Trips and Visits

I decided to take a last minute trip down to So Cal to see my brother before he gets married and moves far away. It was a delightful trip but a little sad to have to accept change in the family. Milo and his cousin Georgianna became fast friends. They have a lot in common. They both like to sit in their Bumbos and put toys in their mouths.

I would say the highlight of the trip for Sam was visiting the "model train train museum" which is essentially a model train town run by some enthusiasts next to a museum. Sam could name all the different types of trains and impressed everyone. The highlight for the trip for me was all the time I got to spend with my brother. I really hope my kids end up being as close to their siblings as I am to mine.

I just told him he could stay up late and watching "The Killing" with us. As you can tell he got really excited.

California State Fair! The petting zoo was a big highlight, though it took a while to warm up to the idea of large animals sticking their enormous tongues in your face.

Sam was a pro after a few courageous tries.

The wizard room! it was like a mini children's museum. Sam didn't make many friends as he kept knocking down everyone's blocks and then wrestling with the blocks on the floor.

Bethany ans Sean! My sister and her fiance took a road trip down to my parent's house and we were one of the stops along the way. Yeah for us! Sam was beside himself with joy. I think he has a crush on Bethany. I told Sam that Bethany and Sean were getting married and his response was "Bethany and Sean are getting married? Bethany and Sam are getting married!"

We had a blast with them. Here we are hiking, swimming and talking on the American river. I think Sam is now either used to the idea of Sean marrying Bethany or thinks he has to be like Sean to get Bethany. Sam continued to say "I'm like Sean! I'm kind of like him". Maybe Sam just really admires Sean which I am thrilled about.I am even more thrilled Bethany is marrying such a sweet guy. Yeah for Sean!

The 4th and more!

Here we are at the Sacramento Children Museum's Summer bash party. There is no doubt in my mind that Sam inherited some musical talent because he is always drawn to it. He spent basically the whole time dancing on the floor piano.

Milo also took some serious interest in the music. Maybe my boys will play music together some day!

Sam thought it was HILARIOUS to take the black keys off the floor piano. It tickles me to see what makes Sam smile.

I couldn't capture a more perfect representation of Sam's personality.

We have been so blessed to have an amazing physical therapist for Milo. She has been seeing him since the NICU and we just love our visits with her. She was teaching me how to use a ball to do some exercises and Milo was just loving it. It was so sweet that I took a picture. I didn't get a good one so I'll have to try again later. I love her in our life because I can tell she genuinely cares about Milo. That's important for a mother.

We have really been working with Milo and I think little by little he's catching up. He sits up pretty wobbly and needs some coaching and help to roll over but we're getting there. Even if he was way above his markers I don't know if I could be any more proud of him than I already am. He's been through so much.

We had a great outing recently with Trevor, Lindsay and their boys at the Jelly Belly factory. I didn't get any good pictures except for this one. Milo is all set and ready to hear about the making of a delightful candy confection. It was really interesting and fun. We mostly enjoyed the company we were with :)

To change things up from trains Sam and I joined our MOM's group for a field trip to the Aerospace museum. Sam brought the only plane book we had and called every pane a Harrier Jump Jet, which he learned from his book.

I think he's day dreaming about trains and wishes he could be near one. I try to change things up every once in while but when it comes down to it Sam just knows what's what.

I love these kids.

I found a simple sidewalk paint recipe and we had a blast with it. I find that pretty consistently Sam like art projects only if he can apply them to his body.

We had a really fun 4th. I find myself getting so excited for holidays now a days. Sam is old enough now to really enjoy them and so it's fun to plan. We had patriotic pancakes for breakfast. Afterwards we had a patriotic dance party and then got out a map of America and talked all about it. It was simple but lovely.

The Roseville fourth of July parade. Why are small community parades so fun? Sam waved his flag the whole time repeating casually to the parade participates "Hi! Happy Fourth of July". Milo enjoyed the parade because he was being held the whole time. That's basically his main criteria for enjoyment.

After a full day of swimming at a friend's we headed back home where we ate dinner outside. We were planning on BBQing at the park but we were all so exhausted that we just made all our BBQ food not on a BBQ. It turned out delicious anyway.

We only did our own fireworks because Sam was way too tired to stay up for the big fireworks show. At first Sam kept saying "fireworks are coool!" Milo was interested but not overly impressed. I think he likes be tickled more.

