Arrow In The Hand

Happy 5th, my little one

2010-07-10T22:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

Today is your 5th birthday, and I cannot believe how time has flown by. You are my little, big boy now. You've counted down the number of "sleeps" until your birthday from about 51 days ago, and tonight you wanted to know how many more sleeps until your next one. When Daddy told you 364, you said, "But that's so many!" We all just laughed.

This morning you showed us how "fast" and "slow" you could run because you were now 5, and I remembered all the nights you "ran" in the womb. It was just the beginning.

You LOVE birthdays and celebrations complete with birthday hats, decorations, toys, sprinkles and everything Wii. You and Daddy woke up early for breakfast today while mommy and Allie slept in. You had scrambled eggs with some saved on your elbow that Allie noticed later. We woke up and you and Allie cleaned up the toys while we got all your presents and cake ready. Mommy tried to make you an upright rocket ship, but it fell over, so a new cake was made from old parts, but you didn't notice. You helped put on the letters last night, and this morning you and Allie put on the new sprinkles after Allie pulled off the sprinkles on the counter and we had to vacuum them all up. You were sad but glad after you found out that we had more! Your piece of cake that you chose had the letters "BIRTH" on it. :)

We took you to Toys R Us today to buy a Legos bucket for you. You also got a free Thomas train engine as a present from them, a balloon, and a birthday crown. I don't think you really noticed because you loved zooming around the store on the scooter.

Recently, you and Allie love to buy candy and little toys from the 25cent dispensers when we leave stores, so I always carry quarters now. Daddy took you 2 to get some as I checked out with the toys today. Then we went to the mall across the street and ate some Chik-fil-A and Orange Leaf yogurt, which you and Allie loved. You 2 had so much fun rolling around on the bench seats, but you were tired and asked me,"Can we just go home?"

You and Allie say so many funny things that I wish I could remember them all. You are learning to share with Allie and communicate with her, although it is not always easy for you, but I know you are trying. You are such a good boy, and I know that having a little sister as determined as Allie is not always easy, but I love you so much for trying your best. Mommy and Daddy love you so much and bless you this day with exceeding joy, peace, life and health as you grow in the Lord.

I love you, my little boy.

Mommy

Things you like and say:

Checkers (we taught you to play a few weeks ago and you love to be "kinged")

Spiderman (I don't know why)

Little People Noah's Ark animals (you and Allie role-play in high-pitched voices)

Swiper, no swiping...Oh man! (Dora the Explorer)

Golf (we got you this for your birthday)

Taco meat (because you are bigger now and you like meat now that you are big)

No onions (you say that you like this "a little" and will like it later on "when I get bigger")

Big Brother Samuel

2008-01-10T13:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Samuel,

As of November 16, 2007, you are a big brother. It's somewhat bittersweet to think that you are the older one and will somehow have to grow up because of your little sister. Yet it seems that you have stepped into the role without much of a hitch...you are loving to her and not jealous. You are such a special little boy. Part of me wants you to stay my little boy, and I think that is because little boys have a special bond with their mom, or is it the other way around? But I see you growing and learning and singing along with Super Why, Sesame Street and Word World on TV and singing your ABCs when you think no one is listening. Your 'X' is pronounced "eck", Q-R-S is "Queres" and T-U-V is "toov" . I hope to record you singing so that you can hear it one day.
You daily routine consists of Super Why, which is your favorite PBS show now, playing the computer "puter" and falling asleep in your high chair after eating lunch (rice and peanuts today).
Your Dad has been taking you to your sunday school class, and you are learning to defend yourself. "my *fill in the blank*!" I'm glad that he's doing it because I'd want to intervene and defend you.
You just woke from your nap and I had to help you get back to sleep. You ended sleeping on my arm and snoring. You were so cute, I kissed you on your cheek. You giggled and rolled to the other side of the bed. I don't know if you actually woke up or were just dreaming. I am so glad to have these days with you.

Love,
Mommy

Sleepy Times

2007-11-11T03:04:00.000-08:00

How time flies! You are now about 28 months old. You love to snuggle in bed right up next to mommy. I don't know what goes through your little head, but it is definitely an adventure! One night you started "running" in your dreams and kicked me repeatedly. Then another night you started laughing and chuckling. I wonder what you dream about...

One night we gave you a snack of Oatmeal Chocolate Cake before bed, and you went to sleep saying "more".

Tonight you woke up and saw me sitting in the bed after your diaper leaked, and you asked, "Mama, whatchoo doing"? I laughed to myself and responded that I was going to sleep. That answer seemed to satisfy you, and you rolled over and went back to sleep. You were, of course, lying with your head at the foot of the bed and giving me about 1 1/2 feet to get back in bed. I pushed you over eventually, and you are now sleeping soundly next to your Daddy.

It is fun to watch you sleep and remember how small you were when you were born. Now you are very long, and it amazes me to see you when you are lying next to your Dad. Sleep tight, little one.

Love,
Mommy

Shhh! ABC...

2007-08-22T02:13:00.000-07:00

Samuel,

You never cease to surprise me. You love to play with the buttons on the CD player and the keyboard, but sometimes you can be a little loud. So, the past couple of days I would turn to you and say, "Shh!! Turn it down!" in Chinese to you. You would then turn the volume down on the CD player--and then tonight on the keyboard. I was so surprised. Even the second time I asked you to turn it down, you knew what to do. You are learning so fast.

