A few pictures from my birthday

We went out to Red Robin for my birthday.

Sam likes to color.

He helped me open my gift.

Here's an extra picture... He really likes trying on Papa's hat.

Good Grandpa Bob

This is a picture from last weekend when my parents came to help work on our remodeling project. I really like this picture and have it on my computer wallpaper. I think it's so special that I needed to share it. Sam really loves his Grandpa Bob.

New family activity... weeding!

This morning the sun was out, so I decided to take advantage of it. I asked John if he wanted to play with Sam outside for a half hour while I weeded in the front yard. He said sure. We all got bundled up; it was sunny but it was cold; there was still frost on the cars! I got my trowel, knee pads and weed bucket from the shed, and handed a trowel to Sam. I started weeding with my trowel and Sam wanted to do the same. He tried to use his trowel but mostly dug with his hands. He kept trying to put little fistfuls of dirt into the bucket, but we said "no, put the green stuff in the bucket." (I didn't plant a single thing last year, except mums, so there are only weeds to take out.) Eventually Sam got the hang of it and really helped out quite a bit. John ended up weeding some too and handing the weeds to Sam to carry over to the bucket by me.

After awhile, Sam got a little whiny, so John and Sam walked down the road. John said Sam got about 3/4 of the way to the bridge, then John carried him on his shoulders the rest of the way. Sam was ready for his snack when he got back home! It was a fun morning, and it felt good when I realized that it doesn't really matter what we do as long as we do it together. I know; it sounds cheesy. But I love it!

TTT

1. Okay, this holiday totally screwed up my sense of the week. It's hard to believe it is Tuesday already.

2. Sam had some gunk in his eye yesterday at the beach. It's better today, but we're going to keep him home one more day to make sure it is not contagious.

3. I'm still sick. It's been 2 weeks now. My cough is actually worse today. I won't list my other symptoms because my Mom will try to tell me it's a horrible disease and that I need to go see a doctor. Really, I'm fine, Mom.

4. I actually feel okay about the test coming up next Friday. I just has one more section of material to go through, then I can review. I can't wait until it's over.

5. I'm looking forward to doing a few projects around the house once the test is done. I really want to get the curtains done. I think we found a curtain rod we like for the front room.

6. Thanks, Mom & Dad, for your help this weekend. It's really cool to see the bathroom come together. Thanks, Mom, for watching Sam so I could study. It really did help.

7. When I have a few minutes at night I've been reading Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge. I highly recommend it. It's like Wild at Heart by John Eldredge, which I also recommend, but for the woman's heart.

8. I really like eating my cereal in the morning: Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Mighty Tasty Hot Cereal. I'm not gluten free anymore, but it is so good.

9. I'm trying to pay more attention to my posture while I'm sitting at the computer at work, and at home.

10. Finally, I reached #10. That's all for now. :)

Funny Sam

Sam said a cute thing at dinner yesterday. He says Dada a lot without it really meaning anything, but yesterday he said Da Da Doh. It was so funny! You had to be there. I wish we could have gotten it on camera.

It's That Time Again

1. I look forward to writing the Ten Things Tuesday list.

2. Writing #1 is always the easiest.

3. I'm studying C-corp tax, S-corp tax & partnership tax. Exciting.

4. I'm also learning more about law: contract, agency, property, and insurance. I was actually able to shout out while watching Liar Liar (for the 20 minutes that I watched TV) that the marriage was a voidable contract because she was a minor; I had learned about it the night before. Fun!

5. My test is in less than 3 weeks.

6. I kinda want the result back from the first one, but if it's bad news I'd rather wait until I take this next one.

7. CEP, AEP. CEP, AEP. These are the video snippets I have running through my head. I can't forget to mention TT, BPO, 75 or 90 (from the first test).

8. Yes, this list is mostly about studying. But that is what my life is mostly about, right now. So there.

9. I got my first paycheck. Let's get a pizza! (Shout out to Wolgamott!)

10. Sam started stacking the duplos on top of each other. Yeah, Sam!

Fingerpainting

I don't know how to turn it sideways after I scan it. Isn't it neat? And in purple too.

