Let's Play Ball! - Week of Apr. 20th

If you entered our home at any given time, most likely you would hear laughter...not because we are comedic-ally talented, but moreover due to Cam's happy disposition.  

While baking this week with his favorite banana bread baker, Auntie Roe, he proceeded to somehow get flour on his nose, which prompted Auntie Roe to find some on her nose, and then they both had to place a bit on Jane's nose.

Cam's swimming lessons at Mary Free Bed are back in session with the same instructor, Ms. Laura.  He's now much more comfortable and relaxed. His favorite position is most definitely floating on his back!

As the end of the week approached, Cam couldn't wait to go to school on Friday.  Many months ago, our first grader was the winning recipient of a lunch pizza party with friends.  He was able to choose a total of 5 friends to join him for a feast of pizza, breadsticks, fruit and snacks.  Jane was able to assist with the delivery and quietly help set up in an adjacent room.  When she went to say hello to her boy, his happiness quickly turned into a panicked question, "Mom, where is the pizza?"  He was obviously quite relieved when he was assured everything was there.  Many thanks to Ms. Barbara and team for a super fun pizza party!

Jason & Cam

Saturday marked opening day for the WMML!!  Cam is playing for the A's team this spring.  The chilly temps (in the 30's) didn't deter the excitement or smiles.  Zeeland's baseball team volunteered as helpers and Jason hung out with Cam. 

Cam's fan club consisted of his parents, Oma & Opa, Emma and Taylor.  A big thanks for all of the support on a much cooler day...  Here's to hoping our spring season feels more like spring for next week's game!

“It took me seventeen years to get three thousand hits in baseball. It took one afternoon on the golf course.”  ~Hank Aaron

Building Projects - Week of Apr. 13th

"Whatever good things we build end up building us." ~Jim Rohn 

Cam never tires of helping his dad with projects.  He patiently watches, assists, and gives advice- "put it here, Dad."  Chris took a week off of work to build an integrated portable workbench to hold tools, electrical outlets, and of course, more projects.
Luckily, the weather cooperated and most of the labor was completed outside.  Cam wore the headphones due to all of the power tool noise and as head assistant, also has to take part in cleanup duties.

The weekend brought the best weather yet, full of warm sunshine and long hours spent outdoors.  Emma and Cam were the chief architects of a chalk city representing all of their favorite places around town- the Library, Culvers, Starbucks, Costco, Target.  They also gave equal space to all colleges/universities represented by the two families- Calvin, Ferris State, Ohio State, Michigan, Michigan State, Hope, and Grand Valley.

Megan, Ashlyn, Sarah

Cam, Patti, Chris

The weekend evening included Cam's first introduction to croquet in the backyard.  The mallet was pretty heavy, so Patti helped Cam while Meg, Ashlyn and Sarah cheered him on.

Jane's attempt at a selfie with Cam

As Cam's vocabulary continues to broaden, his parents are struck by some funny comments he's now making.

When Jane was asking her son what he wanted for a snack one day, he chose peanut butter nuggets (a salty pretzel filled with pb) and exclaimed, "It is good, Mom...(pause)...it is healthy."

The unsolicited sentences make Cam's parents pause and smile and wonder...what will he say next?

Spring Break - Week of Apr. 6th

Record Time!  28 min

For Cam's full week of spring break, Oma and Opa stayed with us on Monday to hang out with Cam.  It was a warm day and Cam's grandpa helped him with some batting practice gearing up for the WMML spring baseball season.

The remainder of week was dedicated to Kelsey & Cam time.  To assist with building core strength for Cameron, Kelsey began timing him completing different stamina activities.  Jane named these "time trials" and Kelsey made some super cool tracking pages to record the posted events.

The trials covered everything from sitting in different positions to standing while holding onto a bar.

 Cam's goal was to pass his former record every time.
He kept close track of the clock timer on the iPad and every few minutes would request a time check to determine how close he was to his personal goal.
Each morning and evening, his request was to start his time trials and it certainly made spring break go by quickly!
Kelsey also took Cam in for a personal swimming lesson one morning and then out to lunch.  She told us about his continued progress and a game they played where Cam would "fall into the pool" (like Humpty Dumpty ) and practice feeling comfortable going under water from that position.

The weather stayed fairly nice and the spring break duo was able to spend time outside in the warm air.
As we watch Cam continue to progress in so many areas, we often wonder which person has triggered each progression.  We've realized, it's a culmination and each person's connection with him.
Thank you, Kelsey, for such a great week!  And thanks to all of you who make that connection with our Cam!

“How many slams in an old screen door? Depends how loud you shut it. How many slices in a bread? Depends how thin you cut it. How much good inside a day? Depends how good you live 'em. How much love inside a friend? Depends how much you give 'em.”  ~Shel Silverstein

Happy Easter! - Week of Mar. 30th

A long break from school began on Thursday for Cameron.  He and Kelsey tried a new game of traversing down the stairs in snowpants!  It provided a good cushion as well as slide power.

On Friday, Cam and Jane met buddies Liam and his mom, Betsy at the movie theater.  We were excited to finally see the Paddington movie!  We all recommend it and between the four of us, a large tub of popcorn was easily devoured.  As Betsy and I have proven in the past, when our boys get together, it is a near impossibility to have them looking at a camera at the exact same moment.

Easter morning we were all busy getting ready to meet the Raisch family for church.  Cam and his parents enjoyed meeting some new people and the service was good.   As we ventured towards home, someone was anticipating an Easter egg hunt.  After finding 12 expertly hidden eggs, Cam relaxed with his Oma & Opa on the porch swing.

There were also special baskets for the family.  For Jane & Chris -flowers as well as a beautiful basket filled with the freshest fruit.  Cam received some delicious chocolates, a new book and bubbles you can bounce on your hand with a special glove!

We were so happy to see cousins Coco and Libby, who joined us for Easter dinner.  For the first time, Cam said the prayer for our dinner and thanked everyone for being there.


After dining, with our bellies stuffed full of spiral ham, scalloped potatoes, veggies, fruit and rolls, we huddled together for a family pic.

Later, Chris & Cam decided it was time to work off some of that delicious food by exercising...and laughing!