Day of Thanks

Boy, what a great idea to have a special day each year to celebrate and reflect on all that I am thankful for. I thought I'd write down a quick list so I'd have it to remind me when I'm feeling a bit down, you know, like when I'm teething or getting shots.

• My Daddy
• The inventor of bibs because without them I strongly suspect my parents would have traded me in for a goldfish
• My Daddy
• The Purell people
• Whoever came up with the idea of nighttime diapers- Thanks Huggies!
• My Daddy for sacrificing time with me to work super hard and allow Mommy to stay home and play with me
• Family and friends who have been so thoughtful and generous with their time, advice, gifts and hard labor
• The inventor of the breast pump and a neurotic mommy who has pumped exclusively since I was three weeks old and became extremely stubborn that nursing is for the birds
• Pink baby clothes so approaching strangers know I'm a girl
• All the great people who take time to read my famously boring document of my life as a drooler.
• The great three people who actually post comments on my blog. Post people, post!

Grandma Carol, Grandpa Frank and Uncle Travis braved Rte 95, traveling from Northern Virginia to spend Turkey Day with me. I am so lucky!

Daddy planned and cooked the entire meal, except for the lousy gravy Mommy made. He even cleaned up afterwards while Mommy sat on her duff eating ice cream and watching tv. Thanks for taking care of us Daddy!

Here I am with Grandma and Grandpa. It's about 40 degrees outside and Mommy forgot my pants. Yikes!

Here is my first picture with Uncle Travis, the great dodger of photographs. Gotcha!

Oh, and check out the Pimpin' Presidents magnets on the refrigerator. We are missing the one of GW Bush. If you mistakenly swiped it during one of your visits, please mail it back to me COD. Thanks!

Belly's all full and I'm a happy camper.

Here's a family shot. Oops, Mommy and Daddy think this will be our holiday card picture, so you can't see it until then!

The Story of My Life- Shots,Shots and More Shots

Daddy took a vacation day today and went to the store for all of our Thanksgiving dinner food. Then he came back home and came with me to the doctors. Today I got Hib and Prevnar shots. Yukarooni! I really don't like the needles and nurse all up in my grill. I cry a whole lot during the shots, but once Mommy picks me up I know it's all over and I stop crying immediately.

Daddy and I celebrated the conclusion of this round of immunizations (four shots and an oral) by napping for two hours this afternoon. Woot!

Grandma Carol, Grandpa Frank and Uncle Travis are coming up tomorrow for some fun and food. Yippee!

Teething and Socializing- Not a Perfect Pair

Last night we took a field trip to visit Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Mike for dinner. Uncle Mike is an amazing cook and has a special talent for catering to the high maintenance. Yep, that's right. My Mommy is high maintenance. Who else would request meat cooked without lines? But that's another post, back to the fun stuff.



I love to visit Aunt Kathleen, she always welcomes me with open arms! This time she even surprised me with a beautiful, super soft and comfy sweater and matching hat. I love them and since they're pink, everyone will know I'm a girl. Score!


Aunt Kathleen has a great way with us babies. She doesn't mind when I drool all over her. What a great aunt! You'll have to pardon my facial expression, Mommy forgot to take my second shirt off before we arrived and I'm a bit embarassed about my attire.




Aunt Kathleen noticed I was teething because I was chomping on any body part that crossed my path. She kindly lent me a linen napkin and, boy, was I a happy camper! The texture was just right to soothe my sore gums. No teeth are a comin' through yet, but they're working on it.

Mommy and Daddy were a bit embarassed by the napkins (yes, plural) becoming drenched with 100% Burt drool, but Aunt Kathleen is a gracious hostess and ignored my social indescretions.



Here I am taking a break from chomping on Daddy's napkin covered finger. Only one of us is happy about that!

Here is a rare Krempa-Burt shot. What's not rare is that I'm looking longingly off camera at an older man, in this case, Uncle Mike.

No steaks or wine for me. Bottle time. Don't help me. I'm a big girl or at least bigger than my bottle!

Time for a burp. Careful Mommy. You look like you're about to whack a year's worth of burps out of me!

After the napkin incindents, Aunt Kathleen very kindly donated a few of them to my teething toy collection. Thank you!

