It's Sam's World...

Anabel's here

2011-04-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

Anabel Jeanne Bechtel arrived on April 5th, 2011.

check out more here.

Christmas in February

2011-01-31T14:08:00.000-08:00

Wow! Time gets away from you. We had a great holiday season. Sam loved all the preparations and all the presents. Enjoy the pictures and Happy Valentine's Day.

The Continuing Adventures of Fred the Roarbot

2011-01-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

Last week, El bought Sam some new jammies. One pair were robot-print with dials and tubes and switches. We now wear these almost every night. Additionally, Sam prefers to be called Fred these days. Fair enough.

I've posted up a couple of pictures from the last few months. The first is Sam on our recent flight to Las Vegas, the second is Sam playing in the huge sheets of bubble-wrap that our new gym equipment was packed in.

All in all, things are good. "La segunda" is due in about 10 weeks. We are lucky.

Sam's Big Swing

2010-11-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we had a great, warm family day at Sinks Canyon. Sam enjoyed the BIG SWING on a rope anchored 80 feet overhead.

Dada and Sam

2010-08-05T10:29:00.001-07:00

We were at a friend's wedding in Teton Valley a month ago and the best photographer in the world, Mei Ratz, took some beautiful pictures of Steve and Sam.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream.

2010-07-29T14:58:00.000-07:00

Sam has found a new love, ice cream. He is in summer heaven.

The ice cream headache grimace is so sweet and memorable.

A summer evening in the yard.

2010-07-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

Sam is enjoying his diaper free days of summer. He likes to watch himself go potty in the grass or on the concrete. We had a nice evening on Sunday after a relaxing weekend with Nana. Nana brought all things elephants. Sam was especially excited by the greeting card that trumpeted when you opened it. Steve and I had been trying to make good elephant noises but failing. Nana showed up just in time.

These boots were made for walking...

2010-07-20T16:25:00.001-07:00

Sam's 2nd Birthday

2010-07-20T16:14:00.001-07:00

Sam's second birthday was a bit postponed due to the stomach flu. Both Steve and Sam were sick for a couple of weeks. I luckily avoided it.

Aunt Leslie and Uncle Scott made Sam's cake again this year. It tasted as good as it looked. Happy Birthday little boy.

Sunglasses

2010-07-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Two Cool dudes. Asha gave Sam fast red sunglasses for his birthday.

Sick Sam on his Birthday

2010-05-30T06:46:00.000-07:00

The light's on
In the middle of the night
There's a sick little child around
Momma said to Poppa "Don't you worry, I think her fever's coming down."

Oh yes and I know, it's just a cold or it's just the flu
But I say a little prayer,I say a little prayer for you
I say a little prayer, I say a little prayer for you
Let her get better, let her get better soon please.

Put Aretha Franklin on
Turn it up, turn it up, turn it up, turn it up
In the middle of the night
Cause that'll do as much good
As any medicine
To make her feel alright

Momma been a walkin with ya
Poppa been a walkin with ya
Walkin up and down the hallway
Look out the window
See the city lights shining
When you're sick you look so tiny
I'm gonna put you in my pocket
Go down to where it's warmer
I'm gonna throw you in the ocean
And you will turn into a dolphin
And when you get all better
You will swim back to me

Let her get better
Let her daddy get better too
Let em get better so I can get better too.

I say a little prayer. I say a little prayer for you.

More to see!

2010-05-19T13:52:00.001-07:00

We have so many new pictures. I'm going to keep going until we are caught up.

Uncle Scott and Aunt Leslie gave Sam skis as an early Birthday present.

Jagoe found some gently worn cowboy boots at a Jackson thrift shop. They are too big but Sam doesn't care. He loves them. He's a real cowboy now.

A sleepy car ride to see the buffalo in Thermopolis.

Spring??

2010-05-19T13:33:00.000-07:00

Wow! It has been a really long time since we posted. Here goes. We are busy. Steve was in Cincinnati for a good friend's wedding. He also managed two days of climbing in the Red River Gorge. He can be very creative when he wants to be. Two days after he left I left for the Grand Canyon with my brother, Matt and two friends, Neil and Christine. We completed a "Grand" adventure in the Rim to Rim to Rim. That's right, South Rim to North Rim and back. It was a beautiful challenge. When asked were Mama was Sam said, "Mama run all over". Sam survived both trips and loved visits from Nana and Grandma and Grand Dad.

