Catch Up

Wow! I'm a little behind. To start with Halloween. We went to Uncle Brian's house and went trick-or-treating with the Cousins. Mostly Noah and Ava as Alex and Sophia are older and we couldn't keep up.  We had a blast. Sam was Sulley from Monsters Inc and surprisingly he kept the costume on and it was Nick and I who finally took it off of him. It was Soooooo hot on Halloween. Arizona! We were dying. I had a cape and witch hat on and I had to take those off as I was too hot. So Sam ended the night slightly naked. :)

Death, Zombie Soccer player, Sulley, LadyBug and Cowboy!

So now lets skip to November. What a crazy month that flew by.
Sam is now going up and down the slide all by himself. Big boy and he loves it. We take him to the park and he doesn't want to come home. Not even with the promise of food.
I finally had to pull out pants and long sleeve shirts for him. But even that wasn't until the end of the month and sometimes he can still wear a short sleeve shirt. The cold is sure taking its time to get here.
Chil-fest was a very fun very successful night. Nick's Chili came in second place. Whoo Hoo.  Sam enjoyed playing in the beer cooler and would even bring beer to people when asked. So the torch has been passed. I was a Beer girl as a kid and so will my child apparently. :)
My sister Sara competed in a Cross-fit competition and Holy Hell. I never realized she was so Bad Ass! She came in second place in her weight class. Dam!

Doing squats!



Thanksgiving went by in a blur! Always a great time. We had grandparent's and Great Grandparents, and Great Uncles, and Great Great Cousins. Yikes! Also a Great Cousin with her new family. And of course a ton of Aunts, Uncles and Cousin's.

 We deep fried the turkeys as now is our tradition and they are always yummy! I tried to get a good photo of my kid with his cousins but they were just not having it. Sam has so much fun playing with his cousins and they enjoy playing with him or chasing him or laughing at him. I'm so happy he gets to grow up with them.

 

 



There is so much that you are doing on a daily basis I can't keep up. You are now saying Banana instead of Bananie and are slowly trying to say Yes, but it's more like Ya. That's a start, you say NO plenty. You are very good at your Thank You! We are working on locating body parts, so far you have belly button down and ears, except I think you think those are your eyes. LOL
You are a very good jumper and you get a good half a foot off the ground when you do it.

Your a charmer...Everyone loves you. The ladies fall at your feet. We didn't see much of you during Chili-fest. Either Jenn ( Aunt Jacy's friend) or Lucy ( Uncle Brian's friend) were holding you and you just loved it. Not to mention you are so entertaining. Everyone just eats it up and you are such a Ham. You love to have an audience and if you do something to make someone laugh you will keep it up. We hear a lot of Where's Sam? When we first walk through the door.

And singing oh dear you love to sing. Especially to frozen. Oh it's your favorite and your pretty good at it and dancing. You love Taylor Swifts' Shake it off"  We have dance parties with you. Your such a happy baby, but don't worry you have your breakdowns, and we are trying to get rid of the paci. But you are not so happy to let it go.

 

 





 

Hiding Time

So Sam has taken to hiding. In the best places. Next to his crib he tends to throw his stuffed animals. This has become a favorite place to throw himself down and HIDE! He also covers his head so that I can't see him. Man this kid cracks me up.
He also has started to hide while Pooping. One day he ran into his bedroom and went into the closet and he also likes to get under the coffee table and poop in there. What a NUT!
So he is stating to have more fun with the puppies. Katie or Eee is still the only one he plays with but he has taken to Max or BA as he call him. He is always seeking him out probably because he likes to pull his ears. But he feeds the dogs...ALOT so they love him.

