Getting ready for Santa

From 2009_11_25_Sam's 1yr pics_Xmas

I had a wonderful birthday a couple of weeks ago...and now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas will be here soon! Mommy and Daddy took me for my 1year portrait...and it didn't go over very well. I was very scared of the photographer and would not stop crying. Luckily Santa Claus popped in and I got a chance to sit with him and get my picture taken. He was very nice, but I am still not quite sure what to think of his white beard.

I have had a cold now for 2 or 3 weeks...Mommy should buy stock in Kleenex because I am going through them like crazy. I saw the doctor for my 1-year appointment and he said I am growing perfectly! I also received 4 shots that day...including the H1N1.

I am really starting to walk now...I will take 8 to 10 steps now on average. I love to talk...saying Mommy and Daddy, bot bot, and lots of other baby talk. If you ask me to wave or say good-bye... I will wave and smile.

I am excited for Christmas and can't wait to see what Santa will be bringing me and Nicholas!

My Birthday Party

11-months old

From 2009_10_31 Halloween pics

I know I am a little late, but Mom and Dad have been hogging the laptop lately... too much facebook and games. I am 11-months now and I am taking 3 or 4 steps now without holding on to anything. I am almost 100% mobile now.

I turn 1 on Thanksgiving week and Mom and Dad can't believe how fast this year went. I am starting to eat table food now, I can clap on command, I say Momma and Dada, I wave, and yesterday Daddy heard be say baba (for bottle).

I just love playing with my brother Nicholas... I think our favorite thing to do is chase each other! I can't wait until I have mastered walking and make it to running because then Nicholas and I can race.... look out!

Pumpkin Picking with Mommy & Nicholas

Mommy took us to the farm this week to pick out our very own pumpkin....and this is my 1st pumpkin. We went with the Mom's Club so we hung out with lots of our friends. Daddy had to work so he was bummed that he missed it. Mom dressed me in warm clothes and as you can tell from the picture, I was having a blast. I just love being down on the ground because I love my freedom.

I am starting to eat more finger foods and I think I like that much more than baby food. I have been teething hard and I have to admit at times I am a bit high maintenance. I got my 2nd part of the flu shot last Friday and Daddy was so proud of me because I only cried for about 5 seconds.

10 Months Old

From 2009_09_24 Sam 10 months

I am 10-months old now and I am making big strides daily! I can stand up all by myself and I can walk across the room when I push my car...Mommy thinks I am going to let go and take off on my own very soon. My two bottom teeth are coming in nicely...and it looks like a couple more teeth are on the way.

My favorite thing to do right now is play with Nicholas. Nicholas chases me all around the house and I am a super fast crawler. Pretty soon I will be running just like my brother!

Daddy took me for my lead test because our house is 40+ years old. The nurse took my blood and Dad was so proud of me because I only cried a little. The test results came back normal so no more tests! I am getting my 2nd flu shot next Friday... I know I need it but I am not looking forward to it.

Trying to walk on my own with the help of my car

I have 2-teeth now!!!

From 2009_09_15 Lancaster vacation

It might be hard to tell from my picture above, but my 2-bottom teeth cut last week and I am much happier now! I am still drooling like crazy but my mouth doesn't hurt nearly as bad anymore.

Mom and Dad took us on vacation last week... my brother Nicholas wrote all about it in his blog so check it out if you want all the details. Here are my highlights from the vacation:

Highlight #3: Seeing the singing cows at Hershey Chocolate World

From 2009_09_15 Lancaster vacation

Highlight #2: Time with Mommy at the Zoo

From 2009_09_15 Lancaster vacation

Highlight #1: My brother Nicholas saying "I love you Sammy"

From 2009_09_15 Lancaster vacation

9-months Old...and I am standing

From 2009_08_25 Sam 9 months

Well, I turned 9-months old yesterday and I pulled myself up to a standing position. Don't believe it? Well, check out the picture above and see it for yourself. I am crawling really fast now so look out because I am getting into everything now! If you thought Nicholas was fast then you are in trouble because I am throwing 7-different kinds of smoke. Know what movie I am quoting? If you guessed You, Me, and Dupree - you are correct!

