Thursday, February 08, 2007
Snow!
We woke up this morning to find a nice covering of snow outside, and it was still falling! Sam was quite confused by all this fluffy stuff falling out of the sky.
We went out to play in it for a bit before setting off for work/nursery, and Mummy took some photos.
The big white blob is a close-up snowflake!
Sam helpfully brushing the snow off our bamboo
We went out to play in it for a bit before setting off for work/nursery, and Mummy took some photos.
The big white blob is a close-up snowflake!
Sam helpfully brushing the snow off our bamboo
Monday, January 22, 2007
Happy Birthday Sam!
Sam turned one on Saturday! Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, etc....
We gathered the clans for lunch at a tapas bar in London, and Sam was ever so excited to see everyone. He got a lot more presents, and was a good as gold all day, despite having just got over a bout of the Dreaded Lurgy last week (which he has since passed on to his Mummy, the poor thing).
On Hungerford Bridge on the way to the restaurant
Opening cards and pressies
Tucking in
Cake!!
Friday, January 12, 2007
Nearly 1 !!
After visiting the family over Christmas, we spent a week in Devon over New Year with a group of friends, which was fun. With two other babies, a toddler and a pair of eight year old twins in the house, Sam was not short of people to play with, and thoroughly enjoyed himself! Unfortunately the weather wasn't too great, but we did get a few walks in (using our backpack for the first time) and visited a local zoo.
Sam is just cutting his eye teeth it seems, although they aren't completely through yet. He's dribbling lots, but he isn't complaining too much (famous last words!). He's still not crawling, but has decided that it's easier to get about by shuffling around on his bum, which is hilarious to watch (especially on our wooden floors at home!). He can definitely shift when he wants too - the other day we turned our backs for just a few seconds and he was across the floor, had both his hands in a plant pot, and was eating the compost! Ah well, it's extra fibre in his diet I suppose!
More pix from our trip to Devon...
Sam is just cutting his eye teeth it seems, although they aren't completely through yet. He's dribbling lots, but he isn't complaining too much (famous last words!). He's still not crawling, but has decided that it's easier to get about by shuffling around on his bum, which is hilarious to watch (especially on our wooden floors at home!). He can definitely shift when he wants too - the other day we turned our backs for just a few seconds and he was across the floor, had both his hands in a plant pot, and was eating the compost! Ah well, it's extra fibre in his diet I suppose!
More pix from our trip to Devon...
With Mummy on Croyde beach
(note new snowsuit, which was definity required!)
In the thick of it
Transfixed by the otters being fed, Exmoor Zoo
Little Bear
Walking on Baggy Point, near Croyde
(Sam is, of course, working the controls)
Sea front, Lynmouth
Mischief personified
First Christmas
Again, it's been an absolute age since any report on Sam's blog, but to bring you up to date:
We were all a bit poorly in December, but recovered in time for Sam to really enjoy his first Christmas and New Year. He wasn't too sure what was going on, but definitely appreciated all the presents! He's now got more toys than he knows what to do with, and his 1st birthday is looming as well! Lucky boy.
Anyway, some photos of him at Christmas...
Playing with his first present on Xmas morning
Playing with cousin Reuben at Grandpa and Granny Scoggins' house
Boxing Day pressies at Granny Carrington's house
"I'm going to be this tall soon!" (with cousin Ben)
Friday, October 13, 2006
More photos
Sam dressed in his new Mickey Mouse outfit ready for Disney Day at his nursery.
Extreme close up! Look at those gnashers!
Family walk in Bushy Park on a fabulous October day.
Sam's first ride on Daddy's shoulders!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Pictures at last
Now we are up and running with broadband at home, and I have managed to find both my camera and the USB lead, here are a few recent photos of Sam...
Enjoying the baby bouncer...
What do they put in this stuff?
Grinning at Grandad, the Bad Influence...
Enjoying the baby bouncer...
What do they put in this stuff?Dear Mummy & Daddy...
