Too Hot

Seattle Metropolitan Area

Excessive heat warning in effect until 11 pm pdt Monday. Air stagnation advisory in effect until 11 pm pdt Monday.

Weather Summary: A lttle cooler today, but highs will still be a good 10 to 12 degrees warmer than average. Tuesday looks even cooler with highs in the 70s to low 80s and overnight lows in the 50s (finally some good sleeping weather). However, we start getting hot again by Wednesday... We won't see any real relief until Friday with a strong push of cooler marine air. Highs this weekend should only be in the mid 70s!


Ok...so it has been way too hot here. Yes, I know it is also hot in Michigan, but you have air conditioning! I know an amazing concept! Everyone here tells us this is way hotter than usual, but since it was like this a few weeks ago also, I am starting to wonder. Anyway, as I sit here, I am watching the indoor temperature along with the outdoor temperature rise. It is currently 76 outside and an amazing 80 inside. We have three fans going, but they just seem to be blowing hot air around. Any ideas?


We have been allowing Samuel to run around in his diaper pretty much everywhere. The other day we pulled out the hose then on Saturday hooked up a sprinkler for him. He was also invited over to the neighbors kiddie pool. He loved it, but seconds after drying off he was sweating again. The other day I took him down to Green Lake to play in the kiddie pool. He loved it. He was pretty amazed with all the big kids who were running and laying down. He tried both and ended up with a mouth full of water each time. It didn't seem to bother him at all though, he got up and tried again. Today we are going to the YMCA with friends. We can work out and let the kids play in the air conditioning. It may end up being a four or five hour workout if the temperature keeps climbing!

Bath Fun

The other night, Mike and I watched Roxy while her parents took a night out. Well, it was time for Samuel to take a bath and get ready for bed and Roxy wanted to join. What kid doesn't love bath time. So we figured what the heck, they are young enough. We threw them in together. They had a ball. Matia heard all the fun and she joined in. It was a riot. Samuel was trying to wash Roxy's hair and Roxy was trying to dump water over Samuel. At least we will have proof when Samuel complains later in life that we never let him do anything fun (around 13?) that we let him bathe with a girl when he was only a year old!

Talking Away

Samuel has a ton to say. When they come out as real words I am afraid we will all be in trouble!

Car

Samuel is learning new words each day. He loves cars right now and points them out everywhere. He will get so excited and start yelling "car" until someone recognizes him. Pretty cute!

Fun at the Mall

This morning, Samuel and I ventured out to the mall. We had a return to make at Gap Kids and needed some time away from the house. As most malls do, Alderwood has a children's play area. A few weeks ago, I took Samuel there for the first time. It is usually so packed, but this morning it was only mildly chaotic. Samuel takes off as soon as he gets set free, running from activity to activity until he can no longer go. There are three tunnels that he loves to crawl through. I generally chase him from one to the next. He then wants to climb up on anything short enough and try and slide down it. Luckily most of the toys are designed with slides so he is not jumping off the edge and crashing to the ground. Today he also found the mirror and talked and waved at himself for a few moments. Then it was off and at it again...

Fun With Water

Today was a pretty hot day around here and since we don't have air conditioning we have to be creative in finding ways to stay cool. We introduced Samuel to the hose today. He found it pretty cool! He loved being sprayed and tried despratly to grab the water as it was coming out of the hose. I think we may have to invest in a kiddie pool! Check out this video!

Just an Update...

Not much has been going on in the Clark family household, but I thought I would take a minute and fill people in on what has been going on with us over the past month.

Mike did take the teaching job at Skyview Junior High for next year. He will be working in a "learning center" with moderatly impaired students. He is worried about it being too much with school, but I am going to try and do some of his paperwork for him and hopefully lighten the load. We do feel very blessed that he does have a full time job that is close to home and is flexible with his classes. We will have to see how it goes. This summer, Mike is working at Bellveue Christian Schools doing maintenance work. The job is great with his class schedule. He basically goes when he can and leaves when he has too. Hopefully it will remain a possiblity for him over Christmas and Spring break and then again next summer.

