Leaving is so hard

Nothing has changed me more than the birth of our son. Prior to being pregnant I was a workaholic (ok maybe even during my pregnancy), had multiple jobs and I was always working. I thought I would have him, take 6 weeks off and be back in the game. Now my priority is to work the least amount to survive. I would love to be a full time stay at home mom which makes friends and family laugh out loud! In an instant my priorities were changed forever. I ask friends with children why were they holding out on me. I don't remember anyone pulling me aside and telling me," You have to have children. It is the most wonderful thing you will ever do". I guess it is that kind of love you have to experience yourself to truly appreciate and understand.
I struggle weekly with having to go to work. It is so difficult to have a child and a career. With that said... I do know how fortunate I am to have a flexible schedule and child care in our own home with one of my best friends here with him. Below is a video Gerry took today of Jillian and Sam dancing while I was at work. I am not sure what he was thinking but Jillian was having a great time! We have always called Sam our "little thinker". He is just taking it all in...

Mmmmm...

I was on the phone with my aunt the other day and she asked if Sam had tried a pocsicle yet. No way I told her... no high fructose corn syrup for our little guy. As most of you know I have always made Sams' baby food and still shop at Whole Foods for him and cook everything Sunday night for the week. That's right, he has never had a jar of baby food! Don't get me started but why is it ok those jars sit on the shelf for so long? Anyway, Russ jokes that Sam eats better than we do and he does. She got my wheels turning and I decided I could make him a popsicle so I did. Actually, I made him an orange creamsicle. I think he liked it:)

Look mom... I can steer!

Sam had figured out by the weekend how to navigate and turn corners! I was standing in the kitchen and the next thing I knew Sam was coming around the corner to see me. He enjoyed walking around the playground with the big kids... boy does my back hurt from following him around to catch him in case he fell!
We had a nice visit with my aunt and cousin. Sam and my godson Justin were born on the same day 18 years apart. Sam liked hanging out with the big boys (Justin and his friend Parker) and was showing them his new remote control car:) We went for a dip in his baby pool and then took a nap. What a fun day.

What a busy week...

Wow, what a week we have had. Sam started walking and cut another tooth. He was a very busy guy this week. It is so amazing to see him walking around our house. I did not realize how emotional reaching that milestone would make me. Just another "step" out of babyville! Where does the time go? I was warned by friends who have children but I had no idea how fast it really does go. He is so proud walking around showing off with a huge smile on his face laughing all the way. He is such a crowd pleaser like his father! He is always turning his head around to make sure someone is watching him. Tomorrow my Aunt Pam is coming over to see Sam. The last time she was here he was 6 weeks old. I can remember feeling still a bit unsure of my mothering at that point. I have got that down now! I will post pictures from the visit.
Sam has really discovered his books the past couple weeks. We have been reading to him since he was a newborn but now he is bringing the books over to us to read. He will sit and let me read 3 or 4 at a time to him and he loves turning the pages himself. He reads in the tub, in the car and on his changing table. I have posted a video of him "reading":

Shoes for our little walking man!

We went today with Grandma and Grandpa to get measured for some new shoes. Sam has a wide foot so unfortunately our choices were a little limited... we only had one pair to choose from! We enjoyed a little lunch before and had a nice day together. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for buying Sams' shoes:

And he's off!

We have gone from taking a few tentative steps to really walking today! We are so excited and so is Sam. Check out our little man walking down our hallway:

My big boy

So sorry it has been so long since I have posted... we have been busy! Everyone is doing well. Sam is starting to take 4-5 steps at a time unassisted. We are going with Grandma to Stride Rite Thursday to get some shoes. Our new nanny (and my good friend) Gerry started with us this past Monday. She brings her 23 month old daughter Jillian with her and she and Sam have so much fun together. Gerry sends me pictures from her cell phone letting me see what they are up to throughout the day. We are very sad to see Miss Kelly go but happy that she has graduated and can start her career soon:) She promised Sam she will come by to visit often. Sam has also started using a spoon and insists on eating from a plate... not from his tray like we use to do. He doesn't dump the plate which surprised us and he takes mealtime very serious as usual! He has also started coloring(scribbling)with crayons we bought him as you can see in the photo below.