Even with the alphabet, you can recognize all the letters when we write or type except W, Y, and Z, but I bet you'll learn them in the next few days. You are the funniest kid because wherever we go, you are reading letters on cups, signs, boxes, anything with letters on them! Even at a stop light, you are saying the letters you see. You are so smart. Now, if we could get you to count! :)
Your new favorite songs are the alphabet song ("B-C"), The B-I-B-L-E, and Old MacDonald (E-I-E-I-O). Can you tell that you like letters? We love you so very much! We are very proud of you.

Your molars are coming in now, so Mommy will go back to bed. I love you!

Fun Times

2007-08-22T01:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

You are growing by leaps and bounds. You are now tall enough to reach the lights in our house (and the elevator at church!)and are so helpful when we ask you to turn the lights on and off. When you get hungry or thirsty, you help yourself and turn the kitchen and dining room lights on...and then proceed to the fridge and drag out whatever you want or whatever is in the way of what you want. Tonight, you brought out the juice and wanted us to pour it into your bath toy cup...the one with holes in the bottom. Thankfully, you haven't developed the dexterity to twist open the juice and pour! Yet...

At your mealtime before bed, Daddy gave you yogurt, and you fed yourself with a spoon. You slurped it up, making noises after each mouthful. When we would feed you yogurt by the spoon, you would place 1 or 2 Cheerios (or the Wal-Mart equivalent) on each spoonful and then eat it. Tonight Daddy decided to put them in your bowl for you to spoon and eat. You took one mouthful and furrowed your brow...something didn't taste right. Now, you hate to get anything on your fingers, like yogurt. So you tentatively pushed at the O's in the bowl, trying not to get the yogurt on your fingers while you picked up and pushed the O's to the side of the bowl. Daddy finally removed them (ate them), and then you decided that you wanted to put them in yourself. We had a good laugh.

You also like to help us make smoothies and things with ice in the Vitamix. You sure drank a lot of Daddy's smoothie tonight! You'll take us to the fridge and point to the freezer until we understand what you want, and then you'll take some ice and put it in the Vitamix. Sometimes we'll just make a slushy of sorts, but you don't mind. It's cold, and you like it. Then you'll say "cold" in Chinese!

You are such a fun little boy. You love to bounce on your bed, hang upside down, have Daddy throw you on our bed, and generally use up all your energy. You love to dance and jump from the step stool we bought for you. Tonight you jumped from the step stool, making a loud thud. We finally muted the noise for our neighbors downstairs by placing 2 puffy pillows down on the floor. You loved this even more.
I am just thankful you are growing up healthy and strong--even though sometimes you wear me out! I love you, little boy. Sometimes I wish you could stay this age forever...

Mommy

Help!!!

2007-07-24T06:40:00.001-07:00

Dear Samuel,

By now, your Mommy is becoming very pregnant with your first little sibling, but you have very little clue about her growing belly right now. Occassionally you still like to powerslam into her belly, which causes her alot of discomfort, and I imagine, makes the little child inside wonder what awaits him/her when they arrive into the world!

The several nights ago as it often happens with pregnancy, Mommy was laying on the bed and having some difficulty finding the energy to get up. So she stuck her hand up to me and said, "Help". As expected, I reached out and helped her up. I guess this made a significant impression on you. Only 30 minutes later, Mommy had you in her arms taking you to get a diaper change. You don't particularly enjoy getting your diaper changed because that means taking a precious 5 minutes out of your busy play schedule. So as the 2 of you went by, you saw me, reached out your arm, and said "Help!!!". Mommy and I were both very tickled of how quickly you learn important phrases such as, "Cake", "I-Qing", and "Help".

My prayer is that you learn to ask the Lord for help as quickly as you turn to your earthly parents for help at 2 years old.

Love,
Daddy

New developments

2007-07-21T04:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Samuel,

Mommy is going out to buy a whip for your Daddy today. Last night he ate too many cookies and got a sugar crash/headache. We were already in bed and had already read Goodnight Moon together. Daddy got up and drank some water to help with it. He had to go to the potty later on and forgot to put up a block so that you wouldn't roll off the bed. He ended up playing video games until he heard a crash and cries from you. When we were all in bed, Mommy said to him that he was going to get horse-whipped and that we were going to buy a whip today. But I think I'll forgive him...even though I haven't been able to go back to sleep. I had to change your diaper as well later on because I bet the fall made you so scared that you pooped.

Well, I'll just sleep later on today. :)

Last night Daddy put back together the crib so that we could start working on getting you to sleep in it. You are sleeping more on your own through the night (except when you roll off), and Mommy is thankful. You love the crib and helped Daddy put it together by throwing screwdrivers through the bars, saying uh-oh and climbing on the bars. You love to bounce, bounce, bounce! The mattress is the bounciest thing in the house and you get your exercise by bouncing. You laid down on the pillow and pretended to snore. Then you told us you wanted out but then kept playing (bouncing) and pretending to snore. You are so funny! You can also climb out of the crib by using the bed through the bars as a step, but that's ok because you can come and cuddle with us if you need to.

I don't know exactly how you will adjust to this, but we will see!

Love,
Mommy

Happy 2nd!

2007-07-21T03:48:00.000-07:00

Dear Sammy-Boy,

You, dear little one, are now officially 2! Your vocabulary is exploding! Please (peas), Thank you (achoo and sheh sheh), ice cream (i-ching), i don't know (i-know, with a pause), Yes sir! (from the Lord's army song), etc...
For your birthday we bought you a Baskin Robbins ice cream cake that was mint chocolate ice cream and chocolate cake. This solidified the word "cake" in your vocabulary.

