Double the Post - Now with Baptism!

Yeah, so last week there was no post. And I'd apologize, but I think you'll quite enjoy what we've compiled for you this time around.

It's been a busy couple weeks up here in Seattle, with one set of Grandparents here for the past two weeks, and another set for the next two. Pack that together with a trip to the zoo, lots of walks, and tons of other fun, and it's still the same Sam, with more features! Just today, he's started to sit up on his own...all that practice building up his abs is finally paying off! Of course, he'd still rather stand...but he's developing a bigger tool box.

Caught in mid-meal, Sam acts coy.

Sam supports local public radio! Thanks Joanne.

The Baby Einstein is a new favorite, and anything to chew on while teething is always welcome.

Mom catches Sam and Dad trying to get some shut-eye.

More Baby Einstein action, hmmph.

Another sneaky shot, this time with Grandma Jan takin' a snoozer with the boy.

Sam doesn't quite understand the purpose of the Johnny Jump Up, instead he tries to run everywhere, despite his parents' attempts to help him Jump Around.

Though he's taking a break from solid food, he still loves to play in his high chair.

At the Woodland Park Zoo, Sam loves the birdies.

Bubbles rule! Is he wearing a monacle?

It's Baptism day, and a photo with Mom's parents...

...followed by a shot with Dad's parents.

Now post-Baptism, Fr. Jack poses with the new initiate.

...and with the Godparents!

At the end of a long day, Sam winds down with a book.

Grandma and Grandpa are Here!

Sam's 20th week was a good one, with the arrival of grandma and grandpa for two weeks of keepin' an eye on 'im. This week was the start of Sam eating some semi-solid food...rice cereal. Needless to say, it takes some getting used to.

First bite. Whoah!

He's got good head control.

It's another round of Sam's favorite game with his Dad.

...and it's a very good time.

Another round of solid food, fed by Grandma.

Sam and Grandma are ready to hit the town.

Sam is finally big enough to play in his Baby Einstein...and he loves it!

Hello.

Sweet.

It's a warm day but Sam and Mom are cool.

Okay, so there are lots of photos with the hat on, but they all look good.

Sam loves to laugh! He and Mom get into it.

...and they keep on laughing.

Hawaii #1

The journey to Hawaii was quite a good one...though saying it's a vacation when you're toting around a young one is reaching. There was plenty of sun, heat, water, sand, and fire...the number of brush fires on the island (particularly between our site seeing locations and our condo) was frightening...mimicking conditions in the western US.

Mom and Sam in their first photo in Honolulu, waiting for the shuttle that would take us to the inter-island terminal. The WikiWiki shuttle never came, so we walked the 5 minutes it took to get there. The quote of the week became "No WikiWiki."

Dad had the honor of holding Sam on his first jaunt into the pool. Note the white shoulders on the one not wearing the full-body suit. Dad stayed that pale all week.

Sam loves to read his "Where's Sam" book. In the chapter currently open, Sam is behind a green bush dressed as a crocodile.

Sunday Brunch for everyone at the Princeville Hotel on the north shore of Kauai. Mom and Dad had a great selection of eggs, cheese, fish, meat and veggies, while Sam sampled milk. If you're on Kauai, stop by the Princeville. Say that you heard about them on this blog (just kidding).

The milk drinking complete, Sam shows off his Hawaiian duds, with friends Evan and his dad Jeff in the background sending their greetings.

A most curious moment was Sam's first trip to the beach. He didn't know what to make of it...

...and was mesmerized by both the waves and the feel of the sand.

The crew spent some time at Ke'e beach, as far North as you can go on the island. Sam was dressed up like a carney strongman...potential Halloween costume??

Sam and Mom at the next trip to the pool. Sam's totally cool.

And then Sam gets in the water...more splashing than the first time, but darn it, the water just isn't as warm as his baths.

The family poses on the lanai at the condo. With a great view of the East shore.

Hawaii #2

Kauai was fun, you should go when you have the chance.

It's getting harder to keep Sam calm in his carseat. Enjoy it, Grandma and Grandpa. We hope you know the lyrics to "You Gotta Keep the Baby Cool."

Sam's second trip to the beach, and first time out in the ocean. Mom got to show Sam all the cool things about the Pacific.

Sam's unsure about the ocean, but he's more unsure about his clothing options.

Ten minutes in the water was enough to wear out even the strongest willed.

Mom and Dad got away for a romantic dinner on the South shore, at the Beach House restaurant.

Cool shirt - check. Awesome board shorts - check. Sweet shades - priceless.

Sam could totally model for any product and sell a ton of items.

Sam's last trip to the beach for this trip ended with Dad showing him some fish in this tide pool. What is up with Dad's hair, anyway?

Sam and Dad pose with Evan and Jeff at the beach near the condo.

After they got the silly poses out of the way, Even and Sam looked serious for one photo in their matching t's.

What a long and tiring trip...Dad and Sam get some rest on the flight back to the mainland.