We have had lots of snow and rain this spring. It doesn't feel like spring or summer yet. Sam is growing and changing every day. He loves to talk and he does it well. We hear "what's that" a lot. Sam's 2nd Birthday is right around the corner. The time has flown by. He loves the Happy Birthday song and will be so thrilled when everyone is singing it to him!

Last night we went to the Gannett Grill for dinner. After dinner we were enjoying some chocolate peanut butter cookie made by Sophie when Sam proclaimed he was eating a "poop cookie". Steve and I practically fell off the picnic table bench we laughed so hard. Talking is so fun.

Springtime?

2010-05-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

The time gets away from us. Sam is growing and changing so fast that we'd be hard-pressed to capture it all, even if we posted daily. This spring is all about bikes and playing with the shop-vac in the garage. No matter what the weather, Sam's preference is "outside." It's either "yeyyow bike" or "boo bike" or the wagon. Sometimes, he prefers to go on foot, and would like you to run with him, saying, "Dada run!"

He engages the dogs more now, talking directly to "Bug" and "Ovid." Olive is the more patient of the two, and will occasionally even let him sit on her back.

My current favorite is when Sam sees something he really likes. He leans slightly forward at the waist an makes the "oooh" sound, then says, "Whoa...dude!"

As always, the days are too short and race away.

Dancin Machine

2010-02-18T06:36:00.000-08:00

2010-02-11T08:20:00.000-08:00

"one, two, three, two..."

Sam is learning and growing so fast, it's hard to keep up.

Last weekend, we froze out at the Sled Dog Races, and then climbed in the sun at Sinks in the afternoon.

Sam's "hat"

2010-01-29T09:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays

2010-01-05T08:30:00.000-08:00

The Bechtels had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. We spent Christmas in Casper with family and 2009 ended with pots and pan banging at 6:30 PM. Sam wouldn't make it to midnight and neither would Steve and me.

We are so grateful for a wonderful year full of happiness and adventure. We are also looking forward to what 2010 holds. We wish you all a happy and healthy year.

2009-12-20T05:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming and we are all sick. Today will be another pajama-wearing-house-bound-snot-blowing-day. The cold that Sam caught two weeks ago has now infected Steve and me. I keep thinking that when I we wake up in the morning someone will feel better but during the night something happens and instead someone feels worse. Don't worry Family we will do whatever it takes to kick this cold before we see you on Thursday.

We were discussing our pre-Sam health this morning. Oh what a wonderful thing it was. It seems that no amount of hand-washing can take us back to that place.

Despite our colds we are all very excited for Christmas and to see everyone.

I hope you are wrapping gifts and drinking egg nog!

Ellen

Fall 2009

2009-12-13T05:42:00.000-08:00

Time is flying by. Since the last time we wrote, Sam has become a very big boy. In late October, we drove to Denver, and flew to Kentucky (via a short visit to cousin Caleb) to go climbing. We stayed a week with our good friends Janelle, Mike, Axel, and Lucas Anderson at their cabin in the Red River Gorge.

Sam has learned so many new words we can't even remember them all. He's figuring things out faster than Mom and Dad can adapt. Like how to get on the kitchen table, how to make calls on the phone, how to slide the child safety gate away from the fireplace, how to climb up onto the bed, open boxes, reach into the knife drawer, open the oven, turn on/off the gas on the stove, unplug appliances, flush the toilet, unroll the toilet paper (only one full roll at a time), put toys in the garbage can, get in the dishwasher, open closet doors, throw heavy objects, using a broom or stick to clear off tables or shelves, and how to get on Olive's back for a short ride.

Sam has become very conversational, and is really fond of kissing...especially Mama. When upset, he has several ways of saying her name. Moh-Maaah, Maw-mae, Baba (when his nose is stuffy), MaMAA, etc. Ellen started a list recently, and ended up with many more words than would fit on one page.

