It is hard to believe that Sam entered our life just 6 months ago. On the one hand, time has flown by and it seems like he was just born. But on the other hand, I can’t imagine our life pre-Sam and I feel like I’ve known him forever. Either way, I am completely in love and so happy to celebrate Sam’s half birthday!

Sam’s stats:

• Weight: 17 lbs 7 oz (60th percentile)
• Height: 27.5 inches (90th percentile–maybe he’ll play for the Spurs!)
• Sleep habits: Goes to bed between 7:30 and 8 at night. Wakes up between 7 and 7:30 in the morning. He usually wakes up at about 6:30 and babbles for a few minutes and then falls back to sleep. I think we’re going to install a black-out shade in hopes that it will keep him quiet a little longer in the morning. He is no longer using the swaddle!
• Sitting up. This is his newest skill. He still falls over pretty often but he is getting better and better each day.

• Loves to be tickled. He seems to be really ticklish. Whenever we tickle his belly he tenses up and lets out a deep laugh.

• Eager to please. Sam loves to get people’s attention by putting on a big, flirty smile. If the person whose attention he is vying for doesn’t immediately notice, he ups the ante and lets out a couple of squeals. Works every time.
• Learning how to use a sippy cup. He can pick the cup up and bring it to his mouth but hasn’t figured out that he needs to tip it back to get any water out. It is so funny to watch him bringing the cup to his mouth which is open as wide as can be.
• Swinger! The weather is nice now so we have been spending lots of time outdoors. We love going to the “tot lot” in our neighborhood and pushing Sam in the swing.

• Plays with his toys. He is getting better at grabbing and has really started to enjoy playing with his toys (basically just putting them in his mouth).

• Loves his doggie. Whenever Henry moves, Sam whips his head around to look at him.  It is so sweet to watch Sam try to reach out to touch Henry. Henry usually tolerates it for a minute and then wanders off.
• Trying new foods. So far Sam has tried and enjoyed rice cereal, oatmeal cereal, sweet potatoes, avocados, and bananas. He makes a huge mess but I think most of it ends up in his mouth.

• Mostly happy. We feel that we have been blessed with a very happy baby. Ben says that Sam has my cheerfulness and Ben’s calm nature. But in the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you, he’s not always happy…

Sam, we love you every minute of every day! Happy half birthday!

Love, Mom and Dad