Life...and all its cracked up to be

It has been found...

2010-02-20T14:56:00.001-08:00

my password that is! I refused to start a new blog - but that meant I needed to figure out the password to this one. I found it....or figured it out anyhow.

I will blog later :)

BoOk WoRm...

2009-09-15T21:39:00.000-07:00

Camden LOVES books!! He LOVES books so much...his favorite so far are : Brown bear, Brown bear and Polar Bear,Polar Bear and Baby bear, Baby bear and then any real life animal books or books with pictures of real peoples faces. He loves books and I am so glad! Nathan is a book lover too and always has been. Breonna is finally starting to love reading too which has been a blessing! I am happy to have a family of readers!

Favorite Things:

2009-08-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Camden is in love with his blanket. This started a few months ago. It was just a random blanket (that I don't even love myself) that Breonna registered for at Target when we were awaiting Camden's arrival. One of my sisters (Emily, I think) got it for his shower. Another one for a gift from someone else. I was bad and regifted the blanket as I didnt need two (BIG MISTAKE!) One night I grabbed a blanket from his dresser and just put it on him as it was cold and that was IT the next morning he would NOT let it go. Since the, it has been at his side. I am loving the fact he has this blanket. Since he fell in love it he has pretty much slept 6 to 11hours a night which is so nice. Of course since I was dumb and re-gifted the duplicate blanket I HAD to find another one JUST IN CASE. Well Target no longer carried them in the store and people were selling them on eBay for 30.00 or more. This blanket is nothing fancy. Its just a soft, fleece-y, winnie the pooh (gag!) blanket and it was like 15.00 at Target. Finally, I got smart and found it online at Target, not sure why I didnt think of it at the time. But, alas, we have a "just in case", duplicate blanket..he loves them both...Here is the proof!! Thank you Emily for buying the blanket!!! And Thank you Breonna for picking it out!!!

Teeth

2009-08-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

Camden has two of them! One is in all the way and the other is coming in slowly, but it is there. He has been in a good mood through it all which has been a blessing for both our family and Camden. I am glad I don't remember having all those hard teeth pop through my gums. I feel so bad for babies when they teethe, but honestly Camden has been a real trooper through it all. With his 1st tooth coming in we had to do a few doses of tylenol to help the poor guy get through the night, but after that he was good as gold and sleeping through the night. This 2nd tooth has not bothered you at all. Infact, he is (lovingly) biting mommy and daddy's knees all the time :)

Party, party, party...

2009-07-24T23:21:00.000-07:00

All this new business with crawling and pulling himself up really tires him out!!

Happy Birthday...

2009-07-10T21:34:00.000-07:00

to me. Yup, I am 29 years old today. I had a really nice day. It was a hard day, but a nice day. I woke up and worked until about 2pm and then went to the gym and worked out for about an hour and 20min. That felt so good. Had to come back and work a few more hours until the daycare closed, but afterwards I packed up the kiddos and my neice and we headed to Tacoma for dinner at Sakura's Japanese Steak House. It was good. Table of 13 seated and fed. I got some great gifts to put into my savings stash for a new kitchen table I want. I also enjoyed a lovely Happy Birthday song sang wonderfully, and loudly (VERY loudly) by Emily and Stephanie's boyfriends! Yeah me! It was funny though. My good friend Angela came to dinner and it was great to finally see her and hang out with her. We need to do it more often.

Today was kinda hard for me too though. It was the 1st year in 29 years my dad wasnt around for my birthday. As I opened cards I got to my moms card and only seeing my moms name signed at the bottom was hard. I miss my dad, a lot. We always made eachother crazy. We bickered a lot back and forth and he would make me INSANE with his smoking but I loved him more than anything. He was my dad and he was a good man despite his temper at times. I know he loved me and I loved him. It was just hard not seeing his name on that card.

I miss you dad!! I love you!!

Thank you to my mom, sisters Christine, Steph, Emily, Kam, Dan, Angela, Nathan, Breonna and Camden and my husband Floyd for the wonderful dinner out and great gifts and flowers. It really was a nice evening out and a great ending to a nice 29th birthday!! I just wish dad could of been there too.

Workout week 2

2009-07-07T15:48:00.000-07:00

So Saturday Michelle, two of her kids, her dog Tug and my three kids and our two dogs went for a nice long walk in the hot weather. We walked from my house to Silver Creek Park. Down a huge hill and then back up the hill. It was a fantasic and tiring walk. The dogs were pooped, I was beat and the kids were hot and hungry too. It was perfect. I just wish Floyd had decided to come.

Sunday - no work out. Just a day of rest and cleaning the house.

Monday - Went to the gym. Brought Camden. I did not stay very long as it was Camden's 1st time in Nursery care there and I worried about him. I stayed about 30min doing the treadmill. I should of stayed longer and did weights and the eliptical since Camden was totally fine in there.

Tuesday- Will be going back to the gym tonight. Hoping Camden can just stay home with daddy. We will see though!

Watermelon

2009-07-06T11:31:00.001-07:00

Oh those hot summer days and loving on watermelon! Do you remember those days?! Well Camden was able to enjoy his FIRST hot summer day of chomping on watermelon, and he loved it..and it was on his 1st Fourth of July.

Workout week 1 just a side blog for me really

2009-07-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

As long as I can remember I have always been heavier. There were times that I thought I was heavy, but looking back I now realize I am actually at my heaviest ever and "back then" while I was heavier I was actually healthier. I have joined many gyms. Doing well at going, but soon losing interest in going due to either previous committment, too tired or really just being plain lazy! When I used to go to Graham Fitness with a friend of mine I went and it was working, then she stopped going so I ended up stopping. Stupid reason, but really working WITH someone really does help you and motivate you. Yesterday, I went with a wonderful and best friend of mine to Callaway fitness and I paid for yet another membership. My ultimate goal is to actually GO and I know going with Michelle will really play a big part in achieving my goal!! I really WANT to lose this weight. I need to find my nitch and keep reminding me that I dont need to go, but I WANT TO GO!!

Reasons for going:

1) I'd like to one day get pregnant. If I don't, I will say I am totally happy and loving my family as it is. With Camden here I am in love and I fall more and more in love with him. I am feeling like a better mom to ALL my kids.

2) I want my kids to be proud of me.

3) I want to be able to KEEP UP with my kids and live to see them grow old! I want to know my great-great grandbabies!

4) I want to dress in actual clothing that looks NICE on me rather than the same 4 outfits I do wear, or really fit into.

5) I want to be proud of ME!

Tonight, the original plan was to go with Michelle to Callaway and work out. She called me and said "okay I am ready" so I asked her to pick me up and we would go. Not even a minute later my phone rang again it was Michelle asking me if I wanted to WALK there...uh, no I didnt want too. But I did! I WALKED the entire way. I know I am slow, super slow but I did it!! I am really proud of myself. It was HOT out, and I hate the heat, but I did it. I really did it. We walked an hour and 15 min there, and then worked out for about 45min and walked the hour or so BACK home. I honestly thought several times on the way home I could call Floyd to come get me, but Michelle pushed me gently and I really did have to pee! But I made it home! I am excited and happy that I made it.

more to come...

Camden playing in the grass...

2009-07-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

From yesterday evening. Floyd was BBQ'ing dinner and I needed a break from the lil'man so daddy said he would take Camden outside while he cooked dinner. So much for the break I wanted and needed. I ended up taking pictures of Camden! Ahhh..such a sweet face!

8months

2009-06-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

My Camden is 8 months old and actually heading towards 9 months in a few days now. It has been a wonderful 8 months having him in our lives. 8 months brought TONS of new things!

*Sleeping through the night
*Crawling
*Pulling himself up
*Sleeping through the night
*Eating TONS of solids and some table food too
*Loving on a new blankey he needs...all the time.
*Sleeping through the night
*Saying "Mamama" and "dadada" and "etetetet" (Whatever that is!?!)
*Sleeping through the night

Monday I was able to enjoy the day off, doing taxes for 2008 and spent the afternoon with my family at the beach! Here are some pictures from that day trip!

Just an FYI to my frequent readers.....

2009-06-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

I had some people email me and say "we read your blog, but we don't want to join" well I just wanted to let you know you DO NOT HAVE TO JOIN OR SIGN UP to leave a comment.
If you want to comment on the blog you can click "comment" and then click on Name/URL and just input your name. If you do not have a blog or website then just leave it blank and hit the "post comment" buttom and there ya go!

8 months old today

2009-06-07T21:50:00.001-07:00

Camden is 8 months today. I cried when I realized what the date was! He is growing up and I don't think I am totally ready for it. But, there is not much I can do about it I suppose.

This evening I laid Camden down for bed. He was playing around in his crib, beating Froggie and talking. Finally, after 35min of listening to him I looked in the baby monitor (we have a video monitor!) and at 9:39pm I went RUNNING in his room and because I had saw him in the monitor and he was STANDING in his crib! Are you kidding me!?! We *JUST* lowered the darn thing to the 2nd highest position because he sat himself up in there. And honestly I am scared that if we lower it to the lowest position he will be stuck in his crib because I cannot reach down to get him out of there...I am too short!

Incase you did not know he was born at 9:39am and he found standing in his crib at 9:39pm...

Breonna and baseball

2009-06-06T17:37:00.000-07:00

Well today was Breonna's last game of the season in baseball. I took my new camera with and got some pretty good shots of her! She is an excellent player. She had a rough go at the beginning of the year but man, does she ever improve and fast! Breonna has a great arm and she can throw the ball FAR!

Below is s sequence of Breonna hitting the baseball! This camera is awesome!

Here is Breonna doing one of her famous slides...she was SAFE! Can you see her??

Getting ready to catch the ball. She has been doing great!!

Up to bat! Breonna hit a homerun as soon as I snapped the photo! Go Breonna!!

Just a good picture of Breonna doing what she is supposed to be doing out there!

Go Breonna! Go Breonna! Go Breonna!

Breonna caught this pop fly ball and got the girl out as well as getting another out!

Milestones..

2009-05-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Looks like Floyd and I will need to lower Camden's crib a notch. He has discovered how to sit up when laying down. So far he has done it twice and it has only been while IN his crib.

He is growing up. My soul rejoices and my heart breaks.

Best Buds

2009-05-26T21:38:00.000-07:00

Camden has a little friend and his little friend is SUPER cute! His friends name is Colin Weston. He is two weeks older than Camden and just adorable. It is so nice when I can meet up with Colin's mom and we can compare "notes" on the boys. We met up on Sunday and after church headed to the Olive Garden for lunch. Here are some pics of the boys together...

Our Day!

2009-05-23T16:27:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the sun was top on my list today! I did NOT want to see my kids sitting on the computer or watching TV all day and I certainly did not want to be stuck inside doing laundry and cleaning something I do daily! I could not decide when Floyd left for work what we were going to do, but I wanted to do something, anything really.

The kids and I decided to head to the Pt. Defiance Zoo...apparently so did several other people!! We drove around for about 30min TRYING to get a darn parking spot. We gave up and headed to Fort Nisqually. I had not been there in several years and Nathan was more than happy to go. Breonna was unsure of what it was so we drove past the zoo and made our way there and there was TONS of parking,we parked right smack in the front (guess it is because everyone and there mom was at the Zoo)! Got Camden in his stroller, got the diaper bag, paid and actually we had a good time in there. They have added more things to do. There were people (actors) there re-creating a lot of the things that happened back then. Nate and Bree got to play with the toys from "way back then", as Bree calls it and we got some cute pictures to share too! Camden had a great time too. He was carried through 90% of it due to us walking in and out of the little houses! Carrying 16lbs is not so fun!!