Sam has lots to say.

2009-10-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

Sam's vocabulary is growing in leaps and bounds. He confidently spouts words like, sit, elbow, Mama, Dada, baby, nose, eye, hat, head, up, on, apple, UM for Uncle Matt, Sesee for Aunt Leslie and doggie. We are also starting to figure out his foreign-sounding phrases, "what's that?".

Sam is eating more meals with silverware too. He gets frustrated but won't give up the fork. By the big, family Thanksgiving he'll be ready to eat turkey and pumpkin pie with his fork. We are going on vacation at the end of October. We will visit Caleb near his 1st Birthday and then go climbing in Kentucky. We are all looking forward to a break!

Sam and snow.

2009-10-16T09:14:00.000-07:00

We got our first snow of the season at the beginning of October. It snowed for at least two days straight. We were very excited to bundle Sam up and pull him around in the sled. He loved it! When we'd stop to take a break he would fling himself forward, saying "get going Dada"! He also made lots of truck noises as he drove around in the snow. There were a couple of crashes as you'll see in the video.
The snow has melted but we are already looking forward to the next big snow. Maybe we'll build a snowman next time.

He was so small once.

2009-09-17T13:49:00.000-07:00

This picture of Sam was taken his first day home from the hospital.
Wow, how he has changed!

Daddy's Little Helper

2009-09-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

Sam is a very good helper. He loves to play with the drill, vacuum and mop.

Camper

2009-09-17T13:42:00.000-07:00

Climbing Sam

2009-09-17T13:40:00.000-07:00

New adventures!

2009-07-27T10:11:00.001-07:00

A Few Funny Things...

2009-07-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Sam.

He is a rocket these days. There is so much happening each day that it's hard to slow down and write it all.

- He loves to pull up your shirt when you're sitting and pinch your belly fat. Talk about motivation to stick to the diet!

- He LOVES bikes: bikes on TV, his Strider bike, his trike, my bikes...doesn't matter.

- He likes toothbrushes and will carry one around all day if you let him.

- He has lots of words now and tends to talk all the time.

As usual, he gets more lovable each day.

Standing Strong

2009-06-17T14:05:00.000-07:00

This is mostly a picture post...

BIRTHDAY ONE

2009-05-29T08:32:00.001-07:00

Sam woke up at 3:30 on his birthday morning. Apparently he was so excited to be one that he couldn't help but cry. For a long time.

This has been the best year of our lives. The little boy is standing ALL THE TIME, crawling fastewr than we can imagine, and is interested in everything.

Tomorrow we will have a birthday party for Sam and a housewarming party for us.

We are so lucky...

Growing Boy

2009-05-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

It is terrible that we don't keep up with this record of Sam's progress. I noticed that it's been two months, probably the biggest two months since we posted last. So, lets see...

- Sam is a crawlin' machine, full speed and especially attracted to sharp / heavy objects and stairs.

- He can say Da Da (which he says about lots of things, not just me), Ma Ma, and Dog.

-He can identify the lights and the fans, the latter receiving the "swooshing arm motion" as he points at them.

-He waves and points at people, much like John McCain...we're so proud.

-He can walk with assistance and can stand up on his own if he's got something to hold on to...much like a frat guy.

-He loves to be outside, and is almost never fussy once you take him out.

-Sam and Mom completed the Mothers' Day 9k in Boulder last weekend, with Mom doing most of the work.

As always, our love for him grows and grows with each day. My mom said the same thing about me, except for the time between ages 12 and 21 when it sort-of plateaued...

BABY TO BOY

2009-03-17T12:46:00.000-07:00

It seems like we are so busy these days. It bothers me because we let slip by some amazing events in Sam's life. Like how he'll say, "MA ma mA MAAA MMMMA MA MA ma ma!" Yet, he doesn't quite say it TO her.

He is squirmy, likes to sleep in the bed with us (sideways only so he can kick one of us), and is starting to move around.

Sam is starting to scoot a bit, and is adept at falling forward onto his face. He can stand up OK, and can hang from his hand for 10 or more seconds...only climbers would make their kid do this.

