Happy Birthday Sampson

I can hardly believe it myself, but Sampson James turned a year old today. Just one year ago, at 11:08am, they pulled him out and he won our hearts. We threw a big party for him on Sunday with lots of friends, family, and Korean food. The family photographer, DZ, took tons of pics and they will be ready soon. Let's just say the party involved a beautiful hanbok, a shopping cart, an apple cake, and Jimmy's face. Oh yeah, it was THAT good.
To celebrate the real day and time, Jimmy took the day off and we headed to the beach! We were married on this beach, and we visit every New Years Day to run into the freezing ocean (There's also a poop story here... ask if you really want to know). On Monday, the ocean was a heck of a lot warmer than the last time I was in it!
So we woke up early to drive down, and Sampson took a a nice nap in the car. When he woke up, he was ready for fun (see mischievous grin above!). We got to the beach around 10 and set up camp with a blanket, two chairs, and an umbrella. We lathered up with sunscreen, plunked Sampson down in the sand and he took up his first fistful.



He liked the sand and fortunately did not attempt to take mouthfuls. He was very interested in the whole situation and found lots of things to explore. For instance, the beach chair made a fantastic jungle-gym. It was low enough to the ground that he could climb all over it and we didn't worry about him falling. He also liked to check out the umbrella to make sure it was good and sturdy (pat pat pat).

Then we took him down to the water for his very first oceanic experience. He took swimming lessons with Jimmy over the summer and spent lots of time in Nana Jo and Papa's pool so we know he likes the water. But Sampson LOVED the ocean! He thought the waves coming in were very exciting and the cold water on his feet make him smile and dance. Jimmy held on really tight to his little hands so as not to lose him to the undertow. He kept asking, "Does he like it? Is he smiling?" And he was...



Jimmy had a great time playing hooky with us! He and Sampson played in the sand for quite some time. They told jokes,


built structures,


and tore them down.


Then we dug the obligatory large hole in the sand. Being the climber he is, Sampson kept climbing down into it! At least he know enough to go feet first. We decided it would be bad parenting to bury him in the sand just yet.

So we buried Jimmy instead! Sampson thought this was fascinating and hilarious.


We spent some time just playing in the shade. He had a molar coming in so he often gnaws on his finger. We think it makes me him look contemplative. I decided to join him.

My dashing husband is half Scottish so obviously sported his kilt (towel) at the beach.

At one year Sampson is standing on his own like it's no big deal. He's taking steps by himself and finds it thrilling to traipse across the room from one person to another. He says "Dad" and shakes his head no when he doesn't want something (like to go to bed). He waves hello and goodbye, claps his hands, and likes peek around corners. His most favorite trick is showing us his tongue, ears, and hair. We're working on learning where our belly is. He loves yogurt, spaghetti, and egg, and he does the sign for milk. He loves pushing buttons, putting clothes in the dryer, and closing the door to the dishwasher. Recently, he becoming more communicative and is pointing to things he wants to see or touch... like the camera.


Finally, our tired little boy fell asleep in no time on the way home. Doesn't he just look like a boy who had an adventurous summer day?
We are overjoyed to have Sampson in our life. He is exactly the little boy we'd hoped for! The last year has been the hardest and most rewarding year of my life. I wouldn't change a thing. Happy birthday little one. We love you.