Daddy is taking me to my 9-month check-up on Thursday - I will need more shots and I am not looking forward to it. Check back in a few days and I will post my new height and weight.

My hair is really starting to come-in nicely now. My Mommy thinks I am going to have strawberry blonde hair. I am not sure what color that is but it sure sounds delicious.

Daddy took me to see Grand Mom and Pop Pop Pifani on Saturday while Mommy got her hair done. Grand Mom fed me a bottle and sang to me... while Pop Pop was trying to stop Nicholas from turning on the microwave and reprogramming the dvd player.

I am crawling!!!

From 2009_08_10

The rumors are true... I am officially crawling now so look out. I am already trying to pull myself up and my Dad thinks I will be walking by the time my birthday comes around. I am still teething and no chicklets yet to show for all my discomfort. I am saying Dada all the time now and I even say it when I look at him - this melts my Daddy's heart and I am slowly getting him wrapped around my finger.

Did I tell you that I have a new best friend? She is my cousin Jess and she is staying with us for the week. We have been hanging out a lot and it is nice to have another girl around the house. Mommy and Jess took Nicholas and I to the Zoo this week and it was great! My brother Nicholas had a blast and we can't wait to go back. It was so hot when we were at the Zoo but it was totally worth it!

This weekend Daddy took me to see Grand Mom and Pop Pop Pifani. I was a little crank pot when I was there but they didn't seem to mind at all. Grand Mom just can't get over how much I am growing and trying to talk. Aunt La La and Uncle JJ were also at Grand Moms so I got to hang out with them for a while as well.

This weekend we are going to the shore.... and I hope to spend some time on the beach and at the Ferry!

8 Months Old

From 2009_07_29 Sam 8 months

Well, I am 8-months old now and getting stronger every day. Mom even made me my sign so it's official! I have Daddy wrapped around my finger already... he is in big trouble. All I have to do is smile at him and then I can get away with anything.

I started creeping & crawling this week... and I am already able to get up on my knees. I am really teething now and starting to wonder if relief is anywhere in sight.... and still not teeth! Mommy fed me some cheerios and puffs this week...and I wasn't quite sure what to make of it. I am saying Mama and Dada all the time now...Mama when I am upset and want comfort. And Daddy's favorite...I love to laugh and sometimes it is hard for me to stop. What can I say, I have a great life... 2 naps /day... free food, room & board....and free wifi.

7-Months Old: Official Picture

From 2009_07_02 Sam 7 months

Ok... so Mom and Dad are now back on track with my monthly pictures - way to go Mommy and Daddy! Dad loves this outfit on me because I am his little cupcake.

We had our Annual July 4th Party this weekend and it was great. I got to see Grand Mom Pifani for the 1st time in a while and it was GREAT! We hung out on the new swing and it was nice. Dad took me for a dip in the pool again and I just loved it. I was kicking my legs and splashing with my hands. I am hoping for more warm weather and time in the pool... and Mom and Dad can't wait to take me to the beach to play in the sand. Mom and Dad are taking us to the shore on Saturday morning ... the Hemberger Wedding is on Friday night so that means Grand Mom Trasatti is sleeping over to take care of us!

I am doing much better at eating baby food now... sometimes Mommy can't feed me fast enough. I think my favorite food so far is butter nut squash. I don't seem to like the fruits as much as the vegetables at this point, but I am sure that will change over time.

Oh yeah, Mommy's cousin (and mine) Kim Holt came over with her kids on Monday and I have a new best friend... Jessica. Jess hung out with me all day and was taking care of me. Jess - when are you coming back to visit?

My 1st time in the Pool!

From 2009_06_28 Sam's first time swimming

Mommy and Daddy took me for a dip in our pool for the first time this past Sunday and it was awesome! I have my own raft and everything which was great. Mom lathered me up with sun block and then I was ready for an afternoon in the sun. I loved splashing my hands in the pool and didn't mind the water in my face at all. I also started kicking my feet a little too! I will get more practice in the pool for our July 4th party with our friends and family - should be a great day!

