After 6 months of sobbing, stomping, fist pounding (not a jersey shore style dance move), fetal position whimpering and deep ugly face crying – I am back to update the blog.  The temper tantrum core is a result of a very unfortunate incident with my external hard drive;  Gone, Dead, All Data Lost….. It was a horrific event to add to the “Lesson Learned” manila folder and move on………..  but is it fair to deny you the updates and pictures of Samamtha? Or as her father calls her, the 2 foot terrorist……..!

So many things have happened since the last post it is hard to fill you in on everything…. and I am sure you are not looking to read the detail that I could provide on poop painting, booger fishing nor thanksgiving road trip puking adventures that have been etched into my memories.

Summer/Fall/Winter
Disclaimer: Not even close to a chronological order of events,  Not an inclusive listing, all names and faces of friends and family have been excluded for their safety and protection

Cousins visit to MI, Pool, Swim Lessons, Park, Alzheimer’s Awareness Walk -
Detroit Zoo, Lions Training Camp, 1st Boat Ride, 2nd Birthday – Cat in The Hat Party, Giggle Gang, Walks, Christmas Parties, Barney Live, Dancing at the Square, Romeo Peach Festival, Doctor Appointments, Jungle Java, Wagon Rides, Farm, 1st Airplane Ride, Indoor Park, Library, Wedding Shower, Birthday Parties, Detroit Riverwalk, Award Winning Restaurants, Wedding, Church, Florida Trip, Renaissance Festival, Visit with Santa, Family Reunions, Dancing at the Main, Sid the Science Kid Meet and Greet, Play Dates, Cookie Decorating, Easter Bunny Trail, Florida Trip #2, Story Time, Metro Beach, Trick or Treating, Chuck E Cheese, Recreation Center, Dinosaur Exhibit, Mall,  ……………………………………………………..and so, so, so much more!!

Without further delay I present you with recent, twice backed-up pictures of Samantha.  She is a precious 2 year old (26 and a half month old) in  - I say that as she is soundly sleeping in her crib!!  She is full of spunk with a mind full of sass.  Full sentences are making the scene nowadays, and it does take a degree in Samology to decipher some words and/or phrases.  She has made up several words……. “Sha-Sha” is her Great Grandmother – By most of her great grandchildren she is known as GG-ma, not to Sam, she started calling her Sha-Sha and points out where she lives when we drive by.  Of course, Sha-Sha has now morphed her own name into Sasha.  Nonetheless they both have mad love for each other, and it is truly precious they are able to spend time together!!  Sam’s other made up word also has controversy – her pacifier, which she calls – her “fa-fa” or “red-wing”, depending on the dire need and whininess saturating her tiny voice.  Both Mike and I are hoping to call it “long gone” real soon……..  Her pickiness in eating habits aren’t learned from starving children and “treats” seems to be a fav item to ask for; always room for improvement.  We continue with swim class and story time and are soon to add gymnastic tumble class to the agenda.

Keeping busy, messy and full of fun.  We fool around and cuddle often.  Sing one day away and dance the next into play.  Enjoy the pictures, as I enjoy taking them!

Make it a good day!
The Behnke’s

Top Ten Updates from Sam-Sam

1. 20+ word vocabulary , BUT she  repeats Elmo all day
2. Outside is #1 on her TO DO LIST !!! And playing with the iPad is #2!
3. Meat is still the Enemy, conquering yet to come… Loves her Baa-Baa – A.K.A bottle full of Milk
4. Doesn’t understand the meaning of “NO”, “STOP” “DON’T TOUCH” “NO THROWING”
5. Feels no need to wear shoes, immediately removes when strapped in car seat and shopping cart – “Ma’am, are these your daughter’s shoes?”
6. Loves Bath time, but enjoys brushing her teeth the most, “Herby the elf wants to be a dentist instead of making toys”
7. Still loves watching Sesame Street as a staple in the Behnke morning routine, and continues her praise for Elmo all day long
8. Still dances when Barney is played from Comcast OnDemand, but she also dances to the washing machine cycling
9. Recognizes the Meijer Store sign from 100 ft. away and is excited to approach, she loves the video cart, minus $1 from my weekly budget every time we go
10. Continues to climb anything in her path with zero tolerance for fear, anxiety or hesitation

Word of the day – OUTSIDE

Text is short……but Pictures are what you tuned in for anyway…. I know, I know…..

