Happy Birthday, Sammy Baby

Today, May 24, is our Samuel's first birthday. What a day! Really we've been celebrating all week. It began with his birthday party on Saturday. I started dreaming up his party when we were still in Kenya. I love planning parties. How could I resist a baby safari theme? I couldn't!

We kept everything fairly simple and just served cupcakes (the first I had made in months!) pretzels, fruit, and chocolates. 

I've discovered my favorite thing when it comes to putting together a party with a theme - printable party packages! They are available all over Etsy, but as soon as I spotted this one, which included lots of personalization, I was set. Tania at Designs by Tania arranged the details and got back to me right away. Then all I had to do was print, cut, and assemble! I'm definitely doing printable packages again in the future. 

Miss Maira Marie didn't want to wait to have a cupcake.

Auntie Becky was getting lots of kisses from our little man. He knows just how to share the love.

Our new buddy, Caleb, was able to join us for the party! Caleb is just a few months younger than Sam. I think the boys are going to need lots of fun play dates through the summer.

 

After we pulled her away from the cupcakes, Maira was focused on caring for Ella's baby doll. Such a good little mommy.

 At long last, it was time to let Sam dig into his cake! When checking out the photo below, it's important to note that he had never tasted cake or any such substance before. How did he know, as I held it in one hand and took the photo in the other, that it was something he so desperately desired?! Must have been all those cakes and cupcakes I made (and ate) when I was pregnant. Smart boy.

We learned after Ella's first birthday cake fiasco that the cake...and candles...must stay out of reach until they are ready to be touched. We sang, Ella blew out the candle, and then I set the cake in front of him. The boy dove right in.

Once Sam had devoured his cake and the rest of us had enjoyed our own little cakes, it was time for presents. Sam  had the party thing down. He knew just what to do!

Our man got some adorable summer threads, a couple books, a few toys, and of course, a musical instrument from Uncle Jake. It's hard to say who was more excited about it - Ella or Sam. I think we've got a pair of young musicians in this house. Jake, when can you start lessons?

Nana and Papa Scott surprised the kids with their very own miniature chairs to match the two we already have. One of the first things we noticed when we moved into our house three years ago was that all of our neighbors down our side of the street had Adirondack chairs, so we jumped on board! Now Ella and Sammy can sit in style right beside us.

What a party! We had a great afternoon celebrating our Sammy with a little safari. Not quite like the one we experienced just a few months ago, but being in the north woods of Minnesota, it was just right.

**********

Sam's party was on Saturday, but today is his real birthday. I set my alarm last night so I would wake up at midnight. I wanted to be able to cuddle my baby right at 12:06am, the moment he came into our world one year ago. I held him and rocked him and prayed over him. He has brought countless blessings to us in the last year, most of which we were not at all expecting. What a boy he is. 

After sleeping the rest of the night, we all woke bright and early to attend a conference that Pete was giving at the hospital at 7am. We sat in the back row and ate breakfast while Daddy spoke. He was fantastic. Seriously, that man works harder than anyone I know. I am so proud of him.

How many people do you know who would actually enjoy attending a conference on colons first thing in the morning on their birthday? Clearly, this little guy had a great time.

 

The mama hen in action. She is very protective of her Sammy Sam.

 

Isn't he handsome? I claim him. Yay.

Immediately following the conference, I took Ella to preschool. As I was pulling into the parking lot, she asked if she could show Sam her school since it was his birthday. Why not? The three of us went into the school, checked out Ella's coat cubby, said hi to a few kids, and then we were invited into her classroom. The kids were so excited to have a baby visiting. When they found out it was his birthday, they insisted on singing to him. We all sat in a little bunch on the floor, each child played a little hand instrument, and we sang happy birthday. Not once. Twice. Sam was thrilled. And so was I. I really wanted today to be special, and that was an excellent addition.

After we picked Ella up from school, we stopped at the store so she could choose a birthday balloon for Sam. Then we headed to the playground. At long last, it's warm enough to play outside! 

Sam's first swing session! Do you think he liked it? He kept watching his shadow on the rocks below with his tongue out to feel the breeze. Anytime there's a breeze the boy's got his tongue out. Maybe I should try doing the same. Maybe.

Big Sister loved swinging side by side.

When we returned home, the kids had special cupcakes and took long naps. It was a beautiful way to celebrate our Samuel's first birthday. 

And such a beautiful boy he is.

