It looks like we'll have to add another tooth to Samuel's doppelganger pumpkin. After 5 LONG months of anticipation he finally has another tooth. We were beginning to think it would never happen and that he would head off to college with only 6 teeth. Today Allen manhandled his jaw, stuck a finger in (he's braver than me) and felt the lower right lateral incisor just barely poking through the gums.
He's one step closer to a steak dinner, although he's had no trouble chewing most foods with only 4 on top and 2 on bottom. Lately he's been chomping chocolate. His favorites are Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and 3 Muskateers. Me too buddy, me too....
Friday, October 29, 2010
Troublemaker
I guess Samuel thought it would be fun to play an early Halloween trick on mom today. He sure did have me scared! Now that he has reached toddlerhood I am learning every day that I have to stay one step ahead of him to avoid disaster and today I just wasn't on my game.
I opened the front door to the porch to take a few of his toys down to the basement. He loves to stand and look out the screen door so I left the main door open. I was out there less than a minute when I suddenly heard the door close behind me. Since our home is historic it has a few quirks. One example is that our entry doors have a special button on the handle that has to be pushed in or the door will automatically lock. Guess who forgot to push the button in before I went outside? That's right! I was locked outside while Samuel was inside. Did I mention I was only wearing a sports bra and workout pants? My intention was to take the toys to the basement so I could then run on the treadmill down there while Samuel played.
I felt panic rising inside of me. How will I get back inside? What if he gets into something dangerous? What if something falls on top of him and he is injured? What if the gate blocking the basement stairs isnt secure and he falls down the stairs? What if, what if, what if.... I started to look around for something I could use to break the window. Nothing was available so I ran next door to see if our neighbors were home. My plan was to see if they had a hammer I could borrow.
Thankfully my neighbor was home and when I explained the situation to her she offered to call housing maintenance so they could come unlock the door. Hmmm.... that sounds much more reasonable than breaking the window. She was even nice enough to stand on the porch with me while we waited for them to arrive.
Samuel was very disgruntled that there was now a solid piece of wood and panels of glass blocking him from his mommy. He stood there looking up at me crying. I tried to explain that he locked me out and so he will have to be patient. His response was to start throwing my dirty laundry out of the basket that I'd left in the foyer on our way to the basement. A few times he wandered down the hallway and into the kitchen, I assume to see if I was coming through the back door to resuce him, but as soon as I knocked on the front door again and called his name he would return.
He was only locked inside for about 15 minutes, but it felt like so much longer. I do not like to lose control of a situation and feel so utterly helpless. I know every mother has stories of times that her kids did something crazy and got the best of her, it's almost a rite of passage, and I guess now I have my first!
I opened the front door to the porch to take a few of his toys down to the basement. He loves to stand and look out the screen door so I left the main door open. I was out there less than a minute when I suddenly heard the door close behind me. Since our home is historic it has a few quirks. One example is that our entry doors have a special button on the handle that has to be pushed in or the door will automatically lock. Guess who forgot to push the button in before I went outside? That's right! I was locked outside while Samuel was inside. Did I mention I was only wearing a sports bra and workout pants? My intention was to take the toys to the basement so I could then run on the treadmill down there while Samuel played.
I felt panic rising inside of me. How will I get back inside? What if he gets into something dangerous? What if something falls on top of him and he is injured? What if the gate blocking the basement stairs isnt secure and he falls down the stairs? What if, what if, what if.... I started to look around for something I could use to break the window. Nothing was available so I ran next door to see if our neighbors were home. My plan was to see if they had a hammer I could borrow.
Thankfully my neighbor was home and when I explained the situation to her she offered to call housing maintenance so they could come unlock the door. Hmmm.... that sounds much more reasonable than breaking the window. She was even nice enough to stand on the porch with me while we waited for them to arrive.
Samuel was very disgruntled that there was now a solid piece of wood and panels of glass blocking him from his mommy. He stood there looking up at me crying. I tried to explain that he locked me out and so he will have to be patient. His response was to start throwing my dirty laundry out of the basket that I'd left in the foyer on our way to the basement. A few times he wandered down the hallway and into the kitchen, I assume to see if I was coming through the back door to resuce him, but as soon as I knocked on the front door again and called his name he would return.
