Hoping for Spring

Posted by Ally on March 1, 2015 in Uncategorized

It’s been a long but busy winter for us with the two kids. Looking forward to spring and getting outdoors more as it was too cold most days to take the baby outside and with the snow taller than me, never mind Cam, playing outside was limited this winter. We are happy it is finally March! Here are some pictures since we did our last post, it’s been awhile! Feels like Christmas was so long ago!

Playing in the snow before it got too deep!

Leaving sugar cookies out for Santa Christmas Eve

Cal happy for Christmas Morning

We have been getting out here and there when we can. One special trip we brought Cam into the city for New Year’s Day to see the ice sculptures. The highlight of his trip was going on the the T though, he thought it was so fun!

It is amazing how much Cam and Cal look alike. We often compare pictures of Cam when he was the same age as Cal and they really could have been twins. But they have their differences of course! Here’s pictures of the two of them, similar age and same exact props, haha! Guess who’s who…

Cam has become quite the ham for the camera. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a super cutie! He is at a great age, talking up a storm and exploring everything and anything.

“Cheese!!”

Enjoying a s’more on an overnight adventure with Dad

A rare event with the two of them behaving for a photo

Cal has been chewing on anything within reach as his first tooth broke through this past week

We were able to get out and finally start some hiking this past weekend as temperatures felt above freezing. With Caleb approaching 20 pounds I need to start getting used to him in a pack so hoping for an early spring!

Fall Update

Posted by Eric on December 9, 2014 in General

We figured we should do a post to recap the fall before its Christmas and we forget all together what we did.

Caleb is growing fast and is starting to smile and giggle. He likes to have his belly tickled. He is especially smiley when watching his big brother, Cam.

Cam is definitely a 2 year old. He is a crazy, wild little man who brings us so much joy and laughter. Every day he seems like he is learning more, his vocabulary is getting stronger and he is able to tell us what he wants, which compared to a 3 month old is amazing!

Here are a few pics and captions of what we’ve been up to over the past several weeks.

Cam helping to carve the pumpkin for Halloween

Already into the candy before we even started trick-or-treating

Offering some Candy to Cal

Cam loved the pumpkins

Cal was pretty excited about the Patriots game

Cam and Cal playing

He likes to fit in boxes…

Cal looking cute

Cam helping to look for a Christmas Tree

Cal slept through our Christmas Tree adventure

Cam helping to pull the tree back home

Cal with a grin

Cam loves to wash dishes (or just play with the faucet)

Cal with Great-Grammy!

Turning Two!

Posted by Ally on October 12, 2014 in General

This past week Cam celebrated his second birthday! We can’t believe he’s two already, seems like just yesterday he was Cal’s age.

We wanted to do something special for him to celebrate, he’s always had an interest in fish, so we thought we would do a fish themed birthday. We got him a fish tank and set it up for him the Friday before his birthday when we was at daycare. He was so excited to see it when he got home. The next day we went to the pet store and picked out a few fish.

Cam’s own fish tank

His actual birthday was on Monday, since I’m still home with Cal, Eric took the day off from work and we took a trip into Boston to visit the aquarium.

The weather was perfect and the boys both cooperated on the drive in. It’s been a while since we’ve been to the city with Cam, he’s become much more aware since last time. He was so excited to see the tall buildings and all the trucks and buses driving around.

He had a blast at the aquarium and got to play in a couple of touch tanks.

Looking into the giant ocean aquarium

He loved the Stingray tank

Touching the Starfish

We made Cam’s favorite for dinner, Macaroni and Cheese! Then it was cake time, again following the fish theme.

So excited about Mac & Cheese

Fish Birthday Cake

Blowing out the candles

Delicious frosting

Showing his age

After the sugar high and the night was over Cam had a great time, and we had a blast too.

Circle of Life

Posted by Eric on October 1, 2014 in Uncategorized

Seems we’ve been pretty busy judging from our last post. Can’t believe it’s been since April.

