My Little Men

Shell-Bell was kind enough to brave the freezing cold a couple of Saturdays ago to take the kiddo's 6yr and 4yr old pictures. We also were able to take Cole-baby's 3 yr old pictures. Nicole was in a dress, so we took hers first and luckily she was a ham, so we got done quick. She sat in the warm car with Chad while we worked with the boys. The temp dropped quickly and I am not picky with pictures (my saying is, "there's got to be at least ONE good one in there--we're done.") So we boogied out of there. It's easy to not be so picky when Shell does a great job editing and it costs me nothing more than maybe some babysitting and/or jewelry. Good trade in my opinion.

I actually get sad looking at the two of them. The thought of our family changing, even though it will be a good change, is hard. Our little foursome works so well. I take Spencer, Chad takes Cameron and there is plenty of "no hitting" space in any vehicle.

I don't remember what we said here,,,but I love it. Goofy boys. They are such good little buddies. They're not perfect, and there is plenty of fighting and teasing in our house, but I see the love and concern they have for each other. Their little personalities compliment each other well--Cam is more uptight, Spence is laid-back (about certain things). Cam's the peacemaker, so when Spencer is demanding (as he often is) Cameron gives in to keep the peace. Spencer adores Cam and wants to be like him and Cam is so good to include him.

I absolutely adore my little boys. I am grateful I get to be their mommy and I embrace their uniqueness. They teach me so much and even if they grow up having more than their fair share of "Oprah moments" ie. Beach Day. They will sure as heck know that their Momma loves them.

Spencer is so fun and goofy, although he has a hard time opening up to many people. There are even VERY close family members that don't see the real Spencer too often. You have to EARN your place with this kid--he makes you work for the love and attention he is willing to give. He is very sweet and all of his little friend's moms/primary teachers/pre-school teacher adore him and tell me, "there is just something about Spencer." He learns well in non-traditional ways--I have given up on using Cam's old pre-school workbooks. Cameron would eat those books up and whizzed through them. Spencer couldn't care less--but he is a sponge and surprises me with the things he knows and remembers if I am creative in my teaching.

Age 4 was a dream with Cameron, not so much with Spencer. He is starting to exert his independence more and more. He used to be SO obedient, now everything is, "too hard" or "I'm too tired." At least when he gets sent to his bedroom he obeys and will stay on his bed until he is ready to be better---I don't go get him. I wait for him, because with Spencer you just ignore and he will come around when he is ready. Then he acts like nothing happened, no pouting, just happy goofy Spencer.

Cameron is such a little man, and always has been. He is a mini-Chad and I am so grateful for Chad, because this little boy is a mystery to me in so many ways, and Daddy knows just what he is thinking and feeling. "We'll see what Daddy thinks when he gets home," is a phrase often uttered in our house. Actually Richele understands him well too--I have called her in tears a couple of times asking her to tell me what to say to my own son. I admire that Cameron always wants to do his best. He is very concerned for others, especially family, and wants to do what's right. He is very loving and affectionate. He is a "pleaser" and wants to make mommy and daddy happy. I think the motivation for his good decisions will in part be because he doesn't want to disappoint us. Oh he loves to learn and does very well in school. He will probably be one to actually put too much pressure on himself academically.

I love candid pictures, and Shell and I tried to get Cameron to act more natural, but he would not take the "perma-grin" off. Just like my Cameron--wanting to be perfect.