THANKFUL

Thankful

Our thanksgiving was really good. It was very busy and a little chaotic (3 family gatherings in 1 day), but we enjoyed seeing our family. We only got pictures of the first gathering because I think we got tired and busy and forgot about pictures.

Thanksgiving is a great time to remember our blessings, but I know that it is not hard for John and I to think of our blessings because we look at him everyday! Samuel is just the sweetest baby. I know, at first I complained about the hardships of a newborn, but after about 3 months he was a new baby. He is now so happy most of the time. He is content to sit and be a part of our family or giggle and play with you. He is amazing! Something as good as him (and other babies) could only come from a wonderful God who masterfully designed us. Since I'm being mushy now anyway, here is a list of things I'm so thankful for about Samuel. (this list is not all inclusive but a good representation)

1. Samuel is healthy (his heart is doing really good for now according to our latest cardiology appt.) 2. He is doing what he should, ie. eating food, sleeping through the night, sitting up, rolling over, babbling, etc... 3 He is starting to show us some love: he puts his forhead to mine and holds my face (ahh), he occasionally leans in when we say "kiss", he greets us with a smile, he plays with our face and my hair when he is eating or getting tired, he cuddles up and stares at us with loving eyes...these are the best things in the whole world.

Believe me, since his birth I have cried many tears of thankfulness. John and I are so blessed to have Samuel and each other. (Now everyone can say "ahhhhh) Have a great day!

Half a year!

Half a year!

Wow! Time flies when your having fun! Samuel is almost 6 months old! That is half a year! I can't believe it. We are just having so much fun now days. He is sitting up very well now and loves to play with his toys. He reaches out for everything I have and just today tried some cake icing before I could stop him. He is eating like a horse but doesn't like the green vegetables so much. He actually starts gagging when i give them to him. I have to hide them in other foods so he will eat them. It is almost Thanksgiving and we are looking forward to seeing family. We hope you all have a great time with loved ones!

Playing!

Playtime!

Samuel is very interested in everything now. He is really starting to have fun with toys. Once a month I meet with some other moms for a play goup and this time Sam was really aware of everyone there. It was fun to see him interact with the other babies. He also really likes to play with mommy and daddy. He is so much fun!

Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat!

For Halloween our church did an event called Trunk or Treat. Everyone decorates or makes a game in the trunk (or around the trunk) of their car. We went in with the Crawfords and had a rousing game of pumpkin bowling at our trunk. Samuel was in his costume all evening and did really well. He didn't mind the hood, but crazy as it was for October 31, he was hot! i think it was around 70 degrees and a beautiful night. Sam was the cutest giraff and got lots of ewww's and ahhh's from all the people around. He doesn' mind the attention of course. He just smiled at everyone who talked to him. It was a very nice first Halloween!

Playing with Zora!

From Collages

Sam and Zora get to play together every Tuesday morning in the church nursery while their mommy's watch all the babies. They are only 8 days apart and are destined to be great friends. Now that they are sitting up (sort of) they can actually look at each other and share toys. HOW CUTE!

5 Months Old!

5 months

Little Samuel is getting so big! He has really grown in the last couple of months. We went to the Dr last week and he weighed 17 lbs 12 oz and by now I bet he is 18 lbs. He was also 26 inches long! He is very sturdy if you know what I mean. Since the last post we've had several milestones. He has started eating real food now and is dining on butternut squash, green beans, and sweet peas. Yesterday we started applesauce for breakfast and you will not believe it but he doesn't like it. He tastes it and then shakes his body with a contorted little face like he just ate a sour patch kid. If I feed it to him for too long he starts gagging. You'd think that pureed green beans might cause this same thing but he actually enjoys those. He is getting so much better at eating and even makes noises like "mmmm" when he is eating. It is so cute. Another milestone is that he is BARELY sitting up by himself. If placed in the right position he can stay up without falling, but he looks a little like he's terrified to move or he knows he'll collapse (see pictures). Nana has come up a few times to help us out and let John and I go out by ourselves a few times. We went to dinner one night and then to the very first Thunder basketball game. We thought Sam would be unhappy with all the noise and being past bedtime and all. We will probably take him to a game some other day. I finished up my first cake decorating class but have started taking the intermediate class because I was having so much fun. So now Sam and Daddy have Monday nights all to themselves. It is good bonding time. There are a few outfits of his halloween costume but there will be plenty more to come I'm sure. Sam send slobbery, open mouthed kisses to everyone!

