On November 18, 2004, at 3:53 p.m., after an hour and a half of labor, our son, Samuel Edward Buck, was born...

   We chose the name Samuel, or Sh'muel, because of its meaning. We were uncertain about having another child after the death of our first son, Cameron. But we put our trust in G*d, and decided to try again. As the birth of our second son drew near, we chose the Hebrew name Sh'muel, or Samuel, because it means "G*d has heard."

    Not long after Samuel's birth, we received a card with a poem that moved us both, articulating our secret wishes and dreams. This is what it said:

"Someday, he'll be a big-time movie star
or a fifth-grade teacher.
Someday, he'll marry, have a few kids.
Maybe he won't.
Someday, he'll change the world as we know it.
Or maybe he'll travel,
send postcards from China,
phone you from Paris.
Someday, he s going tobe a big, strong man
able to carry you in his arms.
One day, he'll have his own dreams,
not knowing
that once upon a quiet time,
you closed your eyes
and made a wish
to one day
have him in your life."
-Author Unknown

At His Birth:

   Weight: 8 pounds 10 ounces
   Length: 21 inches
   Eye Color: Blue/Green
   Hair Color: Blonde
   Samuel's First Look at the World

At His Bris:

   Parents' Prayer
   Rabi Amy R. Bernstein's Blessing
   Our Synagogue

About His Parents:

   Andrea Novel Buck
   Thomas Lloyd Buck

Additional Pictures and Links:

   Action Photos of Samuel's First Days
   Action Photos of Samuel
   Useful Baby Baby Links
   Sam's Daycare Blog
   Sam's Latest Fridge Art
   Sam's Favorite Books
   Sam in the Minnow
   Sam's Big Adventure in Annapolis