due any day who wouldn't right? About 2:00am I woke up feeling aches in my belly and thought "Oh it must be from sleeping on one side"....so after switching sides and going to bathroom multiple times the pain grew and still never knowing how to time contractions I said "let's go!" We got into the car and I thanked god it was 2:15 am and no traffic-thanks Kieren! But I also wasn't convinced that I wouldn't be a story on the news just yet. I have to say this second time round I was in major pain on way there and when we got there I felt like "why is everyone so calm and why aren't they helping me?!" The man at the front was calm and almost has a glazed look like he had seen this a zillion times (of which he had)...and hey it wasn't his pain so no biggie! Then the nurses who check you in to monitor you and check your progress were asking me information of which they told me when I had filled out info months earlier was supposedly for the exact reason of not having to deal with this....I used the bathroom but couldn't stop moving I was in so much pain. They took me to a station and asked me to lie down and I said I couldn't so they decided to admit me right away..."gee ya think?!" So after going to the delivery room and almost passing out after trying to use bathroom one more time I was taken to a bed. The epidural or as I call him mercy man randomly walked by...I almost missed him and soon to know almost missed my window of getting my epidural since I was so far along.....they told me they wouldn't be able to give me the epidural unless I could bend over more and with my stomach where do you bend? At that point I was like "shove me over and do it!" Luckily I got the epidural and it helped take most of the pain away....with Cameron I didn't feel any pain...this time it was still there some and it was easier to feel when there was pressure. Next thing you know we were pushing ...my nurse was an angel and was 2 pushes away from delivering the baby herself....I now know why there are nurses.....they make up for the lack of personality the doctors have. My own doctor wasn't there which happens...thank god I am not a stickler with those things and it doesn't freak me out as long as someone who has capabilities are there....so this other doctor...while good she was as dry as toast. Based on Cameron's birth and the uncertainties that went with it....all the apprehension set it. Cameron was not breathing when born (my labor went fast and drugs still in my and his system is what I know happened)and instead of the story tale ending...we saw him whisked away to NIC unit along with Chris and doctors. So I held my breath and then I heard the best wail! Music to our ears. And then I took a breath! This beautiful little being was presented to me and placed in my arms and it felt like all the baby shows that were picture perfect. It is funny and pretty amazing how fast time seems to fly and how adreneline overpowers pain and having how conversations while someone you don't know stitches you where needed is as easy as breathing. And I was hungry I too ha! My parents had not known when to come to hospital and with Cameron...when to wake him up but at 5 finally were on there way and came in the room. I know Cameron was tired and I am sure confused but I will never forget that sweet little face looking shell shocked....I think more at looking at his mom laying in a big bed hooked up to all kinds of things and then this foreign little tiny baby everyone called "his brother." I asked him to crawl up next to me as I could sense he was pretty freaked out and gave him some reassuring hugs/kisses. He got to see his brother and dad. It was a different experience this time...they tip toed around me and waited on me hand and foot when all that went down with Cameron and I think I didn't quite realize what a basket case emotionally I was then still to this day as I somehow thought I would get the same support and tlc as I did then. Oh no....a quick, easy delivery to a healthy baby that was baby no 2 for us means you are apparently a pro....Cameron was not in the room with me for several days....Kieren was. I had nurses who were breastfeeding naztsi's either shoving him on me or shoving me on a pump with Cam....here I had to ask if I should try feeding him....no pump mentioned. I didn't change hardly a diaper or any at all with Cam....here I thought "hmm....been awhile since i have seen a nurse this shift...am I supposed to change him?" Answer was yes....after I called to ask. So hooked up to things I did. I had a neighboring woman who snored loudly and was so glad she was outta there sooner than later. Chris even went home and showered and stayed at our house overnight everything went so well-I barely let him go with Cam. We had limited visitors.....I kept my announcement mainly to text and we got many back as well as messages....immediate family and a visit from Brad and Amy and later...So we opted to leave a day early as long as they felt all was fine and I felt really good all things considering. The crazier thing to me was that a day later Chris and I went out to lunch and had a drink-felt so strange. So fortunate to have 2 healthy boys and Kieren is such a doll....he will be loved lots in the upcoming months!

August 2007

Not alot has changed this month....bigger belly:) Took some shots of Cameron's Lincoln Logs creation compliments of the Parkers for his bday!

July 2007 Cameron turns 3!!

We got Sadie (dog) for Chris's mom for her bday. This was Bill's idea (his dad). I am not sure how I feel about it since the last dog we gave her became ill and that broke her heart. She really is cute though BUT I realized that being pregnant and having a 3 year old that puppies that cry all night and want to play at ungodly hours aren't THAT cute ha! No new puppies for me thanks! I think she liked it...I am sure it is mixed feeling of "oh how cute"/Oh how much work!

My lil Cameroni is now a big 3 year old! We had a lil party for him in backyard...bbq...cake...pinata. As always he got spoiled with many toys. Seems like time has gone slow but at times when I look at him-3 years already under the belt wow! I am impresses with how smart he is. I taught Kindergarten and remember how helpless or babyish kids would act and he is so independent and a doer that I forget he is 3 sometimes and I know I expect probably too much from him at times....

