CAKE!

I cannot believe our little Thanksgiving baby is already 1. Time really does fly when you are having fun and Sammy has brought more fun into our lives than I could have imagined. He's easy-going, funny, sweet and loving, busy, and so curious. We love him for how much he's like all of us and even more for how much he reminds us we have to learn. The priviledge of watching him turn from a tiny baby into a determined nearly-toddling toddler has been one of my greatest pleasures in life.

We had so much family around during the Thankgsgiving holidays this year that his birthday was a little disjointed, with pie instead of cake and presents at several houses. We did take some time to have a small 1st birthday party at home though, because no first birthday is complete without cake!

 

Sammy's Hat

Brotherly Bedtime Stories

One of Matthew's favorite things to do each day at nap and bedtime is to choose books for Sammy and "read" them to him. Sammy loves it too.

Then and now: Big Helper

Sammy loves to help with the dishes. If he hears the dishwasher open, he comes running (OK, crawling at top speed) to begin to empty it. He takes all of them out and will hand them to you, often faster than you can get them put away. And when you close it, there are often a lot of tears. Of course, he doesn't discriminate between the dirty and clean dishes, all must be put away!

 Matthew also really loved to help with the dishes when he was Sammy's age. It's so fun to look back and to see them doing similar things.

First Snow 2010

During Sammy's morning nap today, we went out to enjoy our first snowfall of the year. Nearly all of the snow in the city had melted completely yesterday, but luckily we have a shady front yard and there was still enough to play in. 

Gingerbread Houses

Last year, Owen's mom started a tradition of building gingerbread houses at Thanksgiving. She really goes all out! She actually makes the gingerbread and cuts the houses out herself. She assembles the houses a few days ahead of time, so the icing "glue" has time to dry and set. And then there is more candy than you could imagine to decorate them with.

Before we started

Matthew working on the roof, complete with icing on his lip. His favorite part is the "sampling."

Each family did their own house. Here is a group shot.

Sammy and I were indisposed last year for the event, but I was happy to get to participate this year.

Thanksgiving & Sammy's Birthday Part 1

We celebrated Thanksgiving and Sammy's birthday early with Owen's family yesterday. Matthew spent a lot of time with Uncle Evan playing with the big boys' old toys. His favorites are the wrestling guys and the fact that Evan was finally able to show him how the crash test dummies work.

Sammy made the most of his first Thanksgiving meal. He is pretty sure that eight servings of formula at the hospital doesn't cut it. Look buddy, hospital food didn't cut it for me either.

I can't believe my baby is almost 1. I have no idea where the time goes. And no one should be surprised that once again, Sammy was worn out by the events of the day.