Spring is Almost Here....

We spent some of the day outside today. It was about 55 and partly sunny, so we took advantage.  I even pulled out one of Sam's Spring shirts.  He looked like such a little man!

Story Time...

We have found a couple story hours at the local libraries!  Last week we tried the West Toledo Branch.  It was Great!  Lots of rhymes, songs & fun stories.  The kids ALL love it!  It is also nice to get out and socialize with other Mom's & Babies.  The little boy in this picture is Jack, Sam's new buddy!!!

THE BOYS....

Just a cute shot of my boys hanging out!!!  Such happy guys...I'm lucky.

"The Scrunchy Face"

Here is a sample of the silly face Sam is now known for!!! My mom said I used to make this face all the time when I was his age.  I guess Nature is very powerful??  Who knows?  Maybe I still make this face and it's learned?

11 months old...

I have not been as diligent with this blog as I should be!!  Sam is now 11 months old and ALL over the place!  If we turn our back for even a minute he is gone and into something he shouldn't be.  He has been soooo much fun!  He is pointing, giving kisses, hugs, giving high-five, waving hi & good-bye, among many other fun things.  His favorite is the infamous "Scrunchy Face"!  This has been such a fun age, and we are blown away that he will be 1 in just under 3 weeks.  Our little Buddy!!!

SNUBA

(this is really us in the picture below...)

While in Turks and Caicos Justin and I did something called SNUBA. It is a cross between Snorkeling/Scuba.  There is a short intro course, and voila you are ready.  It is like Scuba in that you breathe through a regulator and you are able to say under for longer periods of time.  We were under for about 45 minutes, at 25feet.  It was AMAZING!  We saw an octopus, a crab, a sea turtle (eating), a trumpet fish, and tons of other amazing sea creatures. I was a bit nervous to do this, but now want to get certified in Scuba.  It is so peaceful and surreal underwater.  A whole different world!  

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

We hope you know how much you mean to us each and every day!! You are such an amazing Dad with soo many wonderful qualities.  We are more than blessed to have you in our lives.  Thank You for your patience, love, hard-work, kisses & soo much more.  May this year ahead be just as special and rewarding as the last!  We Love You....E & S

Looking Older

I swear that overnight Sam has started to look like a little boy.  I look at him and cannot believe how much he's changed.  He's independent, curious and on the move!  It's hard to believe this is the same boy we held in our arms last april.  Kiley's digging him too!  He is her constant source of Cheerio's & Puffs.

Baby "Samantha"

We thought putting a wig on Sam would be funny.  He was not too thrilled.  Poor guy is already getting teased...It didn't help that the wig was grey and curly!  He looked like an old woman.  We got some giggles, but as you can see he wanted it off!!

Family

The best part about being back is ALL the family time.  Sam is so lucky that he will get to spend lots of time with Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and of course his cousins.  He sure has a lot of amazing people in his life! 

Learning how to bundle up....

We are SOO not used to having to bundle Sam up each time we go outside.  It is quite the process!  Thanks to the Schwinds for giving us all their Winter clothes.  We only had lightweight stuff.  Here Sam is sporting an old school OU hat...Love it!

Turks and Caicos

Justin and I were able to find time to sneak away on an adult only vacation.  We visited Turks and Caicos in early February.  Although leaving Sam was torture, we sure needed the respite.  It felt wonderful to be together and make some great memories.  It was truly paradise and we are so blessed that our families were able to watch Sam.  It's hard to believe we ever really went.  I have to look back at the pictures daily to remind myself that it actually happened!  For anyone looking to get away...We would highly recommend this place.  Paradise!!!