TTT

1. Sam helped put his socks away tonight. I had his laundry folded and out in several piles in the hallway because I folded it after he went to bed. He grabbed a folded pair of socks and brought it in to me. The socks go in the top drawer, so I lifted him up, and he dropped it in. Then I walked out to the hallway, saw him grab another ball o' socks, and I turned around for a second to say something to John. He came back out of his room empty handed, so I thought he dropped it on the floor or put it in another drawer. I went in to look, and I didn't see any misplaced socks. I wondered if he could actually reach the drawer, so I gave him another pair. I told him to put it in the top drawer. He reached right up, stood on his tippy toes, and pushed it over the edge with his fingers. I was amazed! He surprises me more often now with what he is learning. It's so cool!

2. Okay, that was a long #1. On coffee... Natalie skipped Starbucks, Mom had HomeBucks, and I treated myself to a Starbucks. We all like our coffee.

3. The coffee at work is okay as long as it's not the end of the pot. Then it needs hot chocolate added to it to make it drinkable.

4. John is cleaning out his side of the office. It's a mess now with everything out of place, but it will look a lot better when he's done. I need to go through my side too.

5. I'm excited we get to see my parents soon. I know my Mom is too.

6. We all have a touch of a cold. I have a sore throat and stuffy nose, as does John. Sam has a stuffy nose. I can't tell if he has a sore throat or not.

7. I made artichokes tonight. It's the first time I've made them. I've only had them once before, at least a whole artichoke by itself instead of just the hearts in a Dinners Done Right recipe. I boiled them, then we dipped them in a herb butter sauce. I thought they were kinda bitter. There are two left, so I want to bake them next time, probably Thursday.

8. Sam ate melon tonight. We gave him a wedge with the rind on it at first. He didn't know quite what to do with it, so we cut off the rind. Then he was able to bite off any end. When he was done with that piece, we tried a whole wedge again. After a few bites into random edges, he figured out to bite the correct side. Then he kept going and ate all the melon off the rind. He was very proud of himself, and we were proud too. Like I said before, it's really cool watching him figure things out.

9. The people at daycare say he is adjusting well. He's starting to play with the other kids.

10. He did some finger painting last week for the first time. I'll scan it and post it soon.

Ten Things Tuesday

1. I'm proud to report I had a great first day at work today!

2. Can you get carpal tunnel in just one day? I worked on the computer in Excel all day, and my wrist/arm is very sore.

3. I didn't have enough time with Sam tonight. I'll take a shorter lunch tomorrow so I can get home earlier.

4. They have free M&Ms at work. So tempting!

5. Sam signs "more" now by clapping his hands while he's at the table. We'll work with him to sign "eat" or "food" to help us all understand when he wants more and when he's just clapping.

6. We're in the early stages of the three months of family birthdays. And the babies in our playgourp are all turning one too! Lots of parties coming up.

7. I really enjoyed sitting in the sunshine for lunch today.

8. I'm trying to think of something really funny or quippy to say. Not happening tonight.

9. Is it Friday yet?

10. I went to bed early last night. I think I'll do the same tonight.

New activities

Sam's been trying out some new activities. We bought some more duplo blocks on craigslist. He now has over 175 blocks! We built a few towers for him. I'm looking forward to him having fun building his own.

He really likes to sit down and color with these easy to hold crayons.

He asks to be put up in the coloring chair several times a day.

He also brings over a book and hands it to us for us to read it to him. He does this probably a couple dozen times a day. He really likes his books!

Bye-bye gluten free, hello wheat

I decided to go back to gluten. I've been gluten free for a month-and-a-half. I think I don't feel good because of sugar more than because of gluten. So now I'm sugar free, at least processed sugar. I also want to go back on gluten for awhile so that I can be tested later to get it official.

Sam is also starting on gluten. He's going into daycare next week, and it'll be a lot easier for us and them if he can eat regular stuff. I will watch for symptoms in the years to come.

I know we can live healthy lives without gluten now. I had fun trying new recipes. So if it turns out later that we need to go back to gluten free, I'll be okay with that. Maelee, thanks for being such a great support. I really appreciate your input. Dianna, you too. Oh, and Mom, of course. :)

Ten Things Tuesday

I really enjoy reading my cousin's weekly post about the things that are happening right then and there. Her sister does it, and so does my Mom. I like that it encourages consistent blogging. So I'm going to do it too. :)

1. I forgot to take Sam to the new library time today. The baby time is on Fridays, and he has graduated to the toddler time. But I'm having a hard time adjusting to the new day.

