"New" Faces and Places

Christmas gatherings created multiple opportunities to get Sam out of the house and into the arms of family members that haven't seen her for a few weeks or more. First we had a houseboat trip to watch the New Port Boat Parade, then Christmas at Uncle Rob's, and then finally babysitting by Aunt Michelle and dinner with the family.

Here you can see Sam's little head with Grandma Nan Ping

The houseboat trip, thanks to Great Uncle Randy and Great Aunt Sheree was Sam's first time out with others besides mom, dad, and the grandparents. Sure, Sam has gone with us to shopping and for walks around the neighborhood, but it has been one long month since anyone else got to hold Sam, and several months since she visited anyone outside the home - so this was a big event for her, and boy did she let us know she was unhappy about it! Sam cried after the first two minutes and didn't stop for about an hour. Every time she began to settle down she'd turn her head and see all these strange faces and then start her crying with renewed effort. Eventually Grandma calmed her down and she enjoyed a few hours of boating around New Port bay with the family.




Next came the big Christmas party at Uncle Rob's. Sam did so well! She cried on and off but generally gave everyone at least one full minute of bonding time before the tears started rolling - much better!

Sam Opening her First Christmas Gift!

Grandma and Sam on Christmas Day

After all that excitement on Christmas, Sam went with me back to the Inland Empire the next day to take some family photos. Before the photos though, I went to go watch the 3 hour long Hobbit movie. Aunt Michelle was an amazing babysitter and Sam hardly cried at all the entire time, and then only because it was nap/bottle time.

After hanging out with Aunt Michelle and cousins for a few hours, everyone got together to take photos at a studio. Sam didn't fuss once the entire time! She simply looked around at everyone and observed, not caring who held her or that there was a dozen people all making a racket and moving about constantly with bright lights flashing randomly. After the photo shoot we went out to dinner. Grandma had some great bonding time with Sam!