Language Arts

And we are back! Thank you folks for sticking with us through that short five month intermission. I used to be pretty good about updating this little diary of our life and then I went to work and struggled keeping up. Well then my son became very mobile and I found myself looking up the password just to get in this freaking thing to tell my story. This little post sat in draft mode for over a week before posting. With the holidays approaching and lots to do I just couldn't let the last five months go without notice. For again, our son and reached some major milestones and we have entered into a whole to world of Toddler-hood. We have a tiny little tot residing in our home. Our bouncing baby boy is now literally bouncing, and running, and talking, and shouting, and dancing, and we have never had so much fun!

Over the last five months, our little Sam has been a busy little bee. He has added so many words to his little vocabulary and we're beginning the long challenging road of communication. Most days it is really making my life much easier. He's signed his first baby sign when he was out of milk: "More?". Luckily he says the word and signs so there is no question to me what he wants but others may dissagree if you're not with him every day. It's just that I have been drilling those signs in his head for the past year so you can imagine the joy I felt the first day he raised his arms in the air to tell me he was "All Done" with dinner and instead of whining and lauching pee's overboard. He's quickly learning how to boss Doggie around too as he points and says "Goooo! Weigh Dooooooown". This week he has discoved what Up & Down means which becomes an exhausting little game. A week went by when we were pretty sure he was saying shit but we did our best not to acknowledge that silly sound and it quickly resided.

Someone has also discovered that there is a little something that lies between his two little legs that he can pull and makes him giggle. One evening I let him run around naked to try and get some air to a diaper rash. Big mistake. He ran in circles around the kitchen table holding his "pee-pee" and would stop to spred his legs and show it to me while he pulled on it and laughed some more. It is the first thing he looks for after entering the tub, and the first thing he looks for every morning when we get dressed. He's also discovered that there are two nostrils on his face that his fingers fit in and one day pulled it out with a little surprise. He spent the next four days digging for gold and just waiting to show mommy what treasures he could find. This little boy loves nothing more to explore every little nook and cranny of every little object, room, and body part he can get his hands on. I think I may get more excited to wake up each day and see what he finds. As long as it's not boogers.

My little pooper is becoming a big boy. Now on to Discipline 101. I made Brant go with me to Discipline meeting held by our Parents As Teachers goup whom I love more than ever. It's my safe place where I can go and say with an honest face, "So when I say to my son that it is not nice to hit mommy, he then slaps me in the face again and giggles, what is the best way to react"? and people take me seriously.  You can't exactly put a 1 year old in time out and expect him to stay there. You can't really have an intelligent conversation to explain why it is not nice. To that point you can read so many books like "To Spank or Not to Spank" or "What Your Child Really Knows about No" and the list goes on and on and millions of opinions. It's way more overwelming than safety proofing a home. There are days that I think I've taken in so many opinions that I can't even keep them straight. At first when he would slap me I would hear 20 peoples voices run through my head in the next 20 seconds, get completly confused and wind up looking at him and saying "Shit". In summary Discipline in my head is comparible to the world of Photoshop and there are so many tactics and programs and viewpoints out there that I'm not sure what direction to turn. So it's a learning experience. On that note stayed tuned as I'm sure we will have many many many more interesting stories to tell in the near future.....and onto some recent footage. Sorry for the lack of editing, just trying to make it easy....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLTfu253ao4

Happy First Birthday Sweet Sammy!

Dear Bloggers,

My oh my how I have missed you. Used to be once a month and now I over two have gone by. I'm not proud of it and have no excuse; I apologize. Now moving on to the fun part. Yes our little man finally turned the Big Numero Uno July 23rd. I can't really believe it myself. A whole year has gone by and this once tiny, fragile human being we created has turned into a jumping, shouting, laughing, temper tantrum throwing little person. He's grown into quite the little character with likes and dislikes, and a sweet little dance move of his own that we have labeled "The Hot Feet". He has certain foods, songs, shoes, and now sippy cups that he prefers. The daily challenge now is learning how to communicate to each other what those are, or aren't, all the while still having the time of our life!

We opened our home up to 36 adults, 15 children ranging in ages 2 to 12, two babies, and one little birthday boy. On a lovely day in July with the heat index hitting 117 degrees. It was a bit swealtering outside but he didn't seem to mind one bit. We all enjoyed our day celebrating the first year of this sweet little guy and Mommy and Daddy could be prouder!

I'll keep the blogging short and instead share a sweet little film I put together of most of our proudest moments we've share together in the past year. Get Comfy and Enjoy!

Moment in Time

This little chunky monkey turned 10 months old yesterday; where the hell has the time gone? My life is moving at a pace still that I still am always one step behind. This day, however, is one that goes down in history at the ole' Rademeyer household.

