Sam Dukes It Out

Last week I took Sam to the mall. It's a good way to kill some time until spring comes and we can FINALLY play outside!

We went to the play area first. Sam ran in without any hesitation. I was barely able to get his shoes and coat off before he wedged himself into a tunnel. I sat on a bench and watched him play.

He got in the line at the little slide and waited his turn. He saw a couple bigger kids go down the slide backwards. He fumbled his way up the three stairs and sat down. He tried to turn around so he could go backwards, too. The little girl behind him, tired of waiting her turn, gave Sam a push. The slide turns to one side, so instead of pushing Sam down the slide she pushed him right off the top.

He only fell about two feet onto a padded floor. That didn't stop me from wanting to dash over to him, throwing stray children out of my way, and scooping him into my arms. But as I've said before, I'm a hands-off mom. I simply sat where I was and waited to see what would happen.

Within a few seconds, I saw his dark head come up. He was so sad, he couldn't cry. He rubbed the back of his head, little bottom lip trembling, and looked for me. I caught his eye and smiled at him encouragingly. He whimpered and ran over to me. When he was about five feet away, he was distracted by two little boys in an airplane. Forgetting he was injured, he gave me a half-hearted, drive-by hug and cheerfully scampered off.

After the play area we went to the bookstore. Their children's area has a train table and Sam knew right where to go. There was another boy already playing. His mom made sure Sam got an engine to play with and I again sat down to watch.

Sam pushed his engine around the tracks. The other boy was running around the table and each time he'd come up behind Sam, he'd scream. A few times, he tried to push Sam. Each time Sam looked at him like he was crazy and solidly stood his ground. Eventually, the other boy grabbed Sam's train away from him and went around to the other side of the table.

Sam looked at me and I looked back at him blankly. He must think I'm worthless! How can I explain to a two-year-old that I'm trying to let him fight his own battles? Anyway, Sam saw that I was not going to help him. As the other boy played with the train he had stolen from Sam, Sam simply picked up the other boy's discarded train and again began to play.

Seeing Sam pick up his old train pushed the other kid over the edge. He threw himself on the ground and screamed. He threw Sam's train across the floor. Sam walked over to him and tried to give him his old train. The boy continued to scream. Finally, the boy's mom took the train from Sam. Sam then walked over, picked his train up from where the boy had thrown it, and continued to play.

Sam is the most rational toddler I know!

Hot Wheels Show

The other day Sam and I were playing at his train table and I decided to try again with the pictures. He was wearing a train shirt and it was just so cute. I also wanted to document what he does with his cars on the tracks. I had to help him a little bit with the cars on the hill, but believe me, that line-up was all him.

Sam was much more agreeable than the last time I tried this, but he didn't seem to understand that I wanted pictures of him. He helpfully held up his cars for their close-ups. I kept snapping away and now have about 30 pictures, each with a different car.

It Has Been A Long Day

Today is going to be a tough one, people.

I didn't realize how much I depended on my car. Right now, I should be showered and dressed and getting Sam ready for the play gym. But yesterday we lent my car to Eric's friend, and I am stranded at home. We have been up for two hours and I am exhausted.

Sam and I ate breakfast and read books. We danced with his guitar, practiced lacing, and sang the alphabet.

We lined up his cars and put them away. We took turns wearing all of Sam's hats. We sat on my bed and blew bubbles. We pretended to saw, drill, paint, and hammer the kitchen chairs.

Right now, Sam is using my spare set of keys to "lock" and "unlock" my bedroom door. Again. And again. And again. And again. And again.

Is it spring yet?!?!

Reading On the Job

Sam has a million little toys. Cars, trains, balls, animals, instruments...it is amazing. I couldn't be more thrilled that with all of this fun stuff around him, he still loves his books. He spends a good part of his day by his bookcase, paging through his favorites. Even while playing in his big Bob the Builder tent, he took a moment to look through a book.

True Love

Sam and I got bundled up and went to the play gym this morning. He chattered happily on the way there and let me carry him inside. As I focused my attention on the sign-in sheet, he stood next to me patiently.

"Car?" he asked.

"Yes, buddy, we are going to play with cars."

"Ball?" he said, hopefully.

"Yes, we'll play with balls, too."

We went to the stairs and he held up his hand for me to hold. We started down and I had a wave of affection for the darling little boy, still in his red coat with the hood over his head.

"Sam," I said, wiggling his hand. "I love you."

He looked up at me with a beautiful smile. "I love balls," he replied.

We were on our way to a great day!

He Has Risen!

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."

Matthew 28 1-7

Blessings to all on this joyful day.

