Play Ball!

Kurt grew up playing baseball from a young age.  There is a picture of one of his first baseball teams in his room at his parents' house.  He's probably five or six years old, with raggedy hair and a wide grin.  He continued playing throughout high school and even college.  When we found out our little baby would be a boy, I think Kurt was secretly super excited to have a pal to practice throwing and hitting a ball with in our backyard.  Another thing, which he was more open about, was his excitement about taking his son to his first baseball game.  We didn't waste much time to make that happen, though Sam will never remember his first game!

Last Saturday, I suggested we head down to see our Baltimore Orioles take on the Washington Nationals.  I think Kurt was surprised at my suggestion, as Sam was only five weeks old!  I'm not one to stay put, so I've been excited to take him to do things.  I had the plan all worked out in my head:  we'd drive down so Sam wouldn't be exposed to who-knows-what on the metro, we'd get seats in the shade so Sam wouldn't overheat or get sunburned, we'd take a bottle so we could feed him when he got fussy.  And wouldn't you know, it all worked out just as I had planned.  

We bought tickets from a scalper (we won't talk about how Kurt and I worked him to get the price lower!) and arrived into the stadium in the second inning.  We didn't go to our own seats, but instead sat a few rows up in some empty seats.  Sam slept through the entire game, except to wake up to eat his bottle.  It was perfect.  I, at one point, asked Kurt if he was having fun and noticed that he had gotten a little emotional.  His first game with his son...something that he'll always remember, even though Sam won't!  Can't wait for many more!

 Outside of the stadium

 Daddy and Sam

 Our family at the game

 Mommy and her boy

Sam was a little sad that the Orioles lost!

Time on the Trail

I mentioned back in March that my dad was off on a journey on the Appalachian Trail.  He left from Springer Mountain, Georgia the first weekend in March and has been hiking ever since.  He made his way home (via hitchhiking) when Sam was born, so we were able to visit with him for a few days.  My mom took him back to where he stopped, and he was on his way again.

He just recently reached the 1,000 mile mark, which is right around Harpers Ferry, WV.  He's now closer to where we live, which means we've been able to go visit him for a day at a time. Sam and I have actually visited three Mondays in a row.  Three Mondays ago, he was near Charlottesville, VA on Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park.  It was about a three hour drive, which included a stop to feed Sam in a winery parking lot (completely appropriate, right?!), but we made it and had a nice visit.  Two Mondays ago, he was taking a zero day (no hiking, just resting) in Front Royal, VA, so we drove out and met him at his motel.  We went to lunch and took him to a Dollar General store to stock up.  This past Monday, Sam, my mom, and I met him near Smithburg, MD.  Sam actually hiked a little bit of the Appalachian Trail that day (add that one to the baby book!).  My mom brought some "trail magic" for the hikers, which included cookies, fruit, pepperoni roll, and drinks.  To say they were appreciative is an understatement.  We then went to lunch with my dad.

Next week, he'll be to Duncanon, PA, which is the halfway point.  He's going to take a week-long break and come home to rest and attend some family events over the 4th of July.  It will be nice to have him home and for him to rest and eat!  He's lost nearly 35 pounds in the past three months!

Here are some pictures of our visits with my dad!  He's loved seeing his first grandson so much lately and I know Sam has enjoyed spending time with his Pap!

 At lunch in Crozet, Virginia

 On the trail with Pap

 Before heading back on the trail

 There he goes!

And he's off!

One Month Old!

My dear baby boy,

You are one month old today!  They say time flies when you are having fun, and boy, has it!  I can't believe that we've known each other for one full month.  On one hand, it's like we just met.  We're still getting to know you and your mannerisms.  On the other hand, it's like you've been part of our lives forever.  

You're Mommy's little pumpkin pie.  We spend a lot of time together and I wouldn't trade that for anything in the world.  There are times (like at 3 AM) when I start to get frustrated that you are screaming or refusing to go back to sleep, but I look at your beautiful big, blue eyes and all is good.  You've brought so much joy to Daddy and me, and we can't wait for the many, many more memories we are going to make together.  

In one short month, you've met so many new people...family, extended family, friends, Mommy and Daddy's co-workers, and so many others.  You've also explored and visited many new places, such as seeing your Pap on the Appalachian Trail along Skyline Drive, a trip to Georgetown in DC with Mommy and your 2nd cousin Kourtney, and a visit to Baltimore's Inner Harbor.  We can't forget the visit to Mom Mom's house for a few nights when Daddy was traveling for work, your first trip to the airport to pick up Daddy, and running many errands with me.  Mom Mom and I have decided that you are a pretty good shopper...you pretty much sleep through any shopping trip!

Even at one month old, you know what you like and don't like!  You love to eat!  I think you would eat 24 hours a day if we let you, pumpkin.  You also love to take a bath.  You sit so calmly in your bathtub and seem so relaxed.  You like having a clean diaper and to be held.  You don't like your swing or bouncy seat right now.  I'm hoping that will change!  You also do not like to have your diaper changed, but I think that's more because you don't like to be cold.    I can't wait to go to your one month checkup at the pediatrician to see how much you've grown over the past few weeks.  

Mommy and Daddy love you so much, baby boy!  And so does your big sis, the Macey pup!  She loves to give you big licks, which you don't seem to mind.  

Happy One Month, Sam!!

Love, 

Mommy