Swimming

Samuel loved to pool on Spring Break. He would watch anyone in the pool and was always eager to go in. He loved this float at the beginning of break, but realized it was too hard to splash. He was definitely not afraid to get his face wet. He even went under water a few times. Now at home the bathtub just doesn't compare!

Florida

Samuel and I just got back from a 10 day vacation in Florida. I loved the warm weather and sun and Samuel loved the water and the sand. We joined Nana and Papa and spent the first part of our vacation in Lakeland watching Uncle Mike play baseball. We then spent our last 4 days in Orlando. Most days you could find us by (or in) the pool. Samuel loved splashing and didn't seem to mind the water in his face. He was quite the ham. More pictures will be posted on our homepage soon.

Haircut!

Samuel got his first official haircut about a week ago. Nana trimmed it when she was here in February, but he was getting a bit shaggy. His hair was down over his ears and curling up over his collar. We decided it was time. We took him to Hair Masters for a trim. Daddy got one too! Samuel sat on my lap and did great. He was interested in the lady's scissors and comb, but was content to hold a different comb while she cut. He even allowed the razor on the back or his neck. Now he is a clean cut, handsome little dude!

Sweet Dreams

The other day I heard a very strange noise coming across the monitor. I decided I better check it out. This is what I found. Samuel must have been having a great dream. He would smile then laugh every few moments. I decided to grab the camera and risk waking him up to get the picture. I got a great picture and he continued to sleep!

Gymboree

Each Wednesday Samuel gets to go to Gymboree class. He loves it. It is a chance for him to go and explore anything he can get into (lately that is quite a bit). He loves all the songs and most of the activities. He has developed a fear of the parachute activity at the end. Usually he gets to stand back with mom and watch or go under the parachute on mom's lap. It has been a great chance for us to get out and do something that Samuel loves.

Going through the tunnel is tons of fun!

Climbing up the incline! Great practice for the stairs!

Here is Samuel trying to escape off the parachute!

Aunt Angie

Aunt Angie was here to visit us for a few days. She came in on Saturday and left Wednesday. Samuel loved having her here. We spent some time at the markets and shopping. Angie also got to see Samuel in action at Gymboree. She was amazed at how big he is getting and at how fast he is. We had a great time with her here and miss her already!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Samuel wants to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day. He will be wearing his green today.

Sick Again

Samuel (along with Mom and Dad) have had a rough couple of days. Yesterday afternoon, Samuel threw up after eating and it has all been downhill from there. All milk products were replaced by Pedialite and sugar free jello. Throughout the day he continued to vomit and have diarrhea. He also spiked a fever around 2, but it quickly came down with a bit of Tylenol. About 8 last night he spiked another fever that went all the way up to 102.9. We got him in a cool bath and called the Childrens Hospital for advise. They were not nearly as concerned as we were. They recommended more Tylenol, push the fluids and try to get him to rest. Which for once in his life is easy to do since he wants to be in our arms the entire time. This morning he woke up without a fever, but did spike two throughout the day. The Tylenol seems to bring it right down thankfully. He was able to keep foods down today. He ate oatmeal, sweet potatoes, applesauce and baby yogurt (all recommended by the hospital to help with diarrhea). They lied. I think we went through five outfits of his today and two of mine. They believe it is a viral infection so we have to keep his fever down, keep him hydrated and let him sleep. Hopefully tomorrow he will be getting back to his old self. Please keep him and his health in your prayers!

March Madness

Samuel has been watching basketball on TV. He is getting some early pointers from the pros. I guess we will be sending him to basketball camp this summer!

Grandma and Grandpa

Grandma and Grandpa were here from Michigan for a few days. We had so much fun. This was the best day by far. The weather was beautiful. Samuel was his usual happy self with a bit of crankiness when he had been in the car too long. I am spending today updating the website with new pictures and videos so check it out later on.

Beggin!