Beginning Fall.

Beginning Fall

Fall is in the air and it is funny because what I'm so excited about this year is dressing Sam in his cute warm weather clothes. We are ready to transition from baby blue and yellow to orange, red, and brown. Man time is flying!
It's seems that there is always something to be working on as a Mother. For the past week, Samuel and I have been working on sleep. In the past 141 nights Sam has only slept through the night twice. This is probably pretty common for babies but not for me! So I took Sam to the doctor to make sure there was nothing wrong with him and the Doctor said that he looked fine but that it sounded like he had a bad habit (cause he was getting worse and waking up about every 2 hours again). I'll spare the details of how we are working to break this habit, but let me just tell you it isn't for the faint of heart. However, I know that it is best for Sam and for the whole Sherrer family.
On happier notes, Sam is really getting big. He is such a cutie and is a very happy boy. We are enjoying taking walks in the beautiful weather. This next weekend Sam's Cousin Jaide and friend Kristen (both 14) are coming to visit and Sam is so excited to have someone else to play with. He is also excited because I have been whipping up some delicious butternut squash food for him to try soon. He knows that rice cereal is not the best that it gets. Tuesday nights are Sam's fun nights with Daddy while I goes to my cake decorating class. Thanks for keeping up with our happy little boy.

Sam is growing!

Sam is growing!

Samuel turned 4 months old last week! He is growing so much! I got on the scale with and without him and discovered that he weighs close to 17 lbs! He has doubled his birth weight and is just trucking right along those developmental milestones. He rolls over from front to back easily now but hasn't mastered the back to front roll yet. But why would he try when he doesn't even like being on his belly in the first place? He giggles at the slightest tickle and is actually sleeping better at night. He wakes up a few times, but doesn't need to eat anymore, especially now that we started cereal. His first feeding was so exciting! He made a face and then started kicking his legs and flapping his arms like he was so happy. He didn't really get much in his tummy that first time, but he has really improved and he has learned to swallow without pushing his tongue out as much. I just have to say that I think he is such a cute baby. I've decided he has his daddy's eyes and huge eyelashes and mommy's nose, mouth and chins (haha). He's lost most of the hair he was born with and has replaced it with white little fuzz. It is so light that he really still looks completely bald cause it is hard to see. He is just adorable and I don't think I could love him anymore or my heart would explode! Enjoy the pictures and even some videos!

Visit with Cousins

2008_09_12

Samuel had company last week and he had so much fun! His cousins Sheridan (almost 4) and Jackson (14 months)came to spend 2 whole nights with us! Their mommy, Megan, had foot surgery and needed a reprive from chasing kids for a couple of days. Samuel enjoyed having them over. He was so distracted that he didn't even want to eat as much. He had too much too watch. Jackson really loved Samuel and was always talking and hugging and patting him. Sheridan loves to help take care of him and has some great motherly instincts. I've decided that having kids 10 months apart is WAY too close! I had lots of fun with them but I felt like I'd finished a marathon when they left! Oh Well, it was so much fun to watch the cousins bond and really have fun together.

Rolling Over!

So the big news this week is that Samuel rolled over. He has done it for us three times so far! It was so exciting. I was able to get a glimpse of what it feels like to watch your child do somethingthat makes you feel so proud! It was such a fun event. We tried to get it on video but he was too tired. However I did get a photo just before and after he rolled the second time. He is such a stong little guy! He is also so happy! He is always smiling and squealing with delight. I found out where he is ticklish and it is so fun to make him giggle. It is just so fun to be his mother and I'm a very blessed woman. We are still working on sleeping through the night, but we are going to start cereal soon and maybe that will help.

Always a fun time!

I can't believe how my little boy is growing up. We've had a great time this week. Daddy had 6 days off in a row and we got to spend lots of time together and with family and friends. Samuel is getting so big. He is now able and enjoying sitting in his stroller the big boy way; facing out. He also sat in his high chair for the first time and really liked sitting while we ate dinner and he played with his toys. He is now officially in the size 2 diapers and he took a nap the other day without being swaddled. All these things to say that mommy is realizing how fast her baby is changing and growing up. However, every stage he has been in has become my favorite

Sam The Man!

Sam the man!