You have found a new love. Dancing and music. We borrowed Elmopalooza and The Tigger Movie from the library, and you love to dance to Elmo. I think you actually prefer the Ska Count Song with the letter Z. You dance to pretty much any music with a beat and then ask for "more" as soon as the song is done. This brings us so much joy to see you enjoy music and see the freedom you have in dance. I pray you will never be self-conscious and be afraid to express yourself before the Lord.

Happy 2nd, Little One. When you have the time, watch the video of your birthday song.
Love,
Mommy

Cleaning up the Apartment

2007-06-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

You are always surprising us and amazing us! Tonight you were drinking some water from a glass. Somehow the water flowed out of the glass and went down your shirt and onto the carpet. You automatically said, "Uh-oh!" Then you walked into the kitchen and started pulling at the fridge door using the towels we hang on the handle. I followed you into the kitchen thinking that you wanted some soymilk because you like to get out the carton. But when I opened the door, you held onto the towel and it dawned on Daddy that you wanted the towel to wipe up the water on the floor. So we gave you the towel and, with your little feet, toddled over to the spill and wiped it up--and you did a good job! We were so proud! You are such a helpful little boy!

A few days ago, you and Daddy were at church (which you love to say now) in the lobby running back and forth and up and down the ramp like you like to do. Then Daddy and you start to hop up and down. You've never left the ground with both feet before--unless we were holding you. This brought you so much delight! You were ecstatic and kept jumping up and down. It was such a growing up moment. We love to watch you learn and grow and explore...we love you, little man.

Mommy

Say What I Say, Do What I Do

2007-06-19T01:04:00.000-07:00

Hi ya Cute Little Boy!

Every day you seem to come up with some new antic! Now you are tall enough to peak up on top of counters and tables and grap what interests you. This is mostly funny but sometimes very frustrating because I have to keep finding new places to hide things out of reach. The other morning you came into the bathroom and found your mommies open contact lens case with some fluid still inside the cups. You promptly picked it up, poked your finger in the wet cup, and poked your eyes! I couldn't believe you have been paying such close attention to mommy's morning routine that you learned about her contacts :)

If that wasn't enough, you have really taken to talking lately. It seems like almost every time one of us finishes a sentence, you repeat the last word of that sentence because you've been paying attention. Your vocabulary is expanding daily at an amazing rate. As of tonight, you can say various words including: sure, night night, bye bye, qiu qiu (ball), ball, qi qiu (balloon), ice, shui (water), qu (to go), kai (open), Pa pa (grandpa H.), A Gong (grandpa chen), da da (~goes without saying~), Moe, Joe, Bob, chi (eat), diu (throw), cheese, ham bao (hamburger), bao bao (pick me up), xiu xiu (potty), he (pinyin for drink) "I love you", and your latest word - church. I'm probably missing a few, but the lesson is clear for mommy and me. There's one little boy saying what we say and doing what we do. You are a precious gift and I am amazed at you every day.

Love,

Baba

Midnight Snack

2007-05-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

The things you do ALWAYS surprise me. Like last night you woke up at what felt like 3 or 4 and woke me up with a "Heeeeyyy.." and said that you were hungry/thirsty and wanted some juice. Good thing your dad was closer to the edge of the bed because he got up and got you a sippy cup. We didn't want to get you up and sit at the table because you probably would have stayed up longer than you did. You fell asleep again, thankfully, and I handed Daddy the sippy cup after waking him later in the morning.

Your vocabulary is expanding. You are wanting to communicate so much that you babble to our neighbors and wiggle your jaw to see if anything coherent will come out. It is the cutest thing. For now you sing the Belly Button song with Mr. Lunt and sing "no, no, no" when he says "I don't got no belly button..."

We are enjoying your new language, and we are seeing your personality through it as well as your steadfast thought patterns (AKA strong will), but this just encourages us that you will stand up for what you believe in the future. We love you very much!

Hard-Headed Kid

2007-04-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

You didn't go through any real biting phase, but you have discovered the used of your head as a weapon. Last night you head-butted me on my cheekbone and made me cry. You've also injured your dad's nose and chest as well as injuring your own nose on his shoulderblade. All in all, you are a total boy and tough as anything. We are very proud of you and all the new words you are learning, like "more" and "doo dow". The last word is Chinese for throw away, and you love to help us throw away your diapers. You'll even crumple up clean ones to throw away. Now only if we can get you to say "Larry".

Love,
Mom

Tickles and Trucks

2007-04-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

Today was a special day to me. We went on a normal evening walk, but halfway around your Mommy found a long grass weed that has a wheat-looking head on the end. We pulled several out of the ground and started poking each other. The were very tickly on the end, so we poked your neck and ears and made you squinch up to protect yourself. You had this cute little smile on your face, and we all had a wonderful evening. Daddy is learning to enjoy this journey and the simple daily time with you better, but tonight it was easy to do.

