Samuel Teddy Bear~3 months

Sam is three months old! And I swear these pictures were taken at the same time, he just looks chubbier with his legs pulled up and a straight face. He likes to have his legs curled up and has become quite the kicker and wiggle worm when laying down. Sam also loves to suck and chew on his fist, in particular his first knuckle and thumb. I think it would actually be kind of cute if he became a thumb sucker. He loves to smile especially in the morning and when getting his diaper changed. He loves being naked. Lately he has found his voice and will tell anyone who listens all sorts of stories. The kids love when he "talks" to them.

This face just kills me every time and I pretty much kiss it all day long. But come on...how could I not?!?!

Soren's First Derby

Soren got to participate in his first Pinewood Derby on April 17th. His car came in second for two of the runs and third on the other two but he still had so much fun and was so proud of his car.

Funny kids eating the refreshments...a banana car with marshmallow wheels.

While sitting waiting for the race results, I looked at my kids and realized all three of them had holey knees in their jeans. My goodness when does that stop happening?!?! 

Soren won for best carved. I need to get a picture of the car because Ben carved two little seats into it. 
Oh the joys of having boys...only 5 more derbys left.

A Blessing Birthday

On my 32nd birthday this year, I got the best present. I was surrounded by my family and watched my husband use his Priesthood to bless our sweet baby Samuel. Due to crazy schedules and our ward having it's ward conference we blessed Sam at home. And since his uncle Randall is in our ward's bishopric he presided over it. We sang "I am a Child of God" and "Families Can Be Together Forever" and then the men gathered around my little boy. To make the day even better, my parents and grandpa Waters made the trip up and were there with us. It was extremely special to have Samuel's namesake in the circle. My great uncle Bob was in it too along with Jay, Steve, Grandpa Rob, Mike and Randall. Such great men and strong Priesthood examples. I felt so much love from those who were there and from those who weren't.

My little brother Trevor was there too and got Sam completely dressed in his outfit by himself. Stryder followed him around the whole time and just idolizes him. I hope Trevor knows how much this family loves and misses him. He's such an awesome uncle.

This is 4 generations of my Waters family. Pretty amazing if you ask me. And I'm so grateful that Grandpa made the trip with my mom and dad.
 

Isn't my dad so young and handsome?! No way this is his 9th grandbaby.

I love my parents so much and there wasn't anything I wanted more than to have them there. It was all the present I needed.

Later that evening, we walked to the park so my mom could do an Easter egg hunt with the kids. She sure loves to spoil her grandkids.

I love my family so much and I can't even put into words how happy it makes me knowing I will have them for forever. That was a birthday I will never forget.

Samuel Teddy Bear~2 months

I'm pretty sure this is the cutest baby on the planet right now. He continues to pose like his bear and grow bigger and bigger. It's sad to see him get so big but I've learned from the other three kids to just cherish every phase. And Sam sure is getting into a fun phase. He loves to smile, especially when he first wakes up in the morning. He knows who his momma is and will settle with me and has more patience with me if he's hungry than with his daddy. His brothers and sister have come up with all sorts of funny noises in hopes of getting a smile. At his 2 month (and 2 weeks) appointment he weighed in at 12lbs 12oz. Only in the 50th percentile but definitely packing on the chubs. I still get teary eyed when I look down at his precious perfect face and can't believe he's here, my little miracle baby.

"Oh I just want to eat you, I love you so."

Yes, I Have Other Kids!

This blog was starting to look like the Sam show, so I need to share what my other three older kids have been up to since Samuel was born...

 They attended their Aunt Jana's wedding and looked quite handsome too.

 Soren aged 92 years for the 100th day of school.

 We treated them to Waffle Love waffles.

 They sported mustaches to school.

 They hold Sam and put him to sleep or make him happy.

 They had a dress-up days at school. Stryder sang at the 6th grade Renaissance Faire, Shelby is a Greek goddess and Soren is Marty McFly.

 We took them to the zoo.

Did I mention they hold Sam? They are loving that he smiles now and it's a huge contest to see who can make him smile the most. They pretty much love him a lot and we are all really happy to have him around.