Jul 25, 2009

The Latest and Greatest



SeaWorld with Grandma and Grandpa...who got to visit us just a couple of weeks ago. This is the shark and fish tank that Luke is checking out.



The stroller shot is just before we left the park. We sort of did all day...we went at opening, saw a few shows, feed the dolphins, and then headed home for naptime. When they got up we went back hoping to see the best show, Viva, which is acrobatics and of course, whales. It started lightening though, so it was cancelled...they swam the new baby beluga around to appease us and then we moved on to the pirates. When it was time to leave it was pouring the rain...so we were soaked without ever stepping foot in the water park. It was kind of nice, cool and fun.








This is after the pirate show. Sammy and Luke went up to see the actors. Sammy loved the music at all the shows. She had an absolute blast dancing and clapping...I'm pretty sure that's the most excited I've ever seen her. And...she was pooped.My recommendation though...skip the pirate show. It's not very good, yet Luke loved it. Now he talks about going back to see the pirates all the time...if only we could have just stuck with the walrus and whales.


The two bath buddies.

Very exciting day...he couldn't wait to try out his big boy bed!

All his animals and blankets conveyed.

Sammy sleeping like an angel.


Lots of new things around here...


Where to start? Sammy waves. She waves back at you with both hands. Very cute, as usual. Also of note, she can't be trusted around stairs. She knows precisely the second that they are left un-gated and she'll dart that way. Last week one day I was in the kitchen putting dishes away when Luke came and said "Baby on stairs." He was right. In fact she was almost to the top. When she realized I was coming she sped up and plopped at the top with her big, one tooth grin. My one relief was that Luke came to tell me as opposed to trying to rescue her himself. She's a bit of a daredevil all the way around I think. Her latest favorite past time is to climb up on the football chair and then leap (literally she stands up and jumps without a flinch) out onto the pillows (that are always on the floor -- pillows are single-handily the most entertaining thing in our house for some reason). Oh, and she says "uh-oh" a lot. I think it must be an easy thing to repeat because it seems like Luke did that early too; she easily repeats it as well as spontaneously lets out an "uh-oh" quite often. She constantly surprises me with something she does that I didn't know she could do...you know they are supposed to constantly add skills, that's normal, but it is nevertheless always a surprise.

Luke is in his big boy bed. It was no problem at all. Last weekend James put it together on Saturday, got it all set up with his blankets and animals (plus added Great-Grandma's quilt to it). We talked about it all day and by the time it was ready Luke had asked to go see it no less than 100 times. So, we did. He jumped and played and then for the two hours until nap time he begged to go to nap...out of character to say the least. So, nap came and went, night time came and went...and to date it hasn't been a big deal at all. He constantly reminds us now that he is a "big boy", so maybe we went a little overboard, or maybe he is a big boy. He also tells me repeatedly from the time out corner "I'm a big boy mommy." I don't know where he equated being a big boy with no time out...but, it hasn't gotten him out early yet, although it is pretty cute. Luke can also put on his shoes all by himself. That was a surprise. One day when I wasn't quick enough for him he just did it himself...put his white tennis shoes on. I was, of course, very impressed (as was the Stride Rite lady Thursday night when he did his own trying on). He now at least attempts the feat every time, so in no time he'll be a pro.


And recently added to the night time routine...the bath-duo. They bathe together! It's great, most of the time. It is a little tricky when she takes something he wants and vice versa, as well as when she tries standing in the tub when he has soap running in his eyes. For the most part though it is fun and slightly easier. Plus, it's cute...don't you think?

Jul 10, 2009

Dear Sammy


Boo Boo, Baby, Sissy, Sammy, Angel, Little One, Little Girl, Sweetie, Sweet Pea, Sam (anything but Samantha for some reason!):

