First of the Firsts

Last night was Sam's first taste of Christmas gifts. He had no idea how lucky he was, with all those presents just for him!

Maybe he couldn't put his arms down

We finally had a day warm enough to take Sam outside to play in the snow. From the look on his face you can tell...he's indifferent.

Sam's first ornaments

I've been waiting and waiting for the ornament that we ordered for Sam's first Christmas and it finally came today! The oval plate reads, "Samuel's First Christmas 2008." Hopefully it is something he'll hang on the tree for years and years to come. I also made him an ornament this year. It was really easy to do with arcylic paint and a circular stencil stamp.

At least his head is warm...

Sometimes I'm not so sure Sam enjoys wearing the hats that I knit for him...as evidenced by this photo.

How big is Sam?

...big enough to stand up in his crib! Doesn't he look proud of himself?

If only you could smell it...

Jerod always makes me wait until after Thanksgiving before I do anything remotely Christmasy - no Christmas music, no Christmas decorations, and surely no Christmas tree until we have eaten turkey and stuffing. And I submit to his rule because it makes sense...and because then I can say that I submit to my husband in at least one way. This year the wait seemed extra long since Thanksgiving was so late, and since I couldn't wait to get a tree for Sam! Here is Sam, enjoying his very first Christmas tree.

First Thanksgiving(s)

Sam had many "first" Thanksgivings these last 2 weeks. He celebrated one with the Student Development staff from NWC, one with the RDs from NWC and, of course, one with his extended family. All in all, I made a 14 lb. turkey, mashed potatoes, and 2 pies - but never for the same meal, so that was quite nice!

You've Come a Long Way Baby

Sam is now 7 months old. Every month, I take his photo by his Green Eggs and Ham book. Here is his 7 month photo by his 1 month photo. It's amazing how fast he is growing!

Two more photos from the pumpkin patch

They are probably going to hate us when they're older...

Happy Halloween!

Not quite old enough for trick-or-treatin'.

Definitely old enough for a costume.

Where's Samuel?

At the pumpkin patch, I played my own little version of "Where's Waldo" with Sam...

Pumpkin Patch

Samuel went to a pumpkin patch today with his friend, Henry. While Sam enjoyed being burried among the pumpkins, he was much more interested in the tractor that kept driving by, giving hay rides.

My Little Pumpkins

I deligently watered and fertilized and cared for the pumpkin on the left. And after 3 months, this is what I have to show for it (fresh from my garden today). The pumpkin on the right didn't need watering or fertilizing...but he did take 9 months.

Almost...but not quite

With Sam's 7-month "birthday" approaching, I think he's feeling the pressure to learn to sit up. He has made a lot of progress during the last few days, and can almost sit up on his own. As you can see, I am enjoying being able to photograph him, in the upright position, with both hands free.

Great-Granny

Samuel met his Great-Grandma Phyllis for the first time last week. She came all the way from Montana!

Afternoon at the zoo

Mandy and I took the boys to Como Zoo today, to break up what had become a somewhat monotonous day for each of us. I am so thankful for friends that can help turn a boring day into a fun one!

School is Hard

Sam recently went to his first ECFE class (Early Childhood Family Education) with his friend, Henry. This photo was taken shortly after class.

Supersized

I couldn't get over how everything is supersized in Las Vegas - the hotels, the casinos, the food... To give you a small idea, here are pictures of the wine menu and a piece of chocolate cake at a restaurant we went to.

Vegas Baby

We took Sam to Vegas this week for Grandpa's Retirement Party #1. There were lots of lights and flashy things for Sam to see, but other than that it definitely isn't a baby-friendly town. This photo is in the beautiful lobby area of our hotel.

Like Father Like Son?

Sam isn't so sure what he thinks of sweet potatoes. We'll see how he does with the rest of the vegetable family...

Spoonfed

Sam has moved on to solid foods - quite the milestone. I think he had been waiting to try solids, and he is so happy to finally get to eat from a spoon. This is a picture of him in his newly acquired high chair. (He looked tiny all over again when we first put him in it and noticed the tray is about at his chin.) Sam is very lucky to have a very generous Aunt and Uncle who pass on their used baby items.

Born to Ride

Outfit courtesy of Grandpa Lee.

And yes, that is a do-rag.

Laughing Baby

It might just be one of the best sounds in the world...

5 months old

Sam turned 5 months this week! Isn't he a handsome boy?

Swimmin' Sam

We spent Labor Day weekend with our families at a great resort. Fortunately, they had a very warm pool, so we got to take Sam swimming for the very first time. I got a kick out of his swimming attire. When he's older, he'll probably be mad at us for dressing him like this.

As if there was ever any doubt...

It's pretty clear who Sam's Grandpa is...

Sam's serenade

Sam has new friends at his daycare. He is well taken care of too, especially by the other kids there. And as you can see in this video, they are a very good influence on him.

Clean Baby

It's not often that Sam gets a bath from his Dad, and as you can see, you really enjoys it!

New Love

Lately Samuel is VERY interested in what we eat or drink - which makes me think he may be ready to try solid foods. He's especially interested in the Cornelius drink of choice - D.P. - but it will be a long time before he actually gets to taste it. Right now he just gets to hold the can.

Bouncing Baby Boy

Sam is borrowing this jumper from his friend, Lucy. We put him in it last night for the first time - I don't think he really understood what to do. We'll keep working on it.

Kung Fu Grip

Here's Sam practicing his "Kung-Fu Grip", as we refer to it.

A few "firsts"

This has been quite the week for Sam. He's learned how to roll over, he reaches for things and holds on tight, and he's discovered his toes. He's also experimenting with noises. The last two days he's been doing a lot of screech-screaming. It sounds sort of like a quiet scream, and it doesn't always indicate dissatisfaction - sometimes he's just practicing his sounds. This photo is what his face looks like while he's practicing.

Super Sam!

4-month Photo Shoot

Sam is looking like such a big boy, now that he's 4 months old - but he still won't smile for the camera...