Last weekend, Sam was sitting on the floor when Olive came up to visit him. He's in the habit of petting her, and this time he got hold of her collar. As Olive moseyed off, Sam held fast. He hit his head on the floor and started to cry, but held on as she dragged him across the floor. Even when mommy got there and picked him up, he was still firmly attached to the collar. I dunno...maybe he'll be a bullrider.

2009-01-25T17:04:00.000-08:00

We have had a busy 2009. We moved to our new home the weekend before Christmas. We spent Christmas in Casper with both families and we were back in Lander for a quiet New Year. I am starting to feel settled in the new house. I will feel completed at home when our old house on McDougall sells. Our new address is 2265 N 2nd St., Lander WY 82520.
Sam is doing well. He is growing like a weed and keeps us on our toes. We is talking more and loves playing with all his toys. He is just a few days away from 8 month sold. Steve and I can not believe how quickly the time has gone. He is amazing!
Enjoy the pictures.
Ellen

New experiences!

2008-11-19T11:23:00.000-08:00

I have not posted since the first day I went back to work, 4 months ago. Wow, time gets away from you... I am happy to report that Sam now has his own life. He spends two afternoons a week with friends, one with Suzanne Lilygren and one with Deborah Ellis. We feel very lucky to have such great care for him. It also gives Steve and I time to focus without interruption on whatever we want. It is great!
Sam is changing every day. It is so amazing to watch him learn and discover the world around him. His most recent experience is food. He started eating rice cereal this past weekend. It was fun and messy. We are not sure how much he actually swallowed. He is also making more sounds and mimicking our sounds. Sam and I are going to the local child development center on Friday for his 6 month screening. Of course we know already that he is above average but hearing it never gets old. I will report back with the results.
I am looking forward to Thanksgiving and eating turkey with family. Uncle Matt will be celebrating his first Thanksgiving in the United States in three years with us. We are all looking forward to his dish!!!
Enjoy the new pictures and Sam's BIG, blue eyes.

Who is that baby?

2008-11-08T19:20:00.000-08:00

Sam is growing and learning so much. El and I are so busy, that it seems like we can't even keep up with remembering the landmarks, let alone document them. So far, we have only taken about 5 minutes of video, and all the pictures are waiting to be sorted. One of the wonderful things we see as Sam passes the 5 month mark is his engaging nature and his interest in just about everything.

He giggles when he sees the baby in the mirror. He pets the dogs and pulls mom's hair and when I karate-chop him in the guts (hey...it's never too early to get tough...) he laughs like crazy. We've just started using his new baby backpack and he loves being able to see where we're going.

He is adept at rolling to the left, but prefers to avoid going right. He talks and talks, though I think it's mostly to hear his own voice...just like the rest of us. He has also found the volume controls...and I think he's never going back to coos and sighs. I can't even come up with the words to describe how much we love this little man. He is the best and brightest thing in the world to me.

Waiting on Cousin

2008-10-24T18:38:00.000-07:00

Somehow we all got to Kansas City a little bit early. We had planned to get here after the new Patterson baby arrived, but he decided to take the long road. Sam and Mom and Dad spent the past few days in Charlotte NC, at the airport Sheraton. A great place, but not really. Mom worked, Sam and Dad got to know the place.

Now we are on leg two of the trip. Waiting. Annoying Katherine. Eating Matt's cooking.

Sam is the king. He is the world's best traveler. We have got it so good...

4 Months and Counting

2008-10-03T11:49:00.000-07:00

There is so much happening every day, it's hard to keep up. Sam is talking and smiling all the time now. He chuckles if something is especially delightful, and he is becoming better and better at communicating every day.

He is a delight for us and he makes every sinlge day priceless. We never imagined it could be so great. What would the world be like without this little guy?

Teeth and other Demons

2008-09-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

Sam has developed A) A severe oral fixation, particularly with his fingers, or B) incoming teeth. It bothers him. It makes him cry and slobber and gurgle. It's another milestone. He's also developed the great ability to sit upright with a lot of control, as seen in the accompanying photo. Sam has borrowed a Bumbo chair from his soon-to-be-friend Asa to help him with this. Olive particularly likes this chair because it keeps Sam more accessible.