Sam and Mommy Selfie

Captain Bananas

What a Weekend

Sam had such a fun and exciting weekend. We started out the weekend by having Erin and Madalyn Fisher over for dinner on Friday night. Madalyn is 7 months and is on the move. It was a lot of fun to watch Sam interacting with a Baby. And he did good, gives this Mama hope for whenever there is a new born in the house. Although he is very much still at the stage of "That's Mine!" So Madalyn never really got to play with a toy very long. Boys!
On Saturday we made the trip up to Prescott for my Grandma's 87th Birthday! The trip was okay. We had to stop about an hour into our 21/2 hour trip to let Sam walk around as well as make a pit stop. He did pretty good the rest of the way. Got fussy when we were about 30 minutes out but was able to be calmed down with food. Kid is too easy. Sam had so much fun running around with his Cousin Ava and Noah.  I love watching them play together. There older he gets the better the three of them play together. Ava took on the roll of watcher and tattle-teller. LOL!  She very much likes to carry him around and took every opportunity to do just that.
Sam also got to enjoy his first bon fire as well as s'more. Or a marshmallow and graham  cracker. He did pretty good not going to close to the fire. But he was distracted by opening and closing the back door.
Tonight we are going to dinner with Nicks Mom and sister to celebrate Stacey's birthday. I think this little guy is going to have a very mellow week with all of this excitement this weekend.

Tempting Fate!

Sooooo first this week we had a poop incident and now I can say we have had a pee incident. Ahhh the joys of parenthood. Now I must admit that we were tempting fate for the past year and half. Sometimes after Sam gets out of the bath we will let him hang out so to speak without clothes or a diaper on. Well that backfired last Thursday night. I was hanging out in bed waiting for Sam and Daddy to finish up the bath. When they were done Nick put Sam on the bed to hang out for a bit. After a minute or two Nick lunges forward as I hear a NOISE! Yeah that noise was pee hitting our headboard. Luckily Nick caught him before he emptied the bladder but the damage was done. He managed to not do much damage to the bed. Just a quick sheet change and some wiping down we were set. We are on our learning curve.
On a happier note I'm not sure if I mentioned it before but we have some new words in Sam's vocabulary. Banana or Bananie as Sam says. We are working on Mouth and Nose and learning where those are located on his face. I also finally have uploaded some new photos so I can post those. Naked Bath photos. A mothers favorite!!!!

Sam loves Daddy's hats!!!

Oh Pooh.....no POOP!

Oh the joys of motherhood. So yesterday i let my son run around without pants on. BIG MISTAKE! Apparently at some point he took a poop and as the smell had not yet reached me I was not aware that he had. At some point I noticed he was scratching his leg near the diaper. Thinking he was merely uncomfortable just said "Sam stop scratching" That's when I noticed the hand, not noticing there was something on it just that he put it to his Mouth...YES his mouth at this point I was Fast Mommy moving in to action I was still not sure what was going on but with mother intuition I was pretty sure it wasn't good. Sure enough I turned my son around and realized he had given himself a Poo facial. UGH! I honestly had to hold back the vomit because it wanted to come out. So gagging I dragged him down the hall to deal with the poo diaper first to stop the source of poop to mouth. All the while during the changing I attempted to clean hands and mouth and then plopped him into a bath with some tooth brushing. As we were relaxing after bath Daddy came home. Lucky Duck he missed all the FUN...nope I meant HORROR! Oh little man Please, Please, Please don't make Mommy have to deal with that again. It was just too much for this mommy to handle.

On a slightly happier note we also went for his 18 month check up, with Shots. Man that kid is like a Dog who realizes they are headed to the Vet. As soon as I opened the door he started to cry to only be calmed with Food....works every time.
He weighed in at 23 pounds and is 31 inches.
So he very much does not like the nurse as he cried during her whole check up, but was quite the peach for the doctor. Go figure and he was a champ during the shots. Barely a whimper, and DAM those ladies are quick with those. He barely registered the first one and the second one was already in.

