Big Boy

Once we got back from Michigan, it was time to transition Samuel out of his crib (converted to a toddler bed) into his very own big boy bed. We wanted to do this now so that when baby came and he saw the crib again he would already be accustomed to his new bed and not feel as if the baby kicked him out.

This past week, Mike and I took his changing table and crib out of his room and moved it into the office which will soon become the baby's room. Samuel was sad to see his stuff go, but waved goodbye as daddy pushed it out of the room. We then spent time putting his new bed together and rearranging his new room. He was pretty excited about the bed, his new dresser and having plenty of room for his train table!

He also has transitioned to sleeping in his bed just fine. He does seem to get out of it more and have to check with us several times before he will stay in bed to go to sleep, but we think that is more of a stage for him right now.

Samuel also loves his new train table. This was Samuel's early birthday present from Gram. He loved pushing the train around and is really good about leaving the track together. Hopefully it will continue to be a great independent activity for him!

Our Michigan Trip

Since we were gone for eleven days, I am going to give everyone the shortened and condensed version of what we did. We will let the pictures tell the story...

Our entire purpose for our visit to Michigan was to celebrate Uncle Mike's graduation from Coldwater High School. We arrived late Thursday night and spent all day Friday getting ready for the open house. Sunday was the actual graduation ceremony. Since we had a nice Michigan thunderstorm, it was held indoors. Samuel did a great job sitting during the entire hour and a half ceremony and had plenty of cheers for Uncle Mike!

Samuel and Uncle MikeThe proud parents...a sigh of relief...he actually made it!

The boys looking all tough!
Evan (cousin), Nate (cousin), Uncle Caleb, Uncle Mike


Saturday we were able to go watch Uncle Mike play baseball one last time. We were hoping for two games, but losing the first finished off the CHS baseball career. A great game to watch!

After the game we headed out to my uncle's cottage for a day in the sun. The weather was hot but beautiful. Samuel took his first ride on a boat and didn't seem to like it nearly as much as I thought he would. He would much rather play in the cooler or ice or run around with Maddy chasing behind.
We also had a whole family tournament of a game I cannot remember the name of. Anyway...Grandpa Bob and I are the reigning champs!

Here is Samuel enjoying the time with some of his favorite people!
In the pool with Aunt Angie!

Relaxing and drying off with Uncle Caleb!

Samuel and Uncle Mike's favorite morning activity!

Nana and her favorite grandson!

Gram and her favorite grandson!
Mommy and her favorite...yes, I can say that for now!


On Thursday, we look the day to head up to GR to visit some of our friends. Samuel loved playing with Lauryn. It was a short terrifying glimpse at what it would be like to have twins! Samuel and Lauryn are only three months apart and both into the independant two year old stage!
We were also so excited to meet the newest member of the DeWys family.
Kaden James
June 1, 2007
3:09 am
9lb 6oz
20.5 inches
Precious

We also were able to have a picnic with our old small group. It was great to see everyone. Here is Jack and Samuel enjoying the swings.

Our last big event for Michigan was Samuel's family birthday party. It is hard to believe that in less than a month he will be two years old! All the family gathered at Mike's dads for a cookout, cake and presents!
Samuel opening his gifts!

Happy Cake (at least that is what he calls it). He even tried to blow out the candles! Sorry about the spit!

We aren't kidding when we say Samuel loves puzzles.
Here is how we found him after his bath!
We finally headed back home on Monday. It was a long trip, but a good one. Here is Samuel on the plane enjoying some of his birthday presents.

Gram's Visit

Daddy, Samuel and Gram outside our favorite place to shop...The Central Market!

Prior to our long haul back to Michigan, Gram was able to make it out our way for a visit. She came over Memorial Day weekend and stayed for five days. Samuel gets so excited when he sees family. It has been a lot of fun watching him interact and remember everyone so well.

Of course having Gram hear meant that Samuel was spoiled for a couple of days. Here they are sharing ice cream! Samuel had to use his own spoon and scoop it himself. After a few minor messes and lots of sticky fingers he was a pro!

While Gram was here we kept busy with lots of fun Seattle activities. We took a ferry ride to Kingston for the day. While we were there we walked around the little towns, ate wonderful ice cream and played in the park. Samuel loved the boat ride and was sad when it ended.