2. I wonder if I can think of things to say that aren't about Sam.

3. It's John's birthday this week. Stop by his blog and say Happy Birthday!

4. When I sit down to nurse Sam, I look longingly at my bag of knitting. I started a purple scarf that I really want to finish. I love the yarn so much that I got a bunch of different colors to make similar scarves.

5. Julia's right. This is harder than it looks, and it takes quite a bit of time, too.

6. I made my pot of coffee today at the same time as yesterday: 10:15. Yeah for a consistent schedule.

7. I'm studying for the regulation test. Today's topic is accountant liability. So boring!

8. I'm excited we're having a play date here this week. I had such a fun time hosting when I did it last time, which was in October.

9. I have some items to post on Craigslist, but I keep putting it off because I'm nervous about the process and the prospect that I might meet some weirdo(s).

10. My first gluten free homemade bread that I made yesterday didn't turn out very pretty, but it sure does taste good. It's a yogurt bread with cinnamon and walnuts.

Back to the grind

Today, I'm back to studying for the next test. I took a week off after taking my first test. It was so nice to relax and just hang out with my family.

Wait, I need to go study. Doh! Just a quick post today.

Reading

John reading to Sam and cousin Isaac.

Delayed for a good reason (excuse)

I know I said that I would post some pictures and video. Well, I've been busy studying for my first CPA exam tomorrow. After I shake off the post-test geebies, I'll get around to posting some cute pictures. :)

Update

I know, I know. I need to get some Christmas pictures up here. I'll get some posted later this week.

Sam is finally mostly over his chest cold. The humidifier really helps to clear him up.

Over Christmas I started knitting a scarf for myself. I'll post pictures of the work in progress too.

Smiling from the window

Today, after we came home from Dinners Done Right, I set Sam inside and went back to the car to carry in the food boxes. Sam waited for me by the front window which is low enough for him to look through. I came up to the front door, he smiled at me through the blinds, and he looked towards the door to watch it open. I love watching him connect the dots about the world around him.

Fun with Sam

I had fun with Sam last night making him laugh. I stomped and jumped towards him. He is so fun right now!

Ignore the mess in the living room; we had to relocate some stuff because a pipe burst in the bedroom ceiling, and we're having work done to fix it.

Cuddles requested

After I got Sam dressed this morning, I stood him up on the changing table to pull up his pants and tuck in his shirt. He grabbed the collar of my fleece, pulled me towards him and laid his head on my shoulder to cuddle. So sweet!

Are these words?

Today Sam is making sounds like he's saying "Hey, Bubba." I'll try to get a video later today. It's so cute!

12 month doctor visit

Sam saw his pediatrician today. He weighed in at 23 pounds (54%-tile) and was 32 3/4" long (99+%). He's a tall, skinny dude.

We're going to start giving him cow's milk this weekend and other dairy products after that. We're going back and forth about wheat-free and gluten-free because of family history. I'm wheat-free as of Wednesday, but the pediatrician said that if I'm worried about celiac sprue, I should probably go all out and go gluten-free. I hated hearing that. At least Mom left some yummy GF flour here that I can use while I decide what to do. Thanks, Mom.

Got 'Em Both

After dinner, we sat in the family room and watched a little stand-up comedy on TV. John played with Sam on the floor. Sam ended up knocking John in his left eye, and John said "ow" and covered his eye with his hand. Sam looked at Papa, cocked his head, and put his finger in John's right eye in a careful, measured way. "There, I got 'em both," we think he said to himself. Too funny!

Just walking around

John caught a cute video of Sam just walking around. He's really taken off in a week since he started walking between furniture and around the room. Once he learns how to squat and stand up, he'll be walking everywhere!

He's Going, He's Going, He's.... Gone

Wow, Sam walked from the living room into the family room tonight and only touched the sofa table once, which was about 30 steps. It's so amazing to see him walk so far. I never thought seeing that would make me so proud. I love being a Mom!