Seems like your favorite thing to do these days is play in the truck. About 6 weeks ago when it was still pretty cold out 1 night, you started putting all your clothes on and bringing your shoes over for me to put on. Since you couldn't talk, I put your shoes on to see what you were up to. You went over and tried to grab the front door, indicating that you wanted me to open it for you. Then you grabbed me by the hand, led me down the stairs, into the parking lot, and next thing I knew, we were standing beside the truck and you were begging to get in. Since that night your favorite afternoon past time is to go hang out in the truck with the radio on, pushing every button you can find in the front seats. I just put on the emergency brake and lay the seat back to rest while you play. You have proven that there is a gene in the Hawkins family for the love of automobiles. It's scary. I keep seeing more of myself in you everyday, and it is a little frightening to realize what I must have been like for my parents to raise.

Learning learning learning!

2007-03-26T20:41:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

Today we took a walk. You rode your tricycle with your Winnie the Pooh helmet. It was so cute. We walked down to the apartment main building (where we also got some complimentary cookies), and you quickly learned the word for cookie. You said "Cook!", though. :) Daddy and I just looked at each other with raised eyebrows. You had a good time on the tricycle, balancing your feet on the pedals as well as letting your shoes drag on the ground. You got tired and decided to lean on the handlebars while Mommy pushed you. It was a beautiful day.

Tonight we said "Thank you, Jesus!" and you responded immediately with an "AMEN!"...or your version of it, which is "MEN!"

That brings such joy to me to hear you say that. You probably don't know exactly what that means right now, but you are agreeing with me! :) I pray your heart would always be towards Him.

Love,
Mommy

Stairs

2007-03-24T23:14:00.000-07:00

Samuel,

At church last Friday, you went up the stairs unassisted and without holding onto anything. I was so shocked and pleased. You are growing up too fast for Mommy, but I am so proud of you.
I love you,
MommyK

Climbing

2007-03-24T23:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Acrobat Samuel,

You love to climb! Instead of climbing onto the futon like everyone else, you always choose to climb up the side railing and fling yourself over the side regardless of what toy, book or person might be there. You climb on the rocker. You climb on the ottoman. You climb on the computer desk chair. You climb on the side table. You climb on the dining room chairs. You climb on the table until Mommy sees you and tells you to get down. You would love to climb up onto the kitchen counters, but so far you are content to climb the small kitchen ladder to play with your magnetic alphabet letters. You like to climb on the playground outside our apartment and slide down the smaller slide, but you won't go down the twisty slide. You will climb up and look down it, but you shake your head 'no' when we ask if you want to go down. You certainly know what you do and do not want.

Like certain foods. Pears. We bought some ripe pears for you today. We sliced it open, scraped some out and fed it to you. You didn't like it and quickly extended your tongue out (with the food) in protest. You also turn your head with amazing agility to avoid eating foods you don't like. For instance, you didn't like the blueberry yogurt we fed you tonight. You ate the yogurt, but you promptly isolated and spit out the blueberry. You are so funny. You are selectively selective. You like blueberries at times and obviously, at other times you don't. But you are a good eater. We are so proud and thankful for you.

Love,
Mommy

Stevie Wonder and Google

2007-03-24T22:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

You are our delight and joy! Today was such an eventful day for you. We went to Costco, and you pushed the bascart around while crawling on your knees as well as walking. You slid across the floor more, though. It is one of your favorite things to do in any store. Then we went to Babies R Us and got you some yummies--which you promptly wanted opened and ate about 10 crackers in a few minutes. You were hungry. Then we went to Toys R Us because Daddy wanted to look at tricycles for you. PLUS! We had a coupon (which we did not even use!). The tricycle we were looking for was sold out, but you didn't care. We pulled one down for you to ride, and you loved it. Daddy pushed you around first, and then Mommy pushed while Daddy went to ask the salesman some questions.

It's amazing how you like to push and pull things now. After riding, you climbed in the John Deere tractor truck and played with a push popper ball toy as well as a baby stroller. We ended up buying you the Radio Flyer Steer & Stroll. You can't exactly work the pedals, yet, but we will teach you. You are learning so fast these days! We tested it out on our patio/porch area, and you had a great time making car sounds and making the bell sound (inside). Of course, you then threw it down just to see what noise that would make!

Oh yes...and we also bought you a helmet that you picked out. It is a bright red helmet with a stuffed Winnie the Pooh head on it. We tried it on you since you have a big head (it was 3+), and you didn't want us to take it off. It was on sale. You liked it. It would eventually make some good photos. You look so adorable in it already--and you like it! You are such an incredible kid!

Tonight, you have amazed us with how quickly you are learning. Daddy sat with you at the computer, and I told him to teach you a word. Guess which word he picked? Google.
You picked it up really quickly and were google this and google that. He also taught you to say yahoo! but we think you were already learning that. Tonight you finally said your version of Amen. You exclaimed, "MEN!" You are such a quick learner. Mommy made you some pasta for your bedtime snack, and you said noodle--or the equivalent for it. You are really trying to talk.

And finally tonight, you amazed us with your 20-month-old creativity! You climbed up on the keyboard bench and started to play and sing your own little song. You then paused and continued to play and sing a little song. Daddy tried to get it on video, but you got distracted and wanted Mommy to come sit with you. Then you wanted Mommy to sing, so you didn't sing for us anymore. We are so delighted with you and are so blessed by you. You bring us so much joy.
Sweet dreams, little one. Mommy and Daddy love you!

Tickle Tickle!

2007-03-15T22:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

You have developed a tickle spot on your neck! Your Daddy's tickle spot is under his arms, and you are sometimes ticklish there, but your neck is a never fail tickle spot! We are coming to tickle you!

