FerberClan.com: Birthdays, Excuses..oh yeah and Walking!

Okay, it's been AGES since we updated! Sam turned 1 and we had a big party then he got sick, Jason & I got sick, we celebrated more birthdays and an array of other things happened that delayed us. The worst one was probably that we had to put our Desi to sleep on Jason's birthday :o( It's very weird around here without her. In addition to all that Jason's been busy finishing up a new documentary (on George Washington Carver) and I've been busy trying to start the transition to a new building and HD at the same time! Overall it's been a loooonnngg couple of months and there's no slow down in sight for a while!
As for Sam, he continues to grow and change. We're noticing more and more that he's looking like a little boy instead of a baby. He's talking up a storm and adds more words that we can understand everyday. He blows kisses now and even gives hugs if he feels like it. The biggest news is that he took his first steps! The longest run yet is 7 in a row. Some days he wants to try and some days he doesn't so we give it a shot everyday, but just kind of let him go at his own pace. He's growing like a weed and is now fully into his 18 month clothes. Well, I should say his 18 month tops. His 12 month pants still fit him, but not for long. He loves, loves, LOVES to be outside and would stay out there all day everyday if we let him. He's just so curious about everything and it's a blast to watch him learn. Oh yeah, one more big thing.. Sam is completely weaned from bottles now! YAY!! Here are pics from the past few months..

This is why we had to buy a trash can with a lid for Sam's room.
He kept throwing away his train set!

Daddy broke out the Indiana Jones Potato Head. Sam liked the teeth

Hm, let's see if this will fit in daddy's face..

Daddy showing Sam how to stow parts in the potato butt

Waving at Daddy while he mows the lawn

Transfixed by the mower

On Sam's actual birthday we decided to give him a treat.. his first sucker!

He wasn't so sure at first

But he changed his mind pretty darn quick!

Am I really allowed to have this??

Hey, give that back!

Nom nom nom...

For Sam's birthday we went with a Sesame Street theme. I made waaayyy too much cake!
Here are the vanilla Oscar the Grouch cupcakes..

and the chocolate Cookie Monster cupcakes..

and the Elmo cake!!

Papa took Sam & Cousin Isabella on a ride in Sam's new wagon

He was much happier than he looks

Nana with Cousin Mitch & Debbie

Grandpa & Uncle Sean

The new deck all fixed up for the party! Man was it HOT that day!!

Tammy & Hannah came all the way from Sikeston for Sam's party!

Jenna the Cheese!

Best neighbors ever! Debbie & Ally.. not sure where Steve-o was

Emma, Amber & Sophie came too!
(not sure where Kelly was when this was taken.. what's with the guys skipping out on the pics?!)

Sarah, Jacob & Charlie

Aunt Misty brought Sam a silly birthday hat :o) And he actually wore it for most of the day!

Don & Jason grill masters

Look Sam, it's Elmo!

Sam wanted to feel the cake

and then he wanted to rip Elmo's mouth off! Yikes!

Hmm, what's that flickering?

Sam got a grouch cupcake to fit his mood.

Can't you see how excited he is?

Yeah, that cupcake was a big hit with the birthday boy. You can tell by the tears.

Uncle Sean trying to cheer up Sammy

After most people left, he perked right up and headed for his new table from the Hursts!
(Amber, he climbed right up & started playing so I think you made a great choice! THANKS!!)

Look how happy he was!

A couple of weeks later we took in Star Wars night at Hammons Field

Not a lot of people chose to dress up.. losers!
Daddy & Sam looking super cool as ObiWan & Master Yoda
(that's what Sam's costume is, though he isn't wearing the head part so I think they both look like ObiWan)

Contemplating the mysteries of the Force

I know it's blurry but it makes me laugh :o)

Sweetie pie :o)

We went to the Raymer Family Reunion this year and Sam got his first dip in the Current River. We thought he would hate it because it's so cold, but he jumped right in and played for quite a while!
Sam found a great big leaf at the river. He loves leaves