I am starting to do the creep-crawl thing now. Mom noticed me moving in my crib a lot more... and I am already moving my knees in the right position to be able to push myself forward. Who knows..with any luck I will be on the move soon - although this is a little scary for Mom because then she will have 2 kids to run after!

7-months old

From 2009_06_17

Every day it seems like I am doing something new. I am wicked fast in my walker now so look out because I have places to go! I am sleeping so much better now and am taking 2 naps - Mommy is not upset at all with this new schedule. I am developing such a sweet personality now...I love to laugh, smile, talk (well, I am trying to - and I have already learned I'm going to have to be aggressive to get a word in at my house) and play.

I love to be on my belly and it looks like I might start crawling any day now. I am drooling like crazy, but still no teeth. I do hope I get my first tooth soon because this teething stuff is hard work!

I am hoping for good weather this weekend so Daddy can take me swimming with Mommy and Nicholas!

Bow in my hair

Daddy just loves putting bows in my hair because it is so cute for little girls like me. I don't mind at all...although Nicholas pulled it out once. So much has changed in the last week. I am flying around in my walker now...so watch out because I have places to go! I am officially done with sleeping in my swing now because I am starting to outgrow it (Nicholas almost flipped out of it when he was 9 months old so Mom and Dad learned their lesson on that). I am sleeping great in my crib now... I am a belly sleeper. As long as I have my pacifier in my mouth I will sleep all night and life is good!

I desperately want to talk and make lots of sounds all the time now. Mom and Dad took us all to Outback for dinner and I was talking so much Mom and Dad thought I we might get kicked out of the place. I think everyone got a kick out of me and my brother...Nicholas was saying Hi to everyone and said thank you to our waiter at least 20 times.

I had my 6-month check-up and I am doing great. I got 4 shots and I have to tell you... it hurt! But Daddy held me tight and it was over quickly. I slept for 3 hours that afternoon and was feeling much better when I woke up.

I am hoping the rain stops soon and I am looking forward to my first swim in our pool!

On the Flip Side

It's official... I can now roll over from my back to my stomach! This was my 3rd time turning over... but my 1st on video.

6-months old & talking up a storm

From 2009_05_23 Memorial Day Weekend

I am 6-months old now... Dad owes me a picture with a sign because my brother got a picture with a sign.   I smile and laugh all the time now and desperately want to talk.  I love being outside now that the weather is nice.  I started eating pears and sweet potatoes... they are ok, but I would much rather eat my hand or foot at this point. 

I am almost rolling over now... I can get to my side, but then I get stuck.  I make my way around the kitchen in my walker and like to listen to the music coming from the fridge dj!  I am teething like crazy, but still no tooth... hopefully soon!

Daddy opened the pool this weekend and it should be ready to swim in by next weekend.  I am really looking forward to going swimming for the 1st time.  I know Nicholas is excited to go swimming and I am sure we will be in the pool all summer.

My 6-month stats will be coming soon - I see the doctor on June 15th for my 6-month check-up.

On the Beach

From 2009_05_10_Mothers Day

 Mom and Dad took me to the shore house for the weekend and it was terrific!  There was a nice breeze on the beach and it felt great because I am a hot body and like it when I am cool.  Mommy bought me a nice hat that will keep the sun out of my face which was great.  

I am starting to sleep a little better which doesn't upset Mommy.  Last night I went to bed at 8:30pm and I slept to at 8:10am this morning!  When I get a good night sleep and a nap during the day I am as happy as can be.  I am still teething but no tooth yet...hoping for my tooth to cut soon because my gums are aching.

Happy Mother's Day Mommy!

From 2009_05_10_Mothers Day

I wanted to wish my Mommy a Happy Mother's Day! She is the best Mom I could ever ask for... and she always plays with me when I don't want to sleep. Love you Mommy!

