21-22 months

Just a couple months shy of 2! Wow! I spent some time this morning working on his birthday party. It's exciting, he walks, talks, looks, acts like a little boy. He's not a baby. I am thankful he no longer spends several hours a day screaming, and he usually sleeps the entire night and he has not nursed since December. I miss his tiny little fingers. I miss carrying him around in my moby wrap. I miss being able to take him places...like the store without lots of "no mom"s. and even though she is not here yet, I miss time with just him. Even in utero, my relationship with my oldest is forever changed. These things are not bad, just very different and we will adjust, just like we did when went from no kids to kids. And even missing some things, I don't want to turn back the clock and leave behind who he Is now.

-He talks all the time. We can't always understand what he says, but he uses phrases and even some sentences. He usually makes it very clear what he wants.
-he sings constantly. I love to hear his voice. The sound is precious to me. My heart wells with joy at every note. he sings praise songs to Jesus most of the time. I'm so exited for the day when he understands the words he is singing.
-He is sporting new dance moves, starting to jump, clap and move his arms with music. (;
- He loves to go to Rush hockey games with his daddy. The noise, and the crowd energize him. He where's his jersey proudly and always comes home with a big smile.
-He strong willed and sensitive. He screams a lot and fights to get his way. He doesn't easily forget or move on when he is flustered. But he does well with discipline and will obey even when he doesn't want to. Of course he will make his point very clear first.
-He is very compassionate especially with our animals and his toys. He carries out kitty around and rocks him. Sam will even read stories to him. He is always willing to help me clean and do chores. He had a Curious George Monkey and a Scotty toy (from star trek(; that he cuddles with whenever he sleeps. He wraps them in blankets and sings to them. After the shock wears off, I know he will be a wonderful big brother.
- He loves to take things apart and see how they work. I'm amazed at how quickly he can put toys back together.
-He adores daddy. Seeing daddy is the highlight of his day. Even if he wants me when he is upset, he always goes back to daddy. They have a strong beautiful bond. I pray it grows and flourishes.
-He loves play dough. He can create things for 45 mins to an hour! But he does best if he has someone like daddy to create with him.
I'm sure this will be my last post before baby A comes. I have greatly enjoyed the last 22 months of Samuels life. I cherish every memory, even those I'm not so fond of. Sweet Samuel I'm so excited to watch you become a big brother. God has great plans for you and I cannot wait to watch them take shape!

This post should be sporting wonderful pictures from our new camera. But I still can't figure out how to get them off. So here are a few more blurry pictures just for kicks.