After we left Ft. Nisqually Nate and Bree wanted to see if we could find parking for the Zoo again so we drove past it and nope, a million other people were there. In fact people were parking on the sides of the roads making it near impossible for two cars going the opposite way to get past one another. I drive a Ford Expedition so my hurking beast was not easily maneuvered around there. We gave up and headed for the Go Karts. Nate and Bree loved it and rode them twice. Camden enjoyed watching them zip past us too!!

Frogs

2009-05-20T15:04:00.000-07:00

SO when Camden was born he was given a stuffed frog (that croaks!) by a friend of mine. It actually means a lot to me....I collect frogs, my dad who recently passed away collected frogs and from what I remember Camden's birthmom collects them too...sadly, the giver of the frog is terrified of frogs though!

Anyhow, this frog has always sat in Camden's crib. Since Camden just recently started using his crib for both naps and night time sleeping the frog has been noticed by Camden more. It started out that the frog just sat at the top of his crib trapped between the wall and crib so he could see it. Then, Camden would start to reach for it so it began our tradition that before every nap and before I laid him down for bedtime he and I would pet it so it would "croak" at us. He would smile and bat at it to get it to go it again, I would lay him in his crib and I would kiss Camden good night and pat the frog to make it croak, Camden would watch it and I would leave..when he would wake up we would always say "hello" to the frog and go on about our day.

The day Camden had surgery for tubes we brought "froggie" with us and he would giggle at him, cuddle him and just love on him. It was then I realized Camden really did love this frog.

Anyways to make a long story short...Camden sleeps with this frog now. Before he goes to sleep I had him the frog and he pats it, well he BEATS it to make it croak and he smiles proudly at me and hugs the frog and eats it feet (are they feet or sticky pads?!?!) and he drifts off to sleep patting the frog..when the croaking stops I know Camden and Froggie are sounds asleep.

Here is the picture of Camden and Froggie from last night!

WINNER

2009-05-16T18:34:00.000-07:00

Tabby is the winner! It was Bananas and Sweet Potatos.

Tabby can ya email me your address so I can send you your little gift. My email address is NPowell1980@comcast.net

WOOHOO TABBY!!

My Promise...

2009-05-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

As 7 months have come and are starting to go I have thought so much about Camden and his birthparents. I worry about them, I pray for them. I pray their hearts are healing and they are doing well too.

I keep going back to the night we left the hospital with Camden in my arms. I was crying. I was crying for several reasons. I was exhasted from no sleep, stress and worry. I was feeling guilty and sad, I wanted to see his birthmom before we left and hug her and tell her how much she and he meant to not only me but whole entire family, but I just couldnt bring myself to go up there, I was overwhelemed and so in love with this little bundle, I was scared to be a new mom, I was sad for the birthparents and birth brother, I wanted *my* mom with me, our lives were about to be changed, sleep was no longer going to be in my vocabulary and overall I was just feeling heartache for Camden's birthparents.

I have made myself several promises over the last few weeks. I started making these promises and I was putting together another album for his birthfamily. These are not only promises I am making to myself but for Camden and his birthfamily. Here they are and I promise to do my very very best at upholding them:

~ I promise we will ALWAYS, no matter what, no strings attached, unconditionally LOVE Camden.

~ I promise to tell Camden how much you, his first parents, love him.

~ I promise when I tell Camden how much we love him to remind him that he was loved before we loved him.

~ I promise when he does any new firsts to kiss him twice, once from you and once from us.

~ I promise that when he hurts or makes a mistake to hold him and hug him a just a little longer and remind him he is never alone.

~ I promise to remind him he came from God's arms, to your arms and then to our arms.

~ I promise to do my best at giving him BOTH of his mother's love.

This is what I can promise and do my best to uphold.

Camden is a joy beyond words. His little face just melts my heart. Looking at him I wonder how I ever walked this life before without him. He fits in our family so perfectly. He is loved so much by not only me, his daddy, and his brother and sister but by my mom and my sisters and our friends and extended family.

I feel I have given myself a little closure in not feeling so guilty anymore, I can only do what I can do from where I am standing and that is to uphold my promises and continue to be a loving mommy to Camden, Bree and Nate...and I hope you are healing and doing well and I am here for you whenever you need.

Can you guess what was for dinner?

2009-05-12T15:02:00.001-07:00

Little contest..Can you guess what Camden had for dinner the other night? It was a fruit and a veggie. :) Looks yummy huh? I will mail out a small prize to the winner!!

This will end on Friday...this Friday.

OH and I believe you can click and enlarge the pictures if you need too.

~Nicole

April 29th brings more firsts for Camden

2009-05-10T00:27:00.002-07:00

April 29th was a big day in Camden's little life. It is the I gave Camden a Ritz cracker and he loved it! As you can see from the pictures below, he was in love with the cracker. We didn't let him "eat" the big pieces he broke off. Just let him suck and naw on it until it was soft. At first he was just licking it and tasting it here and there unsure of what it was we offered him...and then we got smart and put the bib on him!

After the cracker I cleaned him up and I needed to work on some daycare billing. Camden had been trying several times to sit up with assistance and just had not gotten the hang of it. Well, for some reason that day (April 29, 2009) Camden decided he could just "do it".....and he did! I sat him up and figured, if he fell while I grabbed my water he would live. Well I didnt hear a crash, no tears NOTHING. I peeked around the corner and low and behold he was STIL SITTING THERE! And he continued to sit there and play. He sat up for close to 20min without toppling over and since then all he wants to do is sit up and play with his toys!

And then it happened! Camden rolled from his back to his tummy! Before this video was actually recorded he had done this 2 other times and each time I swore I was recording it, but of course I was not. I never hit the record button! He had also rolled over from his tummy to back in his crib and since that day he has slept on his tummy in his crib every night!!

Untitled from Nicole Powell on Vimeo.

,,

2009-05-10T00:27:00.001-07:00

6th Grade Camp

2009-05-09T23:21:00.000-07:00

Breonna and Floyd just got back from 6th Grade Camp at Camp Arnold. Every 6th grader gets to go to Camp Arnold and it is a blast, from what I hear. Floyd has gone with both kids and each time stayed overnight as a chaperone. It was supposed to be my year to go with Breonna, but I couldn't take Camden, we didnt have anyone to keep him if Floyd went (which he had agreed to go too), and I just could not close the daycare for 3 days and I could not afford to pay 17 plus dollars to have two people run the daycare for 3 days, 12 hours a day..anyhow, I missed joining her at camp BUT she has continued to tell me about it since she arrived home. I will say Bree is so lucky to have a dad who wants to hang out with her and do these great things.

Anyhow, Breonna had a wonderful time. They keep the kids super busy there. From 8am until 9pm they are busy, busy, busy...they get to go in a canoe, rock climb, shoot a bow an arrow, go swimming, hiking, group time, go on a huge zip line, ride a huge swing and overall just hang out with their friends have a great time and make tons of memories! Here are some pictures below.

6 months and 12 years

2009-04-22T17:07:00.000-07:00

A lot has been going on during this April 2009.

Camden you are 6 months old now and doing so many new things. You are able to roll over from your tummy to back. I suspect the reason you roll so well from tummy to back is because you hate being on your tummy for longer than a quarter of a millasecond so you just resort to rolling over onto your back. Its just from shear frustration! You have also discovered rolling from back to tummy but, you would not be caught dead doing this unless a dog was near by or something other than one of your many toys was there to grab (i.e a remote, a movie case, a shoe, a dog bone, etc.)

Camden you amaze us everyday. You have been in our lives for 6 months now. It seems like you were never not apart of our lives. You just "fit" like everyone else in our lives do. My dear sweet baby you have turned into a wriggling, bouncing, moving, diving, grabbing little person. You are all smiles and coos these days. My life is so complete with you in it. I can't imagine not having you here. You are starting to sit up on your own, but you get so exited once you are sitting on your own you fall over or face first onto the carpet! You are able to reach the toys on the hanging bar on your exersaucer and even PULL them to get them to make noise and vibrate! You know how to jump in the jumperoo some and wiggle enough to get your exersaucer to rock. The funniest thing ever is the fake "cough" you do, you started that this morning and have done it non-stop all day, smiling harder when someone does it back to you and then mimicing them. As the months have gone by you have learned to lunge for anything you want or think you should have. We have to keep close hands on you at all times or I fear you may end up on the floor. Carrying you around has become hard as when we walk anywhere holding you squirm to reach for something further away! Camden you have also developed what every child at your age develops and that is a love for your mommy and daddy only. You don't want anyone else you might not know to hold you, touch you or even look at you unless you are being held by mom or dad. And if that person looks like or does remove you from our arms you cry with your arms out reaching for one of us to "save" you....and secretly I love it :) It won't last long but for now I will cherish this "milestone".

Many days I find myself thinking back to the day we first saw you and all the emotions I had. I can't even begin to tell you how special you are to us. I do wonder how your first mom and dad are, how your brother is doing and wanting to make sure they are doing just as well as you are doing. I have so much more I want to say to them. How many times over can you thank someone for allowing you such a special gift? We are blessed so many times over to have you in our lives. I don't think there is much more we could say. I hope I have said it enough to them. I don't think I have though. I hope that by seeing your pictures and reading this blog they know how loved and important they are to us and will be to you as your grow and learn about them. Your daddy and I feel they are another extention to our already happy family. So to you K, J and Z you are loved by us all and you all mean the world to us.

*****
Breonna you are 12 now. You are growing up and becoming a person far more wonderful than I could of ever imagined. You are very sure of yourself, you have an amazing personality and a love your baby brother that amazes me. Breonna you are strong willed and minded. You have a strength all your own. Watching YOU grown up has been such a blessing. I remember when you were a baby and I can't even believe you have gotten this big in such a short time. Time really does go by far too fast when you have kids. One minute I was singing and rocking to you and the next I am shopping for bras and make up with you and grounding you from your cell phone! Breonna you are a strong athlete. Amazingly strong in baseball and basketball. I hope we are raising you to be a great woman! I guess I won't really know until you are all grown and on your own.

For your birthday this year we decided to forgo the birthday with friends for both you and Nathan and do family parties only and take you both to the Great Wolf Lodge for a night of playing in a water park. You both seemed okay with that. We were happy you were because your dad and I needed to get you both away and just have some family time. This would be the best place to do it we thought.

I love you Breonna! Happy 12th Birthday too... :)

Bangs for babies...

2009-04-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

Just plain ol' silly if you ask me!

http://www.babybangshairband.com/

http://www.heelarious.com/index.php

http://www.thudguard.com/

A few fun sites to check out!

2009-04-08T07:59:00.000-07:00

Here are a few fun sites to click on and check out when you are bored and just surfing the web.

www.myprettypinkbox.com

(this really is a cute idea. I have not ordered from them yet, but a friend of mine said she loved all the stuff she got!)

www.woot.com

(A website where they sell just one product each day. Its kinda fun to just click on the link to see what they are selling. Some days its really odd stuff, like a beer making kit and other days it could be something awesome, like a really cool garlic press...haha!)

www.heyitsfree.com

(Kinda cool. Another sample site! You can "get it free" or skip. Lots of different catagories too!)

