The Things Nobody Tells You

Yes, being a parent is such a wonderful experience, but there are many things that people don't tell you.

For instance:
~There is A LOT of crying involved (by both the baby and mother)
~Peeing your pants becomes cool (for both the baby and mother)
~The first poop is a doozie (for both the baby and mother)
~Naps are necessary (for both the baby and mother)
~Diapers aren't a dime a dozen
~Laundry will double if not triple
~Babies eat a lot (very frequently for long durations)
~Babies fart loud
~Babies get acne too
~Babies suck hard
~My boobs feel like an implant job gone wrong
~The shower becomes a place of refuge

Don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE being a parent and Kyler is quite a joy, but let the truth be known! I'm sure that just like the pains of pregnancy have been forgotten, so will the pains of having a new little one in the house!

Cameron Cuties - Kyler's First Official Play Date

This was the year of babies at Cameron! Kim had twins, Abby and Luke, in April, I had Kyler in June and Angy had Lanie in July. We all met up today for a "play date" which is code word for Mommy's social time. It is so nice to talk with other moms about becoming a mom and all of the stuggles and joys of being a mom. Plus it was great to get out of the house for a while!


The Mommas (Me, Kim, and Angy)


The Babies (Abby, Lanie, Kyler, Luke)

Appreciating Parenthood

What is a parent?

Webster's dictionary defines a parent as:
par·ent
1 a: one that begets or brings forth offspring b: a person who brings up and cares for another
2 a: an animal or plant that is regarded in relation to its offspring b: the material or source from which something is derived c: a group from which another arises and to which it usually remains subsidiary

I now believe that being a parent entails much more than this definition. I'm not too sure that there is one clear definition that could possibly represent what a parent is and does. To me being a parent is having an extreme amount of patience, being a good role model/citizen, being a protector from all evil, getting up in the middle of the night (it is amazing how much one can accomplish on little, interrupted sleep), changing lots of dirty diapers, loving someone more than I love myself, and constantly putting that person before me. And these are only a few of my personal experiences - like I said before, there is no clear definition. When I was pregnant, many people would try to tell me just how much joy being a parent would bring into my life, but it is only now that I truly believe them. No one can tell you nor could a class possibly prepare you for what becoming a parent is like.

Don't get me wrong, I am loving and appreciating every minute of parenthood.

Another thing I truly appreciate about parenthood, is watching Josh develop into a parent of his own. Every time I think about Josh as the father of my child it brings me tears of joy. He has been a incredible father figure already, and it has been less than 4 weeks. He was so very supportive through my entire pregnancy, he was astounded by the labor and delivery, and the way he adores our son is simply heartwarming.

Last but not least, becoming a parent has made me appreciate the gracious gift of a good parenting that my parents have given to me. Wow! I just think back to what I put my parents through and can only hope that Kyler is just a little more respectful than I was to my parents. I can not thank my parents enough for what they have taught me, given me and how much they have loved and still love me!

Family Photos

When Kyler was just 11 days old we took him to his first photo shoot. These are just a sample of the incredible portraits taken by Shannon Conner.



It's ok, I cried too!

Meeting people Kyler's size!

Kyler has been introduced to many new faces, but rarely gets to meet people his own size. Last week we introduced him to his first girlfriend, Lanie Kay.

This week Kim brought over her twins that are 12 weeks old, yet practically the same size as Kyler. It was really fun to see what sort of things Kyler will be doing at that age, but I'm sure that he will be much bigger. Unfortunately we didn't get any pictures, but next time we visit we will!

Grandma and Grandpa Urich

Kyler was introduced to Grandma and Grandpa Urich on Sunday. He enjoyed their attention. Kyler loved being rocked to sleep by Grandma. He was able to relax when Grandpa was holding him as he let everything go (more than once). He was also spoiled with four new outfits.

Check out all the boys!!!

Two Weeks and Loving Life!

Kyler is doing very well! He is "thriving" as the nurse at the breastfeeding clinic put it. On Wednesday he weighed 8 pounds 15 ounces and was getting plenty to eat! He likes to eat just like his mommy and daddy!

Thursday was a big day too. Kyler's plug fell out of his belly button and we were able to have a real bath. I don't think that he liked it too much!



Today we welcomed Lanie Kay Kinyon (Angy and John's new arrival). She was born at 2:19 am weighing 8 pounds exactly and 20 3/4 inches long. Congratulations Angy and John!

Fourth of July Fun!

We had a great day as a family for the Fourth of July! We started off the day by going to the Greeley Stampede Parade with Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Toni. Kyler slept right through the whole thing!







Then we were invited to a BBQ at Josh's old college roommates house. Kyler was the hit of the party.