Random Cereal Pictures

The Camera Doesn't Lie

Ok, now that I take a picture and look at my tree I realize it is lacking something. I knew it still needed a star or something on top. But that isn't it. I am going to go to Target this weekend and get more decorations. I guess last weekend was just round 1 of decorating for Christmas. And I was going to tone it down this year.....HA.

Well I think I am done blogging for the night. A bowl of peppermint stick ice cream is calling my name.

Family Picture

Here is our family picture. We decided it was not "Christmasy" enough to go on our cards. The Christmas one they took of the family did NOT turn out.

I don't know why I like to post pictures that will surely embarrass Samuel one day. But I do! We had an appointment today so Samuel and I got the afternoon off. He is happily playing in his exersaucer and I am taking a moment to blog. We had a fun trip to Nebraska, though when did a 4 day trip start requiring so much "stuff"?? We had to set an hour aside just to pack up. Samuel loved talking and playing with his Grandma Carol and Papa Bill. We also got to visit one of Dave's friends from college Jackie and her daughter Meredith. Dave's parents are moving to Omaha so we looked at houses for them on Saturday with Amy, Mike and Olivia. Samuel decided this would be the perfect time to nap so we mainly stayed in the car.
I will post some pictures of the Christmas tree that, yes, is already up! But for now I need to tend to a bored baby.

Oh one more thing GO HUSKERS! We get to play OU this weekend. Dave's kegarator has been empty for about 2 weeks so I am pretty for certain he will be replacing the keg. Hopefully he has "beers" of joy!

Turkey Art!

Samuel's First Thanksgiving Turkey!

Happy Thanksgiving! Remember to eat until you can't button your pants! We are Nebraska bound. It took us about 2 hours to pack tonight, and I am sure we forgot something!

Fa La La La La La....

I love Christmas time! Deck the halls, tis the season, jingle bells-love it all. And I am already in the Christmas spirit. Apparently a heck of a lot of people are. Dave and I did our weekend ritual of driving around neighborhoods looking at houses. Visions of buying one danced in our head (I told you I love Christmas)....Ok but what I am getting at is people are already hanging up lights. Isn't that against the rules? Aren't you suppose to wait until after Thanksgiving? I want to go all out this year, I want a snow globe in my front yard. Of course you know what Dave thinks about that. I am not giving up though! I can't wait to decorate the tree. Forget my traditional red and silver tree this year. Nope I am doing all the colors no rhyme or reason just Christmas. I can't wait to see Samuel's face. I am also attempting a Christmas Letter this year to send with our Christmas cards. You know that it is not easy to write. I am SO not creative. I even "googled" how to write a christmas letter. Maybe I will let Samuel write it. Is all this talk about Christmas making anyone sick yet??? I know, I know lets get through Turkey Day..gobble gobble.

I also love my dear husband who will not get mad at me for posting another picture from Samuel's "photo shoot" this weekend......Doesn't he know me well enough to know that I don't ALWAYS listen.

P.S. Samuel helped me type this. I only had to hit backspace ten times.

Sneak Preview

Today was family picture day! All morning I was stressing because I figured A. he wouldn't smile (Dave not Samuel) or B. Samuel would cry. Dave did a half smile and Samuel had a blast. He is already a flirt so it didn't take much for the photographer to make him smile.
I am not "allowed" to post all the pictures, in fact I had to beg to post this one. But we are making our Christmas cards out of the family picture sooooooooo....you will see it soon enough. Christmas is just around the corner.

I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving. We are spending Thanksgiving in Nebraska this year. I am curious if after we pack the car there will be room for me!?!?

Proof

Tomorrow we go to the doctor for Samuel's 4 month check up. And I am considering bringing this picture as proof that Samuel does do tummy time and enjoys it. Ok, so maybe the "enjoys" it is a bit of a fib....Ok a big fib. He hates it. I am not going to lie. This picture was about 10 seconds into tummy time. 45 seconds into tummy time I had a very unhappy lip quivering baby. So then I took him off tummy time. Only slightly spoiled. But for those of you that have babies who actually enjoy tummy time, I envy you.

Today is Rachella' birthday so I dedicate this post to her. Happy Birthday!

Oh My Goodness!

You Are 4 Months Old Today!

Your smile makes our day.
Your laugh is priceless.
Our world is that much better with you in it!

We love you buddy!

Saturday Morning

As you can see, we put Samuel's exersaucer together this morning. Oh the things you can do when you have been awake since 6:00 AM! What happen to sleeping in?

Samuel was actually pretty interested in his new toy, granted his feet don't touch the ground yet...but that will happen before we know it.

Next weekend, Johnny Jump! One toy a weekend.

Samuel's New Toy!

