Proceed With Caution

Warning, boring post ahead. I've gotten a few questions about my sleeping habits and such and realized that I needed to clear up some confusion.

Ever since the great Deep Fried Oreo escapade I've been sleeping through the night without waking up for feedings. I typically go to sleep around 7pm and try to sleep until 6:30am. A bit earlier if Daddy is sneaking off to work. Gotta get my "Daddy kisses" fix in before I can officially start the day!

Another related change is that I was blowing out my diaper from going almost 12 hours at a pop. Thank goodness Aunt Brenda suggested Huggies overnight diapers. Between that and the Mustela diaper cream, my slumber has been smooth sailing.

Napping is getting to be an issue because I find myself on my belly and not sure how to get back to my back or side. After lots of crying Mommy or Daddy will come rescue me. Minutes later- the same thing. I'm starting to think I'm a belly addict who also happens to fear being on my belly. Go figure.

My parents need to buy stock in the Mustela company. I am a huge fan of their facial wipes and swear that these wipes are the reason I smell like a baby and not like spoiled milk. Oh, and they cleared up my baby acne practically overnight.

Nope, Mommy doesn't bother to comb my hair after baths. She says it's a waste of time and I have to agree.

I love to growl with lots of 'ggrrrrr'ing these days. Especially when I'm taking a bottle. I'm not mad or anything, just trying to find my inner voice.

I now love to read and find that a few good books a day is just what the doctor ordered. Mommy likes to put three in front of me so I can choose which one to read, but in reality we end up reading all three. She thinks she's giving me choices, but really I've outsmarted her and get to enjoy three great books!

She continues this crazy notion of sign language while talking to me. The words in current rotation are:
milk/bottle
diaper time
more
book
bed
field trip AKA car trip
rhinoceros, for reading Moo, Ba, La La La of course!

And, no I haven't thrown her a bone by responding to any of these crazy hand movements.

Why no pictures today? Because Mommy was so busy taking pictures of other babies at group that she forgot to take any of me. Unbelievable!

Come on Over- I've Got Toys to Share

Sarala came over for a visit yesterday morning. We had so much fun! I'm not sure about this whole sharing thing, but Mommy keeps telling me that good things come to those who share. I hope this means that I get to 'share' all Mommy's Christmas presents this year!

Look closely and you can see my new friend and I are holding hands.



I had a rough day yesterday. On one hand it was good because I officially roll from my back to my belly all the time. On the other hand, when I try to nap and find myself on my belly I FREAK out and scream my heart out until Mommy comes to rescue me. She finds me looking like a dead man's float in the pool, but with no water and an inconsistent ability to flip myself over to my back. She's grateful I'm crying because it means I'm still breathing and I feel abandoned. I sense years of therapy ahead of me.


Oh, I got a great package in the mail yesterday. Lots of great board books. We're reading lots of Sandra Boynton books these days, though The Hungry Catapiller is inching its way to the top of my list. Get it? Inching... Not so funny? Hey, I'm not even four months old- give me a break!


The first time yesterday that I was content when not doing neighborhood watch. Mommy's arm wanted to fall off. Thank goodness Mallory was there to play with me.



Today Mommy walked into the room and found me lying quietly on my belly while napping. Hooray for progress! Though she did laugh and take a picture of my junk in the trunk. Not so much progress in that department. Why does Mommy make fun of me and then post embarassing pictures for all to see?

More Milestone Adventures

So, I'm getting much better sitting up by myself these days. To prevent more bruises and reduce the amount of hate mail in Mommy's in-box, she has put the Boppy behind me when we practice at home.


Daddy calls this one 'leaning tower of Sam'.

Yep, Mommy is color blind and put green socks on me despite the purple pajamas.... Can't wait until I can pick out my own clothes!

Mommy likes to let me look out at other babies in group. Again, notice the sock color choice does not match my tomato outfit, my overshirt or my yellow bib. A true embarassment to all fashionistas!

Eh, I'll just chill for awhile.



I'm a smilin' fool these days and Mommy and Daddy can't get enough of me!



Oh, and I'm now officially rolling over when I want to. Mommy is a bit frustrated because she can no longer leave me on my activity center and pop into the kitchen to take care of the endless bottles. I can flip over like a pro and somehow get all tangled up in the toys and such. I'm sure I'll look back on these days fondly and think, 'gosh, what a great time in my life when rolling atop toys was my biggest concern.' Live up the good life, I say!

What a Ride

Things were a bit off at home last night and today with Daddy on a business trip. I think pictures sum up the days better than any stories, so let's have at it...