Needless to say I was not up to cooking dinner last night. Fajitas were on the menu and it just made me think of poop so Daddy had the joy of figuring out dinner. :)

My little man is growing up

You reached into a drawer in the kitchen and pulled stuff out, that was when i realized you are getting to big. I swear you couldn't reach those a week ago. The constant babbling or baby talk, you want to talk so bad. I can't believe that he is practically one and half years old. Where the hell did time go. I love the things you do and there is something new almost weekly. You copy anything and everything we do, and sometimes with much more flair. Like your NO. Where did the finger wagging come from. Not Me!
Funny faces man you still are. Which makes Mommy happy. I finally brought out my nice camera and was taking pictures of you. Except you were much more interested in being behind the camera then in front of it so we ended up taking more photos of daddy. Oh yeah still a Daddy's boy but you have come around to Mommy and I feel like we have a special little bond that Daddy isn't part of. Plus we like to scream at each other. Which I don't believe Daddy enjoys to much. Especially as we get louder each time we each scream. God you are so much like me.
I don't have any photos but I will soon. You look so much like your Papa DeMario when he was a baby. I didn't realize how much until we were looking at his photos last weekend when they were out here. Oh yeah the DeMario grandparents bought a house in AZ, so you finally have all grandparents in AZ as of Jan 2015. I am so excited. You really took to Nana when she was out here. You FORCE fed her goldfish crackers and would run open arms whenever she came in the door. I'm so excited that they will get to watch you grow up. It has been a pleasure so far for your parents. :)

These are some photos from the camera. You are unhappy in crying in most because you wanted me to pick you up so you could be behind the camera.

Days at Home

As of August 15th I am now officially unemployed, which is a crazy concept for me. I've never really been without a job since my first year of college.  My department in Phx was laid off back in June and my official last day was in August. But it's given me a chance to be at home with Sam which has been fun. Although he is nonstop and i'm pretty tired by the end of the day. I actually fell asleep on the couch the other day using Katie as a pillow. As much as I love being at home with the little guy I am anxious to get back to work.

I taught Sam how to say stinky the other day and to hold his nose. His poops are horrible. And now he likes to try and hold my nose sometimes missing it completely and sticking his fingers up it instead. LOL!
His cousins decided they no longer wanted their play kitchen and Sam LOVES to play with it. We went out and bought some play food and he likes to put it in all the doors and holes. That and his Mega Blocks. Looking forward to some fun days ahead.

Backyard

Let the mayhem begin. We have started work on our backyard. Full landscape and we cannot be more excited. We are finally going to have a place for Sam to run around and play and not have to worry about him running into the street. We haven't mastered the before and after pictures so we don't have any pictures of what the yard looked like before. But if you've been to our house you will remember the big ugly gate that blocked off the patio from the rest of the yard. Yes it was a pool gate and necessary at the time but not anymore. We will be putting up a pool fence directly around the pool so that Sam and the dogs have most of the yard to run around.

Pavers covering patio

BBQ grill directly to the right of patio

area in the corner will have a fire pit and bench. Fake grass will be in dirt area

pathway leading to side, dirt area will be grass

Just some of the plants

I believe Sam is getting his back molars because he is drooling like crazy and shoving his fingers to the back of his mouth and chewing on them. He has also been incredibly fussy, more so then usual. Our sweet little boy is hitting those terrible twos. But very mildly. I will hate to see his full blown. Yikes.
He is talking so much. AND i'm happy to note he know says Momma just as much as he says Dadda. :)
He very much hates changing his diaper and the really messy ones are just a battle. If we are both home we are both changing him. He loves to grab at himself and he is not very gentle about it. BOYS!

Loving the Sam selfies lately. He is very happy to take them.

Kisses!

Whooa

Drinking and Driving!