Sam and The Dog Door

I know that most people have seen these pictures before. They were taken over a year ago - Sam was just 10 months old. Grandma Barb and I took Sam to Uncle Bryce and Aunt Pat's house for a visit. While we were there, Sam decided to check out the dog door. Their dog, Beau, was less than impressed. Bryce took these hilarious pictures. I still laugh every time I look at them! I thought about writing captions, but the story really tells itself.

And so, I present an oldie but a goodie: Sam and the dog door.

Sam Blogs

---i


I just had to add this. After today's entry, stating that Sam couldn't go any further past the login screen on the computer, I walked in and found this.

Not only did he get in, but he managed to start a new post on the blog and typed the four characters above.

Thanks for the input, Sam!

Technical Difficulties

Sam can't wait for the day he is able to play on the computer. I never let him touch it, but he will sit on my lap and watch everything I do in amazement. Every once in a while, he will sneak into the office and just give the computer a try. He knows to move the mouse to get the computer out of sleep mode, but (thankfully) can't go any further.

Sam is thrilled the screen isn't black anymore, but is frustrated that it is now just stuck on this screen.

He calls IT for assistance.

"Yeah, it's the darndest thing...it is just stuck on a blue screen..."

Sam is stuck waiting for IT to come and help.

Brought To You By the Letter "O"

Sam and I took our weekly trip to the library yesterday. We love going there! I have to have something to read at all times and I'm usually itching to get something new by the time we go. Sam loves the play area and he has started to pick out books for himself.

Yesterday Sam was being really patient as I looked for a book for myself. Sometimes he doesn't like wandering the adult section but he was doing really well. He was so patient, I decided to go to the librarian's desk to ask a question. We had to wait in line and he stood next to me sweetly without any fuss.

We got to the front of the line and I started talking to the librarian. The big desk has words written across the front, like "Choose a book," "Ask a question," and "Reserve a book." As I talked, Sam started walking back and forth in front of the desk. Then, making sure everyone in line was watching him, he walked along and pointed out every letter O.

"O."
"O."
"O."
"Ummm....O!"
"O."
"Ooooh...O!"

Several people were chuckling at how proud he was of himself. I hope they couldn't tell just how proud his mom was, too!

Sam's Left Foot

Yesterday morning we went to the play gym and were having a wonderful time. Sam was running around and we got to see Karen and Aiden, who have been busy with Karen's mom for the last week.

The boys were playing happily, so I dashed out to use the restroom. When I came back, Karen was holding a teary Sam. He had been walking across some foam blocks and had a very minor fall off of them. I took him and hugged him, and then set him down to go play with Aiden. I hadn't gone more than a few feet away when I realized Karen was holding him again.

Sam was still crying, which was bizarre. He can whine like a champ when he feels like it, but to really cry like that shows me something is very wrong. I again took him from Karen and went to sit next to Karen's mom. Sam continued to cry as she gently looked at his left ankle. It wasn't swelling and it looked normal. By this time, we had the attention of several other moms in the gym. I set Sam on the floor, hoping he'd run off like he usually does. Instead, he crumpled right in front of me. It was obvious to everyone watching that he couldn't put any weight on his left foot.

And so I quickly gathered coats and bags and dashed out of there. (Karen, did I even say goodbye to you guys? I'm sorry!) Once in the car, I called Urgent Care and made an appointment. The few times Sam moved his foot started a fresh batch of tears.

I lugged Sam into the clinic and lugged him to a waiting room chair. He simply sat there, not even trying to get down. He is normally so active, so I was getting more and more worried. We were called back and I carried him into the exam room. There, he sat on my lap, not making an effort to get down and look around. The nurse took his vitals and said the doctor would be right in.

As soon as she left, Sam noticed a poster of the digestive system on the wall. He pointed at it and I started explaining it to him. He was very interested. By the time I got to - well, the END of the digestive system, Sam was laughing. Energized by the graphic story, Sam jumped off my lap and excitedly ran in place.

He is going to be the death of me.

The doctor came in and examined him, and all looked fine. She gently asked him if he'd try to walk up and down the hallway for her. Sam tore back and forth, wearing no pants, yelling and nearly knocking over the other nurses.

Needless to say, he was given a clean bill of health. We left and he marched out, holding my hand happily.

I'm consoling myself by believing I'm not the only first-time mom to bring a healthy, unharmed child to Urgent Care!

I Went To College For This?

There are days when I draw on all of my knowledge and experience when caring for Sam. I feel grateful for all of the psychology and education classes I've taken. I continue to follow current research on children's development.

But sometimes taking care of Sam is just not that involved. Sometimes, it is spending the day with a happy, silly baby...wearing one shoe.

Sam's Counting!

