Easter Snow!

Sampson's first Easter Sunday! We had the cute outfit all picked out with navy dockers and short-sleeved polo with a beautiful owl sweater. We dressed him and made it to church on time. Jimmy and I were playing in the band so Auntie Colleen held him. Ten minutes into the service, he peed all over his outfit (and Auntie Colleen)! Another mother changed him but the pants were so wet he could not stay in them. Thus, Sampson spent his first Easter completely pantsless. It did not seem to bother him as you can see from the pictures. After church, Sampson had a little snack and then we spent the day at Grandma and Grandpa's where we ate lots of carbs in the form of lasagna and bread. The Easter Bunny brought Sampson a bunch of socks, a new pair of Robeez, and a book about farm animals.

Mmmm... yams!



The week following Easter was spring break for my students so Sampson and I voyaged to upstate New York to visit Nana Jo and Papa. When I think of spring break, I obviously think of snow... and that's just what we got! We travel best early in the morning while Sampson sleeps and Oma drinks a large half-caff with half and half, one splenda, and one sugar in the raw. We planned to leave at 5am on Friday morning, but we awoke to a white mass 5 inches thick. We decided to stay another day since we were in no hurry. Papa was excited to show Sampson the sled he got for him. We were (much to Oma's dismay) unprepared for the unseasonably cold weather so we bundled him up in two shirts, a sweat shirt, and a windbreaker, and two pairs of sweat pants. He was not used to being in the cold weather for very long, so his little cheeks turned pink quickly! He seemed to be quite comfortable sitting in his red sled. Papa pulled around the yard and Sampson watched trees go by and liked the feel of the bumpy snow.




Any one who knows me knows that I have never been much of a winter sportswoman, but I did brave the icy elements to watch Sampson's first winter adventure. Hopefully, he will learn to love the snow as much as his dad does!

Eat, Drink, and Be Sampson

Yum! Sampson has well established that he is not interested in eating baby food. He will eat some wholegrain rice cereal, but only if it's mixed with sweet potatoes. He will sometimes eat some pears, but is not as excited about food as I expected. He is, however, very interested in what he cannot yet have. He loves nothing more than to grab at our tacos or spaghetti. As far as finger foods, he's way into oranges and rice crackers. He also enjoys gnawing on a carrot or celery stick. His doctor said it's ok to give him juice, but still prefers breast milk to anything else. Now that he has a tooth coming in, he drinks some water because he needs fluoride. He drinks water from his little sippy cup all by himself.


I can't believe that over 6 months have passed since he was born. The entire pregnancy, I said I could never do it again. Everyone told me that I would change my mind as soon as I had the little on in my arms. Well, it wasn't THAT soon after, but now that he is getting bigger, and the time is passing so quickly, I do indeed think that I could do it again (but not too soon!). Sampson is just such a jovial little fellow and when he laughs, it's as if he can't contain it in his little body. He is curious and determined, and just loves books. We have learned to read his signs to know when he needs to eat, when he needs a nap, and when he needs to poop. He is starting to babble and sometimes we swear he spits out words. So far, none of those words are "Oma" or "Dad." I try to take time to cherish his cuddles everyday because I know it won't be long before he's running off to explore on his own. Here are some pics from the beginning...

The last day BS (Before Sampson). Was I really THAT big?! How did I move?!


Five days old.

HBJ

Today is my darling husband's 26th birthday! Has officially completed 26 years of life! A big thanks for Mom V for all her work and laboring (10lbs 13oz!). Now more than half way through his twenties, I'd say that Jimmy is aging rather gracefully. Tomorrow, he is running a half marathon to prove that he's still got it. And in blogging tradition, here are 26 reasons why I love love love James Vennard IV...

1. He appreciates the work I do at home and respects my opinion.
2. He always makes me feel like I cooked the best meal ever created.
3. His nostrils are asymmetrical.
4. He guides our family emotionally and spiritually.
5. He loves Sampson and lets him know it everyday.
6. When I was sick in my first (and second and third) trimester, he bought me saltines and ginger ale in bulk.
7. He works hard at his job everyday so that he can provide well for our family.
8. He always understands my jokes (even if they're not funny!).
9. His smile is so big, it can light up an entire room.
10. He cares about things that I care about... like saving the earth and eating healthy foods.
11. He has such a pure heart and always boils situations down to what is right.
12. He holds high expectations of me (and Sampson) because he knows and reminds us that we are capable of great things.
13. He is the most, ahem, frugal man I know.
14. He allergic to cats, like me, and supports our eternal absence of felines.
15. He uses proper grammar.
16. He is a patient and thorough teacher (like when he taught me all of the NFL mascots).
17. He encourages me to try new things that I never thought I'd do (like read The Godfather).
18. He has a jovial and magnetic personality.
19. He is an Eagle scout.
20. He understands the importance of staying well hydrated.
21. He will try new foods (even unidentifiable Korean food).
22. He gently reminds me when I am worrying too much.
23. He surprises me with trinkets he knows I will love.
24. He plays the guitar like a rock star and makes up songs for me.
25. He supports me in my undying desire to craft.
26. He is my best friend and everyday, I am thankful that he is my partner in life.

Almost Mobile

Sampson is on to the fact that he, too, could move about the house like us! He is very attentive and watches us like a cute little hawk as we walk around. He is sitting up well now, and starting to reach for objects just out of his reach. Here is his progress.

Mmm... shiny paper is my fave...


I can get this...


Almost... got it...


Victory!


Oma, look!


Oh man... she moved it farther away. How am I going to...


Lunge! Almost caught myself!