Storytime!

We've discovered the joy of reading. So far, the books "Blankie," "The Belly Button Book," and "On The Day you Were Born" are Sam's (or Mom and Dad's) favorites.

Baby, it's Cold Outside!

Chicagoland got another dose of arctic air this week! We were perfectly warm and cozy at home until the diaper supply started to dwindle and we had to make a trip to Target.

In other exciting Sam news, he weighed in at 13 pounds, 6 ounces at his last pediatricians appointment, which puts him squarely in Size 2 diapers.

Grandma Love!

Grandma Boylan traded Minnesota's frozen landscape for the frigid Chicago air this weekend. We spent lots of time snuggling by the fire and enjoying a very cuddly little Sam. All three of us miss her already and can't wait for her next visit. We promise to leave the house more than once next time she's in town.

Two Months Old

As of yesterday, Sam has graced the world with his presence for two full months. Here's a list of some of his favorite things:

1. Hanging out with Dad in the Baby Bjorn

2. Doing push ups on Mom

3. Accompanying Mom on coffee breaks in the Sam Mobile

4. Watching crazy farmyard animals circle above the crib and kicking around on the play mat

5. Listening to Mom and Dad sing along to children's music. Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed and Mr. Thumbkin are among the favorites

Our Family Sedan

We thought the car seat transformed our mid-size sedan into a full-blown family car and then we got the Fischer Price Auto Mirror. It's a relief to be able to see Sam's little face while we're out and about, but for some reason it feels like we're one step closer to the dreaded minivan....

The Year in Review

2007 was a banner year. It started off with a bang when we spent a week sipping margaritas and frolicking in the Mexican sunshine. Two birthday surprises came a few days later when my parents showed up out of the blue on my big day. Then a group of my closest friends from college appeared on my doorstep to join in on the "70th birthday" party. I truly don't think I'll ever be so surprised again.

I found out we were pregnant on March 1, so I wrapped up a copy of "What to Expect When You're Expecting" for Steve's birthday. The look on his face was part joy, part shock and part terror. I'll never forget it.

We spent the spring and summer watching my belly grow, getting the house ready for the baby and enjoying a good run from the Cubs. We jetted off to Lake Tahoe in August and spent a few really terrific days hiking, swimming and lounging around as a last hurrah.

After endless weeks of waiting, Sam made his big debut in November. We've been trying to master Baby 101 since then and are enjoying all of the ups and downs of our new life.

Here's to many more adventures in 2008!