Sam is learning new tricks every day! Yesterday he was watching Sesame Street, and I couldn't believe it when I overheard him counting along with the TV! He was really doing it. I made him do it over and over - he must be getting sick of me.

Sam's numbers, 1-10:

Uh
Too
Eee
Oh
Eye
Sih
Blah
Aay
Nie
Teh

(Note the seven - Sam continues to just say 'blah' when asked to say a word he has trouble with. Sometimes it frustrates me, but for the most part I find it wildly hilarious.)

I am so proud of my kiddo! We're off to count...well, everything!

Goodbye, Grammy

Today Sam and I had an early start. We had to go over to Eric's mom's house to see her off. She and her husband are moving to Arizona and today is the start of their 34-hour drive.

I am so sad to see her go. Colleen has always been a dear, wonderful friend to me. There is nothing "mother-in-law" about her! She is crazy and wild and generous to a fault. We have been spoiled having her living less than two miles away from us.

However, life changes. People move on. It's selfish of me to want her to stay here - but I'm selfish.

We will all be just fine. But today I'm grieving.

The Photo Shoot That Could Have Been

I recently found my camera after looking for it for three months. I have been going crazy without it - I feel like I have missed so much of Sam's little life!

Yesterday morning Sam and I were playing with his trains. We were both happy and laughing. Sam was wearing his footie pajamas and it was just a lovely little scene. I remembered that I had my camera - hooray! - and decided to document my cheerful morning with my son.

Sigh.

I have to stop trying. That is always where I go wrong.

Upset to see the camera, Sam pointed at the trains and told me to play. And he blinked.

Angry I took the picture, Sam started to whine.

Angry I took ANOTHER picture, he threw himself onto his train table.

I moved on to the one thing that was cooperating - and then my camera battery ran out. So much for getting visual proof of my lovely morning!

Sam Is A Merry Maid

Sam likes to keep me company in the kitchen while I cook and do dishes. He knows which drawers and cupboards he is allowed to rummage around in. It is very cozy to cook at the stove with Sam playing at my feet.

Last night Sam turned his attention to my pots and pans cupboard. I have several of each, in various sizes. When a pot is used and washed, I open the door to the cupboard, shove the pan in, and quickly close it. Inside, they are stacked and piled at precarious angles. This is just who I am. I have a lovely home - as long as no one opens any doors.

I knew there was no way Sam could leave that cupboard any worse than it was when he started, so I let him play. He pulled every pot and pan out and spread them carefully over the kitchen floor. I was hopping and tripping the whole time I was preparing dinner. Finally, the food was ready, and I told Sam to clean up.

I quickly scrubbed the pot I had used and listened to the crash-bang of Sam putting away pans. Then I heard the cupboard door slam shut and Sam run to his place at the table. I gave him his dinner and went back to the sink. I finished washing and drying the pot and opened the cupboard to put it away.

To my surprise, Sam had transformed my cupboard. The pots and pans were stacked neatly, from biggest to smallest, on the bottom shelf. The lids were laid on top. While I thought Sam was making a two-year-old mess, he was actually straightening up after his 28-year-old mom. Making sure Sam wasn't looking, I quickly shoved the clean pot in and shut the door.

I change for no man.

...And Here Is Proof

Karen sent me this picture from Sam and Aiden's last playdate. The boys were adorable - laughing, chasing, screaming, and sharing. However, my son's dark side made its appearance. In the middle of the cheerful mess of toys stood an example of just how twisted Sam is.

Behold, the lineup:

Just How Smart Is He?

Yesterday Eric's sister Amy came over for a visit. Sam happily showed her all of his animals and she made him scream with delight when she made the animals attack each other.

I could tell that Sam was very comfortable having Amy here, so I decided to use her as another witness of Sam's knowledge. I got out the alphabet puzzle. Amy (and I!) watched, openmouthed, as Sam started holding up the letters and clearly saying their names.

"A! B! C! D! E! P! O! R! Blblblblblblbl!"

Okay, the last one was W. But I didn't know he knew the others so well.

Excited by his audience, Sam ran and got his number puzzle. It is made out of foam, and Sam likes to stand the numbers up on the table. He got a few standing, and was having trouble with the 1. Of course, its ends were narrow and rounded and it wouldn't stand up. He was so patient! He tried again and again. Then (again to my and Amy's shock) he reached for the 0. He laid the 0 flat on the table and then wedged the 1 into its center - and succeeded in making it stand up.

I remained impressed by Sam the rest of the day. The kid has some highly developed problem-solving skills! We had dinner, read books, and then got into the tub. All was going along as usual. Then, Sam decided to start putting tub toys on his head. He set a few up there, giggling at himself. Then he filled his little cup with water and dumped it right down his forehead.

