Sammy turned six months old today, and he deserved a shave and a haircut. Well, the haircut anyway. He squirmed very little, and took it all in stride. We think he looks even cuter - how about you?

The extended Handelman family visited Cooperstown, NY in June, 2005 for a little get together. Attending were (obviously) the Handelmans as well as the Hogans, Sagans and Trotz family. Pics include time at the lake, a colonial-era farm, the National Baseball Hall of Fame (go Sox!), and a few pics of the family en masse. Enjoy! Contact joey dot trotz at turner dot com for access to more family photos.

Emily and Warren Hutmacher were kind enough to invite a crowd over to their place in Avondale Estates for July 4th. It's a cute little town in the Atlanta environs where Warren is the city manager and wields the unique power to tell them when to start the show. Trouble is, he couldn't control the weather, too. After a brief thunderstorm, Sam was able to enjoy his first fireworks. No crying! Amazing!

So I came home today from the 12+ hours of assisting with the launch of CNN.com's free video product on Saturday, and little Sam decided to demo his latest trick to me - the sticking the tongue out for some unknown reason. Cute as a button, that boy is! He's also become quite aware that his hands can grab and hold onto things - like his Boston Red Sox bear. Also cute. Check out the gallery photos here.

The troops gathered at CNN Center beginning at 6am to launch free broadband video on the site this morning, along with a restyling of the web site. I'm biased, but I think it rocks. Take a look here behind the scenes....

This morning, Sam was all giggles and smiles as he and mom were playing on the couch. He has a great smile, doesn't he?!?

Amy, Sam and Joey headed out to Zoo Atlanta with friends from Rochester.

We took a gamble and wrapped up Sam and all his gear and headed on down 75/16 to Savannah on Memorial Day Weekend.

While I wish his first ball game had been to see the World Champion Boston Red Sox, we had to settle for my second favorite team. Turner Field, only a mile from our home in Grant Park, was the setting for a beautiful evening matchup between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves. Six-week-old Samuel seemed to enjoy himself, sleeping through the first few innings in our Baby Bjorn (courtesy of Chet & Phyllis!), then waking up to enjoy the sights and sounds of America's greatest pastime.

Our Savannah-based friends Paul & Nikki, with daughter Maddie in tow, in Atlanta staying with our friends Shondra and her daughter Alondra, came over to meet Sam for the first time.

It was a bluesy afternoon at the corner of Rosalia & Cameron Streets on Saturday, May 7th. Organized once again by Michael & Rachel Hoath, the party was a roaring success!

Sam shows off our favorite time of the day when he enters what the baby books call the 'Quiet Alerts Phase' and I've dubbed 'QAP!' He gets very aware of everything around him, gesticulating, making cute noises, and generally being an awesome little baby.

Here are more photos as Sam gets comfortable at home with us. Featured photos include his first bath, visits from his great aunt & uncle, quality time with Grandma, and his first Seder!

Sam's first days home from the hospital.

Sam finishes up his hospital stay and begins to meet family and friends.

Here are the first photos of Samuel Herman Trotz, taken on April 8, 2005. I know we're the parents and all that, but isn"t he gorgeous?