Mommy then gave me another bottle and I said my good-nights and nodded off by the fire place. Like Daddy, I love fires! I had no trouble sleeping in a new place and Mommy and Daddy bragged that they have a 'touch' for putting me to sleep. Get real- I go to sleep when I'm good and ready and not a minute before!

Here are my parents basking in the glow of a Samantha-free moment. Must be the amazing wine that is making them look so happy because I'm sure they're all broken up to be without me by their side!

We had so much fun visiting with Aunt Kathleen and Uncle Mike. We can't wait for our next visit with them!

Flexibility? Ha!

Yep, Daddy and Me time was the name of the weekend so Mommy could run errands and remember what it feels like to be a grown-up. Daddy and Me time means no pictures and no stories to share.

Yesterday we went to a yoga class with the Friday Mommy and Me group. Sarala's daddy is a master yoga person and gave us a private class. Mommy asked him to go easy in this first class because she is as inflexible as a senior citizen. I gave her a stern look for being so rude to senior citizens. Mommy is disaster!

Zsuzsi's Mommy graciously hosted the event and before class started we took a tour of their amazing house. Zsuzsi's Daddy is an amazing photographer and his work decorates every wall. If I were a bit stronger, I would have been a klepto and taken one of the smaller prints right off the walls when no one was looking and put it in my nursery. If you want to check out his amazing work, go to http://www.andrewlmoore.com/

The class started off well enough because all of my friends were there and I liked listening to the yoga master talk in a super soothing voice. Then I realized that Mommy was ignoring me. Shame! She moved onto the kids mat and then I started getting beat up by the other kids. I'm not kidding. I had my toys taken from me and was kicked in the head. I know none of it was intentional, but yikes! I need to learn to move around more so I can keep up with the older kids who are more mobile than I am.

Here Sarala and Anna are catching up on their weekend activities.

Here is Zsuzsi sleeping while her Mommy starts a pose. Zsuzsi is resting up so she can do her own poses. Watch out!

Anna is in the background way more interested in her Mommy than us! Here Sarala and I are practicing the concept of sharing.

Zsuzsi poses! Look at that downward dog!

After class, Zsuzsi's Mommy let their doggie out of the bedroom and what a cutie Buksi (pronounced Book-shee) is! She is a little yorksire terrier and is super friendly. And, guess what? She speaks Hugarian as her first language! How cool is that? Although I did hear the English commands, "sit, stay" and the like, I swear I heard Zsuzsi's Mommy interject a stern, "Gyere ki azonnal a Samantha ulesebol!" I think that means 'get out of Samantha's car seat right away' in English. I'm so glad to have friends who speak different languages. I hope I learn some more Hungarian from Zsuzsi and her Mommy. Next play date!

This morning Mommy captured my 'Ice, Ice, Baby' impression. Look at my hair- It's Vanilla Ice!


Tonight it's off to Aunt Kathleen's for some dinner (complete with Sugar + Sunshine cupcakes!) and then tomorrow it's yet another round of shots. Hib and Prevnar this time. At least Daddy will be able to go with me because he has a vacation day. Yippee!

Shots and Snow Flakes

On Wednesday we went to group and there was a music class demo. A really nice lady brought a guitar and lots of fun musical toys for us to play with. And she could sing in tune. Hot damn! We has so much fun and Mommy was super successful in making me forget that today was shot day. And, we won the raffle for a music cd to continue the fun at home!

After class we skipped bagel lunch and went to see the nurse for the polio shot and the oral rotavirus immunizations. Boy, did that oral medicine taste awful! I cried and cried and cried. Then I got the shot. It wasn't so bad! After the shot Mommy rescued me from the table of torture and I immediately stopped crying, same as last time. I'm a Burt!

I was a bit fussy that afternoon, but not too bad. I think spreading the immunizations out is really working.

Thursday was as uneventful as they come. We didn't even leave the house! Although we did play the music cd we won at group on Wednesday until I just couldn't take Mommy singing any longer and had a total meltdown. You would too if you heard her sing!

We then chilled and things got much better. Here I am lounging in the easy chair they market under the name "Boppy".

Standing Samantha, here I am! (Yep, that's CNN in the background. In the car it's NPR all the way.)

