CJ's 'Big Girl' Bed

We recently got given a fabulous little toddler bed from my cousin!  We wanted to try to get Camilla used to it before we moved so she wasn't getting used to a new bed AND a new house at the same time.  Because she never had a nap yesterday, we decided to put her bed a little early (just before 7pm).  We did our usual routine, bath, jammies, scriptures, prayers (around her bed now) and then her bubba. She's been so excited about her bed! She plays on it, lays on it, points to it, talks about it... I was really excited for her. I put her in her bed, and as soon as I left the room she started crying. She walked over and opened the door calling "Da-Da" with her little lip stuck out.  Daddy came right to the rescue and they went back into the room. She is definitely a 'daddy's girl'. He layed with her for maybe 2 minutes and she was gone! I thought it was a very successful night. 

The baby in my belly kept me up until just after midnight tossing and turning.  Just as I was falling asleep I heard Camilla start to cry and her little feet pitter-patter across the kitchen floor and back again and then into our room, and right to my side of the bed.  I thought she was scared, so I scooped her up and snuggled her in next to me.  I layed awake squished between Mr. Stannix and my girl for a few minutes.  Instead of falling asleep she started whispering to herself and rolling her hands (playing patty-cake). Off to bed it was.  I put her in over and over.  Finally, I walked her back and talked to her.  She whimpered a bit, but stayed in bed this time.  Back to bed for Mommy it was.  Just as I'm falling asleep I hear her pitter-patter on the kitchen floor again.  Repeat of above...I tried laying with her, sitting beside her, patting her back.  I think I placed her back into her bed over a million times between 1 and 6 in the morning.  Finally, I was just so tired that I resorted to the couch.  After 5 or 10 minutes, she fell asleep, and I carried her back to her bed so I could go snuggle in mine because I was freezing. She was so out of it her arms were limp as I put her down and snuggled her in.  I went back to my room and again, just as I was falling asleep, she makes her way back to my side of the bed.  "This is getting ridiculous!" I thought to myself.  I gave up and went back to the crib.  She hated it. The whole time she stood crying and pointing at her bed saying "bed!! bed!". I hauled her out of her crib and off to the couch again, the whole time she was yelling "bed! bed!".  We snuggled on the couch and I looked at the clock, 5:30am, and no sleep yet. Her crying must have woken the lady upstairs because she started stomping around, loading her dishwasher etc. Then everyone upstairs woke up for work/school. I think I finally got to sleep about 8:00am this morning.  Somehow Mr. Stannix snuck off to school while we were snuggled on the couch. He was so kind not to wake us. I'm pretty sure he's feeling exhausted from last night as well. 

I was a little moody and tired when we got up, but after making beds, getting Camilla dressed and saying our morning prayers, our home is doing a lot better! We had some porridge for breakfast and she requested her "biglet" (piglet) movie. Apparently porridge wasn't enough for the growing girl because the open bag of chips have been dumped on the kitchen floor for her munching pleasure. At least she's in super good spirits this morning! This is going to be an interesting Monday.

Winter Party

Tonight was the winter party for the firm Mr. Stannix works for.  These are always very formal and a lot of fun.  I love dressing up and enjoying that "scene". Last year there was a seven course meal complete with all the funky cutlery and glasses on the table.  This year, they rented out the art gallery and did more of a stand and mingle thing.  There was food tables set up all around the gallery and little sitting areas for visiting.  They had tall round tables with tea-lights lit in the middle to stand around and eat.  It was a very enjoyable evening out for us.  It was fun to walk the different lobbies of the art gallery and see the architecture.  What a neat place! After speeches and a short video presentation our evening was finished off with a dance and gelato.  They had three different kinds to try.  Each kind was placed in a bowl, which was placed in another bowl full of ice to keep it from melting.  The whole evening was very elegant and the food was delish.   It was great to meet more people from the firm and get to know more about where Mr. Stannix works. At the end of the evening we got our coats and walked a few blocks in the gently falling snow to our car.  We were holding hands until they got too cold, then we opted for sticking them in our own pockets. 

Cooped Up

 (If you look close you can see her teeth coming in. Poor kiddo has such a sore little mouth.)