He was only locked inside for about 15 minutes, but it felt like so much longer. I do not like to lose control of a situation and feel so utterly helpless. I know every mother has stories of times that her kids did something crazy and got the best of her, it's almost a rite of passage, and I guess now I have my first!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Great Pumpkin (Balloon)
Is Samuel too young for me to be nostalgic about things? Today we were shopping at Albertsons and noticed the Mylar balloons. Much to my surprise they had the exact same balloon that I bought Samuel last year on Halloween to celebrate his first holiday. It's a big, orange jack-o-lantern face and it's very special because while playing with it he laughed for the first time.
I remember that we laid him on his back in the floor so he could look up at the balloon. We kept encouraging him to hold the string, but at only 2 months old his dexterity wasn't really advanced enough. Instead, we just ran the string through his fingers.
I went in to the kitchen to finish making Halloween Funfetti cupcakes (Allen's favorite) and before I knew it Allen rushed in to tell me that Samuel had laughed. Of course I dropped everything so I could see. Allen had been bobbing the balloon up and down in front of his face and he started to giggle. When I came in we started moving the balloon around again and he continued to laugh. It was the most wonderful sound I'd ever heard (and still is)!
Happily, the same balloon continues to fill his world with joy. We bought the big, orange jack-o-lantern face today and brought it home. He carried it by the string all over the house, laughing, and loved bobbing it up and down all by himself. He even learned to say a new word yesterday - bop! He got a huge kick out it when I tapped the balloon on top of his head. Now when I say bop he pat's his head.
He sure has changed a lot in only one year!
Then:
Now:
I remember that we laid him on his back in the floor so he could look up at the balloon. We kept encouraging him to hold the string, but at only 2 months old his dexterity wasn't really advanced enough. Instead, we just ran the string through his fingers.
I went in to the kitchen to finish making Halloween Funfetti cupcakes (Allen's favorite) and before I knew it Allen rushed in to tell me that Samuel had laughed. Of course I dropped everything so I could see. Allen had been bobbing the balloon up and down in front of his face and he started to giggle. When I came in we started moving the balloon around again and he continued to laugh. It was the most wonderful sound I'd ever heard (and still is)!
Happily, the same balloon continues to fill his world with joy. We bought the big, orange jack-o-lantern face today and brought it home. He carried it by the string all over the house, laughing, and loved bobbing it up and down all by himself. He even learned to say a new word yesterday - bop! He got a huge kick out it when I tapped the balloon on top of his head. Now when I say bop he pat's his head.
He sure has changed a lot in only one year!
Then:
Now:
Sunday, October 24, 2010
The Adventures of Martian Mom & Robot Boy
Yesterday the Chapel Activities Center at F.E. Warren Air Force Base was invaded by a martian and her robot! There were also princesses, superheroes, witches, jungle animals, monsters and even a unicorn. All of the characters were there to attend the Spouses Helping Spouses Harvest Party. This group is the mom's club on base for which I am the Activites Director.
I had a lot of fun helping plan and execute the party and the event was a huge success. This was also the first party where Samuel was able to partake in the festivities. We had a good time and Allen even joined in during a game where the kids wrapped up dads like mummies!
We had a seperate room for babies and toddlers with age appropriate games and activities. Samuel's favorite was the "Tricky Treasure" bucket where he got to dig through millet to find prizes. He could have cared less about the prizes though. He just liked digging in (and throwing) the cereal.
Samuel did a great job pinning the nose on the pumpkin. As soon as I handed him the triangle he confidently walked right over and stuck it in the middle of the face. He knew exactly where the nose was supposed to go!
He even played some of the games for the older kids.... sort of!
Allen's favorite part of the party was conducting dry ice experiments in the kitchen with his friend Rich (another dad). Finally, they dropped it in the sink and added hot water. Samuel was fascinated by the "steaming" sink. He especially loved when Allen poured the steam over his head.
