Sam's Current Strange New Things...

1. His new word -- "minimum." Yes, that's right, the kid says "minimum." I don't think he has any idea what it means, but the first time he said it, I was like "Um, what?!"

2. His new obsession -- Iron Man. How he learned about Iron Man is not 100 percent clear, but several things are obvious. First, Iron Man is "bad, bad." Second, he lives outside. Third, he's very, VERY scary.

3. His new favorite joke -- picking his nose...deeply. I'll turn around to check on him in his car seat while I'm driving, and he'll be knuckle-deep in his nostril, smiling slyly and just waiting for me to see it. Then, he busts out laughing.

4. His new version of a tempter tantrum -- throwing himself on the floor, face-down, and then just laying there. No movement, no crying, total stillness. I'll tell ya, it could be worse.

5. His new favorite movie -- "A Bug's Life." The minute I strap him into his carseat on the way home from daycare, he starts begging...which sounds mostly like "A BUG! A BUG! A BUUUUUUG!"

He's so cute these days, it hurts my heart a little bit!!

28 and Feelin' Great (a few weeks late...)!

So last year I posted a list of things I wanted to do/experience/accomplish in my 27th year, and I have every intention of doing so for 28. Life have overtaken me! I have much to share, and am going to set aside some time tonight to get this blog caught up. See you soon!

Trip to the Zoo

A MONTH!? It has been a full month since I posted last...wow. My apologies. Here's a quick update -- we're all great. Seriously! Sam is growing, growing, growing -- and saying SO many words now. He's quite the little jabberwocky ;) He has been so much fun lately, and is developing a great personality. He is sly, funny, a bit of a showoff, curious, and has a tiny little temper that he gets from his Daddy. Alright, stop laughing. Seriously, stop. He gets it from me. I know it. We're working on it! Other than that, David and I are doing great -- just working and trying to get out and enjoy living in Florida now that the weather is wonderful again. Below are some photos from our recent trip to the zoo!

Checkin' out some animals with Daddy :)

Shoulder rides are the best!

Sam and Mommy :)

On a mission!
A little apprehensive about brushing the goat...
This goat was looking a little jumpy, so I'm sending him mind vibes to stay away from my kid..."Hey goat, I'm watching you..."

At the Sting Ray Encounter exhibit

Trying to touch some sting rays :)

Tired out from too much fun!!

Just a Taste...

I realize that I have been offline for awhile, and as most of you know that is because David and I are currently on vacation in beautiful Ireland. Here is just a taste of the photos I'll be posting later. Since I'm a little limited in regards to how many photos I can post on this blog, there will be a lot more (and there are already more than 100) on my Facebook page. More to come, but for right now I'll just say...we're having a blast! Love to all (but especially to our Sammy!)...

New Favorites

Here is a list of Sam's new favorite things:

1. Word -- "Neck." Random, I know. I'm sure he knows what it means because he is always pointing to an actual neck when he says it....which he does...a LOT.

2. Game -- putting all of his bath toys to bed by laying them on the bottom of the bathtub, patting them gently and telling them "night night."

3. Snack -- Sunkist Fruit Snacks. I know, I know...high fructose corn syrup is the devil. Leave me alone.

4. Book -- it's a toss up between "I Know An Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly" and "I Love You, Stinky Face." Personally, I hate them both at this point.

5. Movie -- "Shrek." Oh wait, this isn't new, it's the same movie he's been watching non-stop for two months...sigh.

6. Dance Move -- Spinning around in circles until he falls over with giggles. Right now, you're wondering if this is as cute as it sounds. It's cuter.

7. Piece of Playground Equipment -- the slide, hands down!

8. Song -- "Why Are There So Many Songs About Rainbows?" from the Muppet Movie.

9. Color -- Green. I've gathered this from his most frequent choice of bath crayon. Based on this highly accurate and scientific method, blue is a close second.

10. Article of Clothing -- a green (coincidence? I think not) shirt with a picture of a monster on the front with his mouth wide open and a caption that says "FEED ME!" I guess I've read him the caption enough times now, because every time I put it on him he looks down at the picture and then starts doing the baby sign for "Eat" while saying "NACK! NACK!" (Sam for "snack").

The coolest thing about all of this is that he HAS favorite things. He is a real person, he has a unique personality and sense of self. He is different than me and separate from me. It's so awesome to watch him develop as a human being, and to be able to share it with all of you here!

Sam's Best Friend(s)

Sometimes, I really pity my poor dogs. They used to rule the roost, have the run of the house, and then -- BAM! Or should I say -- SAM! Boy, did his arrival shake up their world. Now that he's a crazy, rowdy toddler, they get it worse than ever. He climbs all over them, uses them as footrests, squeezes their faces and tries to ride them like ponies. God bless them, they've put up with all of it. But this might be the last straw...
This is how I found Bella earlier this morning, after a few minutes alone with Sam...

Oh, the indignity.

Could this kid look any more like his daddy?!