Dear Baby Boy

You have managed to make your own way as the littlest member of our family.  You prefer to be right in the mix of whatever's going on in the house.  You hate to be left alone, even for a minute.  But, you will happily play as long as someone stays in the room with you.  You love your big sister and brother, and they adore you.  You are a full-fledged member of their little club, and you know it.

You don't say a lot, yet, but you certainly know how to express yourself.  I love the look of pride on your face when you help unload the dishwasher, clumsily thrusting each dish up at me.  I love how you giggle your way through your favorite books, excitedly turning the pages.  I love how snuggly you are, wrapping your arms around my neck, and burying your face in my chest when you're sleepy.  I love your toothy grin.  Your smile melts my heart. Every. Single. Time.

Samuel, you complete our family in the most perfect way.  It's as if we've been waiting for you to join us, and now that you're here, everything feels just right.  What a wonderful year it's been, getting to know you!  I can't wait to see what you'll do next.  Happy Birthday.

Sibling Rivalry

Yup, I'd say that accurately depicts about 80% of their interactions.

11 month old beach babies

 

 Let's see, what's new this month?  Sam can wave hello and goodbye.  He, also, says "Hi", but it sounds more like "Ha". He can crawl super fast.  He cruises along the furniture, but doesn't really stand unsupported yet.  He still has 8 teeth (where are the rest of those teeth?!?).  He's trying really hard to say Marley and Amelia's names.  He responds to everything you say to him with, what sounds like "Huh?".  He can play the kazoo.  He usually takes two naps a day (occasionally just one, though). He goes to bed around 8 pm and wakes up around 7 am, with lots of wake ups in the middle.  He likes to dance. He bites.  Hard.  He hates wearing socks.  He loves playing with his older siblings, and wants to be wherever they are at all times.  He is too distracted to nurse for more than a couple of minutes (at most!) at a time during the day (hence all the night wakings, I'm assuming).  He wears 18-24 month size clothes. He likes to roll toy cars and trucks along on the floor.  He listens to Vampire Weekend when he gets rocked to sleep. He likes to hide things and find them again.  And again, and again, and again:)

Samuel: 26.5 lbs, 29.5"

Amelia: 21 lbs, 29.5"

Marley: 20.5 lbs, 29"

Rain, rain...stick around

Living in Seattle, we pretty much have to embrace the rain, otherwise we might not leave the house for months at a time! When the weather turns yucky, we break out our rain gear and head outside.

The alley leading to Schmitz Park has all kinds of giant puddles to jump in.

The park itself is pretty magical in the rain. Everything is so lush and green.

I'm getting good use out of my new Bogs. Thanks, Mom!

I let the kids lead the way as we explore the woods.

They were almost too busy for a short rest on this bench. 

Amelia describes in great detail some of the things she saw.

Marley says he feels strong and powerful hiking through the park.

It wasn't raining very hard that day, but it was definitely coming down at times. The funny thing was that we passed at least 15 other people walking through the park in the rain! I love our neighborhood!

Still a Baby

Even though Sam will be turning one this month (yes, I know I still owe you an 11 month post), he is still very much my little baby. I've been trying to savor, what I consider to be, one of life's greatest pleasures: rocking a baby to sleep. It's not always easy to savor at 2 am, but on mornings like this, when the big kids are both at school, it's heavenly!

ps. This is an iPhone post. I hope it looks okay because I think posting from my phone will help me stay on top of my blogumenting a little better.

More Overheard

Amelia: Do you want to play The Superhero and The Princess?
Marley: No thanks.
Amelia: Do you want to play The Princess and The Superhero?
Marley: No.
Amelia: How about The Superhero Saves The Princess?
Marley: No, I don't want to play that, either.
Amelia: Do you want to play The Princess Spins Around and Twirls?
Marley: I think you could play that one by yourself.
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Amelia does not like to say each other.  For some reason, she just thinks it sounds wrong.  So, instead she says you chother (or maybe it's youch other, I'm not really sure).  Marley has tried many times to correct her, but she thinks (naturally) that her way is best.
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Marley: (to me) What's 6 + 3?
Marley: (before I can answer) Nevermind, I'll just look it up. (Counts on his fingers to 9.)

Overheard

Marley and Amelia have the strangest conversations in the back seat of the car.

Exhibit A:
Amelia: I spy, with my little eye, something that starts with "er."
Marley: Is it the road?
Amelia: No, it's a rainbow.
Marley: Where?  I don't see a rainbow.
Amelia: It's an invisible rainbow.
Marley: Amelia, there's no such thing as an invisible rainbow.
Amelia: Well, I can see it.
Marley: Ugh, I hate when Amelia uses her imagination.

Exhibit B:
Amelia: I want a turn [with that toy]!
Marley: No, Amelia, I'm never giving you a turn.  You can have a turn when you're dead!
Amelia: But, Marley, if I'm dead how will I hold it?  Will you put it in my hand for me?
Marley: Yes, I'll make your bones hold onto it.
Amelia: And will you move my bones to make me play with it, too?
Marley: Yes.
Amelia: Okay, thanks, Marley.