A little piece of Pop-pop

I wasn't raised in a very religious household and don't truly know what my beliefs are about what happens to a person after they die. I do, however, think the ones we loved are somewhere looking down on us. Maybe we believe this to take comfort in feeling they are in a "better place." Maybe there is a heaven with golden gates and puffy clouds. Whatever the reason, I always felt that Pop-pop is somewhere looking out for me. First, when after so many years of searching for Mr. Right, Matt, a fisherman, walks into my life. And while I do not believe in reincarnation, I have always felt that there was a little piece of Pop-pop in Sam. He has his blue eyes and looks to be a lefty in the making so far holding his spoon and crayons in his left hand. Sam has recently discovered the one keepsake I have of Pop-pop's - his fisherman's hat, and he just won't let it go. Maybe it's just his interest of the week. Or maybe he thinks this hat that was worn in the salty sea air by his great-grandpop he never got the chance to meet now belongs on his head. Whatever the reason, I still have to smile everytime I see that little piece of Pop-pop in my son.

Sam's many seats

Sam loves to sit - for a second. He creates seats out of some interesting spots. He sits in his leather chair

And his musical chair. A box of wine makes a good chair. One of his favorite seats - the entertainment center.

A box makes a good seat.

The fireplace hearth perhaps?

And of course the original Sam chair - November 2009

November 2010

(and yes, he is constantly chewing on something)

But don't misunderstand. He doesn't sit for more than 5 seconds then he's off again... until he finds another spot to make a seat for the next 5 seconds.

The Catch-up Blog

OK - so I'm five months behind on blogs, and I can't seem to find the time to catch up. I thought that we didn't have any pictures of Sam because he won't stand still long enough to snap a shot, but apparently I was wrong. Here's what's been going on since October - and I'm talking the good stuff. No more boo-hoo blog. Sam has turned into quite the character. He is super silly, loves to laugh, and is not afraid to make his wishes known. First war wounds from the battlefield - aka the playground. Just FYI - the rubberized ground meant to prevent injuries at the bottom of the slide is not meant for face planting.

Sam loves to use the Swiffer. Good thing - 'cause Mommy doesn't clean.

Mornings in our new house were cold! Sam finally had the chance to wear his first Big Fish sweatshirt his Mom-mom bought. And the stylish outfit was completed by his cool CU Buffs booties thanks to Uncle Dash and Aunt Brendan. You all wish you could look so GQ. October was also Sam's first visit to the State Fair. The event has become an annual tradition for Matt and me since it was our second date. Sam's first fair came with many other firsts. Among them were his first corn dog (I,myself, still have yet to eat a corn dog in my 36 years) ...

and first ferris wheel.

Sam loves to be outside. We are constantly fighting to get him back in the house. This was Halloween day. Gotta love shorts on the last day of October. Phoenix is great!

Sam was a dinosaur the year for Halloween.

Gram came to vist in November. "Hi Gram!"

Sam loves his Mickey Mouse blanket head so much he could eat it.

Sam got himself into a little basket. What a fun seat! (and yes, that is drool on Sam's shirt) He just thought this was so funny...

...until he realized he was stuck and couldn't get out.

Sam learned to play the kazoo.

He's working on his model pose.

Did I mention Sam is silly?

Sam met Santa for the first time this year. He wasn't quite sure what to make of the jolly man with the big white beard. He didn't cry, but we sure couldn't get him to crack a smile.

Christmas time - what a pile of loot! That jolly man is ok in our book.

The toys are taking over!!

Check out Sam's new leather recliner.

Fortunately Grandpa Doug and Grandma Laurie were here for Christmas because I worked all weekend.

Did I mention Sam was silly?

Chili cook-off at a biker bar. It was a great Sunday family outing.

And that is what happened between October and February...