Eating

2009-03-27T08:00:00.000-07:00

Well Floyd and I decided to give Camden some baby oatmeal tonight. We knew the time was coming. As much as I wanted to wait until he was 6 months or older it was just time for him to enjoy this little bit of goodness. The other night I took him and couple daycare kids to McDonalds for dinner and dessert. The older kids and I got some icecream and I gave him a little taste. He loved it. I figured one taste was enough! Nope, not for Camden! He wanted more and FREAKED out because he couldnt get the spoon. So I gave him another little taste and he took it, and smild at me reaching for the spoon. I know oatmeal is not as good as icecream, but he sure liked it. Only a few funny faces and lots of smiles....then he wanted to do it by himself! After he was done with the two whole tablespoons of oatmeal he got washed up and he did NOT like that at all. But big sister Breonna was there to resuce him and life was good again!

"The first bite of Oatmeal "

"It was kinda a big bite, but he didnt seem to mind!"

"Hmmm what is this stuff?!"

"I can do this job myself, DAD!"

"Yeah, this isn't so bad"

"What is all the funny faces for mom?!"

"HEY! Give me that back!"

"This getting cleaned up was NOT supposed to be part of the deal!"

"WAHHHHH...save me BREONNA!"

"Finished, full, safe and cleaned up."

Kisses and hugs

2009-03-26T15:20:00.000-07:00

Camden loves giving his mommy kisses and hugs....while he is cute and I love all his hugs and kisses, they are slimy and gross! He grabs hold of my face, says "ahhhh!" opens his mouth and plants his open mouth on my face or lips and either licks me or sucks on my face....crazy kid! I am loving every minute of his slimy, gross, open mouthed, drooly, kisses!

What a funny kid!

2009-03-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Camden has some FUNNY facial expressions! I always wonder what he is really thinking once we snap the photo and see it.

What do you think he is thinking?

Our weekend

2009-03-15T22:20:00.000-07:00

Well we have an eventful weekend here at the Powell household. Friday evening started off with a bang. Floyd and I got the kids pictures done at Picture People in the Tacoma Mall for Camden's first St. Patrick's Day, actually it was just ANY excuse to get pics of my three cute kiddos! Because I hate scanning things I will leave the link to the proofs on here and you can check them out for yourself. We will go back in a month for Camden's 6 months pictures. We decided to do 3days, 1 month, 3 months, 6months, 9months and 12months pictures and then every 6 months after that professionally. So anyways, here is the link : http://smilestore.picturepeople.com/pn/tpp/claim?em=npowell1980@comcast.net&acc=bd7d18b68c my email address is NPowell1980@comcast.net, the access code is : bd7d18b68c and the password is : npowell80

Okay after pictures on Friday I noticed Camden coughing ALOT and it was hard and just sound awful. Floyd and I decided to just stop in at the Urgent Care. The Doctor said it was croup (click to read about it). They gave him an oral steroid and sent us home at 11pm at night. Camden slept great, ate great, happy, etc. Then at 6:45am we woke up to THIS. For those of you who don't me, fire is my biggest fear ever. I totally freaked out when I saw this. I woke up to explosions, they were so loud. The sky was literally orange with fire and then black and grey with smoke. I was hysterical. I cannot even believe it happened. It was so scary. My best friend Michelle came down and stayed with us. Thankfully everyone in those homes were safe and okay. There homes on the otherhand are gone. Fires are so scary and they just rob you of everything. Saturday night I woke up several times with nightmares of it. I honestly am just so scared of fires.

Sunday - Went to a babyshower for a friend. So fun! I love watching people open gifts. Then I got hom and my poor baby was hacking up a lung, he is NOT better and sounds worse. Floyd an I decided we should take him in, so I did. After 3.5hours at the Urgent Care and 2 x-rays later Camden her pneumonia! Lucky me! Poor baby! Oh..and croup! Double yeah! More meds, no more steroids! Tomorrow I work!

Nathan and Breonna are doing great (and they are HEALTHY!). Nathan is doing good in school, struggling in a few classes but mostly is lack of wanting to do the work. He lost his cell phone until he got his grades up..amazing how that works! He had his grades up in two days! Go Nate! I told him, next time they slip the phone is mine for month along with all tv and computer. He promised he would work harder to keep them up! Breonna is is doing great too. We have had her working with a tutor twice and week and she is improving SO much with the help of the tutor. Breonna is feeling more positive about the work she is doing too, which is what we wanted. She still has a long road ahead of her but she is working hard! Breonna is also reading the Twilight series and she is REALLY into it. I am so glad, she has struggled with enjoying reading but when that girl finds something she likes she will read like no ones business!

Feet part 2

2009-03-15T00:08:00.000-07:00

Camden and his feet! He started this new trick on March 6th at about 7:45am. Sorry to so long to get pictures put up! It has been a CRAZY couple of weeks in the Powell household!

Feet

2009-03-06T17:48:00.001-08:00

Camden has found his feet! He loves them! He loves to chew on them, drool on them, talk to them, pull them over his head...he just loves his feet!

I will post pictures when he isnt so grumpy! :)

Tomorrow my baby will be 5 months old. I cannot believe it!

Adoption pictures~

2009-03-04T14:42:00.001-08:00

Camden Robert - LeRoy Powell

Born October 7, 2009

Adopted February 27, 2009

Our baby boy!

It is offical. The Judge just signed the paperwork!

Here we are swearing in

Big Brother Nathan, waiting in the lobby

Friend, Terri and Camden. Terri's best friend is Camden's birthmom

Mommy and Camden waiting in the lobby

Daddy and Camden

He is so adorable! I am in love!

Camden and Judge Harrmann. Camden was signing off on the Adoption!

Just sitting with mommy waiting!

Big Sister Breonna and Camden. We were done with court and paying for paperwork!

Bittersweet day...

2009-02-27T14:16:00.000-08:00

Infant boy Longely has officially been named Camden Robert - LeRoy Powell in accordance to Washington State Law. Today February 27, 2009 Camden was offically welcomed into our home and hearts for forever and ever. Surrounded by those who love us all we went into the court room about 10:30am and made it offical.

Those who attended were: My mom, three sisters: Christine, Emily and Stephanie, my good friends Angela, her daughter Alexia, Mary, Camden's God Mother Michelle, Terri and Shirley along with myself, Floyd, Nathan and Breonna. We filled the court room. Camden was a real trooper and was happy and giggling (and drooling) the entire time. I was a huge mess.

Floyd and I are so blessed to have Camden in our lives. His birth parents (and brother) gave us a huge gift. A son. We are enternally thankful to them and wish them all the best. We promise to love and care for Camden as we would any biological child. Camden is a WONDERFUL baby and we are so, so, so happy to have him in our lives.

Today, was a bittersweet day in our lives. My dad, Robert (Bob) passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 22nd 2009 at Tacoma General Hospital. Camden was named after him. Today as we welcomed Camden into our home and hearts for forever and we will sadly let my father go as he is welcomed into God's good graces and led into Heaven's gates on Monday, March 2, 2009 at 11am. We were so lucky to have Camden meet my dad and see my dad love on Camden even if was for only just a few short months.

Welcome to our FOREVER family Camden Robert - LeRoy Powell and Daddy we will FOREVER remember and love you!!!!!

If you LOVE Ju-Ju-Be Diaper bags and accessories as much as I do...

2009-02-11T08:59:00.001-08:00

you will LOVE this blog contest!

For more information visit this blog http://mommy-mentor.blogspot.com/2009/02/blog-giveaway-win-ju-ju-be-set-in.html and try to get yourself a new JJB bag and join the ADDICTION!!!

You won't be disappointed! These bags SCREAM " love "

4 month check up

2009-02-04T13:45:00.001-08:00

Well Camden had his 4 month check up today. He isnt really 4 months until Saturday the 7th but since we were going for a "sick visit" they decided to do his 4 month check up today instead of us driving back into Federal Way this Friday.

Camden is 13lbs and 7 ounces, he is 24inches long. Had two shots and an oral medication. He screamed and then passed out fast asleep before I could get him buckled into his carrier!

~BIG NEWS~

Camden's "tentative" adoption date to finalize the adoption will be February 27, 2009. Unless for some reason the social worker doesnt get the paperwork in on time, this is the DAY! He will offically be Camden Robert-LeRoy Powell. Everyone is invited to court house to be there on this special day!! The Saturday following we will have an open house with food and drinks and people can come by and see the little man. Floyd and I are just so blessed. Nathan and Breonna will be so happy to have a day off to "go to court" with us. I am excited for them to be there when the adoption finalization takes place. We didnt let them come to the birth just because we wanted to make sure everything went as planned and if it didnt I didnt want them to be there. They did come up that afternoon and stayed late into the evening which I loved.

So excited! More news on this to follow once we get the offical letter from the lawyer! I will have the *Where, when, and all that jazz posted or emailed out to those of you interested in coming!*

2009-02-02T09:17:00.000-08:00

Camden is getting so big. He is nearly 4 months now. Camden is just a wonder to have around here. His smile truly does light up the room. When someone is upset or angry, picking him up seems to just make is all go away. You can't be unhappy holding Camden. His smile is contagious. The way he grabs at your face and "talks" will make your heart melt.

Camden's new tricks these last few weeks include: screeching, laughing a lot more and.....SLEEPING!!! Floyd and I are sleeping better, finally! Really sleeping better that is. Camden goes down in between 8:30 and 9:30pm depending on his last evening nap and gets up about 1:30 - or 2am to eat and then sleeps until 6:30 to eat again and will sleep until 9 or 10am depending on the day and/or what we have going on.

Below are some Camden pictures. Breonna said she wanted these ones posted! She thinks its cute how he has no wasit and a tiny butt and stick legs, but funny how he has a big "tummy". We are not sure how those little twig leggies will carry him! He is getting long and strong!

Check back this week for more pictures and an update on his 4 month stats! Also going to try to get Nathan and Breonna to let me take a few pictures of them. :) We do LOVE Nathan and Breonna...they just run from the camera!!

A budget?!

2009-01-28T22:14:00.000-08:00

Yup! Nicole is going to try to do a budget. I want to know what is coming in and going out. I know we eat out far too much and I know there are times where our bills go out late. Like this month. This month I have to pay quarterly taxes, which sucks. So that means some bills get put to the way-side to pay the taxes. But I *KNOW* we make enough to not have to do that, so where does it all go? That is the magic question. We don't go on lavish trips, we don't spend tons on shopping or going out (infact Floyd and I havent gone out alone, but once since Camden was born)and we don't buy huge ticket items. Unfotunatly it seems the "little" things add up. Those trips to Target or Safeway, the 10 o'clock ice cream run, etc.

SO my good friend Michelle sent me this link to an online budgeting system. It seems like a great program, though I have not used it much. It offers you a 30 day free trial period and afterwards it is $3.00 per month (I need to remember to add THAT into my budget). I know a lot of people use Excel or Quicken but I don't have either and this is online so I could do it from anywhere internet (and a computer) is available which is nice.

Say a prayer I...I mean "we" do well with this! We need an intervention

Just a few radical randoms of Camden....

2009-01-25T20:06:00.000-08:00

What Camden discovered!

2009-01-24T15:36:00.000-08:00

Camden has been discovering a lot of new things lately. His hands is the biggest thing he has found. He chews on them, sucks on them, raises them over his head and talks to them, he watches his fingers flex and again he sucks on them, a ton! The other day I stuck him in the bumbo. He was sitting there starring so hard downward. His expressions are so sweet. It might be hard to see what he discovered on himself.

He discovered his SHOES!! Once he figured out he could reach his feet he was jabbering away again...to his shoes. Crazy kid!