There have been a lot of changes around here since then, so we’ll take it from the top:

In May we got word that my Grandfather wasn’t doing well, his health had been slowly declining over the past year or so, and the time came for us to say “goodbye”. The three of us jumped on a plane and made a surprise visit to see him. When we walked in he lit up like he always did, there’s no question he was happy to see us. I’m glad we got the chance to see him when we did, when he was still able to enjoy our visit and his time with Cam. Kids must have a sixth sense, Cam somehow knew something wasn’t right. He is usually unsure around people he hasn’t seen in a while and somewhat timid, from the moment we came in his room Cam was there interacting with him, but not in his typical “crazy” way, he was somehow more gentle and calm. I know it made my grandfather happy to see us all one last time, and it was good to see him too. He was a strong roll model for me throughout my life and he will always be remembered as a true gentleman.

Holding hands with Great Grampy

A kiss goodbye

Between visits we spent some time at the beach, Cam loves the sand and the waves so naturally he had a blast.

Cam building sand castles in North Carolina

Hiding in a hole at the beach

In July we made the annual trip to Acadia National Park for the week of the Fourth. This was our fourth year going and definitely not our last. It’s always tons of fun, lots of hiking and enjoying nature. We’ve developed a list of “must dos” each year, Cam is getting acquainted well with our favorites.

Crawling under a cairn (trail marker)

Eating a popover at the Jordan Pond House

Asleep on the trail

4th of July pride at the Parade

The excitement was too much for him

Later in July Ally had a conference in Falmouth, we always take these opportunities to make a mini vacation as me and Cam tag along and spend a couple of extra days wherever the conference leads us.

Cam LOVED the lighthouses

Playing at the beach steps away from our hotel

Me and Cam took a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard one of the days Ally had the conference, it was a somewhat gloomy day but that was okay for us. We took a small ferry over, which Cam had a blast on and we dodged the rain as we ran around town.

Collecting winning tickets at the arcade as we hid from a passing shower

Playing in the water after the storm passed

Getting wet!

Once the conference was over the three of us packed the car and headed to the beach! We made the 45 minute commute to the National Sea Shore one day, having a toddler we were up early and therefore able to beat the crowds and find a parking spot with ease.

Climbing his sand castle at the National Sea Shore

Flying a kite at the National Sea Shore

The next day we stayed local and after a delicious breakfast at a French Bakery found our way to one of the top rated beaches in the area.

Relaxing by the water at Old Silver Beach in Falmouth

Oh yeah, we mentioned that Ally was pregnant again, well, thats been chugging right along. Cam had been getting pretty excited about it. He would point to Ally’s belly and say “baby”, and he would light up whenever he sees a baby in a magazine or pictures.

Cam kissing the baby

Showing off his belly

Introducing Caleb Patrick Darlington. Born September 7th, 2014 at 12:36am. Weighing just under 7 lbs and 19 3/4″ long.

Meet Caleb

What an exciting time. Everyone is doing well and Cam LOVES the baby, he’s been such a good big brother. The first thing he say’s each time he wakes up is “baby?”. We are adjusting to the lack of sleep and nonstop action pretty well, despite being slightly tired we are still keeping busy getting out a bunch.

The ride home with our two boys. Not as scary the second time…

First hike

Taking Cam and Cal to Grampy’s tree

Cal relaxing

Cam keeping an eye on Cal

We made it to the top of Mt. Wachusett

Cal’s first bath

Three boys

Hiking with Cam

Overall things are going pretty well for us right now (knock on wood), I just started work again after taking three weeks off, I’m sad to not be around as much, but Ally has things under control!

Now that things are hopefully settling down around here we will be able to update this blog more frequently, Cam’s Birthday is right around the corner, so look for a post on that soon!

It’s going to be an adventure for sure, its amazing to see how much has happened over the past two years since Cam was born, some difficult times, but some really great times too. It’s unfortunate that as we get older and we move into the next stage of our lives, so do others. I’m saddened that my Grandfather never got the chance to meet Cal, but I know that he and my Father are looking down smiling.

Keeping Busy!

Posted by Ally on April 21, 2014 in Uncategorized

Can’t believe we haven’t posted since January! Time flies when you’re having fun and running around after a one and half year old. Cam is doing great, now running at high speeds, babbling away, and discovering new things every day. Here’s a wrap-up of the last few months!

It was a long winter but luckily Cam loves outside no matter what the temperature, and so do we, so we made the best of it and enjoyed every new snow fall.

