January, 2013 with Abba and Teeb in Atlanta

Kyle and Sam took and 11 day trip to Atlanta starting on New Year’s Day and stayed with Abba and Teeb.  While Kyle worked  in his Atlanta office during the week he also joined several of his high school ultimate frisbee buddies during the weekend for the annual Savage 7 tournament (which they won) while Sam , Abba and Teeb spent time visiting several attractions that often are much more exciting to experience with a curious 2-year old than alone or with only another adult.  They went to the Center for Puppetry Arts and the showing of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer , rode the train at Botanical Gardens, went to the hands-on nature play area at Fernbank Museum, rode the cable car to the top of Stone Mountain Park , watched the dolphin show at the Georgia Aquarium as tested several playscapes at local playgrounds and parks.  In addition,  there were several impromptu fun activities like sitting on a bulldozer, checking out some of the many artifacts and instruments that belong to Mr. Claude and Ms. Linda (Teeb and Abba's wonderful friends who live across the street), helped  pick up all the pine cones and sticks in the back yard , baked pumpkin muffins for an afternoon snack and had lots of lap time with Abba in her comfy rocker as well as played with her, Teeb and daddy whenver there was an opportunity. There was lots of bird watching, and riding in the red wagon that once Kyle and Alexis used and that Abba refurbished several months ago just for a visit like this. Many of the toys, blocks and puzzles that Kyle and Alexis grew up a generation ago also received some quality attention from Sam.   It was a wonderful way to start the New Year. 

Planning the day with Abba while Teeb makes sure that the battery in his camera is recharged.

Checking out dad's collection of Match cars and trucks some that are almost thirty years old.

Daddy and aunt Lexi rode in this wagon when they were my age.  Abba refurbished it and pulled me to the neighborhood park and through the nature trail.

Helping at the neighborhood  construction site

Train ride at the Botanical Gardens.  The engineer said we were going to Chicago but we never left the park.

Practicing their act for when circus comes calling.

With Teeb (and some of his boyhood friends) in front of the Fernbank Museum of Natural History.

Checking out Teeb's radio.  See I told you he was old.

Big kid play scape that I had a great time on (and so did Teeb, I think) even though it said that it was designed for 5 - 12 year olds.  That's me in the center with the red hat on. 

Cool play scape at Stone Mountain Park

....and at the neighborhood park

Checking out the rat snake at the Fernbank Museum where they have a great children's nature hands on play area.

At the Georgia Aquarium with dad. 

Helping Abba fill up the bird feeders and checking out all the wild life in the back yard

On top of Stone Mountain.  Great view but a bit windy

Helping Teeb pick up pine cones.

Work is done, time for a snack

Grocery shopping with Teeb

Baking pumpkin muffins. 

Best part of the trip was coming home and hugging mommy who I missed very much.  I"m  quite sure that she missed me too.

Christmas 2012

We had a lovely holiday, made all the merrier by a visit from Beth and Steve. I had to work Christmas Day proper, so we had dinner and opened gifts on Christmas Eve. Sam was so taken with each gift that we left some to open the following day, and even a few more the day after. He really enjoyed opening the wrapping paper and discover what lay within. Them he gave each new item some special attention.

We don't have too many trade-marked things around the house, but Sam is very taken with the Cars movie and he was thrilled to receive a Mack truck and Lightening McQueen car from Lula and Remo!

Showing off the quilt given to us by a very crafty Beth!

The Weisbrod Men:

To the Rescue!

Sam opens his new potty.

Figuring out how it works.

Reading a story about using the potty. Maybe by next Christmas we'll have it all accomplished!

With his new travel bag.

25 months

Recently said by Sam:

"Scoutie, get out of my rooooom. I'm going to bed."

"Mommy don't do that."  "Daddy don't do that."

"There are no seagulls at the pet store."


New activity:

Sam now likes to drag his step stool around the house to gain height on everything. He uses it to climb into Mommy and Daddy's bed in the morning. He uses it next to the entry-way dresser to explore the mail. He used it yesterday to get keys off the kitchen key-rack.

He's taking baby-proofing to a new height. Yikes!

Life as Teeb: A 2 Year Reflection Through A Few Images

Hello,  My name is Steve, or better known as Sam's Teeb.  I have been Teeb for two years now.  Sara and Kyle gave me permission to occasionally contribute to their Life of Champ blog.  I have been photographing Sam almost every opportunity I get.  On occasion someone will pick up my camera and take a picture of the two of us.  Sometimes I just take it upon myself to take a picture of the two of us.  I thought that this would be a good time for me to make my first entry in the blog and post a few photos and one video showing how I have grown into my role as Teeb.  Sam has taught me well.

Two!

Sam turned 2 on October 17th! We celebrated with cupcakes at his wonderful daycare at Northwest hospital. One of his creative teachers, Cecile, made him a special birthday crown. Sam had requested "a guitar or a race-car."

Cupcake #1

Cupcake #2

Upset that there is no cupcake #3

The tears were short-lived...

Playing at home with some great new toys and books:

At two, Sam likes to run in the park, climb stairs all by himself, drink with a "big-boy" cup and use a spoon and fork. He's sleeping in a converted toddler bed since he was dangerously escaping over the edge of his old crib. He loves trucks (especially fire-trucks and construction trucks), airplanes, and helicopters. He rides his tricycle and has starting using his stryder bike. He has started to dress himself, but he's too busy to make sure everything gets pulled up or tucked in. He likes to play with trains, legos, and playdough. He enjoys pretending to drive the car. He loves to read books, especially the Richard Scary series, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Is Your Mama a Llama?, and the Little Red Caboose. 

His teachers describe him as "bright" and "very active." He's easy-going and loveable. He's learning about things being "funny" and how to learn about "pretending." He likes to "inventory" the refrigerator and help himself to things from the pantry (especially crackers). We're still working on learning not to throw spoons or bowls once dinner is over (or not over, depending on the night).

He is our love and our joy and we are so grateful for his health and happiness.

Happy Birthday Sam!

Fall Family Fun Fest!

Seattle just turned from something-like-summer to most-definitely fall. Within 24 hours, the clouds were back, masking the sky in its entirety. But we refused to stay nestled up inside the house (we left that for the following day). There were pumpkins to pick! Hay rides to be had and scarecrows to investigate.

Nice to meet you.

Mom, sit in the hay-wagon!

Which one will be mine?

Just showing off my tough scratched up face.

"I've got a rock!"