Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Turkey Run State Park

We enjoyed a beautiful day at Turkey Run State Park - our first time there in the 3 years since living in Indiana.  It was gorgeous.  I had no idea this was so close and we could have kicked ourselves for not going there sooner.  We spent the day hiking, having a picnic, and swimming in the pool there.  We took dozens of photos, here are just some of our favorites.

Getting ready to walk across the suspension bridge into more of the wooded area.  Samantha looks nervous.  Though, understandably if you look at the next photos.
 God's light shining through the canopy.  When you are in places as beautiful as this, you can't deny God's presence.  :)
Samantha remained a little scared of the rocks in the beginning and wouldn't let us put her down.  Finally, after showing her cool bugs, waterfalls, and the joy of throwing rocks into the stream, she loosened up some.  Still, poor daddy carried her most of the day - neither one of us trusted my klutzy nature on slippery rocks.  ;)

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Sunday, July 18, 2010

Playing Dress Up

I've got a total girl who loves to play dress up.  She picked out her attire, I just helped her put it all on.

18 Months old!

Samantha had her 18 month old appointment on Thursday and it just reminded me how quickly the time has gone!  It makes me a little sad, but we truly feel so blessed for every moment we have with her.  She has brought so much joy into our life and has truly been the light of our life.  So I thought I'd take some time to brag on her some more - my right as a Mama.  For those that think - well isn't this what the whole blog is about - WELL YES!  Families and the children in it are God's greatest blessings.

Stats:
Weight - 23.2 lbs -- 30% percentile
Length - 31.75 in -- 45% percentile
Head - 47 cm -- 60% percentile (her daddy's big head ;) )

Personality:
The older she gets the more and more her unique personality showcases.  However, glimpses of this were evident - I swear - from day 1!
-  She is shy around new people or people she hasn't seen in awhile but once she gets comfortable she is incredibly outgoing
-  She is a ham -- so funny!
-  She hates the camera and will turn as soon as it flashes
-  She has a quick temper -- drama, drama -- but can be distracted very easily
-  She is so loving - likes to gives out kisses and hugs

Skills:
Watching how quickly they pick up and learn things AMAZES ME!
-  Knows about 60 words
-  Sits and "faux" reads books (her favorite toys)
-  Can point out all her body parts on her and you
-  Can point out and name LOTS of things
-  Plays pretend - tea party, reads books to stuffed animals, play cooking, dress up & hide n' seek
-  Helpful - will bring me things - wants to help unload dishwasher and groceries
-  Tells us about 1/2 the time afterwards that she has peed or pooped
-  Sings lines from "Twinkle, Twinkle" and "Row Your Boat"
-  Walks with play or real phone and carries on conversations with people
-  Makes 2 and 3 word sentences - "I need...," " Daddy car keys," "One more..." (which means 100 more) etc...
-  Sits on side of pool and "jumps" in to Daddy

New Changes
- Likes to be read to and held before every nap/bedtime, but likes to put herself to sleep in her bed
-  Picky veggies eater, but really loving her fruit - new favs are grapes and strawberries (everything reddish and round is termed an "apple" though interestingly she doesn't really love apples)
-  Obsessed with the pool
-  Obsessed with Curious George (poor Mickey has moved to 2nd place)
-  Loves her big girl bike
-  Loves swinging - esp. on someone's lap!
-  Favorite cracker/cookies - Peanut Butter filled cheddar crackers

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Moments that make you smile

 Realizing she has your hair at such a young age - my little curly Sue!
I think we prayed too long at dinner - she didn't make it through. :)
Samantha realizing that we are in the car YET AGAIN!
Catch looking for Daddy and being snuck up on.
 
Being found and now chased!
A stand-off at the pool to get the baby back in!
Laughing because was the pillow really necessary with a belly that big?  And does the food I cook contain a sedative or is that her way to get out of eating my cooking?
Realizing that the binky DOES make her THAT happy and that we are going to have a fight on our hands when we take it away. 

Meeting Mr. Eli

This past weekend we drove to Louisville, KY to visit our dear friends Andy and Devon and to meet their adorable son Eli.  Sadly, it took us 7 months to see him because of the craziness of life, and our trip was brief - but it was so nice to catch up and to see him in person.  Was a precious addition to the Freeman family he is and we are so blessed to be a part of their lives.  What a special family.

I wish I could have gotten more pictures, but the weekend went by so fast.  Poor Samantha got reacquainted with some baby toys and was fascinated with all of Eli's things.  So she ran through their house checking out all the goodies.  :)  Eli reminded us how chill that 7 month age is and how quickly that goes, as we'd turn around and see our little girl running through the house.  They truly grow up too quick! :)

The Daddies with their handfuls.  I have taken many pictures of these two guys side by side, but this is truly the most precious.
Andy and Eli - so adorable!
Mamas chatting during swing time with the kiddos. 
Eli getting ready for mealtime.
Look closely - yes that is my baby stealing Eli's food tray.  Caught ya! ;)
Enjoying all those baby toys and managing to wedge herself into the Bumbo - though getting out took a little help from Mama.
She got to where she was saying Eli's say (or rather "E-i") and when I asked where he was at that moment, she raised her hands in her common "I don't know" response.  
Her favorite toys are the books, so we made sure to bring a lot with us. 
Enjoying some books with Daddy before bed, while the Mommies sneak off to see the movie -- Eclipse -- SO GOOD!
 Little Miss Drama, getting into telling me about the dog - who was chasing her in the yard for the bottle to play with.  :)

Eating at Puccini's our last day.  This is a typical picture of me with Samantha - I guess since I take 95% of the pictures, my husband has not gotten the act of "get baby's attention first" - I swear the man just barely looks in the camera, snaps and places the camera back in his pocket.  Ugh - men. ;)  Luckily, the other non-posted picture of us together, Samantha is looking in no-man's land with her hands down my shirt -- so this was at least better.  :)

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

July 4th

We had a very special July 4th.  Our niece Haley came home from WV with us, to stay through the 4th.  It was so wonderful having her here - it made the 4th even more special.  Of course, Samantha was smitten with her and was yelling for "Hagey" everywhere she went that week!

For the 4th we grilled out hot dogs, corn, watermelon and ice cream pie!  Our neighbor Fred joined us for the meal and some intense corn hole competitions.  :)  Afterwards Fred went home on a high note, having beaten Keith at corn hole, and we went to our first big fireworks display with Samantha at the bridge in Geist.

It was such a beautiful, fun day.  Very relaxing!  The fireworks were a great end to it, despite the fact that poor Samantha slept through them - she almost made it, but collapsed on Daddy's shoulder just minutes before.  But, heck that is still a big day for a baby.


Samantha played peek-a-boo in the curtains while I was cooking - her new favorite game.  She'll hide in the (transparent) curtains and yell "Mama, Mama" until I find her.  :)

Got her! :)
Fred and Keith in an intense head-to-head battle at Corn Hole.  Me, relishing behind the camera to see my dear hubby get beat.  I know, I know that sounds bad - but I have been beat by him enough -- karma was due! :)
Chilling at the bridge in Geist waiting for the fireworks with Haley
Crazy girl!  
My beautiful firecracker! :)

The next day, Keith's sister Vicki came to get Haley and spend a few days with Samantha.  It was so much fun hanging out with both ladies.

Chatting with Vicki and poor Sadie trying to get in on the conversation
Loving on the new baby Vicki brought for her.  Thanks Vicki!
Relaxing with some of her babies after a fun, busy day and watching a little Curious George (her new obsession)!

Thanks Haley for spending so much time with us and for you both making Samantha feel so special!  We miss you!