This does allow me to continue to be home with Samuel which we all feel is so important. I have also decided to pursue the chance to become a doula and am well underway to certification. I have a lot of paperwork to do and connections to make with people in the community (midwives, birthing centers, etc.). I hope to complete at least one of my three volunteer births yet this year. Additionally, next year I have been asked to serve on the Mars Hill student leadership team. I will be representing a group that I have been part of this year called Mosaic. It is intended to provide a community for spouses of students. I am very excited about this opportunity. It also helps me feel a bit more connected with what Mike is going through and how I can be supportive of him during the next two years.

Samuel is as amazing as ever. He seems to be coming up with something new each day. He is trying to communicate a lot more now. He makes all different sounds up that to him sound like words, but to us sound like babble. He does say "mama" "dada" and "bye" very clearly. He is working on both dog, cat and car, but so far only distinguished by mom and dad. He also has increased his sign language. He has added "all done" "thank-you" and occasionally "ball." He is completly walking now, even running at times. The climbing has also started so we have to be very careful of where we leave things. I am waiting for the day I come out of the bathroom and he is standing on the kitchen counter!

When we were back in Michigan we decided it was time to put our house back up on the market. It is in it's third week and has had some decent interest, but no offers yet. We really hope the market is good to us and we are able to sell quickly and painlessly. Please keep us in your prayers as selling the house would be a huge emotional and financial relief to us.

I think that's it for now. I am sure there is more, but it will have to wait. Time to play!
Jenn

Birthday Gifts

Samuel has been having a ton of fun exploring and playing with all his new birthday presents. It is amazing to watch him as he discovers things for the first time. He is truly amazed at how things work and at the fact that he can make them work. It is so fun to watch him as he is going through this "absorbing the world" phase.

He is also becoming more aware of the things around him. When we change something (the set up of our room) he looks around and seems confused for awhile. Everytime we go out now, he is pointing to things and looking to us to explain what they are. This is especially true if we are anywhere with fans (which is pretty much everywhere this time of year). Whenever we get him up from a nap of in the morning he points at his shelf and signs please to us. When we take him over he usually grabs a toy (often the stuffed monkey) and is so excited when he gets to take it.

Samuel has also started the wonderful "scream when I am frustrated" or "scream when you aren't doing what I want" stage! Oh the joys of parenthood! Since neither of us handle whiney children well (me more so) we are trying so hard to teach him what to say or do instead. This often leaves both of us frustrated, but he is seeming to understand. Don't get me wrong, he still screams. We are also trying to ignore it if it continues or he is just angry. I think we will invest in earplugs! Hopefully this stage will pass soon!

No More Parties

Well, it's official...we are finished celebrating Samuel's birthday! Yesterday we had his last birthday party here in Seattle. We rented the small pavilion at Martha Lake Park and had about 20 people come and celebrate with us. Good times! Samuel still didn't enjoy the cake. I have to say he did last much longer yesterday than any of his previous attempts, but as soon as it got messy he wanted out. Oh well, I guess he doesn't have mommy's sweet tooth (yet)! Everyone here is aware that Samuel loves Elmo! He recieved multiple Elmo themed gifts, all of which he was delighted with. He also recieved his first basketball hoop thanks to his friend Jocie! We put it together shortly after we got home and he had it figured out pretty quickly. I will post a video on the website later this week. Apparently the party tuckered him out, he was asleep for the night by 6:15! It's hard being one!

Happy Birthday Samuel!

Wow! We can hardly believe it has already been a full year. Today Samuel officially turns 1!

He decided to sleep in a bit on his birthday and woke up to mommy and daddy singing Happy Birthday! We decided to take him out for breakfast at the Sugar Shack. He ate a pancake, some eggs and a little bit of hashbrowns. We then went to Target to find him a pair of tennis shoes he can wear when playing outside. We also looked at lots of Elmo toys and some Duplo Quatro blocks. After his party this weekend he can go and pick out some extra toys! After Target Samuel decided it was time for a nap and is currently sound asleep upstairs. Once he wakes up the fun can continue!