Every snow storm Cam made sure to test out the drive way with his car!

Eric dug a tunnel through a big snow bank and Cam actually crawled through it, we were amazed.

Valentine’s Day 2014

A typical evening at our house of cat chase dog and mom reading to child 😉

Sled ride in New Hampshire, Cam loved the horses.

We finally broke down and got Cam’s hair cut for the first time in February. We love his curls and couldn’t cut them all yet so left it a little shaggy!

1st hair cut

Cam loves bubbles!

March usually brings some warmer weather but we found ourselves still cold on St. Patrick’s day, hopefully now the warm weather is here to stay!

St. Patrick’s Day at Grandma’s 2014

Washing the cars with Dad.

Easter is definitely more fun with a toddler! We have had 3 Easter Eggs hunts in the last week that we ALL enjoyed!

Easter egg hunt #1

Couldn’t fit all the eggs in his hands, he wanted to hold them all.

A visit with the Easter Bunny

Decorating Easter Eggs

The finished product.

Scaling a rock wall for Easter Egg Hunt #2

Rusty helped Cam find the eggs!

Easter Egg Hunt #3 and enjoying a basket of goodies from Aunt Shelly.

Easter Egg Hunt #3 and enjoying a basket of goodies from Auntie Shelly. Rusty taking in the festivities as well!

We brought Cam to the marathon again this year, last year he was only 6 months old, but this year being 1 1/2 years old was a whole new experience, pretty sure we walked nearly 26.2 miles chasing around after him for the 3 hours we were there! Maybe we should let him just walk the route next year 😉

Trying to keep up with the marathon runners.

Water break and watching the runners with Mom.

Time for a rest.

For those that haven’t heard, Camron is going to be a big brother in September. We can’t wait and neither can he as he goes crazy every time I show him my belly (or he just really likes belly buttons 🙂 ) When we announced to our family and friends we had him wear these cute shirts depending on the occasional (we announced to my family at my mother’s St. Patrick’s Day Party).

Winter Update

Posted by Eric on January 7, 2014 in General

It’s been a busy few months with family, friends, and holiday events, we finally feel things are settling down and it’s time for blog post about Cam! Cam is officially mobile, walking, climbing and exploring everything within his reach. He is learning lots and discovering new things everyday, we are constantly on the move chasing after him, but we love every second of it!

The day after Thanksgiving we ventured out to the local tree farm and picked out the perfect tree, a bit smaller than our usual choice as we weren’t sure if Cam would allow it to stand in the house!

Cam excited about his new “toy”…… tree

Once we got the tree home it was time to break out the decorations. Cam thought everyone of them was a new toy for him! We had to hide the tree in a corner and put all soft and plastic ornaments in the area he could reach.

Staring at the lights, trying to figure out how to reach the ornaments

Staring at the lights, planning his attack

Table Snowman turned Baby Toy

The first snow of the season was fun, we had to run out the night of the storm and get a saucer to sled with, the next morning we slid down a snowbank I made at the end of our drive way, Cam, and Rusty LOVED it!

Sledding down the snowbank with Camron and Rusty

Cam enjoyed Christmas and got lots of great presents that he loves playing with. He still doesn’t fully understand the concept of Christmas or gifts but that’s okay with us. Here are a few pictures of him enjoying some of his much appreciated presents:

Riding in his new sled on Christmas Day

Showing Rusty his new tool set

Reading his new book in his new chair

Other than that, we’ve been trying to enjoy ourselves and keep warm. We hike when we can and try to play outside as much as possible, but with all the arctic weather its been challenging.

Cam and Rusty playing in the snow

Loves to play with his car

Enjoying a hike

Cam in his long john’s riding his tractor!

One year old… where did that year go?

Posted by Ally on October 9, 2013 in Baby's First, General

Cam turned one this past Sunday, October 6th! We still can’t get over it!

For Cam’s birthday we thought it would be great to keep it simple and do something we know he loves. We went hiking of course… but not one of our usual local hikes, Cam has now officially “hiked” his first 4,000 footer in the white mountains, Mount Liberty. It was rainy at home but as we drove up north it remained overcast most of the day leaving us to the beautiful foliage and an 8 mile adventure. Cam did great, myself and Eric is another story! I haven’t done a 4,000 footer since I was pregnant! And Eric had quite the heavy pack, he swears Cam must weigh in around 50 pounds now a days! Here’s some pictures from his birthday.