Friday was a bit unusual. Mommy got her bloodwork for an upcoming physical and then took her car in for maintenance, so Daddy took the morning off to stay with me. Woot!

Here we are playing. Daddy is making the firefly buzzzzzzz.

Mommy totally screwed up and ended up taking a loaner car home for two hours while they "gave" her a new tire and did more maintenance than she thought she needed. Two parents in the house? Bath time!

I most certainly do NOT like cold water. Make it stop!

Ooooohhh, warm water. Much better.



Yippee, my 'first' snow (with a camera that is) and both parents home to celebrate with me! You have to look really closely to see the small, infrequent flakes that Mommy thinks is worth mentioning.

Here is the obligatory shot with Mommy. Like my new winter gingerbread person hat?

Yep, I'm a little annoyed she brought me outside for this nonsense.

Daddy, let's catch one of the two flakes that fell today and keep it in a jar. Hurry Daddy!

Please Help

Nicknames have taken on interesting form lately.


Daddy has been calling me things like

• Flying Baby
• Super Baby
• Samantha
• Sam
• Cutie-Patootie

Mommy has been calling me things like

• Chunky Monkey
• Cutie-Patootie
• Darling
• Sweetie
• Sweets
• Dumpling
• Dumps

Yep, you read that last one right. Dumps. Why? Because she's too lazy to call me 'dumpling'. Imagine the looks we get when we're out in public. I'm not kidding. And, it's gotten rather serious as this is quickly becoming her most used nickname.

If you have any suggestions for better nicknames, please post a comment. Also, out of curiosity, do you think I look more like a Sam or Samantha?

Here's a picture taken just before we took Grandpa Burt to the airport to help you remember what I look like. Check out the super cool gingerbread person hat he gave me so my ears can stay toasty warm this winter.

Uh, Oh

I've gotten my first talking to from Daddy. Seems that I have a thing or two to learn about family secrets. He sat me down and explained that I don't really need to share family secrets with others. Sometimes things can be just between us.

I didn't really understand what he meant, so he gave me some examples.

Family Secrets

1. Mommy frequently leaves the house in hideous pajamas or unmatched clothes.
2. Mommy's lack of fashion sense spills over into my wardrobe selections.
3. Mommy's stories about my delivery.
4. Daddy cried several times while reading Marley & Me

Not Family Secrets

1. Daddy is wonderful.
2. Daddy is amazing.
3. Daddy will never be a day over 35.

Cats Out of the Bag

For those of you who read the scant comments on my blog, you already know that my surprise visitor is Grandpa Burt! I have two things to say about this: First, Woo-Hoo for Grandpa Burt braving the center seat on his airplane ride from California just to visit me; and Second, why don't more people comment on my blog? I know you're reading it because many of you send emails to Mommy, which she in turn reads to me over our morning milk and coffee (half caf/half decaf, thank you very much) breakfasts.

Grandpa Burt got a last minute flight to see us Saturday. Before his flight arrived, Mommy and I took a quick power nap and Daddy captured the moment beautifully.

Then Daddy brought Grandpa Burt home from the airport. We had some great Daddy, Grandpa and Me time. Of course I was the center of attention.

Look- it's a burp/drool cloth on the head. Simple tricks really impress grandparents!


Sunday morning was a bit hectic because Daddy had to leave the house at 9am for his flight to Dallas. I helped him pack and, when he wasn't looking, slipped him one of my prized Nuks. Sure hope it helps him get through his long nights on the road.

Here's a quick Burt, Burt and Burt pose before sending Daddy on his way.

Here's another where Grandpa and I are in the middle of our now traditional Burt vs Burt staring contest.



Bye Daddy! Hello fun time with Grandpa Burt! We read books, did an indoor neighborhood watch that I am hereby referring to as baby patrol. Gotta keep tabs on the kitty cat....

We headed off to Sugar + Sunshine to introduce Grandpa Burt to the local cupcakes and ginger cookies. Then, we went to Howell Living History Farm. It was so cool to see the animals. Figuratively and Literally 'cool'. Since it was about 40 degrees outside and Mommy was too lazy to put a coat on me, she wrapped it around my head and said we weren't going to take any pictures posing by the animals.