A Photo Catch Up

I am finished. Completely finished. Thesis is in and I walked across the stage to receive my diploma this past Thursday. I feel so free! I'm now catching up on laundry and getting the house clean, seeing friends, and getting blog updates ready to post. I feel wonderful! I've been looking forward to being at this place for a good while, and now I'm soaking it in.

While I get blog posts ready to publish, I'll start with a quick post of recent photos. Check back soon because I'll be getting other fun events up before the end of the week!

Samuel's Dedication

Yes, I know it's been a decent while since I've posted. I feel bad about that. But guess what? I'm thiiiiiiis close to being finished with grad school! I just received an email from my advisor telling me that she thinks my thesis is well written. Can you hear my sigh of relief? Just a few minor changes and all will be complete. I submit the final piece on Monday. I can't even believe this is all coming to an end. I was telling Pete the other night that it just feels like I've been working on things and taking classes but that they weren't really pointing to anything in particular. Those feelings changed drastically when I went to the University last week to pick up my cap and gown and to order my hood. You better believe I'm attending the ceremony. For me, not attending would be like running a marathon without getting the t-shirt and medal at the end. It just wouldn't happen! So, Thursday, May 16 I'll suit up and walk my way across the graduation stage with my man in the crowd. I cannot wait. 

With the completion of grad school means something that I find fairly exciting. I am actually going to able to blog far more often! No more technical writing draining me of all desire to create a single sentence. Nope. The only writing I'll be doing is whatever writing I want to do. Not that I didn't enjoy writing my thesis and doing all the research. I have quite a strong passion about my topic of teaching high school reading (it just doesn't get the attention it needs), but I am ready to do what I want. I admit I feel a bit like a kid saying that. And that's okay.

Now on to the truly exciting part of this last week. On Sunday morning, our dear Samuel was dedicated at our church. It was a very important morning for all of us. Being dedicated is a lot like being baptized. We are committing to raise him to love Jesus and to learn what the Bible teaches. The difference is that a dedication is more like our commitment, allowing Sam to make the commitment for himself when he is older. At that time, he can be baptized, if he chooses to do so. Following Jesus has made an enormous impact on my life. I want to teach both of my children to know the Jesus I know, a Father who loves his children even more than I do. One reason we chose the name Samuel was from the life we saw Samuel of the Old Testament live. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 tells the story of Samuel being dedicated in the church. "I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord."

.
Isn't he handsome? I couldn't resist putting a tie on him. He was so good during the dedication, which took place during one of the morning services. Many other little ones were dedicated at the same time, including our dear, dear friends' little boy Caleb. Caleb turned one yesterday. We're praying that our families will eventually move to Africa together. That's the plan for now But more on that later. (I need to add that to a list of future posts, now that I have the time.)

My sister took this photo while the rest of us were praying, revealing Ella's crazy antics. Oh, Ella.

I love this photo, taken by our friend Zaundia.

Following the service, we all headed to Clyde Iron, an old iron works building-turned-awesome restaurant in West Duluth. Fortunately, we were alone in a back area so the kids could run. And run they did. Someday I need to put a pedometer on Ella. That girl just runs and runs.

Becky, Maira, Malena

Sam loved being passed from person to person. He's such a good boy. Here he was enjoying eating puffs with Nana Olsen.

I couldn't resist making a special cake for my Sammy on his big day. The banner says "Samuel Thomas Amani, fearfully and wonderfully made." There are a couple verses that I often read for my sweet boy.

For you created my inmost being; 

you knit me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you because I am 

fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful,

I know that full well.

Psalm 139:13-14

My brother, Jake, took my camera for a while and got some fun shots.

Here's Malena.

I'm in love with this one of Ella and Auntie Becky.

And Maira dancing.

Then Sam got his hands on one of his favorite items: glasses. This time they were Uncle Jake's.

I had to be sure to get a few photos of Sammy with his godparents. Here he is with Uncle Jake and soon-to-be Auntie Valerie. (They're gettin' hitched May 31!)

Pete had a crazy morning on Sunday. He was called in for a c-section at 4am, and followed with rounds immediately afterward. He made it home right before the service, changed, and got to the church a few minutes before the dedication. He was silently paged during the dedication and left right away. I'm so thankful he was able to be there for the dedication! He was eventually able to join us at Clyde Iron.

Auntie Kathryn flew all the way from Richmond, Virginia to see her godson on his big day. He had a great time cuddling and laughing with her.