Cool Slideshows

This Is A Good Thing

Not so surprising, Brittany and Kevin are getting divorced. I know they have 2 kids and that is sad. But that was one dysfunctional marriage. I should know, I was so involved (again courtesy of US Magazine).

Well to make things better, here is a picture of my sweet Samuel sleeping. I hate that he goes to bed so early. Lucky for me I get home from work around 4:30 so I still get ALMOST 2 hours. But Dave does not get home until 6:00 and he gets a half hour MAYBE. But I have polled other Moms and they tell me that as Samuel gets older he will be more interested with everything around and hopefully stay up longer! The Pediatrician said there is no such thing as too much sleep. I guess I should be thankful that even though he goes to bed at 6:30 he will usually sleep until 6:00 AM.
Oh I just saw a head pop up...and oh WOW he just let out a huge burp. The loudest burp I have heard. All better and back to sleep.

Check Out My New Hat

Things Samuel Will Love Me For One Day. Cool Hats.

Do You Mind???

I am trying to do tummy time.

Eyes

I like taking pictures of you with your Daddy. He is always so happy when holding you. It makes up for all the times Mommy frusterates him. Hee hee, that isn't often! But anyhow, look at your Daddy's big blue eyes in this picture. I don't think you will have those same eyes. Big eyes, yes. Blue eyes, no. I think you are going to have hazel (fancy for brown) eyes like your Mommy. And oh how that makes your Daddy mad! He SO wants you to have his blue eyes. Why you ask? Well becasue he thinks that is why your Mommy fell in love with him. Because of his big blue eyes. I thought it was the bald head.....

So anyhow my little Samuel, I wonder when we officially find out what color eyes you will have.

I have a quick vent about Oklahoma Laws. Tonight Daddy is out with the guys. I thought after you went to bed it would be nice to have a glass of wine and watch Grey's Anatomy. Well in Oklahoma you can only buy wine in a liquor store and no one under 21 is allowed in the liquor store. So as you can guess....I will not have my glass of wine. I am sorry, but it is a really stupid law. Okay, I am done venting now. I could have a beer (lord knows we have enough with that dumb kegarator in the kitchen) but it makes me feel bloated and gives me a headache.

Team Ryan or Team Reese?

I forgot to express my sadness. I was informed yesterday that Reese & Ryan have officially split. I am just now getting over Brad and Jen. I mean I struggled with that. I think I get a little too caught up in hollywood romance. I can't help it. I subscribe to US and I am totally in the loop. I haven't heard the story so I haven't chose my side yet in this break-up.

But I am team Jennifer! Speaking of...okay together or not together-Jen & Vince? I was rooting for them.

Who is next Whitney and Bobby?? Wait, they divo'd too! Does true love exist?

Ben & Jen don't let me down!


P.S. I am bored-where are the trick or treaters?? I don't need all this left over candy. Samuel is even peacefully sleeping in his bouncy chair waiting to greet them. We have only had 3!!! It is 6:30.

Future Picasso

Samuel's first art project he brought home for Mommy & Daddy! I see the talent already.

Happy Halloween!

Samuel this is your first Halloween! AND you are as cute (if not cuter) than a pumpkin.

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Baby

Sam: Caleb, why are they leaning us against these pumpkins?
Caleb: I don't know, you know our Moms are crazy. I will just suck my thumb.

Visiting Buddy Caleb

"Baby Swap"
"Goofballs"

Samuel went and visited his buddy Caleb and Auntie Chella. The boys had fun playing while they weren't napping. Too bad they didn't nap at the same time. Samuel loved the dinner Rachella made YUMMY. As you can see Samuel has discovered his tongue he sticks it out all the time! Caleb makes the funniest noises. These boys are growing so fast.

Touchdown!

PJ's at School? Wow!

(I could get use to this)
Friday was PJ day at School!

Day Care Is Exhausting!!

Face Plant

First Cold Morning!

I don't mind getting in my car seat anymore!

I Do Not Like Green Eggs And Ham...

I Do Not Like Them Sam-I-Am!

(but I do like the football game that is on TV)

3 Months!!!!!!!

Where has the time gone?? It seems like last week that I was writing that you were 2 months old and now....3 months! Sometimes it seems like just yesterday you came into the world and other times it seems like forever ago. You smile all the time now! Your favorite past time, right now it seems like you just want to sleep. We think you are going through a growth spurt. Your current favorite thing is the aquarium in your crib. You love that thing! And I love that you sleep in your crib. And do you sleep. You have pretty much set your own bedtime for 8:00 PM and wake up time between 5:30-6:00 AM. Then lucky for us you go back to sleep after you eat.


You have won the hearts of all the ladies at daycare. They all say how cute you are. I was worried about you getting a big head, but I think me and your Dad are! Mom working and you going to daycare is working out okay. A lot better than I though it would. You always seem happy when I pick you up and whenever I call they tell me what a great day you are having.

