It's been a while...

...but we are still here, plus one!

Payton Lana was born September 6th at 1:46 pm weighing in at 7 lbs 6 1/2 oz and 18 1/2 inches tall having only 46 chromosomes.



We will pretend Cameran's excitement level was somewhere around this...

This is about as close as she gets--unless she is blanket, nuk, or bottle thievin', which of course, then it is completely okay to touch baby sister.

Seriously, folks, she is NOT a huge fan of her sister five weeks in.  It gets better right?

Did I mention we moved the week after I got out of the hospital? 

I do not recommend it.  Ever.  Even on my worst enemy.  It was c.r.a.z.y.  But now we are settled (mostly). 

And I go back to work Monday.

:(

It's Been a Long Time

Let's just say that the rest of post-Illinois summer was anything but relaxing.  In the month that I have failed to blog we:
-wrapped up our 2 1/2 week stay with Ryan's family,
-sold our house in less than two weeks (while we were in Illinois)--which led to many document scans and emails to get the ball rolling,
-looked at many houses in search of the one,
-found the one and went through a rollercoaster or ups and downs to get it,
-survived Hurricane Irene, but not without a good basement flooding,
-started back to work,
-packed our hospital bag for Baby G #2 who is set to arrive no later than 9/9/11
-are packing our house
-have two different settlement dates-tentatively-that will allow us to take things to our new home in smaller loads

S-T-R-E-S-S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

I think I can. I think I can.

The only part of this that was "planned" well is the recovering from childbirth part that will allow me to get out of heavy lifting.  I shall be the task master.  And proud of it.

Here's to hoping Cameran adjusts well to her new role as big sister.

38 weeks; August 26th

                                                   Random Cuteness

Almost Wordless Wednesday (from Illinois)

Schwetting quite a lot out here in yonder corn country. I swear the cornfields trap the humidity thus making Pennsylvania feel cool by comparison.

Thank goodness for 24/7 pool access.

Anyway, we are enjoying our time relaxing here with Ryan's family. Cameran is enjoying Grandma and Papa and all of her cousins. She has decided to self-feed graham crackers (evidence below) and is continuing to improve in picking up her sippy cup and has returned to signing "food" and "more" after a monthlong hiatus.

Enjoy.

Fourth of July Weekend

Summertime has helped Cameran find her free spirit and love of water.  She has turned into quite the little AquaBaby lately, and even enjoys her showers and baths.

Here is a little teaser from Sunday.





More to come...

Splish Splash Slurp

Today Cameran and I (with Nanny's help) hosted a Thirty-One Gifts party.  If you have not heard of these products might I suggest heading here and checking them out.

In any case, we had a good time talking, eating, deciding what to buy, and watching a bunch of little girls crawl, walk, and twirl around the room.

Afterwards, my friend H and her little girl M stayed a little while longer to hang out and take a swim in the kiddie pool.  The hopscotch sprinkler (Kohl's) was a big hit with M as well.  Even more impressive was the longevity in which Cameran tolerated the pool.  Usually she is good to go for about five minutes in a kiddie pool and then wants OUT! Not today.  Miss Peanut splished and splashed and interacted with some water toys!!! She stood, stooped, sat, clapped, laughed and not once did she cry.  It was fantastic. 

Here are two little clips of my waterbaby. (Don't mind the lovely adult conversation in the background regarding recent pet deaths and such.  In fact, you can probably live without the sound for at least the first...)





I am fortunate enough to still have three out of four living grandparents of my own, and that lovely arm and half-a side profile was Great Granny's internet debut ;)

In other news, Cameran still gives kisses on demand. If ever you have cotton-mouth Cameran will be there to lend a helping hand, err slobby mouth...



And finally we end the evening with some girly pics of Cameran being a goofball.

Just takin a rest.

Those are ice cream eyes...

Yes, she chases her shadow.

Gotta love the bottom bulldog tooth.

Clapping, a national pasttime.

What?! Bedtime is after this??

Okay, we had fun today. G'night!