Samuel and Mommy on the way to Kingston!

Our little beach bum!

Brave until the waves started coming in.
Run...Run for your lives!

Lachlan Bennett

We would like to welcome Lachlan Bennett Johns Bowling!

May 25, 2007

5:45 am
7lb 7oz
20 in long
perfect

Congrats David and Jessi! We are so excited to be walking beside you as you enter the path of parenthood!

Buddies

Samuel, Jocie and Koen playing together this past weekend.

Heading Out

Samuel is so funny sometimes. This morning, I was working on the computer while he was playing in the living room. I heard him over by the door and looked over. This is what I saw!

Complete with daddy's shoes, mommy's keys and money! When I asked where he was going he said "mommy's car". I asked where he was going to take mommy's car and he smiled, showed me his money and said "go park." I should have known! I am guessing the money was for a coffee for mommy on the way!

Sculpture Park

Seattle has a new sculpture park that is located within walking distance from MHGS. Last Thursday, I had a meeting so Mike and Samuel came along and decided to enjoy the beautiful weather with a walk around the park. Samuel loved it. Here are a few pictures of their day.

Samuel and Daddy. MHGS is the red building way back in the background.

Samuel hiking to the top of the Space Needle!

The trip was even complete with a visit from the train. Samuel gets a bit excited when it goes by!

There is a place that you can get down by the water. Here is Samuel throwing rocks in. I heard this was an activity that kept him busy for about half and hour!

Independence

Samuel is currently still in that all to exciting place of "independence." He is almost two therefore he is able to do everything on his own and don't you dare try to interfere. Although this is a very cute stage and it is exciting to see him want to do things on his own, it is also very frustrating at time! Yes...he does have mom's stubborn side too!

Here is a new favorite activity. STICKERS! He wants you to draw shapes on his paper and then proceeds to take off each sticker and put it in a predetermined shape. Predetermined in his mind...The stickers must all fit and he cannot possibly have two different stickers in the same shape or two similar stickers in two different shapes. You can probably guess what some of the frustration looks like with this activity!

To help us cope with the new found Independence we are trying to give Samuel "jobs" to do. We also hope that this will help when baby arrives. He loves finding his shoes and socks and will generally bring them to us when it is time to go. Lately we have been working on getting a diaper and wipes when he needs to be changed. The other day he obviously needed a clean diaper since this is how Mike and I found him in the hallway. I thought about leaving him to see if he would just change himself!

Eating is always an independent activity now. Here he is finishing up his hot dog from lunch the other day. He thought he was so funny with ketchup all over his face. We are also working on eating with a spoon. I am actually impressed with how well he does. Most of it ends up in his mouth!

And finally...mommy and daddy's favorite independent activity. He is starting to finally put himself to sleep at night. You don't know how nice this is. We have been battling bedtime for quite awhile now. Short of duct taping him to his bed we have tried everything. The other night I was putting him down and told him I had to go to the bathroom (an activity he is very use to mommy doing) and that I would be back to check on him. He actually fell asleep.
Some nights go better than others, but we are finally on our way. Yes, Bailey claims she doesn't like the kid, but does end up sleeping next to his bed!

Mommy Monday

Mondays Mike has class for six and a half hours!! Thankfully it is only six weeks long. Instead of paying the insane price for parking, Samuel and I venture downtown and drop daddy off. We then find things to occupy our time while daddy is in class. Yesterday we used our pass to the Children's Museum for a couple of hours of fun.
This is the last time that we will be able to see the Bob the Builder exhibit. Samuel loved it just as much as last time. Here he is putting all the balls in the water pump. We need one of these for home. It kept him busy for about thirty minutes.

Samuel also loved the fire truck. He put the hat on, got behind the wheel and rang the bell. He was not too excited about the fireman coat or pants though.

Samuel found this fascinating. You push the button and air forces the ball up into the air. We spent quite a bit of time here also. The nice thing ...Samuel was one of maybe 15 kids in the entire museum so it was a big play arena for him.

After our visit to the museum we spent some time enjoying the beautiful weather. There where a bunch of hula hoops in the park. Samuel loved dancing with it. We also took a walk around Green Lake before heading back to get daddy!