After a few big loud ones Sam folded his arm in prayer saying "Jesus can protect you, Jesus can protect you

"

We went to the train museum as a family recently just to re-vist the firebox in one of their steam locomotives. Sam can tell you what a firebox does and how it makes an train go. We had to go back 3 times to see the firebox. I love how nerdy my son is. He kind of reminds me of my husband.

Summer time! and turning 30.

A couple week ago we visited Trevor and Lindsay (Hank's brother and sister-in-law) and their two boys Calvin and Levi in Mountain View. We had so much fun. We went to a little children's museum to start with. Isn't that a fun picture? Nothing puts your game face on like a butterfly right?

They had an outdoor area with animals and such. I love seeing Sam get along with his cousins, especially since he they are the only boy cousins he has around to see. Calvin and Sam seem to have the same high energy intensity which means they can relate to each other and which also mean Lindsay and I can relate to each other :)

I think the highlight might have been the rocket launcher. Lindsay had some foresight when she brought this. It kept the boys entertained for quite a while. Gosh it kept me entertained for that long too!

We are in summer mode! We found a beautiful swimming spot up in the mountains in Auburn, only 20 minutes away. We hiked there during on Memorial Day and had so much fun we went back that Saturday.

There are rocks for diving off of. Sam was pretty content to just sit and watch dad jump. Hank and I took turns swimming Sam back and forth so we could do some cliff diving. Sam almost made me drown from laughing while I swam with him on my back. He kept saying the funniest things; "oh no, its so cold. I can't I can't . Oh Oh Oh! Mommy can do it. I need to go. Come on, need to go. I did't like it. Oh Oh!"

Guess who's 30!! Hank has lived through 3 decades now and what does he have to show for himself? Well quite a lot. He's the best husband and father anyone could ask for and brings joy to everyone he meets. What else could you want from life?

We had a family party the night after his b-day since he was working on his b-day. Sam was his waiter and took the job very seriously. I made some Indian food which is Hank's favorite and pumpkin pie for dessert. It was a pain to find the pumpkin but it was so worth it.

We played a birthday game where you have to find hidden coupons. Sam did all the finding while Hank received all the coupons. Afterwards we took a bunch of pictures. I don't really know why. I thought this one came out so cute.

It took a while to get there, all though it is probably a more realistic capture of our daily life.

The next day we got some friends to watch the boys while we went kayaking, Hank's favorite! It was the perfect day for it. We had a blast! I am now concerned about my upper body strength. I need to pull out those weights again. Geeezzz.

The major highlight of the day was this little raw food cafe we found. Everything on the menu is completely raw. I honestly think this was the best food I have ever tasted. Maybe someday when I am rich and have hours and hours to spend preparing food I will eat like this on a regular basis, but for now we at least have this cafe. Afterwards we went out and saw the Avengers. Hank said everything was perfect for his birthday which is exactly what he deserves.

Now on to cute kids. Sam's newest game he completely made up on his own and I have no idea where it came from is "climb up the baby". It goes like this; Sam sings "climb up the baby" while actually climbs up the baby. Milo seems to enjoy it. It makes mom cringe.

I think Milo is trying to hide from Sam.

Milo is 6 months old now! I can hardly believe it. He is so smiley and giggly. His last physical therapy appointment was 2 days ago and his therapist was very impressed with his development. She forgot his exact age and was surprised that he was only 6 months old not 8 months. If we were to go off his gestational age he would be closer to 4 months old. Does that look like a four month old? I am blown away by his growth and progress. He is so engaged in the world and is learning how to move on his own. He is extremely social and vocal as well. He is such a delight to have around. I really can't blame Sam for wanting to squeeze Milo as hard as he can, Milo really is that cute!

Post just for the heck of it

For the past month Hank and I have been eating quite differently from normal. We decided we wanted to take charge of our health and so we did a month long experiment where we ate only plant food (with the exception of some yogurt, ghee and honey) and 50% of that would be raw. The first week and half we ate only raw plant food. It was hard at first and I felt pretty weird but now that the month is over I feel way more energetic and have lost almost all my pregnancy weight. I can't foresee us going back to eating any other way. I thought it would be hard doing this diet with a 3 year old around but Sam cracks me up with what he'll eat. Above he's eating an Indian dahl dish above which is cooked with an assortment of spices including fennel. One of his favorite snacks is cut up tomatoes and cucumbers with a green smoothie. I have a lot of fun putting strange things on his plate to see what he does. He never fails to surprise me on what he wants more of. I am praying Milo will be this easy going with food.