Olive is laid up right now with a dislocated pinkie toe. Now, in addition to feeding Sam, holding the teething ring, making plum jam, and working on our new winter gym plans, we get to try and keep her toe wrapped up.

The days are hectic and the nights are short, but we have found a wonderful life. We're busier than a string of beads at Mardi Gras, but we are happy and that's worth a few sleepless nights.

Sam in the Wilderness

2008-09-09T15:18:00.000-07:00

We got some pretty strange looks as we hiked over Jackass Pass into the Cirque of the Towers last weekend. Sam, in his pink Patagonia snow suit, was strapped to my chest, and Ellen and I both carried large packs up the switchbacks in the trail.

"How's she doing?"
"It's a boy. He's fine. He's doing wonderfully." Assuming it's a girl just because of the color of the clothing. Oh, no. Mom and Dad are just bargain shoppers...

Some of them were obviously horrified that we'd be so irresposible as to bring a little baby to what was obviously the most remote and terrifying place they themselves had ever been. We were pretty comfortable with our margin of safety, though. Other than a little bit of sunburn on his nose, Sam was fine.

We camped two nights in the almost-empty Cirque with some friends from Colorado. Sam slept well each night nestled in Ellen's down jacket. On Saturday, I climbed Wolf's Head and Tiger Tower with our friends, Ellen and Sam stayed warm in the tent.

On Sunday, we raced out of the mountains. We've finally learned to plan extra time for Sam to poop, eat, or cry, and so we gave ourselves plenty of time to get a long walk in. Luckily, Sam was feeling pretty good and allowed us to hike non-stop out to the car, andthen make the short drive back home without any complaints.

Our friend Amy Skinner talks about how glad she is that her kids will never remember their first time camping or climbing or being out in the woods. I am glad Sam can look back years from now and say that his crazy parents took him out into the middle of the Wind Rivers when he was only 100 days old, and he was already tough as a two-dollar steak.

Sand

2008-08-25T11:52:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, we took a family trip to recon some climbs out in the desert east of Lander. As always, we were rewarded with the greatest possible amount of unclimbed stone in the lower 48. But what was great about this day were the massive number of sand dunes we found. What a unique playground...can't wait for Sam to be old enough to at least remember going to these wonderful places.

We talked to an old local out there who told us of an old silver mine nearby, complete with old ore carts and rails. Should make for a good adventure later this fall.

Baby Pictures

2008-08-17T17:51:00.000-07:00

So much happens so quickly. We fail to record the little things that happen, and then Sam is 12 weeks old. We did make the great decision to have Sam's pictures taken by a professional. You can check out a few at her website:

www.kristycardinalphotography.com

Just for comparison, here are a few of our own...

Hopefully, we can still remember to post things occasionally.

2008-08-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

Back to work

2008-07-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first day back at work. I only had three appointments but they were enough. Sam did very well. He slept through my appointments. We will go back to work this afternoon for a couple more. I am glad to work only half days. It gives me time with Sam and I can also contribute to the business. Gotta make the money. We are already saving for college.
This morning we took the Chariot out for a run. It was fun but difficult. Sam slept and I nearly passed out. I will get better and better at steering and breathing as we go.

One Month and Counting

2008-07-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

So hard to believe its been over a month! Sam has begun to sleep more at night, and is very awake and aware most parts of the day. He and Ellen are getting regular walks (almost daily) in his new Chariot.

Last night, we took our first family bike ride across town for dinner at Aunt Leslie and Uncle Scott's house. Sam loved riding behind the bike and only cried when we stopped. Talk about motivation to ride your bike!

Ellen has been released by the doctor to resume full normal activity, and just in time. Starting in a little over a week, she goes back to work.

We are still adjusting to the changed sleep patterns and increased coffee consumption, but overall the jump into family has treated us well.

2008-07-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

2008-06-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

Sam passed his hearing test in Laramie. Again, he was an excellent patient. He had to be asleep during the test, not difficult for Sam. However, if someone were pressing electrodes to my forehead and clipping them to my earlobes I wouldn't be able to sleep. The test took almost two hours and as my Dad said, "Now he is perfect in every way". We will probably retest when Sam is six months old, as is recommended by the audiologist.

