Better make this fast...

 Good evening, family and friends! Hope everyone is doing fantastic, we're doing great here. Boy is it hot, though.

Oy, very little time, so very much to do! I am pleased with the spare moments I do get. I know Camilla could be a LOT worse, we're lucky she doesn't cry too much... although unfortunately, she gets VERY fussy and cries when Josh has her. I think it's just that "I want my mommy" phase, because she definitely knows who I am and definitely knows when I am gone. But she is getting better. She has a lot more hair, even on the top of her head (Josh thought she was going to be bald up there forever lol) and when she looks at you you can tell she is actually looking at you and processing what she is looking at. She'll follow you with her eyes, and study things. She's so flippin' cute!!!

Today, I went out and thrifted which is probably one of my most favorite things in the world. I love this one thrift store here, for some reason the people there love me because they give me bigger discounts on everything. I walked out with a big bag of awesome stuff for only $1.47. I do donate a lot of stuff I don't need to them, so maybe that's why? They're a bunch of lovely people there though, so I try and stop by a lot! While texting my sis today, I told her I think I'm officially addicted...


We broke down and got cable. I also broke down and started a little blog for my shop; I'll probably just do announcements and whatever contests I decide to have, a lot of customers ask if I have an official website that isn't a venue-site for updates and the like. I know Facebook is a good thing with how social it is, but that's too much work I think lol. I'm very excited that my sales are picking up! It's a lot of fun, and some days can be pretty intensive with customer queries and listing and posting (especially the advertising side of it) but luckily, I can do a lot of that with one hand, since Camilla's taking up the other one most of the day. :)

Anyway, here is the shoppe's blog, I'm currently having a giveaway contest-type thing for anyone who is interested, the winners will get gift certificates to the store. :) http://christinepurr-shoppe.blogspot.com/

Yay!

Camilla's doing awesome, getting bigger and sillier, and might I add PALER! She doesn't have tan skin anymore! Lol. She is literally Josh's doppleganger. But that's okay cause they're both adorable and I think it's cute when a lil girl takes after her dad.

Hmmm, I wonder if I have time for pictures... YES, I think I do! Picture time!

Oops... some of them are upside down and sideways, darn. Oh well, they're still cute. :)

Not enough free time! Ahhh!

Better get this written before Camilla wakes up... and it's actually going to be a total of 9 days before Josh comes back. Booooo. :( We're good though, sometimes it feels like I've been marooned on a desert island. Other than the phone and internet, have not had any contact with other human beings haha. Except Camilla, of course. And Desoto... well he acts like he's a person... (most of the time.)

The bad bad bad news? There's this schooling thing in Georgia that Josh will most likely go to... he'd leave September 30th, for 2 1/2 months. He'd come back 5 days before Christmas. The school is a big deal because it will put him on the fast track to another promotion (if he graduates, and the graduating class that comes out is insanely small. Very few make it) and if he triumphs (come on this is Josh, he definitely will) there'd be a plethora of better opportunities for the future. But 2 1/2 months?! Fall/winter is my favorite time of the year what with Halloween...Thanksgiving... Christmas... and it'd be incredibly sad that he would be missing most of that (even my birthday!). This is still up in the air though, and a pretty big maybe, but I know he really wants to jump at the chance if he can get in. I want him to do what's best for the family. It's not a question of: will we make it without him for that long? Yes, I know me, Cam, and Desoto can. It's just the big deal of missing him so much, and him missing out on Camilla's first Halloween, first Thanksgiving, and missing most of the Christmas season. I am CRAZYYYY about Christmas. This house will be decked out to the max... (last Feb there was like an 80% off all Christmas stuff at Big Lots so we stocked up A LOT), it'll just be sad, and a big fat challenge to get all the Holiday stuff done without him. I probably won't do a Thanksgiving dinner... I guess that excuses me from handling an icky, naked, raw turkey!

The past few days with him gone, and the handful of more days to trudge through, I know he's definitely felt the pain of being separated from me and his lil baby girl.  He might not choose to do the schooling thing so soon, but this is all gossip -- I probably shouldn't even be putting it on here because it's not set in stone, but it is a possibility.

In other news, we got little CamCam a swing we purchased with the gift card Josh's awesome grandpa gave Camilla.. we thought it might help a little. Here's a pic of her in it:

She still would rather be in my arms, but it does buy me maybe 5-10 minutes randomly throughout the day. She's getting more used to it, but gosh she is a picky little thing.

