Such a Big Girl

We can't believe how grown up Sam is these days! She continues to amaze us wth her sweet, yet independent spirit, vocabulary, wit, and memory. We are so thankful for the vibrant personality on this little one=)

Sunbutter Sandwich

Sam has grown to love Sunbutter sandwiches! We sadly discovered a peanut allergy with her last month=( Fortunately, there are alternatives!

2 Weeks

This is how we spend much of the day and night=) Abby is a sweet little sleeper!

Home With Abigator!

Upon arriving home, we were greeted by Samantha anxiously waiting for Abigator (her version of Abigail...pretty cute and catchy...so I think Abby has another nickname=) We weren't sure how Sam would react, so we brought her a baby "Abigator" home too! She loves undressing, redressing, diapering, feeding, reading stories, burping, and telling her "it's ok Abigator" when she cries=)

First family photo=)

The Abigators!

Going Home!

After a much more positive labor, delivery, and recovery experience this time around...we were discharged from the hospital Wednesday afternoon=) We couldn't wait to get home to see Sam and spend time together as a family!

Proud Big Sister

Samantha loves her baby sister Abigator=) She holds, snuggles, and kisses her as much as she can!

Happy Birthday Abigail Jeanne

Abigail Jeanne: 8lbs 12oz, 21.5in, July 13 2009, 12:57pm
Mom and baby are doing great. Smooth delivery, even smoother post-partem...which is what we like!! Oh, and Abigail has a great set of lungs on her. Maybe she'll give big sister a run for her money for the "loudest singer" award:-)

Mommy and Soon-to-be Big Sister

Sam, Bob and I stop for a few photos before church. This would be our last photo shoot with Sam as "the only child."

Delivery in Sight!

We just got back from our non stress test and 40+ week ultrasound! Baby is very happy in utero and all looked great from the tests=) Therefore, our doctor doesn't have a "medical reason" to induce quite yet. However, if I do not go into labor on my own by the weekend, we will be induced Monday 7/13/09 morning. Thanks for all your support and prayers! We greatly appreciate each of you and can't wait to introduce you to the newest addition!! Check back for postings=) Love to all!

Due Date

So...THE due date has come and is almost gone...no baby=( I must have a large, cozy womb that our babies don't want to part with! We are very anxious to meet this little one! If she has not arrived by Thursday, I am scheduled for an ultrasound and non stress test that morning. We are praying she comes on her own before then! We'll keep you posted! Thanks for checking in on us=)

Almost a Big Sister!

Samantha is almost a big sister! We are officially 1 week from my due date, but would LOVE to meet "baby st-is-ter" anytime=) Sam has been practicing for her arrival and wants to hold each baby she is around! Here she is with baby Taylor Haase. This was the first time she held a baby and since then EVERY baby we see, she asks to hold=) It's very cute and quite a relief for me because when she was first introduced to baby Taylor, she wanted nothing to do with her and of course I couldn't have anything to do with another baby either! We are all very excited to meet the new addition and will keep you updated via this blogsite=) Stay tuned and hopefully very soon we will have news of the arrival!!

Samantha's 2!

As of June 20, 2009...Samantha is officially 2! However, the personality of toddlerhood arrived several months ago=) She is a sweet, snuggly, beautiful, independent, strong willed, hilarious little person who loves to sing, dance, color, read, play house, talk, be outside, and imitate anything and everything! Here Sam is with one of her favorite birthday gifts performing for everyone at the family bbq!

23 Months

Back-Seat Singing

22 Months

Photo soon...

New York City

Central Park

Rockefellar Square

Grand Central Station

The Haugheys

Beach in CT

Bobby and I enjoyed a much needed getaway a couple of weeks ago! We flew into New York City on Saturday and met Will and Rachel Haughey, Brett Gaudin, and Chris Haughey for dinner. We drove back to Rowayton, CT with the Haugheys and spent a few relaxing days with them before taking the train back to NYC for the remainder of our trip. While in Rowayton, we enjoyed catching up with Will, Rachel, and Chris, experiencing many local delicacies including delicious coffees, teas, and chocolate, oohing and awing over the New England/Cape Cod homes, sleeping in for a few days, and having no real agenda but to spend time together=) We then took the train into the city on Tuesday and stayed in Manhattan until Thursday. While there, we saw The Phantom of the Opera, wandered Central Park, traveled through the many infamous "squares" of the city, and again ate some wonderful meals and savored delicious coffees and desserts. As much as we missed our sweet little Sam, we so LOVED our time away! Sam did great while we were gone and the trip was more refreshing and relaxing than I could have asked for!

