Guy Smiley

Sam has really started to crack some smiles. It varies from day to day. Some days he's just full of them, and other days they are more elusive... one thing in common though: on ALL days, they are hard to catch on camera. Here are the best we have caught so far:

And our current favorite:

Catch up!

Wow. October has been BUSY. Busy-in-all-caps busy. Here's a quick recap with some corresponding photos:

Aunt Jess came to visit from CT on the 9th. She brought her baby nurse skills and we gave Sam his first bath! And she was our first babysitter so that Jesse and I could go out on a date:

Aunt Chanelle came to visit on the 11th. We all went to the Shedd Aquarium for Sam's first Chicago cultural experience. It was more stressful for me than for Sam!

Next, Grandma Bibi stopped in for a couple of days. Sam helped her get ready for her trip to Mexico.

Then it was time for Sam's first trip to IOWA. We realized that almost everything is a "first" for Sam these days. First time outside of Chicago, first time across the Mississippi River, first time in a different state... we're so fortunate to be able to do these things with him!

We were able to see lots of people while we were back, including Uncle Ross and Aunt Kristen, Great-Grandma Dorothy, Grandma Mimi and Bobaloo, Grandpa George, Aunt Laura, Great-Grandpa Alan and Great-Grandma Ida. Whew! And there were friends in there too! (Hi Kristin, Jackson's and Weiler's!) Here's a bunch of photos of family:

Great-Grandma Dorothy           Great-Grandma Ida

Aunt Laura                        Aunt Kristen and Uncle Ross

The four Fitz Generations: Daddy, Grandpa George, Sam and Great-Grandpa Alan
Grandma Mimi

After our trip to Iowa, the Howard family came in from California. Sam was pumped to meet Aunt Georgia, Uncle Andy and Cousin Evie!











We went to the Field Museum, the Children's Museum at Navy Pier and otherwise hung out with the family.

A couple more great pictures from their visit:

We were sad to see them go, but we're enjoying our little family of three again too. We went on a walk this evening and ran into all of the kids out with their parents Trick-or-treating. Sam wore his little punkin' hat. It's hard to believe that we will be Trick-or-treating with him sooner than later!

Happy Halloween!

Fifth Generation Singleton

(So far) Sam is the only Fitz boy we have. He's the only boy.

His Dad, Jesse, is the only boy born to his parents.

His Grandpa, George, is the only boy born to his parents.

His Great-Grandpa, Alan, is the only boy born to his parents.

His Great-Great-Grandpa, Earle, was the only boy born to his parents.

Upon hearing this, Sam's Aunt Kristen to Sam: "You're gonna have SISTERS!"

Growth spurt

Little boy seems to be going through a growth spurt. He's hungry all the time, his face seems to be filling out, and he is quickly forming what looks to be rolls... check out his arm here!! Rolly-polly!

Holy Moses

Sam had his two-week check-up today. At his four-day check-up, he was still 5 oz below his birth weight and the doctor said that they wanted him to be back to his starting weight by his two-week check-up.

Well.

Mr. Fitz weighed in at a hefty 8 lb 8 oz. That means that in the last 11 days, he has packed on 25 oz. More than 2 oz per day??

And here's what it looks like when your feet are pushing through the end of your Newborn sized clothing:

As Jesse keeps reminding me: "Tobe, he's not a week old anymore. He's TWO weeks old. He's growing up!"

Week 2 Update

Time continues to fly and at the same time, we feel like we've known Sam for much longer than two short weeks. He continues to be a very easy baby, and we are so grateful for that. At this point, we can usually beat him to the punch when he's hungry, wet, poopy or needs to burp, so the crying is kept at a minimum.

This last week was not nearly as eventful as Week 1, but here are some pictures and highlights:

We had our first family outing in the car. Nothing too exciting- we went to the bank and BabiesRus- but it was still nerve-wracking for Jesse and me because we didn't know how well it would go. We timed it between feedings, so Sam was a champion and slept through the whole thing.

Sam's car seat is currently in our VW Bug-- which you can imagine is a very tight fit and won't hold much of Sam's gear if we decide to travel anywhere. Yesterday we bought a pre-owned Honda Pilot. It will be a great vehicle with plenty of room for several years to come.

We had some fun visitors this past week. One of my best friends Shea and her family stopped by on Thursday night. It was great to see her, her mom and siblings! Sam practiced being held by many people, and he did a great job.

This past weekend Grandpa T and Connie came to visit with their dog Sunny. It was a full house with the two cats, a dog, a baby and four adults! We had a nice visit.

Other than that, we have spent most of our time around the house, taking the best care we can of our little boy.

Week 1 Update

Today Sam is one-week-old and I thought it was as good a time as any to start this blog. We will update often, maybe with a short story or picture; just something to log Sam and his experience with the world. Here's a summary of our week:

September 20: Sam said, "Hello, World!" with a scream we'll never forget. He was a 7 lb 4 oz gem of glory with a temporary cone head. We were tired and in love.
September 21: Big day. Among other things there were shots and the dreaded circumcision. Otherwise known as the "you'll thank us later day". Not fun, but he came through like a champion.

September 22: Welcome home Sam! We came home from the hospital in the VW Bug (!) to the waiting Grandmothers (Bibi and Mimi) and the former "children", Mason and Dixon, the cats.
September 23: We coined the moniker "Orca" for Sam. He sounds just like an orca whale when he's frustrated and hungry. Highest pitch sounds I've ever heard come from a human. We don't know what we're doing, so Orca makes more appearances than any of us would like. Sorry Sam... we'll figure it out soon!!
September 24: First Doctor's appointment. Sam refuses to show the doctor his left eye, but otherwise a stellar review. Every medical professional comments on Sam's hair. Must be good hair!

September 25: I go to Target with Grandma Mimi. The first time Sam and I have ever been separated by more than a couple of rooms. There are some tears from me, but Sam seems to hold it together with no problem.
September 26: Both Grandmas are gone and we haven't run into Orca for a couple of days now. We're really starting to "get" Sam and his ways! Also first Hawkeye game and we dominate Penn State. Sam enjoyed the game with his eyes closed for most of it. I think he was just nervous.

And then today. We can't believe how fast the week went. And we also feel like we've known Sam for a lot longer than we have. He's such a good baby and we are constantly shocked and amazed we've been given this beautiful boy.

Stay tuned... more to come...