This picture was taken awhile ago, but forgotten about. I know someday Samuel will kill us for this, but for now it is pretty cute. Samuel loves his bath time! He also loves crawling around naked both before and after! Yes, we have had a few accidents on the floor! Here he is trying to get away from getting pajamas on!
As you can see, Samuel is becoming a very independent eater! He can eat just about anything now and is very interested in what we are eating. He will still eat some pureed foods, but generally is in a very "do it myself" mood. Here he is eating lunch. He has a grilled cheese sandwich, cheese cubes, grapes and bananas. He also loves his sippy cup, but still needs a bit of help with the mechanics of it! It is nice that he can eat off our plates now!
We all went on our first family hike today. The last time we went out was the day we went into labor. Since it had been nine months, we now live in a beautiful state full of great hikes and the weather hit 70, we decided to get out and get moving. We found a trail about 45 minutes from our house. Wallace Falls and Wallace Falls National Park are part of the Cascades. The trail has three destination points, lower, middle and upper falls. It ranges in distance from 4 miles to 6 miles and elevation from 807 feet to over 1600 feet. We decided to go only as far as the lower falls for our first hike. 
Samuel loved the hike, I would too if someone carried me the whole way. He thought he was pretty hot stuff riding way up on mom and dad's backs. He spent most of his time looking around, talking and clapping! We took plenty of time to stop and enjoy some of the great views and took a pit stop at the lower falls to refuel with water, nuts and toast (Samuel of course!). We decided that we would have to make this a more frequent affair if we wanted to see the state while we were here. 
Mike, Bailey and I were exhausted by the time we were finished. Yes, Samuel was tired too!
Guess what someone has learned to do? Yes, Samuel has figured out drawers and cabinets. He is now officially into everything. Luckily, most of the cabinets are safe for him to be in, so we let him explore. It is always a new surprise mess! Bad news is that we have yet to find a latch system that works with the cabinets. They way the cabinets are designed where typical systems would screw in, the wood is so thin it will crack! Don't worry, we always have a very close eye on him!
We had a pretty good Easter weekend. On Saturday, Samuel went to the Lynnwood egg hunt. They had different sections for different age groups. Samuel was in the 0-2 years old group. He loved it. We put him down and he would quickly crawl to an egg, pick it up, try to eat it and head to the next! He found six eggs in all! We then headed over to Target so Samuel could pick out his basket. He chose Elmo! He loves it. We also got plastic eggs that he carries around in his Elmo basket! 
Sunday, we were invited down to Jon and Annie's parents for Easter dinner. It was a fantastic dinner and great time to meet new people and share a meal. Samuel did very well in church, actually slept most of the service! He then was able to explore around and very "un baby-proofed" house. The weather turned out to be pretty nice so we did get to be outside for a bit. Although we all missed being with family on Easter, we were able to celebrate this special day together!
Ok, today is the last posting of Spring Break pictures. I just keep finding cute pictures that I want to share with everyone. Samuel loved the swings on Spring Break. He would smile and laugh as long as you kept pushing. He even would try to crawl across the hot sand to get to them. Daddy said that we might have to find one for him to have at home. 
The reason we were in Florida in the first place was to watch Uncle Mike play baseball. Samuel didn't quite follow the games, but thought the batters on deck warming up were hilarious. We are sure he thought they were nuts for swinging so much and not hitting anything! This is a picture of Samuel and his Uncle Mike before the big Red and White game. I think they like each other just a little bit. 
Uncle Mike earned lots of bonus points in Samuel's mind when he let him play in the bucket of balls. He thought he was pretty hot stuff!
The rest of our pictures are posted on the website. The link is to the right!
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!
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.
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! 
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!
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 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!
Samuel wants to wish everyone a Happy St. Patrick's Day. He will be wearing his green today.
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!
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 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.
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!
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!
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...
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!
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!
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!
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. 
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!
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!
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!