A talking Camden

2009-01-23T23:39:00.000-08:00

So Camden is quite a talker these days. He has always been a verbal little one. Very talkative in his baby babble. He also has been very expressive when chatting to you too. Today, Mary was back at work (SO happy she is back!) and Camden was sitting in the bumbo, yes it is pink and he was just talking to her...she snapped some photos of him while he was jabbering away to her in his baby babble.

3 month post placement visit.

2009-01-22T19:58:00.000-08:00

Well our 3 month post placement was on Wednesday January 21, 2008 at 2:30pm. We met with Joni Irvin at our home and it was smooth as butter. She was very nice. Loved Camden. For those of you who don't know or don't understand when you adopt the birth parents rights are terminated 48hours after the baby is born. The birth parents have 48 hours to say they want the baby back or go on with the adoption as planned. When the rights are terminated an order for temporary custody is put in and granted to the adoptive parents. Then in 3 months you meet with a social worker to do a post placement visit. This visit basically is where the social worker comes into your home again and just asks how things are going and really just makes sure everyone has adjusted to the baby and life as new parents/family. Like I said above ours was painless. Joni was very sweet, told us how adorable Camden is, held him, saw his room, toured our home and met the kids and my neice. She loved how we had lots of books to read to Camden about being adopted, how we kept a photo of him and his birth dad in his room and a album of his birth in there too. She basically asked us the following:

*how much did he weigh at birth
*how much do we think he weighs now
*how is his health
*what are his sleeping patterns
*what were some trials of becoming new parents
*what are some of the best moments
*what do you do as a family on the weekend
*who is your childs doctor (we also had to get a note from the doctor about his health and a copy of his shot records)
*how have the kids adjusted to a new brother
*what kind of formula is he on
*how often is he eating
*what are some new milestones of his/is he on target

Then she wanted to see the house. She spoke to the kids and my neice a little bit and then told us the best words ever.....

Once I write up your post placement I will call Joyce (our lawyer) and Joyce will call you and you can schedule your adoption finalization with the courts. So in 3 to 5 weeks the adoption should be finalized...we can bring whomever we want to the court house to be there and then the next day we will have a nice party for Camden and his adoption day!!!!

This is truly "The beginning". After so many years this is all just a blessing and a huge dream come true.

I miss

2009-01-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

Mary. She works here with me at the daycare. I really do miss her. I have always known how much I truly need her and want her here with me. I do totally appreciate her. But her not being here all week has been hell. I miss her a lot. Mary had to have surgery and has been out recovering. She has been "out of work" since Thursday of lat week. She is supposed to come back on Monday, but I am kind of thinking she truly may need more time to recover before coming back. Until then I am missing her! Mary I love you and need you here with me! It is just not the same!!

PS remember dinner and slippers on me when you feel better!

On another note:

I have to pay bills
I dislike laundry...but as of today at 12:39pm it is almost done.
More money would be nice.
Our bathroom needs to be cleaned and I know it will be up to me to do it.
The kitchen floor should be mopped today. OH! and probably swept.
My daycare day is not even half over, or maybe it is but its going by slowly!

Off to daycare!

Okay again...

2009-01-09T22:58:00.001-08:00

Who reads this thing? Let me know! Show some love!!

I am beginning to think I blog for Michelle's benefit only :) Ha ha !!

Love you all....whoever you are!

A small update

2009-01-09T11:06:00.000-08:00

No pictures this time..

Well Camden turned 3 months on January 7, 2009. I am sad. I do not want my baby to grow up. It is happening far too fast and I just do not like it one bit. Well, honestly I am enjoying watching him do new things, but I am missing some of the old things he used to do too. Here are some of his new things:

*Talking so much more. He babbles and coos all the time.
*Camden giggled for the first time last week. He has only done it once more since.
*He now reaches and bats at his toys on his floor play mat. Camden loves it.
*Camden can sit up pretty well in the bumbo now.
*He has started taking his daytime naps in his crib....and actually sleeps well.
*Camden has a fairly good daily and nightly rutein.

Some of the things I miss:

*Camden doesnt just "fall asleep" anywhere anymore.
*He is not just content to sit on my lap and stare. He wants interaction more and more.
*Camden is acknowledging other people he knows. Silly I know, but I kind of liked being the "one and only".

Above all else Camden is growing, he is happy, healthy and so so so so cute!

A few other tid bits of information:

January 21st is Camden's 3 month post placement before the adoption is finalized.

Breonna has started tutoring and actually likes it and it is helping her.

Breonna has started basketball. Her 1st game is coming up soon.

Nathan is tall, very tall.

Nathan is excelling in almost every class. He has a class or two he needs to improve on.

Floyd is still looking for a job.

My assistant, Mary (whom I love) is off work for about a week or so. She had to have surgery an I miss her....a lot.

Daycare is busy. I need a day off and I am looking forward to hiring someone to come work with Mary so I can have a Friday or two a month off. I need it.

I had a lump in my armpit. I thought it was Cancer, it wasnt. It was a cyst.

Michelle has *promised* she will come help me hang pictures on my stairway BEFORE the 20th of this month!

and last but not least....

My family is happy, healthy and we I couldnt ask for more, well...maybe for Floyd to be working :)

Camden has his first...

2008-12-29T18:55:00.000-08:00

ear infection. My poor baby. He has an ear infection in both ears. Last night he had a temp of 100.6 and it would come and go without meds. Took him in today to the dr's and yup, just like I thought...ear infection..

Poor baby. It does make me really sad to know he is sick. I have an ear infection (again!) and let me tell you its no fun. I do feel bad. Thankfully, he is still fairly happy and talking. Just sleeping a lot and wants mommy...

Off to medicate the poor guy!

Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T00:42:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2008 has come and gone. It seems like we spend so much time preparing for Christmas. The shopping, wrapping, sending out cards, holiday parties, preparing to mail boxes,put the lights up, the tree up, Santa pictures and so much more. We stress about what we need to get done and what we havent gotten done and then in the blink of an eye it is all over with. This year I ended up wrapping ALL our Christmas presents on Christmas Eve morning, wrapped more into the afternoon and once we got home from my parents I still had a few to wrap. After wrapping ALL those gifts, I looked at the clock and realized it was after midnight and in just a few short hours all those nicely wrapped boxes in shiney, colored paper would be torn to shreds. All the hours of work put into wrapping those boxes only to have them ruined.....the good part was seeing my family light up and be so thankful for what we each recieved. (Next year I will wrap sooner so I can enjoy the pretty boxes!)

The Powell Christmas was a great one. We spent this year with our newest family member Camden. Nathan and Breonna as they have gotten older are more understanding of what Christmas truly is about. While the gifts are wonderful they know that the gifts arnt what Christmas is ALL about.

Nathan and Breonna got some really nice gifts from family and friends. We got to spend time with my side of the family on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I think the BEST part of Christmas 2008 was having Roger, Floyd's dad here for another year to celebrate with us. We are truly blessed to have him still here with us. Roger told me on Thanksgiving "I know I am sick, I know I am supposed to die, but Nicole I will live another 10 years!!" And if I must say so myself I think he really will too!

Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year! This year was even more special. Camden is here. My sisters,their boyfriends, my mom, my dad, Nathan, Breonna, my husband and myself all just dote on him. He is not lacking for arms to hold him or hugs or kisses. The child whimpers and 5 people flock to see what they can do to make him smile or coo at them.

Here are some pictures from this Christmas 2008. Nathan and Breonna of course, run from my camera. I am sure one day Camden will too. Since he can't now, I will take as many of him as I can!!

Camden on Christmas Morning 2008!

Camden and Uncle Kam. This is Aunt Emily's boyfriend!

Camden and Aunt Stephanie on Christmas Eve

Papa and Camden on Christmas Eve (my dad!)

The kids in the snow.

2008-12-18T16:00:00.000-08:00

Well Floyd and I bundled up Camden and found Nathan playing outside and pryed Breonna (who just got warm) away from the heater vent and I made them go back outside. The pictures turned out pretty cute

Enjoy!

Snow

2008-12-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, we have had snow. This is also the 2nd day the kids have not had school. Currently the snow is coming down hard and fast. I love it. The ground is all nicely re-covered and Nathan and Breonna are enjoying their snow day! They have both been out in it a few times already today. The come in soaking wet and freezing, dripping snow all through the house. About 2 hours later once they have defrosted they are back out there with neighborhood kids playing. When I get a chance I will have to take a picture of it before it melts. In the mean time here are some pictures of Camden. He is 10 weeks old now.

The new stuff with Camden is:
*He sleeps better!
*He knows when it is bedtime at nighttime and no one and I mean no one can keep him awake if it is past 8pm.
*Camden is smiling so so so much more. And its a real smile, with a little sparkle that just melts your heart.
*Camden totally knows when you are leaving him. He follows you with his eyes and gets this adorable "boo-boo" face, which breaks your heart and you HAVE to just pick him up.
*He loves to snuggle with you
*He is talking to just about everything these days. The tv, people, stuffed animals, you name it he will babble to it.
*Camden lights up when the dogs come into the room. They will be best buds for sure!
*Camden is in LOVE with himself. He loves the mirror on his bouncy seat and on his floor gym. He just smiles and coos to himself when he sees himself.

Nathan and Breonna are doing so well. Christmas is nearly here and I know they are antsy to see what "Jolly ol'Saint Nick" brought them. Floyd and and I have watched enough holiday movies with those two to last a lifetime. I know both kids are excited (and so am I) to have the daycare closed. I am so excited to spend it with just my family and just relax. Everyone is so much happier after a nice vacation.

Gymboree Contest

2008-12-17T21:28:00.000-08:00

So I am on a forum for Gymboree Clothes lovers. I do love alot of their lines for Camden. Anyhow the forum I am on is having a referral contest. The person who gets the most referrals via their link wins a 150.00 gift card TO Gymboree. I would LOVE this. Camden will be getting bigger at some point and this would be so nice to have. You do have to register but really, just register and don't come back??? Its easy to do :)

Your help is appreciated. I would do it for you!!!

http://www.GymboPlace.com/index.php?referrerid=1949

Its ONLY Thursday..

2008-12-11T17:44:00.000-08:00

and it was a long, long, long day! Camden started this nasty cough on Friday morning. He acted fine and is fine. Happy, smiling, talking to us, sleeping and eating well. On Monday we went in for his 2 month well baby and his Doctor said just to keep an eye on it that he sounded fine. His lungs were crystal clear. Last night I noticed him coughing more frequently and this morning when he woke up he was coughing more too. I called the nurse and the nurse said Sara Husarik A.R.N.P (his "doctor) wanted to see him. We got there 15min early and waited in the waiting room for 45min (ANNOYED!), got into the room and got Camden weighed again (10lbs 11.5oz)and waited for another 40min for our Doctor to get in here. Sara apologized saying this cough was something EVERYONE was coming in for. Anyhow, she listened and his cough has infact gotten worse to some degree. She had us stay and do a nebulizer treatment and it worked great. So Camden is on the nebulizer every 4 to 8 hours as needed. FUN! NOT! Thankfully, Camden is still just has happy as can be. We go back Monday morning for a follow-up.

Here are a few cute pictures of Camden from today in his new "Future Rock Star" Pajamas! So cute! (thanks Mary for taking them for us!) See how happy he is? Camden is so so so sweet and just all smiles and coo's these days!

(yes, he fell asleep!!!)

