A New Puppy.........

named Marley, but it isn't ours. I can't even begin to imagine trying to care for a puppy along with our demanding 3 1/2 year old cat Shadow and our ever so quick Camden. My cousin Craig got a new puppy this weekend. As you can tell it is a golden/lab retriever mix. Austin and I enjoyed our 1st visit with the puppy; however, I don't think Camden was too fond of Marley.

Snipp, Snipp.........

A part of me was dreading Camden's first haircut as it is another milestone that has come and gone so quickly. But the other part of me was ready to get his hair shaped up so he wasn't so shaggy. As for Austin, all of him has looking forward to Camden's haircut as he has been ready to bite the bullet for a few months now. Today was the day that Camden received his first haircut and, boy, does he look so grown up. He looks so cute, don't you think?










Tara, thank you for a great experience and cute hair do!

SCOOPS...........

is Austin's favorite place in Daviess County, and I think it is now Camden's too. Last summer we did make a trip or two to SCOOPS after Camden was born; however, Camden didn't know that is was an ice cream parlor. My sister got her wisdom teeth cut out yesterday, so our family went to SCOOPS this evening since Allie can eat ice cream. Camden was amazed by the train that travels around the perimeter of the building, but most of all he loved the ice cream. I asked for a taste of Cotton Candy ice cream and shared with Camden to see if he liked it. Well, he wasn't happy that he got only a taste and had to wait in line to get more. Camden and I shared 2 scoops of Cotton Candy ice cream. Camden also had a few other flavors - Reese, Butter Pecan, Chocolate Soft Service and Vanilla Soft Service. I think we'll be making several more trips to SCOOPS this season - or at least Daddy and Camden will when Mommy is working (that is some motivation - working so for money so that Daddy and Camden can enjoy SCOOPS on Daddy's summer break)!

"Let Me Hold You Longer"

On Wednesdays Camden and I are fortunate enough to have a group of friends that we meet with for lunch and playtime. We've gained several friends over the past year, and we are so thankful for all our playgroup friends. This past winter we gathered at The Bean's home for our weekly play date. As we were visiting, Brittany brought out a children's book that was written by Karen Kingsbury. Because Karen Kingsbury is my favorite author I wanted to get a glimpse of what the book was about. Brittany assured all of us that it was such a great book and she began to read the book to us. As she began to read the book, she informed us that it was sad book. Being the emotional person that I am I was a bit afraid to read the book at playgroup, and I didn't really want to listen to Brittany read the book due to my fear of breaking out in tears. So, I distracted myself by playing with all the little ones while Brittany read the book. Over the past week or so I've been trying to organize Camden's new toys and books. While doing so, I ran across this same book that Brittany introduced to me several weeks back. Camden had received a box full of books from the Smith family for his 1st Birthday and this Karen Kingsbury book was one of them. I opened the book and saw a piece of advice from Lee (the giver of the book) and read the book. As I read the book, tears flooded my face.The purpose of this post is to encourage all you mommies out there to get this book titled "Let Me Hold You Longer" and read it everyday. Like all mommies, I, too, get frustrated because I can't get this or that done, don't have time for myself, and just need a few more minutes for this........etc. This book really encourages me to slow down and focus on Camden. Camden is now 1 year old and they days are not getting any shorter so I need to embrace each moment as it will come and go so quickly. I challenge you all (if you have this book or decide to purchase this book) to read this to your little one each day especially in the moments of the day when you are tired or frustrated and you'll have a new appreciation for your time with your little one each time. On a side note, I've read this each day to Camden for 3 days now and I still cry every single time!

Thank you Roger, Lee, Matthew, and Sarah for this book. I will treasure the book and its message more than you'll ever know!

Belated Congratulations Aunt Allie!

Over the past few weeks we have been lucky enough several days with my sister. Camden absolutely loves his Aunt Allie. When she's around he always begs her to hold and entertain him. About 2 weeks ago Allie got some great news - she received an offer from St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, Missouri (she'll be moving to Cape after she gets married in June - sniff, sniff). She will be working in the NICU which is very similar to her current job in the NICU at St. Mary's. Congratulations Aunt Allie on your new job!

This weekends had gone by so quickly. On Friday, we went to Bloomington with Pappy and Grammy Yake. We had yum, yum Chinese food. Then we made a quick visit to Target - my favorite shopping venue! On Saturday, Camden and I went to Vincennes with my mom and sister. My mom got her outfit and jewelry for my sister's upcoming wedding. Wedding planning will be winding down very shortly in the Shafer family. Today we went to church and had my family over for dinner. Camden and Daddy are napping so I'm getting some quiet time to finish up ordering photos on Shutterfly. By the way, if you use Shutterfly, they have free shipping on orders of $25 or over until March 26th and you also get a free 11X14 collage poster with a $25 order. Check it out before the great deal ends! I made a large purchase considering I haven't printed any photos since Christmas (I tend to wait for the free shipping deals to save a little money).