Present time! Rusty helped him rip off the wrapping paper!

Looking cute as usual, even in his Super Cam Man PJs.

All bundled up and hydrating with mom’s camel bak before we started our big hike.

Rusty leading the way…

Keeping an eye on things over Eric’s shoulder…

Snack break!

We made it to the summit, not much of a view but well worth the journey.

Cam climbed in the driver’s seat, told us to rest up, he’d drive home.

And to end the great day, a cake smash! He was a little hesitant at first…

But then dug right in…

Literally…

The happy birthday boy

It’s been a busy couple of months, with a couple weddings of close friends, to enjoying the beautiful fall weather, we feel like we go nonstop. And with Cam on the move, crawling faster than the speed of light, walking holding onto anything and everything and taking steps on his own here and there, and just today figuring out how to stack objects so he can use them to climb over things such as safety gates, we see ourselves stopping no time soon! And we love every minute of it. There are days we just lie on the floor and belly laugh watching Cam do the funniest things.

You never know what child proofing a home means until you have a child. Cam has found things in our house that we never knew existed. One thing we needed to address was the cat’s litter box, and we therefore had to install a cat door… Cam still thinks this is a special toy to play with daily.

Cam looking for the Cat!

And eating… never knew what messy was… Thankfully Rusty eats most anything and has probably gained a couple pounds since Cam started eating solids, but when we don’t have Rusty with us is when we really notice the messes.

Nectarines definitely taste better if you smear them all over your face.

Here’s a couple pictures from our friends weddings of Cam all dressed up. He had the honor of being a ring bearer in my best friends wedding. That day he fought sleep and decided he would not nap before the 4pm ceremony, myself and Eric were sure Cam would scream or else sleep going down the aisle… but he ended up being a ham, gazing up at the crowd, maybe even winking at the cute flower girls on the way.

Cam holding the ring box and getting pulled down the aisle by Eric.

Sitting on Eric’s lap paying attention to the photographers… I mean ceremony…

Me and Cam ready for our friends wedding that Eric was a groomsmen in.

Here’s a couple other cute ones I just had to include… Enjoy!

Cool chair at Mountain Top Inn, cool kid getting ready to go hiking in his cool shirt that says “Let’s go hiking”

His formal “One year old” shoot with Dad!

Summer Wrap-up!

Posted by Eric on August 20, 2013 in General, Photos

Time flies when you’re having fun, and this summer sure has flown by!

We’ve been keeping busy with all sorts of things, but mostly chasing Cam around. He is a pro at crawling now and loves getting into trouble.

We were able to make it out on the boat a few times this year, the first was a little rough, but now he doesn’t seem to mind his life jacket, he even lets us do other goofy things to keep him safe!

Cool sunglasses!

Boating!

One hot summery day we went to Davis’ Farm Land, its this great place in Sterling that has all sorts of animals to interact with, they also have a water park area for kids. The purpose of our trip was to find a new way of keeping cool during the summer heat waves. But as we were walking in Cam couldn’t help but notice all the goats running around, he started laughing at them as we were walking by, of course we had to visit with them after we cooled off.

Keeping cool at Davis’ Farm Land

Getting some attention from the goats

So excited about the 9 day old baby goat

Camron also has had a few dates now! We had one of our friends and her daughter who is a few months older than Cam over for dinner one night. The two of them hit it off!

Cam and his Girlfriend

Besides all the young ladies, Cam’s best buddy is Rusty. Cam crawls back and forth over him and Rusty just lays there, sometimes lifting his head to give Cam a kiss. Cam also has been snuggling things, Rusty in particular!

Hanging with his best bud

Snuggling Rusty

Its hard to believe that August is almost over, this summer really has gone by fast and we are completely booked for the next several weekends too, one of which Cam gets to be the ring bearer in our good friends wedding. I’m sure we will have lots of pictures of him looking cute in his little suit. But until then, here are a few of him being a little monster!

Standing on the couch playing with Rusty

Getting ready for football season

Bath time!

