Hilarity on the Changing Table

This blog is long overdue for an update.  Sam has set out on a handful of adventures and relished QT with a host of family and friends these past few weeks. Photos of all that to come as soon as Sam's delinquent dad gets his act together.

In the meanwhile, enjoy some Saturday night giggles.  

Come get your kicks

Ever have one of those days where someone hangs a tiny giraffe right in front of your face, but no matter how hard you kick or how loud you hiccup that giraffe remains just out of reach?  Sam commisserates.

Sam rollin', they hatin'

Sam starting rolling over a few weeks ago, bringing the total number of things that this little prodigy can do up to somewhere around six things. Catie snapped a few photos of his latest effort. Special thanks to Arathi and Madhu for recommending the play mat. As you can see, the boy will go to great lengths to be able to gaze up at his dangling animal buddies.

Take A Load Off, Sammy

At the risk of pigeonholing this blog as a chronicle of the early days of Sam's bowels, we share the videos below. Some might say that posting videos of our son pooping as his loved ones cheer him on amounts to little more than a low brow grab for cheap laughs at Sam's expense. How dare they. In defense of fart humor, master comedian Louis C.K. notes that while "you don't have to be smart to laugh at farts, you have to be stupid not to." We couldn't agree more. So if videos of baby farts aren't your thing, well, you're reading the wrong blog.

Sam bears down to squeeze out a little growler as Mom and Dad proudly look on. Such focus!

Followed by a a little post poop celebration.


Finally, Grandma Betty and Grandpa Hack give the young man's technique high marks.

Road Trip Up North

Greetings from sunny Boyne City, Michigan, where our little vagabond seems to be enjoying his first road trip and vacation.  After nearly three weeks with Sam in our Chicago apartment, Catie and I decided to set out for the breezy shores of Lake Charlevoix.  Gibson was particularly excited for the trip, as a visit to his homeland (we bought Gib at the Boyne City 4th of July Parade six years ago) means plenty of splashing in the lake and treats on the sly from doting grandparents.

After a surprisingly smooth drive up - only three stops in 7 hrs - road warrior Sam was greeted by quite the welcoming committee, including a special sit down with Great Grandpa George and Great Grandma Rose, who managed to wrestle the boy away from Grandma Betty for a little while.  Great Uncle Bill, Great Aunt Sue, and cousins London and Margot came up the following day, and Grandpa Hack made a surprise visit on Saturday, interrupting his trial prep for some bonding time with Sam.

Rested and recharged, I can't say that we are in any hurry to leave lake country and head back to the city. Special thanks to Grandma Betty and Grandpa Hack for letting us commandeer their place for the week.  We loved every minute of it.

 

2 Weeks

Sam is two weeks old today. Catie and I aren't quite sure what to make of that, as we both feel a bit unstuck in time. On the one hand it feels like he was born yesterday - the memories of the delivery room and the first time we held him are so fresh and vivid.  On the other hand, life pre-Sam seems like the distant past. What did we do with ourselves before we sat around staring at this little guy 18 hours a day?

In any event, it's been a wonderful run and Catie and I are both grateful for all the love and support.  Here are a few photos of Sam and his many visitors from the past couple weeks. Enjoy!

 CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS!

The Five Stages of Diaper Filling: A Journey in Photos

Years ago, two well-known alcoholism researchers, Carlo C. DiClemente and J.O. Prochaska, introduced a five-stage model of change to help understand patients with addiction problems and motivate them to modify destructive behavior. It is unknown whether they appreciated that their model is equally applicable to pooping one's pants.


Precontemplation.  Sam is blissfully unaware that his diaper must soon be filled.

Contemplation.  Sam becomes aware of the potential to fill his diaper and seriously considers doing so. 

Preparation.  Sam commits to filling his diaper.

Action.  You better believe action.

Maintenance.  Sam realizes the consequences of his action and hopes that Mom or Dad is around to get him out of this mess.

Chip Off the Old Block or Mama's Little Troublemaker: who ya got?

From the archives: here are a few pictures of Sam's parents as infants.  As completely objective observers, Catie and I see a flawless blend of the two of us when we look at Sam (90% Catie and a dash of his old man). As much fun as it is to play the "whose nose/chin/eyes does he have?" game, we can all be thankful he has his mother's hair.

Let's take a look:

CATIE

TOM

SAM

                     

Meet Samuel Ballard Hackney

Hoo boy, what a weekend! Catie and I are thrilled to introduce our son, Samuel Ballard Hackney. Sam joined us on Saturday July 27, 2013 at 1:36 pm, weighing in at 6lbs 15oz and measuring 20.5 inches tip to stern. Everyone is now home from the hospital and doing wonderfully. Catie and I (but especially Catie) are blissfully exhausted and thankful for all the love and support we have received the past few days, especially from Grandpapa Joe, Grandmama Bobbye, and Aunt Jenny who here in Chicago are helping us navigate our first week at home with the young man.

Sam is a lucky boy. After a few hairy moments during delivery, he entered the world surrounded by a family chomping at the bit to shower him with love and affection. We are so appreciative of everyone who made it to the hospital and excited for Sam to meet the rest of you soon!

Here are few pics from Sam's birthday weekend. Just click slideshow to enlarge and read the captions. Enjoy!

London's burning up the charts!

A few months back, cousin London dropped this original catchy little harmonica tune "Oh Cletus" - a reference to Sam's in utero nickname Cletus the Fetus - while aunt MJ and cousin Margot felt Catie's belly for kicks. Fans of Little Stevie Wonder, Gilbert & Sullivan, and hip hop freestyle virtuoso MC Supernatural will eat this one up with a spoon.

Any day now

Hello there!  We have created this blog for those interested in photos,  updates,  milestones, and other news  of our son, Samuel Ballard Hackney.   The little man is due July 24 but could arrive any day now, and his first time parents are humming with anticipation.  We look forward to celebrating the journey ahead with you all!

- Catie and Tom

The nest is ready.