Sam is getting more fun everyday. He is so involved in everything now. It is rare that he sits quietly in his car seat while the rest of the world does stuff. He wants in on the action! He is usually content to sit with someone facing out so he can see what is happening. It is cute to watch his little face so intense while he takes in his surroundings. He is such a blessing! I love being his mom!

We got more good news last week when we went back to the pediatric cardiologist when they told us that they think the procedure was a great success and that he still only has a mild blockage of the aortic valve. We go back in December and we pray that it stays that way for many years!

Sam scared me the other night cause he slept till 5 AM! I woke up first and jumped up and ran in to check on him and he was just starting to move around. He woke up shortly after and needed to eat RIGHT then. I thought maybe that was the beginning of something beautiful but he hasn't done it again since. We are back to 2 AM feedings. It's okay. I'm sorta like a machine now. It doesn't even bother me anymore. The part that is hard is when I have trouble going back to sleep. Anyway, I enjoy our extra time together. Soon enough he won't need me in the night anymore (I hope it's soon anyway).

Sam has some new tricks these day! They include very large and numerous spit bubbles, standing while you hold him, and smiling easily with an occasional giggle. He is the greatest. I thank God for him everyday!

Thriving!

Thriving!

First of all Sam is continuing to do great after his surgery and thanks again for everyones prayers. It has been a busy week already. Sadly, John had to go out of town for training and left Sunday night and will be back Friday night. We miss him a lot. This is the first time he is away from Sam and he has asked me to Fed Ex him to Florida. I politly refused. Since Daddy was going to be gone Sam and I went to Burns Flat to visit our family. First we stayed with Grandma Robin and had a great time with her. Then we went to Nana's house. Since Sunday Sam has been bombarded with family and friends who all wanted to see how he was doing. It is great to be so loved. He did really well during all of the chaos and being off his normal schedule. He is starting to be less fussy and more happy. Yeah! He liked to charm everyone with his beautiful smile and cute little voice. Today we went to the pediatrician and he weighs 12 lbs 11 oz and was 25 inches long! He is getting so big! They said that he was doing great and was thriving. He got his shots too which was a horrible experience. We are home now and can't wait for Daddy to get home too.

Sam is doing great!

9 weeks

Well the surgery went really well for Samuel. It was success and opened up the valve and helped the heart work without so much pressure. He now only has a mild to moderate blockage and we just pray that it stays that way. Samuel recovered really well from the anesthesia and was eating by about 5:00 that night. We got home from the hospital about noon yesterday and he took a good nap. We are so thankful for all the people that were praying for Sam. John and I were very nervous but had a peace that transcended all understanding. We had lots of support at the hospital and people distracted us from worry during the 3 hour surgery. So Sam has proven to us already that he is a strong little guy. Thank you so much for your support. We go back to the cardiologist in 2 weeks for a check up. It sounds like we will become great friends with the doctors throughout Sam's life because we will have to monitor his progress closely. Thank the Lord that they found this problem early.

News on Sam!

Thank you for your prayers for Samuel. The cardiologist met with all the other pediatric cardiologists in OKC today and discussed Sam's case. As a group they believe that it is in Sam's best interest to move ahead with the catheter balloon procedure soon. As of now, we are scheduled for surgery this Thursday at 7:30 AM. Because the pressure in his heart was a little too high they think it's best to act now so that no damage is done and so he doesn't start to develop symptoms. The procedure will be done at Children's hospital and they will go through arteries in his leg and neck to reach the valve and expand it. He will stay overnight and then most likely go home on Friday. Honestly, we are very scared about the whole thing, but we do have comfort that has only come through prayer and the strength that only Christ can give. Please pray for our little boy, the doctors, and for us as we prepare this week.

A matter of the heart!

