1st Birthday

This past Saturday we had Sam's 1st birthday party at Oak Mountain Petting Farm. Despite the 40 something degree weather and rain off and on all day it was a lot of fun. Here are a few moments from that day.

The sofa that we got Sam- it folds out so that she can lay on it as well.

The cake/cupcake table

The high chair of honor

Hailey my little cup cake decorator. She did a great job helping!

Me and Sam checking out the table

Everyone singing Happy Birthday to Sam

Trying it out

Lovin it more and more with each bite!

A picture with mommy and daddy

Presents!!

Sam and Evie watching the older kids run around

On to the animals. This goat was so nice- once you pet them they followed you everywhere!

Sweet little pony

Baby lamps

This goose was so funny- it would chase you trying to get you to pet it.

Hard to see - put Roosters

Mama sheep and baby lambs born the day before

This goat was hilarious it was climbing up on everything!

Let It Snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

It snowed about an inch Saturday morning at our house. Since snow is scarce in Alabama we bundled up Sam to go out and experience her 1st snow-- well technically her 1st snow that she was conscious for. When she was a few months old we had a little bit of snow that I was able to run out and have our picture taken - but she slept the whole time. So out we went for a total of 5 minutes. She didn't really seem to enthused about it but I got some cute pics of her all bundled up!



Checking the snow out-- She didn't want daddy to put her down


Not to sure what she is looking at



Tying to find a place to get down where it's not cold and wet

Finally a great picture taken with daddy!

Days Full of Thanks

Most know what a difficult road it has been on our way to having Sam. It took me years and 1 miscarriage before I was blessed with my beautiful little girl. This year all I could do was hold her and give thanks to God for her all day. She is what I am most thankful for in my life.

Thanksgiving was so much fun; full of family and food. We made our 3 usual stops over a span of 2 days and Sam enjoyed every minute of it.


Watching the Thanksgiving Day parade with daddy. At the opening they had dancing cheerleaders who Sam just loved. When they were through she clapped for them.


Eating her first Thanksgiving meal at my aunt's house. The mac-n-cheese was her favorite.

Sam getting ready to eat her 2nd Thanksgiving meal Thursday.

Saying hello to all the dogs. The white dog is one of my mom's dogs and Sam loves him! I think the feeling is mutual!

Sam with my grandmother who has had a remarkable year. Around this time last year she was in rehab recovering from a stroke. I am so thankful that she is around to see Sam.

Friday after the big game (Go BAMA!- okay I know she is dressed in Auburn but that is b/c her dad dressed her that day while I had to work) she got to chow down on her 3rd Thanksgiving meal at my mother in laws.

Finally ending the day reading with her grandmother and great aunt. She loves books and always has one within grabbing distance if possible. (I think she is going to be an avid reader like her mommy)

More than two handfuls

Sam is 11 months old--- I can't say this without hyperventilating. For 1- oh there is that word again- she will be a year old in 1 month. See a constant reminder that my baby is growing up. 1's are everywhere! Which then reminds me of her party--- boy who would have thought a party could be so bittersweet! Well enough about that for now otherwise I will starting crying.

News on Sam

We had to go to the Dr Monday due to a feverish, cranky and lethargic baby on Sunday. Diagnosis: Phanagilitis (i think that is right). A virus in her throat that has also caused ulcers in her throat. We are on the mend and have been fever free since yesterday. She should be able to go to daycare tomorrow!

She weighs 20lbs (I was shocked thinking she weighed a little less)

Sam is in full motion: crawling, pulling up and will climb over anything-- no walking yet though she stood up at her toy box without holding on.

She is talking up a storm - and such a mimic- she can duplicate any sound you make and will try to even repeat every word you say.

She is on straight table food and would be drinking from a sippy cup only - does at daycare- but at home this is a set back due to a few colds and illnesses.

As you can see above her favorite foods are: spaghetti, animal crackers and ritz crackers and pasta pick ups-- I am wondering if she has some Italian in her some where

She is as always a blessing to us and I can't remember life before her!

Games

Who doesn't love them? Sam sure does and below is her favorite one to play:


Climbing on the fireplace


Banging on the glass door (Before we learned how to open it)


Next we have to re-arrange the pictures

And then the look of triumph before we do our dismount -

Which at first scared the crap out of me! She dives off the fireplace into a tuck in roll. We are currently trying to teach her that she can swing her feet off and slide off- after the first 2 times we learned that keeping her off was a losing battle.

She has also added to the daily routine (well hourly routine). She also can open the door and closes it using the handle on the door.

While we are constantly pulling her off -it sure beats the old game of trying to stick her hand in the VCR and messing with the cable box.

Halloween

We celebrated Sam's first Halloween this past weekend. She was dressed as a butterfly. We went trick or treating with our good friends the Fortenberrys. It was so much fun and Sam loved it! She especially liked seeing all the other kids dressed up.

Sam in her Halloween shirt

The prettiest butterfly I have ever seen

Sadie (the princess) helping Sam with her costume


After getting on that gear she was just to tired to move

Hailey - the clown

The Loot!

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

An Attempt at Christmas

Here are my attempts at taking pictures for a Christmas card last week. Little miss did okay - but i forgot there would be a reflection in the glass from the flash so I am working to get that out but as you can tell there are a few shots that are just to adorable!

(yes I know Halloween comes before Christmas and I have pictures from that fun filled night ready to be uploaded in my camera at home!)


Checking out the tree


Presents!

Just one present?


Posing for the camera

Wondering what I have stuck on her head now

I don't know where the toy solider went

Mom trying to make sure Sam doesn't snatch off the hat...

She's quit a pro at that



A litte Christmas present early-- actually this was

intended as a Christmas present but I left it in the

living room to long and it has already been claimed.