Sam is investigating the first radish picked from our garden. He wasn't as thrilled about when he ate it. Well I guess he'll try most things but is very clear when he doesn't like it. "Mom what was that?! I need something else. I need a different food"

The season of splash parks has begun! Sam thought this was just wicked.

I remember when being cold was fun.

Safety Day! a day for Sam. There were fire trucks, ambulances, police cars, motorcycles, booths, games, men in uniform etc. etc. It was one of those times when you feel like a good parent when you don't have to do much at all.

Sam kept telling us "this is awesome!". He's pretty cool with his free give-away glasses.

Some friends of ours had a baby girl on December 14th just like Milo! It's been fun to see how they compare size wise as they grow. I think Milo is starting to hold his own. He rolled over a few times that during our visit and I think he was trying to impress his birthday mate. I can't blame him, she is pretty cute too.

So I am on the stationary bike and I look down for a second and see this face shining back at me. This is a common occurrence in our home. Milo why are you such a delight!

One of Milo's first experiences with the pool or I should say spa. I think he loved it because a few minutes later he fell asleep while I was holding him. What could be better than being cuddle with mom in warm water? I love soothing him because he responses with such satisfaction. Ohhh I just love him!

Milo's blessing and much more.

It has been a while since my last update. Here are some of the few things we've been up to:

We've worked on potty training...

...without much success. When I tried to change those pants he's wearing he said "No Mom I want to wear these pants!" did I mention this wasn't just a pee accident? Someday right?

We planted a garden...

which flooded...

but is doing quite well now ( this is an old picture, it's really grown in a lot!)

Sam has been a fireman. He was so proud I just had to throw that in.

We have gone on LOTS of walks and yes Milo feels as fat as he looks.

Mondays with Katie.

I don't think she knows what to do with Sam most of the time. We love having her. In Sam's words "Katie is Nice!"

Sam got a belated birthday present; a bullet train. This has not only been a birthday present for Sam but for me as well in that it provides hours of entertainment. Thank you for a clean house and a homemade dinner bullet train.

Sam has renewed his excitement for trains. Everyday he asks if we can go to the train museum, watch bullet trains on Youtube and read his bullet train book. Here we are riding a train at an outdoor mall near us. Sam reminds me how enjoyable life can be with just simple pleasures. I think that's why I like being around him so much.

Community Festival! I'll let Sam's face describe the excitement.

I think the Ferris Wheel changed his attitude toward the festival.

Car racing. Believe it or not Sam learned how to control the controller so he slowed down around the corners and clocked a new speed record for the 30 lap race. The guys who ran it were pretty tickled and one of them told us we needed to get Sam into racing. I am a little suspicious they tell every parent that.

What a happy baby. I can't blame him though, I usually have that face when I am close to Hank like that.

Imagine seeing this face all day long? All is right in the world, isn't it?

"Mom I need 'nother pants, these ones are too hard"

Milo has learned how to roll from tummy to back, though he doesn't do it very often. I bet he would have more of a chance to practice if I didn't get overwhelmed by his cutness and cuddle him all the time. Maybe that's why Sam didn't walk till 16 months. It's not my fault! my babies are just too cuddle friendly!

Sam and Milo are buds. Sam won't let any of us finish a prayer without blessing Milo. He's got Milo's back...good big brother.

 Sam: Hi Mom

Me: Hey bud. What are you thinking about?

Sam: I am thinking about...Mom.

I love this picture because it really describes our relationship. Sam and I are such good friends.

Sam often has this face. He gets so excited about things. Milo has become accustomed to Sam's energy...Thank goodness.

I've got some good looking boys in my life, don't you think?

The big recent event was Milo's baby blessing. As you can tell we had quite a few people come for the occasion. we all felt the love. It was such a pleasant weekend. Sam loved having cousins in town to play with. Hank gave the most beautiful blessing and the spirit was so strong. Milo was happy during everything. It was all perfect!

Proud Grandparents.

Milo I apologize for Sam's inability to stay still during pictures. He's special...just like you.