Mommy Recommendations

We are interested in purchasing a backpack carrier for Sam and I am asking for recommendations from all of my mommy friends out there. I am sure that Luke will wear it most of the time when we are out together but I would like something that is good for me too and will take some weight off of my lower back. We would use it for light hiking and other family outings (Christmas tree hunting, fairs, craft shows, zoo, etc.). I would appreciate some tips on maybe finding it second-hand too because I know that they can be pretty expensive. Thanks for your help!

Thankful

At this time of year I like to reflect on all of the many blessings God has bestowed upon me. I do not deserve these blessings and yet I have many. What a loving God we serve! This is my first Thanksgiving with Sam and I am especially thankful for him. I am so grateful to Luke who works hard so that I can stay home with Sam full-time. This little boy fills my heart with more love that I could have ever imagined.

Happy Thanksgiving my dear friends...I hope that you are counting your blessings too!

New Look

So as you can see the blog has a new look. A big thanks to my super talented and creative husband for giving it some much needed personality! Hope you are enjoying it.

Samuel loves to clap

New Tricks

Month 9 has been a good one for Sam...he is like a sponge and is learning new things everyday. He is learning to clap, give mommy a high-five and is bouncing along to the music that his toys make. I have also been trying to teach Sam a few signs, but I have not been very consistent with it. The sign I do the most is 'more' at meal time...well today Sam signed 'more' numerous times at dinner! I would ask him if he wanted more and he would make the sign (which is bringing your hands together in front of you). At one point he made the sign without me asking for it (he was eating applesauce so I couldn't shovel it in fast enough). I was so excited and gave him lots of praise but it must have been too much for him because he started to cry. After that he wouldn't sign anymore because he was afraid I would yell again. Oops! Here are a few pics of Sam learning to drink from a cup...I told you he was learning a lot of new things lately.

9 Month Dr. Visit

Today we went to the pediatrician for Sam's 9 month check-up.
Here are his current stats: 17 lbs, 15 oz. and 27 inches

Sam was pretty squirmy by the time we saw the doctor (who was running 30 minutes late) and he wasn't happy at all when she looked in his ears. Overall it was a good visit and he is doing great. Even though he feels really heavy to me, he is still a little man only in the 10-25 percentile. We got the go ahead to start adding meat to his diet (how do I prepare meat for him? help!) and to teach him how to drink water from a cup. We won't see the doctor again until he is one year old which is only three months away!

Self-Feeder

Sam has finally mastered the art of feeding himself! Those puffs make it a bit challenging because as soon as they get wet they stick to everything...mostly lips and hands. Sam persevered and now he can eat them like a pro.