This little girly and I are about ready for this cold snap to come to an end. The poor kid is feeling a little cooped up and Mommy is going stir crazy! From the moment Camilla woke up yesterday morning she was a busy busy little girl.  It all started when I was standing on the couch to look out the window for the bus while Mr. Stannix was printing his notes.  Camilla thought it was fun, so she climbed up and stood beside me, and bounced, and slid, and played on the couch.  It always makes me nervous, but I'm never too far away.  After that, she bounced off the couch and bolted to the baking cupboard where she pulled out my giant bucket of flour and carried it around with her. She was just Go-Go-Go all day long! She pulled out almost every toy she has, and I pulled out my camera and chased her around all day. She wasn't totally grouchy all day, but she was definitely irritable and moody at some parts of the day.  We did have fun though despite being cooped up.  

While I was doing dishes, she dragged her wrapped up tunnel out of her room for me to undo so that she could play in it. It kept her occupied for a while and Mommy sane.

Next she went for the blanket basket in her room.  I figured the messy blankets strewn all over the house was okay as long as she was quiet and content. 

After she got bored with her blankets, the book box came out, as well as all the books. We had a fun story time, and then she had fun with the box. Somewhere along the way she found her head band and thought she looked "O0o00oO" with it on. I got a kick out of it!

Finally, she was all tuckered out.  We folded the blankets, picked up the books, put the toys back in the toy box and she went for a nice hot bath.  We read our scriptures, said our prayers, and she went to bed.  I then pieced our house back together and finished tidying up. Whew, what a long day. Luckily, Mr. Stannix doesn't have school today! I am excited!

Dearest Little One

Dearest Little One,

I have been thinking a lot about you lately.  This morning your Daddy and I were getting dizzy watching your active big sister run around the house like a hooligan.  Daddy told me he thinks that all of our kids are going to be crazy hooligans! I agreed. But that's what will make our life rich and fun.  This passed week you have been awake more often and I've enjoyed every little moment of it.  You woke me up a few mornings ago by gently sliding your little foot from one side of my stomach to the other. After, you continued to roll and tumble around for quite a while.  You are a lot like your big sister because you like to be awake and active at night, just like she did. Because of this, I really haven't been getting a lot of sleep lately. But I do enjoy the little moments, where it's just you and me awake in the calm of the night.  I snuggle under my covers with my hand on my belly and listen to the wind howl outside under the street lights.

Next week we will visit the doctors again and I will get to hear your wooshing little heart beat.  This always brings a smile to my face.  I love hearing the little life that is inside of me, ready to take on the world in a few months! I think about what you will look like.  I wonder what color your eyes will be, and if you will have long or short hair when I first meet you.  Although things haven't always been easy with this pregnancy, I know that you will be worth it!

Soon I will have you in my arms.  I will count everyone of your chubby little fingers, and every one of your chubby little toes.  I will hold your little cheeks close to mine and snuggle you tight.  I will kiss your tiny nose, and keep you safe and warm.  And when you are awake, I will stare into your eyes and wonder what you are thinking. I can't promise that your big sister won't slobber all over you when she smothers you in kisses, but I can promise that she will love you just as your Daddy and I love you. 

I look forward to every little mile stone you will hit and hope to be there every day.  I'm sure that before I know it I will have two of you to chase around all day and play with.  Daddy and I will have twice as many toys to clean up at night, and twice the joy as we watch you both grow.

All I ask is that you come on time, because I already can't wait!

Love Always,
Mum

“He maketh the … woman … to be a joyful mother of children”

Psalms 113:9

"Motherhood is the greatest potential influence either for good or ill in human life.  The mother's image is the first that stamps itself on the...young child's mind.  It is her caress that first awakens a sense of security; her kiss, the first realization of affection; her sympathy and tenderness, the first assurance that there is love in the world". 

~David O. McKay~

Lost and Found

It's been a relaxing holiday, but we are now back to our regular schedule.  Mr. Stannix started classes again yesterday, and Camilla and I are on our own again.  This semester is a little better though because Daddy's classes don't start until later on in the A.M. So we get some extra time with him.  Camilla enjoys having him around and sat on his lap during breakfast while they split a bagel.  

