Sam’s 2nd Birthday Party!

Samantha had a Minnie Mouse themed 2nd birthday party! We figured it was only fitting seeing as we are going to Disney world soon and that she was Minnie for Halloween. I was really anxious and worried about this years party not living up to her 1st birthday, but was pleasantly surprised and felt like this years party was even better! The kids had a lot of fun, we spread out a long sheet of rolled paper with boxes of Minnie crayons and let them all go wild coloring, we had balloons out so they could throw them around and run around (so glad we booked the gym at our church this year!), and kept the food simple with pizza, fruit, crackers and cake! I felt like the whole party was made complete with the birthday cake made by my friend April, who did an absolutely incredible job not only on the design of the cake, but it tasted amazing too! Even with some last minute guest cancellations we still had an amazing turn out and I felt like everyone enjoyed themselves, especially the birthday girl and her friends. Here are some pictures and a short video to share her day with you!

 

		Sam’s Party! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Happy Birthday to you Samantha!

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Dear God,

Thank you for everything you do for us. Thank you for letting so many of our friends and family be a part of Sam’s special day. Thank you for letting all of the kids have such a good time and for the love we felt from all of those who came. Thank you for letting us use your house for this celebration, and for giving us such an amazing place to call our church home. Thank you for all that you do for us, and for our incredible little 2 year old.

AMEN

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2 year checkup

Samantha had a very eventful checkup today. She has learned that the doctors office is somewhere she goes when she doesn’t feel well, so she wanted me to hold her a lot. She did ok with the nurse, got weighed (30lbs 85%), and measured (35inches tall 70%), and liked having her heart listened to. We were glad she didn’t have to have any shots today, especially with it being Valentines Day! Dr. Meadows came in and checked Sam out, everything looks healthy, and she is exceeding some of her verbal and physical milestones. I did mention that Sam still goes through about 10 diapers a day, and drinks constantly (mostly water) so we did do a urine collection to rule out a few possible issues. During our conversation Sam decided to get off of the exam table, but luckily landed on her feet, then when the nurse came back in Sam was standing behind the door and got bumped in the noggin. Luckily Dr. Meadows was still there to reassure us all that her head was fine, I have one tough little girl! We left and took Sam to breakfast to let her drink and use the restroom, but she went so much that the bag didn’t catch anything, so we had to go back to the doctor for a new bag. Patrick and I decided that it was time for a trip through the toy aisle at Wal-Mart to reward our sweet girl for being so good during this whole ordeal, and got her a new Batman, Joker, Batgirl, & Wonder woman little people for her airplane and house. lol. Luckily Sam filled the bag this time and we got to drop off her specimen and go home for a nap. We should have the results back in a few days, and while I’m sure she is fine, I’m glad our pediatrician is always so cautious.

**********Update**************

Sam’s tests came back completely normal, so thankful that she is still our healthy little girl!!!

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Dear God,

Thank you for everything you do for us. Thank you for giving us our precious daughter and for a very healthy 2 years! Thank you for always watching over us, and for letting her doctor take such good care of her.  Thank you for everything you do.

AMEN

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Samantha’s new cousin Lily Cate is here!

Samantha’s Uncle JJ and his wife April welcomed a beautiful 7lb 3oz 20 inch long baby girl to the world on 2/8/12! (What? Our family likes even numbers apparently!) Her name is Lillian Catherine Jeff “Lily Cate” for short. We are so excited for Sam to have another little cousin, and I love my nephews, but it was nice to get another niece to try and even it out! I truly hope that Sam and Lily Cate end up being close like me and my cousin Brandi. We didn’t get to visit the new family member in the hospital, but went first thing on Saturday morning to introduce Sam to her new cousin.

The other Jeff Family!

Sam is not a shy child, she usually takes a few minutes to look at her new surroundings and then is like a bull in a China shop! When we first walked into the house, Sam looked around as usual but as soon as she saw Lily Cate, she was glued to her! It was so sweet watching her pat, and rub the new baby. After a while we decided to try and let Sam “hold” her new cousin, and we were in Aw of how incredibly sweet and gentle she was. Sam played around with her Granddad for a little while, but then she saw Mimi with Lily Cate and wanted more time for kisses and hair rubbing. She was so careful, but kept kissing Lily Cate and stroking her hair with the side of her cheek. Sweetest thing ever!!!!

I teared up a few times. First of all my baby used to be almost the same exact size, and now to see her in comparison was just incredible. The other reason was because Patrick and I have started talks of giving Sam a sibling, but were waiting because we don’t want Sam to feel like she isn’t still our baby. Now seeing how much she loved this child, seeing how careful and gentle and sweet Sam was with Lily Cate, made us realize that when we do decide to have another baby that it won’t be just for us, it will be a gift for Sam. As crazy and strange as our relationships with our own siblings can be, Patrick and I love them, and we want Sam to have that too. We aren’t having a baby tomorrow, but know that when we do it will complete our family!  The other emotions came from my sister in law. All of the things she is going through right now, the joy, the overwhelming feeling of being the primary caretaker of this new life, the beginning stuff that isn’t always so perfect, I remember all of that. I just wanted to hug her, and I did, and to let her know that she is doing everything right and that I am here for her. I love April but now we share a special bond, we are mothers.

		Sam & Lily Cate VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Lily Cate was absolutely precious our entire visit, she slept, she stretched and yawned, and  was absolutely beautiful! We are so thankful for this baby girl!

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Dear God,

Thank you for everything you do. Thank you for blessing our family with another baby girl to love. Thank you for a healthy and safe delivery for April, and for a beautiful healthy Lily Cate! Thank you for giving our family even more reasons to celebrate your name, we are so thankful for our children and all of the happiness and togetherness during this joyous occasion! Please watch over JJ, April and Lily Cate as they learn how this new family dynamic works and please let them reach out for help when they might need it. Please help Sam and Lily Cate to become close cousins and friends one day. Thank you so much for everything you do.

AMEN

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