Sanibel Island, FL

We spent a few days in Sanibel, FL a week ago with the Ravensberg family! It was great to retreat to the sun and beach...Sam loved the sand and ocean and the flight was much more bearable from Indy versus the one last year from CA!

Dining out has taken on new meaning with a 21 month old!

David's birthday dinner at Sunset Grill

The gang before dinner at the jazz bar! Gamaw, Marty, and Bob were so gracious to send us out... while they spent the evening with Sam.

Samantha and Aunt Becky

The biggest kids at the park!

Leaving for the airport after a great week with Gamaw!

Daddy, Gamaw, and Sam outside The Bean...favorite coffee spot on the island!

Searching for shells with "Marny"

Sam and Daddy

Mommy, Daddy, and Samantha

Finding shells and critters with "Bobby"

Samantha was very intrigued by the other kids on the beach and their sand castles!

Playing in the ocean!

" Building" sand castles of her own!

Rinsing the sand off of her legs! Samantha has become very particular about having anything on her hands, feet, face, legs, etc.

Again, trying to get the sand off of her feet!

We were sad to leave the beach, but so thankful to only say good-bye to FL instead of family too! It is wonderful being close to everyone again, although we miss our friends and climate in CA dearly=) Love to you all! Thanks for checking in...

21 Months

Loving the beach in Sanibel, FL this year!

March 7, 2008

Samantha loved getting to celebrate Ryan and Meagan's wedding with everyone! She couldn't get enough of the band and dancing with all her family. The wedding took place at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church and the reception was downtown Indy at the Westin. It was a beautiful event!

Sam trying to get down to dance!

Getting down!

Samantha loved playing with cousin Carter!

Samantha and Carter were a hit to watch on the dance floor!

Stopping for a photo op before the reception=)

Samantha was in heaven at the rehearsal dinner! She couldn't dig in fast enough when the waitress placed a bowl of vanilla ice cream in front of her!! Like father, like daughter=) Sam's favorite treat is "ice-sume!"

History Repeats Itself

We had our 20 week ultrasound on Tuesday and learned we are having another GIRL!
From Bobby's perspective:

Well, here I am, a man with TWO daughters....what else can I say?

Actually, I am very excited about the doubling of everything "girl". You know, 2xs the tea parties, 2xs the dolls, 2xs the clothes, 2xs the makeup...and estrogen, and monthly cycles, and boyfriends, and prom nights, and college formals, and....weddings. I can be certain that my prayer life will also double:-)

Everything is right on track. Baby girl is healthy, has both sides of her brain (praise the Lord we don't have to go through that mess again), and delivery date is still July 5 or a few days earlier.

Upon many requests, I will post a belly shot here soon!

20 Months

Pic coming soon!

Snow Day!

We woke up to a winter wonderland last Wednesday! We all experienced a change in daily routine and were quickly reminded how weather can alter a days plans=)

19 Months

Our little Indiana snow bunny!

Change, Change and Even More Change

As of December 20, 2007...we officially became Hoosiers again! Bob accepted a job transfer within Boston Scientific, providing us the opportunity to move closer to family and friends in Indiana! Along with a CHANGE of territory for Bob, residence for us as a family, adjustment to the weather conditions of the Midwest, and all other changes that come with a move across the country...Samantha will also be a BIG SISTER early July! We are excited about the new addition and will keep you all posted via this page=)

California International Marathon--12/07

Bob accomplished a goal of his--running and finishing a marathon before moving from California! The race allowed him to see Folsom to downtown Sacramento through a new perspective. It was an awesome experience to be a part of! We shared the day of celebration with many of our dear Californian friends!

Standing on the steps of the Capitol downtown Sacramento, CA after the race.

Merry Christmas

18 Months

Preparing for the cold Indiana winter ahead!