An extract from Sam's daily nursery record book. Clearly the nursery staff are a little touched, but then who wouldn't be, working with babies all day:
Dear Mummy & Daddy,
I was back in the conservatory today, so I wasn’t able to listen to Nadia singing! But I had a fantastic time though. I started off doing some coloured pencil scribbling, there was a large sheet of paper on the floor and I was helped by Sharon to hold the pencil properly. I did try but it was a little difficult! But I made lots of lines on the paper and had fun. Then I was put in a highchair, so I thought it must be lunchtime, but no, I had an old yoghurt pot with some cotton wool put in front of me, and some strange brown ‘bits’ in my hand. I was then encouraged to put these little ‘bits’ into the yoghurt pot. I think Sharon said we were growing something, so perhaps in about a week or so you and I will find out what!!!
I also enjoyed wriggling about in shredded paper and Clara even put some on my head, which looked like curly hair. Not too sure if I will suit curly hair when it grows more, so only time will tell if it is! I have also enjoyed being with my friends, watching me as I sat amongst the rattles and soft toys, making lots of gurgley noises. I have been laughing out loud as well, I’m not too sure at what, but I have been in a very happy mood today. Then Sarah got the bubbles out and found a very easy way of getting lots to blow about – put the wand in front of the air conditioner. Wow! I’ve never seen so many bubbles all at once. Then I had a little snooze so I could recharge myself ready for some more fun. I have had such a busy fun-filled day. Sharon also gave me lots of cuddles and made me laugh and smile by jumping about in front of me. I really enjoy my days at nursery, can’t wait until I’m on the move so I can do lots more things by myself.
Lots of love,
Sam xx
Dear Mummy & Daddy,
I was back in the conservatory today, so I wasn’t able to listen to Nadia singing! But I had a fantastic time though. I started off doing some coloured pencil scribbling, there was a large sheet of paper on the floor and I was helped by Sharon to hold the pencil properly. I did try but it was a little difficult! But I made lots of lines on the paper and had fun. Then I was put in a highchair, so I thought it must be lunchtime, but no, I had an old yoghurt pot with some cotton wool put in front of me, and some strange brown ‘bits’ in my hand. I was then encouraged to put these little ‘bits’ into the yoghurt pot. I think Sharon said we were growing something, so perhaps in about a week or so you and I will find out what!!!
I also enjoyed wriggling about in shredded paper and Clara even put some on my head, which looked like curly hair. Not too sure if I will suit curly hair when it grows more, so only time will tell if it is! I have also enjoyed being with my friends, watching me as I sat amongst the rattles and soft toys, making lots of gurgley noises. I have been laughing out loud as well, I’m not too sure at what, but I have been in a very happy mood today. Then Sarah got the bubbles out and found a very easy way of getting lots to blow about – put the wand in front of the air conditioner. Wow! I’ve never seen so many bubbles all at once. Then I had a little snooze so I could recharge myself ready for some more fun. I have had such a busy fun-filled day. Sharon also gave me lots of cuddles and made me laugh and smile by jumping about in front of me. I really enjoy my days at nursery, can’t wait until I’m on the move so I can do lots more things by myself.
Lots of love,
Sam xx
Teef!
Sam has just cut his first two teeth! I'd like to say that we noticed it, but it was the girls at the nursery who spotted it first and let us know. He managed it with very little fuss so far, although he has been dribbling quite a lot lately. Obviously you can't see a lot at the moment, but can just about make them out in the middle of his bottom gums, if he keeps his tongue out of the way long enough!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
New Home
The Family Scoggins have moved house! We're now in our own three-bedroom house instead of the two-bedroom flat we've been renting for three years. Quite a bit more space for our expanding collection of baby stuff.
Sam was a bit freaked out by all the to-ing and fro-ing of the removals men yesterday, but went off to sleep in his new room last night without much drama. He's doing very well at the moment - he's very vocal, babbling away at just about everything (sorry neighbours!) and giggling uncontrollably at the oddest things.
