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Samantha Ellen was born June 3rd,1996 at Cape Cod hospital at 8:35 am. She weighed 8.5 lbs
and was 21" long. Sammi has big bright blue eyes, blonde hair, a cute button nose and a smile
that will melt you heart. She is my pride and joy and this is a way for me to remember her as
she grows up.
Memorable firsts are always the sweetest. First smile, first words, first steps. I've written
them all down. Like her first smile was in August. She loved to smile and has earned the family
nickname of Smilie. She received her first tooth at the age of eight months and right now has 6
total. Everytime she laughed she would inevitably get the hiccups, which would make her laugh even more.
And it's a contagious laugh too. Once you hear it, you start to laugh yourself. I wish the world
could hear to sweet sound of a child's laughter. It certainly brightens my day.
Mother's Day this year was celebrated in a doubly special way. That was the day Sammi was baptized
at the same church where her mother and grandfather were both baptized. Four generations stood up with
her as she was welcomed. Her god-parents are Sara and Shane. The day continued back
at Samantha's great-grandmothers house. This 80+ woman can really put on a party and show's no sign of
stopping. Guests included her daddy (Todd), myself, Uncle's Shane, Jamie, and Mark, Aunt Sara, Grandpa Moore,
Great-Grammy Moore, Aunt Janet, and Virginia R.
Samantha's birthday wasn't any less out done by any means. The family gathered again at Grammy Moore's
house and all had a great time watching as Sammi took her first steps. Books, clothes and an inflatable pool
were the presents and Daddy saved the candle as a loving momento. We are still waiting for the pictures to
come back.
I'm sure everyone had their own Linus blanket of some kind in their life. Whether it be an actual blanket, a
favorite stuffed animal or whatever, now so too does Sammi. She loves this little monkey that was once mine
when I was three. I remember going to the store to buy it too. Sammmi always goes to bed with it and if she is
scared somehow, she looks around for and gets her monkey. I'm glad to know that toy that I loved and played with
is now something that my daughter is playing with and I hope it continues to bring her entertainment in years to come.
Samantha learned to walk the week of July 13th...three days before her grandfather McAtee passed away. He would have been so
proud of her walking. She finally met her three uncle's in Edinboro. Needless to say they thought she was adorable. Who wouldn't?
*L* She helped to keep the sadness at bay with her bright smiles and cute giggles. I remember when Bill (her grandfather) first found
out he had cancer. He would hold her, albeit briefly, but she would almost make if forget the intense pain he was in. She was the light
in his life and he loved her so much. Now he's her guardian angel and I know he will always watch over her as she grows older.
In the months since the death of her grandfather McAtee, Samantha has had two more teeth come in. She has also become a very good walker and will go outside at any given opportunity.
She has also learns a few more word. Like Night-night, bye-bye, and light. As soon as I get our microphone
hooked up to the computer I'll be taping Sammi's laughter so that you will be able to hear a true angel's voice.
Dec 5th,1997 I bought a potty training seat for Samantha and I'm not sure if I should be happy or a little sad. On one hand I'm glad that maybe my diaper days are over for now. I don't know many people that
love to change a diaper. If you do let me know and I'll see if I can find you a Dr. *L* But then again, I look at it as my little girl is growing up and I wonder where the time has gone. It seems like only yesterday she was just learning to roll over and pull herself up and now....
now I can't seem to hold her anymore cause she always wants to run somewhere. It's funny how she will run and if she should fall, her wide stance to get herself up again and take off, only to fall another 10-15 ft. Oh well...I guess in a few years I'll be wishing I had this time back so I'll cherish it now. *S*
Christmas 1997......Samantha had a wonderful Christmas this year. I lost count how many toys she got, but they included large Legos from her Nana, dolls from her Grammy, a chatting phone from Daddy, a busy table from Mommy but I believe the one toy that she got that
she really likes the best was a little plastic grocery cart that she can push around the house. She will pick up her toys and put them into the cart them proceed to push it around. Sammi also received some clothes and a Winnie the Pooh dish set as presents. And like the year before, her presents out-numbers her father', her grandfather's and mine combined.
You parents out there will know what I mean too *L*. I'm already looking forward to next year because I think she will understand it more and will have more fun opening presents than this year.