Happy 4th of July

Wow the time is flying by!! I can't believe how big you are getting and how much you are doing.
Walking everywhere and even running. Also you can now open our doors they have the long handles. Very easy for you to use. Your favorite game is to go into our pantry and close your self in. Now once in there you will do one of two things, you will continue opening and closing the door and SCREAMING at the same time or you will try to get into anything and everything.
You and Katie are starting to become friends. She will actually play fetch with you which is amazing since she will not give the balls up to us, but apparently she really likes your throws...about a few feet in front of you so maybe that's why.
You are hitting your terrible twos even though two years is a way off. When you get mad or we tell you NO you get mad and scream and cry. If you can't figure something out you throw it and scream. We are in for some interesting years.
You are talking so much. Your favorite words are Uh oh and ouch and Poo Poo!!! And Grannie will back me but you uttered Daddy go Poo!!!!!
 You know Food and Eat very well as well as the hand motions. Its the first thing you say some mornings, and speaking of food you are going to eat us out of house and home. Growing boy and you are hungry all the time. You eat so much but you love pasta and Blueberries are still your favorite and will eat it no matter what
You also make a lot of noises with your mouth. You pat your hand over your mouth while go ahhhhhh and your Grandma Eileen taught you to flick your finger over your mouth and make noises.
YOU love your little Cars couch/bed that we got you. You will throw yourself down on it and cover yourself with the blanket that your Great Grandma Walters made for you. You also like to sleep with a blanket. It's instant calming for you although its so hot out that you kick it off pretty quick but you like it to be there.
Speaking of HOT is July in Arizona and it is so hot out and of course another word you learned was Outside and you say it all the time but we can't take you out for too long. You are going to love the fall and winter. Hopefully we have a completed backyard for you to play in.
We had some sad times around our house. Our favorite babysitter Mrs. Liz is no longer watching you. Adult stuff. Sadly we had to find a new babysitter it was the hardest decision on both ends as she didn't want to let you go. You have already had a play date with them since. You know go to Mrs Kathy, there are a lot of kids for you to play with but I think it's been a bit of an adjustment for you and you do get a little cranky at drop of. I'm thinking you are no longer the center of attention as the Linford's adored you and treated you as royalty. But i think this will be good for you to get some interaction with other kids of all ages.
You are the biggest Daddy's Boy right now. Daddie is your mantra and a lot of the time it is when Mommy is holding you. I try to tell myself that it's a phase, but you really want to be around him and held by him and just in his general area.
So we just celebrated Fourth of July. No you didn't make it, and you were unimpressed by the NY fireworks that we watched the next day. Not a very exciting holiday. Maybe next year they will be more fun for you to watch.

Walking Man!!

Well it has finally happened you are a walking. We are so excited and not at the same time. Luckily you are just getting your walking feet so you still stick to crawling most of the time.
Wednesday April 30th. was your first time. You did it over at Mrs. Liz's house. When Daddy came to pick you up he got a little show and then he showed Mommy when you came home. We were so excited. Lately you are starting to walk on your own and can go quite the distance before falling. We LOVE it!!!!
You have also started to growl, it is Hilarious!!!!
I think you learned it from Leilah at the babysitters. Apparently you two have growling contests with each other.
Also you have quite the little spin move going on. Like you are in a cop movie. You sit on the floor and just start to spin. I love watching it, but can never get it on video.
So we are hitting 14 months in a couple of days and you are the growing boy. You eat the biggest breakfast most mornings. You love blueberries, probably one of your favorite fruits right now. You are not the biggest fan of cheese anymore. Hopefully that comes back, we are a cheese loving family.

EASTER!!!!!

So i'm horrible at this blogging thing so i have a little make-up to do.You had such a fun Easter. In the morning when we woke up you went through the Easter basket left from the Easter Bunny. You loved to pull out all the fun toys you got and then you had funny pulling out the Easter grass!

That morning we went over to your Aunt Sara and Uncle Mikes house for a Easter Brunch. You tried Ham but wasn't a big fan...just like Mommy. There was a little Easter egg hunt where you debut your Bear crawl. Apparently the fake grass was a little hot so you crawled with your butt in the air on your hands and feet. But you did like picking up the eggs and the rocks. 