My Baptism

From 2009_05_03 Sam's baptism

Sunday was my first big day as I was baptized at Church of the Holy Name. My Godparent's Aunt LaLa and Uncle JJ bought me this beautiful dress and I know my Mommy and Daddy just loved the way it looked on me. It was a cool and rainy day, but it was a good day otherwise. I slept through the entire ceremony - even when Deacon Dan poured the holy water over my head.

After the ceremony we went back to my house and had lunch for everyone. I received so many gifts and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone. All of the gifts went in my savings account as it is never to early to save for my retirement...ok, maybe save for my first car.

I am getting very close to rolling over and am almost sitting up on my own. I am eating baby rice cereal... it is ok, but I would rather eat what Mom and Dad eat. It is Mother's Day this weekend and I am working on my gifts for my Mommy and for both of my Grand Moms.

Teething and under the weather

From 2009_04 April Photos

I might look pretty content in this picture, but I won't lie to you... it has been a rough week. I have had a bad cold for a week and am on Amoxycilin... and I my gums hurt because I am teething. Growing up is really hard, but Mommy is taking great care of me. She makes sure I get my medicine every day and does everything she can to make me as comfortable as possible.

I found my feet this past week as well! I started eating some baby cereal and it is ok.... I see Mom and Dad eating pizza and all the good stuff...can't wait for the day that I can eat real food. My brother Nicholas is the best... he comes into my room every morning when I wake up to say good morning Sam and he gives me a kiss! Oh yeah... wanted to say 'Happy Birthday Nicholas'.... Nicholas turned 2 this past Saturday.

Next weekend I get baptized so it will be my big day!

4-Month Appointment

From 2009_03_29

 
I am now 4-months old so it was time to go to the pediatrician for a check-up. Mommy made me this nice sign over a week ago and they were just waiting on my appointment before they posted the picture so cut them a little slack.

The pediatrician gave me a good report as I am growing as expected. Here are my stats:

Height: 24 3/4 inches (60th percentile)
Weight: Now that is just rude...ok, it will be in a few years.... 15 lbs 15 ounces (85th percentile)
Head: 16 5/8 inches (75th percentile)

I have been moving around in my walker now for about 2+ weeks and I am starting to work out in the jumparoo. Mom and Dad are working with me every day on sitting up on my own as well as rolling over. Stay tuned for an update soon on that.

My brother Nicholas is now calling me Sam now which is very exciting! Every day he comes into my room and says Good Morning and then he gives me a kiss.

This weekend we are headed down to Grand Mom and Pop Pop Trasatt's shore house.  Mommy said they are planning an Easter Egg hunt so Nicholas will have to help me out this year!

I also wanted to thank Aunt Sheila and Uncle Bill for the Easter basket... I just love the stuffed animal! And, I also wanted to thanks Grand Mom and Pop Pop Pifani for the card and money...Daddy says I am starting to bank roll it already!

Hanging out with my brother

Nicholas is a great big brother...he just loves me.  I am hoping that he starts to call me Sam or Samantha soon. He has been calling me baby, but I am now 4-months old and I won't be a baby for long... but I will always be his baby sister.  Mom and Dad should be starting to make my 4-month old sign any day now so stay tuned.

I have been spending some time on Skype talking to Grand Mom and Pop Pop Pifani....and I love to laugh, smile, and try to talk when I see them.  This video conference thing is great... I need to talk to Dad about getting more online access!

Grand Mom and Pop Pop Trasatti took me to the Cape May Ferry and it was great. Grand Mom bundled me up so I stayed nice and warm.  We saw the ferry go by and we waved to all the people on-board... well, everyone waved except for me because I am only 4-months old... I can't wave yet.

Mom bought me baby cereal this week so it looks like I will start getting some food very soon.  I watch Mom and Dad eat their snack at night and I have to tell you... it is torture.  Dad loves his weight watchers ice cream snack and every time he gets a spoonful I hope that the next one is for me.  I know once GrandMom and Pop Pop Trasatti read this I will get some ice cream very soon!