Love,
Mommy

Cuddly Samuel

2007-03-15T22:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

You are the cutest little baby/kid! I have to remind myself that you are not a "baby" anymore. You are a toddler. That fact was in my face today as you, Grandma H and I went shopping for pajamas. You are growing so fast that when you streeeeetch during the night, your pajamas come up over your belly. We can't have your belly getting cold. I usually just pull it back down, but I was trying not to buy anymore clothes. You can thank your Grandma for your clothes when you can talk.

You are jibber-jabbering so much lately. Today in the Suburban, Grandma let you talk to Gigi and Papa on the cell phone. You were so expressive! You know what we are talking about and will definitely let us know when you don't want something. You will shake your head NO. But then you will also tell us when you are done (waving bye with both hands) and when you are hungry (hand to mouth). You are learning three languages at once! You understand English, Mandarin and sign language. You are so smart! You even learned how to blow razzberries when you watched Veggietales' Lord of the Beans. You have given us all a bath in your spewing. I can't wait to see what you learn next!

Veggie Tales!

2007-02-16T22:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Samuel,
You love Veggie Tales. You love Bob. Everyone is Bob. Larry is Bob. Junior Asparagus is Bob. Bob is Bob. And you love the theme song! Daddy finally figured it out tonight when you got up to push some buttons on the DVD player. He saw that you would get up and try to replay it each time after the tuba-playing theme song. Once you got it to start over, you would just sway gently to the music and watch the screen. This time I held you in my lap and watched to see what you would do. Sure enough, after the theme song, you would get up and push a bunch of buttons in effort to play the song again. We are going to find the Silly Song DVDs! I am so glad you really like music. Mommy calls you her little head-banger. Tonight you did your head-banging to some music at the church. It was so cute and so terribly funny! You are such a character. Just wait--Mommy will teach you how to make all those faces.
I Love You!

It's Head-Slapping Funny!

2007-02-16T22:06:00.000-08:00

Samuel, you are such a HAM! One of your favorite new ways to get laughs is to stop, look at us and slap yourself on the head. Usually this makes one of us laugh, and you laugh right along! You love, love, LOVE to put things in boxes and take things out. Mommy had some old computer disks that Daddy was going to throw away, but you discovered them and have had so much fun passing them back and forth to me through the dining room chairs. You love this. I can just sit there and you will hand them all to me, and then raise your hands palms up facing out as if asking, "What do I do now?" or "Where are the rest?". The funniest part is that you make this noise that just sounds like a question mark. It's an exclamation and question all at once. You use this for many different things when something runs out or you have a question about something.
You are the cutest little boy. Mommy loves you very much. Peaceful dreams, little one.

Mistakes I WON'T Make Again

2007-02-06T04:44:00.000-08:00

Mistakes I won't make again: letting you hold a tube of diaper cream while in my arms, as I get engrossed in other activities. A few evenings ago I was holding you and doing something that required my attention. You sometimes get in the mood of poking at my face and ears for fun, and this night you were putting your finger in my mouth so that I would bite it gently. For some reason, all babies seem to enjoy biting their own hands, and then sharing in the fun by letting their daddy bite their hand as well. The mind of a toddler is unique :) Anyway, after about 3 or 4 bites of your finger, I finally realized that is was creamier than usual (usually, no cream is involved period). I looked over and realized you had a tube of diaper cream in one hand, and a white creamy finger on the other. AAAHHHHHH! You're feeding me diaper cream from who knows where!!! We'll, I did know where, and it didn't bring me any comfort in knowing. What insued was a classic fit of spitting and tongue wiping to try and cleanse my tongue (and mind) of the event. The next time I bite your fingers, you had better believe I'll be looking first...and no more diaper cream tubes for YOU.
Love,
Baba

Your Daddy Loves Me

2007-01-24T05:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Samuel,

Your father is so smart. He figured out that mommy needed a break, so he took you to Sam's Club and drag-raced you through the nearly empty aisles last night. He said,"Ready, Set..." and you would fill in, "GO!" And then he would take off down the aisle, pushing you in the grocery cart (AKA bascart). You are so cute. It was definitely a good break for mommy.
Love you, Samuel!

Hot Pursuit

2007-01-22T10:04:00.000-08:00

Dear Sammy,

I can't believe I almost forgot to write about such a wonderful thing - HOT PURSUIT! You see, a few weeks ago you realized that you could run. You could run away, and you could run to someone. I have to say you look pretty funny because you don't know exactly what to do with your hands. So you just put them up in the air to keep them out of the way. It almost looks like you're trying to catch a baseball flying high into the outfield.

Somehow while you were learning to run, we discovered how much you love to play chase. I say, 'I'm gonna get you', and you take off running and squealing like little boys do. It is such intense excitement for you to challenge your strength and speed against daddy's. You must love getting an adrenaline rush from all the excitement. Sooner or later, you do the most unexpected thing - you turn around giggling, arms wrapped around yourself to protect from tickling, and you run full force back into my arms. The first time you did this I was so surprised, but I learned something through you that day. Not only do you love to be pursued, but you also love to be caught!

I suppose as children grow up and become more competitive, they don't like to get caught. But you are the type of child that is never content to go off and do anything until you are sure you can come back to daddy's arms any time. I am the same way with my Daddy - my Heavenly Father. I have a great desire to be chased by Him, and also a great desire to be caught and held by Him. There is no greater place for me than in His arms where I find comfort. I realize that you are acting out these same desires with me because I am the only daddy you understand right now. But one day, your affections will transfer to your Heavenly Father, and you will find in Him the same glee that you have when you turn and run full force into my arms. I encourage you son, turn, and run full force into your Daddy's arms. There is no better place to be.

