first solids

This is a video of Samuel's first solid feeding. Not long after this we decided to not feed Samuel ourselves, but use the concept of "baby led solids." We didn't mash up food, or feed him with a spoon, but offered him soft vegetables that he could try to eat on his own. The idea is that developmentally he wouldn't be able to put anything in his mouth that was small enough to choke on, until he was ready to swallow it.

pumpkin pie anyone?

The pictures say it all. Halloween at Microsoft.

why didn't steve stop me?

It is well known among people who know me that I have very big ideas. This can be a good thing. However, sometimes I need Steve to help me pare down my big ideas into something more manageable; he helps me with moderation. So it was his job, when we talked about our first major trip with Samuel, to keep perspective.

For instance, when we started talking about going to Maneesha's wedding in Detroit and I mentioned that we should visit his parents, Steve probably should have proceeded with caution. When I suggested that we stop in Chicago along the way perhaps alarm bells should have sounded. Then I dreamed up the idea of flying into Minneapolis for a few days, flying to Chicago, staying two nights, renting a car, driving to Detroit, doing a pit stop to reminisce in Ann Arbor, staying two nights in Detroit, go to the wedding, turn around and get back in the car to return to the Chicago airport and fly home.

What?!?! With a 5 month old who had never been on an extended trip before? I'd say what was I thinking, but we know what I was thinking - it seemed like a good idea at the time, and so efficient! The real question is, what was Steve thinking? I mean really, it's his job to keep me in check.

It all worked out in the end. Samuel got to visit Grandma Susan and Grandpa Tom for the first time, we saw Ben and Jill in Chicago and stayed in a nice hotel, Steve was pleased we were able to make it to Maneesha's wedding, and the only tough part was the drive from Chicago to Detroit and back again. That was fairly hellish. Samuel screamed almost the entire way there and back.

sitting

Samuel started sitting up on his own for the first time at Grandma Susan's and Grandpa Tom's house at the ripe old age of 5 and a half months. This exciting new development has opened up whole worlds of activity as Samuel can now use his hands to play with toys much more easily, and his view of his environment has drastically changed from his new perch.

Car Camping Extravaganza

Our first camping trip with Samuel was uneventful. We were up in the redwoods, not too far from home. We did one overnight, and took a couple of hikes. The amount of crapola that we crammed into the car for a two day trip was pretty amazing. Here is a silly video clip of us leaving the camp, and a couple of pics of our time there.

the men

Apparently there was a memo for all of the fathers and sons in our family to wear matching outfits to Michael's and Jessica's wedding in Ashland.

We drove up in David's minivan, with a tush in every seat. It worked out very well for us, as we felt very environmentally conscious and Lena and Sara entertained Samuel the whole way. Which is saying a lot for what turned into an eight hour trek. Luckily David's whole family is familiar with Sandra Boynton's hits as toward the end it required the entire car load to distract Samuel by reciting "Red Hat, Blue Hat."

In addition to listening to NPR's "Wait, Wait" and "This American Life" we lived on the edge by not filling up with gas when we really needed it. David, true to his form and mine, convinced Suzette we could make it to the hotel, and we almost did. We had to coast the last mile to the freeway exit which was a little scary as the power steering went out when we ran out of gas. David and Steve got out and pushed us through the intersection after we had to stop at a light. It felt like we were in the movie "Little Miss Sunshine." Sara, Lena and I were in tears we were laughing so hard in the car. David jumped back in, and Steve was left pushing the van by himself. Ahh, good times.

meet the great grandparents

Samuel meets Great Grandma Sarah and Great Grandpa Saul