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15 Month Doctor Appointment Stats
Height 30 3/4 in (50-75%)
Weight 25 lbs (75-90%)
Head 47 cm (75-90%)

 Giggles, Climbing, Hugs, Temper Tantrums, Cuddles,
Running, Smiles, Kisses, Playing, Dancing, Singing

"Uh Oh" Fav Saying

LIKES– long walks in stroller and as of 3-17-11 in new wagon, climbing up on… anything (chairs, tables, benches, garbage cans, window sills etc…), music, chewing on books, screaming, playing with the computer, climbing into the cupboards, bath time, Sesame Street – especially Elmo, playing with phones, fruit, Barney, other kids, Lapsit at the Library, dancing, playing with boxes, Kiddie Klub, Ba-Ba (AKA Bottle), looking at photos, hugging, twirling, brushing teeth, kissing, mimicking motions, grabbing the TV remote, chewing on everything

DISLIKES – being told no, meat, being told no, not being able to play with phone or computer, being told no, barrettes in hair, being told no, being gated in an area, being told no

Update since 2010:
Lapsit continues to be a favorite of Samantha’s weekly regime.  It is a great, free program that our library offers for toddlers; a ½ hour combination of story time and singing that always ends with Beach Ball time.  I never would have believed that children would get so excited over a bag full of beach balls?  But true to the saying “less is more.”  There is something beautiful about the simplicity of colorful, bouncy objects that are harmless and 100% loved!  Lapsit is on hiatus until April. 

We also enjoy and seek out other activities with youngsters.  We attend “Wobbler Wednesday” at Kiddie Klub which is a fancy name for – indoor play area.  Sam runs around from area to area and I run after her……. I am less “new mother” like as she gets older, although I have had my encounters with ladies cursed with worse “new mother” syndrome than I.

Sleeping / Feeding / Talking:
Sam continues to have a stringent yet fun bed time routine with Mommy and Daddy, although naptime is wherever and whenever she decides to pass out…. it might be on mom, a lady bug pillow pet, in her car seat, or crib (not often enough.)

Meat is not an option unless it is hidden in a Gerber Baby Food Meal…we will continue to try to introduce meats with diligence…. She loves fresh fruits, and all things cheesy – Grilled Cheese, Mac N’ Cheese and Cheese Quesadilla - (Sorry Uncle Jake) Veggies are still a struggle – Gerber Baby Food winning at this moment….… not over yet Gerber!!   She loves Multigrain Cheerios…. Me too!

Sam has decided she will talk when she wants to talk!!  She gets her stubbornness from her father – if daddy did the blog it may read otherwise.  She has a limited vocab, but if you remember from earlier readings “less is more?”  One day, she will astonish us with Shakespeare Quotes and poetry that would make envious poets weep…… Stay tuned!

Recent Events:

• Sesame Street Live – Fox Theater, Detroit 2/13/2011
  Spoiled by Grandma Ireland and attended with cousin Isi
  Stared in adornment, and love, love, loved!
• Giggle Gang Musical “Once Upon a Leprechaun” Troy 3/16/11
  Notified of event thru a “Mom’s Group” I joined, we never met up with the other mom’s opps!  Sam danced and greeted the furry characters up close afterwards
  Free ice cream cone was a big hit too!
• Aqua Tots  – 3/5/2011
  Sam started Aqua Tots and much to our surprise and opposite of bath time reaction, she was hesitant and, well whinny…. the 30 degree water may have played a part?!?!  The third session, Sam was kicking and splashing, smiled and oozed excitement the entire session!!! (Of course the water temp had increased just as her happiness did.)

My life has been enriched, my heart marinades in love and my world is brighter because of Samantha Michelle Behnke!!!  And although these “lovey-dovey” words would never flow from Mike’s mouth – he feels the same way – Again, thee who writes the blog…..