Next weekend we have more Halloween fun planned including a Goblin Walk at the Botanic Gardens, trick-or-treating at the base clinic, the Pumpkin Fair at the Cheyenne library, and a Halloween carnival at the base rec center. He should be pretty wiped out when it's all over. We may be going overboard, but it's so exciting since this is the first year that Samuel can actually enjoy the holiday. Also, I just love dressing him up in his costume - he's such a loveable little robot!
I had a lot of fun helping plan and execute the party and the event was a huge success. This was also the first party where Samuel was able to partake in the festivities. We had a good time and Allen even joined in during a game where the kids wrapped up dads like mummies!
We had a seperate room for babies and toddlers with age appropriate games and activities. Samuel's favorite was the "Tricky Treasure" bucket where he got to dig through millet to find prizes. He could have cared less about the prizes though. He just liked digging in (and throwing) the cereal.
Samuel did a great job pinning the nose on the pumpkin. As soon as I handed him the triangle he confidently walked right over and stuck it in the middle of the face. He knew exactly where the nose was supposed to go!
He even played some of the games for the older kids.... sort of!
Allen's favorite part of the party was conducting dry ice experiments in the kitchen with his friend Rich (another dad). Finally, they dropped it in the sink and added hot water. Samuel was fascinated by the "steaming" sink. He especially loved when Allen poured the steam over his head.
Next weekend we have more Halloween fun planned including a Goblin Walk at the Botanic Gardens, trick-or-treating at the base clinic, the Pumpkin Fair at the Cheyenne library, and a Halloween carnival at the base rec center. He should be pretty wiped out when it's all over. We may be going overboard, but it's so exciting since this is the first year that Samuel can actually enjoy the holiday. Also, I just love dressing him up in his costume - he's such a loveable little robot!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Bombs Away!
When I was in grade school my dad, after tireless persuading from the ladies in his life, agreed to participate in Take Your Daughter to Work Day. I thought it would be so much fun to see where my dad worked and what he did all day when he was there, but most of all I wanted an excuse to miss school. Since my dad had a pretty demanding job as a Project Manager at KBR/Halliburton, he didn't have much time to "show me the ropes" so he had me sit in an empty cubicle near his office and read stacks of civil engineering magazines and brochures. Pretty fun for a 11-year-old. I even got to write a report to turn in at school the next day. Needless to say I never asked to participate in that nonsense again. I'd much rather spend the day at school.
When Allen told me that his squadron was hosting a Missile Alert Facility Family Day, or Take Your Family to Work Day, I was pretty scared. I started having flashbacks of mind numbingly boring brochures and watching the wall clock tick seconds off that felt like minutes. Of course, once he told me there would be a barbecue I was sold. What can I say? I like hamburgers.
Thankfully, It turned out to be a fun and interesting experience, and I was only required to sit through one PowerPoint presentation which must be some kind of Air Force record. The tour itself was the best part so I'll just skip right over the rest. First we toured the above ground part of the facility which is where the military police and chef stay while they are on duty. Unfortunately for them (and their families) the shifts last 3 days instead of just 1 like missileers. That portion of the facility reminded me a lot of a fire house. There were a few bedrooms, a common living/dining space, a workout room and a recreational area complete with a big TV. The best part was the industrial equipped kitchen. They could truly feed an army if necessary!
Next we were able to tour the actual capsule where my beloved spends his time. Sadly, it's devoid of all the recreational perks and pseudo-homey vibe of the above-ground area. After a very rigorous security clearance process our group was finally allowed to go down the hatch, so to speak. On our way to the elevator Allen made sure to point out the stairs since that's they only way out in case the elevator is inoperable. On the way down in the elevator is there is an exposed wall that everyone signs after they work their "LFA" or Last F*cking Alert. Allen can't wait to have his name on that wall!
The elevator goes about 2 stories into the ground and leads to a hallway with a huge blast door. This is where I started to feel like I was back in Cheyenne Mountain (which I was fortunate enough to tour while living in Colorado Springs). The capsule is supported by giant shock-resistant springs and since its built into the ground there are still parts of rock exposed behind the walls and under floors. Behind the first blast door is a dead end. If you go right you are in the equipment room and right is another blast door which leads to the actual capsule room itself. We spent a few pointless minutes in the equipment room while Allen tried to explain the function of the big noisy machines but it was so loud that I had to wear earplugs so I have no idea what he was talking about.