It won’t be long before he’ll be crawling either. He lies on his front and makes all the right movements, but hasn’t yet lifted himself off the ground sufficiently to actually get going! He has also been sitting unaided for the past few weeks, although he can still lose concentration and end up in an ungainly heap on the floor if you don’t watch him! It’ll be a toss-up between him starting to crawl or starting to get about using the “bottom shuffling” technique, which will be funny to watch.
Hopefully I’ll have some photos to upload on here of Sam in our new house soon, once we sort out the house, find the camera, get the computer up and running and get connected!
Sam was a bit freaked out by all the to-ing and fro-ing of the removals men yesterday, but went off to sleep in his new room last night without much drama. He's doing very well at the moment - he's very vocal, babbling away at just about everything (sorry neighbours!) and giggling uncontrollably at the oddest things.
It won’t be long before he’ll be crawling either. He lies on his front and makes all the right movements, but hasn’t yet lifted himself off the ground sufficiently to actually get going! He has also been sitting unaided for the past few weeks, although he can still lose concentration and end up in an ungainly heap on the floor if you don’t watch him! It’ll be a toss-up between him starting to crawl or starting to get about using the “bottom shuffling” technique, which will be funny to watch.
Hopefully I’ll have some photos to upload on here of Sam in our new house soon, once we sort out the house, find the camera, get the computer up and running and get connected!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Raspberries @ Six Months
Sam is now six months and five days old (wherre has the time gone?) and today he has learnt a new trick. He can now blow raspberries. Unfortunately he seems to like doing it best when he's being fed. That pureed carrot can really stain. We blame Grandad, who's a Bad Influence. He's been trying to get Sam to blow raspberries for some time now. I can see he's going to be Trouble.
Sam is a bit poorly at the moment. I took him to the doctor the other day as a persistent cough he's had for a couple of weeks had got worse over the weekend. The doctor said his chest was clear, so no worries about an infection there (yet). Hopefully whatever virus he's picked up will give up and leave him alone before long. It's heartbreaking to see him coughing and spluttering at night, when it seems to get worse. We'll try raising the head of his cot, sitting with him in a steamy bathroom before bed (just what you need in this weather) etc to see if we can help him settle a bit easier.
However, apart from the cough and sniffles he's very alert and interactive these days, burbling away to himself or anyone else within earshot, and grabbing and playing with (and chewing) anything within reach. He also seems to have learnt how to turn himself around completely (head to toe) in his cot. How on earth he manages it we don't know, as the cot doesn't seem wide enough, but he doesn't seem to make much noise while he's doing it. He can almost sit up unaided now too. He can manage it for a few minutes given a following wind, but not for much longer.
After the visit to the doctor on Monday I took him to nursery on the bus - his first bus ride since he was a tiny baby. He sat there completely wide-eyed and open-mouthed with amazement at everything going on for the entire 15 minute trip, much to the amusement of assorted pensioners on the bus. Bless him.
Sam is a bit poorly at the moment. I took him to the doctor the other day as a persistent cough he's had for a couple of weeks had got worse over the weekend. The doctor said his chest was clear, so no worries about an infection there (yet). Hopefully whatever virus he's picked up will give up and leave him alone before long. It's heartbreaking to see him coughing and spluttering at night, when it seems to get worse. We'll try raising the head of his cot, sitting with him in a steamy bathroom before bed (just what you need in this weather) etc to see if we can help him settle a bit easier.
However, apart from the cough and sniffles he's very alert and interactive these days, burbling away to himself or anyone else within earshot, and grabbing and playing with (and chewing) anything within reach. He also seems to have learnt how to turn himself around completely (head to toe) in his cot. How on earth he manages it we don't know, as the cot doesn't seem wide enough, but he doesn't seem to make much noise while he's doing it. He can almost sit up unaided now too. He can manage it for a few minutes given a following wind, but not for much longer.
After the visit to the doctor on Monday I took him to nursery on the bus - his first bus ride since he was a tiny baby. He sat there completely wide-eyed and open-mouthed with amazement at everything going on for the entire 15 minute trip, much to the amusement of assorted pensioners on the bus. Bless him.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Rolling rolling rolling....