Spending the evening with mommy

2008-12-10T19:21:00.000-08:00

Camden Randoms 4 (2months old)

2008-12-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of the day! Camden's aunts came over to visit him today, they love snuggling with him. I am glad they decided to make the trip out here, even though they were already out here due to a doctors appt. But atleast they stopped by. It is nice knowing we have a close family even when I feel we are so far apart.

2 month appt

2008-12-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

Real quick post here. Camden is about to awaken from his slumber :)

2 month appt was today. GREAT visit. I love the new ARNP I chose. I really do like the Doctor he 1st saw but I felt he was rushed and I just don't like that. I also felt my concerns were not being validated. Anyhow, Sara Husarik saw us today and she was so sweet. She is mother of 6 children, her husband also works there and is a Doctor.

Anyhow Camden's stats:

Weight 10pounds 12 ounces
Length 23 inches long
Head 15.5in

Sarah said his nasty cough was not in his chest thank goodness. His lungs sounds crystal clear and to come back if the cough is not better or gets worse. To continue with saline in his nose and the humidifier, all of which we have been doing.

Camden got 4 shots, but both were combined into two, so really only two shots one in each leg (he screamed!) and then an oral med which he SUCKED down!! So far no fever and he has been sleeping since. Poor guy.

Camden really is a very happy baby! Talks a lot to us, smiles SOOO much!!! He loves Nathan and Breonna. When they walk into the room and he hears their voices he tries to look for them.

Pictures soon...I hope. I need to load them and time is not something I have a lot of these days!

Lots going on

2008-12-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I have blogged and a lot has been going on over the last week and a half. Nothing exciting really just with the holidays I find my time consumed "getting ready" and attempting to "plan". It doesnt work well I am finding.

The kids are doing great. Breonna is signed up for another season of basketball, this will be her last year playing elementary basketball. I am sad to see her move on to Junior High.Breonna will start working with a tutor in the next two weeks in hopes to get her math grades up and reading comprehension up. Nathan, is Nathan. He is doing well. Getting good grades and very into his music and skateboarding. Nathan is great at turning everything into a "joke"...gotta love that! Camden is exactly two months old today. My baby is getting bigger! He is sleeping WAY better, "talking" and cooing at us more and more. He lights up when you talk to him. Unfortunatly, Camden has a nasty cough he started on Friday. We are praying it does not turn into croup. He has his 2 month appt tomorrow. Camden will also get 3 shots, which I am not thrilled about as I don't want them to affect his "getting better" process with this cough he has.

Overall things are great here. We are hoping to get into see Santa very soon and get the kids picture with him. Since its Camden's 1st Christmas we are so excited to get that picture done. Of course Nate and Bree are not so excited :)

Will post pictures later!

There are only 25 days until Christmas

2008-11-30T20:43:00.000-08:00

well starting tomorrow that is. I am looking for some ideas for "hard to shop for people". If you have an idea or know something would you mind sending me the link or posting it on YOUR blog? I was on a blog today and she had some WONDERFUL ideas from a holiday bazaar she went to too. I LOVE the wine bottle cheese plate. This *IS* something I am going to get for someone. Not sure who but I ordered one!! I will attach a photo to what I am talking about but you can also go to the website Edge Expressions to look at more of their great items.

I would love to see your ideas!!

(wine cheese plate!)

Camden Randoms 3 (7 weeks today!)

2008-11-25T14:48:00.000-08:00

Camden is seven weeks today!

Camden's New Toy and being 7 weeks

2008-11-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

Well Camden is 7 weeks today. It is kind of bittersweet for me. We tried for so long to get pregnant and have a baby (7years) and it never happened. However, Floyd and I were blessed with being able to adopt Camden. When we found out we were going to be parents to Camden I realized, while I do want to experience pregnancy, morning sickness, cravings and labor having a child was more important to me . Camden has been a blessing. At 7 weeks he is talking a lot, smiling more and more and really does have some great contact with people and faces. He lights up when his dad talks to him. And he knows when I am in the room. Camden loves Breonna and Nathan and just stares at them when they walk by. The best part, he is sleeping a little longer these days at night. Last night he went to bed about 8ish which is earlier than normal for him, he woke up about 9:30 had a bottle and went back to bed until 1:30, woke me up at 4am...this is where I go a little nutty...he is awake and eats, get a diaper change and then wants to stay up for about 30 to 45min. This has to change soon. Though he will go back to bed and sleeps until 7:30ish eats and goes back to bed until 9ish. Camden is then up most of the morning. He is getting bigger. While I love the new things he is doing it still makes me sad that he is getting big SO fast.

Camden has a new toy! We got him the Baby Einstein Neptunes Floor Mat. Since he was loving his mobile and its not portable we decided to get it. It was supposed to be his Christmas present BUT I couldnt wait and I am glad we didnt wait. Here are some photos and short video of him "playing" with it. (not sure why the videos are so grainy)

New Toy from Nicole Powell on Vimeo.

Giving thanks for what you are thankful for

2008-11-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

Today the daycare kids and I were doing a craft where they had to tell me what they were thankful for. Many of the kids said sill things like " toys, dolls, pudding, rocks and tissues" a few of my older kids said meaningful things like "mommy, dad, a sibling or an animal". It of course got me to thinking about what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for:

* A warm home to live in. There are so many people losing their homes right now and I am very thankful to have ours.

* Kelli,John and Zack. They are Camden's birthparents and brother. Without them we would not have Camden. I can't imagine life without Camden at this point. I am so thankful to John and Kelli. I don't think I will ever be able to express, show or tell them how thankful I truly am.

* My health. I have struggled with my weight for years now. But I am still around and kicking.

* My husband. Floyd is my everything. He truly does try his best to be there even when I am being a little nutty. I thank him for that.

* Nathan and Breonna. Without them I wonder if I would be who I am today.

* My father in law. He is still after all these years fighting a losing battle. But I am thankful he is trying his best to continue to fight.

* My job. Even when I feel like I could scream and run away I am thankful I have my job still. There are many people losing their jobs and I am so very grateful to still have my job. I guess that would be mean I am thankful to the parents who continue to bring their children here into our home.

* My parents. They are so amazing, so supportive and so loving. Through the adoption, through everything they have ALWAYS been there with NO strings attached. My parents are amazing people and I hope to be that for Nathan, Breonna and Camden.

and last but not least...

* My life. Overall it is just a wonderful one. Filled with tons of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, hardships and wins, wonderful family and friends and so so so much more.

Tell me what you are Thankful for this Thanksgiving year.

The Iron Chef

2008-11-23T22:30:00.000-08:00

Last Friday I was asked by Breonna's school PTA to come and be a "taste tester" for their Iron Chef cooking thing. I was excited to go. I had not heard anything about it, but I was happy to leave work for a few hours and be a "judge" and taste some cool new foods.

When I got to the school there was a line down the hall into the main lobby of the school of children holding their food entry. I was a little leary seeing all the desserts being labeled but no worry, there was bound to be more things there. After about 20min of watching the line of kids slowly come to a hault we all moved into the cafteria. Camden was with me and he was passed out so I was good to go. When Anita (the lady running the Iron chef) announced there were three different areas and they were 1. Pies 2. Cookies and 3. Other I *knew* right away I did NOT want to be in the "Pies or cookies" area to judge. I just have this thing about chocolate. It is not my thing and all the pies and cookies were of course chocolate. I opted to be in the "other" catagory. Well I got all the paperwork I needed and headed to my section and I about friggin died. I was in chocolate HELL. The other section was a ton of chocolate desserts and I had 25 of them to "try". All but ONE was chocolate. It was horrible. I wanted to leave, or cry. It was too late to ask to be in another section because the other two sections were just about done. They only had about 4 to 10 entries. I was screwed......I taste tested WAY too much chocolate. Some where pretty good others were so nasty! There was one I tried with two other moms and we all about puked. It looked like a brownie platter with blue frosting on top, it looked okay. Then as I was biting in I knew I was in for it. I bit into something chewy and gooey. The other moms looked just as ill as I was feeling...I couldnt bear it anymore and I spat it out into a napkin. I had to look to see what I bit into and it was FRUIT someone put FRUIT into a brownie...chewy fruit! It was a chocolate FRUIT CAKE!

Well an hour later and three bottles of water later we were done. We added up the points, gave our bonus's and low and behold my best friend's daughter won! Check out the winning entry here on Michelle's blog

Sleepy time..

2008-11-23T21:31:00.000-08:00

I love Sunday's. It usually means everyone under the age of 18 is in bed and asleep by 9pm. Sunday's mean a quiet night earlier than every other day of the week.

(Nathan out fast! He had a friend stay the night last night and I believe they were up way past 2am. Amazing how there is never a fight after a friend stays the night when its bedtime the NEXT night. Sometimes that makes it all worth it! Nathan was asleep by 8pm)

(this little one will be up in about 2 to 3 hours so for now we enjoy the peace)

(Breonna the one who fights sleep. Finds something to do every single night in order to keep her eyes awake. But alas she is out.)

The house is quiet and still.

.....now I just need to get the husband to actually go to bed.

A small tid-bit of news..

2008-11-23T15:47:00.000-08:00

For the 1st time ever Camden has gone to sleep in his crib, woken up and put himself back to bed without me going in there to give him his binky.

The small stuff is what counts!

And ummmm in other news..Christmas is in 1 month and 2 days. How soon is that? I am however getting excited about it. It means I will have from December 24th to January 2nd off from work, my kids will be home from school and we will all get to enjoy hanging out with one another. I am super excited for that. I love when there are no daycare kids and Nathan, Bree, Floyd, myself and now Camden can just relax and hang out with one another.

With Christmas coming also comes our 3 month post placement homestudy for Camden and then soon following an adoption date for Camden! Keep us in your prayers!!

Camden videos from his birth

2008-11-22T21:54:00.001-08:00

Here are a few videos of when Camden was born. I finally figured out how to share them on here. Enjoy!

Camden 2 from Nicole Powell on Vimeo.

Camden 10/7/08 from Nicole Powell on Vimeo.

Bath Time

2008-11-22T21:37:00.000-08:00

When Camden was born and we gave him a bath he would scream so loud the entire time making bathtime not so much fun. Eventually Floyd and I decided he may feel more secure and safe if we were in there with him. We were right. Since then Camden has enjoyed his baths much more and Floyd and I have got some great bonding time in with him. Here are some pictures of Camden and mommy taking a bath.

Here is Camden talking to Mommy.

Camden not so thrilled about this bath idea.

Checking out the thing infront of Daddy's face

Camden talking to Daddy now

One of the new things Camden has started to do it smile and chatter to his mobile. Of course when I finally got the camera and got it out he wouldnt do it. But he looks cute watching "his friends" dance above his head.

11/22/08 Mobile from Nicole Powell on Vimeo.

Screwed up! Dang it!

2008-11-20T20:30:00.000-08:00

So it was NOT supposed to be a firefly, but a DRAGONfly! Dang it! Well looks like Jayme will be coming back out next month to paint over him and redo it....man. I knew there was something not right when I was talking to her.

Camden's birthmom loves dragonflies. So, off to email Jayme! Dang it...

Updated pictures of Camden's room...

2008-11-20T14:12:00.001-08:00

Camden's room is all finished. We had Jayme come and add in the firefly and the tucan. The firefly is something his birth mom loves and the tucan was something his birth brother likes. So he will have something from all of them in his room. I know over time Camden will probably not want this "surf" room. But thankfully we have many pictures to keep for his baby book and they will mean something special to him when he is older and can understand!!