Aww! I love pics with them together. Before he left on his 9 day adventures in the field, Josh came home with a saxophone a buddy of his was selling. Well, he texted me first asking me if I was  interested - and I was! It's been so long since I had my old sax I was definitely excited, and while it needs definite refurbishing, it'll be fun once it becomes playable. We just  have to find the time to take it to the music store. We both really want her to grow up with plenty of musical influence. It makes me want to get new strings and restring my old guitar. Actually, that thing is a piece of crap, I'd rather just get a new guitar... but not for a long while. Josh asked what instrument Camilla will play when she's older (like she didn't have a choice.. haha!) I said, well I'd like her to learn piano first. I firmly believe if you can play the piano and play it well, you can play anything. IF she wants to. I might push her though.. My grandma pushed me into continuing playing my saxophone in middle school when I really wanted to quit, but she wouldn't let me quit. Thank goodness, the saxophone is really fun, and if not for her, I wouldn't know how to play it or know how to read music.

Hmmm. Apart from all that, there really hasn't been too much else going on. Our UPS guy is terrified of Desoto... even though there really isn't anything to be scared of. He's a big baby, really. The UPS dude won't even come up to the house with us in the yard and telling him that it's okay and he won't bite... sheesh. Oh well! His loss!

Time for more pics!

 

First Bath and a Misadventure of the Smallest Kind

Today was Camilla's first bath! The tub we have is this one: The First Years Infant To Toddler Tub (that a friend sent us) and right off the bat, I was very happy with it. There's a hammock-like sling that holds Camilla up comfortably and she stays in place, so bathing her was quite easy. The only down side was our double-sink is too big to have it sit sturdy enough. A fact I found out... AFTER the tub slipped (not to worry, Camilla was safe in her sleeper, this happened as I was fiddling with the tub and filling it up) and the entire contents of the tub spilled onto the kitchen floor. That wasn't too fun mopping all that  up... but I digress.

So into the real bathtub the infant tub went. I was pretty nervous about how she'd react, but after being confused for a few seconds, and a few more seconds of her 'Do I like this? I'm not sure' grunts, she relaxed, and even posed.

It was a pleasant experience, although she cried a bit after she got out. Couldn't blame her though, she was all shivery and I got her into her Duckie hooded bath towel and into a dry onesie ASAP.

The perks of bath time?  Not only a clean, happy baby - but a tired one as well! She drifted off soon after. Hence being able to write up this quick blog post!

 

Little Camilla is now enrolled in DEERS and Tricare. Josh ended up taking her since I had zero sleep the night before; I was incredibly thankful that I could squeeze in some rest. Soon we'll find out who her official pediatrician will be. I'm reeeeeeeeeally hoping it will be off base.  *crosses fingers*

Awwwww.

Uh oh!

Cutest baby ever?!

This week will be a great week since Josh only works two days however, next week is the 8 day In-the-Field stuff. It'll be tough, but me and CamCam can do it! Plus, there's always Desoto to help. Or not help..  haha. It is really cute how he interacts with her. When she starts fussing or crying, he always looks legitimately concerned. I can't wait to watch her grow up and interact with him more and more; I know he is going to be a GREAT protector and best friend for her. And we trust him 100%.With Josh gone and having Desoto around,  I feel incredibly safe. Desoto doesn't miss a beat -- the other night my phone fell off the couch (Desoto was in a dead sleep) when it hit the ground, he jumped up, looked alert and around the house, and let out one warning bark. I'm pretty sure no one around here is crazy enough to break into the house owned by a Doberman...

Desoto, do you know there's a rubber steak on your head?

Oh, there is more news... on the bad side, but we aren't 100% sure (though it is more than likely going to happen) nothing too drastic, but it sure is going to suck! I'll save that for the next blog though because this one is already running a little long!

I'll end this with a little misadventure that happened the other day...

Meet Gob! He's one of two pet rats we have. They're very sweet, inquisitive, and silly. I'll  usually leave the cage door open because they like to play and sleep on top of the cage. Sometimes (very rarely) they fall off the cage (oops!) but they don't go anywhere. They'll look terribly confused on what just happened, until I scoop them up and put them back inside the cage.

Well, the other morning I woke up, and realized I left the cage door open overnight. Gob must have fallen off... because I couldn't find him ANYWHERE. Panicked, I searched up and down, all over the house. I  let Desoto out, and something outside was making him bark like crazy! I was scared Gob had somehow gotten outside, so I investigated the yard. Turns out, we have new neighbors at the house next to us, which had him riled up. Gob was still missing... and I had to end the search because Camilla woke up and I had to care for her. I figured he would turn up later.

And he did. As I was passing through the living room area, I saw him poke out his head by the heap of sewing stuff! I literally squealed and said, "THERE YOU ARE!!!" and ran over to him, extended my hand, and he waddled right out, ready to go home. Rats are so funny. They prefer the company of their humans and once bonded to you, the thought of 'escaping' isn't at all in their minds. While they can be escape artists, they always prefer their home, or their cage. And their humans. He was VERY happy to be back in the cage with his cagemate Tobias. That picture was taken a couple days after the mishap... and he was so excited to see me, he greeted me at the cage door.

I wonder what sorts of things he thought while he was on his adventure. The things he must've seen. My theory is, since he was by the sewing stuff, he must've wanted to make me a dress like the mice in Cinderella...

