Our mom and baby yoga class was fun, but it’s over. We needed a new activity, so we signed up for swim class. Well, “swim” may be overstating it. Maybe splash class is a better title.

The first class was a little hectic– I didn’t think we would make it out of the locker room. You would be amazed at how hard it is to juggle a baby, a diaper bag, and a purse while trying to take off your cover up and not set anything down on a wet tile floor. Good thing I at least thought to put on our bathing suits before we left the house. Isn’t he adorable in his swim trunks?

But we did eventually make it out of the locker room. And even had time left to snap a quick photo–an essential part of any baby outing. Can you tell how excited Sam is about plunging into the pool?

My friend Deirdre and her daughter Evelyn are taking the class with us. And when I got to class, I saw that my friend Janna and her son TJ were in the class. The three babies love splashing around together.

Sam loves his bath time, so I knew he would be comfortable in the water. But the water is SO much colder than his bath. He doesn’t seem to mind but I think he is glad to be wrapped in a warm towel when all is said and done.

Next week we’re dunking the babies under the water! Last week we poured water over their heads to get them ready. Sam fluttered his eyes a little bit but didn’t cry. I’ll let y’all know how the big dunk goes!

Sam loves his dad.

He loves to “run” with his dad.

He loves when they play at the park together.

He loves when they read books together before bed.

And most of all, Sam loves giving his dad a hug.

Well, most of all, he loves pulling his dad’s hair. But hugs are a close second.

Making your own baby food is all the rage these days. This website is super helpful. It tells you the best way to prepare different foods and at what ages babies can eat them. The secret to making the process easy is to just batch-cook one type of fruit or veggie. Once you have pureed it, you can freeze it in an ice-cube tray and have little individual servings for weeks to come!

I had to buy a new ice cube tray after I noticed that I was scraping little bits of blue plastic onto the little food cubes. Oops! I found these great trays at Sur La Table. Each cube is exactly 1/2 ounce.

The best part about these is that you can just scoop out a bunch of the puree and then smooth it into the cubes with a butter knife– much easier than filling each individual cube.

And viola! Once they are frozen, you can push them out really easily from the back and store them in a freezer bag. Then just heat and serve.

Sam loves sweet potatoes!

In case you didn’t believe me…

Sam really is ticklish!

Sam has been a big environmentalist from day one.

Sam (along with all of the hottest celebrities) is a big supporter of the NRDC.

So it should come as no surprise that he wants to wish you a happy Earth Day!

And remind you to do all you can to save our planet. Did you know that one way you can help the Earth is by eating a little less meat? Find out more on my friend Angie’s blog.

Oops! It has been a full week since I posted something. Sorry about that. We have been busy enjoying the spring weather! This weekend we took a little family stroll down to the park.

Sam and I had a fun time on the swings.

Dad is so crazy!

More swinging…

What a fun day at the park!

Since becoming a mom, I have developed an acute awareness of developmental milestones. Eye contact and smiles? One month. Rolling over? Four months. Sure, sure, all the books point out that these monthly estimates are averages and every baby develops differently. I realized somewhere along the way that I interpreted this to mean that my “above average baby” should hit each of these milestones days, if not weeks, early.

This has lead to many panicked conversations with Ben as the end of each month draws near and Sam has yet to hit the most recent milestone. “Ben! He won’t make eye contact! Do you think he hates me?” or “Ben! Do you think there is something wrong with his fine motor skills? He hasn’t grabbed anything yet!”

Yes, I am a little crazy. And yes, it is a good thing I married someone slightly less prone to overreacting. But I know I am not alone in worrying about my child’s development. I have heard other moms talking about how they can’t imagine that their child will ever learn to roll over, or sit up, or crawl. And then one day they do. Babies are neat like that.

My latest obsessive fear was that Sam wouldn’t be able to sit up by 6 months. I am embarrassed to admit that I even asked the doctor about it. (It was not the reason for the visit, but while I was there it couldn’t hurt to ask, right?) I am not sure why I was so worried. If just seemed like every time I put him in a sitting position, he threw his legs forward and fell backwards.

But then he started staying in the sitting position for a little bit longer…

Up

and down!

But I was still crazy, and I still worried. Because that’s what I do, apparently. Then we went to see Sam’s doctor for his 6 month check up. Dr. M walked in while Sam was sitting on the exam table and remarked at what a good sitter he was for his age. I tried to pretend like I wasn’t the type of mother to get hung up on stuff like that.

Maybe someday I will be one of those cool, laid-back moms. Until then, I’ll just try to keep my neuroses to myself.

Sam had a great first Easter, full of spring activities.

His Auntie Becca came to visit for the weekend.

(Can you tell which side of the family Sam’s coloring comes from? Sorry, buddy.)

We went to see the Easter Bunny and Sam didn’t even get scared.

We walked around in the beautiful weather and enjoyed the cherry blossoms.

And on Monday, we went to the White House!

Deirdre and Evelyn came too.

And boy was it hot! Nothing like a little luke-warm milk to cool you down.

Thanks for the invite, President Obama. Sorry we missed you! Maybe next time.

Last week Sam and I went to visit our friends Katie and Madelyn. Katie was a teacher with me at Barcroft and Madelyn was born a few months before Sam. The four of us went on a walk along the Barcroft Trail, taking full advantage of the beautiful weather. After the walk, Sam and Madelyn played together for a little while.

Aren’t they adorable?

They had a great time playing with Madelyn’s toys.

They even held hands!

I’m sure they will be good friends.