You are 1! I can't believe it. It's taken forever at some moments and has flown by all the others. You started out a 2 pounds...today you are 20. You also grew 11 inches in a year. You are right on track for any other 1 year old out there and...I knew you would be. Your month in the NICU was really not worrisome to me at all. Your tough. You started tough and you fine tune that strength by combating your brother's hits and pushes almost every day. You've had quite a year to remember. The thing that sticks out besides your birth are the trip to South Padre. You were miserable, screaming and barely sleeping at all. During the trip we discovered you had ear infection #1...4 infections later you got ear tubes. We showed at the hospital at 5:30 a.m. and you weren't allowed to eat. Surgery was delayed from 7 to 11 and did you complain at all...nope. You are so pleasant and easy to read. You tell us when you are tired and when you are hungry (and with the ears when you were hurting), but you rarely cry for any other reason. You go to sleep so easy at night and most of the time sleep through the night with no problem. If you get up at all you get a quick drink and go right back to bed...very nice of you. I sometimes worry that you get the short end of the stick because your older brother demands a lot of attention. We don't stay home very often for you to take a morning nap even though you'd take one. But...you love going out and as soon as we get somewhere, despite being tired, you perk right up and take it all in. You will NOT sleep anywhere if something is going on...I think you are afraid you'll miss something. So, over all, I think you don't really mind the one nap a day deal as soon as you see that you've been included in the festivities.

The cutest thing is your little front tooth. It just barely extends beyond the surface and it serves to add one more element of cute. Everyone thinks you are beautiful, we know you are. You always have been. Your blue eyes and dark (but turning lighter) hair are gorgeous, even with the "wing" curls. I'm amazed that your skin tone is so completely different than your brother's. You are naturally dark. We get lots of comments about your "tan"...they don't know that you aren't allowed to leave the house with anything less than 50 spf sunscreen on. You crawl and have been for about 3 weeks now. But, you aren't going to settle. You are already pulling up and cruising all over the place. Tomorrow when you open your b'day gift you are getting a push-toy. I feel confident you'll be able to manage it (if you can keep your brother from hijacking it). The cutest is when you are pleased with yourself. You'll climb up in the football chair or pull up on the table and immediately turn to find who is looking. You smile as big as possible just to make sure everyone is joining in the excitement. Sometimes you also clap for yourself which just makes everyone do it...you are learning to direct the show early. You are a mimicker. You copy what we say in your own baby language. I think shortly after steps will start hearing words, but no rush. I don't want you to grow up too fast. Well, really, no matter how fast or slow it goes you'll always be my little girl. Even when you are 5 feet tall, I know I'll remember your baby smile and your endless wonder that makes the day exciting for everyone. The only thing I wish changed is your interest in all things off limits :)...but, hey, that's what babies do.

But, anyway, so that you’ll be able to share the wonders of you at one with your own kids some day…here’s all about you:

Favorite food and drink: Gerber stars, crackers, carrots, corn, strawberries, watermelon, mandarin oranges, bananas, bread, anything besides baby food (although your favorite used to be squash and pears); water from your own little sippy cup

Favorite show: You have no interest in shows unless there is music to dance too. With a little music you'll do a little jig.

Favorite toys: chicken dance egg, balls, piano, exersaucer, football chair, bath toys of all types, anything Luke likes and doesn't want you to touch, mommy's jewelry

Big trips this year: South Padre to see Grandma and Grandpa

Big sickness this year: 2 month immunizations and then multiple ear infections between Jan and Mar

Favorite people: Luke, Mommy, Daddy, and Noni

Activities/Places: church nursery, SeaWorld, swimming! You loved swimming from the very first time you went...you kick around and have a great time.

Least favorites: green beans, pureed meat, peaches, tofu

Size: 12 mth

Unforgettable firsts: first (one and only) tooth, crawling, sleeping through the night, climbing the stairs, clapping, pulling up, cruising, smile

You wish you could forget them moments: the ear infections and when I flipped you right out of the travel swing just a few days after you were came home (it was awful!)

The world around you: Barack Obama is President and is trying to pass universal health care. He already passed the largest stimulus billion history to try and combat our horrible economy. Iran is in turmoil over a seemingly corrupt election. Italy had a devastating earthquake. Michael Jackson died at age 50. The two top AF leaders were fired (Chief of Staff and Sr Enlisted guy). The first women ever ran on the Republican ticket for Vice President of the US (Sarah Palin). Your Great-Grandma Anderson (Mrs. Polly) died in April. You Great-Clagg Grandparents meet you for the first time on their visit here in March.

Your adorable. I love you from your little curls down to your little 10 toes. I can't believe how much you've grown, both in size and personality. You are going to be Miss Independent and I look forward to getting to know you more and more. You know what you want and I have what I want...the best family in the world. You completed our household and brought more joy to the mix than we could have ever imagined. Sometimes I hold on to you for a really long time before laying you down at night, because I can. I won't always be able to hold you in my arms, but I'll love you just the same every single day! I love, love, love you. -Mommy