Next we got to see the capsule room which I'm pretty sure should be called the time-capsule room since it looks exactly like the inside of an early 1980s space shuttle. I would know since I toured several as a kid at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. It makes sense that the capsule has a retro vibe since it's pretty likely that the equipment hasn't been updated since the 80s. I was almost expecting for a countdown to begin and for us to shoot right out of the ground and in to space. No such luck, but I did get to see the launch control panel which is not a big red button like portrayed in War Games. Instead, it is two key locks. One for each missileer and they have to be turned concurrently along with the keys of two other missileers in another capsule. It actually takes 4 people to launch a nuke. Who knew? Not me until I went on this informative tour!
The day was really interesting and I'm glad I had a chance to see where Allen works and what he does when he is there. Most of his job is top secret so I only get to know bits and pieces of the real mission. It makes it hard to understand and follow what it is that he actually does so the chance to see some of it in person was helpful. Of course, we didn't see any juicy, classified material but with all the security required to let us in to the site you would have thought we might be privy to some sensitive information. Nope, just a tour and some burgers. They wouldn't even let Samuel down in the capsule since they were worried that curious toddler hands might find some troublesome buttons to push that would cause a threat to national security, or something like that.
I sure am proud and impressed by my husband. He may not always like his job, and feel stress and pressure to never make a mistake, but very few people can say that they have had such an awesome responsibility. It's likely that he will never launch a nuclear missile but he does have the power to do so which makes him a total bad-ass in my book!
When Allen told me that his squadron was hosting a Missile Alert Facility Family Day, or Take Your Family to Work Day, I was pretty scared. I started having flashbacks of mind numbingly boring brochures and watching the wall clock tick seconds off that felt like minutes. Of course, once he told me there would be a barbecue I was sold. What can I say? I like hamburgers.
Thankfully, It turned out to be a fun and interesting experience, and I was only required to sit through one PowerPoint presentation which must be some kind of Air Force record. The tour itself was the best part so I'll just skip right over the rest. First we toured the above ground part of the facility which is where the military police and chef stay while they are on duty. Unfortunately for them (and their families) the shifts last 3 days instead of just 1 like missileers. That portion of the facility reminded me a lot of a fire house. There were a few bedrooms, a common living/dining space, a workout room and a recreational area complete with a big TV. The best part was the industrial equipped kitchen. They could truly feed an army if necessary!
Next we were able to tour the actual capsule where my beloved spends his time. Sadly, it's devoid of all the recreational perks and pseudo-homey vibe of the above-ground area. After a very rigorous security clearance process our group was finally allowed to go down the hatch, so to speak. On our way to the elevator Allen made sure to point out the stairs since that's they only way out in case the elevator is inoperable. On the way down in the elevator is there is an exposed wall that everyone signs after they work their "LFA" or Last F*cking Alert. Allen can't wait to have his name on that wall!
The elevator goes about 2 stories into the ground and leads to a hallway with a huge blast door. This is where I started to feel like I was back in Cheyenne Mountain (which I was fortunate enough to tour while living in Colorado Springs). The capsule is supported by giant shock-resistant springs and since its built into the ground there are still parts of rock exposed behind the walls and under floors. Behind the first blast door is a dead end. If you go right you are in the equipment room and right is another blast door which leads to the actual capsule room itself. We spent a few pointless minutes in the equipment room while Allen tried to explain the function of the big noisy machines but it was so loud that I had to wear earplugs so I have no idea what he was talking about.
Next we got to see the capsule room which I'm pretty sure should be called the time-capsule room since it looks exactly like the inside of an early 1980s space shuttle. I would know since I toured several as a kid at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. It makes sense that the capsule has a retro vibe since it's pretty likely that the equipment hasn't been updated since the 80s. I was almost expecting for a countdown to begin and for us to shoot right out of the ground and in to space. No such luck, but I did get to see the launch control panel which is not a big red button like portrayed in War Games. Instead, it is two key locks. One for each missileer and they have to be turned concurrently along with the keys of two other missileers in another capsule. It actually takes 4 people to launch a nuke. Who knew? Not me until I went on this informative tour!