In the past few month, Samantha has had her first hair cut (Jan 19th,1998) and her first hockey check. Now I bet you're wondering what I mean by that. It's simple really. *L* "Papa" had giving me tickets to see a hockey game and we took Sammi. During the second period, she was holding on to the boards
(we were sitting right behind the penalty box) when the puck was in play and two players checked hard. The check knocked the boards hard and since Sam was holding on with her chin resting on it, the hit impacted on her. She fell down, but was OK.
A little bit on her lips but that was all. *L* The security guys were so nice when I asked for a bandage to hold over her lip. She even got a puck from one of them! *L*
Samantha has also enjoyed going to her sitters and playing with the kids. She is a very outgoing child and everyone that meets her, loves her. I can't say that I blame them either! *L* Sammi runs everywhere and will tell you "No" to any question you ask her. She has learned to put her shoes on all by herself and to hang up her coat when we get home. *S*
I can't believe she will be two in a few months. Seems like yesterday she was a newborn babe. *sigh* My little Princess....growing up.
June 11th 1998. Sammi had her birthday last week, but her grandfather and I held a birthday party for her the following Sunday so that Todd could join us.
What did the little princess get for her birthday? Wow....where do I begin? For starters, her "Papa" bought a "big girl bed" and mattress. The bed was actually delivered today and I put the whole thing together myself. I can't believe my little baby is sleeping in a big girl bed already.*S* Samantha also recieved a tricycle (from her Nana and Richard), tons of clothes (from everyone), stuffed animals
(from Auntie Margie), books, bath bubbles, and Grammy Moore bought Sammi a slide that once she's one it, it's impossible to get her off of it. *LOL* She also got some sheets with Winnie the Pooh (mommy's jealous) and The Little Mermaid and two "Baby" dolls to go on her bed. Samantha was able to visit with her Nana a few days later when my mother came through town on her way to Cape Cod.
Mom was shocked to see how big Sam was getting. She and Richard took and entire roll of film while we were there and got it developed at a one hour place. God if they lived near-by, they would spoil Sammi rotten all the time. *L*
It's amazing how time does fly by though.
As I was breaking down the crib, I remember how tiny she was when she was born and how she didn't like to sleep in the crib at all. I remembered how she would try to stand up in the crib and always had a smile. I know soon Sammi will be potty trained and I won't have to clean her up anymore. Believe me when I say I can't wait, but I know I'll still miss it. Silly eh?
August 14,1998 Sammi and I met with my mother in Chicopee Ma to go shopping at the mall. We were going around to the different stores when Sammi stopped and help herself while saying "pee pee yuck". The time is at hand where the Real potty training begins. She knows what she's doing when it's happening and my little
girl is (crossing fingers) starting to understand what "go potty" means. I hope it's not too long before I can quit buying those expensive diapers! *L*
You parents will understand....there is a tiny little person that looks up to you and depends on you for every little thing he or she needs. And you look at this perfect face and wonder what is this child going to be like when she they get older? For me, I see Sammi smiling all the time. I know I have high hopes for her, but what parent doesn't
the best for their kids? I see Sammi in so many things in her life. Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve this little piece of heaven on earth. She's my entire life. I remember when she was first born, a realization came over me that I knew at that moment that I would willingly give up my life so that my child will grow up happy and healthy. I understand my mom better that I ever did. And I'm sure that
most people do when they become parents themselves. I have forgotten what it's like to sleep in, to have dates on a whim, to go anyway on a moments notice. But you know? I wouldn't trade being a parent for the world. I love it when Sammi will look at me and smile and RUNS to me yelling "Mommy mommy mommy" when I walk in the door at the end of the day. I love her little kisses and hugs when it's bedtime.