Ah Boogers!

2007-01-20T21:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Samuel,

You learned to blow your nose this week...ON MY SHIRT!!! Not quite what I was hoping for as a proud parent, but hey, I suppose you have to start somewhere. Mommy started training you months ago by accident. She has this little game where she pinches her nose and then pulls her fingers off while making a humming sound. It's quite a unique sound, and reminds me of the skills needed to play the mouth harp. She has been teaching you how to do this as well. So now blowing your nose seems to be a pretty easy transition. Boogers...who would have ever thought I'd be writing a blog post on boogers!
Baba

Funny Moment

2007-01-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

Dear Samuel,

Tonight was probably one of the funniest moments I've ever had with you. As usual, you fell asleep about halfway through the church service on my shoulder while I walked you around. The speaker said something that everyone agreed with, so they started clapping. You were instantly awake, looking around, and clapping wildly with the crowd in agreement. I wish I could describe the mixture of fright and joy in your eyes at the moment. You were frightened by the noise, but you were very happy to have another opportunity to clap with everyone. As soon as the clapping was over, you slumped back down on my shoulder...instantly asleep. You make fatherhood a great thing. I have one question I'd like to ask...why do you love to clap so much?!
Love,
Baba

Victory!!!

2007-01-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

Dear Samuel,

This morning was your first of many crowning moments! You pee-peed in the potty on command! You are the smartest little boy in the world. Then you looked up at me with a smile and did your head-bob/head-bang thing in glee and applauded yourself. It was so cute!!! Not only that, but you did it two more times since! You were so proud! Daddy and I are so proud!

When you were younger, we would put you in the bathtub, and you would stand there in your birthday suit and pee pee in the tub. We would both exclaim, "Pee pee!" and you would hit your belly and laugh. Maybe we started training you then, but we are thankful it has been this easy. We had prayed that this transition would go very smoothly, and it has so far. You haven't gotten enough strength to flush yet, but you will!

Sometimes you don't need to go potty, but you try really hard, looking up at us-even grunting in effort. That is so cute! I hope you will read these later and laugh and groan at your mom and dad's efforts to capture your days. We love you very much!

MommyK

P.S. You are sleeping with Daddy on the bed and wearing Nemo potty pants. I wonder what to do about #2??? We'll pray. :)

Communication is Key

2007-01-09T13:09:00.000-08:00

Hi Sammy,

You are full of surprises! Your little face fills me with joy everytime I see you. You truly are a blessing from the Lord! Your recent discoveries delight me, especially the fact that you are communicating more using sign language and verbal gestures. You can say some words and mimic some, but each effort is so precious and cute. I ask Daddy if he heard each word you said, but sometimes his hearing isn't as good as mine, so I have to get you to repeat the words. I'm telling you, he needs to learn the Chen family intercom system. I hope that you will learn this system well also.

You are already well versed in the early attention-grabbing methods that I used when I was younger. You get our attention by approaching us and slapping us on the head or some other body part. This used to be so cute until you got stronger, and now we have to teach you that some body parts (namely the head/face) is more sensitive than other body parts. Again, you have learned this very quickly.

We are so thankful for you, and I can't wait to see what you will discover today.
Love,
MommyK

Easy Listening

2007-01-01T07:15:00.000-08:00

Dear Sammy,

Happy New Year! This is your second one, and you still don't have much interest in fireworks. I'm sure that will change in a few more years because you are ALL BOY! Mommy rearranged the furniture a little, and you discovered that you could shimmy up over the arm of the futon, using the decorative lateral rails as a step. Of course, you still land on your face after scaling the armrest, but hey, I probably wouldn't be much more graceful than that if I was just learning to climb either. You have discovered that you can stand on nearly anything to boost your height, but haven’t yet learned that some things aren't very safe to stand on. You are potential energy in motion (if that makes any sense).

You had lots of fun with A Ma and A Gong (Grandma and Grandpa Chen) over the holidays. We went home for about 10 days, and then they came up to NC with us for the New Year's conference. A Gong discovered that you really love easy listening music. He was watching you one day and just randomly turned to a station. You two ended up sitting there for an hour just listening away, with an occasional clap of approval from you. Station 106.1 baby...Kenny Rogers, The Righteous Brothers, and who knows who else. I haven’t had time to check them out yet, and you're keeping a tight lip! You really enjoy music. We love to watch you clap and dance. I can't wait until you try to sing along. Happy New Year, Sam. May you sing and clap and enjoy your fresh new life all year. The Lord is singing and dancing over you.