The day was really interesting and I'm glad I had a chance to see where Allen works and what he does when he is there. Most of his job is top secret so I only get to know bits and pieces of the real mission. It makes it hard to understand and follow what it is that he actually does so the chance to see some of it in person was helpful. Of course, we didn't see any juicy, classified material but with all the security required to let us in to the site you would have thought we might be privy to some sensitive information. Nope, just a tour and some burgers. They wouldn't even let Samuel down in the capsule since they were worried that curious toddler hands might find some troublesome buttons to push that would cause a threat to national security, or something like that.
I sure am proud and impressed by my husband. He may not always like his job, and feel stress and pressure to never make a mistake, but very few people can say that they have had such an awesome responsibility. It's likely that he will never launch a nuclear missile but he does have the power to do so which makes him a total bad-ass in my book!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Wordless Wednesday: Bath Buddies
I've decided to hop on the Wordless Wednesday bandwagon! It seems like a great way to give a glimpse of what's new in our lives without writing an entire blog. Here is my first:
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Sweet Spot
There is a certain part of my body that Samuel finds irresistible.... my armpit! I know it sounds strange, but for some reason he loves to play with it when he is nursing. When he was about 4 months he started caressing my chest and running his hand up and down my arm when he nursed. Over time it has developed into not only my chest and arm but now my armpit too!
He nuzzles his hand right up in there and it tickles! Sometimes it can even be downright irritating especially when I nurse him in the middle of the night. I just don't always feel like being tickled. It's gotten to where he has trouble falling asleep if he can't touch my armpit. The times I've tried to prevent his hand from going there he starts to fuss. It seems to make him feel happy and content so I let him do it anyway.
I'm not sure why my armpit is appealing. I realize that it can be prickly or sometimes even a little fuzzy so maybe he likes the texture. Allen jokes that he must like the smell - concentrated Mommy (or as I call it, Eau de Mommee).
Heading for the "sweet spot":
He nuzzles his hand right up in there and it tickles! Sometimes it can even be downright irritating especially when I nurse him in the middle of the night. I just don't always feel like being tickled. It's gotten to where he has trouble falling asleep if he can't touch my armpit. The times I've tried to prevent his hand from going there he starts to fuss. It seems to make him feel happy and content so I let him do it anyway.
I'm not sure why my armpit is appealing. I realize that it can be prickly or sometimes even a little fuzzy so maybe he likes the texture. Allen jokes that he must like the smell - concentrated Mommy (or as I call it, Eau de Mommee).
Heading for the "sweet spot":
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Pumpkin Quest 2010
Each year in early October the search for the perfect pumpkin begins. For as many years as I can remember that consisted of rummaging around in a bin outside of the grocery store, but this year we took it up a notch. Since I was feeling inspired by my vegetable harvesting excursion earlier in the season, I convinced Allen to go to an actual pumpkin patch where we could choose and pick our glorious gourd right off the vine.
It was a crisp Autumn afternoon which made for pumpkin picking perfection. One advantage of living in rural obscurity is that we are surrounded by an abundance of farms. We chose one a few miles north of Fort Collins which only charges for the weight of your produce instead of an admission fee. We grabbed a wagon, loaded up the boy and set out on our journey.
Our mutual goal was to find the biggest, non-deformed pumpkin available which was quite a challenge. The patch was pretty picked over. As we got to talking about our pumpkin preferences it became clear that Allen prefers his pumpkins to be tall while I like mine fat. Our final decision was to select a trio of pumpkins to represent our family. We plan to carve them in our likenesses - of course. Samuel even picked one for himself (in the few minutes that we were able to lure him away from pushing our wagon all over the farm)!
After our perfect pumpkins had been picked we spent some time in the hay maze. Samuel had a great time toddling through the bales. He hit a few dead ends but either turned around or just plopped down to play in the hay mounds. He was having so much fun throwing hay around that we decided to join him!