When she hugs me she says "I got you. I got you. I got you." in this high pitched voice and a laugh to go with it. It just makes my day. *S*
Halloween 1998 I took Sammi out Trick-or-Treating this year. *S* She was dressed up in the same dress as she is wearing in the picture on this page, and I added a sash with "Miss Toddler '98" and a pink plastic crown. She looked adorable. *S* And yes,I had pics taken. *S* We went out around 6pm and mommy was dressed in a black velvet dress and stockings and
wearing a silver pendant. My friend Adam came with us and he was dressed as a construction worker. *S* Anyway, off to the houses we went. She was shy at first and I had to coax her into saying trick or treat, but after the first three houses or so, she figured out that once she said that, she got candy, so we ran to the other houses and Sammi got a little bell crazy. *L* She would either hold the bell or keep pressing
the button. *L* If I happen to take her hand away from the doorbell, she would then knock on the door until someone opened the door. It was really cute to see. *L* And she HAD to be the one to put the candy into her basket. After her "tick-n-treat" she actually said thank you then shut the door on the people. *L* Towards the end, she didn't want to walk anymore so mommy had to carry her from house to house. We were only out for
about an hour. We can home, got out of our costumes and into jammies, then watched the Flyers lose to the Islanders while mommy checked the candy to make sure it was safe. *S* She went to bed after brushing her teeth for about 5 minutes. *LOL*
Christmas 1998 was a cold day with a dusting of snow still clinging to the ground. Sammi woke us up around 6:30 and played in bed for an hour while Poppa still slept. Finally I told her to go wake up Poppa so we can get the presents opened and off she ran. *L* I followed behind her as we made our way to the livingroom and stopped her at the end. The look of pure innocent joy
on her face...*S* god, it was so sweet. She ran to the tree and as Poppa got some coffee going, we got her stocking and waited until he was back in the room to watch. Sammi took out one present and ripped open the present, see what it was then move on to the next. *L* In her stocking she recieved two pairs of slipper socks (each one she put on until the other was opened *L*), candy, face cloth with Winnie the Pooh, and many other things.
After the stockings were opened, we had to wait until Grammy and Uncle Jim came to open the others under the tree. *L* She opened the door and let them in, then ran to the tree to start opening. *L* It was SO funny!! My friend Eli came up to share Christmas with us and he gave Sammi Mailbox from Blue's Clues which she loved! Inside the mailbox was an eeyore. Sammi first called Eli Eeyore so I thought that it was the sweetest present he could
have given her. *S* Sammi not only opened all her presents, but helped to open everyone elses as well. *L* For presents, Sammi received Musical Blue's Clues puppy, Loonette, clothes, two pairs of slippers, a big teddy bear, a Barney face pillow, Barney Train and two friends, flannel sheets for her bed, coloring books and crayons, and a toy that has the alphabet and will not only say the letter, but make the sound of the letter as well. *S* All in all, I
think Sammi enjoyed this year as she kind of knew what presents were about. *G*
June 26,1999 Six months have passed since I last updated this and I thought I should get on the ball so everyone can hear about her latest accomplishments. =) In the past six months, Sammi has gone on two trips. One to Lake Placid and one to Toronto. First, the Lake Placid trip. A friend of mine *Eli* came up to visit us back in Feb and we took a day to head up
north. Eli and I are both avid hockey fans (he=Flyers...Sammi and mommy=Devils) and were interested in visiting the arena where the US Olympic team defeated the mighty Russian team back in 1980. What an amazing feeling it was to see it! The arena was holding pee-wee games at the time so we didn't say long, so off to the museum we went. Sammi, Eli and I all got to touch the actual net that was used in the game. =) She also got some pictures taken of her in a cut out
in the shape of a goalie. *L* It's a cute picture too. =) Then just a few weeks ago, Sammi and I traveled to Toronto with Nana and Grandpa and saw the Hockey Hall of Fame. WOW!! She loved the different maskes of the goalies, and the hands on area. If she were older, I would have let her try some of the things they had there. In the hall where all the trophys are, Sammi and I had our pictures taken with the Stanley Cup (mommy's pointing to the Devils name). We
walked the HHOF until it was late and everything had been seen (twice) then off to the shops we went. I just HAD to buy her a little t-shirt from the gift shop. =) I mean afterall, her birthday was a mere week past. =) Toronto was part of a present from Nana and Grandpa to both Sammi and I. Sammi's birthday was a quiet affair for the day. I brought a cake to her daycare and Sammi was able to have a little party with all her friends there. =) Then that weekend, her
