Sweet Samantha

We have been so blessed to have Sami in our lives. (This is the new spelling for her nickname. :) A friend suggested it, and I love it. Feminine, sweet, and simple.) Mike calls her "Sweetie." Grant calls her "Cutie" (pronounced "Coo-tie") or "Samanfa."

I feel like I've posted a lot of pictures of her but haven't really talked much about her personality. She is fun, laughs easily, and has a quick smile. She has brought us immeasurable joy and in many ways is not at all what I expected when I got a daughter! Let me explain.

Samantha is busy, active, and on the go. I guess I was expecting a baby girl who is more chill and content to sit back and relax. :) Not Samantha! She does not let life pass her by. She likes to be held (a lot) and is more active than I remember either of the boys being. Mike described her as 'spunky', and I think this is a good adjective for her. She always wants to be doing something - chewing on a toy, playing with something in her hands, or chewing on her feet. She seems to bore rather easily. She definitely likes to be in on the action! I'm not too worried - she has two older brothers to help keep her busy and entertained. :) I think we've got a go-getter on our hands :-) Or maybe just a really great athlete!! We love that little girl. She is very fun (and busy!) She has seriously blessed our lives so much. We feel so fortunate to have such a sweet and beautiful little girl in our home!

Our brown-eyed girl? Only time will tell.

The verdict is still very much out on what Samantha's eye color will be. They were grayish-blue for a long time, then they started turning brownish. The other day I could have sworn they were green. Only time will tell! They always look lovely, whatever color they are.

Aaronisms

The other day Aaron and I were practicing letters. I told him he was doing a really good job, and he said, "I did it with a little help from my brain." I love his humor (I don't even think he realizes he's funny half the time, he just is.) I am so glad he provides some daily comic relief around here! :)

Yesterday he wanted to write a note to his preschool teacher. He really loves her and is sad to be leaving her preschool. He told me to write: I'm sorry I have to go, but I have to go to kindergarten. :) Thankfully Grant will be attending her preschool starting in August, so our family will continue benefiting from the wonderful Miss Malia!

The many faces of Samantha - four months old!

My favorite face - her happy one!

Grant's birthday

We celebrated Grant's birthday with help from some close friends this week. We had a little celebration at our neighborhood nursery on Monday, and on Tuesday (his actual birthday) we went to the YMCA so the boys could swim. Then we went to Lucky Wishbone for dinner. Probably not a repeat since Mike and I agreed that the food was too greasy.

Grant is such a sweet little boy -- I can't believe he is already 4! He assures me, though, that he'll always love me, even when he's a teenager! (We'll see about that!) :)

In keeping with tradition, here's a little birthday letter to Grant:

Dear Grant,

You are such a sweet little boy. You are also very helpful. You always want to help Dad bring in the groceries. You are easy to take shopping because you are content with a little treat and don't whine for a lot of toys! You are very smart. You retain things well. The other day we were driving, and you spotted a sign on a store in the shape of an octagon. "That's an octagon!" you said. You remember letters well. You're excited to attend preschool in a few months. You love learning and enjoy attending Primary. You are a cute little boy and very lovable. You always want to hug and kiss me goodnight. I hope this lasts for a long time! You LOVE to have dance parties. The other day some music was on and you looked up at me and said, "Dance with me, mama." Of course there's no way I could turn down this invitation! I love dancing with you too. You are so fun. You love to eat fruit--any kind. You eat a lot of it every day. That is probably why you are so strong!

Thanks for being laid-back, sweet, and fun. Happy 4th birthday!

We love you!
Mom

Some things never change ...

like men and their sleep! :) (Top: napping with Samantha; middle: napping with Grant; bottom: napping with Aaron.)

My $22 garage sale purchase

Cute bedding! For Samantha's future twin-size bed. I like to plan ahead :) Love shabby chic designer Rachel Ashwell, but her products generally aren't cheap. The purchase included a comforter (which had the original price tag of $99!), four pillows, sheet set, and bed skirt. Score!! And kudos to Mike for letting me know that our neighbors were having a garage sale. I think I was the first in line to spot this great deal. I love the bedding; it's exactly what I would have picked out. Feminine, simple and lovely. Now to find a place to store it! :)