Tired and some updates

2008-11-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

I am tired. I am exhasted. I am sleepy. This child does not sleep well. Lil'stinker. He is getting better at night time though. Camden will now sleep for one four hour stretch and then he sleeps 2 to 3 hour stretchs so we are getting a little better, but man there are some nights he just can't sleep for anything. Camden loves to be held at night, but when he is ready to sleep sleep he wants to be in his bed or next to me but on his own sleeping. The only thing that makes me kinda loopy is not taking naps during the day!! Camden is up almost all day long, which is great, but when he gets grumpy its not so great. He wants to go to bed and wants to go to bed NOW. Daddy will take him upstairs and rock or lay with him but most days he wants me. I will say I do love being "the one" though. I love how he will instantly nestle into my neck and smell me, lay down and just pass out. I think daddy is "the fun one" for him. When Floyd talks to him Camden just lights up smilies and gurgling. As 6 weeks has approached and gone Camden is really getting bigger. He is smiling so much more. He really knows who we are and when he sees us and hears us he perks up and just smiles. In the last few days he will follow us with his eyes a little bit here and there. Watching him grow up has been amazing and it has gone by way too fast. WAY too fast.

All is well in the land of us though. Nathan and Breonna are doing well in school and in life in general. Breonna has her almost teenage attitude still...its not any better, but we are adjusting. Nathan is all about cracking jokes about everything, again adjusting to that too. Floyd and I are doing well. We have our moments. Mainly due to lack of sleep, but again it has only been 6 weeks as of yesterday and we are working on getting into a rutein which is helping a ton. Daycare has been full and busy. It makes for some long days, but thankfully we have some great kids here.

In other news Floyd's father is doing fairly well. Quite some time ago he was put on hospice as his cancer is just getting worse and worse. Well I think its more his health than the actual cancer itself. I know that some new cancer crept its way into him and he had two round of chemo to complete before they could decide 1) if it was working or 2)there was nothing more they could do. The first round of this one chemo did not work at all. This second round of another kind of chemo seems to be stopping the growth of it. Not shrinking it but stopping the growth. A few weekends ago Floyd, the kids and I went to lunch with Floyds mom and she was telling us that she has totally stopped all of Rogers medicine and pain meds. At first I was shocked and was getting angry. But once she told me she had been using some Red Ginsing and this mushroom stuff her sister in Korea sent her and it was WORKING and stopping the cancer from growing and than he was eating better and feeling better I knew she was doing right by him. Amazing how its working. I also know that Prayer is helping too.. I feel like I need to shout it from the roof tops that this is working. It will NOT heal him nor make the cancer go away but it has stopped GROWING in other areas of his body and the new cancer has stopped growing as well and seems to working for him. Rogers doctors are amazed as over 7yrs ago they told us he had 6 months to a year to live.....never will I believe there is a expiration date on the bottom of ANYONES foot. No matter how right on a Dr. feels or is or has been...never...

Some Camden Randoms part 2..

2008-11-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some new Camden pictures. Mary took these for me today during daycare naptime. He is getting so much bigger. Makes me happy and sad!

Camden and Maggie. He loves her!

So sweet those baby blues..

Yes, he was trying to poop.

Ahhhh much better! I think I can nap now!

Oh wait! Hello there light in the window!

Celebrations...Veteran's Day, 5 weeks and 4 hours

2008-11-11T21:25:00.000-08:00

Today is Veterans Day. What a day for those who have and are serving our country. I wish them all the best. I want to thank all those who have served for us and who are now. I commend you and wish you all the very best. I promise to continue to pray for your safety.

Along, with Veterans Day comes 5 weeks of life for Camden. Yes, today he is 5 weeks old. I am fully aware that I will be needing to remove all the newborn clothing and replace it with 0 - 3 months clothing. That soon he will no longer be able to wear newborn size diapers and those to will need to be replaced with size 1 diapers. Silly the little things I think about huh? I seriously remember putting a newborn size diaper on him 5 weeks ago today and I had to stretch the velcro tabs so they crossed in order to keep it on him. He still fits into the newborn size diapers but if we don't change them within an hour he will pee and fill 'em up and he will be all wet. Owell. Its only a diaper....

With 5 weeks came four hours. Four hours of sleep in a row. Camden slept for 4 hours. I couldnt believe it. He has only done it once so it could be a fluke but I am going to think its a new thing. I gave Camden a 4oz bottle for the first time last night thinking "eh, what a waste, but 2 oz was not cutting it and 3 oz was doing okay for him...lets try 4oz" The child drank all 4oz. Camden fell asleep right away and was OUT until 3am. Amazed!Breonna will be starting basketball soon. I am excited and sad. This will be her last year playing elementary basketball. She will soon be in middle school and when you go to middle school you have to try out for sports. In elementary school every child gets to play. I know next year Breonna will make the basketball team, she is a strong player and great at what she does. My concern is Breonna already *KNOWS* she is a good player and that tends to go to her head despite the talks about being a team player and being gracious and kind.

Breonna has been struggling in 6th grade and I am slightly worried about her. I know Floyd and I need to bite the bullet and get her a tutor again. Something I am not thrilled with, but she needs it and I will do anything to ensure she does well in school. So the top of my list is getting a tutor.

Nathan is doing well in school. He is passing with just about all A's and B's. This is a huge improvement from last year at this time in the school year. Nathan was struggling even though he does great in school. He was really struggling this time last year. However it wasnt so much the work it was putting forth the effort to actually DO the work! Thankfully, he has gotten his act together.

Floyd and I are doing well. We both walk the days like zombies most days however we are doing well. With lack of sleep comes stupid little arguments that thankfully we both know are insignificant and not worth the effort we attempt to put into them. Floyd and I are so happy with out expanding family and that is the light at the end of the day when a silly argument comes to a head.

Off to watch SVU soon.

P.S. Christmas is coming!!

Hi, my name is Nicole and I am a Ju-Ju-Be Addict.

2008-11-08T22:32:00.000-08:00

Yes, I will admidt it. I am addicted to Ju-Ju-Be. Seriously its a problem. I love them. For those who have NO idea what a Ju-Ju-Be is let me explain:

A Ju-Ju-Be is a superior item for moms (children) of which come in a varity of styles and prints. Tons of organizational pockets and extras. They are made of memory foam, they are waterproof, made of Teflon, machine washable, satin linings, again all waterproof, pockets galore, thinsulate insulated pockets, magnets, metal, and mommy pockets. Any idea what it could be?!
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Its a DIAPER BAG! And I am in love with them! I currently own 3 of them. I own a Citrus Sorbet Packabe, Tiki Toffee BeSmart a BeMine in Citrus Sorbet and in Tiki Tofee and Drip Drops BeAll. Sadly, boredom hit and I purchased the Midnight Eclipse BeTween, Midnight Eclipse BeQuick and the Drip Drops BeQuick. My dream bag is called the BeSpicy. I have entered a contest on a forum I am on and if you win you win a diaper bag of your choice! Maybe I will win this time! We shall see.

http://www.ju-ju-be.com/products.html
Check them out and see if you love them just as much as I do.

Here is a picture of my beloved Drip Drop BeAll. I bought this for Camden before he was born.

Pictures

2008-11-07T22:36:00.001-08:00

A few more pictures from the other day. Just some I forgot to add.

Camden is ONE month today!

2008-11-07T20:47:00.001-08:00

Today Camden is a month old. I cannot believe it honestly. It has been a month since we brought him into our home and heart. Camden amazes me everyday and he is only a month. I love that he really does know who I am. When he hears my voice and he is upset he automatically calms down. I love that when Floyd can't calm him down I can pick him up and he snuggles into my neck and just instantly starts calming down. (This is not to say Floyd can't calm him down, but at 2am its my job as much as Floyd tries)

Today I took Camden to his 1 month well child visit. The Doctor said Camden was perfect in absolutly every way. Dr. Joosten said Camden was very healthy and all over perfect. His stats are:

9 pounds 6 ounces
21 and 1/4 inches long
40th percentile in everything

He got one shot. His 2nd HepB. He did great actually. He cried and then as soon as he was picked up he took his beloved binky and went to sleep!

We have had some pooping issues with Camden though they don't seem to be effecting him too bad. He does have some stinky gas so the Dr. gave us some suppositories for the pooping to help with the gas. We can use them if we want.

Let's see....oh Camden is still only taking 2 oz at a time about every 2 to 2.5hours. He still wakes us up every 2 to 2.5 (3 hours if we are LUCKY) in the night. Camden is up for 2 to 3 hour stretches at a time now. He is getting on a schedule these days too which has been nice :)

Everything is WONDERFUL! Nathan and Breonna are loving him more and more....

Nathan is at his first 8th grade boy/girl birthday party tonight. I am excited to see how it went. :)

Some Camden Randoms...

2008-11-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

Just a few cute ones of Camden from this morning....all done by his Murry (Mary!)

Four Weeks

2008-11-04T20:09:00.000-08:00

Camden is 4 weeks today! And he has changed SO much. He is awake for longer periods of time through out the day. He is focusing his gaze on people more now and holding it without falling asleep, which makes me feel better! For awhile there I thought he was bored of me since you all know I am in his face all the time.

Friday Camden will be one month. We also have his one month check up. Sadly, he will be getting shots. Already breaks my heart thinking about it. But, it is just a part of growing up!

Today, was my first adventure to MOPS. Camden and I were showered, dressed, fed and out the door by 9:05am. I had a great time. I was so excited about going! I think because this was the first baby I was able to do all these things with. When Floyd and I got together I was nearly 18 and still in highschool. I had NO idea about these things, nor that I would of been able to do them due to school. I am so thankful for being able to go. It was so nice to meet other moms there. I can't wait to go again in two weeks!

Four week Camden shots. Nothing exciting, but cute nonetheless. here is Camden starring at the lamp in our room. Watching it and watching it and then passing out.....story of his life :)

Halloween Pictures

2008-10-31T21:12:00.000-07:00

Breonna, Nathan and Camden

Well here are our Halloween pictures of the kids. Tonight my mom came over as planned and just loved on Camden. Floyd took the kids trick-or-treating. My good-good friend Angela (and Auntie to our kids) came over with her mom (who I havent seen in FOREVER) and her daughter Alexia. Angela, her mom and Alexia took advantage of the neighborhood goods and went around the block for a bit. By the time 8:15 rolled around Floyd was tired of walking around with Nate, Bree and their friends and Alexia and Angela had long returned from their quick trip around the block.

Breonna, Camden, Alexia and Nathan

Three weeks ago yesterday

2008-10-29T23:14:00.000-07:00

Camden was born at 9:39am. I cannot believe it has been 3 weeks already. The time has gone by much too fast. I have tried my best to be able to slow down and remember to sketch every minute that passes with him in my mind and on my heart. I have tried my best to not say "I can't wait until Camden can do this or that". If I say it, then it will happen in the blink of an eye and I will of been sure to miss everything else in between. Enjoying every single moment is what I am trying to do. Even when I am so darn tired of not sleeping I just keep thinking eventually this won't happen anymore and I will be wishing it still did. There is something about having the peace and quiet of the still night in the house and it only being Camden and I awake. There are nights he will lay awake wide eyed just starring and I as tired as I am I just love it. Camden can hold his head up really well. He loves to sit up and stare at things. Camden almost looks like he is perplexed by the blankness of a corner on the wall. He will sit starring at it, scrunching and relaxing his forehead, opening his mouth and then shutting it. All reflexes I am sure but adorable nonetheless. Tonight while Floyd and I were in bed watching t.v. Camden was awake, wide awake and just starring at us. He would fix his gaze on something and just stare. I love it. Silly huh?
For his baby shower he was given a rain forest crib toy. It hangs on the crib slats so its at his level. Anyhow, he loves it. He loves the noises, the lights and movements. He laid and watched it tonight for a good 15min before he passed out. This morning at 4:50am he was wide awake and I was exhasted so I laid him in his cradle and turned it on. He watched and eventually fell asleep because I didnt hear a peep out of him until 7:30am.