9 Months Old!

Posted by Ally on July 13, 2013 in General, Travels

Cam is growing up fast! We can’t believe he just turned 9 months old! Over the past month we have been keeping busy with family, friends, and most importantly, staying cool! Here’s some pictures to highlight what Cam has been up to.

Cam visiting with his Great Grandparents.

We went on our first family vacation and brought Cam to our favorite spot, Acadia National Park. We’ve been the last 3 years for the Fourth of July, this being Cam’s first, and definitely not his last!

Eric and Cam resting during a hike up Mount Sargent.

Part of our week up in the park is waking up at 2am to catch sunrise on Cadillac Mountain on the Fourth of July, although we’re guessing as Cam becomes a little more opinionated he may opt for the lazy way up, and make us drive, boooo….

Rusty resting on the summit watching sunrise.

Top of Cadillac Mountain on the 4th of July. Notice the sleeping baby, he slept through it all.

While away, Cam finally started crawling forward! To make it more of a challenge on us, he chose to do it in the house we had rented which had all tile floor. After a couple bumps and bruises, he’s mastered crawling and has us running after him every which way!

Practicing his crawling on the lawn in Bar Harbor.

Pretty views from Compass Harbor.

Looking cute in his lobster shirt for our lobster dinner at Abel’s, you can watch the lobsters come off the boats.

Showing off his pearly whites, 5 teeth now! Happy to be on vacation.

Playing with Rusty in Camden Maine, where we stopped on our way up and back to break up the 6 hour ride with a 9 month old, but he did great!

Summer seems to be in full swing now, hot and humid days make for frequent trips to the lake, boating, and the pool! Our gym has a big outdoor pool that is great for kids. One 90 degree day we took a trip and cooled off!

Splashing around in the pool to keep cool.

Cam and Dad at the pool.

Summer Fun

Posted by Eric on June 16, 2013 in Baby's First, General

Cam has been making big changes over the past month or so, he’s getting to be so much fun and is developing such a personality. He is getting good at using his hands, and wants to feed himself all the time, even if what he grabs isn’t food… He’s getting strong too, loves bouncing and trying to stand, is sitting up great, and is on the verge of crawling. He now has three teeth with a fourth on the way!

Chewing on his rattle

Practicing crawling

Cam excited the Bruins are in the Cup

Trying to crawl on his 8 month b-day

Our town has an annual Memorial Day parade, we’ve never been, but thought it would be fun to bring Cam this year. Since we don’t sleep in anymore we were up in plenty of time to get ready and make it downtown well before the parade started. Cam had fun playing in the grass and watching the parade go by. Afterward they did a few patriotic songs that he also enjoyed.

Watching the parade

After the parade we headed home to visit Rusty and then grab the boat for our first trip out this year. It was nice to be back on the water after a long winter, Cam had fun too. His life jacket keeps him from moving much, but as long as we are driving he seems fine in it.

First trip in the boat

Standing up watching the water

This weekend was Father’s Day, my first. It was a bittersweet one, I’m excited to be a father and to be able to celebrate, but its also the first Father’s Day without my father here to celebrate. Because of that, I wanted to keep it low key. I didn’t want to go out and celebrate, seeing everyone else out with their fathers.

Ally was determined to make it a special day for me, which ended up being a whole weekend. Saturday was BEAUTIFUL so we loaded up the boat and hit the water again. We spent a couple of hours out on the lake, had lunch and floated around. Best of all, with all the recent heavy rain they put a speed restriction on the lake so there weren’t many boats and no waves! Perfect for us just floating out there.

Boating!!

Cam driving the boat

Today we packed our lunch and went for a hike up Mt. Watatic, my fathers favorite mountain. We went the less traveled back way which passes by a monumental stone that is engraved with the names of those who contributed to protect the mountain from development, Dad and my names are on it.

Hiking the mountain

Our stone

Cam pulling on Ally’s shoestrings

Relaxing on the summit

Happy Fathers Day

At the end of the day, I’m happy with my first Father’s day, its was perfect, for me, which is what Father’s Day is supposed to be. I got to be celebrated and treated like a king, while also honoring my own father.

Dad and Rusty on the summit of Mt. Watatic

Happy fathers day Dad.

Adventures of Cam & Cal

The Tale of Our Two Boys