8 weeks

I've talked about parenting being hard so far but it gets harder. I mean I have to say that things are actually starting to become more routine and Sam and I are getting in a groove and I'm feeling much better and enjoying being Sam's mom. However parenting will always be hard because there are things that are out of your control and that you can't protect your children from. That is my test this week.
This week we got some tough news. We went to the pediatric cardiologist for a problem they had suspected at birth. John and I had been praying about this problem and hoping that it would go away, but...it didn't. We found out that Samuel has aortic stenosis which is narrowing of a section of the aortic valve. This causes the other sections of the valve to work overtime which is not good. The cardiologist did an ultra sound and said that his was more severe that he first suspected and so we will have to have something done sooner than later. We are unsure exactly what this means as far as a time frame, but know that he will undergo a procedure where they run a catheter to the valve and use a balloon to inflate it. The doctor want to consult with other cardiologists and we will go back to see him in 4 weeks. The bad news is that this will be a lifelong condition that will have to be monitored and could influence certain activities Sam is allowed to do.
Although we are sad and worried and scared I'm so thankful for a heavenly Father who is the God of all comfort. I continuosly have scripture running through my head that calm my anxious heart..."Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you 1 Peter 5:7... Be anxious about nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication present your requests before God. Phillipians 4:6...I created you and knit you in the womb Psalm 139...Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life. Matt 6:27." Please join us in prayer over this situation. We will keep you updated.
In the meantime we have a beautiful little boy who is growing bigger everyday. He is changing before our very eyes!

7 weeks & 7 wonders!

7 weeks

All parents know that there are just some things about babies that seem unexplainable. They just make us "wonder". This is something I've discovered and when you ask people about baby things you are likely to get a million different answers, because here is the key...ALL babies are different. Here are some of the things I wonder about most.

1. Baby Poop: Samuel and I BOTH failed miserably at breastfeeding (I'll spare you the gory details). After mourning the loss of it we are now formula baby. So here is the question. If a baby only eats one thing in the same amounts at about the same time everyday how can it's poop be so different from poop to poop. I don't get it.
2. Sleep: I've heard of it all in this category, but again...All babies are different. I wonder every day and every morning at 4 am how do you get a baby to sleep longer. I dream of the days when I get more than 3 hours of sleep.
3. Crying: So I've changed him, fed him, burped him, walked him, bounced him, swaddled him, and he is still crying. Usually I can get him to calm down eventually, but what I wonder about is...What is he crying about so much?
4. Smiles: We have entered the stage where he smiles at us and it is becoming more frequent, but sometimes I'll watch him and he is staring at the blank wall smiling and cooing when I'm trying my hardest to get him to grin. What is he thinking that would make him so happy with the wall?
5. Timing: How can babies be so in tuned with there surroundings that they can always tell when mommy is about to take her first bite of dinner, just stepped in the shower, just laid her head on the pillow or the preacher is about to begin his sermon? They have impeccable timing!
6. Family: When family comes to visit they walk in and look straight past me or John to Samuel and after about 5 minutes or more they say hello to us. It's not really that bad, but I wondered how our family would react to him and I'm amazed at how much they love him too.
7. Love: This is cheesy, but it is the biggest wonder of all. How can my heart be filled with so much love for him.

These are just some of the most intriguing parts of having a baby for me. I seem to have millions of questions all the time and am always looking for answers. But I've learned to be a little more relaxed about not knowing the exact answer and just enjoying the adventure of understanding my precious little boy!

Friends and Fun!

Friends and Fun!

This past week has been really busy for the Sherrer family. Samuel made his first overnight trip and he did great. We went to Arkansas to celebrate the wedding of some of our closest friends. We stayed the night with John's grandparents and my mom (Nana) came to help us with Samuel because John and I both had roles in the wedding. We stayed 3 nights and we were all very tired when we got home. Then John took the whole week off to be with us and we took an overnight trip to Burns Flat to visit family. We enjoyed our visit and loved having other people to hold Samuel during some of his crankier times. The funny thing about overnight trips is that it used to take us about 20 minutes to get everything packed and get out the door, but now that Samuel is with us it takes us all day and somehow we are still late getting out the door. I'm proud of myself though...I did not forget one thing for Samuel on either trip. I wish I could say the same for me and John. Sorry there are no pictures of our July 4th activites. We spent Thursday and Friday watching Daddy play in a softball tournament. It was fun, but Samuel doesn't like being hot, so mommy spent most of the games holding and comforting him. Needless to say, the camera didn't come out of the bag. However, I was able to catch him smiling for the camera (in the comfort of our cool home). Isn't it so cute. I can't wait to have lots more pictures or him cheesing it up for us!

Samuel's Great Grandparents

Great Grandparents

Samuel is very fortunate to have most of his great grandparents still living. He has gotten to meet all of them already in his first 6 weeks. They all think he is pretty cute and enjoy telling us stories about their own babies (our parents). It is very important to us to let our families know how much we love them. We do not take for granted any day that we have with those we love. One thing God has taught us this past few months is that you never know what tomorrow may bring. These are precious picture of Samuel's heritage!