Before I sign off, I'll leave you with a few photos of Camden enjoying his new wagon.

Camden's Party

Despite the scary weather on Sunday, we had a great day. For Camden's first birthday party, we hosted a party in our church basement for our family and close friends. Camden was a bit tired for his party as he's been coming down with another cold; however, he was still is jolly self. Here are the photos I've promised for the last few days.














I want to say thank you to my mom, sister, and Aunt Deb for helping with preparing and serving food, decorating, and cleaning up the party mess. Also, thank you to the our special friend Lee for taking videos of Camden's special day.

The day of Camden's party was Sarah Smith's birthday, so we were celebrating her too. Believe it or not, I can remember babysitting Sarah when she was Camden's age. It is amazing how quickly she has grown into a young woman. We love you Sarah!

Camden's Photo Shoot with Leah

Hi All,

I'm still working on that post to share the Birthday Party memories with all of you. Hopefully I'll get to post a little later tonight.

On Saturday, Camden had a photo shoot with Leah Robinson, and the photos were so, so, so good. You are welcome to check them out on her website. I'm not sure how long the proofs will be available for viewing as I ordered my photo copies today. Go to www.leahrobinsonphoto.com and click on the Proofs link. Our password is Camden.

Enjoy!

Fun Friday

You all know by now that Friday was Camden's 1st birthday. On Friday afternoon, it was super windy outside, so we couldn't spend the whole day outdoors. However, we did get swinging time (Camden's favorite) and then Austin, Camden, and I headed to Evansville with Aunt Allie and Nana. Our first stop was to Red Lobster. Camden's favorite food is fish, so he was in Heaven. He likes the cheddar biscuits too. Then we went to the mall for a carousel ride. We did a little shopping and got Camden's outfit for Aunt Allie's wedding. We played with Camden in the play area and ate and Icee and chocolate chip cookie. We made one last stop at TJ Max and Dress Barn and then headed home for the evening. Camden had a great time and enjoyed the day - he didn't fuss once! What a Happy Birthday! Here are some more photos of Camden's Day.







Enjoy these for a few days and we'll get the party pictures soon - it is almost bedtime for us!

Happy 1st Birthday Camden

Today marks one year anniversary of my most rewarding and happiest year of my life. My baby is now one year old. It is so hard to fathom that one year ago from this very time I was getting to hold my little angel in my arms. While Camden is beginning to look, act, and do big boy things - in my eyes, he's still my baby! Camden's big accomplishments this past month have been crawling (real fast) on his hands and knees, pulling himself up, problem solving (he sticks his index finger in the middle of his Cheerios to pick it up off his tray when they are wet and soggy), has figured out how all his toys work, and definitely misses Mommy and Daddy after being away from us all day (we get hugs and kisses when picking him up from my mom's or the sitters). He does say Ma, Ma, Ma, Ma. He'll say Da, Da, Da, but we aren't certain he has associated Austin with Da, Da, Da. After Austin's spring break next week I'm sure he'll figure it out. Anyway, this year has been a year of firsts and I have enjoyed each one of them and I am a bit sad to see the first year to come to a close. On the other hand, this age is so much fun and we are excited for the warmer weather to arrive so that Camden can be introduced to the outdoors once again. We know he'll love it as he loves to look at the window!

Today we have plans to go to Evansville to the mall to let Camden ride the carousel and play in the mall playground. If the weather permits we plan to visit the park too. Tomorrow is his 1 year old photo shoot, and then on Sunday we'll celebrate with Camden's first birthday party. What a fun weekend!

Here are a few photos of Camden this morning as he began his birthday with his favorite breakfast - homemade blueberry waffles.




Oh, and here is Camden's birthday sign and his birthday hat for his pictures and party. Making these were fun up until last night. Austin and I were hot gluing the pom poms on the hat. After I put hot glue on one of the little pom poms, the pom pom slid down to the palm of my left hand. With my right hand, I grabbed the pom pom and I got burnt pretty bad from the hot glue. I'm sporting bandages today and have limited use of my hands. Camden wonders what I'm wearing on my hands. Someday Camden will appreciate the effort and pain that went into making his birthday hat.


Better go for now as I need to figure out how to take a shower and wash my hair with burns on both hands. I did change a diaper this morning and it was not easy! I'll post pictures of the weekend as time permits, but it may be Monday or Tuesday before I have a chance.

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Camden - Mommy and Daddy love you so much!