It’s been so long since I’ve posted! With a baby on the way and buying a new house, we’ve been staying very busy!
You just got back from spending 5 days with Mimi and I missed you so much! Your DaDa and I had a fun weekend in NW Arkansas, but we sure thought about you a lot.
You are fascinated by big trucks, tractors and any kind of construction equipment. Our neighbors are in the middle of a major landscaping project and you’ve been able to watch the tractors, semis and trucks work across the street for a couple of weeks. They keep you entertained for a little while each day!
You’re talking a lot more these days, if we can keep the pacifier away from you! Truck, go-go, DaDa, MaMa, and ball are the words we hear most often. It’s so cute to hear you sound out words and try to repeat what we’re saying.
You love to play outside, ride in the car and help me put things in the trash. Mainly diapers, but occasionally pacis, toys and other things I’d like to keep get put in the trash! You’ll wave and blow kisses to anyone, if you hear the words “Bye Bye,” which makes everyone around smile!
You will still eat just about anything and are getting better at using a spoon and fork. You still love books and bathtime! This is one of my favorite pictures of you and dad. You just recently started laying on the floor like this – it’s too cute for words!
This is such a fun age and you are so much fun to be around! You’re soaking up everything around you and amaze us everyday with the new things you learn to do!
A few weeks ago, I wanted to get rid of a stale loaf of bread. Not wanting to throw it away, I thought I could tear it up and scatter pieces in the yard for the birds. My sister and I used to do that when we were little, and thoroughly enjoyed throwing our food without getting in trouble.
I picked up Sam and the loaf of bread and we went out on the deck. I thought he would enjoy throwing things over the side of the deck from the bench. As soon as I began to tear up the bread, Sam thought it was time to eat. He kept picking pieces from my hand and putting them to his mouth. I tried to show him how to throw them into the yard, but clearly he thought they belonged in his mouth. I realized the birds weren’t going to get fed, unless Sam had a piece of bread to munch on. I got him a fresh piece of bread from inside and we I continued feeding the birds.
Yesterday we celebrated your birthday by singing “Happy Birthday” to you a couple of times. You received a couple of phone calls during the day, too. We’re not having your party until this weekend, so there was not much fanfare (or cake) on your actual birthday. Although, you did get a bite of my ice cream sandwich! One bite turned into four bites because you really liked it!
I had good intentions of taking pictures all you all day long, but that didn’t work out. We spent some of the day running errands and looking at houses/lots.
Some new developments this month:
You’re walking more each day and getting really steady on your feet,
eating regular food for all your meals,
drinking milk (occasionally),
imitating sounds that we make like “moo” or growling,
dropping food off your high chair tray just to see what happens,
reaching for every picture on the wall as we walk through the house,
turning off light switches, and
thoroughly cleaning out cabinets for me.
Sam took his first steps on Christmas Day at Grandma and Grandpa Sproles’ house. He let go of the recliner and took a few steps towards Grandma. The last few weeks he been practicing more and more.
You’re on the move – crawling all over the place on your hands and feet. You’re exploring the house and love to open all our cabinet doors. You also like to climb onto the fireplace and into the red chair. I taught you how to give a high five a few weeks ago, but we still need practice! The highlight of this month (in my opinion) was you saying “mama” while I was feeding you breakfast one morning.
We took our first family vacation this month – to NYC. You were so good for having spent most of your days in the stroller. We bundled you up from head to toe, and on the next to last day you figured out how to pull your mittens off using your teeth! Being bundled up didn’t stop you from making friends, though. You waved to a lot of people in restaurants, stores, and on the subway. You really made a lot of people smile, including mom and dad! You met Santa for the first time at Macy’s and didn’t really care for the old man. As soon as we sat you on his lap, you pushed your bottom lip out and started crying, looking up at Santa the whole time. We didn’t expect that reaction from you because you will typically go to anyone and you are such a social guy!
Right now you’re battling your first ear infection and a cold. It’s been going on for over a week now and I’m so ready for you to feel better. You do like taking your medicine, though, which is very helpful.
Sam,
You’re pulling yourself up on anything that will stand still. You have good balance and like to let go to prove it!
We were with family the whole week of Thanksgiving this year. We spent the first half of the week in Oklahoma and had a Christmas photo shoot with Melissa. On Thanksgiving Day we drove to Batesville and you had your first Thanksgiving meal: turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, rolls, potatoes and green beans. I meant to take a picture, but I forgot. We were too busy keeping food on your highchair tray….you didn’t want to stop!
In the last month, you’ve spoken your first 3 words. First came “dada,” then “cat,” then FINALLY this week you said “mama!” I love listening to you talk and trying out different sounds. “Dada” seems to be your favorite because you say it all the time, even when he’s not around! I taught you how to give a high-five last week and you think it’s pretty cool. Sometimes you’ll even hold your hand out waiting on me!
Last Thursday, Sam got up and started moving across the room with his walking toy! I couldn’t believe it. I grabbed the camera and started recording! Robert put together this video montage of his first steps and the crashes that followed!
When we came home from Baby & Me choir tonight, I found Jinx sleeping in Sam’s crib. He hasn’t done that since we first brought the crib home. Jinx must be feeling a little jealous these days. He hasn’t been as patient and tolerant of Sam as he usually is. He might feel threatened by Sam’s ever-increasing mobility, too. Sam loves to pet Jinx (Alex won’t even entertain the thought) and gets so excited when he sees the cats across the room.
I’m giving Jinx extra attention tonight, in hopes that tomorrow they will be best buds again!