He sputtered and gasped and furiously rubbed the water out of his eyes. And then he did it again. And again. And again. Each time, he became more indignant and upset. I kept telling him that he was doing it, and he could stop doing it at any time. Most of the time I am a hands-off mom and try to let him figure things out for himself. But I finally had to take the cup away from him. If I hadn't, I think he would still be in the tub, dumping water down his own face, furious about the water on his face.

And thus my son reminds me that it is good to be humble.

I'm A Proud Mama

Sam is at such a fun age. He is making it clear that he is understanding more and more about the world around him. He says new things every day. He is fun to be around!

I am continuing to work with Sam on letters, numbers, and colors. Two days ago, he held up a black car and said, "Bla!" I was impressed, and even more excited when he held up a blue car and said, "Boo!" We're getting there!

So much of what he does is only in front of me. I imagine that there are people out there who think I'm deluding myself. That is why I was so happy Sam decided to show off some of his skills in front of Karen.

Sam talked about Aiden all day yesterday. As soon as we got to their house, Sam refused to say Aiden's name. Sigh - I'm used to it. I assumed Sam was going to stay mute all afternoon. That's why I was so surprised when he handed Karen a magnetic letter C and said clearly, "C!" She was definitely impressed.

A little while later, we were watching the boys play with the rest of the magnetic letters on the fridge. Sam had the E in his hand. I mentally crossed my fingers and asked him what it was. He looked at it, proudly said, "E!" and continued to play.

I could have cried right there in Karen's kitchen! Thank you, Sam, for making me feel like all of our hard work is paying off!

Mmmmm

Grandpa Mark is a lot of fun. He introduced me to Mad magazine when I was twelve. He patiently explained multiplication to me when I was seven. He always has the newest gadgets and tells really bad jokes. He dotes on Sam. He has antique cars at his house that most people would put away, but Sam is always allowed to play with them.

He's a good guy, that Grandpa Mark. However, he has a quirk that drives me crazy. When he is told a bad joke, or given any piece of information he doesn't think is worth responding to, he has only one thing to say - "Mmmm." It is low, controlled, and makes it clear that he thinks there are no words useless enough to use in that situation. Have I mentioned it drives me crazy?

Much to my dismay, I have started doing it, too. I do it when Eric talks about the bills. I do it when someone annoys me. It bugs me so much, but I have to admit that sometimes the best response to a situation is, "Mmmmm."

Sam spends all of his time with me, so I shouldn't have been surprised when he picked up this annoying habit. He will watch me put his cars into their case in silence. When I am done, he will say, "Mmmmm," take the case from me, and then put them away correctly. Last night I told Sam it was time for bed, and he got upset. I calmly explained to him that it was bedtime, and we needed to get a good night's sleep so we could have lots of fun today. Gathering himself, Sam simply replied, "Mmmmm," and walked away.

Life can be cruel.

Yesterday

Last night Kourtney came over to visit. She had worked a full day at the office, gone home to get her car, and driven to my house. After going back home, she was planning to make dinner and rearrange her home office. Whew! I told her how impressed I was, and that I hadn't done anything at all yesterday. She said, "Yes, you have!" So - I started to think about it.

I made breakfast.

I sang and danced with Sam.

I cleaned the bathroom.

I went grocery shopping.

I let the dog out about 20 times.

I made lunch.

I did three sinkloads of dishes, scrubbed the counters, and wiped up the floor.

I played trains with Sam.

I moved a table from the living room into my bedroom.

I played animals with Sam.

I moved a dresser from my room into the office.

I changed about six diapers.

I read books to Sam.

I cleaned off the computer desk.

I worked on the alphabet with Sam.

I washed two loads of clothes, one load of sheets and two large blankets. Clothes were folded and put away and bed was remade.

I cleaned spilled grape juice off the carpet.

I made dinner.

I hung a large mirror.

I got Sam to bed, even though he didn't want to go, with minimal fussing.

Okay. After seeing it written out, I can admit that I didn't exactly do NOTHING yesterday. Right now, it is 5:30 am. I have been up since 4. I woke up to the sound of Sam giggling at Dee Dee's shadow in the living room. And if that is the last thing I do today, that is fine by me!

Playdate Pictures

Thanks to Karen for taking these cute pictures! Sam and Aiden love playing together. Aiden recognizes our house from the street - and Sam walks into Aiden's playroom like he owns the place! They are both such sweet, gentle, silly little boys.

Whee! It looks like Sam and Aid are taking off into an inpromtu parade!

When actually, they both just got on their bikes and sat there.

Why the crabby face, Sam? Did you just realize how dumb your cuffed pants look?