But working is making me really tired, so not much more to write right now. But happy 3 months! We love seeing you change every day!

Size 2

Okay Samuel, you can stop growing now! You started wearing size 2 diapers this weekend. And you are forming a "formula belley".

T.G.I.F

2nd Day...Better Than First

No, I am not going to bore you with the details of everyday Samuel goes to daycare and I go to work but....today I had to share that Samuel's overall disposition was "cheerful" on his daily report. AND when I got there I said "Samuel did you miss Mommy?" and he smiled SO big! Which I translate to "Yes Mommy I missed you SO much today". But then we got home and he decided to be fussy. Go figure???

One more day....

The real update we should be anxiously awaiting is Monday's. Daycare is having a training day and Daddy gets to stay home with Samuel ALL day long.

First Day...

Half a box of Kleenex, 3 good cries, 1 call to daycare, 4 calls to Dave, 1 call to my sister and numerous pep talks by coworkers and I made it through my first day of work!! We did it! Samuel had a great day at daycare. Everyone said how cute he was and that he was a really good baby. Like I needed to be told that!

I am happy to say it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be and I am sure it will get easier every day. I took the proactive approach and opted not to wear make-up since I was pretty sure it wouldn't stay on! But the picture above is of us before leaving this morning. Samuel was a little confused as to why he we woke him up before 8:30!

Well gotta go cuddle my little Samuel now!

This Week...

Samuel you are sitting on your Dad's lap right now and I heard Dad say "you have really accomplished a lot this week" and then he started listing things. So I thought I would share a few.

* Sleeping in your OWN room in your crib. And last night you slept from 8:00-4:30 AM!! And you didn't cry until about 5:15 AM. We could hear you in there talking away. We don't know who or what you were talking to but maybe it was your hands?? Which leads me to the next one.
* You LOVE your hands. You will just suck suck and suck on them. We do not want you to extend your thumb though; so don't even think about it. Today while you were napping I heard this slurping noise and there you were sound asleep sucking on those hands.
* You started eating more in your bottles. I can't believe my tiny 5 pound 12 ounce baby now weighs 12 pounds 13 ounces. I think you caught up!
* You spent your first hour at daycare. I already posted it but that was a big deal. I think it was harder on Mommy then you! You had 1 wet diaper and slept for a total of 25 minutes. We really liked Michelle she is the one that will mainly take care of you.

That is really it but those are some big things. Tomorrow is "our day" though. We can go to the mall and Target together. Your favorite places. Mommy starts work on Wednesday. It is going to be a rough day (on me) but you will have so much fun at Koala Care! You will make a lot of friends and there will be so much that will stimulate your mind. There was only so much I could do all day long. And not to toot your horn or give you a big head (you already have a big belly) but I am pretty sure you were the cutest baby in there so you will have no trouble wrapping them around your little finger...

Dave just said, "You are still typing" okay this one got long. So bye for now!

We Did It!!

Samuel stayed at Koala Care for 1 hour this morning. As you can see he was a happy baby when we got home!

Toys Toys Everywhere Toys

No thanks Mom, I still prefer my arm!

A Big Step For Mom & Dad

Last night Samuel slept in his own room for the first time! I know, I know I was suppose to do that at 6 weeks but it didn't work out that way. Samuel's doctor said we needed to stop feeding Samuel in the middle of the night and let him cry. OMG! We tried and it and he seriously cried off and on for 2 hours. We finally caved and fed him. Dave was ready to feed him after 2 minutes. But we would go turn on his crib music. That would calm him down for about 10 minutes (that is how long it stays on) then Dave would get up and turn it on again. I made sure to tell him no eye contact. That went on for about 2 hours.

I think we are going to let Samuel eat at night for a few more weeks. It couldn't hurt....

I Can Do This???

Hey Everyone!
I am getting ready to go back to work next Wednesday and I am having a really hard time with this. So I am asking that you all send me positive thoughts or prayers whatever you do! I need it. Thank you!!!!

Christy & Samuel

I'm Getting The Hang Of This Chair..

My How You Have Grown!

These pictures were taken 2 months apart. We were amazed at how big Samuel is. When you see him every day you don't notice as much I guess! As you can see, his cousin Aaron still loves him tons!

Pretty Soon He Will Realize His Thumb

But for now, he loves his hands! Samuel can be occupied for minutes (that would be hours in adult world) with those little hands!

This Is Us Before The Game!

I Call The Big Comfy Chair

Samuel is claiming his seat early for the Nebraska/USC game tonight. He wouldn't even take a nap in his crib. Dad and samuel fight over this chair, ha ha.
Even though mommy is a California girl at heart she will be rooting for the Huskers with Dad & Samuel.

Go HUSKERS!!

2 Months!

Samuel you are two months old! Time flies by soooooo fast. I am enjoying every minute I get to spend with you and dreading going back to work in 3 weeks!