Sam rolled over (from his back onto his front) all by himself for the first time last night. He's been pushing himself over onto his side for a while, but hasn't been able to sort out his arms properly to get all the way over. This time he managed it and flopped onto his stomach, which surprised him as much as it did me. Obviously he wouldn't do it again on demand for his Mum, but he'll no doubt be doing it a lot more now he's found the knack.
Mental note: Don't leave him alone for a second on the changing mat.
Mental note: Don't leave him alone for a second on the changing mat.
Monday, July 03, 2006
First Day
It seems that another age has passed since I blogged anything about our Sam. He's growing up very fast - today was his first day at nursery! He's five months and two weeks old now, and Anne went back to work today after her 6 months maternity leave. Sam is going to the nursery at my work, which is on-site and extremely handy. It's a great place, and all the staff seem really nice. Sam's been there for the odd hour over the past couple of weeks for an hour or so to get used to it, but today is his first full day. It was quite emotional this morning dropping him off for the first time. His Mum didn't want to let him go. Awwwww. Anne works in Watford, which is nearly an hour's drive away (on a good day), so although she can drop Sam (and me) off in the mornings, I will be picking him up after work and taking him home. With the temperature around 30º today, it's going to be a hot walk home through Bushy Park!
I am assuming that he's had a fun day today and it's all gone well, as I haven't had any phone calls from the nursery! Hopefully Sam is too young to develop 'abandonment issues', but his mother on the other hand...
Other big milestones we've had since I last posted - Sam's now started on solids (well, mush) - good home-cooked food for the most part, with a few jars thrown in for convenience. He definitely likes the home cooked stuff better, and he's not refused anything we've tried him on yet! It's still early days, as he's on his full complement of milk too, but he'll be reducing that before long I expect.
Yesterday we went to visit my wife's side of the family in Kent, and spent the afternoon around my brother-in-law's new pool. Sam had his first swimming "lesson", and seemed to really enjoy himself. Bless.
Anyhoo, best go as it's nearly time to go and get him from the nursery. We'll see how things have gone, and hopefully he'll not bee too tired and fractious this evening.
I am assuming that he's had a fun day today and it's all gone well, as I haven't had any phone calls from the nursery! Hopefully Sam is too young to develop 'abandonment issues', but his mother on the other hand...
Other big milestones we've had since I last posted - Sam's now started on solids (well, mush) - good home-cooked food for the most part, with a few jars thrown in for convenience. He definitely likes the home cooked stuff better, and he's not refused anything we've tried him on yet! It's still early days, as he's on his full complement of milk too, but he'll be reducing that before long I expect.
Yesterday we went to visit my wife's side of the family in Kent, and spent the afternoon around my brother-in-law's new pool. Sam had his first swimming "lesson", and seemed to really enjoy himself. Bless.
Anyhoo, best go as it's nearly time to go and get him from the nursery. We'll see how things have gone, and hopefully he'll not bee too tired and fractious this evening.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Sixteen weeks already!
Sorry that I've not been posting on here lately. What with us visiting people and people visiting us, time has just been flying by - I cannot believe I last posted back in March!
Sam's been growing like a weed. He's now developing his own personality (a happy one luckily), and it starting to interact a bit more with his surroundings. He smiles and gurgles at just about everything, and everyone. We've recently started feeding him a few bottles of the stage 2 formula (for hungrier babies - because he most definitely is!). It won't be long now before we start him on solids. It's not recommended to do so until at least 17 weeks. Sam already watches us intently whenever we are eating, and seems desperate to have a go himself!
What is really great is that Sam's been sleeping through the night for about seven weeks now! The first time was actually the evening after his first set of jabs. We were expecting a tough night, and had the Calpol at the ready, but no, he slept straight through! Long may it continue, although with teething and weaning to look forward to, I expect that it won't.