June 2007 Del Mar Fair

Another Del Mar Fair....that kid could go everyday and be happy! Me being prego they wouldn't allow me even on the ferris wheel....so I watched in the hot sun. Checked out all the animals as well....meltdown on way out....wanted to see the motorcross show....wasn't happening til later....explain that to a lil one. Yeah no comprehension.....tantrum.....carried out of fair...passed out on way home!
Took at trip to G&G Skimes....went to playground:)

May 2007 A walk /Zoo

Took some shots of Cameron as always! He painted one day and concentrated so hard so took one. I asked if he wanted to take a walk so some shots are from our long journey we took....he said his legs were tired after! Included a few shots of my class I took to the ZOO on a field trip.

April 2007 Legoland/Easter

Took Cam to Legoland-he had a blast! Loves the rides and smiling ear to ear. Easter hunted for many and egg in the house....and we colored Easter Eggs...oh boy did we color them...colored our hands and the kitchen as well!

March 2007 Flower Fields

Every Spring the floweres arrive at the famous flower fields and oh are they beautiful! They have a kids day so we met Lizbeth and Alessandro there....had some fun in the sun...playground...jumpies....lemonade and hot dogs yum!

Feb 2007

I am catching up on this entry as I didn't have many pics. ....We got a new couch for our office area...and a armoirre for computer. Have some shots of Cam in flip flops and not much else....

January 2007 Trip to Maui

Bags packed....excited and so ready for vacation....although I am at a new school I have worked it out so that I could still take my vacation...thank you Jim (Principal). We are Maui bound and rented a house on the island. This will be our second trip back ...first was honeymoon so yeah will be different but still great! Flights to Maui are always fine as you are so excited to get there that you are extra patient and friendly....Cameron did great...liked the portable dvd player thanks to Mason's....so he watched some movies. Our place was at.....it had a cemetary right next to it...but was a short walk to.....and beach in front of Mama's Fish House ...undoubtedly one of the best places to eat ever! We made ourselves at home in our lil house and was nice to have own kitchen...i took some pics of house...nothing fancy but had everything we needed. Chris bought a surfboard on the island and began surfing most mornings....Cameron and I would walk down or drive to where he was after Cam's nap....beautiful beaches and even caught a rainbow or two. Most days were beaches, food, playground up the moutain road a bit....grocery store...other side of Island....we went to the Aquarium which was amazing...so many tropical fish!

December 2006

Our school had a holiday performance-the kids looked and sounded great...I had nothing to do with that though-just had to show up. I think we hunted for the perfect tree and a perfect pricey cost to go with it.....wow trees are big buisness. Cameron took his tree trimming very seriously and did so with care. He even "helped" Chris with the lights. We in turn took our wine very seriously and enjoyed the evening. Of course couldn't go through the night without some funny pics. We were busy getting to all the families over holidays....went to both sets of grandparents houses....g/g Skime's we were able to get out to the beach and at g/g Gordon's we were able to see Great Grandma Alice. She loves to see Cameron and couldn't believe how much he has grown. It was such a nice holiday...I love Christmas and always have....always had such good memories growing up that time of year and want Cameron too as well.

November 2006

We have moved on to "big boy pants" officially and doing well! Very proud of lil man. He is a busy man and the fact that he actually fell asleep while eating says it all! He is a lil hellion but he is my lil hellion and when you get love and kisses it makes all worth it! Hmm another potty chair pic-wonder who he copies reading on it!? Cameron threw on his preppie shirt for Thanksgiving and he even found a lil friend outside...if you look careful by his head you will see it.

October 2006 Halloween

I am learning how to use video now too to include in the blog...wasn't so tough....guess if I just took the time to read all the cool things you can do it would look alot better....My goal is to hurry and catch up and go back and tweak it later. Anyway enjoy Cameron back when he was in beginning stages of talking and had his lovely pacifer too! October has been a fun Month....there was lots packed into it but most of my things have to do with Halloween! We got Cameron a Winnie the Pooh costume of which by the pic you can tell he LOVED! I can't tell if he is more upset at the costume or that he didn't get to "choose" it. He looked cute anyway-hilarious video and pics to torment him with later in life. We had more fun at least going to Bates Nut Farm for pumpkin patch. It is nice because it is somewhat out in the boonies...for us Californians anyhow and is a nice drive out there with zillions of pumpkins to choose from and they make as always best background for pics. He was so tired that he fell asleep on way home with one lil pumpkin in his lap! I of course dressed up for the horrendous holiday at school....it is fun if you aren't a teacher....kids are nuts and I am always scrambling for costume and it is always a pain the one I choose...to hot..too much accessories, gets in way of teaching...etc...but as always you grit your teeth and in the end it is all about the kids and their memories and no one wants a boring teacher! So I was a witch ...not realizing that in todays politically correct society and with my religous backgrounds my kids are maybe wasn't the best choice....I had no makeup on and still no one knew it was me...which since I was a witch was a good thing. After that day I raced home and we went to a fun party at Parker's house-so cool ....pinatas and food and we all went trick or treating!