Sam's 9 Months stats

Sam had a very successful 9 month appointment with Dr. Erin.  He is growing like a weed and really showing his personality.  He was laughing, crawling, drooling, and so happy. 

Height: 2' 4" (33%ile)
Weight: 17lb (10%ile)
Head: 18" (66%ile)

This was the first time that both Tim and I underestimated his (or Abby's) weight!  He checked out well and we got clearance to start introducing cow's milk and water during meals.  Let's go sippy cups! Iron is the critical component in breast milk, so we need to continue to add iron to his diet. Cereal, veggies, etc.   We'll begin transitioning to cow's milk fully between 10 and 11 months, with a goal of fully transitioned at 12 months. Which means only 1-2 more months of pumping!  YAY! 

Happy 9 Month Birthday Sam!

I happen to find Abby's 9 month blog post while looking for something else and knew a side by side was due for these kiddos.

Nine months old.  Almost one year!  It took almost 30 clicks of the camera to try and get a decent shot.  I think all three of us (Tim, Abby AND I) gave up.  Sam was just too happy to sit still!  At nine months, Sam is eating almost everything we are, purred of course!  He is crawling and moving quickly to where he wants to go, and is even pulling himself up to a standing position.  Out came the activity table and boy is he happy as a clam.  Everything is being put in his mouth, but his pincer grasp is coming along nicely.  The shovels in the puffs by the handful.  Sam is such a happy baby and is truly a pleasure to watch grown.  He sleeps through the night (still!) and wakes up laughing and talking to himself.  We did go through a rough three weeks where he was a bit fussy.  Getting over a cold and teething is not fun for sure.  We still only have two teeth, but we can see at least two more on the very near horizon. Stay tuned!

The best we could get

The out takes...

He is belly laughing in this one! Who knew we were so funny??

 

The shadows bother me in these pics - it reminds me that it's getting darker earlier and with taking these as soon as we got home, the sun was already setting.  Summer, hurry back!

Oink Oink = Giggles!

I dare you not to smile.  I triple dog dare you....

 I can't stand it - he's so cute!

Nemo Comes Home!

After a bout of sickies, Abby was having trouble sleeping through the night and staying in her own bed.  I was sick of having a toddler foot up my butt and decided to bribe incent Abby to stay in her room.

Me:  Would you like to earn something for staying in your room?
Abby:  Sure!
Me:  How about 5 stickers?
Abby: Nah..
Me:  How about 5 stickers and a dollar?  (I was getting desperate...)
Abby: Nope!
Me: How about 5 stickers and 4 quarters!
Abby: Okay!

Score - I win!

Within 5 days she earned $3.50 and a whole sheet of stickers.  We talked about what she could buy with her money.  A dog. A trip to the toy store.  A trip to the candy store.  Ice cream.  I suggested a fish, and she totally bit at it!  (Pun completely intended!)

Our drive to the pet store on Sunday resulted in a lesson on money.  I shared with Abby that I wasn't sure if she had enough money, but that if she didn't, she could borrow money and she'd have to pay it back.  If she had enough, we could hit the candy store after.  Well, she was $.50 short so she owes Mimi a chore - organizing the play room at her house :-)  Tough love, right???

In all honesty, there wasn't much to choose from that was $3.50 and didn't require a tank/heater.  She picked out the lone beta and named him Nemo.   He is now sitting on our bookshelf. 

The best part?  We are back to sleeping through the night AND I don't have toddler toes up my butt crack. :-)

Seawall Beach

This place is a true, magic gem of Maine.  It is hidden, not easily accessible, but absolutely one of the most breathtaking spots in this area.  We are so thankful for our friends Jen and Liz for taking us here. 

The area is owned by the Bates Conservatory and is in Bath.  Parking is limited, so you have to get there early.  There is only one way in and visitors are scarce. We got the LAST spot!  After about a mile hike in over a paved, dirt road you reach Seawall Beach.  You can see Popham beach from Seawall - so, it's close to people, but hard to get there.  Pictures and words can't really explain the magnificence of this spot - one that is filled with sand dollars, huge clam shells, tidal pools, and neat and interesting shells. 

Tide pools are for jumping!  Thankfully we brought other clothes

Just beautiful.  Stunning.  We'll be sure to to share this secret spot with all of our friends in person!

Swim Lessons

With school starting and programs staring, the weekends are shaping up to be busy.  Saturday morning now host our Swim Lessons.  Both Abby and Sam get to play and learn in the water now.  Sam was smitten with the nursery rhymes and special time with Dada - who am I kidding, Tim lost in Paper, Scissors, Rock and had to go in the pool. 

Sunday began the Sunday school year and Abby was ecstatic to learn and sing with Miss Linda and her friends.  Busy, busy weekends, but oh so fun!

Sam is Standing!

It's crazy how fast these little guys grow and learn. I love every single second of it and look forward to the next lesson. This week Sam learned to pull himself to a standing position.  We quickly lowered the crib, child proofed the next level, and encouraged to explore.  Digging out a few new toys, he realizes there is a whole new world out there!

He is so proud of himself!

Abby isms.....

Abby:  Can we give Sam back this weekend?
Me: Back where, honey?
Abby: I don't want a baby brother, I want a baby sister.
Me: Oh, really?  Why?
Abby:  Baby sisters are more fun..
Me: Well, where do you want to bring him?
Abby: Can we bring him to the Swap shop? (the swap shop is a place where Cape residents can drop off/take free stuff
Me: I'm not sure if they are going to have baby sisters, there sweetie.  I think you're stuck with him, and he's stuck with you.


Oh my goodness was this a hilarious conversation.  She was so matter of fact and oh so serious of trading in Sam.  Don't worry, I did share that he is an "All sales final" kind of deal.

Smiling Hill Farm 2013

We always try to get to the "farm" once a summer, and as a friend said, going on "back to school" day is the best day of the year! Abby, Sam, & I met a few friends at Smiling Hill Farm to hang out with the animals, play on the plays structures and eat some ice cream! It took awhile for Abby to warm up a bit, but she did!  She wasn't feeling 100% and she was a sport the whole day.  She ended up taking a nice long nap in the afternoon to make up for the busy morning. 

I swear I took more pictures, especially of Abby and "A" holding hands and "trouble" running around fancy free!  I swear I did.  I'll have to snag more pictures from the other photographer :-) 

Bar Harbor 2013

We are so fortunate to be able to spend time with our families as often as we do, even when they live out of state.  Even more lucky that they LOVE to visit Maine!

Papa and Gwen rented a gorgeous old, farmhouse just steps from the water in Southwest.  Here are a few of my favorite shots from the weekend.

Day 2 - Ship Harbor Trail in SW Harbor

A BRIDGE!

Bass Harbor Light House

Fir is Friendly, Spruce is Pricky!

Jordan Pond House 

This was the best shot (the comedy!) of us on Cadillac Mountain for Sunset

Day 3 The boys concentrating on the important things.  (LOL!)

The Proctors started Geocaching - can't wait for more!

Abby is super excited for the treasure hunts of Geocaching!