Shoot, I think I hear Camilla stirring and I've fallen so far behind in chores, emails, business stuff, and tons more! I wish I had more free time! Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!

Oh what the heck, more Camilla pics!

HAPPY 1 MONTH CAMCAM!!!!

CamCam is 1 month old!!! WOOHOO!!! Time feels like it's flying... unless she's awake and crying, then it feels like forever (ha). No, but in all seriousness, she's doing great though and getting so big. Josh has even commented on how she's growing. She is SUCH a strong little baby. She lifts her head and keeps it raised for longer periods, gazing around and looking at things. She's focusing more on objects and everything around her, and you can see the curiosity in her eyes. She also loves to kick at you... lol. One of her favorite things is to have her lay on your chest while she kicks you until you place your hands on her feet, because she sure loves to push off and sort-of "crawl" up to your shoulder. I'm not sure I would label it a real "crawl" but it sure feels like she's attempting to. And she sure does get a kick out of that... pardon the pun. Even for supervised tummy time she kicks her legs out like she wants to get going... she's going to be a troublesome one, isn't she?

Before I continue with what's been going on, perhaps I'll share some more adorable pics of sweet lil Camilla.

Yay! Today is also me and Josh's anniversary; we're just staying in though, which I prefer anyway! A lazy Sunday with the family is more than enough for me -- and Camilla is the greatest gift of all. Not to sound cheesy or anything. :) But she is!

Tomorrow we plan on taking her to get enrolled in DEERS and from there we'll find out who her primary doctor/care  providers will be, whether it'll be a doctor on base or not. I was surprised to hear that they do "outsource" some of their patients to Tricare-approved practices off post. Which makes sense,  since this place is HUGE and pretty hectic, especially the hospital... finding adequate parking at whichever clinic/building you have an appointment at is next to impossible. I'm kind of hoping  her doctor will be off base for that reason, but whatever happens happens!

Hmmm, not much else has been going on. Last night Camilla slept through the majority of the night. She sleeps the best when we're laying on the couch and she's propped up on my chest. I know it seems more 'dangerous', especially everything I've researched and read online, and I never thought I would be a co-sleeper, but we both get the best rest that way, and I make sure we're both comfortable and safe. With the boppy pillow propped up on one side of me and the couch on the other side, she can't slip off. Anytime she stirs though, I'm instantly awake. She does sleep in her rock and play sleeper too, and once in awhile, a nap in her crib. I don't want her to get *too* used to only sleeping on me, I think that would cause more issues in the long run when she's older... it's still a fun process, finding out what works for us and what doesn't.

And when she isn't asleep, she's WIIIIDE AWAKE for several hours at a time now. Occupying her while she's awake is our newest, biggest challenge since she's too young to play with toys, etc. She loves to be carried around; Josh carries her while she's nestled in the Moby wrap (Josh uses that more than me.. actually I've never used the Moby wrap yet!) If you fancy a chuckle, this is the moby wrap. Picture Josh in that! I tend to just carry her using my arms, I know, I'm so old-fashioned -- haha! Even if she doesn't fall asleep after awhile, she's perfectly content resting her head on my shoulder, or gazing about. I've learned to do many tasks one-handed, though cooking is still one I haven't mastered. Too risky, in my opinion. And for those of you that know me well, you know how clumsy I can be. Maybe it's the momma bear in me that wards that away, but thank goodness I haven't tripped or anything while holding her! (and I'm the kind  of person who trips over her own shadow...)

Before I sign off for the night, I must mention the breast pump thing... so for any dudes that may read this blog, you might want to turn away now! Lol. Pumping has been quite a relief and a de-stresser. I like that I can actually see the amount and measure in ounces how much she is eating. I've read that pumping frequently can actually help with your supply, which seems about accurate. Josh can also bond with her more by feeding her (and while he feeds her I can either a) rest or b) tackle chores or c)shower!), which is the biggest plus of all in my opinion! I still do regular breastfeeding too, but it's just such a relief for the extra help that a pump can provide. I sound like a commercial for breasts pumps (lol) but it was a good investment indeed... and on the topic of investments, I used some of my small Artfire business money to  purchase some cloth diapers. I figure now that I'm comfortable with the regular diaper experience (haha) I can try out cloth diapers. If they don't work for us, no harm no foul. I just didn't want to completely ignore the option... since I'm always looking for ways to save money!

Let's end this blog post with some more of that adorable little baby girl!

Happy 1 month, CamCam! We love you so much! <3 <3 <3

What a CUTIE!

ZzzZZzzzzzZzzZzZz...

Awww.

Mmm cake!

Man, I can't figure out how to format the pictures so they're nice and even. Oh well! Okay so the last picture isn't Camilla... but I was pretty proud of myself for making an Angel Food Cake! Not sure how I managed to squeeze in the time to make that, but yay!