Who needs toys?

It's as if Camden knows the difference between the things that are his toys and those that are not...and he wants the things that are not (cell phones, the remote, coasters, straws, his monitor, etc.).  He has played with tupperware quite a few times, but we busted out the colander the other day.  Little did we know it would provide hours...okay minutes...of entertainment.  He loved it!  A few things to note: a) the focused face with the mouth open b) the massive amount of drool c) the food on his sleeve.  After he was trying to muscle the red one around for a bit we decided to get out the yellow one--much more manageable for a little tyke!  Who needs toys when you have a colander or two?!

Backyard Baby

Camden LOVES being outside!  Here are a few pics of him in the backyard a few days ago...

Familia

We are so fortunate to have great families and even more fortunate that they're willing to come to see us!  Camden got to meet his other Great Grandpa at the end of June.  Jonathan's Grandpa and his wife, Evelyn, ventured out to CO to meet the little man.  It was a short visit, but we were so glad they made it out here...meant a lot to us to have our son meet his 2 Great Grandfathers. Then, at the beginning of July, Jonathan's Dad and Step-mom came out for a week.  They hadn't seen Camden since he was 4 weeks old so, needless to say, he had changed quite a bit!  It was great to have them here and see them love on our little guy.  Camden had so much fun with Memaw and Grandpa! Grandpa even watched him for an afternoon while Memaw and Mommy went shopping (Daddy was in AZ for work).  Fun times! 

Evelyn and Cam

I love this pic!  Jonathan's Grandpa has a great personality and you can get a glimpse of it here.  The fact that he's wearing suspenders makes it that much better! :)

Cam and Grandpa

Memaw singing to the baby

Having fun with Grandpa

3 generations of Bentley boys

Thanks for visiting!  We love you guys! 

Separation Anxiety

Yes, it's happening.  Camden is going through some major separation anxiety.  The extremity varies from day to day or sometimes minute to minute.  He will be totally fine sitting on the floor playing then, all of a sudden, he is crying and needs to be held.  I feel bad for him.  You can literally see the anxiety on his face (whoever chose the name "separation anxiety" really knew what they were talking about).  I read up on the subject and have found it to be "completely normal" and the "sign of a healthy bond between the baby and his/her caregiver." Normal as it may be, it can also be exhausting.  There are times when he wants to be held (and only held...it's not good enough for me to just be in his sight) his entire wake time.  So, here's the situation on Tuesday...Jonathan is in MN for work so it's just me and the babe. He's having a "moment" and I have to go to the bathroom...bad! What does one do?  He will NOT be happy if I simply put him in his room while I take care of business.  Here is my epiphany... 

...you put him in the sink!

Then he is distracted by the oh so shiny faucet and the reflection of that cute little boy in the mirror!  Happy baby, happy mama!

8 months!

Wow!  I'm really behind.  Camden will be 9 months on Friday, but here are some pics from his 8 month "photo shoot."  He is becoming quite the little man these days!  His little personality is shining through and we are loving every minute with our baby boy.

Things he loves:

Sitting on his own

Lunging forward...he wants to crawl, but it hasn't happened yet

Reading books

Putting things in his mouth

Eating puffs 

Standing up (with help)

Playing with his toys

Going in his activity center

Touching whatever mommy and daddy have in their hands

Playing with/pulling mommy's hair

Looking in the mirror

Peek-a-boo

Hitting things together

Bath time

Swimming

Giving kisses

Being tickled

Talking

Magazines

Write it in the book:

He went on his 1st plane ride

A tooth made its appearance

He loves to grab his feet so you can't quite get the full effect of how long he is (we'll have an exact measurement after our Friday appt)

He is a little busy body!  He likes to see and touch everything!

Grabbing his toes and looking at daddy

Our sweet baby!