There's a Carrot Top Who Can Barely Walk, With a Sippy Cup of Milk...

Sam walks. His first "official" steps were Thursday, April 30-- three little steps from the kitchen island wall to his push scooter. Then, over the next seven days took steps here and there, whenever Dave or I would stand him up and entice him to walk to us using the toys in our hands. Saturday, May 9 (dates are for my baby book) he stood and walked across the room, to get a toy in our hands. He took a couple steps, then walked really fast and fell. Now, 11 days after his first steps he's more comfortable on his feet and walks without anyone forcing him to get a toy! Crawling, or using a push toy is still his preferred way to get where he needs to go (probably because it's still the fastest method at this point) in the room. I don't have any pictures of him walking yet, but you can believe I'll have tons in no time. The other thing Sam discovered is the stairs-- he loves to climb them. We finally got a gate, and he cries when faced with the gate because he wants up the stairs.

Lets talk about his temper (or whatever it is) for a moment. Sam screams and kicks every time we change his diaper in his bedroom, which is every time. Also, as soon as he throws his sippy cup of milk and cookie over board at the end of a meal, to signal he's finished, he kicks and screams until he is cleaned and out of the high chair. Sometimes he even cries when first in the high chair, until the food arrives. And of course, he kicks and screams before nap or bedtime. He knows when story time is over and sleepy time is next, because he kicks the legs immediately.

Sam didn't cry at the Charlotte Knights minor league baseball game; however, he had a great time. He clapped when the music played or when the fans cheered for a player. We arrived late and left early, but it was a fun family outing.
On a sad note, my Grandma Staab died over the weekend. She was 84 years old and my final grandparent to die. I wasn't close to my grandma, but I loved her just the same. She was born and raised in England and met my grandpa during World War II (she was a war bride, which I think is very interesting). Grandma Staab loved to drink hot tea and talk about England. She had a strong faith and there is no doubt that she was reunited with grandpa when she entered heaven. Unfortunately, we never had the opportunity to introduce her to Samuel, but I'm sure she would have approved.