Week 7!

Dearest Sammie Joy,

Today, you're seven weeks old. I know I've been saying it a lot lately, but it's true: you're growing so quickly! When I hold you, your longer body is now hanging off the side of my lap. You don't fit in my arms like the nice and neat little bundle you were seven weeks ago!

Fortunately for both of us, you don't seem to mind that your body hangs off to the side. You just like it when I hold you and talk or sing to you. Last night, your aunt tried to calm you down while we were doing some late night Wal-Mart shopping, and you were having none of it, you just kept crying and squirming as she held you. When I took you in my arms, Sammie girl, you turned your face toward my chest and instantly calmed down, settling in for a light snooze. I got to admit--I liked that I was able to calm you just by holding you. I like that you want your mommy!

This last week was a fun but busy one for all of us. We went to Shaver Lake last weekend to celebrate the Fourth of July with your Nonni & Poppa (and Uncle Grant & Aunt Erin, too). We spent the weekend on the boat, and while the scenery was pretty fantastic, you still stole the show. How could we not stop ooh'ing and aah'ing over you when you looked so cute in your little life vest?
We think you like the boat. You get the wind, the swaddling affect from your life vest, and the gentle rocking of the waves. Yup, you pretty much sleep the whole time. But, in baby language, that means you like it, right?

I had so much fun dressing you up for the Fourth. We received several 4th of July outfits, but I eventually settled on this white tank top with red sequins:

Say it with me now: how cute are you?

Since it was the first of the major holidays (save Father's Day), of course we had to get a family picture. This time, I made daddy dress up, too. He was a good sport and wore his flag shirt with a smile.
Granted, he changed his shirt right back to his Headlight Tech shirt after this picture was taken, but hey, we appreciate the effort, right?

We tried something new while at Shaver: we broke out your activity gym thing. Yeah, you like it. I would put you on it each morning and you would just stare at the bear, smiling and kicking away. You are quite the busy and happy little girl!

Nuts. I went to find the picture I just took of you staring in awe at this bear, and I can't find it. Bummer. I'll set the scene instead:

You're lying on the colorful mat, staring at the white bear that lights up and plays music.

Hmmm....maybe I need to work on describing things better. Um, you looked cute? This is also the first time you've reached for something. Tonight, you just kept reaching and grabbing the bear's belly and looking in awe at what your hand can touch. Check another milestone off the list!

I should probably sign off for now. It's getting a little late, and you are desperately wanting to be swaddled so you can go to bed. Come to think of it, a little sleep sounds good to me, too.

Loving you tons,
your mommy