Halloween will be here in a few days. I have hopefully recruited my mother to come over and hold Camden while I pass out candy and while Nathan and Breonna go with Floyd to trick-or-treat. I don't really "need" my mom here. I have passed out candy for many, many years at home while Floyd took the kids around the neighborhood. I actually just want her here. I want her here to be with Camden. I love seeing her with him. He is growing up so fast and even though we only live roughly 30min from my parents its hard to make the trip into Tacoma often. I just want my mom here to share in his life and be there. She is an amazing mom to me and a wonderful, wonderful Grandma to Nathan and Breonna and now to Camden. I just really want my mom to know him and love him and I want him to really know my mom, my dad and my sisters. Our next step is introducing Camden to Floyd's mom and dad.

Well I am off to bed. Its getting late and Camden is squirming. I will post his 3 week picture sometime this week to this post, so check back for it!

My ears...

2008-10-27T20:57:00.000-07:00

should just fall off. They hurt that bad! I have spent every single day in the doctors office since Friday afternoon. The first doctor gave me the WRONG meds, the 2nd doctor agreed with the 1st doctor that those were the right meds and then today at ENT the specialist couldnt figure out WHY IN THE WORLD they would give me those meds! So I have been in pain and NOT getting better. I am now on the right meds, thankfully! I should be feeling better very soon.

Apparently on Friday our mural lady (who has cancelled 3 times now) came over on Friday to take pictures of Camden's room. She hopefully will be back over in November to paint the rest of the stuff on his walls. We still need a firefly, tucan and his name on the walls! I am excited to get it all done.

Tomorrow is Tuesday and tomorrow Camden will be 3 weeks old. He is doing great! Growing great and eating so well. He still has his nights and days mixed up some, but I don't mind so much. Its great bonding time for him and I at 2am. He wakes up about 2ish and stays awake for about 30min to an hour sometimes just starring. We talk and snuggle, its been wonderful. The plan tomorrow is to take pictures of Camden, Nate and Bree with their pumpkins and then get Nathan and Breonna's costumes!

Fun filled Tuesday here we come :)

A "me" update.

2008-10-24T23:32:00.000-07:00

Well I have an outer fungal ear infection. How I got it I don't know. How I feel? HORRIBLE. The pain is horrible. The medicine the Doctor gave me is not working, though its only been today that I got it. Please say a little prayer this all clears up soon. I don't know how I will survive the weekend. My ears feel clogged/plugged. Ish! Horrible feeling.

So, today after all the daycare kids were gone I sat down to read my email (its a nice feeling). And I found an email from on of the Pastors from the church I have been attending with Michelle. Last Sunday I went to church with Breonna, Camden and my friend Angela and her daughter. Every week you fill out a little blue card and toss it in the collection plate letting the church know you came and update any information you need to update as well as add a little prayer request if wanted. Well I did I add a prayer request reguarding Camden and his birthparents. I just want an extra set of eyes and prayers on this family (birth family) to make sure they are adjusting okay. I know its hard for them, because its hard on me thinking about then and wondering if they are all doing okay. Anyhow, I got an email from the Pastor congratulating us on Camden's adoption and letting me know he was praying for us and Camden's birthfamily. It was nice to know someone on the other end of the collection was really reading those requests. It just made me feel good. The Pastor also told me about their MOPS program which I am super interested in. I think I might actually start going and getting involved. I need to get out and do something for me and Camden. I want too. I think MOPS might be the best start for us.

:)
Nicole

Halloween is approaching.

2008-10-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

Well it will (of course) be Camden's first Halloween this year (duh!). Before he was born I bought a cute Halloween outfit at Old Navy. It was not a costume, just a cute outfit. I bought it in 3-6months instead of newborn. I was anticipating he would be much bigger at birth, I was wrong. He will not fit in it during this Halloween. I have been debating on returning it or not, but it seems like too much of a hassle seeing as how I do not have the recipet and Old Navy requires one even to exchange sizes.

He will wear this for Halloween:

I am not sure what Breonna and Nathan will be. I believe Nathan will just find some funky mask and Breonna well, not sure. We fight about it every year. She always wants to be some blood sucking, creature from way beyond this planet...or a devil which I won't allow. I will get pictures of all three of them up here SOON.

Happy "almost" Halloween!

Camden is 2 weeks today.

2008-10-21T22:04:00.000-07:00

Camden is two weeks today! He is currently 8 pounds 5 ounces. Still wearing preemie clothing but he is fitting into some 0-3month sized clothing, but they are still really big. We have to pull the pants WAY up if he is wearing a two-piece. Overalls he swims in. His feet are super tiny, but his socks make them look HUGE! Camden does have some LONG fingers.

Nathan and Breonna are doing great. Breonna is a HUGE help with her little brother. She loves him. She is always wanting to hold him and carry him around. Nathan is good with him too though he is so busy with school and football he comes home gets his chores done, eats dinner, showers and hops into bed most nights. Nathan really is becoming very independant. We do have to still constantly remind him to get his darn chores done, but overall he is great kid.

Tonight was Breonna's parent/teacher conference. She is doing well. Breonna needs to work on not worrying about everyone else, as always but overall she is doing great. We are very proud of her.

Nathan is playing football. He is loving it. Doing great at it. Floyd and I both hope he continues to play into the coming years. Grades wise Nate is doing great. Nothing new there!!

Floyd and I are doing well. We are tired. Floyd has been wonderful with Camden and helping with the daycare. I will say I am more tired and more emotional. Its still hard to believe we have a new baby around the house. Looking at Camden just puts me in awe everytime.

HAPPY 2 WEEKS Baby Camden!

Camden Robert - LeRoy Powell

2008-10-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

has landed safely on earth and in our home. It has taken me 2 weeks to write this. I have started 5 or 6 times only to end up in tears. I am so happy he is here, healthy and home with us.

I am going to make this a fairly quick post as nap time at the daycare is nearing an end.....

Camden was born October 7, 2008 via c-section at 9:39am. He was born at Valley General Hospital. Camden was 7 pounds 14 ounces and 20 inches at birth. Small and skinny and so so so cute. He just has this face and these very deep dark eyes that draw you in. He is really a beautiful baby.

Camden was born at 9:39am and in our hearts and arms at 9:56am. I was in love. Camden's birthdad came into our room and when Camden was wheeled in and John, his birthdad handed him to me. It was unbelieveably the hardest thing I have ever done and that was to take this baby from his arms. Floyd, my mom, Michelle, my three sisters, Terri, Shirley and Zack were all in the room with us. We were there while nurse bathed him, gave him his shots and eye meds. Soon after I got to give him his first bottle. He ate so well and burped like a grown man! Floyd and I were lucky to be able to room with Camden at the hospital. Camden's birthmom chose not to room with him and as sad as I was to know that I was happy Floyd and I would be able to start bonding with him at once. And we have. The hospital discharged us on Wednesday evening and we spent the next 24 hours at home waiting for our lawyer to call us on Friday morning.

We got the call on Friday morning that everything was "a go" and we would just need to complete our 3 month post placement with Joni in January. Camden's first doctors appt was that Friday afternoon. He weighed 7pounds 9.5ounces and was perfect.

Camden has made my life. His little footprint is stamped on my heart forever. Both Nathan and Breonna are all over him and Floyd is IN LOVE with him.