First, here was a great shot of last night's adventures. How do you think I'm doing in my quest to cover the world with my drool. Look closely and you'll see what I mean.






Here I am trying to remain upright and having no other choice but to admit defeat against the slippery leather sofa.



Monday was a whole new day. I decided that thumb sucking is a thing of my past and I am now into sucking my middle and ring finger. At the same time. Even while taking a bottle and being burped. Mommy and I have had several conversations about the right time and way to suck on my thumb/fingers, but I'm not ready to concede.





Mommy was a bit lax in her parenting duties while I was practicing sitting up on my own. Look closely right below my right eye- to the right is my very first bruise. Courtesy of a face-plant into a plastic phone.


Mommy distracted me with a bottle and then let me sit up on the couch. Way better. I told Mommy funny stories and cracked myself up! Since you're looking anyways, check out my buddha belly...


Then after a long nap I braved sitting up once more. Not so bad!




I'm even having fun!


PS- the two shirts is because Mommy gets tired of me wearing a damp shirt all day. She takes off the outer layer and presto! new shirt for me to drool on.

Farm Fun

What a fun family day! We spent the whole day together!


Daddy gave me a big breakfast bottle and I offered up a darned good burp in turn. Man, it's amazing what loud noises can come out of a tiny tyke like myself. Yeah for me!




I took Daddy to the orchard on Saturday so I could show him all the cool things I saw there last week. Since it was the day after Halloween, there were only a few people there but all the pumpkins were still on display. It was a bit chilly, so I wasn't too smiley but I didn't cry or anything. As Mommy and Daddy have come to learn, I am not a fan of weather. Too hot, too cold, too sunny, windy- not so much.


Daddy, I'll take this one to go. I'll direct and you carve. Thank you very much!

I am so happy I turned the drool-works on! When I am really happy I smile so hard my face scrunches up. In pictures it looks like I'm ready to cry, but trust me that it's nothing but pure joy!

Deep in learning mode- gotta read up on Johnny Appleseed!

Here I am showing complete disregard of the farm rules. I'm so close to sitting up on my own, but Daddy wanted to help me out. Ignore the helping hand and focus on my cuteness!

Can't find me? Here I am- I'm a horse!

Now time for the real thing. We can pet the horse? Don't mind if I do!

Here I am driving farm equipment. If you look closely, you can see I am grasping the wheel. Shhh, let's keep it a secret that I don't yet have a license.

Chillin' on the swing- just Daddy and me.




Taking a walk with Daddy... and a goat? Daddy look!




Please Mommy, let's stay just a bit longer! Babies don't really need naps- or do they?

PS- For those who think Mommy and Daddy don't dress me warmly enough, let me tell you it's all me. I detest layers and feeling confined. I don't like jackets outside- much like Mommy. No blankies when I'm sleeping either. And, when Mommy sneaks an extra shirt or socks under my sleepers or onesies, she endures the wrath of unpleasant Samantha. I'm in charge, so if you have a beef with my clothing you'll have to take it up with me and leave Mommy out of it!

Halloween Adventures

On Wednesday we went to group and joined in the halloween fun. We had treats and played games. The best treat of all is that Baby Henry came to group with us. It was great fun to have my best friend to play with! He dressed up as a bumble bee and I wore my super cute, super comfy onesie. Pictures to follow in the next few days.

Thursday was a day of rest and prep for Friday. Between my long naps I managed to relocate myself and swing to the kitchen and direct Mommy on the baking of brownies and kitty litter cake. We planned to bring them to Daddy's work on Friday and worked really hard to make tasty treats.

On Friday Mommy popped me in the bath, fed me and tricked me into taking my morning snooze in the car ride to Daddy's work.

At Daddy's work we walked around for two hours spreading sunshine on this ghoulish day. I was a perfect angel. We won't tell them that Daddy promised me a super big bottle if I promised to be on my best behavior. Bribery works!

Here we are hiding in Brenda's office so I could have my morning snack. It's hard work being so good and social- I need to recharge my batteries.

Then we rushed across town so Mommy could get stuck in the arm with a really big needle. She wasn't too excited to get the Flu vaccine, but the doctor said she had to so I wouldn't get sick. Daddy got his at work last week, so no bug is welcome in our home this flu season.

Quick trip home for more bottles and then it was off to group. What a busy morning already!

At group we played with Baby Emma, who dressed up as a pumkin. I have other pictures of me smiling, but then you can't see the Mummy on my outfit. As you can see we're both wondering why Mommy is flashing bright lights in our eyes.

