Rest now, Mam-maw

Mama's mama, Doris, passed away suddenly last night. This is the woman who raised Mama from the age of 7 after her birth mother died of cancer when Mama was young. Most of what Mama knows about being a good wife and mother came from Doris. Her health had been deteriorating for years, but it is still a shock to realize that she is really gone.

Doris was too sick to come visit Samson when he was living in the hospital, but she stayed up-to-date by phone and through reading printed copies of the blog mailed to her by Aunt Cynthia. Samson did finally get to meet her a couple of weeks ago when he made his first overnight trip to East Texas.


Though they didn't have much time together, both truly enjoyed the visit. Samson just giggled up a storm at Mam-maw's teasing.



Samson is going to miss out on her fantastic homemade baked goods (yeast rolls and biscuits and cornbread), her soft lap, and her tearful laughter at the comical antics of dogs and kids.

We love you, Mam-maw.

A Week Without Daddy

Daddy is in China this week for work, so Mama and Samson are anxiously awaiting his return. Grandma Alice has come to help us out for a few days and she and Samson are having a great time playing together. Since Daddy's departure, Samson has been busy trying new things:

First Trip to the Park


First Storytime with Grandma


First Try in an Exersaucer

Morning Playtime

Samson is always in his best form when he first wakes up for the day. Our morning routine usually involves an half-hour of conversation ("Coo-goo?" "Coo-goo." "Gah?" "Yes, gah.") and then Samson goes to his crib for an half-hour of mobile time so Mama can take care of personal business and grab a bowl of cereal. This shot is typical of Samson's expression when he sees his toys for the first time of the day, as if to say, "These wonderful things are here again? Awesome!"

The red blotch on his cheek is a fresh gash from his ever lengthening claws. Mama has to trim those nails (while baby sleeps) every other day or Samson's face would be just one giant scab.

New pictures

We finally downloaded all of our pics from the past 3 weeks onto our Flickr album. Click the link to see some moments of Samson's first overnight trip out of town, as well as several new funny face shots.

Baby Samantha has arrived.

We heard some wonderful news yesterday. Our friends Ang and Scott just added a new baby girl to their family. Welcome to the world, Samantha!

Samson is looking forward to lots of adventures with his new girlfriend, and Mama and Daddy are excited to share the newborn experience with our closest pals.

Congrats, Turners!