Yesterday Steve went climbing at the North Country and Sam and I went along. I have not been cleared to go climbing yet, but I can belay. Sam's first day climbing was a success. I was a bit neurotic about keeping him covered so no sun or bugs could get to him. He still seems a bit fragile.

Today is Sunday. Steve and the dogs just left for a morning of climbing. The house is very quiet. Sam is sleeping in his swing so I have time to write. Steve has been incredible at night. He gets up and changes Sam's diaper 95% of the time and then brings him to me to nurse. I don't have to leave the bed! Tom and Linda gave us a little crib that was Aunt Diane's, Tom's, Leslie's, Steve's and Jeff's. It is great. We placed it right beside the bed so I can get to it, again, without getting out of bed.

Sam does seem stronger now. He is moving his head around often and with a bit of control. His arms and legs are always moving if he is awake. His eyes seem to be changing from the newborn dark blue/black to lighter blue. I think his eyes will be blue. We'll know for sure in a few months. Sam is experiencing a common newborn affliction. Dry skin is covering his entire body. Not much to do but watch. Lotion just makes a mess and it seems to only last a couple of days per body area. Baby acne is next!

SAM'S FIRST DAY CLIMBING

2008-06-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

Today was Sam's first day at the crag. It was a nice, warm day, and we spent it in the cool shade. Sam slept most of the time, and handled the hike well. The cliffs of the North Country are covered with tiny pockets that we call "monos". This is because most full-grown climbers can fit only one finger in the holes. What I realized today is that if Sam gets rolling in the next few weeks, he'll be able to fit all four fingers in each hole!

We carried Sam in a front-pack, and it worked well with the normal climbing pack.

Also of note is that the little one slept four hours straight last night. We know this isn't the new normal, but it's a welcome relief from the 1.5 hour grind.

2008-06-19T09:05:00.001-07:00

Sam's umbilical cord fell off yesterday. Yahoo! He is fully healed from the birth now. He is doing well and back to a bit of a routine?, aka he is waking every two to three hours during the night to eat. After a night of regular feedings I feel like I could do anything until about 1:00 pm then it is nap time. We are looking forward to a hike with Steve and the dogs this morning in Sinks. As the weather heats up the river rises. Yesterday, I took a short walk along it in town and it is high and moving fast. We'll see how it is in the canyon today.

When does night become morning?

2008-06-17T03:43:00.000-07:00

Sometime in the wee hours of the morning, it becomes easier to get dressed and make coffee than to go back to bed. This morning that happened to be about 4:00.

The last few nights have been full of opportunities for personal growth for all three of us. We spent the weekend in Casper visiting grandparents and celebrating my parents' 45th anniversary. Sam spent the weekend being adored, held, and admired. He also slept nearly every daylight hour.

Which left him with plenty of energy at night.

On Saturday, we received a baby-spa device that plays soothing sounds like rainfall, the ocean, and such. We plugged it in that night and it promptly put Ellen and I to sleep, at least until the baby noises got loud enough to bring us back around.

Sunday was Father's Day. I'd have liked to sleep all day, but made the mistake of getting out of bed. So it was another day of visiting, yawning, and finally driving back across the beautiful plains to Lander, with just one small "snack break" at Beaver Rim.

Last night was another one for the books. Sam slept very little, was pretty gassy, and spent most of the night upset. I, myself, like having gas, but to each his own. So the night crawled along until El had had enough and I took over walking Sam through the dark house. We listened for the paperboy's ATV, for the sounds of the birds, for the beginning of the morning traffic on the street. And as the sun started to warm the dark sky, Sam's eyelids closed for another day's sleep.