father came to visit so we held a party on Saturday, the 5th. Daddy, Poppa, Mommy, Karolee and her mother, Casey and Patrick, and Auntie Margie were all there to help her celebrate. Presents were wrapped and the cake was in the fridge. The weather was beautiful outside and we were ready to party. =) Auntie Margie came with her present of a swimming pool which Sammi promptly sat in and asked that all her presents to be in there with her. *L* Mommy gave Sammi
mostly clothes (typical isn't it? *L*) but I also gave her two movies (Magic School Bus and Blues' Clues), a book, and a stuffed toy. Daddy gave her a little doctor's play kit complete with a bag to hold everything. Poppa had a book and a movie for her while Karolee and the boys gave her more toys. All and all she made out like a bandit. Nana and Grandpa saved their presents until we were together. They gave Sammi a couple of books and some more clothes, a doll of Mulan,
and stickers. =) This year I think Sammi knew that is was her birthday, but not the total concept of it. She just wanted to sing the birthday song and blow out the candles. *L* Oh well, next year! =)
Oct 23,1999 I know that children all have their bumps and bruises. Some kids are just accident-prone. As a trained EMS provider in a town with many children, I'm actually surprised that we don't get more children calls. One night, my town did. The call came out for a 3½-yr. old female who had fallen from about 3 ft off the floor. She hit her head on the wall and it cause a deep laceration (or really big cut)
on the back of her head. The bleeding was already controlled and mom just wanted transportation to the hospital. Well folks...that call was about my Sammi. Yes, she was the child that fell and cut open her head. When I heard her cry out, I leaped out of bed and ran to her side. She looked OK and I pulled her into my arms for a mommy hug. But when I pulled my hands away I saw that they were spotted with blood so I looked for where it was coming from. When I saw the length and depth of the laceration,
my hands started shaking and my eyes filled up with tears. My poor baby had her first big boo-boo!! I quickly ran out to my car and grabbed my first aid box and took out a few bandages to control the bleeding. She was awake and talking to me normally so I didn't suspect major damage. I told her to hold the gauze to her head while I ran to get the phone. I called everywhere to get my dad to come home. When I finally got him, I asked him to meet me at the hospital. I know from just the look of the cut that my Sammi would
require some stitches to close it up. I felt silly calling the ambulance to come to my house. I mean, after all I'm a trained EMT and ride with the same corps that came to my house. But guys...my hands were shaking so much I don't think I could have driven safely to the hospital. I fought back the waves of tears while waiting for the crew to arrive. By this time Sammi was just sitting in my lap talking to me as if nothing had happened. She really didn't cry all that much, except right after. Anyway, off to the hospital
we go. Sammi is having the time of her life in the back. She thinks this is really fun! *L* My father met us there and when we finally got into the hospital room to be seen, I was about 2 steps from losing it. The PA came in to take a look and said that I had my choice of staples or stitches. I chose the staples. Reason I did that was because I didn't know if Sammi would try to pull out the stitches and the PA said that staples wouldn't come out no matter how hard they pull. There was no way that I could hold her while
the staff went to work. It was at that time that I broke down and cried my heart out. I think I made more noise that Sammi did while the staples were going in. And she did SO well!! She never cried out while the procedure was going on. In the end we went home and I kept looking in on her through out the night to make sure she was OK and she was. 7 days later the staples came out (again without a fuss) and Sam is back to her normal everyday cuteness. She does have a long scar on the back of her head, but her hair covers it
and you can only see it if you go looking for it. I just hope that she never had anything like this happen to her again.
May 27,2001 It has been a long time since I have updated this. Since Sam's accident, nothing major has taken place. 2000 saw Sam turn 4 and with that, her personality took on a new life with her learning to stretch her boundaries and see how far I will go. Sam doesn't want me to go with her into the bathroom (I wait outside the stalls anyway), she can get her own breakfast, get dressed in the outfits SHE picks out, has learned to ride a bicycle, and has turned into a little fish in the summer! Can't get her out of the water once she's in. *L* In the fall of 2000, Samantha started taking ballet and tap classes in town. She loves to dance and in two weeks, her recital will be performed. They are doing a selection from Cinderella. They will be dancing the ballet part to "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes." I have yet to see what they will be doing in tap, but I'm sure it's just as sweet!
In the fall of 2001, Samantha will begin kindergarten! This day may have been a long time in coming, but to me, it's too soon. I can't believe that in just one short week, Sammi will be 5 yrs old and ready to take on the first day of her schooling career. It seems like yesterday that I brought her home from the hospital.
Look how many people think I am adorable....
