First Class Baby!!!!

Cameron took her first trip on an airplane this week. We all went to New Orleans to celebrate Thanksgiving with all of mommy's family. Jeff took it upon himself to make sure that the airplane trip was great for Cameron. He really wanted her to love flying as much as he does. So daddy got us all upgraded to first class. Cameron even had her own seat and she did great. We were a little worried since she had a cold, but it really only showed on the quick descents into New Orleans and San Francisco. But even that was quickly over when we would put the pacifier into her mouth so she could pop her ears.


Jeff explained to Cameron what was happening and made sure she got some United wings from the Captain. He let her look out the window at the mountains and clouds. It was funny because when she tried to look down she bumped her head on the first window not realizing there were two panes. She got lots of attention from the stewardesses who just gushed at what a good baby she was.


It was a great visit. Cameron got to meet and hang out with grandma, her aunts, uncles, counsins, second cousins, and even a quick visit with some third cousins. We tried to do as much as we could. We visited the Audubon zoo with Aunt Yvonne, and cousins Ricky and Caitlin. She got to meet mommy's friend Dave who treated us to the zoo visit. It was nice to see so many of the animals. Dave says they didn't lose any of the animals during the Katrina disaster unlike the aquarium which lost most of its fish. Cameron went to the petting zoo, but her favorite was the discovery walk where she got to touch a turtle.


Dave also treated us to see Celebration in the Oaks. The park was flooded during the disaster so they have had to do a lot to get it recovered. This year only the Botanical gardens and Storyland were decorated in lights but not as many lights as in previous years because most didn't survive being underwater. Cameron took pictures with a cajun Santa Claus (see xmas album). It was good to see they still had the Cajun Christmas display, and Mr Bingle.


Cameron didn't get any turkey this year, but she did watch Maw-Maw make cookies with her cousins and really wanted to get her hands into the frosting. Maw-Maw promises that in a few years she will definitely get her own cookies to bake and decorate.


Because maw, maw only lives a block from the river we all went for a hike up on the levee with Maw-Maw's dogs, Tori, and the new puppy Missy (unfortunately PJ was not with us, but he was happily back in California enjoying doggie camp).


From the levee we had a great view of downtown and we saw a choo-choo train moving the train cars around. Next to the Perry Street Wharf, which is where we were hiking is the old train car ferry. Its gone now, but there is a placard in its place.


In addition to all of the outings, Cameron also got to participate in the most important Sunday event at the New Orleans homestead..... Football. For a house full of girls this place knows how to celebrate football. There was lots of food and lots of yelling for the Saints. It was a fantastic game and of course the Saints won. Cameron was a little surprised at all the yelling and was unsure really what was happening, but as usual she took it in stride.


Cameron got held a lot but she didn't get spoiled. She took this time to also further her baby skills. Cameron learned how to drink out of a water bottle (loves this!!) and out of a cup. She also got to sit in her first high-chair when we all went out to lunch. She got much better with her sitting up and we started teaching her some signs (we are going to teach Cameron sign language so we started with mommy, daddy, and milk).


There was a lot of playing and a lot of fun to be had. I'm so glad we got to take this trip even if it was short. We are looking forward to more trips for Cameron to have the opportunity to play with her cousins.



And of course Maw-Maw wants to have Cameron back as often as possible. Cameron loved getting to see Maw-Maw again and was sad to say goodbye, but of couse she will continue to call Maw-Maw often so that she can hear her voice.

Turkey's are for eating!!!

On Saturday we went to the mall to meet Cookie and have lunch. While waiting for Cookie to arrive we went to the store Children's Place. In the store, Parent's magazine was sponsering a book signing with Cindy Post Senning, co-author of Emily's Everyday Manners.


Cameron got a signed book by the author and a Certificate of Achievement for learning the "Top Ten Table Manners for Children". And she had the distinct honor of being the youngest recipient to receive such an honor that day.


Cameron was excited to see Cookie. Elisabeth played patty-cake with Cameron while we waited (and waited) for a table for lunch. After lunch we all went shopping where Cookie picked out a new outfit for Cameron. Before you even ask, yes it was purple.


On Sunday we had brunch with Grandma Cindy. Cameron totally forgot about her Table Manners when she fell asleep while we were all having breakfast. It was a good visit and Cameron wished Grandma Cindy a Happy Thanksgiving since we will be in New Orleans next week.


We have been trying to teach Cameron about Thanksgiving. This photo was taken when we told her that we were supposed to eat turkey on Thanksgiving. I think she is ready for Turkey day!

Let's play!!!

Cameron has been in a very playful mood. She is finally enjoying her swing. She usually would only spend out 5 minutes in the swing before she would be ready for something else. Now that she has discovered the toys attached to the swing she can spend a good amount of time playing with each one, or staring at herself and the birdies that fly above her head.


Because she can pull herself up, the bouncy seat is no longer a place we feel comfortable letting her play. We bought a baby einstein jumper and activity seat. Its got different toys all the way around and she can spin herself to the next toy when she gets bored. This has turned out to be a good investment and its only a week old. She spends about 5-10 minutes per toy and will go around a few times before she asked to be taken out.


On Saturday she played with her frog from Aunt Yvette. Its a puppet and has a ribbit-ribbit sound box in its throat so it makes froggy noises. She loved it and gave lots of kisses to the frog. PJ was quite dismayed to see Cameron playing with the frog. He has had his eye on that frog since Yvette brought it home from the store in May. He sat close to her and gave her sad eyes the whole time she was playing. He would then walk by and see if she would drop it so he could snag it.


Cameron will drop anything if PJ gets close enough for her to grab him. She loves to grab his jowls and try and kiss him. PJ uses this to his advantage. Cameron brought home her painted pumpkin this week and PJ immediately recognized the pumpkin as a sweet treat even with its coat of paint. While Cameron was playing with the pumpkin PJ came over and laid next to her and waited for her to drop the pumpkin. Once she raised her hands in delight he took the pumpkin. But Cameron didn't mind at all, she liked seeing her puppy so happy.

Happy Halloween!!!!

Cameron is not afraid of Halloween. We decorated the house as usual and she seemed very interested in all the decorations. She wasn't even afraid of the ghoul. PJ on the other hand didn't like the ghoul at all. He got especially upset to see the ghoul being so close to Cameron.


At school Cameron was in a parade with all the other kids. She dressed up as a ballerina since it was too cold for her fairy costume. We got it all on video in case you ever want to see our home movies. In the afternoon I took Cameron to Google's Halloween party. The theme was pirates!!! She was really fascinated by all the people, and the costumes. She got lots of attention in her ballerina costume.


She also got a mini pumpkin which she immediately put in her mouth and sucked on for awhile. I let her play in the cemetary until it was time to go home. When we got home we let PJ have the pumpkin. At first he liked the orange ball, but when he realized he could eat it without getting in trouble, he loved it.