Amazing Park Feats: Ode to the Camera Phone

After going to the museum and zoo we stopped by the park that is right next door for the first time. It is not a great playground because there is very little shade and today was a pretty hot day, but Samuel needed some extra play time and so the gang (Kathy, Jesse, Shannon, Sophia, Eric, Lillian, Samuel and I) proceeded on to the park.

As I was sitting on the other side of the park from Samuel I saw his torso begin to disappear as his legs moved off the ground. Unbelievably, he was climbing this ladder on the play structure. Even more surprising is the fact that he was doing this with no encouragement from me, and without me in sight.

I went to make sure that he was not going to fall to his death, then promptly realized that Steve needed to see this. Whatever did we do before camera phones? I sent this picture to Steve while he sat at lunch with his coworkers. Coincidentally he was bragging about how Samuel was going to be a rock climber due to his proclivity to scale every item of furniture in the house. Perfect timing!

first teeth

People began to tell us that Samuel was teething when he was 4 months old. It only took another 9 months for his first teeth to show up. Contrary to popular belief, a baby can be cranky and drool, and NOT be teething.

I used to tell Steve that the late teeth came from his side of the family as Grandma Susan likes to recount how the dentist told her she was a liar when she told him how old Judith was and she still didn't have teeth.

However, as you can see from these pictures, it's pretty clear these teeth are all Silberman. After perusing my baby book I found that I didn't get my first teeth until 13 months, either.

Simcha Celebration

Auntie Janet and Uncle Nate hosted a party this weekend to celebrate Shana's new home and engagement, Josh's pending move to NYC to pursue his theater career, and Abby's graduate degree.

It was pretty cool to see all the little ones playing together. If you'd like to see more photos, go to our smugmug page.

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