I haven't blogged for a while because I lost my memory card to my camera.  I was so desperate to find it today.  I had last set it on the computer desk, and thought maybe it had fallen, or got stuck under something.  I took the vacuum out and went nutts all around the computer getting the dust and checking for the card behind the desk amongst all the cords.  No luck.  I finally resorted to asking Camilla if she had seen Mommy's "Little black card".  She babbled something to me, while rolling her tongue and went to her toy box and started chucking toys while she looked for it.  I wish I could say that my kid is a genius and knew what I wanted her to find, but, she didn't.  It was still cute that she was so willing to help.  While she was looking in her toys, I remembered that she was on the chair by the computer desk playing around yesterday. She kept climbing onto the arm of the chair, saying "Det, DOH!" (set, go) and then falling backwards off the arm and onto the cushions of the chair.  I pulled off the cushion, and sure enough, there was my memory card! 

I sorted through the toy box the other day and took out all the really baby-ish toys to make room for some of her newer toys.  Her "too-doo's" (cool dudes) were brought to the top again and she's been having fun wearing them while driving her car. She's growing up way to fast for my liking.  Little miss independent.  I was telling Mr. Stannix yesterday how difficult she can be sometimes just because she's so head strong and active.  I can't even snuggle with her before bed while she drinks her bottle because she doesn't sit still for it anymore.  She just plays now. I think the bottle is going to be cut in the very near future.  She doesn't seem to need it anymore.  Mr. Stannix sympathized with me because he knows that was the one moment I super enjoyed and cherished with our little girl. I guess the fact that she now gives us hugs willingly replaces the snuggles I used to steal.  She loves to run up and give hugs and pats us on our backs.  At least I know she still loves me!

Sunday afternoon we all lazed around the living room and played with Camilla.  She was too funny for words!! Her favorite thing is her "det, DOH! AHHHHH".  She'll take her fingers and race them down the edges of chairs or along the side of the table. "Det, DOH!" and they're off!!! It's so cute when she says it. Mr. Stannix and I were laughing pretty hard.  Then he tried to get her to say "set" on her own. This is how the conversation went down...

Daddy: "Say 'set' Camilla"

Camilla: "DOH! AHHH!!"

Daddy: "No Camilla, Say 'set' "

Camilla: "DOH! AHHHH!"

Some laughing

Mommy: "Camilla say 'ready...set...go!' "

Camilla: "AHHHH!"

She didn't quite catch on, but it was super funny because she kept saying whatever came after what we were trying to get her to say!

On Saturday morning, I woke up with her and we played on the couch for a while. Then she heard Daddy in the room and whispered "Da-Da" and took off.  They were really quiet for a few minutes, and then Mr. Stannix said "Go show mum".  Camilla came walking out of the room with her arm stretched out pointing to it and saying "eh-bow" over and over again.  It took me a few minutes, but I finally figured it out! Daddy taught her where her elbow is! When we used to ask her "Where's your elbow?" she would pull up her shirt and say "BOW!" because that's what she calls her belly button for some reason.  Victory! Her elbow is no longer her belly button. 

We had a fabulous family home evening last night complete with lesson and singing "Once There was a Snowman" about 10 times.  Camilla loved it! The first time she just watched us do the actions, the second time she did the "Tall, tall tall" part and I think by the fourth or fifth time she mastered it. It was great to get back on track with family home evening and to feel the love and spirit that surrounds it! She looked through a picture book while we had the lesson and pointed to pictures of the Savior and said "Jesus".  It's so great to see her learn this young!

Today she has learned "Yes Please" when I ask if she wants something. It's too dang cute listening to her talk!

Anyways, I guess that's all the catch up on the Stannix gang for now! I should go do some tidying while the girly is asleep.  The poor kid got back from grocery shopping and her toes were freezing.  She wasn't too happy about it, and knew she was tired.  She just wanted to lay in her crib, so I put her in and snuggled her up with blankets.  I went in to check her after a few minutes and she was asleep, but her poor little piggies were still ice cold.  I heated up a little wheat bag for them and she's sleeping like a baby.

Now it's time for me to be productive!!

1st Hair Cut

Camilla got her very first hair cut today! We had a coupon for a free first cut at Beaners and thought we would take a look.  What a fun little place! 

Camilla playing in the balls while she waits!

Sitting pretty in her pink car, cape on, and hair being sprayed down.

She sat so nicely!

The hair dresser took the first snippet of hair and placed it on the counter.

PRESTO! It took maybe 2 minutes for the whole thing. 

She even got some sparkly gel for her bangs.

