Pumpkin Patch and Halloween

It has been so long since I have blogged that I have begun to forget some of the great things Samuel has done or places we have gone. Samuel has loved the fall and with the help of all of his meds. He has been playing football with the neighbor kids, riding his tricycle (assisted on his bike), going to the park, feeding the animals, and being home with mom three days a week. He has started to talk so much it is awesome to hear. Though Ben and I understand more than anyone else on what he is saying his vocabulary has exploded. He listens really well and then just starts using the word. He has started to expand his length of phrases as well. We get to 3 words now and you can tell he is really proud when he does it. At times it feels like we are holding a true conversation which is great. He has understood everything we are saying for some time now, but giving understandable full responses is new. Ben and I were discussing that it is amazing on how almost overnight he has turned from a baby/toddler to a young boy that has his own STRONG opinions, likes and dislikes and relaxed fun personality. This couldn't have come at a better time with the new addition to the family. Samuel is ready to be a true BIG brother and an amazing one at that.

Here are some pics from October and his Halloween costume from last night, this was not his original costume but the only thing we could get him to keep on.

We had so many adventures over the last month, and had such a great time just the three of us, enjoying Samuel and his amazing personality all the way until October 26th at 9:51pm when his sister Sydney decided to join our family and we became the 4 of us. She is all we wished for and more, we are truly a blessed family. Pictures and updates on her will come soon!

Ragweed Running Ragged

Ragweed Pollen is at an all-time high in Kansas City, and making it very challenging for our little man (and me) to do much of anything these days. We had an Italian dinner party with friends on Friday night and thought it was a smart idea to stay up way to late and then Samuel decided to get up at 4:45 coughing horribly and couldn't breathe because he was soooo congested. Since then we have spent most of our time inside, and avoiding pollen whenever possible. Sam is now on a laundry list of medications, showers if he has been outside, and daily cleaning of his room to remove any pollen that may have gotten in. I feel so bad for our little guy, but he is taking it like a trooper, you would barely know anything was wrong minus his red eyes, raw nose and heavy breathing because he can only breathe through his mouth. We hope that the medication starts to help and Samuel can go outside for a little while. What makes this even worse, is that Samuel's doctor said the allergists are thinking it may be November before we get an actual hard freeze to make this go away, lets hope that isn't the case for our little guy.

With our little girl coming in a month or less we have been really busy, but it has been great because we have also been able to have a lot of visitors who give Samuel a ton of attention. Two of Samuel's grandmothers came to visit him and then lots of our friends came down to see us for the weekend, and Samuel's Godmother visited for four days which was great, he really had a good time with her. We couldn't be more excited for our little girl to join us, but are enjoying every minute we have with Samuel. His personality is so fun to watch, he jumps up and down whenever he gets excited, loves trains, and "mater" from Cars and has learned to say I love you where it really sounds like I love you and it melts our hearts he is such a sweet boy! Here are some of the few recent pics (though we take very few) that we have taken from feeding the animals to playing with friends.

Ella and Samuel cleaning up the backyard.

Samuel playing some baseball, already a little cocky even pointing to where he is going to hit the ball.

Missouri Town

Last weekend Ben and I decided to take Samuel to Missouri Town, which is less than 5 miles from us and a place where you can feed elk and buffalo. After our first visit there we can't believe we waited so long. We always promised we would take advantage of the things around us after we left Chicago, and we still do a horrible job of it. Sam had an amazing time, and loved the animals. He would have fed them carrots all day long had we let him. Here are a few pictures from our fun adventure at Missouri Town.

Back to School

Samuel has gone back to school and is loving it. It was so hard for us to take him back, after what a great summer we had but it was that time of year. We were fearful that some of his old habbits would rear their ugly head going back, but we have been thrilled that he hasn't done any of that. The first day was extremely tough, almost like the very first day, and this time Samuel was very shy. I stayed for about 10 minutes and during that time he seemed to remember all of his friends and teachers. Though I would have given anything to stay with him all day, I finally pulled myself away. He has been having a great time, even crying when we make him leave at the end of the day. Though it is tough to leave him it is a wonderful feeling knowing he is ahppy their.