So I had a horrible day at the office, like usual, then pick up Samuel from Monica's. He's in his usualy happy, smiley mood; sprawled out on the floor talking on the phone to his friends Pinochio, and Crunchy Elephant Man. He rolls over to see me and smiles so big he looks like he may be chinese. We head home and have a quiet diner alone because Daddy has a late meeting. I've been getting crap from some close friends that I haven't updated the blog in a while so I decide to get out the camera just so Sam can put on a new show for his fans. On the second take I set him down and rolled his ball and he took off! I couldn't believe my eyes; he finally freaking did it. My Baby Can Walk!

I feel like I've been saying he's going to walk any day for like the last 45 days but today was that day! My little boo bear baby has made his next move onto freedom. Freedom to rome around this house at he leasure. Freedom to go in the bathroom and eat all the toilet paper he wants. Freedom to eat all the dog food and cat food he can find on the floor. And freedom to walk over and pull the dogs tail as many times as he pleases.

As you will see in this footage that I was so excited I could honestly control myself and am preeeeety sure I said it's October 24th instead of May. Wow! What a day! :)

"You Are Now Entering The Land Of Bumps And Bruises"

I've always heard people say how there is no manual on how to raise a child or what to do when you bring them home. Now that I'm living in this world, I can actually say that this is not exactly a true statement. I've been reading my "What To Expect The First Year" book diligently almost as if it's my bible of parenting. Now I will admit that it has led me astray a couple of times but with Google in my back pocket there is literally nothing that I can't find an answer to.

In the eight month chapter I stumbled across the sentence, "You are now entering the land of bumps and bruises," and I picture this like master parenting god announcing out of a bullhorn to all of us clueless idiots. It made me nautious at first but as I ease into this new fairytale land it has been it is quite funny. Sammy set off on all fours weeks ago and that has very quickly moved on to climbing, scooting, cruising, and climbing some more. No major accidents but we've already taken a few nasty spills that have left some serious bumps and bruises but they were all worth it. Watching him conquer each task is always a joy. He discovered the stairs a couple of weeks ago and with in minutes was in the middle of the staircase on his own. After getting half way up he looked to the top and the look on his face said nothing but "Oh Shit!" (of course only if he knew that word). He looked down to make sure I was there, then smiled and laughed and went on to the top.

He has also started the non stop babbling and grunting. This week he has begun to waive buh-bye on purpose when you ask him to. He grunts usually when he wants what you're eating or wants more. We're working on signing still but they haven't clicked yet. We'll see how long I stick that out. His favorite toys these days seem to be anything but toys. Remotes, make-up, dishes, trash, etc. There is a pile of empty cardboard boxes and water bottles and junk by his playpin and I had to explain to the parents as teachers rep that it wasn't trash; those are my son's toys. That probably didn't look so good but he loves nothing more than to crunch a water bottle like 86 times and then bang it on the floor. The other evening he scoped out the diaper box and now uses this as his new walker. I'm considering just collecting the diaper boxes and making a playhouse out of them for his first birthday. He'd probably like better than anything I spent money anyway, so what's the point right? I'm just "Keeping it classy San Deigo".

Howdy Partner

Has it really been over a month since I've last rambled on about a bunch of nonsense and the addiction I have to my son? Don't worry viewers. I haven't gone through re-hab or anything. I think we've honestly just been having so much freaking fun I don't even take time out for it. Also probably the fact that this kid is all over the freaking place! I literaly am chasing him all evening and am exhausted at bedtime.

It is truely just amazing to watch how fast these tiny little people grow! For the past nine months, every single night I have snuck in Sam's room just before I turn in for bed for one last kiss and hug trying to not wake him. There's been many times he does wake up and I just squat like a chicken beside his crib hoping he didn't see me. Every morning he comes in our bed for his morning bottle and falls back alseep. Then Brant and I stare at him for ten minutes just completely in love. There is not a day that goes by that we don't discuss how cute he is, or awesome he is, or how big he's getting, how funny he his, or just amazed that he's ours. Today I found myself worried how I will get through the day when he's like 15 and I still want to give him 5000 kisses each day. I mean really, I think I may need to start checking into some support groups for women who love their kids so much they want to squeeze them to death. 

Nothing else great to report today, just really wanted to write to say hello and we haven't forgot about our veiwers. Sam really misses making his movies and we're hoping to capture some great footage on Easter so stay tuned.

Safety First

With a curious little one on the move our next project was to "baby-proof" the house. This has opened my eyes to a whole new industry of gadgets making millions on the scared shit-less new parent category that I'm now a part of. A trip to Babies R Us was next up on our list so I could once again just open up my wallet and dump it in their cash register. From outlet covers to baby gates they have it all; except the plastic bubble that I wish he could grow up in.

While browsing the section I stood next to another couple looking for window locks for what looked like their 2 year little adventurer. So I asked if they ever had any trouble with him opening the oven and if they knew of anything to use. He replied that this was one area they never had a problem with. The one and only. He then goes on to explain how now their son has discovered how to scoot a chair up next to the window and open them up....... from the second story. "WHAT??!!!" I replied with my eyes bugging out of my face. So what lies ahead is still just as frightening as the first day I brought him home but the look on that little boy's face the first time he made it across the room all by himself is worth every second.