From there you and Daddy went to your Great Aunt Barb's house. Mommy was feeling pretty sick that day so she went home. But you had a blast over there and you came back with lots of goodies. You really started to get the hang of picking up eggs. Next year's egg hunt should be a lot of fun.

Your Easter Basket!!!

Sickies!!!! 

Speaking of Mommy being sick we have had a sick household for some time.

It started with you getting the stomach flu. That was not a fun time. You woke up one Sunday morning covered in poo and throw up. Daddy was sick the same day, it took Mommy two days to get it. But we survived for a little while.

But Mommy got sick again with a horrible cough that ended up being Bronchitis. Let's just say I hope to never get that again. It keeps me away from my favorite little nugget for too long. 

My One Year Old!

I can't believe the day has come that you turned One years old. You have grown so much this past year and you have been such a joy to your father and me. Even your bad days which are few and far between. It's so much fun to see what new discoveries you make and to see you play with your cousins and friends.

You have pretty much moved to eating solid foods. Hot dogs being your favorite, but you do enjoy blueberry waffles and pancakes. You are not to picky about your veggies yet. but if you are your mothers son that will come soon. But my fingers are crossed you won't be picky.

You aren't walking on your own yet but you like to walk around the coffee table. We have a keyboard on the table that you love to play with. You sing into the microphone and groove out to the music.

Speaking of music...You love it!!! You have some serious moves(for a baby) My favorite is when you are sitting on the ground and your butt just starts to move and you are moving forward all the while do the white guy hands in the air.

You have your top four teeth still coming in. Not fully in yet, but getting close. They don't want to seem to grown in anymore then they are.

You talk a lot and can form so good words. Daddy is teaching you thank you!.

You loved your cake on your birthday!!!
It was a very fun day. So many people came to celebrate with you. Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents', Cousins and friends. We had a full house and you got so many great presents. You are such a special loved little boy.

I can't wait to see what this next year brings and all the new things you learn. 

Stay precious and sweet my little boy. We love you so much!

Mash-Up

Okay so I'm really bad at keeping up with this blog. Let's just get right into this.
Sam's first Christmas was so much fun. The kiddo got SO many toys and not just from Mommy and Daddy. He is one spoiled little man. He enjoyed opening the presents that were in bags he loved to pull the paper out of them and then put it in his mouth. We can say that Sam enjoyed his many, many Christmas's. This lucky kid gets to enjoy quite a few. Lots of family in Phx.

Happy Family First Christmas!!!

Moving right along lets talk about what this kid is doing because it's a lot. 

He is now crawling on all fours and he can move especially when he sees an open door. Watch out!

He is standing a lot holding onto furniture or toys and he gets a second or two or air time when you let him go before falling down. Walking here we come. 

He is getting into everything. He has figured out our trash can (smarty) he just waves his hand and OHHH so many fun things to get into. He can open the drawers in our kitchen (also fun) and i swear it's a matter of time before he figures out how to open the freezer, he is sooo close.

He now has his two front teeth and the ones next to both have popped through. 

Kid is growing like a weed. He is in 12 month clothing and certain brands are already tight. 

HE loves table food. Does not want his baby food a lot of the time. Loves Hot Dogs and graham crackers. He also eats bananas, string cheese, turkey, raviolis, and puffs( of course)

We are also very excited as Oliver Izzo was born January 27,2014 and Madalyn Fisher was born February 18, 2014. He hasn't met either yet but we will be having many play dates with both of them when they get a little older. I'm so excited. 

Sam also has his first girlfriend, a very aggressive one. Little Miss Layliegh LOVES Sam and gives him kisses whenever she can pin him down. It's very cute to watch her chase him and try and kiss him. 

Mr Noah Leptuch just celebrated his 3rd birthday and these kiddos are starting to play very nicely with Sam. I love that he can be close with his cousins. I'm excited to watch them grow up together. 

We are going to celebrate Miss Ava's 5th birthday today.

Let's hope i can keep up with this, this year all though it's not looking to good so far!!!!