Over the summer Samuel has become good friends with our next door neighbor Connor. Connor is 3.5 and a very sweet boy. Samuel wants to be exactly like Connor and do anything Connor does. Anytime we mention his name he runs to the back door, opens it and trys to run over to his house. Then this past weekend we were outside and I was talking with Connor's mom and then over the hill both Connor and Samuel saw each other from across the street. They acted as if it had been a lifetime since they had seen each other and sprinted towards each other. It melted my heart and so fun to see him growing and having his own friends.
Here are a few pictures of our sweet boy, with his new haircut he doesn't look very little anymore. I can't believe how fast time goes. Can you believe how blonde his hair is!!

Here are some inital pictures of the nursery, we had the artist that painted Samuel's room come in and do some things for her room as well.

Where has the Summer Gone

I have thought about sitting down to update the blogs so many times over the last month and a half and somehow (to no mother's surprise) 10 things have ended up taking priority. I love sharing all of the amazing things Samuel is doing and saying, but watching him do them and interacting with him always wins out over me writing my update. This leads me to my second problem which is taking pictures. Ben and I did an amazing job taking pictures during Sam's 1st year but ever since he became mobile, we have taken less and less.

So instead of doing tons of blogs seperating all of the amazing things this summer has brought for our family I am going to try and condense it all into one.
Kansas City has gotten hotter with each day since Ben has been home with Sam, so unfortunately many of the plans they had have been tossed out, but they have traded them in for daily pool adventures, where Samuel tries to swim on his own and daring daddy lets Samuel go down the water slide and jump in the pool on his own. Thank goodness mom has to work and isn't there to see all of the other games I am sure they are playing.

We have been fortunate to take a bunch of trips this summer, to Omaha, Sioux Falls, Okoboji and Tampa. In each city Samuel had a blast, and is always a trooper.

Ben and I spent our 1st vacation away from Samuel in June. Ben and I went to Nevis, in the West Indes for almost a week and had a 2nd baby moon (with work colleagues haha) while Samuel stayed with my mom and Denny. I was so worried on how he would adjust and handle us being gone but besides the 5 minute saddness after we would do face time with the little guy, he didn't even know we were there. My mom and especially Denny were amazing with him. They went to the Humane Society, Pool, Park, Activity Center, Zoo and Butterfly museum. They had a new toy and fun activity planned for every day. I think Sam was bummed when we came home and those days ended. During this week Samuel was also exposed to TONS of food he had never had and loved all of it, no surprise, each thing had sugar. True what they say, Grandma's are great at spoiling their grandchildren. Samuel also slept in longer every morning 8:30-9 took longer naps then he ever does at home (so jealous.) Knowing he was having such a great time, and they were so amazing with him made Ben and I really enjoy our trip.

Samuel with his Grandpa, they became best friends, and our little man that looks all grown up!

Samuel eating a popsicle, and hanging out with his cousins.

Story time at the Sioux Falls library. Samuel met a friend there and they got to read books together, my mom said it was really cute.
As soon as we returned from our trip we spent a week in Okoboji with my Dad and Soon. Samuel loved the big mower and being on the lake, the only problem was he always wanted to drive, which at times became very difficult since I am not the best at driving the boat myself. We were able to swim inside and outside every day it was a fun trip.

Finally, this past week we went to Tampa to see Jiji and Papster (Ben's parents) Samuel had a great time going to the beach and throwing rocks and shells and ridding around in the grocery cart that they use at their condo. Samuel also got to spend time with Jiji and Papsters cat which he loved, and surprisingly this cat liked him too (this cat does not like anyone.) Samuel met some of his extended family and loved playing games with them. Samuel also got his 1st big owie (since his hand incident) that Ben thought he should go to the hospital. Jiji was able to fix it up and its looking better every day. From this he now has learned to say owie and points to it during the day saying it over and over (too cute!)

