Happy Birthday Sam!

We often called Sam our Pioneer baby because he was born on the day the Saints entered Salt Lake Valley. At birth he weighed 7 lbs 5 oz and was 21 inches long. He was a beautiful baby covered in dark hair and he looked tanned even as a newborn! The boys were glad for another brother, and even though Becky was sad she didn't get a sister yet, she was very attentive to this little guy when we brought him home.

Sam was the most interesting little baby! Everything he did was fascinating, and I loved watching him explore his little world. As soon as he found a voice, he made the most amazing sound affects all the time just to entertain himself (but he made his siblings laugh, too.) He was an expert at eyebrow expression, especially as he got past the baby stage. Because he wasn't the best night-time sleeper, he ended up in Mom and Dad's bed a lot during his first couple years (just so we could get some rest!) We really didn't mind much...he was a sweet and tender little boy!

The following pictures are from when he was just an hour old, to about 3. Have a great day Sam! I love you!