It was a crisp Autumn afternoon which made for pumpkin picking perfection. One advantage of living in rural obscurity is that we are surrounded by an abundance of farms. We chose one a few miles north of Fort Collins which only charges for the weight of your produce instead of an admission fee. We grabbed a wagon, loaded up the boy and set out on our journey.
Our mutual goal was to find the biggest, non-deformed pumpkin available which was quite a challenge. The patch was pretty picked over. As we got to talking about our pumpkin preferences it became clear that Allen prefers his pumpkins to be tall while I like mine fat. Our final decision was to select a trio of pumpkins to represent our family. We plan to carve them in our likenesses - of course. Samuel even picked one for himself (in the few minutes that we were able to lure him away from pushing our wagon all over the farm)!
After our perfect pumpkins had been picked we spent some time in the hay maze. Samuel had a great time toddling through the bales. He hit a few dead ends but either turned around or just plopped down to play in the hay mounds. He was having so much fun throwing hay around that we decided to join him!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Ma-ma's Boy
I know every mother thinks her child is the sweetest, cutest, most adorable thing God ever created, but I know mine is! For the last 6 months or so he has been very "pro-Mom." This is not to say that he is "anti-Dad," he and Allen get along great, it's just that when given the choice he usually prefers me. In fact, when he is upset or sleepy dad isn't even an option most of the time. I know I probably wont always be his favorite, fathers and sons have a very special and unique bond, but I will enjoy it while it lasts!
He is getting more expressive at showing his affection by giving hugs and initiating snuggles, but today he did something that really made me feel loved. He was straddling my lap, facing me and started to put his head down on my chest. In the process he smacked his surprisingly hard head on the bridge of my nose. I've been trying to teach him the sign "hurt" so I held my nose and said "Owie! Your head hit Mommy's nose. That hurt!" I continued to hold my nose to show him that's where my owie was and then signed "hurt" over and over again.
It must have sunk in because all of the sudden his eyebrows furrowed and he started to cry. I looked up at Allen, since I was confused as to why he was crying, and Allen told me he must be sad that I am hurt. He also started signing hurt (for the first time). I was flabbergasted that he not only learned a new sign but that this was his first demonstration of empathy. I immediately smiled, forgot my pain, and started to hug and comfort him. What a sweet and loving little boy!
He is getting more expressive at showing his affection by giving hugs and initiating snuggles, but today he did something that really made me feel loved. He was straddling my lap, facing me and started to put his head down on my chest. In the process he smacked his surprisingly hard head on the bridge of my nose. I've been trying to teach him the sign "hurt" so I held my nose and said "Owie! Your head hit Mommy's nose. That hurt!" I continued to hold my nose to show him that's where my owie was and then signed "hurt" over and over again.
It must have sunk in because all of the sudden his eyebrows furrowed and he started to cry. I looked up at Allen, since I was confused as to why he was crying, and Allen told me he must be sad that I am hurt. He also started signing hurt (for the first time). I was flabbergasted that he not only learned a new sign but that this was his first demonstration of empathy. I immediately smiled, forgot my pain, and started to hug and comfort him. What a sweet and loving little boy!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Smarty Pants (14 months)
It's been a big month! I really feel like Samuel's cognitive and motor development skyrocketed in the last few weeks. He he able to do and understand so many new things. Allen and I are amazed every day. He is very smart and I always see the little wheels turning in his brain. When he is starting to master a concept or skill he will get very focused and furrow his eyebrows, just like Allen. I was worried that learning to walk would be the last big milestone that he would achieve, but I can see now that the fun is just beginning!
Here are some of the new things Samuel accomplished his month:
- His favorite activity is putting the lids on storage containers, water bottles, sippy cups, lotion containers and bubble bath bottles. If you have such an item and happen to remove the lid he will make it very clear that he will be the one to put the lid back on.
- We turned his car seat around to the front before our road trip to Colorado Springs and now he rides much more contently. We often catch him just staring out the window while we drive.
- He is able to follow simple commands like "come here," "give that to Mommy (or Daddy)," "give me hugs," "get your ball," and more.
- He has started to point with his middle finger instead of his index finger.
- He signed "eat" for the 1st time one day when we walked into the kitchen.