Since Samuel loves to eat he thinks he needs to eat everytime anyone else does. Here he is begging for toast along with Bailey and Toby! To say the least mommy ate it all!

Let there be teeth!

Well, the last 48 hours have been pretty fun for all of us. Samuel is cutting his top two teeth (one is through the other is visible) and it has been a nightmare. He is not sleeping for more than about an hour at a time. I think the longest stretch last night was just over two hours! When he wakes up it is not just a little cry, but and all out scream which sends both Mike and I running for his room. He wants to be in our arms all day and is refusing to eat anything but the Veggie Puffs and a bottle. Oh what fun! Hopefully these two will come through within the next day so that we can all get some much needed sleep!

So Big!

We have discovered Samuel this way several times over the past week or so. He thinks he is pretty hot stuff! The first time was a bit of a shock. He had been crawling around a bit and attempting to pull himself up, but had not been successful. Last Friday, he woke up from a nap and was talking and playing in his crib. Out of desperation for a few more minutes to myself, I left him to play as long as he was happy. A few moments later I heard a strange sound. Upon entering his room he was standing banging on the top of the crib. I was shocked. That night we lowered the crib and he has been doing it ever since. He can actually pull himself to standing on anything he tries. He is a very determined little boy (we are not sure where he got that trait!). Let the baby proofing continue...

Nana's Gone!

Samuel has loved spending the past few days with his Nana. Nana came into town on Thursday evening, perfect timing for Samuels sickness. He was not as happy or active as normal, but enjoyed cuddling with Nana. We had to say goodbye this morning since Nana had to go back to Michigan (I guess she has to work and all)! Can't wait until spring break to see her again!

Haircut

Samuel got his first official hair trim today. He has been getting a bit shaggy around the ears and Nana was here so we had her trim it up for him. He sat very well in his high chair, a bit distracted by mom with food and dad with the camera, and let Nana make a few snips. I wouldn't call it an official haircut, but we saved the pieces for his book anyway! Oh, by the way, the shirt and overalls he has on in the pictures are both 12 months! Getting too big!

Curls

Let the curls begin! When Samuel woke up from his nap today we discovered his first curl! I guess he may have a head of hair just like mom, too bad he's a boy and will probably get beat up for it! I guess we will have to keep the hair on the short side!

Drum

Samuel LOVES music more than anything. Whenever there is music (TV, radio, toys), he focuses in and is extremely happy! Craig has a drum that Samuel loves. He will sit and play with it for hours if I would let him. Here he is sharing the drum with his friends Roxy and Josie.

Brush Brush Brush My Teeth

Now that Samuel has teeth, he has a tooth brush. We try to remember every morning and evening to make sure he brushes those pearly whites. He really likes it a lot. He will open his mouth wide and let me brush. He thinks it is also great when I let him have the brush and he can bite it and move it around himself!

Babies, Babies Everywhere

I am so excited to share with everyone the birth of two new babies.

Samuel Charles was born on January 20, 2006 to our good friends Duane and Kathy! Everyone is doing well! We are so excited for the first chance that our boys can meet!

Matia Anne was born on January 27, 2006 to our housemates and friends Craig and Beth! Beth and Matia are both home and doing well. It is really great to have a little one in the house again! Samuel is not quite sure what to do with her yet. He is often very confused when she is crying!


Happy 2 week birthday Samuel!
Happy 1 week birthday Matia!

On the Move

Samuel is officially moving. Although we won't call it a crawl yet, he can get from point A to point B and quickly! We no longer can put him down and guarantee that he will be there when you check back. He does get up in the crawl position easily and rocks. He then inches his legs forward, drops to his tummy and pulls forward with his arms. It is actually pretty amazing to watch! I can hardly believe that he has picked that up within the last two or three days! We are currently baby proofing the house!

