New Advances

Our exciting adventures continued....  Savannah, Rebecca, Delaney, Rylee, and Camden.  As a posse, we set out with grandiose plans to view all the monuments on the National Mall.  But, the combination of excessive heat and physical exertion, plus we had a deadline (school kids to be home for), proved to be too much for us to overcome and we only did about half of what we had hoped.  

But we were exhausted anyway.  

After a jaunt on the Metro, we first went by the National Archives to view the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.  I also fed Camden (in the bathroom because I was too timid to do so on a bench which was located directly in the flow of traffic).

As we exited the Archives, we observed this statue and Savannah commented that this lady had no qualms about breastfeeding in public.  I guess I should have taken my cue from her.  But perhaps a little more modestly.

We perused the Vietnam Wall.  

We also saw the World War II Memorial and barely refrained from dipping our feet into what appeared to be very refreshing water.

Camden woke up for the Lincoln Memorial.  He has good taste.  And the air conditioning on the lower level probably woke him from his heat coma.  The stroller seems to be a bit like an oven on warm days (of which this one DEFINITELY qualified).

We also saw the Korean War Memorial.  Camden was obviously unaware of its importance, being more fascinated with his cousins.  Perhaps it isn't apparent that we are all drenched in sweat and beginning to overheat.

We still tried to take the opportunity to explain to Camden how blessed we are and how grateful we are for those who have fought for freedom.

Poor Camden seemed a bit overheated, so once we were out of the sun, waiting for the Metro, we disrobed him and he was much happier.

Recording Camden's Metro experience.  He liked it pretty well.  He made a lot of friends too - grandmas and young ladies alike were quite entranced by him.

Apparently, despite Camden's lack of obvious interest in most of these cultural experiences, they appear to have stimulated his development.  Yesterday he crawled!!

Okay, so he didn't get up on his knees, but he definitely had some forward motion.  You can see his amazing action here.

And just for DAN!  Per your request....  

By the way, this photo makes Camden look a little chunky, but it's not true.  He is still a stick baby.  Not a sumo baby.  Just FYI.

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Camden takes a trip

This blog is to fulfill the request of my most amazing Dan, who is home slaving away and the one who has made this trip possible!  So....  here are some pictures of Camden's adventures today!

We are inculcating him with a desire for liberty and a gratitude for those who have made it possible for us to live in liberty.  And to know that the Marine Corps is the best of the best of the best!

  Ignore the goofy-looking adult here.  Camden was too tired to appreciate the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

This is a real fake DEA agent (aren't you intimidated?), on display at the DEA Museum.  Camden learned what a brick of marijuana looks like.  He also knows to say no!

Camden learned about our very noble and praiseworthy first president ever.  

Camden also toured the historic home Mount Vernon and was awed at the elegance.

Camden is really just a one woman man.  He doesn't really think anyone but me can solve his problems. But he did have a (short) fun time visiting with Aunt Rebecca!

Camden is a real hit with his cousins, but he gets overstimulated by their enthusiastic exuberance.  Rylee was a little more mellow, but she liked the same toys.  Camden hasn't had to share with anyone before.  It's been an educational experience in many ways.

Catchy Tunes

Did you know that there is a song for everything? 

It's true.  No matter your circumstances, odds are good that someone else wrote a little ditty that describes them (you can count on Weird Al for melodic summaries of really bizarre events).  And, if perchance, someone hasn't provided the proper lyrics for you, then if you're like Dan, you just change the words to some catchy tune.  I realized I've started doing this for Camden during the day, following Dan's example.  Because Camden loves it when you sing.   (Even if you sing badly.  Which I frequently do.)  Here are some of the songs we sing:


Camden Eli is So Great (to Camptown Races)

Consider the Camden in My Arms (definitely not as beautiful as the MoTab's arrangement Consider the Lilies)

Goodnight, My Camden (Camden loves stuff from the Music Man and he usually falls asleep to this adaptation of a great classic)

Baby Drool (perhaps not as flattering as Baby Doll, but it's such a frequent occurrence it really should be noted)

When Camden went to Take a Nap (adapted from the Primary's When Joseph Went to Bethlehem)

Don't Cry for Me, Camden Eli  (Evita needs some adjustment to be age appropriate for our boy)

Puke on My Shoulder Makes me Happy (thanks to John Denver)

Camden has discovered the joy of books.  He is so his mother's son!