Before we left, the hair dresser took some of her hair and stuck it to a "My First Hair Cut" certificate, and put the rest in an envelope. Although not a whole lot was taken off, it was amazing to see the difference! 

Her little curl in the back is now a little bob that flips up, and all the scraggly, frizzy ends were chopped!

She had so much fun that she really didn't want to leave after.  There was definitely a mini fit when she was removed from the car. Luckily, the lollipop calmed her down some.  When we finished, we took off for a swim.  It was a great afternoon. Now it is bath and bed time for the girly.

Toys & Talking

Our stay is almost finished at Gramma and Grampa's.  It's been a great couple of weeks with our families. Camilla has enjoyed the extra interaction and snuggles.  She's been having fun playing with all of her Christmas toys.  I can't wait to see what she does when we get home to all her old toys.  Usually she's so excited to pull them out and play, especially her little pink piano.  She's such a little copy cat lately and is picking up words like crazy.  She heard me say "Yeah" on the phone yesterday and walked around all aftertoon shouting "YAHHH" over and over.  She can now say "Sippy" for her little cup.  She will go to the fridge and say "Yo-Yo" which means yogurt.  This morning while I was making breakfast, she wanted up, but she's getting so heavy I just bent down to hug and snuggle her.  She snuggled in, tucking her arms under her belly and resting her head on my shoulder.  I said "Aw, You're so nice!".  Camilla stood up again, looked at me, and said "Nice". This morning she also heard me say "Yes" while on the phone with grampa and started repeating that over and over again.  She loves playing the "Ano" and is getting pretty good.  The other day I thought someone was helping her tinker away, but came in to find out it was just her playing with both hands! Can' wait to start lessons with her when she's a little older.  Here are some pictures of our little talker.  Mr. Stannix and Un-doh nick named her "The Destroyer" the other day because she was having too much fun knocking down their block towers.  Super funny to watch! She also likes having tea parties with her barbies. She puts plates on the little tables and gets some "Boo" (food) for them all because they're "Ungy" (hungry).  I don't know how she learned to sip from little tea cups.  She kind of reminds me of Goldilocks sitting on baby bears chair. When they're done she pats her belly and says "Foo" (full). So fun to watch her play pretend.

Camilla Goes to Nursery

Yesterday was a very different Sunday.  Miss Camilla is now old enough to go to nursery.  I had mixed feelings about the whole thing, but over all I think it's a good change.  When we woke up, Mr. Stannix and I talked about her going to nursery today and I was all for it.  Something new and exciting for her and I wouldn't have to keep her entertained during Sunday school and Relief Society.  We all got ready to go to church.  I had time to curl my hair, and while the curling iron was still hot I pulled Camilla into the bathroom to do her hair.  It was so fun to see it all curled up and pretty.  It made her look like such a little lady.  After we got our jackets on, we were off!  All during Sacrament meeting she wanted to go up to the front to see Grampa.  It was pretty funny.  It finally was time to take her to nursery.  I took her by her little hand and we left the chapel, walked down the hall, and went into the classroom.  At first, Camilla just stood there, unsure, but she knew there was toys, so that helped.  I stood back and watched her.  She didn't join in with the other kids too quickly, just watched.  I went over and we got a doll for her to play with.  While she was cuddling her doll, I finally snuck out.  It was hard to just leave her there! The whole time I was worried she was going to notice I was gone, or miss me, or cry for the teacher.  It was weird attending my meetings and not having to worry about her.  I think I missed her more than she missed me!! She did wonderful for the whole 2 hours, up until clean up time at the very end.  She wanted to keep playing.  I was so proud of our little girl.

Mr. Stannix appreciated the break (as did I), but I cried on the way home as I thought about how big Camilla is getting.  I think it's going to take mommy a few weeks to finally adjust to this nursery thing.  I was honestly feeling a little bored and naked during my classes because I didn't have a kiddo to chase after the whole time. It might take a few weeks to get back into the learning and being edified groove. Later on after dinner, Gramma, Grampa, Mr. Stannix, Camilla and I were all in the living room visiting.  She had a blanket spread out and she was singing to herself, spinning and doing bum drops on the floor.  We were trying to figure out what she was doing, and Grampa finally clued in! He started singing "Ring around the Rosy" and her face lit up as she continued to dance and giggle.  She put her hands out like she was holding hands with the other kids.  I think she learned the song in nursery.  She had so much fun, and it was so funny seeing her tell us about her day in nursery through her actions. I can't believe the memory she has sometimes! I wasn't able to get a video of her singing and doing it all herself, but I got one of her doing the actions.  We'll see how nursery goes next week in our home ward! She'll have twice the amount of kids to play with, so let's hope it's twice as fun for her!