- He is able to identify the yellow, blue and red dogs in his book "Go, Dog, Go."
- He can identify several words in picture books like ball, car, cat, dog, airplane, and cup.
- He starts to wave bye when I pick up the car keys and walk towards the back door.
- He says "da-da" when we have been out and return home (if Allen is not with us).
- He recognizes new words after hearing them only a couple times.
- He is very observant to where things go, like books on the shelf and toys in the box or cup in the holder on his tray, and tries to help me clean up.
- He likes to tuck his top lip under and stick his bottom lip out.
- He makes Indian calls with front and back of hand.
- When he wants my attention he will push my legs to move me away from what I'm doing.
- He enjoys scribbling on paper with colored pencils.
- He pulls my shirt all the way down to nurse then back up again when he's all done.
- He is able to climb up on to the foot stool and couch.
- Allen taught him to high-five.
- Will walk around and around in circles.
- He knows his shoes go on his feet and will hold up his foot for us to put them on.
- Still loves to push anything that moves, particularly store carts, his toy mower and his ride-on cars.
- He is fascinated by shadow puppets. Right before bed I will shine the book light on the closet doors and make dog, rabbit, duck and eagle puppets for him.
- He smacks his lips to imitate eating and kissing. It's the same mouth motion but he uses it for both purposes.
- He is able to eat with a fork, spearing the food and putting it in his mouth, but is still working on the spoon.
- He is able to walk sideways and backwards.
- When we go to the store I have him ride in the basket of the cart even though he throws everything out. If I put him in the seat he will try to stand up and/or squirm under the belt.
- In the bath he eats the bubbles on the back of his hands or arms.
- He likes to stand on his head (downward facing dog yoga position) and look around.
- He can hold a cup without a lid and drink without spilling (much).
Here are some of the new things Samuel accomplished his month:
- His favorite activity is putting the lids on storage containers, water bottles, sippy cups, lotion containers and bubble bath bottles. If you have such an item and happen to remove the lid he will make it very clear that he will be the one to put the lid back on.
- We turned his car seat around to the front before our road trip to Colorado Springs and now he rides much more contently. We often catch him just staring out the window while we drive.
- He is able to follow simple commands like "come here," "give that to Mommy (or Daddy)," "give me hugs," "get your ball," and more.
- He has started to point with his middle finger instead of his index finger.
- He signed "eat" for the 1st time one day when we walked into the kitchen.
- He is able to identify the yellow, blue and red dogs in his book "Go, Dog, Go."
- He can identify several words in picture books like ball, car, cat, dog, airplane, and cup.
- He starts to wave bye when I pick up the car keys and walk towards the back door.
- He says "da-da" when we have been out and return home (if Allen is not with us).
- He recognizes new words after hearing them only a couple times.
- He is very observant to where things go, like books on the shelf and toys in the box or cup in the holder on his tray, and tries to help me clean up.
- He likes to tuck his top lip under and stick his bottom lip out.
- He makes Indian calls with front and back of hand.
- When he wants my attention he will push my legs to move me away from what I'm doing.
- He enjoys scribbling on paper with colored pencils.
- He pulls my shirt all the way down to nurse then back up again when he's all done.
- He is able to climb up on to the foot stool and couch.
- Allen taught him to high-five.
- Will walk around and around in circles.
- He knows his shoes go on his feet and will hold up his foot for us to put them on.
- Still loves to push anything that moves, particularly store carts, his toy mower and his ride-on cars.
- He is fascinated by shadow puppets. Right before bed I will shine the book light on the closet doors and make dog, rabbit, duck and eagle puppets for him.
- He smacks his lips to imitate eating and kissing. It's the same mouth motion but he uses it for both purposes.
- He is able to eat with a fork, spearing the food and putting it in his mouth, but is still working on the spoon.
- He is able to walk sideways and backwards.
- When we go to the store I have him ride in the basket of the cart even though he throws everything out. If I put him in the seat he will try to stand up and/or squirm under the belt.
- In the bath he eats the bubbles on the back of his hands or arms.
- He likes to stand on his head (downward facing dog yoga position) and look around.
- He can hold a cup without a lid and drink without spilling (much).