Then we hightailed it up to Cranbury to see Danny in the elementary school's annual halloween parade. We staked out space on a business' porch and waved to all the kiddos that walked up and down town in their creative, fun costumes. Many teachers and kids were a bit surprised to see me waving to them and several paused a bit to say hi to me.

We patiently waited for Danny to walk by. My eagle eyes spotted him right away and I waved and drooled just for him. He was a bit surprised to see us, but he recovered quickly with a 'Hi Baby Samantha!' before continuing on the route. Mommy was a bit sad that she is no longer worthy of hellos, but Danny's Mommy explained to her that she's not a real person anymore- just Samantha's Mommy these days!

Daddy came home and we played before handing out candy to the neighborhood kids. Mommy wanted a shot of the back of my festive outfit.

Night-night Daddy. Kisses!

Born to Shop

Courtesy of a baby gift from Aunt Lissa months ago, I ended up on a mailing list. As 'KrempaBurt' no less. Mommy laughed and Daddy tried to rip the mailer up. Daddy didn't like the last name or the implication that I'm a shop-a-holic.

Nor'easter and Other Picture-Worthy Happenings

Daddy is off at a meeting in Philly for a few days. A business trip is not unusual- however, his taking the digital camera and video camera is. Of course today it snowed. My first snow. Documented? Nope. Mommy refused to take me to the window because she said if she couldn't take a picture of me in the snow then it didn't happen. Yep, trees falling in forests don't make noise if people aren't there either. Loser.

I also decided that sucking my thumb is so last month and have taken to sucking my middle finger and ring finger when nodding off. Super cute, but you'll have to take my word for it because again no camera handy.

Tomorrow is costume day at group. I will have to do my best to describe the events with my not-yet-four-months-old-limited-vocabulary because Daddy will still be in Philly with Mommy's version of a security blanket.

Seriously, it's been rough happenings in the Krempa-Burt household...

He Had Me At Hello

Saturday was a special day. Yeo and Joe made a trip from NYC to meet me for first time. We planned out a fantastic day of feasting and hope we have created a new tradition.

Welcome to my home! Let's eat, drink and be merry!

Yeo is Mommy's friend from high school. She is a super talented artist and wonders how she can remain friends with someone so uncreative as Mommy. Anyways, she married Joe, who is also an artist. He makes comic strips and this is my shameless plug suggesting you check out his work at http://www.digitalpimponline.com/.

Yeo is such a good sport. She held me and didn't even flinch when I chunked on her shirt. What a friend! Daddy taught her 'Boogey on down, Samantha' and we danced and danced while Mommy stuffed her face with baked brie. Whew, she wore me out!

Here I am a bit dejected for fear that I will never have such lovely cheekbones.

Joe thought I was cool, but wasn't so sure about holding me.

We had great food and conversation. Since I am the first baby in their circle of friends, Mommy and Daddy shared stories about my delivery and first few weeks at home. If they were thinking about having kids, they aren't anymore. Mommy shared our sign language adventures (or lack there of) and suggested Yeo consider fish oil supplements to make her baby smarter. Yeo expressed some hesitation at Mommy's brand of choice. Joe, the ever supportive husband, looked Mommy right the eye and nonchalantly said, "No offense, but we don't really know if your kid is smart." Finally, someone to put Mommy and her crazy notions in place!

I know that Henry and I have a special relationship and Joe is a married man, but he managed to capture my heart. Mommy let me stay at the table most of the day so I could feel part of the action and I couldn't stop staring at Joe. Thank goodness Yeo isn't the jealous type or things could have gotten ugly.

After the amazing meal I went down for a nap while the grown-ups tried their hand at deep fried Oreos. Daddy was the official quality control guy, but he escaped the camera so no pictures to document his contribution to the adventure. Everyone totally bonded over this delicious treat and gleefully planned the next gathering to try deep frying other tasty morsels.

Ah, Joe and Yeo enjoying the most perfect dessert.

So sad, but all good things must come to an end. Sweet Dreams!

Friday Night Entertainment

I love Daddy and Me time. I also happen to love looking at myself in the mirror. When the two activities are one in the same I get positively giddy! Think there is any truth to Mommy's accusation that Daddy gets me all riled up before bedtime?



Daddy put me to sleep tonight while Mommy went out for 'grown up time'. Later, Daddy checked on me and he saw my new trick. Before, my feats were limited to wiggling my socks off. Tonight I learned how to pop open a snap and kick my leg out of the sleeper. Daddy laughed and Mommy bought me a one way ticket to sleeper sack central. Party pooper!


Here I am before Mommy hampered my talents.