Camden's birthmom and birthdad are amazing people. I know they LOVE this child SO SO much. Camden will forever be on their hearts as well. Eventually I hope his first mom and first dad will call so we can meet up. In the meantime I will be sending pictures to them. I went online and made two photo albums for them to send. Just gotta get them back from Wal-Mart's print shop and away in the mail they will go.

~~~ Happy Birthday ~~~

2008-10-04T18:36:00.000-07:00

Today is my husbands birthday :) He is 33 years old today!

Highlights of his day thus far (and its currently 6:37pm)

3:17pm - He woke up!! Can you believe that?!

*Breonna and I went shopping and to lunch*

4:46pm - Took the dogs out to play

5:25pm - Showered

Currently is watching a movie with the kids....and probably wondering "when is dinner!"

We are off to Samuri's apparently :)

Happy Birthday Honey! I love you and I feel blessed to be able to share our lives together!

Worried...excited...nervous....happy...

2008-10-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

Well we have 6 days until this little man is due. Soon and so scary. Our homestudy has passed once again and now we have to wait for the judge to finalize everything. Which kinda sucks passing the buck onto yet another person to deal with. Ugh! We have no reason to worry, but its always worrisome when you have no control. This judge could be having a bad day and be like "nope not gonna happen!" Ugh! UGH! Why is this all so complicated?!?!

Baby shower is planned for 11th. Excited for that....and nervous!

Birthmom let me know this baby "needs a good grounding" once he is born. He has been giving her hell. :) Not moving for hours at a time, increased heart rate here and there...stinker! She has been in the hospital twice in the last 2 weeks because he was being a lil'brat! We will make sure to ground for the next 18 to 20 yrs in our hearts and home...

Please say a prayer all goes as planned and we don't get a Judge who is having a bad day! Bah-humbug!

Nicole

Updated Photos. The baby's room is all done!!!

2008-09-22T11:17:00.000-07:00

Well we finished the baby's room. Its complete. The rocking chair, dresser and diaper changer, shelf and window treatments are all up now! I am so happy with the way it turned out. Once he is born I have an adorable picture frame (well 2) to put up of him. :) So excited! Hope you enjoy! I do have one more picture to include. I just need to retake it. So look for it later today or tomorrow!

Due Date

2008-09-18T08:53:00.001-07:00

The baby is due October 7th at 8:30am via c-section. Floyd and I are excited and nervous all the same. Still worrying about the homestudy review by someone else.

Not a lot of time...

2008-09-17T08:24:00.000-07:00

but things went great. Birthmom, birthdad, Floyd and I do need to talk about her birthplan. And today I should find out the c-section due date after her drs appt.

A little nervous about our homestudy going into someone elses hands at the office to "review". It doesnt seem fair to have another person review a homestudy we passed. I just hate having others review things and adding in their 2cents to what they think something should be or do. I dunno, nothing to worry about I suppose we passed, but there always seem to be something more to add into our pot. And I, as most know am I worry-wart.

Off to daycare the daycare kids :)

Nervous Wreck

2008-09-16T12:53:00.000-07:00

Well today is the day Floyd, birthmom, birthdad and I meet with the adoption attorney. I can't imagine how birtmom and dad are feeling but I know I have been sick to my stomach with worry and I assume they are feeling just as nuts too.

I will update when we get back....this is the start to our new additional family. Birthmom, Birthdad, older sibling and new baby. We are adding in four new people to our family. I am excited and nervous.

Names and rocking chairs.

2008-09-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

Everyone keeps asking us if we have a name picked out. The answer is no. We don't have a name for him. We have several names picked out and we agree on several. I just think we need to wait and see his little face and decide then. Floyd and I each wrote a list and put them in the diaper bag to go home. Since a name tells a lot about a person and I don't think we could just name someone we have never met. So, no he doesnt have a name. Right now we just refer to him as " Lil' Peanut" and that works.....for now. Don't worry he won't go to school being called Lil' Peanut.

My mom went to Babies R Us with me on Saturday and bought "our" rocking chair. I refer to it as "ours" because I know we will spend many a nights rocking out in there. I sat in probably 8 different chairs that were in my price range (well my moms, she bought it for us!) before my mom even offered to purchase it for us. I did not realize how much a rocking chair really needs to speak to you. It really does have too. I mean there will be many nights we will have to rock him sleep, sing to him, rock him when he is sick or teething I needed this chair to be perfect. I hope I found it!

More pictures

2008-09-11T13:00:00.000-07:00

Kinda the same things but just a few different angles. The last picture is right when you walk into the room. Under that sunshine will be our rocking chair. The cradle will go into our room or downstairs. We havent decided yet. Middle picture is of a couple pictures Michelle and I found while perusing Target a few weekends ago. And the top picture is once you walk into the room towards the back. Maybe I will have to do a live tour on the camera.

Pictures...so far

2008-09-11T10:25:00.001-07:00

There are some of the pictures of the room. We are going to be adding a few more odds and ends here soon.

:) Enjoy

Nicole

The room is almost done...

2008-09-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

Well the muralist came today....and finished. Well almost :) Once this kiddo has a name she will come back and paint it on the wall and we want to add a few more things on the walls, more on that below. Floyd and I also were able to get the Monkey's up on the wall. Over our lunch with the birth parents we found out baby's dad loved monkeys. She put two up there. Floyd and I talked and we really want this child to have his birth parents incorporated into his life. Unfortunately over our lunch I didn't get to find out what mom loved or liked. So that will be my next question for her. During lunch it was awkward, but so exciting! I finally started asking mom questions (last night) about the baby and I feel a little better, I just didnt want to be baby stalking her! I want her to know we are already so in love with this baby and we don't even know him yet. Is that possible?! Is it possible to love someone that you know NOTHING about or have never met? He seems so real, yet so out of reach. God sure is awesome. I do have to say this wouldnt be happening without a friend we (the birthmom and I) have in common. This friend, (you know who you are) really was God's path walker. God made the path and our friend helped carry us down it. She is an important piece to all this too and I could never discount that. Amazing how things work out. Amazing how God makes things so real. It makes me cry to even think about it all. I am so thankful to these two people and I don't even know how to show my thanks and love to them. These people WILL BE family now, Floyd and I will be forever grateful and will forever love them. And this child will know who these people are....

My goals over the next two weeks are the following:

* Post pictures of the murals....so far! Remember I don't have a darn camera charger! Mary will be here tomorrow

* Find my camera changer, or convince hubby we just need a new camera. Mary has a NICE one!!

* Get the dresser up in the baby's bedroom

* Talk to birth mom and find out her loves and what she would like incorporated into the baby room.

* Buy a rocking chair

* Complete my address list for Michelle, it is NOT as easy as it sounds. I should keep a phone book!

* Find a pediatrician we LOVE for this baby. We had to switch insurance so we will now be looking for a new pedi for Nathan, Breonna and baby....and we LOVE our current one :(

* Find out when baby will be due. Funny huh? Mom is supposed to have a c-section so we hope to find out the date and then I can schedule time off!! WOOHOO!!!

Oh, I am sure there are more I need to list, but no such luck tonight. I promise I will post pictures of the baby's room as soon as Mary gets over here tomorrow morning and takes them, oh and loads them!!

Wordle

2008-09-09T23:05:00.001-07:00

Thanks Michelle! I have been having a great time with this site. Here is my first WORDLE

Check it out herehttp://wordle.net/ Let me see what you come up with!

Update * pictures*

2008-09-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of the before room, the carseat and closet. Over the course of the week I will be sure to update pictures of the baby room while she is painting it.

OH! And the birth mom called this evening at 7:24pm. I will be calling her tomorrow to let her know when our appt is at the lawyers.

:)
Nicole

Nervous..

2008-09-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

Well we are still patiently waiting to hear from the birthmom so we can get paperwork in order. I am so very nervous and I know Floyd is trying really hard to make sure he keeps things under wraps and low key for me. I know what can happen, I just pray it doesnt. I have no reason to think it all won't go as planned....however, well not hearing anything is disheartening....but, then again this cannot be easy on her or him. They truly do seem like sincere, genuine people. So I hope everything goes as planned. It is hard when the ball is in someone elses court and you are sitting on the sidelines. We have waited 7yrs, I guess a few more weeks won't kill me will it?!?!

We have a muralist coming Wednesday to start painting the baby room. I am super excited. I will post some before and after pictures. I can't find the battery charger to my camera so I will have to bug my neighbor to bring her fancy, schamcy camera over and snap a few shots to load up for everyone.....so you'll have to wait for the "before" shots..

Nicole

Life and some updates...

2008-09-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

Well it has been a long time and today I finally felt the "need" to blog some. Hopefully this will get some things off my mind....or I dunno.

September 1, 2008 -

Breonna started her period. She started it while out with her dad and of course didn't tell him. Got home several hours later and told me all about it. So off Breonna and I went in search of some pads. While out shopping and talking I decided to get Breonna a ring. I dunno why, maybe because she really is taking this huge step into teenage hood and womanhood. But, man your period does suck! Today (8/3/08) was the first day she complained about a headache and cramps. Hopefully this will be over soon for her!

September 2, 2008 -

The kids started school. Nathan is in 8th grade. He has joined the football team and is having a bit of a hard time with one of the 9th grade coaches, but nothing he can't deal with. Breonna is entering her last year of elementary school. She started 6th grade.

**
Going to back track a little and update all of you on the adoption stuff. We believe we have found a birth mom. She is due in early October. Honestly she seems wonderful. The baby's father does too. They both seem to be genuinely caring people and very laid back. A lot of you know how I feel about adoption and if you don't here it is :" I truly believe parents who are able to place their child into another home are some of the most selfLESS people and it is such a gift, not just anyone can or will do this. It truly does show how much they love their child. Floyd and I are so happy and we are praying within every inch of our bodies this all works out.

Floyd and I have decided to do an open-adoption, which thankfully these parents want for their child as well. Quite a few people have asked us several variations of "why" ?
These are our reasons for doing so:
*When this child looks in the mirror, we want our child to know themselves. It's hard enough to face the world when you don't know where your face came from.
* We don't want our child to have the cabbage patch mentality. The truth is, this child's life won't start the day we adopt them. Like us, their history and ours began a thousand lifetimes ago.
* We believe in a birthmother's right to choose, if she has the courage to place her child with us, she has the wisdom and right to choose her childs parents. Our childs birthmother is his first Mother.
* We wanted to do a domestic open adoption so our child could know their birthfamily. Our adopted child's birthmother/father chose not to abort them, how could we abort our childs birthmother/birthfather/siblings from our lives.

There are plenty more reasons why we want an open adoption, but these few sum it up nicely I think. While Floyd and I will be this child's parents, this child will have other parents, his first parents... and one day this child will want to know about those parents and we *want* to be able to tell him about them.

As for family and friends. They are excited and happy and nervous and scared. So are we!

The nursery is almost finished. We have the crib up, clothing and some basics. I have a muralist coming to paint the nursery or mural on the wall area. The theme of the baby is "surf". I want some waves on the walls, a big sunshine, a surf board, the baby's name, and a monkey (in lieu of the birth father LOVING them) on the surfboard or up in a coconut tree swinging... Here is the website of the lady coming to give us her ideas! http://www.muralsbyjayme.com/ I will be sure to post pictures as soon as I can.

My best friend has offered to throw us a baby shower! How exciting for us. I pray we are not getting too far ahead of ourselves and that this will work out.

OH! We passed our homestudy :) WOOHOO!!!

Lawyers

2008-07-31T09:12:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, August 1st, 2008 Floyd and I will meet with an adoption attorney to find out all the in's and out's about what we need to do, fees and so forth!

We also have completed the homestudy as far as turning in all required paperwork. Our fingerprints are in (wow! fast!) and well, I guess we need to wait about 15 days for some other paperwork for Floyd. Other than that we just wait. We will finish our "home session" with our Homestudy caseworker, Mike soon I assume.

Our caseworker, Mike has been wonderful. He has made this stressful journey so much easier. He is laid back, kinda go with the flow and super patient! You can check out his website below!

http://www.adoptionhomestudyservice.com/homestudies.htm

Nothing else new is going on for now! Talk to you later!

My Review of The First Years Hide Away Gate

2008-07-27T20:29:00.001-07:00

Originally submitted at Toys R Us

Designed to provide safety when you need it and virtually disappear when you don't, the Hide Away Gate from Learning Curve® has no foot holds for climbing, a two-step locking mechanism which is easy for adults but too difficult for children, and is hardware mounted for added security. Unlike ot...

Works good..

By Nicole from Frederickson, WA on 7/27/2008

Pros: Easy To Use, Easily Stowed

Cons: LOUD Very loud

Best Uses: Play Area, Stairs, Toddlers, Crawlers

Describe Yourself: Parent of Two or More Children, Child Care Professional

Love the gate. Only downside is that is noisy. The overall idea is wonderful. It does save us tons of space and its "hides" away. But it is loud and the demo/video does not show how loud it really can be. If I were to open or close it while kids were sleeping...well lets just say they would be instantly woken up. It makes a loud noise.

(legalese)

IVF Fundraiser

2008-07-22T20:45:00.000-07:00

First let me say "Yes we DO want to adopt!" and "Yes! We are still planning on adopting!" and "We are so close to finishing all our homestudy paperwork!"

We do however want to try IVF once at some point in our lives. As I have stated before IVF costs so much! We are starting a 26day posting looking to raise $2000.00 to add to our savings for IVF. Floyd and I will continue to save and save and save some more until we reach our goal.

For now, as hard as it is we are looking to family, friends and even strangers who may want to help. Even if you can't or don't want to help monertay wise, that is so totally fine and I will never know the difference but maybe you would just pass the website on to others who would want to help out monetary wise. If you don't want to do that even, no harm done. :)

Something I hope Floyd and I can do is help others looking to afford costs of IVF and medication by starting something. We know first hand how HARD this is and I want so badly to help everyone who needs it to be able to give life, or even adopt. Adoption costs are alot too!

Here is the link to our site. It is open for 26days. After that, well, I don't know what happens. But if we don't raise the $2000.00 by the 17th of August and you did donate (THANKS!) you will get your money back from the site. We do not get one single penny until we reach our goal.
http://www.fundable.com/groupactions/groupaction.2008-07-22.6563666051

Is your Child Forward Facing already?!?!

2008-07-21T19:14:00.000-07:00

Watch these....maybe your child should NOT be forward facing just yet!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psmUWg7QrC8

Is your child in a 5pt harness....maybe they should be....Watch this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azgBhZfcqaQ&feature=related

Everyone knows how much of a carseat nut I am. Just spreading the wealth and knowledge.

Remember:

If you are EVER in a minor fender bender, huge accident or just a little one your carseat DOES need to be replaced! If your child wasnt in the carseat, you still NEED to replace the seat.

Also, carseats are only good for a certain number of years. Check your carseats and see when it was made. In 5years (unless a Britax brand 6 yrs) you need to replace the seat and destroy it.

CARSEAT QUESTIONS?

Check out www.carseat.org