Friday, October 8, 2010
Nuclear Energy
On our last full day in Albuquerque the 4 Sam's and I set out for a trip to The National Museum of Nuclear History & Science. We thought it would be an interesting place to visit since Allen's unofficial job title is "nuke guy."
Most of the museum tells the history of how the atomic bomb was created. Then there is a large part devoted to the duck-and-cover mentality of the 50s and the Cold War that followed. There's quite a few old missiles and bombs on display, many of which Allen had never even seen or heard of, and outside is a collection of bomb-dropping air crafts and missiles. Good times for people who like military history or want to know about how our country blows stuff up. Tacky, but true.
While we looked at the exhibits, Samuel had fun studying the periodic table.
I love this picture because I took it right after I told Samuel to go find "da-da." He walked right past Allen, over to his grandpa and lifted his arms to be picked up.
It only took a couple of days before Samuel became very attached to Grandpa Sam. He loved to go looking for him and then follow him around. When he woke up in mornings we would tell him to go find Grandpa and he would parachute (since he still holds on to the blanket to get down) right out of bed to go find him.
The Fat Man and 3 Sam's.
Allen in the replica bomb shelter, complete with "Multi-Purpose Food" (just add tin canned water!) and D.O.D. Sanitation Kit. :shudder:
Sam III (a.k.a. Allen), Sam IV, Sam II and Sam I.
Cuteness!
More cuteness!
Future missileer.
Next on the agenda was a visit to the Petroglyph National Monument. There are several trails available that will take you through different canyons to see over 20,000 rock carvings, but we decided one trail was more than enough. We chose a "moderately strenuous" trail that was actually more of a rock climb. There were a few times I felt that a harness would not have been unreasonable. Needless to say, Allen and I tackled this one on our own.
Allen showing the mountain who's boss.
Me showing Allen who's boss.
Getting in touch with his prehistoric side.
We made it to the top! (With me in flip-flops none-the-less).
Back at the bottom the 4 Sam's were strutting their stuff.
Samuel sure was glad to see Mommy! He dodged all the obstacles in his way to get to me. Namely, Great-Grandpa, Grandpa Sam and Daddy. I happily carried him all the way back to the car.
Most of the museum tells the history of how the atomic bomb was created. Then there is a large part devoted to the duck-and-cover mentality of the 50s and the Cold War that followed. There's quite a few old missiles and bombs on display, many of which Allen had never even seen or heard of, and outside is a collection of bomb-dropping air crafts and missiles. Good times for people who like military history or want to know about how our country blows stuff up. Tacky, but true.
While we looked at the exhibits, Samuel had fun studying the periodic table.
I love this picture because I took it right after I told Samuel to go find "da-da." He walked right past Allen, over to his grandpa and lifted his arms to be picked up.
It only took a couple of days before Samuel became very attached to Grandpa Sam. He loved to go looking for him and then follow him around. When he woke up in mornings we would tell him to go find Grandpa and he would parachute (since he still holds on to the blanket to get down) right out of bed to go find him.
The Fat Man and 3 Sam's.
Allen in the replica bomb shelter, complete with "Multi-Purpose Food" (just add tin canned water!) and D.O.D. Sanitation Kit. :shudder:
Sam III (a.k.a. Allen), Sam IV, Sam II and Sam I.
Cuteness!
More cuteness!
Future missileer.
Next on the agenda was a visit to the Petroglyph National Monument. There are several trails available that will take you through different canyons to see over 20,000 rock carvings, but we decided one trail was more than enough. We chose a "moderately strenuous" trail that was actually more of a rock climb. There were a few times I felt that a harness would not have been unreasonable. Needless to say, Allen and I tackled this one on our own.
Allen showing the mountain who's boss.
Me showing Allen who's boss.
Getting in touch with his prehistoric side.
We made it to the top! (With me in flip-flops none-the-less).
Back at the bottom the 4 Sam's were strutting their stuff.
Samuel sure was glad to see Mommy! He dodged all the obstacles in his way to get to me. Namely, Great-Grandpa, Grandpa Sam and Daddy. I happily carried him all the way back to the car.
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