a true california native

Samuel, a true Californian, has started his love of the automobile at the tender age of 14 months. While he still has no desire to sit in his car seat, he is ready to start driver's ed. In addition to steering, shifting and trying to take off the emergency brake, he can open the car door from the inside on his own.

the oregon trail

Family vacation in Sunriver, Oregon. Grandma Joan and Grandpa Lou graciously watched Samuel while the rest of us went on a rafting trip (Steve's first). The rapids were fun; I even swallowed my caution and went down a rapids (with Lauren holding my hand, and only after Lena did it too) sans boat. Samuel indulged his love of bicycles, and found a new love of swimming. All in all, we had a great time. Thanks Joan and Dad!

first time in the pool

Samuel enjoyed his first time in the pool. He was a little cautious in the beginning, but was beginning to enjoy himself when it became too chilly for us to stay in wet bathing suits. As soon as he was warm in his dry clothes, he wanted to jump in fully clothed! He must have been thinking of Sandra Boynton's turkey.

my boys :)

Samuel at 13months, sleeping peacefully with Daddy

samuel turns 1

So we arrived almost an hour late to our own party. It's a long story mainly having to do with me setting the actual time a half hour early thinking that everyone else would be late (and then forgetting that I had done that), and Samuel deciding to take a 2 hour nap - which he never does.

In our mad dash to do everything that we planned, we didn't manage to take any pictures, but Gil saved the day with these photos. Samuel of course had no clue that the day was anything special, or that all the fuss had anything more to do with him than usual, but you can never go wrong with a day at the park and a bunch of people to play with you.

the lime green ibert

I really wanted to get back on my bike again, so I needed to figure out a way that would allow me to take Samuel with me. After a bunch of research, I came upon this seat that goes on the front of the bike. I really like it because it keeps my center of gravity and the weight in the right place on the bike, instead of having a seat on the back which makes it very hard to control the steering, especially for someone like me who doesn't weigh very much. It's nice for Samuel because he can see everything I can see.

In the beginning Samuel really hated his bike helmet, but we learned to put a little beanie on underneath, and that seemed to help quite a bit. Now he runs into the garage and pulls on the bike, tries to put on the helmet, and yells at Steve and I to let us know he wants to go for a ride. The only problem is, he wants to ride the bike, and he frequently pushes my hands off the handlebars.

Our newest feat on the bicycle was Samuel nursing while I continued to ride. Complicated and tiring, but it stopped the crying. I knew I could put those bike racing skills to use somewhere in my life.

chef in training

Samuel loves to help around the house and one of his favorite things is to "help" me cook. He is not above taking a sample or two, either, especially if it is one of his favorites, like hummus.

This kid is a tool user for sure. Spoons for stirring are very popular, as is the Cuisinart. Samuel agrees with his Aunt Suzette, though, the Kitchen Aid is by far the best kitchen innovation. Samuel likes to make pizza dough in it, however he is not above mixing water with it, as his Bubbie lets him do.