Needless to say I've spent most of my day off today doing just that, 'Baby-Proofing;. The outlets are covered, babygate is in place, fireplace foam is stuck, coffee table is in storage and we're ready for him to explore. I have to admit that sacraficing my sense of style in home decor for a safe atmosphere for him to learn in was much easier than I had anticipated.

Giggles

So what if I have five fat roles? I look good........

Have you have you ever thought to "google" laughing babies? Here is where you will find some of parents proud moments of all their littles. I've seen some pretty hilarious videos filter in and out of email inboxes and have recently found some more. I mean seriously, if you are having a peice of poo day this is some wonderful therapy. I mean who can watch a little one with a case of the giggles for the first time and not smile? So I thought I'd share a few of my fav's:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yE6PNps5N9I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP4abiHdQpc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH9MFiapE6U

Also, while conducting this extremely productive research on the web, I've been sampling some new tricks with my little love-bug and just recently found something to "tickle his fancy". Enjoy!

Think Spring!

Pardon my french but I can not resist but saying anything but Holy Shit! Please excuse the delay in my post but quite frankly we have had not just one month, but almost three months of hell here in the beautiful land of Auburn Hills.  Now don't get me wrong, this does not mean that I love my son any less, but our dear Lord above decided to curse this house with one infection after another this winter!!!! Sam has literally been sick since Thanksgiving. He's been tested twice for RSV, chest xray for pnemonia, and pertussis all with negative results thankfully. However he has had this constant rattling in his chest and cough and the Doc had referred us to a Pulmonologist. I can say as of today I have canceled this appointment as we have had 3 days of health so I'm staying positive.

On top of all this fun, in the past week, our precious dog ate our carpet, then got in the cat box which always results in some disgusting bowel movements, and I was wiped out with another cold. I've been fighting it now for at least a week but appear to be on the tail end of things. With hopes to put this all behind us, I have literally washed everything in this house that can be washed: coats, gloves, sheets,  blankets, teething rings, stuffed animals. Then moved onto cleaning the house from top to bottom and opening the windows with this beautiful 60 degree weather. It's like seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

Now that that's off my chest another Holy Shit my son is just about to crawl! Brant is betting by the end of the week but I'll give him a couple. He's become quite the Roly Poly and now that the doc has finally put him on Zantac for his reflux he's become like a new little boy. I mean this little guy thinks just about anything is funny and is full of energy. He's also grown fond of naps too which is a new concept for us. Having a couple of hours during the day for some downtime is really nice I gotta admit. We also have two new little teeth in the house to accomodate that precious little smile. Those, I believe, have been part of the recent fussiness but you know, that's all behind us and there's nothing but some good family fun ahead.

Brant and I have definitely grown a new found respect for parents. Everyone always tells us the first 3-6 months are the hardest and you just have to survive them. I can honestly say the past six months have been some wild and crazy roller coaster ride. There are twists and rolls that leave butterflies in your stomach, but then that horrible dark tunnel that you never think is going to end and leaves you puking over the side. But you come out on the other side and the ride comes to an end as your coast in with the sun shining on your face and the breeze blowing in your hair. We freaking survived it! Hell Yeah! Everything I truely believe is going to be a peice of cake from this day forward and we are going to have the time of our lives. Until we're hopefully blessed with another little bundle of joy and we can muster up enough energy to do this again.

Here's "Tons of Fun" working his mo-jo.......and Sam-man doing his thing :)

*(ba ha ha, sorry Brant, couldn't resist)
*Stayed tuned for the cutest pic's that you have ever seen

Mommy's Jumping Bean

Happy New Year!

For the first time in my life I was actaully sad to bring in the New Year. 2010 has been such a remarkable and unforgetable year that it brought me to tears. Brant and I were surrounded by our close friends as usual. This time, however, was a bit different. We usually walk in the front door with nothing but booze and our appetizer. This year I felt like we took over the place with an almost 20 lb baby in his car seat, blankets, toys, pack n play, diaper bag, christmas presents, and of course I forgot the app. So the party starts at 7 and Brant and I were the first ones in and the first ones out. Sam and I played for a while and then I put him to sleep around eight. As I held my sleeping baby in my arms and gave him an early new years kiss, I got to thinking again how amazing this little guy is and I still can't believe he's my boy. I still can't believe that the answer to all my prayers finally came true and Brant and I welcomed our first born this year which then led me to tears... again. So needless to say I'm sad to see it go but more thankful than ever for our blessings in 2010. I'm starting to picture myself rocking a 5 year old Sam to sleep who's outgrown our chair and still crying in just sheer joy.

To all of our friends and family, I can only hope that your 2011 can bring you as much joy as our 2010. Cheers to health, wealth, and happiness!