As for stats, we will have to weigh and measure Samuel when he wakes up. We will let everyone know where he weighs in at!
Samuel completes his first year with a ton of milestones. He is walking like a pro now, even running at times! He has eight teeth and knows how to use them well. He eats pretty much anything he wants now. He has refused baby food for a week or so now, I guess he doesn't want to be referred to as a baby anymore. He does love pasta and cheese, but is venturing out and willing to try more foods now. His sign language has started to really grow. Currently he knows more, please, eat, and milk. He is so cute to watch when he really wants something. He will go through his repertoire of signs until he figures out the right one and you give him what he wants! He has also picked up on the beauty of cell phones and will hold multiple toys up to his ear and walk around the house pretending to talk to someone! Very cute! I am sure there are many more I am forgetting to share, he is an amazing little boy.

Well, I better get back to the birthday boy! Celebrate with us today...eat some cake (at least I am giving you an excuse)!

We're Back!

What a busy couple of weeks! As many of you know we spent nearly the entire month of June in Michigan. We had a great time celebrating Erin and Scott's wedding and Samuel's first birthday. We were able to catch up with friends and spend time with family.

Samuel and I left on the 6th for Lansing. Thursday morning we headed up to Mackinaw Island for Erin and Scott's wedding. The wedding was beautiful. Samuel loved the horses (even though he couldn't touch them) and I loved the wonderful Michigan sunshine! We took a horse and carriage ride (way to long), walked a ton and played with Samuel's cousins, Morgan and Addison. We were in Mackinaw until Sunday afternoon then headed back to Lansing.

Monday through Thursday we spent in Coldwater with my family. We took a day trip up to Grand Rapids to have Samuel's first year pictures and Michael's (Jenn's brother) senior pictures taken. They all came out wonderfully thanks to Heather! The rest of the week we spent lazily around the pool and shopping for wedding things! Mike flew in late Thursday night after finishing up his school year (teaching).

Friday morning, Samuel and I headed up to Lansing to see daddy! Samuel gets so excited when daddy is around. He missed him tons and was very happy to see him. Friday night we celebrated Erin and Scotts marriage at the Sheraton in Lansing. Samuel loved dancing and spent most of the dinner hour entertaining people with his cuteness. After dinner, we were able to take Samuel back to Gram's (Mike's mom) and Mike and I were able to go back to enjoy the party!

Saturday started the madness of celebrating. We started with a Bridal shower for my sister, Angie, who is getting married in October. We then had Samuel's birthday with my family. Samuel loved the pool and the food, but hated his birthday cake. Lot of crying until his hands were cleaned off and he could go play! Sunday we celebrated his birthday in Lansing with Mike's family and some of our Grand Rapids friends. Ditto on the cake!

On Tuesday, we took a trip up to Grand Rapids to meet with our new realtor. Our house is back on the market and will hopefully sell this time. Please keep us in your prayers! Tuesday evening we were able to catch up with our old small group. The kids had a great time playing at millennium park and it was so nice and relaxing to sit and share with friends!

Mike flew back Thursday morning and I spend Friday, Saturday and Sunday at a doula training. I am really excited about the possiblibies and am trying to get things aligned here so I can start attending some births. I will keep everyone updated as things start to happen.

I know a whirlwind huh?! We are glad to be back into the routine and predictably of life again. We are finally adjusted back to a normal sleep routine and are enjoying the beautiful weather we brought back to Seattle with us. We definitely miss everyone back home and can't wait to do it all over again in October!

Books

Samuel has been very into books lately. He loves sitting and looking at them and will even sit and let you read to him for several minutes. He does have his favorites: So Big (Elmo), Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Touch and Feel Farm. I guess having two teachers for parents has something to do with it.

Cute Pictures

I know it has been awhile since a post and I honestly don't have a very good excuse.

Samuel and I are packing our bags to head to Michigan on Wednesday. We will be there until the 26th. We will have lots to do and lots of people to visit and are really looking forward to the great weather! Mike will be joining us on the 16th. He has to finish out school and didn't want to miss too many classes.

While we are in Michigan we will be celebrating Samuel's 1st birthday. It is crazy to think that he is already a year old. Before I know it we will be sending off to Kindergarten! These are a few pictures either Craig or I took of him the other day. Just playing around and having fun with the camera!

See you soon!