17 Months

Maui--November 2007

We celebrated Thanksgiving in Maui, Hawaii this year with the Ravensberg family! While there, we attended the Maui Invitational Basketball Tournament to watch the Indiana Hoosiers. It was a fabulous getaway. Pictures will be posted eventually=)

Happy Halloween

Trick or Treat! Stay tuned...more photos to come=)

Trip to San Diego

We spent this past weekend in San Diego visiting my cousin Erin and her family. It was a great getaway! Samantha loved spending time with her cousins. She especially liked escaping to Kilee's room, only to find it was her dream come true...babies, babies and more babies! When Kilee's door was closed, Samantha wandered into Wyatt's room to play his drumset! She was so sad to leave=(

Our trip included special time with cousins, a visit to the zoo, dinner by the beach with Aunt Debbie, attending the church where Erin's husband, Grant pastors, and making lots of fun memories!

Wyatt, Samantha, and Kilee ready for bed!

We went to zoo Saturday and then the beach for dinner.

Samantha loved when she got to get out of her stroller!

This was the only position that would distract her enough from wanting to be down running around!

Snack time!

Bouncing Around

Samantha finally figured out how to bounce on her Rody! She loves to chew on his ears too=)

Happy Birthday Mommy!

BJ's oversized Pazooki!!

Our friends Mark, Brie, and baby Tilden threw a surprise birthday dinner at BJ's and invited friends to join us! It was a very special birthday!!

Sam and Daddy being silly at dinner!

Grandparents' Visit

We had a great visit! Bishop's Pumpkin Farm is always a fun place to go this time of year! Sam LOVED running through the pumpkins!!

A Few of My Favorite Things

The Mountains in Tahoe!

Corn on the Cob!
Climbing and Standing on ANY and EVERYthing!

16 Months

It's never too early to start=) Go Hoosiers!

15 Months

Taken at Bishop's Pumpkin Farm

Auntie Ally's August Visit

We had an awesome time with my sister Ally when she came out for a week of "relaxation" before heading off to IU! Little did she know that "relaxation" takes on new meaning when there is a 14 month old niece involved=) She shook maracas with Sam during her music class, experienced the Sacramento Zoo with an unhappy toddler, chased the wild one through the mall, meandered the San Francisco boutiques with sticker shock, and made tons of fun memories with us here in California!

Tahoe With The Ravensbergs

Grandpa Bobby and Grandma Marty came to visit! We spent a beautiful weekend in Tahoe. We had fun hiking, biking, and dining around the lake! Samantha LOVED the fresh air, "freedom," mountain doggies, running anywhere her feet hit the ground, eating ice cream, swimming in the pool, and having 4 crazy adults chase her around all weekend=)

14 Months

Missing You...

Dancing Queen

Sacramento Zoo

Riding the zoo train with friends Tiffanie and Jacob.

Samantha LOVED the monkeys!

13 Months

Samantha's Walking!

Samantha is officially walking! She took her first few steps in Indiana a week or so before her 1st birthday and has since taken off=) "Baby proofing" has taken on a new meaning! We'll post video soon!

June Trip to Indy

Aunt Ally taught Samantha some dance moves...will post video at some point=)

Visiting with Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Conrad.
Enjoying a playdate and lunch with friends Stacy and Brady Webber!
Whoa... Samantha's first kiss!! Brady was all about Samantha=)
Swimming with Aunt Amy!

Samantha and I had a great visit to Indiana! We were able to spend 3 weeks home with family and then Bobby met us for the last several days of our trip as we celebrated Samantha's 1st birthday with family and friends. Pictures will be posted soon=)

While back, we also celebrated Aunt Ally's graduation, went swimming with family, visited Aunt Becky & Uncle Michael in Bloomington, spent time with Sam's grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, and uncles, visited the lake cottage, shared lunch with friends, went to Beth's wedding, and simply enjoyed being back in Indiana! Pictures will be posted soon=)

12 Months

Getting ready to blow out her candle!

Samantha is officially 1 year old as of June 20, 2008! We celebrated back in Indiana with family and friends. It was a special day and Sam loved her cake & ice cream, the attention, and all of her presents! Thank you so much for all of your generous gifts and the love you showed us=) Stay tuned...more pictures to come!

Lake Webster, IN

Samantha's first trip to "The Lake!" She loved her froggy swimming pool and splashing around in the water.

Limited Vocabulary

11 Months

Time is flying!