2008-06-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday of last week, Sam visited the doctor for the first time. He was an excellent patient. His weight went from 6# 5oz at release from the hospital to 6# 13oz on Wednesday. He also grew taller, around 1/4 to a 1/2 inch, now reaching 19 3/4 inches tall, a giant of a boy. We will visit an audiologist in Laramie this Friday to determine what, if anything, is wrong with his left ear. In case I have not mentioned this to you, his left ear did not pass initial hearing tests in the hospital so off we go to visit Grandma.
Our trip to Casper this weekend was full of activity for everyone. Sam did a lot of lounging and enjoyed being admired. Sleep was hard to come by for Steve and I but through the haze of fatigue I couldn't help but smile at Sam in the morning. However, I am grateful there are three Starbuck's in Casper to keep us fueled and functioning! I wonder if people realize the state we are in and smile knowingly, shaking their heads or maybe they assume we are less than average on any given day. Whatever they think Sam is a beautiful baby with a perfectly shaped head (everyone says so...); one of the benefits of having a c-section birth. I wouldn't trade him for 4 straight hours of sleep, maybe a Venti Latte...
Ellen

The Bucket

2008-06-12T10:13:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how little Sam is. He sleeps in a small Rubbermaid (TM) bin with a foam pad in the bottom. It's really easy to carry, light, and best of all, free! Last night Ellen sent me to the guest room to sleep...I'd been getting behind and apparently it showed in my demeanor. So, 8.5 hours later, I'm a new man. And now she is sleeping...

I love the craziness of this new life. As tiring or strange or inconvenient as it might be, the little man is worth all the effort.

It's so great to be a family. To be Daddy and Mommy (though after almost two weeks of life Sam still has trouble with enunciation). This is the greatest of all things. It gives me hope. It makes everything just a little bit better.

And all the free food our friends keep bringing over is great, too.

Tummy Time

2008-06-09T09:56:00.000-07:00

At least one of us is getting some exercise. Everyday Sam spends some time on his tummy, strengthening his arms and back. His legs are moving more than any other part of his body. He is bicycling in the sky.
We are looking forward to our first road trip. Next weekend we will head to Casper to celebrate Steve's first Father's Day and Tom and Linda's 45th wedding anniversary, two very big events.
Packing for Sam will be an interesting challenge, having never done it before. I am sure we will bring too much. How can someone so small require so much gear? We will report back on our trip next week.
Ellen

First Day Out

2008-06-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

Sam is ten days old. We thought it was high time he made it outside. We took a family hike at Sinks Canyon in the cool June afternoon. Most years it's in the high 80s or 90s by now, but it's been pleasantly cool all spring.

The wildflowers were great, the river high, and the dogs were full of energy after being stuck inside for over a week. We still aren't sure whether the yellow flowers in the picture are Arrow-Leaf Balsam Root or Mule's Ears...

Sam, he is.

2008-06-07T07:49:00.000-07:00

It's funny to have a baby. It's obvious that things change dramatically, but what is really interesting is that we know what to do. I think we are really lucky with Sam, he is good at sleeping and is starting to figure out when to do it, too.

This morning, Sam and I got up at six and went out to the living room to read on the couch. El had been up many times during the night feeding him and needed the sleep. As luck would have it, he slept again until Ellen was awake about 8, giving her two hours of uninterrupted sleep - the equivalent of 8 hours for a nursing mother.

As usual, things are running smoothly. We are so lucky. I sometimes catch myself thinking about when he can walk or talk or how he will be sometime down the road. This morning, though, I am content in today. It is wonderful to have him now, squirming and cooing and pursing his little lips, learning to be a baby.

Steve

We survived!

2008-06-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

We made it through another night. Last night was the first night that Steve was allowed to return to the bed since Sam came home. Three in the bed proved much too stressful so we took Sam out. Who would have thought? Being next to the bed with both his parents and noisy dogs in the room must have lulled him to sleep. Cross your fingers for tonight.
Love,
Ellen

Sam's all alone with Mom and Dad

2008-06-04T18:21:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the first night Sam is stuck with just the parents. Grandma Rebecca has gone home after a week of taking care of the three of us. The dogs, Bug and Olive are adapting well, and are both curious and caring when it comes to the little guy.

Dark comes tonight with a sense of dread and the question, "How did we give birth to a nocturnal son?"

2008-06-02T19:35:00.001-07:00

Sam was born at 8:14am on May 29, 2008. Wahoo.