Hanging out in my walker

Mom and Dad put me in my walker last week and I am starting to 'explore the space'. Daddy says that I remind him of Nicholas because he started out in the walker the same way...pushing himself backwards. I desperately want to talk and am doing my best by making all kinds of noises. I love to laugh when Mommy plays with me. I especially like to be scared...that is guaranteed to get me to laugh all of the time.

I am starting to sleep much better at night, but for some strange reason I am not napping much during the day. I don't care for the bouncy seat or for the car seat when I am awake...I want to be held 100% of the time.... call me high maintenance, but I am very cute so I should get what I want right?

I will be 4-months old in a few days so you know what that means... Mom and Dad better start working on that sign! And, maybe Mom and Dad will start feeding me some baby cereal soon?

And thanks Aunt LaLa and Uncle JJ for the Easter basket... I love it!

Better late than never

From 2009_03_09

Well, Mom and Dad finally took my picture for my 3-month old sign. They were only 2 weeks behind... not too terrible for the 2nd child. I noticed my brother got his monthly pictures in a much more timely manner.

I am growing more and more every day. I am getting better at napping throughout the day which makes it much easier to put me to bed at night... you would never know it by looking at me, but I can be a bear if I don't get my beauty sleep.

I am drooling like crazy as it looks like I am starting to teethe already... you can see two white dots on my gum where my bottom right tooth will eventually come in.

Mommy and Daddy are taking Nicholas and I to my cousin Maria's house to celebrate her 2nd birthday on Saturday! Nicholas and I are very excited to give Maria her presents.

Smiling and laughing

I am 3-months old today... can you believe it! Mom and Dad are making my sign so stay tuned. I am trying to take it easy on them because I have been keeping them up all hours of the night for the past 3 days.

I am smiling, laughing, and cooing all of the time now. Grand Mom Pifani was eating it up when I saw her this Sunday... she just can't get over how much I have grown. Believe it or not I am teething already.... have a tooth trying to cut my bottom gum... and it really hurts.

I am so spoiled because Mom and Dad have been taking us to Grand Mom and Pop Pop Trasatti's shore house every other weekend. We go out to restaurants to eat...well, I don't eat because I don't have teeth yet. Pop Pop gives me my own balloon and I get to watch all the dogs play (Cali, Max, & Cooper... and sometimes Killian and Buddy as well).

Beautiful Smile

Mommy can get me to smile almost on command now...she is so pretty so how can I not smile. Plus she feeds me in the middle of the night...so I kinda owe her.

This week I set a new personal best and slept from 10:30pm to 4:30am.... Mom was thrilled! Hopefully I can continue on this schedule and improve... I am a little needy sometimes.

I am starting to get more floor time and I am sure in a few months my brother Nicholas will start showing me how to crawl.

2-months old

Well, Mom and Dad came through and made me a sign for my 2-month celebration! I saw the doctor on Friday for my 2-month check-up and I am doing great.

Here are my stats:

Height: 21 3/4 inches
Weight: 11 lb 12.5 ounces
Head: 15 1/2 inches
Cheeks: Full :)

I received 4 shots and was very brave. The nurse gave me 2 band aids and then I was on my way. I cried for a few minutes, but then I fell fast asleep.

Growing fast

I am growing and growing right before Mom and Dad's eyes. I am 11 lbs now and I am starting to develop my own little personality now. When I am hungry I just start crying and turning purple...that will get Mom's attention every time.

I have pretty good head control...not bad for 8 weeks huh! And by the way, Mom and Dad better start working on my 2-month old sign for my next blog...it should be spectacular since they totally missed the boat for my 1-month sign.

I got my first balloon 3-weeks ago down the shore from Pop Pop Trasatti... and I get one every time I am down the shore. My brother picks out a balloon for me and Pop Pop blows it up for me.

I started smiling this past week. Mom and Grand Mom Trasatti were making me smile all weekend by making goofy faces. Mommy cheers for me every time that I smile and I love it. Daddy went back to work this week so it is just Mommy, Nicholas, and me during the day. But when Daddy comes home he plays with Nicholas and I which is great!

Happy Birthday Grand Mom Pifani

Happy Birthday Grand Mom... just wanted to tell you that I love you!