Sam with Pete's sisters, Kathryn and Kristin. They are the best aunties.

Here's the whole Olsen family!

Papa and Nana Scott. I just love these guys.

And this little guy loves his Nana. Can you see the tiredness in his eyes? It was a beautiful day, and we were blessed to share it with our family.

We love you, Samuel! We look forward to watching you grow, knowing that Jesus loves you like crazy. I know He's got big things planned for you, buddy!

An Arizona Wedding

Last month Pete & I took a flight down to warm and sunny Phoenix, Arizona. It was my first time there, and I couldn't be more happy about the gorgeous weather. We went for Paden & Mindy's wedding. Pete & Paden have been buddies since their college days at St Olaf. The kids stayed behind with Grandma & Grandpa Olsen, so it was just us. Dreamy.

Do you want to know what I did on the flight from Minneapolis to Phoenix? Slept. I slept the entire way, and not once did I need to walk a curious little Ella to the closet-sized restroom. It was magical. We took a cab to our very chic downtown hotel, but it was 8am so we had a few hours to wait before actually checking in. Instead, I lounged with a coffee and my computer on a cozy couch in the lobby. Shortly after our arrival, Pete left with the guys to golf. Don't feel bad for me, thinking I was left behind. No, no, this was all a part of my plan. After an hour of time to myself, I walked across the street to a very cool salon and had my hair done. Mama was due for a highlight and cut, anyway, so the timing was perfect.

Friday night involved a short rehearsal at the church and then an outside dinner at an eclectic pizza place where Pete, my man who very rarely drinks anything other than a gin and tonic, actually found a wine that he likes. Don't worry, I took a picture of the bottle. It was a big find.

I loved getting to meet more of Pete's college friends. Paden is in the gray suit and his lovely wife is in the black dress beside him.

I've met Melissa before, one of Pete's friends from before I met him, but over the wedding weekend I actually got to hang out with her. She's so great! We had a lot of fun together.

On Saturday, we all headed to the church for a gorgeous ceremony in the oldest church in Phoenix. It just so happens that the bride's sister is the pastor there!

How handsome are these guys? Especially the little one. Too cute.

The ring bearer with his dad.

I can't post about Paden & Mindy's wedding and not tell the story of how they met. Both of their dads are Lutheran pastors. (Mine is too!) Something like 30 years ago, a bunch of guys met in seminary and started getting together every summer at a camp with all of their families. It just so happens that one was Mindy's family and one was Paden's. They grew up together, but they never pursued anything romantically until a few years ago. I guess they were hesitant to even try dating since their families were so close. Isn't that sweet? With so many Lutheran pastors and pastor's kids at the wedding, I felt right at home.

How cute are these fluffy dresses? The little ones are also so cute at a wedding.

The wedding party went out to take photos before the reception at this historic site. Perfect backdrop for pictures.

Pete with his close college friend, Eric. These two had a great time catching up over the weekend.

I have a picture just like this from my wedding, except we never really figured out how to get mine up. Isn't she beautiful?

For real, this reception was one of the chicest I've ever attended. It was on the hotel rooftop in downtown Phoenix.

And there was a cigar bar. We indulged.

What a joy it was to celebrate through the weekend with these two. I hope it isn't long before we see them again. I love watching Pete when he hangs out with close college friends, and I would really like to get to know Mindy better. They are a beautiful couple.

Congrats, Dr and Mrs Hendrickson!

**********

Photo Friday

Photo Friday: The Week on Instagram

He's Home!

Our Sam is home! He came home yesterday at about noon. We're so happy to have him home, right where he's supposed to be. He still has quite a cough, but he's slowly eating more. And he's sleeping a lot. Big sister is thrilled to have him home. 

Our Sammy is Sick

It's true. Our little man has RSV, meaning he is having a hard time breathing and is coughing a lot. The really yucky part is that he doesn't have any desire to eat. When he started that, we knew it was time to take him to the hospital. Pete took him in on Friday evening and he's still there now, Sunday morning. Poor thing. He's eating a little more, but it's very little. He wanted to nurse yesterday but couldn't stop coughing long enough to do so. He's getting nutrients through an IV and occasionally gets a little help with his oxygen. Please pray that he'll start eating today and that he'll be able to come home very soon. The virus needs to run its course, but it can do that at home as long as he eats.  I'll update here when he does get to leave. Thank you!