New Years Celebrations

Before I start on New Years, I thought I would put this nifty picture up.  Mr. Stannix has been asking my dad to see his accordion, and dad finally gave in last night.  We whipped it out and had a little shindig in the living room.  Photos were tabooed, but I'm pretty sure my sis snuck a video and some pictures. Maybe I'll steal a couple.  After we heard "On Top of Old Smokey" and some other oldies, Mr. Stannix had a go.  I couldn't resist taking a photo.   

We've had some fabulous New Years celebrations! I thought I would just quickly post on the festivities. Camilla enjoyed some time outside with Daddy while he shoveled yesterday. 

 When Camilla noticed I was standing at the door wit a camera, she stood up and said "Cheese" and waited for me to snap a picture.  It was cute!

For New years eve, we went up to the community hall to take in some skating and enjoy the fire works with everyone.  We didn't stay too long, but it was a lot of fun.  The fire works were also very enjoyable!

Daddy took camilla for a spin around the ice.  Mommy was a little nervous, but knows he's good on his skates.  Camilla loved it! Can't wait to get her out there with skates and a stick!  I even got a little skating in.  The fresh air was nice and it felt good to be on the ice again.  It was our first skate of the season and we hope to do more!! Mum warned me about skating while pregnant and I told her I'd be okay.  I almost ate my words.  As I returned to the rink to snap a picture of Mr. Stannix and his little girl I just about face planted! Thankfully, my mum (of all people) was there to grab my arm! Mum's really do always know best!

When we got home, Mr. Stannix and Grampa started up a huge fire for us to enjoy.  Camilla liked sitting on her own seat and watching the fire until she got sleepy. 

Grampa whipped us up some sea food to enjoy while we played Rook, and rang in the new year. It was yummy!

We examined the baby squid for eyes, and I think they got played with more than they got ate. It was hilarious!  

Today was a beautiful day.  The thermometer actually reached zero.  While the sun was shining and the sky was blue, we decided to take Camilla for a spin behind the quad. She LOVED it.  We have such an adventerous little girl.  She was hilarious!

She couldn't wait to head out! Finally, the quad was warm and Grampa took her and Daddy around the subdivision.  She came back and was cozy in Daddy's lap, wanting to go again.

Mr. Stannix took CJ and I out for a few nice rounds.  The whole time I was all "Mike, Slow down!!", "Go Slower!!!".  I honestly don't know how I survived as a teenager.  My friends and I would spend evenings and Saturdays pulling each other behind the quad.  The driver would be going way to fast, swinging us over snow banks, turning really sharp, and driving through trees and we didn't care! We lived for it! Some of the things we did were just plain dangerous!!  Today, I hate to admit it, but I was scared on the kiddie ride Mr. Stannix gave us (he was really not going very fast at all!).  So that was funny.

Mr. Stannix, Un-doh Arland, and Grampa finished off the evening in the hot tub. Camilla loved splashing and swimming around with everyone else.  After a shower and some jammies, she went to bed no problem! We are now going to enjoy us some five handed rook and munchies. 

Happy New Year!!

Wrapping up Christmas

We were lucky this year that both of our parents live in the same town.  After Christmas morning with Nana, we slid out to the acreage for a quick visit. Camilla opened a few more gifts and got to play with them for a few minutes while we visited.  We got a wheat grinder which will be put to good use! (My muscles were really getting tired of the hand grinder.) I'm looking forward to many more years of fresh, homemade bread!!

Checking out her new tunnel!

I don't know what was up with her tongue, but all morning we got this look!! I think she gets it from Grampa Hudkins and Daddy.

Playing peek from her tunnel while we were all visiting

22 Weeks and counting

We had a lot of fun in at Nana's. Camilla loved playing with the pets and visiting with Nana.  She sure loves her.  We made it out to my parents on Wednesday and will be here for the rest of our holidays, with trips in to visit Nana and the pets.  Camilla is still loving life.  We have big plans to take her out sledding behind the quad once it warms up a little bit. New years tomorrow!!