Just a random update

Hey everyone! Nothing really epic over here, but wanted to share some pictures with you.  She's been doing really great at daycare.  This past week was one of her best.  She's starting to notice things around her.  She tried the bouncer for the first time too!  Don't worry she doesn't actually bounce just yet!  But she plays with all the lights and sounds on it.
In the meantime, here are some pictures !!

This was when we went out for brunch on Gaffney's patio

 This is Samantha helping Kellie make lunch for the other daycare kids

 This was just yesterday, she refused to wake up!  She must get that from me.

 She actually sleeps in the pack n play at daycare!

Tubby and Tummy time! (updated with working video)

Samantha is just starting to enjoy her tummy time!!!  Shes finally using her activity mat.  She is three months old already!  Can you believe it?  She's starting to explore the world around here.  She is listening to the noises around her.. and  noticing the dogs finally :)

She absolutely LOVES taking a bath.  I am thanking my lucky stars for that one.  I've heard horror stories about babies not liking their baths... phew, dodged a bullet there.

Here are some pictues of her enjoying her activity mat and taking a bath!! There is a video on the bottom.  ENJOY! :)

Daycare update

Samantha seems to be adjusting, slowly, to daycare.  She isn't on a set schedule just yet but.. definitely settling in.   Poor Kellie has her in the carrier almost all day long sometimes.  She is actually napping in the pack n play though.  Small steps but... important none the less.
Kellie sends me texts and pictures throughout the day to let me know how she's doing.  Here are some pictures from the last two weeks!  Enjoy!

Samantha's first photoshoot

I was lucky enough to be introduced (awhile ago) to a friend named Nicole Kroll.  She is a fantastic photographer and was sweet enough to take pictures of our little one.  She was only 4 weeks old, and a little difficult to photograph.  We were on HER terms haha.   Nicole will be taking pictures of her again at 6 months and a year!  We can't wait!  If you want to see some of her work, or hire her for your own photoshoot, please see the facebook link at the bottom of this page!  In the meantime, here are a few of our favorite shots!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nicole-Kroll-Photography/194593023910250

Meeting Cousin Addie

Samantha got to meet her big cousin Addie when we went to NH for the first time with her in August.  Addie is gonna kick her butt when they are able to walk!! She was born almost exactly 3 months before Samantha.  PJ and Catie were 10 weeks apart and now their daughters are 14 (roughly), how cute is that!  Hopefully, despite their distance, they will be very close cousins!  Here are some pictures of the two of them, and others!

Samantha's first official "unofficial" trip to Ogunquit, Maine - August 21-26

I'm sure you're wondering why I wrote,  official "unofficial" , trip to Maine.  Well, the reason is, because technically we were in Ogunquit, ME and it was obviously her first time there.  However, Samantha and I went up with my mother and stayed at the Lookout (condos).  She hasn't actually stayed in the family cabin just down the road. :)  So there you have it..

It was a super busy weekend.  We had a friends wedding..

(shout out to mike and marcy)

 downstate in Newburgh.  Momma & Daddy B drove from NH to come babysit Samantha while PJ and I went to the wedding.  I then hopped in the car with them and went back to Derry.  From there, my mother came down from Ogunquit, where she had been for a day already, and picked Samantha and I up.  Poor Samantha that absolutely HATES her carseat did very well for all the traveling she did.  It did take her a few days to adjust up in Ogunquit.  One night she had me in tears because of all the screaming she did.. but that's neither here nor there ;)  That's alot for a 9 week old!  Pj didn't get to join us until the end of the week, and only for a day but he made up for it with some beach and pool time!  And of course Jackie's clam chowder.

We walked everywhere.  Usually with my mom pushing the stroller and I, of course, carrying Samantha.  She wasn't a huge fan of the stroller, although we did get her to take naps in it!  Man did I get a work out.  We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful week.  The weather was absolutely perfect, with the exception of one day!  I finally got a tan.  And although Samantha won't remember it, she saw the most beautiful blue skies, walked the marginal way several times, sat at Jackie's Too twice, visited Perkins Cove, went downtown, and much more. She even got to visit with her cousin Addie who was staying in the cabin all week.  One day they'll be best friends!  Or at least argue over toys... or (gulp) boys!!

 Once again, I can't wait to bring her back up, many many times and finally stay in the cabin.  Look below for some pictures of her adventure to Maine! (the video on the bottom is one I made for PJ to send him while we weren't with him, just so sam could say good morning)

 Just sun bathing :)

 If there was such a thing as a baby tourist.. you're looking at it

 All bundled up for an evening stroll to Perkins Cove

 Had to post this because her crying is so funny in this picture

 There we go

 Twins?

Beautiful View from lunch at Jackie's Too

Samantha's first day on the boat - Lake Winnipesaukee - August 14th

Samantha got her first experience and ride on Gramp's boat on August 14th.  We had a mini-vaca up at Lake Winnipesaukee.  And as usual, it rained while we were there.  Im pretty sure I've witnessed 3 sunny days.. the rest were rainy or questionable.  Anyways, she was a natural.  She fell asleep to the roar of the engine and the sound of the water.  And it must of made her relax because she had 4 poopie diapers.. 2 on the way to the naswa and two on the way back :)
Pj made a special onsie for Samantha to wear.  You may be able to read it in some of the pictures but just incase you can't, it says "Gramps first mate" :)  Of course that made him tear up (sorry dad, had to tell on ya)  I can't wait for Samantha to be able to swim and spend time up on the lake with us and her grandparents.  So many memories still to make!

In the meantime, check out the pictures below of her trip!

Daddy and Samantha

 Hanging with the big boys up front!

 Bathing Beauty :)

The wonderful weather I spoke about

Even Winnie had a good time!

The mimic game

So.. how do you play with a 10 week old baby?  I asked myself that same question.. and then googled the crap out of it.  They can learn to mimic simple noises and faces.  So here is a video to show you the OH game!  Enjoy! (yes I realize my laugh at the end is obnoxious)

Samantha's first day at daycare

We were lucky enough to have a daycare close by, where I just happen to go to High School with her and her sister.  I know the family and it's nice not to have to drop off Samantha at a complete stranger's house. We had a "practice day" yesterday (wednesday) for a 1/2 day and let's just say it didn't go very smoothly.  Samantha was all out of sorts, and gave Kellie a hard time and even refused to take a bottle.  I was a mess over this of course.
Today, however, her first FULL day, she passed with flying colors.  I think it's safe to say that she did better than I.  I couldn't deal with dropping her off.. so I asked PJ to do it, which he did without a fuss.  I know it must of been hard for him... I couldn't even picture it.  Kellie sent me pictures and texts throughout the day, telling me how great she was being.  She napped, she played, she ate!!  One thing she didn't do... is POOP!  She saved that for Mommy :)
I know not all days will go as smooth as today but hopefully there will be more good days than bad.  It breaks my heart that I can't be the one to take care of her all day.  But... I am lucky to have Kellie, someone I know and trust.

Here are some pictures from her first day!

Sleeping 5 minutes after PJ dropped her off!

Me getting my cuddles in when I got her home

Just hanging out at daycare :) I just found my hand a week ago and now I can't keep it out of my mouth!