Girls Night

Tonight I am going on my first real "girls night" since Samuel has been born. We are going to a hotel downtown for the evening and are going to enjoy happy hour, dinner, and great girl bonding! I will also get a full nights sleep (also a first)!

Although I am very excited about going, there is fear and sadness in the event. It will be the first night that I spend away from Samuel. The first night that daddy is fully in charge! A realization that Samuel doesn't need me all the time. I wonder how many times I will wake up thinking I hear him moving and crying. I am sure we will all survive.

Update...

Not much going on here right now. We are actually enjoying moving at a slower pace for awhile. Soon enough we will be back at 'em again. Samuel and I leave for Michigan in 15 days (not that we are counting) for a nice long 2 1/2 week break there. I am looking forward to spending lots of time with family and friends. I am in the process of planning lots of 1st birthday parties for the little dude. I can't believe he is going to be a year old!

Mike is in his summer trimester at school. The nice thing is that he only has two classes that meet weekly this term. His other two are what they call intensives. They meet all evening Friday and all day Saturday twice during the summer. He has already finished one and has one more at the end of June. We are planning some camping trips for the summer and time to get away and enjoy the beautiful state we live in.

Right now, life just seems to be going along pretty well!

Zoo Trip

Since the weather has been so beautiful here we are taking advantage of it. Jocie got to spend the day with us today because her dad was in class, so we went to the zoo. A new exhibit was opening, actually it is an indoor hands on place. It was cool, but very crowded. Both kids seem to enjoy it though. They were able to crawl around, bang on drums, climb, go through tunnels and play in dirt. Samuel decided that he was hungry and much to mom's constant reminder that dirt doesn't taste good, he had to learn himself!

Walking?

Well, Samuel has officially taken intentional steps. About a week ago, Samuel discovered that his legs could take him places. He was very interested in standing up and walking around holding mom and dad's hands. Occasionally, we would let go and he would "take" a step as he fell into something. Last Saturday night, Samuel did take three intentional steps before he landed on the ottoman. It was very exciting. Sunday we were at the park and he took seven consecutive steps. That one we did get on video. Then today when Mike got home he took 17 steps across the room to him! We hurried for the camera, but after that he would only do about 8. He is very excited about this new skill. When we stand him up he gets so excited he generally falls before he even starts. He also cheers for himself when he does fall! I did put two videos on the website for you to check out. Since he still prefers crawling over walking, I guess he is not an official walker, but well on his way!

http://homepage.mac.com/clarkm34/Menu20.html

Mother's Day

We had a great day yesterday. Mike took Samuel in the morning so I could sleep in! It is amazing what a little uninterrupted sleep can do. At noon we met my Mosaic group at Greenlake Bar and Grill for brunch. They were giving all mothers a free meal! We then had a Starbucks treat for desert and went to play in the park. The weather was beautiful and the kids had a great time. We got home about 3:00 and both Samuel and I took a much needed rest! The evening ended with the Survivor Finale! What a great day! Oh, Samuel and Mike are also treating me to a day at the spa!

Just In Time for Mother's Day!

Samuel has finally decided to say mama. Ok, so the situation was not the best, but it was heard clear as day!

I finally was able to get back to the YMCA this morning and dropped him off in the kids area. He has been having some separation anxiety so I wasn't sure how it would go. When I left, he was content playing with an Elmo toy. About half hour later I heard "Jenn Clark could you please report to the Kid's Corner" When I was about half way down the hall, I heard him. By the time I got there he was pretty desperate. He was sitting on a girls lap, tears and snot flowing. I quickly went in and on my way over to him, we made eye contact. He took a break in the screaming and said "mama" as he reached for me! I was so excited I didn't care that he wiped his nose on my shoulder as he snuggled in. Just in time for Mother's Day!

Hopefully next time we hear it we wouldn't have such a traumatic experience. It is nice to know that they do know who you are though!

Golden Gardens

Today we tried out a new park on the Puget Sound called Golden Gardens. We had a beautiful view of the Olympics. We decided to pack a picnic lunch and spend some time playing. As always, Samuel loved the swings. There was also a beach with great sand that we were able to play in. By the end of it, Samuel had sand everywhere! Definalty a park we will be back to this summer.