Today was also our first day of Gymboree gymnastics. As you could have guessed, he loved it. He was so excited he ended up laughing so hard he fell over several times. Everyone got a hoot out of him. He loved the slides and watching the balls roll up and down them. We also discovered how much he loves bubbles! We go every Wednesday for the next 12 weeks. I will try to get some pictures soon!

Also...check out the website for a video of him crawling!

Sharing

Samuel and Bailey are learning to share! Bailey takes a lick then Samuel gets one! No, we didn't let him do this over and over, but it did serve its purpose once of getting a good picture. Bailey did not act to pleased about it, but once Samuel put the bone down Bailey gave him kisses!


By the way, Samuel is standing there unsupported! Mom's hands are close in case of a spill, but he is pretty steady!

Mmmmm Banana

Samuel loves to eat! I guess most of you already knew that...
He enjoys rice cereal, oatmeal, bananas, sweet potatoes and carrots. The only thing we have tried that he doesn't enjoy are green beans. He makes some pretty disgusting faces and spits them out. He also had a diaper rash after eating them so we have taken them away for now. We will start peas next and then add another fruit! So far, so good.

Daddy was eating a banana this morning and Samuel was very interested. We broke off a piece and put it in this baby safe chewer thingy! It is a net that allows babies to eat food that is not pureed. It supposable teaches them to chew without allowing them to choke! Although it took him a minute to figure it out, he loved the banana!

A Tooth!

Well the tooth has finally broken through! Samuel is very interested in his new tooth. He is constantly biting his fingers and apparently tongue (as see in this picture)! Eating has also become a bit more challenging! Just something new to get use to. Although he is a bit crankier than normal, it is still tolerable! No more toothless grins...

Ready to Move!

Samuel is getting closer and closer to crawling each day. When we sit him down, he quickly gets to his stomach and then up on all fours. He rocks back and forth and ends up scooting himself backwards each time. This quickly leads to frustration at not getting to where he wants to go. Quite the ordeal! Although I am amazed at his strength and coordination I am not sure I am ready for him to be mobile yet!

Tooth update...the two bottom teeth look pretty sore. They have not broken through the skin yet, but look like the will any day. He has been a bit fussy and is constantly chewing things, but overall tolerable! We will get a picture as soon as they arrive.

Bath Time

Samuel loves his bath time. We have made it part of our bedtime routine (cereal, bath, lotion, books, bottle, bed) and he is thrilled. He is big into splashing and looses about half the water in his tub by the time he is done. Two nights ago, daddy got to do the bed time routine and discovered that Samuel now has enough hair to do the classic mohawk! To say the least, we have a clean kid!

Jocie's Back

Samuel was so excited to have Jocie here to play today. The Mars Hill semester has started back up so Jocie is back over twice a week to play. It was amazing to see how much both of them grew up over the past month. Both are sitting up pretty easily now, both are getting up on all fours and rocking and both love to eat ( I guess some things never change)! Jocie also has two teeth that have broken through. Samuel is still waiting! Both Samuel and Jocie have also sparked a new interest in each other. They are very curious and are constantly grabbing at each other's ears, eyes, nose and clothes. I feel like a referee making sure there are not unfair eye jabs or hair pulls! Oh! What Fun!

Go Bears!

Samuel spent the morning counting his money in hopes that he can somehow manage to scrap up enough to go to the Bears vs. Seahawks game next weekend. The Seahawks are doing their job by winning today, despite Alexander being injured, but the Bears have to hold up their end of the deal tomorrow. If so, Daddy promised to have every computer he knows and every phone he can manage working trying to get tickets that are promised to sell out very quickly. Guess we will have to wait and see. You can bet that tomorrow afternoon Samuel and mommy will be in their Bears outfits cheering them on (Daddy will be on the cell phone listening as he is trying to sell some cars!)! GO BEARS!

