The year started off with me quitting my job and going freelance to take care of Samantha. My mom was not too thrill about that, especially how dead the job market was after the economy crash on the day Samantha was born.  But none of the less, Brian and I survived the year and ready for 2010.

Besides juggling between Samantha and working or finding work, we took some time off in July to take Samantha on her first airplane trip. We spend a few days in NYC visiting Brian’s sister and the big city. We didn’t know what to expect because we are very particular about Samantha nap and sleep schedule. Surely enough, Samantha adjusted just fine and I would even say that this was a turning point for her. After coming back from NYC, Samantha started sleeping through the night.

I also took two months off from work over the summer to hang out with Samantha. We met a few evanston moms and made a few friends. Samantha loves the park and library. She also started walking with a walker around this time, but lost interested and didn’t really start trying again until she turn 13 months old. Now at 16 months, she’s almost running (very clumsy of course, picture a frankenstein running.)

The Christmas holiday was great. We got our first real tree and decorated it while we played xmas music and drank hot coco. It was really a Kodak moment. We brought Samantha many gifts but not as many as the gifts she receive from her aunts/uncles, grandparents and cousins. I don’t know who’s happier. Me watching Samantha’s reaction or her opening the presents.

Well.. that’s a wrap up.

This morning as I take my morning routine, I looked down and I saw red poop. All sorts of pondering came about. Do I have cancer?  What should I do about Sam?  I should sell my home and make sure my family settle into something comfortable on one income. I should move all my savings to Sam’s college fund….. then I stop and remember I ate a red velvet cake last night. So… I did a search online and found that red velvet cake does turn your poop red. This was surprising because the previous times I ate it, this didn’t happen to me. Maybe it depends on the amount of food dye in the cake. Well… I had a scare this morning, but I’m still keeping an eye on my afternoon poop.

Happy New Year!!!

We were early voters. And this was also cool because it was Samantha’s first voting experience, she came along and waited in line with us over 30 minutes. Sure she didn’t vote, but nonetheless, she can say she was there.  Not to mention she was the main focus for all voters standing in line by us. She attracted a lot of oohs and ahhs…  She was too cute sleeping in her carrier. She nearly broke down and screamed right as I got to my station and began to vote, go figure.. so I had to dance around a bit while I voted to keep her entertained.

Oh by the way, check out our new stroller. We finally bought one. A cheap snap-and-go for our existing car seat. Limited in use, but compact, super light and no nonsense.

Update: We got our free coffee! No questions asked.

MaClaren Easy Traveller

Brian and I are looking for a stroller. I originally intended to get the MaClaren Easy Traveller stroller that is compatible with our car seat and then get another lightweight stroller when she grows out of the car seat. But now, we are thinking that it might be worth it or it might cost the same if we get a stroller that would fit an infant to toddler.

Bugaboo Bee

I know it’s a bit pricey but I have my eye on the Bugaboo Bee. It’s sturdy, compact, easy to open and close, and its got great reviews. I love how the handle bar is adjustable, so it’s comfortable for me and Brian. It’s really easy to open and close. It’s about 17lbs but it’s compact so it’s easy to get it in and out of the truck. It’s convenience and portability over the all-terrain.