Love,
Daddy

Chi wan le (All finished)

2006-11-14T19:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Sammy,

Tonight was a fun first. Since you are a growing boy, eating is something that you do a lot of lately. When we finish eating, we say in Chinese, 'Chi wan le'. Translated literally, this means 'I am done eating', but the basic meaning is 'All finished'. We have been teaching you the signs so you can communicate better. The sign for 'All finished' is to hold both hands out and roll them by twisting your wrists. Of course as most babies, you have developed a modified version that suits you more. You only use your right hand held down by your hip, and wave similar to the Queen of England! It's pretty cute. You've been slowly learning to mimic us do this, but tonight you told us all by yourself for the first time. It's been obvious by your body language that you are communicating more, but it was nice to have a clear message in sign language tonight.
Love you,
Daddy

Book Slinger

2006-11-06T23:01:00.000-08:00

Dear Sammy,

You are reading the post of a proud father. We have been so busy moving to North Carolina, that I haven't had much time to write you. You've been cutting teeth and becoming more agile day by day. You just learned sign language for 'all finished eating' yesterday. You love to clap at every opportunity. When you know you've done good, you clap. When you're especially happy, you clap. Whenever you hear an audience clapping, you clap right along with them. Though you cannot speak yet, every little grunt you make is rich in meaning. You are learning to make the sounds you hear us make. You are fascinated with lights and light switches, and I wouldn't be surprised if 'light' is one of your first words!
You drag your toys all over the place leaving us a huge mess to clean up every day, but we are still glad you are here with us. Today you even helped Mommy by putting one of your books back on the shelf! Mommy likes to play with you by handing you something and telling you in Chinese to take it to Daddy - 'Na gei Daddy'. You know exactly what to do. You shuffle over and hand it to me. You're getting pretty smart for someone who can't even talk yet :)
Mommy is most proud of the fact that you looooovvvvveeeeee books! Books, books, books. You love to bring a book over, hit her on the head with it, and plop down on her lap waiting for her to read to you. You are so precious to us. Now, if only we could buy some helmets for your book slinging habit!
Love,
Daddy

Qiu qiu

2006-08-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

When I started this blog, I thought I was going to write about every little change that happened in your life. Little did I know, that you would change moment by moment! If I were to write down every single change that happened to you, I would have to make it a full time job. Sometimes when you change or learn something new, I don't even realize it until you have been doing it a few days. Other times, it is more obvious. Since I have quit my job as we get ready for MSM, I have had a little more time with you every day, and it has been fun.

You are 13 months old now, and one thing we have discovered without surprise, is that you love playing with balls like every other red blooded little boy. The past few weeks as we've been talking to you, I realized you understand very much even though you cannot speak to me yet. So yesterday while we were playing with other toys, I asked you where the ball was. "Qiu qiu". You stopped your play, and looked around, brow furrowed, as if to express your deep thought. You walked around to the kitchen because you remembered it had been there earlier, but no success. I thought you just needed a little help, so I crawled over to where it was covered up by another toy, and pulled it out saying, "Qiu qiu!". It was brilliant. I thought I was clever. I thought you'd run over and play with me. You looked at it as if to say, "Good daddy, you found it". Then you took off in the opposite direction to play with something more interesting, while I was left to play with my ball and figure out if you really new what I was talking about. You sure did! Later in the evening, we tried again. You found the ball and we played with it this time.

Love,
Daddy

Simply Amazing

2006-06-26T21:42:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

So much has happened that there just isn't time to capture every little "first". You started walking at the '06 Morningstar Holy Spirit Conference. It was just 2 or 3 steps, but that was the first time I remember you doing it. We played with you by picking you up, setting you away from us, and letting you walk toward us...great fun. Today, Mommy taught you how to turn the lights on (kai deng), and off (guan deng). At first, you only knew to turn it off. Then after Mommy showed you, you figured out that you could flip the switch up too, and the lights would come back on! That was in the nursery. Then, she took you in the hallway and showed you another switch. You figured out right away that it works just the same. In Chinese, we say, "Hen cong ming" ~ very smart! :) Mommy is very good at teaching you.

You have discovered tupperware in the cabinets and pull them all out onto the floor. You also like to explore all other forms of potential energy as well. Whenever you find anything on a desk or table, you like to pull it off and watch it fall. Once everything is in the floor, you move on to something more interesting. Daddy says "aiyaa". Sometimes I don't like all the mess you make, but I am thankful you are inquisitive and active.

Love,
Baba

Catchin up on firsts...

2006-03-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

Dear Samuel,

...or Sam Wuir as I believe the Chinese pronunciation of your name should be...you are growing up too fast, and we demand that you slow down! Yeah, right:) You are growing like a weed and your mother and I love to see the new developments and your little experiments every day. You love to play with the funniest things. Boxes and spoons are much more exciting than the $5-$20 toys we brought home! Here's a list of what you've been up to:

1. Cut your first 2 teeth (on the bottom front). Man, they are sharp! I'm not letting you gnaw on my fingers anymore.
2. You have started pulling yourself up when you get a good grip.
3. Just recently you got brave enough to let go of things while standing. You let go and try to stand up as long as possible before toppling over on your belly, or plopping on your behind. Your max time so far has been around 3-4 seconds. You think this is very fun because you're getting the idea that walking is within your grasp.
4. You really enjoy Mommy playing peek-a-boo. She jumps out from a door, you jump when you are startled, and then you giggle.
5. I try to change you into your diaper and jammies every evening for bed. You love to roll around naked on the changing table. I blow zerberts on your belly, legs, and neck, and you giggle in shrill tones.
6. You learned to drink from a sippy cup! We're soooo proud. You can even pick it up, and most times, get it in your mouth the right way.
7. You started having dinner in the high chair. It is a happy place for you. Food, fun, and a full stomach! Kulo thanks you for all the cheerios you send him on the floor.
8. Speaking of Kulo, you are captivated by him. Whenever he pops in the room, you stop everything and give him a good looking over. You've been known to grab an ear and use him for a baby walker. He's somewhat patient, but let's face it, he's a Min Pin. Not a very patient breed of dog.