I thought I would share some facts about you that you won't remember but I will!

Favorite Past Time:

* Staring at the ceiling fan. Who needs toys when you have a ceiling fan?

Things You Don't Care For:

* Your swing. You aren't sure about that yet. You do fine in it if you are asleep when you go in but if you are awake when you go in it you don't really care for it.
* Getting in your car seat. Once we are moving you are okay but you do not like being strapped in there.... at all.
* A dirty diaper. Okay I don't blame you, but if I don't smell it in time you get MAD!
* Waiting for your bottle. We get no notice, you go from zero to hungry in 2 seconds! Well you don't always understand that we have to make it first.

Things you like when you are in the mood:

* Activity mat. You are still trying to get that darn red bird but you haven't really noticed anything else. Oh except the star above that plays music whenever you move. You like that. For a while we had to make it make sound but now you can do it.
* Bouncy chair. But you don't care for the go to sleep music.
* Your crib. Sometimes you will sleep for hours in it and sometimes you will sleep for only a few minutes. We still haven't put you in there at night. Our fault not yours.

Things that calm you down:

* Being outside. You seem to love the sounds out there and looking up at the pecan tree in the back yard.
* Binky!!!
* Listening to music and dancing around with Mommy.

Other Random Facts:

* Your once short and blonde eyelashes are now long and brown. They go good with your big blue eyes. I wonder if they will stay that color.
* You are starting to smile. I can always make you smile by rubbing your forehead. But sometimes you will look up at me or Daddy and just smile. It makes our heart melt.


We look forward to everyday with you. We know there will always be something new!

Not Letting Go For Nothing!

Samuel and Daddy

This post is dedicated to "Don Diego"

I Woke Up!

One Word...One Word Only.....Perfectsweetlittlesamuel
(it is in the dictionary)

Don't Worry Mom The Next One Will Look Like You....

That is what our pediatrician said as we were leaving yesterday. What is he saying? Samuel doesn’t look like me?? Things that make me wonder. He also said that Samuel will be 2 or 3 inches taller than Dave. Do I see a basketball scholarship in the future? Maybe we only have to put half of the money we are putting in the college fund. Oh wait, we will have to pay out of state tuition because Dave insists that Samuel will go to the University of Nebraska. I was thinking Yale or Harvard. Yes, he is that smart. I can tell already.

Oh and he also thinks we have solved the problem. I don’t want to get my hopes up yet, but based on the doctor’s diagnosis and my Internet research I am pretty confident this time. Samuel simply has infant reflux. Which is common in preemies and they grow out of it. Samuel takes medicine (like a champ) twice a day and the symptoms should calm down in 24 hours. Hallelujah! Wait, I am not getting my hopes up. But really I am. I am aslo hoping we go back on soy formula, but I will be satisfied with the medicine working and the other formula.

I would post a picture but Samuel has been working on his beauty sleep for his 2 month photo shoot this weekend so he is pretty much sleeping . Yes, you read that right 2 months old! I can’t believe it myself.

We are also dealing with our first stuffy nose. Can you over do it with nasal aspiration???

Cheese!

Look at my sweet little Samuel and his sweet little dimple. Ahhh...what a sweet baby. I need to hang this picture up all over the house. Samuel had a rough day today. It appears some of his feeding problems are resurfacing. I am learning that as a Mom it is so hard when you don't know what to do to make everything better. Samuel has never had a crying spell like he did today. He cried for about 15 minutes straight. Turns out he needed to spit up and the problem was solved but that was a rough 15 minutes for both of us. We are still back to Dr. Sood tomorrow (did I mention I love Samuel's pediatrician-if I didn't I do) to make sure everything is okay. Samuel started back only eating about half of his normal amount and is pretty uncomfortable during his feedings. Just when I think problem solved! Ugh. The good thing is my motherly instincts are telling me it is nothing serious. And I trust those instincts.

But just look at that sweet little dimple. Doesn't it make everything all better? I think so!

Kansas City Trip

Road Trippin

A successful road trip! Fun, family and friends...who could ask for more. Samuel slept the entire drive home last night. Way cool for Mom and Dad. We didn't even have to stop. Will post more pictures later.

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

Binkys & Blankies

Hey Everyone I am going on my first road trip this weekend. I will do fine but not sure about Mommy & Daddy! We are going to Kansas City to meet my Grandma Carol & Papa Bill and my cousin Olivia and her family. I am so excited to see them. And thats not it!! On the way home we are going to stop and see my Mommy's friend Rhonda and her family. She just moved from California a few months ago. It is going to be a fun trip. I bet my Mom and Dad will have a lot of pictures to show. Have a safe Labor Day weekend.

Love-Samuel

Uh..Samuel You Have A Friend In Your Nose

Somtimes Even Mom Can't Make It Right