Last weekend we took Sam over to Northern Ireland to meet our friends Alex and Adrian, and their boys Tom and Liam. A fab weekend was had, and Sam was on top form. He coped with his first flight very well (we kept a bottle on hand at all times to help stop his ears popping on the way up/down). Tom (6) and Liam (4) hardly left his side all weekend, and he definitely enjoyed their company.
We've all been enjoying the recent good weather, and getting out in it as much as possible. Yesterday we all spend the morning down on our allotment, and today we took Sam out to Chestnut Sunday in Bushy Park. From the picture he looks like he's dressed for safari!
Next week we are going on holiday to Cornwall for a week. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us, and hopefully Sam will enjoy himself in the cottage we have rented, and we won't need another break when we come back!
Anyway must sign off as it's time for Sam to have a bath and get ready for bed.
Sam's been growing like a weed. He's now developing his own personality (a happy one luckily), and it starting to interact a bit more with his surroundings. He smiles and gurgles at just about everything, and everyone. We've recently started feeding him a few bottles of the stage 2 formula (for hungrier babies - because he most definitely is!). It won't be long now before we start him on solids. It's not recommended to do so until at least 17 weeks. Sam already watches us intently whenever we are eating, and seems desperate to have a go himself!
What is really great is that Sam's been sleeping through the night for about seven weeks now! The first time was actually the evening after his first set of jabs. We were expecting a tough night, and had the Calpol at the ready, but no, he slept straight through! Long may it continue, although with teething and weaning to look forward to, I expect that it won't.
Last weekend we took Sam over to Northern Ireland to meet our friends Alex and Adrian, and their boys Tom and Liam. A fab weekend was had, and Sam was on top form. He coped with his first flight very well (we kept a bottle on hand at all times to help stop his ears popping on the way up/down). Tom (6) and Liam (4) hardly left his side all weekend, and he definitely enjoyed their company.
We've all been enjoying the recent good weather, and getting out in it as much as possible. Yesterday we all spend the morning down on our allotment, and today we took Sam out to Chestnut Sunday in Bushy Park. From the picture he looks like he's dressed for safari!
Next week we are going on holiday to Cornwall for a week. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us, and hopefully Sam will enjoy himself in the cottage we have rented, and we won't need another break when we come back!
Anyway must sign off as it's time for Sam to have a bath and get ready for bed.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Smiley Baby
This is the closest we've got (at the moment) to a photo of Sam smiling . He definitely looks happy about something. Maybe it's his Dad pulling silly faces at him.
Bless
Bless
Monday, March 13, 2006
Smile!
Sam smiled at me for the first time yesterday! I was playing with him and tickling his nose, and he broke into a huge grin. He did it again a bit later on, so it wasn't wind.
Awwwwww. Bless.
We've yet to catch it on camera, but we'll keep trying.
Sam had a busy Sunday - first some friends came around for coffee in the morning and brought their 6 month old, Daniel, to meet Sam. It was fascinating seeing the progression between seven weeks and six months, and what we've got to look forward to.
Then Anne and I took Sam over to some friends in Caversham for Sunday lunch. He was really well behaved for the most part, although with all the people there and everything going on he got a little tired and emotional towards the end of the afternoon. He slept like a log most of the night though!
Awwwwww. Bless.
We've yet to catch it on camera, but we'll keep trying.
Sam had a busy Sunday - first some friends came around for coffee in the morning and brought their 6 month old, Daniel, to meet Sam. It was fascinating seeing the progression between seven weeks and six months, and what we've got to look forward to.
Then Anne and I took Sam over to some friends in Caversham for Sunday lunch. He was really well behaved for the most part, although with all the people there and everything going on he got a little tired and emotional towards the end of the afternoon. He slept like a log most of the night though!
Monday, March 06, 2006
Tips for New Fathers #2
When clearing the fridge of left-over bottles of formula that are over 24 hours old, don't also throw out the bottle that contains your partner's hard-won breast milk.
Tips for New Fathers #1
When changing nappies, don't bend over your son too closely unless you want an eyeful of wee.
Arm's length is safest.
Arm's length is safest.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
Extreme Closeup
Why's Mummy hiding behind that little silver box again? 
