Hanging with Mal

Keith's niece Mallory and her boyfriend, Christian, came to visit this past weekend over their Spring Break.  It was so nice spending time with them, though a tough reality knowing that we are now the old folks (Mal is now 19 and I have known her 14 years!!).  We were on a 14 month's old schedule, but we had a great time nonetheless.  Needless to say, Samantha kept us all entertained -- what a ham.  And, what a flirt - she was totally obsessed with Christian - poor Keith played second fiddle that weekend.  Though with this being our first time meeting Christian, he scored big points with us because he was wonderful with Sami -- I think they were attached at the hip all weekend.  So, Mal has officially lost her title as "Baby Hog." ;)

Thanks for coming to visit guys - it meant a lot to us!

Her New Boyfriend, Christian. :)

Of course it rained all weekend (I swear it always does when we have visitors) - so Samantha was looking outside and wishing that rain AWAY!!

She moved from the tiarra to the ball cap -- okay, maybe it is more about the attention, than the TYPE of headpiece.  :)

Yes, sad to say that daddy taught her that.  She thinks it is SO funny!

Waving at herself, as she sees her live video on the computer.  Haha

Trying on Mallory's pair of Uggs....one day, Sami!

Samantha holding her Easter bunny - thanks Aunt Tami, Grandma and Papaw for the Easter gifts you sent down. :)

Daddy getting a private conversation with Sami after Christian left - and finally getting her attention back. :)

Pushing her beloved Mickey around the house on her Mickey train -- her idea.  Too cute.  She definitely keeps us laughing.

 

Rolls, Hugs and Toothy Grins

I think I'm in trouble...

Samantha is a ham and constantly keeps me in giggles.  Whether it is her boot-scoot'n to music, her contagious laugh, or her love of chasing and being chased - she keeps you smiling.  Yes, she has a flair for the dramatic (as you will see), a quick temper which fades just as quickly (Keith written all over that one), and a child that is also very mellow -- I know sounds opposite to all I said before.  But, she loves to play by herself and could sit with you for hours reading books (and often prefers to play with books).  However, when she has a ready audience she is ON (yes, you can blame the Silverthorne genes for that one!)  ;)  And, I love it!

So, I am going around my butt to get to my elbow, as my dad would say (yeah, figure out that saying in your own time).  I am telling you all this to preface our hysterical outing yesterday.

Mondays are our grocery store days.  With list and weekly menu in hand, we leave after her morning nap (if God blesses us with one) and go pick up a quick lunch together, then go to Aldi and then Walmart.  This makes for a full day for a 14 month old.  At our first stop - Burger King - I got her a happy meal.  The happy meal came with a princess crown. 

Now let me regress and say that my daughter loves hats, headbands, etc (probably because I have put them on her since birth) and is lately into trying to put them on herself, as well as socks and shoes (obviously she can't, but she tries).

So once seeing this crown, her face literally lit up!  She kept putting it on her head and giggling.  If it fell off, she replaced it.  Honestly, she was in hog's heaven.  So, I assumed this interest would wear off, but no.  If it fell off, she immediately replaced it.  So we proceeded through most of our day out in public with my daughter sporting a crown and a giddy laugh and smile.  And boy did she get attention -- and she loved it! 

She is a total girl and a total princess -- and I truly think this is a sign for trouble.  But, it just recomfirms how much I love little girls!

Of course I didn't have anything to take a photo in Walmart, but here are some picks from that evening at home.  :)

Giggle Fits

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWcvVD3ijV8

Family Moments in CO

Nana held her for a 3 hour nap - hence why she slept 3 hours!  Spoiled, isn't she. :)

And this was how happy she looked after that nap - she was practically giddy and I think Nana went into bladder lock. :)

Still a little dazed!

Catching up on some FOX News with Sami - getting her started early.  ;)  Samantha certaintly had a great time bonding with Papa - soon I'll be posting some great videos of her giggle fits.  :)

Mom hogged the back seat with her, but in her defense Samantha would cry if Nana left her side - can be say attached?!

Tia posing with Reagan, Sami and Jackie.  These photos are sans Maddie because there was a little meltdown - happens in a house full of women.  :)

What a wonderful week Samantha and I had with my sister and her family, Nana and Papa.  It went by too quick and only reinforced by wish that we could all be closer. 

Thank you all for a great trip - for all the laughter and great memories!

Out on the Town

While in Colorado visiting family I got spoiled by some outings that are normally few and far between since the birth of Miss Samantha.  I got to enjoy two movie outings, one with and one without Sami. 

