Cartwheel

While we were cheering on runners at the College Hill Rhythm Race, Jack saw a little girl doing cartwheels.  Here is his attempt:

Hello!

We're doing well here at the Samad household.  Life is busy, as usual, but we're going with the flow and trying to squeeze it all in.  We're enjoying this wonderful fall weather and have been outside on walks and you can often find us playing in the dirt.

Audrey is full of coos and has found her hands and feet.  While she can't quite touch her feet yet, she loves to kick and watch them move.  More on Audrey in her 3 month update coming soon.

Jack has found a new love of dirt, puddles, rocks, leaves, and pretty much anything you can find in nature.  That's why it took us 45 minutes to walk around the block yesterday.  We came home with three small bits of concrete to put in his dump trucks.  I'm so thankful for this weather and the chance we have to get out and enjoy the beauty of fall! 

Gift for Audrey

I feel like this blog post deserves so much more than the simple words I can write for you.  But I have been attempting to write about Susan and this quilt for 20 minutes and just can't string together my words.

So why don't you just check out this picture:

Isn't it beautiful?  Susan, thank you for taking the time to make such a beautiful and thoughtful gift for Audrey.    I am honored to have one of your wonderful quilts for each of my kids!  

Audrey: 8 weeks old

Ok, so Audrey is actually 10 weeks old.  I'm behind...again.  And I don't think I ever did a 4 week post.  But did you really think I was going to be good at updating this blog with a newborn?  So here is a quick update:

6 weeks
Wearing Jack's Made in Ohio onesie from Aunt Christy

8 weeks
Wearing her 'Audrey' onesie from Susan Pagliaro

Audrey had a good report during her 8 week check-up.  She was all smiles and put on a good show for the doctor and nurses.  She did not like her shots.  But who does?  Here are her stats:

Weight:  10lb 2oz

Height: 23 inches

Head circumference: 38 1/2cm

I know you're not supposed to compare your children, but I had to look back on Jack's size at this age.  He was always so big, and people frequently comment on how small Audrey looks.  Jack weighed over 13 lbs at 8 weeks.  I was shocked by the huge difference already! 

Audrey is now sleeping from 10-7!!! We celebrated last night with her first overnight at Nana's house.  I don't remember when Jack spent the night out, but it was definitely not this early!  Way to go, Audrey!

Neighborhood Shower

I love our neighbors.  Last month all of the ladies on the street gathered to celebrate the births of Audrey and Neil, a neighbor's baby that was born three days before her.  When we first moved in there were only three little girls that lived two doors down.  Now we have little Cali next door, Qwen and Kayden across the street, and Neil in the old firehouse.  It's fun to watch these families grow and we are thankful for their new friendships.

I really enjoyed my time with these ladies.  I was overwhelmed by their willingness to give up their Saturday evening to meet Audrey and Neil and celebrate these little lives.

Sweet little Cali joined us that evening and I would love to tell you a bit about her.  She was born in January with heart problems (I'd love to explain, but I honestly wouldn't do a good job).  She also swallowed a large amount of meconium during birth, damaging her lungs.  She has been through many surgeries since she was born and she's in the hospital recovering from her latest heart surgery right now.  Her mom says that she's doing better and is recovering well, but she'll probably be in the hospital for a few more weeks.  If you think about it, pray that she continues to heal and that her little heart and lungs heal perfectly.

Cali and Audrey - neighbors and future buddies

Rose

Fran, Lois, and Shirley

Mae Terpenning, our wonderful host

Mae with Julie and baby Neil

Happy Birthday, Jacob!

We've been gearing up for Jacob's 31st birthday for a few days now.  Everything takes a bit longer with two small kids, so we've been planning and preparing ways to celebrate Jacob today.

Last week Jack started making a Happy Birthday card for Jacob.  Beware:  When I said the words, "Happy Birthday!" to Jack, he ran over the the junk drawer, opened it up, stood on his tip toes, and found the lighter.  He said, "Happy Birthday" in his own little voice and mimicked blowing out a candle.  I guess it's time to put the lighter up where he can't reach it.

Don't worry, Jacob.  This isn't the final product.  I haven't spoiled any surprises!

Since Jacob loves to cook it isn't much fun to make him a special dinner for his birthday.  But it can be fun to make him interesting desserts.  He gave me a new cookbook for my birthday and so I've tried two new birthday treats for his special day:  Fruity Pebbles Cereal Milk Ice Cream, and Compost Cookies.  

All of the ingredients for compost cookies

Jack and Audrey are so lucky to have you as a daddy.  Jack loves when you come home from work and has so much fun jumping on the bed while you get ready in the afternoons.  He gets so excited to go on his special trips with you to Home Depot and really anywhere you'll take him! Audrey doesn't know it yet, but she's so amazingly loved and protected by you. What a blessing that is for a little girl!  I am so thankful for your willingness to comfort her during her fussy hour at night. It is a welcomed break for me each night! I won't embarrass you and go on and on... I'll just say that we love you and we can't wait to see you when you get home tonight.

The ones I love...

No time to blog right now... Just wanted to say that I love my little family.  We had family pictures taken three weeks ago.  Hopefully the pictures will be ready soon.  I'll post those when I get them.  Until then, here are some pictures of the ones I love