Here I am in the horse stable with my super comfy jacket wrapped turban style around my head. Can you see me under that cotton candy colored comfy?

I fell asleep on the car ride home, so Mommy went the long way back to our house. For those of you who watch The Hills, you may know that Southern California has really cool clubs and restaurants. What do they lack, you say? A QuickChek! Yes, that's right. We HAD to swing by one on the way home and boy, was Grandpa Burt impressed with the coffee and cream selection. Woot! New tradition right here.

We came home and I practiced my colors by separating the black hairs from the gray. Yep, it sure took a long time.

Then it was off to bed to rest up for Monday's adventures.

Monday fun included a trip to the mall. We saw lots of pretty Christmas decorations. And, of course we made a trip to QuickChek again! Back home we snuck in another glorious nap while Grandpa explored the neighborhood.

He's so good at baby patrol, what will I do when he's gone? Sure hope the house it safe without my rounds. Come back anytime!

Sailor in the House

Not me. Mommy. Feel free to weigh in if you think she was in the right.

For the last three months I've been going to sleep between 7 and 7:30 and waking up between 6:30 and 8am, give or take. This took into account the middle of night feeding and no nighttime feeding.

Since last week when I learned to consistently roll from my back to my tummy, I find myself rolling over in the wee hours of the morning and panic because I haven't quite figured out how to roll from tummy to back consistently. So, I cry and can't go back to sleep.

For the past two days I've woken us up at 5am. Daddy's out of town, so it's just Mommy, kitty and me. Only Mommy has issues with this wake up time and she's been quite vocal about it.

I've learned words and phrases that I'm sure are on the 'do not use' list in many households across the nation. I hope I forget them before I learn how to talk or I'll be banned from play dates for sure.

I haven't decided if I need less sleep or just need to roll back over. I'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile, Mommy decided that we should run out for coffee at QuickChek. Daddy would be embarrassed to know that we were both in pajamas and only one of us could pull it off.

We came back and played for an hour and I'm now resting peacefully on my tummy. We'll see how long that lasts. Then, it's off to Friday's group.

We got some great video of me yapping. Postings of pictures and video later today.

Update: My morning nap was three hours and Mommy slept for two hours. Peace restored at the Krempa-Burts! Oh, I should mention that Mommy's last name is Krempa and Daddy's and my last name is Burt. Two against one, but out of respect to the Mommy person we've decided that the blog and references to our household will reflect the hyphenated name that exists no where else in print because truthfully it sounds like a Muppet character. Seriously, say it outloud three times fast and you'll agree.

We were super late to Friday group, but man did we arrive well-rested and content. We surprised the mommies with homemade marshmallows and sour cream walnuts- hope they enjoyed them! Here are some great shots from today's small but fun group.

Here we are, ladies in the house. Note my shameless Daddy plug. I miss you!

Anna is so sweet. Kisses!

I'm ready for our next outing. Off to lunch. Table for three please. Lady Bug, Mallory the Monkey and me. Mommy can sit with the other Mommies at another table.

Rainy, Lazy Thursday

I kept telling Mommy that we should go out and play, but she was a little nervous that I was feeling under the weather. Instead, she kept me inside on my play mat. We played and I did lots of tummy time and sitting time with a little standing Samantha time thrown in. Then, when we were both a little sick of each other she finally turned on the television and we watched some great shows. These days it's Growing Pains, The 'Real Housewives' of Atlanta and the news.


It was rainy and yucky outside and Mommy was being too overprotective so we didn't venture out to a play group- and it turns out I'm fine, so all that worry for nothing. Hope everyone else had fun!


Here is what should have been a great shot of me.




At least one of us is happy about tummy time.






Watching Jon and Kate Plus 8. Wish I had some hot chocolate and popcorn to go with this tv special.



PS- I have a very special visitor coming this weekend. It was a last minute surprise and I couldn't be happier. I'll share more details after I get to meet this special person for the first time.

Way Over Yonder

Yesterday we took a field trip across the Garden State to visit with Meave and her sons, Connor and Little John. I haven't had a playdate with older boys before and it's nothing like the playdates I've had before. Way more active and entertaining!


Apparently I'm not the only one who likes to take off their socks. Here I am cheering on Little John, who turns one next month. We need to pick a new nickname for him as he won't be little for much longer.