Staying Inside

SEATTLE, Washington (AP) -- After 26 consecutive days of measurable rain, Seattle is closing in on a record so dismal even forecasters in this city famous for its gray skies are complaining.
With more wet weather predicted over the next several days, Seattle may soon break a record set in 1953. The city saw 33 consecutive days of measurable precipitation then -- the most since the National Weather Service office there started tracking rainfall in 1931.
Though Seattle is famous for its rain, the city's average annual rainfall from 1970 to 2000 was 37.07 inches, compared to 49.71 inches for New York City

I guess we will have to continue to play inside!

Play Time

Samuel loves his toys from Christmas. Here he is playing with the Peek-a-Boo blocks. He enjoys when mom dumps them out and he can play with the container!

Check out the website for Christmas pictures and a new video of Samuel!

Healthy Boy

Well, Samuel had his 6 month check up the other day and was released with a clean bill of health. He has slowed down in his growth a bit. 7th percentile for weight at 19 lbs and 80th percentile for height at 27 1/2 inches. He is estimated to be about 6'2" (not a big surprise). Doctor seemed very happy with his overall development. He said to expect crawling, standing up, lots more babbling and curiosity over the next few months!

Samuel has started the backwards crawl thing. He pulls himself up pretty well, but ends up scooting backwards and looking at us like it is our fault! He turns himself all the way around to reach anything he wants now. He has also developed a bit of stubbornness (not sure where he got that?) when we take something away. It has also been harder to distract him since he realizes the toy you took is probably behind your back! Time to get creative!

Sweet Potatoes

Samuel has discovered real food! We started our adventure into big boy food last night. Samuel has been very interested in what we are eating all the time. He often reaches for food and even opens his mouth when we take a bite. Since he has been great with rice cereal, we decided to mix it up and add some sweet potatoes.

Yesterday, I boiled a whole sweet potato and pureed it. We got him all ready in his chair and started the video camera. He willingly opened his mouth and took the first bite. Was he in for a shock... sweet potatoes taste nothing like rice cereal. He just sat there with it in his mouth looking back and forth from Mike to me. He finally swallowed it, but the confused look remained. It took him several bites to warm up to it, but then we couldn't get it in fast enough. He ate every bite we gave him and would have taken more if we let him. Since this was the first time his stomach has had any real food we decided starting small was smart.

The only problem...he was not real pleased with rice cereal this morning!

6 Months Old

Happy 6 month birthday Samuel!
Wow! We can hardly believe he is already six months old. It seems like Samuel has been in our lives forever. Actually, we have forgot what life was like before him (movies, dates, sleeping 8 hours). Although parenthood has been a new road for us, we have loved every minute of it. Yes, even the sleepless nights, the poopy diapers and the inconvenience of carseats and strollers. We could not imagine our lives any other way. Samuel has been such a blessing to us. His (still) toothless smile and contagious laughter, his drooling and spitting trick and the sparkle in his eyes leaves us amazed that he is really here and he is really ours. It has been amazing to watch him grow and develop his own personality for the last six months. At this rate, we are really in for it over the next six months! I guess we are in for the adventure!

Happy Half Birthday Buddy!

Christmas

We had a wonderful holiday. Although we did a lot of traveling, we had a chance to relax and catch up with family and friends. Here are a few pictures from Christmas. Samuel loved all the attention and tissue paper.

Samuel got an Infant/Toddler Leap Pad from Santa!

This is his new phone. It does letters, numbers and songs.

Samuel's new trick...eating tissue paper. He is really fast!

A new monkey!!

Samuel and Addison!

You can see all the Christmas picures at the website!

Packing

Samuel was a great big help the last two days as we are trying to pack. He loved riding to and from the laundry room in the basket. He would sit up, hold on and laugh hysterically. He seemed to enjoy the warm "fresh out of the dryer" laundry best!

We are all packed and eager to head to the airport tomorrow morning. We are planning on leaving the house at 4:30am! in order to get to the airport the recommended three hours before departure. There is no way I am missing this plane! If all goes according to plan, we should arrive in Chicago tomorrow afternoon!

We are looking forward to seeing you all very soon!