I vacuum more, take shorter showers and toys have RSVP’ed their permanent presence to the living room …….. but I would NOT change it for the world!  The newness of life’s sights, sounds, tastes, smells thru Sam’s eyes is refreshing medicine for the soul.  Bottling her smile is not an option………. but I can give you this blog, these pictures and update it in a timely manner……….

Enclosed – 49 pictures from New Years Eve thru Mid-March

I apologize and will immediately fire the help!  Updates to the blog and SammiVision will be arriving shortly, as soon as I retrieve the computer from Samantha……….

"I must search YouTube for more Elmo videos!"

"Ta-Da, I found more Elmo Videos!!"

 Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!!!  And best of luck to State this evening!! 

Go Green Go White!!
Love, Mike, Shannon and Samantha

 Christmas Day has come and gone….. This holiday season Sam has increased her toy inventory and her calorie intake!!!  Samantha was introduced to many new things this Christmas; some she enjoyed – some she didn’t, some she wanted seconds – some she didn’t, some we will continue as tradition next year – some we will not….  A glimpse into her Christmas activities: Christmas cookies, Mac-N-Cheese, Wrapping paper, Festive Caroling, St. Nick, Holiday Crafts, Christmas Decorations including: Christmas Tree & Ornaments, Christmas Village, Stockings, Lights, and she was fortune enough to celebrate and mingle with family and friends in person and via Skype. 

 Enjoy the Christmas Slideshow and Enjoy your family…. Happy New Year!!!  Love, The Behnke’s

18 Month Footed Zipper Sleepers
Snow Boots Size 3
18 Month White Onesies
Dark Cherry Wood Toy Box
Little Tikes Basketball Easy Score Basketball Hoop
Ultimate Blasters Dart Guns (Target)
Bath Toys
Weebles Musical Treehouse
Phineas & Ferb Walkie Talkies
Little People Builders
Leapfrog – My own Leaptop (green)
Playschool Tea Set
Sled

……peace and good will among all men…..

Sam will be visiting St. Nick at Historic Trinity on Saturday December 11th… pictures to follow

I know this happened 26 days ago and a lot more has happened since Samantha’s last post on 9/29/2010, her 11 month birthday…. So let’s get to it!!!  Drumroll please……

Part I – Sam’s last month… count down to one

Timeline of events: Lunch at CK Diggs, College Football News – MSU beat UofM, George George Park, Sleeping, Playing, First visit to Grandpa’s farm – Applegate, MI, Walking – well first steps, she has mastered it now with minimal falls at this point, Blake’s Cider Mill, More sleeping, More Playing

Part II – Post one year birthday….

Elmo Themed 1^st birthday party, 12 Month doctor visit – shots, Lapsit at the Library Walkers – 24 Months, Sleeping, Playing, Yoga, Mischief, New foods, Climbing, New toys, New clothes, More Sleeping, More Playing,  Great Grandma… A.K.A. – GGma’s birthday, Wobbler Wednesday, Story time w/ dad

1 Year Old Stats: Height 28 inches – 50-75^th Percentile *** Weight 20 lbs. 3 oz. –   75^th Percentile

Samantha is walking rather than crawling everywhere… and I do mean everywhere.  She would rather explore new areas of the house than be contained to the family room with all the toys!  She loves everything that is not hers, every drawer and cupboard has treasures to discover.  She is not shy to communicate her one word with all objects living and non — “hi” and she waves her arm or opens and closes her tiny hand.  Her daily routine includes Sesame Street in the morning after a nice, long, rejuvenating night’s sleep….. How were Mike and I blessed with a sleeper?!?  Elmo continues to be her favorite, giggling and pointing in his presence.  Sam has a nighttime regimen that is strictly followed which includes a lullaby and “good nights” to all her stuffed animals.  Her favorite spot is still on her dad’s shoulders, her innocent grin indicating that she is on top of the world, lights up her face and mine.  Her teeth are coming in slowly, and right now several are invading her mouth.  She loves to play with her toys, but in intervals of 2 minutes and on to the next toy, she doesn’t want to play favorites.  She learns new things daily, she is soaking it up like Sponge Bob Square Pants, ex. 1 – Blowing kisses, 2 – Giving “raspberries” on stomach, 3 – Repeating screams or giggles (not words…yet),  4- Dancing to commercial jingles and music.  Samantha charms most, melts hearts of many and continues to bring love and joy to her parents every second!!  We will embark on the holiday season with more new “1sts” and lots more pictures so stay tuned.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!