October is Orchard Month

On Friday I slept until 8:45 and totally screwed up my eating schedule and missed my morning nap. When we went to group I wasn't sure if I wanted to eat or sleep. So, I did what any conflicted baby would do- I cried. I cried so well that all the babies at group wanted to join my choir. Then I slept (just a bit) until it was time to visit the other group for an outing to the orchard.


Here we are just before the walk. I'm staying toasty in my strawberry hat!




And a really bad self portrait after the walk. I wasn't a fan of the elements. Mommy suspects I won't be a camping kind of girl....






I loved to meet new mommies and their babies. The only catch was I still hadn't recovered from my lack of sleeping. We were both exhausted at the end of the outing! Since I am the master of my own bedtime I went to sleep at 4pm and slept until Daddy woke me up at 7pm for my night time entertainment and dinner bottle.

Lunch Date

On Thursday Mommy and I drove down to Centocor to have lunch with Joan. We haven't seen her since her wedding and I've been really looking forward to catching up with her. Joan was so sweet to hold me so Mommy could eat lunch. She didn't even mind when I started to drool on her beautiful jacket. I'm not sure how she explained that one at her next meeting!



Here Joan is helping me play with my Lamaze Lady Bug toy. You can't really see my face because I am busy sucking on the toy, but trust me, I am having fun. If you look closely, you can see that I am grabbing the toy to give you the illusion that I am holding it up myself.



Joan tells such great stories! I can't wait to visit her at her home and meet her new puppy and maybe take a dip in her pool. I wonder if Daddy will let me wear my first bikini...





We also got to visit with Mommy's former manager, Christi, and Mommy's first FLDP roommate, Allison. Who knew so many cool people would be in one cafeteria? What a fun day!

Sign Language

On Wednesday we went to our group and then had bagels for lunch.

Here we are at lunch. And, no Mommy is not a professional photographer! Why does she always manage to catch an angle that gives the appearance of double chins?

Daddy came home early so Mommy could take a baby sign language class. Thank goodness for Daddy and me time.

Quick thoughts on baby sign language... What is Mommy thinking? She keeps signing to me and expects me to respond accordingly. Instead of using my words to tell her she's crazy, I just laugh at her. Wouldn't you?

Must be a Growin'

It's been an interesting week. I have been sleeping way more than usual, so things have been less than exciting. Hence the lack of posts. On Tuesday I napped from 9 to 10:30. Then we took a quick field trip into town. Woah momma! I need my beauty sleep. When we got back home I devoured a bottle and slept from 12pm until 3. Henry came over for a quick play date. Henry's mommy thinks I'm getting bigger. After Henry went back home, I tried to go back to sleep at 5pm, but Mommy slammed the brakes on that idea. Instead we read books and did our exercises. 7pm- back to sleep!

Here I am doing my exercises.

Official Date

Henry and I went to Starbucks yesterday to check out the local scene. Unfortunately, bottles weren't on the menu- go figure. Thank goodness our rides were on standby to help us out. Our Moms were able to relax and catch up while we did some people watching of our own.

Aren't we cute?

PS- I am totally into my Lamaze Ladybug toy on field trips. When I'm not talking to Mommy, then she can tell when I'm awake by the constant crinkle of my toy. At home I am lovin' the Lamaze Peacock and Mallory the Monkey that Mommy puts on my activity center along with Ollie the Octopus. I have so many animal friends!

Daddy Time

Daddy's home this weekend. Yeah for Daddy and me time!

I showed him my new trick- 'pants on the head'. It's not as creative as the papal tiara, but he was still impressed.

Here Daddy is helping me fly in our living room.

Here we are just before he ditched me to go to the Giants game. Maybe he'll take me when I'm older. I hear the hot dogs are way better than milk!

Quick Henry Update:

Here is Aunt Helen holding him on Wednesday- Aunt Helen, thanks for sacrificing your head for the sake of a good Henry picture! On Thursday he went to the doctors for his four month appointment. He is 18 pounds 9 ounces and 28 inches long.

On Friday he rolled over from his back to his tummy for the first time. Way to go, Henry!

Nighttime Update:

Here we are after dinner. I wish Daddy could play with me all the time. Look how happy I am! I was so excited for all this Daddy and me time and inspired by Henry's rolling over that I managed to roll over from my back to my tummy for the first time. It took me awhile to figure out how to get my arm out from underneath me because I thought it was way more fun to shove that fist in my mouth. Once I got tired of my 'fist in the mouth' trick, I pulled my arm out from underneath me and Mommy jumped for joy. Why does she do such silly things? Just for that, I refused to do the trick again in front of Daddy. Who needs all that action just before bed? Maybe tomorrow...