Shockingly, and to the humor of everyone, Samantha sat through all of the Lightning Thief (amazing movie and books BTW)!  I brought a portable high chair and put her in the seat next to me - I was prepared with tons of snacks, a sippy cup, a binky - but I figured I might just get through the previews if I was lucky!  However, she ate it up!  She sat in her highchair seat happily for the first hour and spent the rest of the time in my lap - we only had to bounce in the aisle for the last 15 minutes.  She laughed, she repeated words (we all chuckled when she said "yeehaw" 3 times after an actor said it, she clapped (and yes at the appropriate time) -- she was a hoot!  I think I watched her expressions as much as the movie!  It was precious!  I think we have a lot of good times in the future we us - what a fun kid!

However, I did get to have 2 adult-only outings.  The first was to a party with my sister and brother-in-law on Saturday night.  Tia set up a babysitter for the kids and after I put down Sami we headed to her neighbors house.  The event required a cute dress (thanks Tia for getting it for me), cute heels and makeup-woohoo!!  It was nice meeting Tia's friends, socializing with adults and yes, partaking in a Rum & Coke and another of Ed's concotions.  Plus, you know me I visited the food tables many times!  

Sorry for the booby shot - why dooes black and gray always look see-through on camera.  oops. ;)

This time Tia, Mom and I went to a girls-only outing to see the movie Shutter Island.  It was great - disturbing, but really good.  I thought Tia would never forgive me, though - as she prefers comedy to physological thrillers (see her commentary on her blog).   :) But, it was great, the popcorn was good and it totally held up to the book (part of my 2010 challenge - great read!).  Unfortunately it was a 9:40pm movie so I thought it was a great idea to head out in sweatpants and a hoodie - not a great photo opt, but had to take a blog pic no matter what.  :)

Finally...

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

Okay people I am taking this as true science, so "AHA" to all those that say she only looks like Keith (don't burst my bubble too much). :)

Antics of a 13 Month Old

Here is an update with what's new with our little SamBug...

1) She loves pickles!

2) She hasn't started walking yet, but she does stand on her own, push things and has managed to take a few steps along from the ottoman to the couch. BTW - the first time she did this was to her daddy when I was in the bathroom -- I know, I know ...I am the at-home Mom. Welcome to one of the many times you will say as a parent "ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"

3) Early on she started saying Mama (about 8 mths), daddy (9 months) and baby (in between somewhere), but I have never gotten it on video - so here goes (click on link). Also, she says "yello" (aka hello) when she holds the phone to her ear, but the best in the serious, and very long conversations she will have with you - animations included - though none of the words are understandable. She will even repeat, like "come-on people!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_-qDHQp4S4
4) She will pretend to read books herself, flipping pages and saying "yabba-yabba...,"
5) She will open your hand, hand you a book and then turn herself around to sit in your lap

6) She LOVES hugs and will constantly pull you in or grab your hand to her and rest her head on it...my favorite moments

7) If she wants something, she will scream -- "Ahh" and point until you figure it out. Not my favorite thing, esp. in public. ;)

8) In the past 2 months her and Sadie have become best friends! She lays on her, kisses her and hugs on her and Sadie comes back for more! Every morning Sadie rushes to give her slobbering kisses.

9) Child loves to dance, even though I fear she has her father's dancing skills

10) Give her a brush and anything similar and she will brush her hair and yours.

11) The saddest, she stopped breastfeeding 2 weeks after her 1 year birthday. sniff, sniff. But, I was happy to have gone that long

12) This week she has slept in TWICE until 8 am -- that is maybe 2 of the 4 times she has ever done that woo-hoo

13) Her favorite toys - tuberware and spoons on the kitchen floor, and a sack of potatoes -- in other words, anything that has not been bought as a "baby toy."

So, in other words, she is growing up beautifully, but WAY TOO QUICKLY!!

Keith's 30th!!

This past weekend we went up to WV to celebrate Keith's 30th birthday.  We had a nice weekend and were surprised that Keith's nephew Logan and his Grandmother was able to come in.  I know it meant a lot to Keith to be around family.

Grandma VanGilder and Samantha

Brooks Family

Marshall Family

Posing with Baby before dinner.  BTW Keith's shirt said "It Took 30 Years to Look This Good" -- priceless!! :)

Newbrough Family Photo at the Lafeyette restaurant

Getting ready to plow through gifts - Samantha's favorite part (esp. the tissue!)

Keith got a lot of great gifts, including this WV history book from his sister Vicki, a Wii from my parents, tons of Wii games from my sisters and his, and lots of great accessories and clothes from his parents.  However, I think the 2 best presents by far was the scrapbook (where every family member - on my side and his- as well as myself and friends- did 1-2 pages each; personalized with their memories with Keith -- so touching!!) and his surprise guy's weekend Labor Day weekend to see the Indy 500 Race with his friends and family.  Definitely a memorable birthday!

And, of course it had to be topped off with Keith's favorite - Ice Cream cake - and a bib that just states it all!

I can't believe my hubby is officially 30.  However, since we are the babies amongst most of our friends, I ought not to make too big of a deal about it.  ;)

Precious Moments