Oh, pictures are below, I know that is what you really want.  Photo Statistics: In the first year of Sam’s life I shot 8,990 pictures…. Not a typo…… if I had a better camera, imagine the possibilities….. poor Sam hates the flash….!

11 months

It is hard to believe that Samantha will be 1 year old in just 1 month!  So much has happened throughout the 11 months of her life and a lot within the last month!!  In August family and friends joined us at Historic Trinity for Samantha’s baptism, and two weeks later we traveled to Chicago for her cousin, Jeremy’s confirmation.  Besides having the hiccups during the service in Chicago she was an absolute angel at both events!  

10 Months - 8/29 Jeremy's Confirmation

Chicago August 2010 - (Mike's puffy eyes = allergic reaction)

Daddy & Daughter Streets of Chi-Town

In Sam’s 11 months she has encountered (2) recalls.  Tylenol was recalled when she was approximately 5 months old, good thing she had not needed to take any prior to the recall.  She was not so lucky regarding the 2^nd recall, Similac.  Last week the formula was recalled and it just so happened to be the exact brand we switched to after breastfeeding had ended.  I still get grossed out when I think of the possibility that Sam may have eaten/drank beetles!!  Can you say fiber? 

Samantha has had her first sickness since we last talked/typed….. She had a cold which manifested into an ear infection.  The doctor was surprised she wasn’t fussier… so we continue to be blessed with her happy personality!! 

Sam has taken a few steps, but continues to crawl very fast as her primary mode of transportation.  She walks with her walker but also loves to climb in the front of it and ride it like a chariot – inventive.  She is into EVERYTHING, she loves to explore.  She is a climber!! Boxes, play chairs, toy box, high chair….any object is merely a step to a higher area of play!!  She loves to be on the couch and crawl from sectional piece to piece, stopping momentarily to pat the back of the couch in excitement with a pant that can only be compared to a playful puppy. 

Night time sleeping is still 11-12 hours…. Good girl!!  Naps are when she passes out of the floor or wherever she is from “play exhaustion.”  Monday mornings are our early day, lapsit at the library – reading books and singing songs with other babies 6 – 12 months.  She loves other children, although gentle is something that will come with time… saying hello consists of grabbing the other children’s eyes or drooling on them….. Children, they are so expressive! 

Nap Time

Play Exhaustion

She loves playing with her toys… 

1 – Blocks – The game goes this way…..I stack them up and she knocks them down, so proud she concludes the fun by clapping 

2 – Play phones (and real ones if she can get her hands on them)… She holds the phone to her ear and says “Hi” 

3 – She has started to throw her toys – sometimes they go forward, sometimes backward, either way it is fun to watch her using her baby strength 

4 – And who knew a mirror could be sooooo much fun???? 

Hi I am Sam!

First attempt at eating grown up food – Result = projectile vomiting for 3 ½ hours – she will eat baby food until she is 3 ….. Food was not bland, way too spicy!  Don’t worry there are no pictures accompanying this tid bit….. 

Lions season opener………………. They lost, of course……. 

Are you ready for some football?

 That is all we have for now…. 

concluding laughs, love and Sammi…. 

9/29/10 11:57pm….

Samantha in her baptism gown - Photo by Camera Girl.

Samantha was baptized on Sunday, August 15, 2010.  She was surrounded by numerous family and friends, and in the thoughts and prayers of those who were unable to join us.  Samantha did very well; she didn’t cry – her mother did!!  It was a beautiful day for a beautiful little girl!!! 

Godparents - Pete Pouget and Heather Mayes