Samuel waiting for his num-num's (meal) with Jiji and Papster

Sam loved playing in the sand and swimming in the ocean, he doesn't like that he can't go swim alone.

Samuel's great-aunt bought him this swimsuit so he didn't have to wear his life vest, isn't it the funniest thing you have ever seen. You should have seen the spandex florescent green shorts that were attached, he looked like a muscle body builder, HILARIOUS!

Samuel with mom and dad in the ocean, and yes that is my very pregnant 6.5 month belly!

Samuel did great on the plane, thanks to a friend that gave us a ton of advice, you need to have tons of activities (i-pad, books, toys), food, and drinks because as we learned everything lasts for 5 minutes or less. The one rule is that they NEVER get down in the aisle or you will never get them back.
Samuel has had a great summer, full of activities and new adventures. We can't believe Ben only has 2 more weeks at home with him. As for Samuel, he continues to grow like a weed, and be as active as possible. With this crazy heat and non-stop moving he has actually lost a few pounds bringing him back to just over 30lbs. His personality continues to grow with every day, and is so fun for Ben and I to watch. My heart melts with everything he does. He is the sweetest, kindest little boy, that has a daredevil/sneaky side. He is so helpful and at times a cuddler, but then he will give you a look with his big blue/gray eyes letting you know hes about to do something he shouldn't and he thinks its hilarious! It is so hard for Ben and I not to laugh when this happens, and we think he knows it.

Fun at the park with Dad.

Isn't this precious, they are so sweet together, and so fun to watch them interact.

This summer has been amazing and allowed my current pregnancy to fly by. All is going great with that and only a little over 11 weeks until Samuel will have to share the spotlight with his little sis. We are soaking up every minute we can with this guy before she comes and trying not to spoil him too much!

The Levy's are Expanding Again

What a shock Ben and I got at the end of February to learn we are expecting our second little Levy. While Ben and I couldn't have been more blown away we also couldn't be more excited. While this is a little sooner than we anticipated for Samuel to have a sibling every gift is such a blessing and we truly feel blessed in our family. I know its already July and this is the first time I have written about it on the blog, but Ben and I have really wanted to focus our time on Samuel and all the amazing things he is doing each and every day. We want to make the most of every moment we have with him as an only child and enjoy this time.
So why now, well it seemed like the right time, we have started to work on the nursery and have bought our first piece of clothing. So yes since we are buying new clothes, we are expecting a little girl this time and are thrilled. I was initially unsure on how a girl would fit into our sports filled household but why can't she love sports, play catch and cheer on the Huskers in the Big 10! With each passing day I get more and more excited for a little girl to be joining our lives. The Little Lady Levy is due to arrive on Halloween. This has been a pretty good pregnancy thus far. L3 is active as can be, and has been a trooper at all of her appointments. We are already over halfway done and it has flown by. We will keep you posted as things move forward, but wanted to share our exciting news (that most of you already knew about.)

Thought I would also share our first girl purchase, it will come as no surprise that Ben picked it out and is something her daddy wished they made in his size!

Fighting the Heat

This week has been pretty hot in KC and yet Samuel still wants to spend every minute outside. We try to entice him with anything but he would still prefer to be outside. So we have tried to find things to stay cool outside, from water buckets, water activity centers, slip and slide, and sprinklers. Samuel was pretty nervous about the sprinkler at the beginning of the week but after they had it at daycare this week and he saw all of his buddies running in them he can't get enough. The giggle that comes out of our little man is priceless when the water just barely touches him. We try to keep a hat on him but he wants nothing to do with it and rips it off as soon as we get it on. These days Sam has also become very interested in birds. Whenever he sees ones he starts talking a million miles a minute and runs to try and catch them. Even though we can't understand anything but bird from what he is saying we nod our heads and follow him all around the block.

Finally, I had to include a picture of Sam's new favorite toy, his corn on the cob. We have had corn on the few times recently and he has to have his own cob and then even after he finishes it he doesnt want to let it go and walks around the house with it. The dogs have even gotten bored with it realizing there is nothing left!