Playtime!

Playtime

It is so fun to watch Samuel begin to grow and change. He is starting to do some fun stuff. He smiles now and not just in his sleep! It is so cute. I'm going to try to catch it on camera. He also has started watching us. He follows us with his eyes and likes to look at things more closely. You can tell his eyes are developing more and he doesn't go cross eyed as much! Oh the little joys we celebrate. We are starting to see more of his personality and we have decided he is a passionate and intense little guy. He is a little stubborn and John and I are both pointing the finger about where he got that. He knows what he likes and what he doesn't like that is for sure! Here are a few things we've discovered...
Samuel likes: FOOD, being read to, being sang to, listening to loud music in the car, being held, being swaddled, his pacifier, sleeping in his crib, getting his food immediately, the sound of running water
Samuel doesn't like: Waiting on his FOOD, sleeping more than 2-3 hours at a time, going to sleep by himself, getting buckled in the car seat, being in his swing, being burped when he isn't finished eating, being hot, when his pacifier falls out of his mouth!

Samuel's Big Adventures!

Samuel's Big Adventures!

Samuel and mommy and daddy are getting used to each other and are starting to return to life as (somewhat) normal. We are starting to get out and visit people and do some fun things. Here are a few of our pictures from our last week.

Samuel's first bath

FIrst Bath

I was very nervous to give Samuel his first bath. I knew he was going to get mad because it was cold. I was right. But mommy and daddy worked together to make it as quick and painless as possible. Now that he has lost his umbilicle cord and circumcision thing we are able to fill the tub with warm water and he doesn't get so cold or mad.

Fun at home!

Reality has set in. It is really fun to have Samuel home, but still lots of work. We've had lots of visitors and lots of help and we needed all that we have gotten. Nana stayed with us after we came home for a few days and then Grammy and Papa Joe came to visit for a few days. Shortly after they left, I called my mom (Nana) and asked her to come back. I just needed the extra person in my cheering squad and John didn't mind someone else doing the laundry and cooking and stuff. We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful family to come support us during this huge and overwhelming transition. Samuel is such a blessing to us and we are overwhelmed with love for him. Isn't he just the cutest thing!

Fun at home!

Home Sweet Home!

We were so excited to leave the hospital and take Samuel home. It was a sureal thing to walk into the house with him in my arms and think...He is really OUR baby. We walked through every room of the house and told him about each of them. He really liked his room and his crib. After we showed hiim the house, John and I looked at each other with faces that said, "Now what?" Samuel quickly showed us that we would be busy as new parents and that we would be glad that we let the hospital nursery watch him that last night before we went home. People say that having a baby is hard work, but that statement doesn't really do it justice. It's beyond hard, but also an amazing experience. I've heard it gets easier...I'll keep you posted!

Home Sweet Home!

More Hospital Time

It seemed like we spent lots of time in the hospital. It was actually really nice to have other people take care of me and Samuel. We were ready to go home, but really thought the hospital did a great job!

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Samuel Bennett Arrived May 26th

Samuel is born!

Samuel Bennett arrived at 7:52 AM May 26th, 2008. We had scheduled a c-section for that morning because there were concerns that Samuel was a little too big for mommy. In an exciting turn of events, however, my water broke on Sunday night after I just finished packing my bag for the hospital. So...we spent the night in the hospital, in labor, before deciding that we would continue with the c-section but just do it a little earlier that morning. Mommy was a little drugged, but it was a wonderful day. Our families got to come and visit and we began our new life as a family of three.

Coming Soon...Samuel Bennett

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the newest member of our family. However, the doctor said we might have a stubborn one (imagine that). Apparently he is quiet comfortable inside his dark cozy home. With less than two weeks to go, Samuel appears to be doing great and yet mom feels like she is falling apart. It has been a long 9 months, but I know that it will be worth it. Right now mommy and daddy are just dreaming of our little Sam and thinking of how he will look and what it will feel like to actually hold him for the first time. We can't wait! I'm over my fears of labor and just ready to have him out!

We started this blog so that we can keep our friends and family in touch with the new love of our life. I'll try to keep it updated. I'm posting some pictures taken in the last 9 months. I hope you all enjoy keeping track of our little one.

Preparing for Samuel