From the itty bitty baby we brought into this world one year ago to the almost walking, always babbling sweet boy who brings such joy into our lives.

Dear Samuel Woodford, You came into our lives one year ago on this day — with dark blue eyes, soft blonde hair, a sweet button nose, and a strong grip — perfect in every possible way. I was in love from the moment I held you in my arms. Your coos and grunts and babbles, [...]

Dear Sweet Sam, Mommy is a few days late with this month’s post. But I promise it’s because we’ve been so busy and not because I’m trying to hang on to eleven months as long as possible. Though that part is also true. Have you really been here with us for almost an entire year? [...]

Our mornings look a little like this. And this. Bedhead. Striped jammies. Hazelnut coffee. Gosh, I love this life.

Sam has been a fan of music since he was an itty bitty babe. We sway and rock to Joshua Radin, Alexi Murdoch, and Adele. We dance around the kitchen to A Hop, Skip, and A Jump and Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. We may even sing along to Call Me Maybe. And [...]

Dear Samuel, Time is marching forward. Day by day. Month by month. How is it possible that we’re quickly closing in on your first birthday? You are such a sweet little man, Sam. My love for you swells with your smiles and your neck squeezes, the way you pat my back and rest your head [...]

Dear Sweet Sam, You are nine months old today. Hooray! Everything calls for hand clapping these days. You knock over a stack of blocks? Yay, Sammy! You finish your tortellini? Way to go, buddy! You pull your pacifier out of your crib? Let’s celebrate! Life is just so much fun. I hope you always appreciate [...]

Sam has loved food since he had his first bite of avocado at four months old. He gobbles up everything we put on his plate — from mangoes and pears to broccoli and beans to lasagna and enchiladas. Okay, except for the time that Nick gave him a cilantro leaf. Though I’m actually surprised that [...]

Fatherhood is such a natural fit for this man. Sam lights up when his Daddy walks into the room, and he whimpers when Nick leaves for work in the morning. Sam pulls himself into Nick’s lap and lunges in for hugs. They giggle together through bath time and story time and between bites of dill [...]

Dear Sam, It’s unlikely that you’ll remember the details from your eighth month, but it was a big one for our family. We bought a house! As we removed the books and toys from the shelves in your old room, packed your picture frames, and took down your birds mobile, we promised that everything would [...]