Spreekt u Engels?: Happy 5th Birthday, Cameron!

Cameron turned five this year!

Cameron has grown into such an energetic, enthusiastic, lovable, kind, outgoing, sensitive and smart little guy. It's been great to watch him grow and learn over the past year and to see him face life, some of it scary, with a generally positive and courageous attitude. He's a very social boy and makes friends wherever he goes. Being more of an introvert myself, I'm always amazed at how he finds people to connect with, even if there is a language barrier. Whenever we go to the park or other places to play, he usually ends up running around with someone he's connected with along the way.

Cameron with his crush, Gislene

One thing that I have really noticed over this past year is that Cameron really feels things. When he's happy, he's super happy, when he's sad, he's super sad, and when he's mad, he's super mad. He really feels his emotions and wears them on his sleeve. We're very rarely wondering what he's feeling which sometimes gets him in trouble, but it also makes him so fun to be around. His bright blue eyes and laugh are just contagious when he's excited or happy about something. He loves life and lives it at full speed! He's very active and still jumps out of bed ready for the day every morning. He's passionate and opinionated, likes to be first at everything, and loves to make noise of every kind (he does not discriminate). He likes to tell us stories and sing songs for us. He asks lots of questions and likes to understand things. He also loves airplanes, trams, trains, and anything else travel related, sports of all kinds but specifically soccer and baseball, helping in the kitchen, music, riding his bike, reading, and playing with us. He still really needs quality time with us each day. Now that he can safely ride his bike on the road, he and I take bike rides at night to spend time together. I usually let him choose the route, which he loves, and I enjoy his smiles and laughter while he decides where we go. One other thing I've noticed this year is that Cameron has become much more independent. He does most things by himself these days...getting dressed, taking a shower, putting his shoes and coat on, getting buckled in the car, putting his clothes away, and even cooking some easy dishes (scrambled eggs, grilled cheese, etc.). It's an interesting feeling to see him so independent. Many days it's nice because I have my hands full elsewhere, but there are times when I feel a twinge of sadness because of how fast he's growing up. There are days when I just sit and watch him and wonder how he has grown so fast.

Cameron is a fiercely loyal person. He loves his friends and family and is always looking out for them. For example, if Harrison or Zoe are struggling or upset, Cameron almost always tries to help them out. For example, one night, Harrison fell out of his bed and cut his chin pretty badly. I was sleeping, but Cameron jumped out of his bed and ran to our room, making a siren (ambulance) sound, to tell me that Harrison was hurt. He then helped me calm Harrison down and clean up the mess. Additionally, if he feels like we are being too tough on Harrison, he will tell us. If Cole or I get upset or frustrated, he will often remind us to not be frustrated. And it's not at all uncommon for him to try to take care of us if we're sick. It's hard for him to see people suffering and often asks to help even complete strangers. He's a very sweet boy and we love to see him want to care for people.

Cameron's extra cheesey grilled cheese!

Because Cameron's birthday is over the summer, he celebrated early at school with one of his best buddies, Matin, who also has a summer birthday. They both requested soccer jersey cakes, so Matin's mom taught me how to make a Barcelona jersey cake for his school celebration. We had his actual birthday party over the summer with friends from school.