Pasta

I remember my Mom telling me that I turned into a wet noodle when I didn't want to be picked up, and I didn't really know what that would be like. Sam just inherited the talent to do the same, so now I know!

Mama The Entertainer

Sam is so fun right now. I get to be silly and find new ways to entertain him and make him laugh. I took some backing from a label printer that was in the recycling and attempted to jump rope with it. Sam got a kick out of it.

You can see I got tired near the end. Fun stuff!

More walking progress

Sam went from walking along the furniture to walking to Mama or Papa to walking along with a steady cart to this... walking and pushing a push toy. Alone, he can walk about seven steps at a time. So exciting!

Videos

John posted some cute videos and pictures of Sam. I won't duplicate them here. Go see them here.

Pumpkin patch

Progress

Sam took a half step the other day. He was so excited! I'm looking forward to him walking so my wrist can rest from carrying him.

Beep Giggles

I was surprised today with what made Sam laugh. He felt a little warm to me, so I used the thermometer to get his temperature. I turned it on; it goes beep. I said "beep" to Sam, and he giggled. I LOVE those spontaneous, unexpected, gleeful giggles. By the way, his temperature was fine.

Great-grandma's Fluffy

Sam's great-grandma made this dog/lamb for him before he was born. So sweet! Sam certainly is happy.

Before and After

Sam got a hair cut. It actually wasn't his first, but it was the most I've cut off so far, probably around an inch and a half. It took us two days to get used to it.

The hair cut is accomplished by the efforts of both John and myself. He keeps him preoccupied and I try to hold on to his hair and snip before he shakes his head.

Sam and the Spoon

We're still feeding Sam the soupy foods. It's a rare occasion that Sam gets a hold of the spoon, but he loves it!

Overalls galore

I loved this combo with the red shirt and overalls. I caught him smiling and waving and mid-blink. So cute!

Walking in his size 4 shoes. Wow!

Camping

Here's a few picture from our camping trip. Here we are cooling off in the lake.

My Dad checking out the sights.

Sam trying to cool off with a drink. *hiccup*

Sam playing with Grandpa.

New activities

We went to the state fair. The only pictures I got were in the shuttle to the fair. Doh!

Hanging out with Uncle Tim.

Playing with bubbles for the first time.

Playing

Sam does really well now sitting by himself. He even sits in the big tub by himself now, closely watched.

Sam likes powertools, of course

John was working on taking a few boards off the deck tonight so that the pest guy can spray next to the house tomorrow. John showed Sam the screwdriver, and Sam loved it. He giggled at the noise and liked feeling the metal bit go slowly around. Being John's son, we knew Sam would love powertools and working with his hands. It was very fun to see!

Rolling around

Sam sure is rolling around a lot now. He doesn't stay on his blankets anymore for more than 20 seconds. He has started to crawl a little bit two. That's not to be confused with creeping which is on hands and knees.

Graduation

Yeah! I graduated! Now I can be a full-time Mom who's studying for the CPA exam and looking for work.

Sam is very excited that I'm finally done with school.

Beach

Sam visited the beach for the first time! He really liked the waves.

Aquarium

We went to the beach and visited the aquarium. Sam had a great time!

He liked the stuffed turtle in the gift shop...

The sea lion was very entertaining and friendly. It came to the window and pressed its head up against it several times.

The sea otter was lively too. It swam around, and it looked like it waved to the crowd!

Two days left

Wednesday at 8 pm I will be done with finals of my last term in school. I'm so excited, I can't sleep. Actually, that's because I'm studying. I'm looking forward to a few weeks of sleep after I graduate!

Rhododendron park

A few weekends ago we took Sam to the rhododendron garden and got a few good pics. Here's his first time in grass.

This is one of my favorites. It was on my desktop for quite awhile.

Park

We took our baby to the park, and the geese took their babies. So cute!

There were bunches of goslings. Small ones and big ones.

I forgot the Bjorn so we carried him the whole way. He's 18 1/2 pounds of a heavy boy!

John had a good idea...

New things and events

Sam got to try his high chair last week. It was sure nice to have him at the table with us.

He tried out the kid rocking chair that I had growing up.

He tried rolling around on the ball.

And the main event... he tried solid foods. We think he likes it! Yeah!