We brought a special treat for Connor from the fabulous bakery Sugar + Sunshine. Think he likes it?


Here Little John is helping me to roll over. Thanks!



I tried to take a nap on the floor, but turned into a toy for little boys. Mommy thought I'd get more rest up on the couch with her. Here I am snug as a bug in a rug...

We had so much fun! I can't wait until I'm a bit older and visit them again. Next time there will be three of us raising a ruckus instead of me just taking notes.

Prehistoric Times

Wanna know who my Mommy and Daddy are? Look no further. Photos courtesy of my wonderful, super special grandparents.

Daddy confused cat food with baby food and Grandma Burt realized she had the perfect blackmail picture.

Here is Grandma Carol holding my Mommy.

Here is Grandpa Frank holding my Mommy. Nope she hasn't been this quiet since!

And since Uncle Travis dodged all pictures when he last visited, here's a picture for good measure. Wonder if I can get a hold of those fabulous overalls....

Bull's-Eye

Yep, Mommy sure talks a lot. She was on the phone yet again this afternoon. Yapping away while bouncing me on her knee. Since I'm not so good with her words, I stealthily drooled all over my fist and then POP! into Mommy's mouth like a cork. Mommy's response? A huge 'disgusting'. What nerve she has.

She's always telling me that I can't burp with a cork in my mouth and now she can't talk with my fist in her mouth. What goes around comes around, I say.

Bye Bye Birdie, I Mean Daddy

Daddy's off to another business trip. I'm already looking forward to his phone call tonight.

Before he left, he and I sneaked in a fun game of Hokey Pokey.

Four Months

Yesterday it was off to the doctors for my four month birthday and checkup. I find it's easiest to combine the events and party like a rock star.

Here are the stats

Weight- 14 pounds, 1 ounce.

Height- 24.5 inches

Both are smack dab in the middle of the growth charts. So, basically I'm completely average. Maybe physically I am, but in personality I beg to differ!

My head circumference is 16 inches and I have no idea where that is on the growth charts and am way too lazy to look it up.

I had DTap and cried the minute Mommy put me on the table. Of course I know what's coming! But, here's where the Four Seasons song comes in. After the shot Mommy picked me right up and I immediately stopped crying. Guess I am a Big Girl! I'll keep you posted on my reaction because we think this is the scary shot that makes me sleep and decided to isolate it to see what is really going on.

Dr. H gave me clearance to start solids at 5 months. I'm already looking forward to rice cereal textured walls, aren't you?

Mommy forgot all about pictures until the end of the day when we were both tired, so there are some really lame shots ahead.

Bowing down with respect to Ollie the Octopus. He really has been a great friend these last four months. Here's to another great four months.

Got a tape measure? I think I'm taller than Ollie....

Practicing my flexibility while watching the Food Network. Toes are way tastier than I thought they'd be, but I didn't see them in any recipes.

Bed time!

Safari Adventures

Mommy and Daddy took me on a special safari today. It was super cool to match up those silly-sign-language-hand-gestures to real live animals. It was a long trip, but worth every minute. Truth be told, we spent more time in the car than on the actual safari but those are the breaks sometimes.


The trip started something like this-
Diaper Bag. Check.
Stupid Mommy Required Sun Hat. Check.
Two Bottles. Check.
Camera. Check.
Mallory the Monkey. Check.
And off for some fun!


Explain again why some really cool looking creatures are behind glass and other super loud, annoying creatures are in front of the glass....





Refer to Sun Hat reference above.




In honor of the book 'The Belly Button Book' that we have been reading since I discovered I really do like books and my latest installment of hippo books 'But Not the Hippopotamus'. I see noses and no they don't belong to manatee. Sadly, I didn't see any Bee Bos....




Interested in going on your very own safari? I'm not exactly sure where we went today, being in the backseat definitely has its drawbacks sometimes. On the way back to the car I did pass a sign that said Philly Z-O-O. Does that help?

After we got home Mommy realized that she didn't have any pictures taken with me today. We probably should have left it that way. What do you think?





Tomorrow is my four-month birthday and we're celebrating with a visit to see Dr. H. Any guesses on my weight and height?