We love you very much. It's a true blessing from God to have your little life around.

Love,
Dad

Bay Area Trip

2005-12-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Samuel Lake,

Tonight you are 5 months and 2 days old. You are getting heavy to carry around. We call you big lug, little peanut, handsome, cutie pie, baby, Sammy, sweetie, etc. We just got home this evening from California with you. We went to the Bay Area for your cousin Michael's wedding. We took you all over the area, most notably to Sausalito (for which you mother remembered, there is a cookie named after it). We saw Stanford Memorial Church and basically ate a ton of sushi. You, of course, had your usual, mother's milk. We are amazed at how well you did on this trip, and realize how tired you must be from being carted around all over the place at all hours of the night (9-10pm) when babies ought to be at home in bed!

Although you have already rolled over in the past, I noticed that last evening in the bed was the first time I had ever seen you roll over on a completely flat surface, and do it repeatedly. I consider this a first time event, and wanted to jot it down for the record. Your laughs are becoming...well...real. You have started buzzing your lips as a favorite pastime, and you have the most delightful smiles once you've had some sleep. You don't complain much unless you're sleepy, hungry, or in some sort of pain. Your gaining a knack for grabbing my fingers and watch, and whatever else comes your way, although you usually drop it once you've practiced snatching it up. Your coos are getting more expressive, and your yelps of distress louder, as you gain the use of your vocal cords and realize how fun they are to use. (This trait if mostly from your mother's genetics!). You are a delight to play with, and we love to hear you laugh and see your smiles.

Your first roll-over

2005-11-15T20:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Sammy Lake,

Yesterday I saw you roll over for the first time. It sounds silly to mention, but until now, you haven't really moved much without our help. You were hungry in the bed with mommy and I, and you rolled over toward your mother to get some milk. The funny thing was that once you rolled over onto your belly, you were laying on your hands and had yourself pinned down! You just kind of looked around as if to say, "Okay, now what?!". I have no fear that you will eventually figure out "now what". We have to start making plans to keep you safe from all the chemicals and falling objects that make houses so dangerous to babies. You are worth all the trouble!

And since you have reached a milestone this week, I would like to leave you with a piece of wisdom that I hope will follow you all of your life. It is this: Never, ever, doubt the goodness of God in your life. You will be tempted in many circumstances to believe that your Heavenly Father is working against you, and that He is in some way angry at you, or that He finds pleasure in keeping you from happiness. But that is merely a lie from your enemy (The Accuser) who will lie to you day and night about the goodness of God. I could argue the reasoning for this, but it would do no good for your inexperienced mind. Only through the test of time and hindsight will you see His goodness. This is because we have such difficulty perceiving what God is up to until we look back on life and see the truth.

I have been tempted many times to doubt His goodness, and many times I have fallen for it. But you will read in the scriptures, and you will eventually have the experience in your life to realize, that the Lord always abounds in goodness to those who trust in Him. Don't believe the lie.

Changing Priorities

2005-09-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

There was no way anyone could have described motherhood to me--it can only be experienced. Extreme emotions of joy over your coos and half-smiles to hair-pulling frustration at 3:00 feedings...and yet, it brings joy as only breastfeeding and cuddling you can. Little victories in seeing you sleep in your crib...bittersweet feelings in knowing that you are ever-growing, ever-changing. Sigh.

Just got a call from a local hospital's chaplain on parish nursing. I told him I had more important priorities at the moment: YOU. He chuckled and said he understood. How redeeming...for someone to agree and not look down upon motherhood as less-than-desirable. You, dear Buck-o, are mommy's priority--next to loving God and your Pop. And all these fit together in God's perfect plan, somehow. It's working out that way...we're all growing together. I love you, little Lakeman. I hope you feel that even now.

Here's lookin' at you, Sam.

2005-08-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Dear Samuel,

You know you must be a wonderful blessing from the Lord...what else would cause me to brave the wilds of publishing online, except my desire to pass something of my heart to you for your life, and your generation. Today you are only 38 days old, so I've got a little time to clean this up before you read it!

I have so many things I'd like to say to you, but I suppose I'll start with the most basic of stories...the choosing of your name, Samuel Lake Hawkins. Actually, I can't take any credit for it. Your mother came up with both names on different days. In fact, I think she had the name Samuel on her heart from the time we found out you were going to be born. You are named after the prophet Samuel in the Old Testament. The scriptures say of him:

¹⁹ Samuel grew; the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. ²⁰ And all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.
1 Samuel 3:19-20 (AMP)

It is our hearts' desire that you speak the very message of God to a generation of people that scarcely know the voice of God. Samuel was one who knew God's voice from childhood, and this is what we believe God wants for your life as well.

Lake...that was a moment of inspiration on your mother's part. It was May 15, 2005. We were at Joe Davis Stadium that Sunday for the Global Day of Prayer. I don't even know how it came up, but Karen looked over at me and excitedly whispered the idea that we name you after John G. Lake. Who was John G. Lake? By the time you read this, you will know who he was. Mr. Lake was a mighty evangelist during the early 1900's who spent most of his ministry between Cape Town, South Africa, and Spokane, Washington. Because of his faith and perseverance, he saw many divine miracles including healing and the raising of the dead. Gee, no pressure or anything, but we DO believe God will reveal Himself in your life through amazing miracles that prove His love for mankind.