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Happy 9 Month Birthday Sofia

Nine months.
17lbs, 28- 3/4" tall.
Sofia, I can barely eek out this sentence without tears filling my eyes. You are more amazing with each week that passes. How do you do that?

When you were a newborn I would spend hours staring at you, soaking in every last detail, from your tiny fingers to your even more tiny eyelashes. I tried to take in every moment. In our most recent days I realize that you have become so active I am unable to sit and stare at you for even a minute. You will take long pauses, where you seem to be contemplating who knows what in that little head of yours, but after a few moments you are back to climbing, reaching, pushing, pulling and grabbing whatever is in sight. Upon realizing this, at your very next nap I let you fall asleep in my arms, where you stayed for 45 minutes. This flash of time was akin to being really thirsty and taking a long drink of water. There is nothing more satisfying or calming to me in this world than watching you sleep.

Sofia, I have loved every day with you. The last nine months have been more wonderful than words can express and you have grown so much. Here are just a few of the things you can do: you are walking when I hold your hands, you play peek-a-boo by holding your blanket in front of your eyes, (then promptly lowering it), you eat three meals of solid foods each day, you are mimicking sounds, you can army crawl, you look for praise and seem proud, you yell "mah" after we yell, “Max” when we call him up for breakfast, you eat cheerios and pick other small food pieces up with your first finger and thumb, you have signed “milk” to me when you REALLY want your milk, you reach for molly and the kitty cat, you turn your book pages with ease, you can stand unassisted holding onto a table or your play-gym and on a few occasions you have actually let go.

You are a very happy baby Sofia; you smile almost all of the time. People stop me in the grocery store, or on the promenade, to tell me how beautiful you are and what a great smile you have. You like being held by anyone and everyone. I hear this is about to end, so I will brag about it now as we all know how quickly babies can change.

At nine months you are doing so much more than I thought a nine month old would do, and if that isn’t enough, my love for you is stronger than I ever thought possible. You simply amaze me.

Thank you for being my daughter.
I love you,
Mama

Santa Monica

We went for a long jog today, from our house down to the beach. (Long for me at this point in my life.) I jogged too long and ended up walking the whole way back. Actually, I walked about 3/4 of the way back and then called Dan! LOL. My back started hurting so I thought I should take it easy. We were out there for 2 hours and Sofia had a nice long rest!

My Boys

Since they still look the same, and since I have no other pictures to post today, a picture from Italy of the boys will suffice. We were at the end of our trip here, walking by the Duomo in Florence. Max is growing up so fast, 15 is fast approaching.

Toys

We were playing with the Eric Carle flash cards today. Sofia likes all of the colors.

Zzzzzzzzzzz......

This is the second time we've gone to playgroup and Sofia has fallen asleep while everyone else is playing.

Lap Dog

Molly is the most jealous dog on the planet. I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but sometimes we are aghast at her behavior. She follows Dan around the house, not letting more than two feet between her nose and his foot. She sits on the sofa practically on top of him, she sits under his chair, she rides in the front seat of his car (okay, I never said Dan didn't perpetuate the problem), she even lays next to the shower door...just waiting for him. Waiting for what I'm not sure, but her co-dependance is unbelievable.

At Dan's office one day last week Sofia was getting all of the attention. Molly decided she just couldn't handle the situation, so she sat on Sofia, (in hopes I suppose that Dan would begin to pay less attention to Sofia and more to her). Thankfully, Sofia found this quite amusing and played drums on Molly's back. It was a win/win, Molly got a back-rub, Sofia had a fuzzy puppy in her lap, and Dan paid attention to both of them.

My Little Angel

Sofia was so sweet today. I love being a mom.

Laughing Out Loud

Could I possibly be this funny?!

No Excuses

After 3 months of deliberation, I finally decided on the Baby Jogger jogging stroller. It has a great hand brake, so I can run down Temescal. ("Can" being the operative word.) We tested it out on Sunday, I am SOOooooo out of shape!

Oh Brother!

I wasn't sure when it would happen exactly, but I knew that one day Sofia would fall for Max. As she became more alert and responsive I waited for the sign. A few months ago I was bouncing Sofia on the yoga ball and Max was sitting with his back to us about two feet away. After a few minutes a very loud “Eehhhh” emanated from Sofia’s tiny mouth. Max did not look. Another loud, “Eehhhh”. No look from Max. Finally after the third and loudest, “Eehhhh” (and a little prodding from me) Max turned around. Sofia laughed, she was clearly proud that she finally caught Max’s attention. Sofia loves her brother. Every time he walks into the room she smiles one of those ear to ear, “you’ve made me the happiest person on the planet” smiles. It’s priceless. Max and Sofia are still a few years away from hide and seek, name that cloud animal, or tag, but I just know they will be friends.

I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to see the two of them connecting. This reminds me of my brother and those early childhood memories that I will cherish until I’m old and grey. I miss you John.

Sofia's First Cheerio

I have been nervous about giving Sofia bites of, well, anything. I guess the whole gagging thing scares me. A few days back, surrounded by other moms, I decided to give Sofia her first Cheerio. At the time we were discussing strawberries and whether it is okay to give children under 1 year of age berries of any kind. Enjoy!

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty

Poor Corbu, her days are numbered. She will likely go back to being the recluse she was when we first found her.

Newly Added Post

Round and round she goes...

When Sofia is finished playing at the stations on her exersaucer, she runs. Her pause for approval is what I love most.

First Watermelon

When Sofia really likes something she grabs it with both hands and she gets this really serious look on her face. How fascinating it must be to discover so many new sights, sounds, smells, textures and tastes each day.

Pool Party

We joined a few of our playgroup mommy friends at Rachel's pool. Sofia napped instead of swimming, she doesn't look very tired here though does she?!

Upside Down

It is almost a given that when I turn Sofia upside down I can get a smile...and sometimes even a laugh!

MMM

"Bad dogs eat Mentos when their owners go away." This is what I told Molly as I took her picture. She HATES to have her picture taken, the punishment seemed to suit the crime. Molly could care less if I come or go, but when Dan leaves she acts like someone ate all her dog food. She acts out by either peeing inside the house or by snooping around Dan's night stand for yummy treats. She must really like Mentos because this was her second time stealing them. I warned her about the three strikes law!

First Shopping Cart Ride

This may not seem like a big deal BUT for seven and a half months I have grocery shopped using the storage basket in Sofia's infant stroller instead of a shopping cart. It always seemed easier to me to use her stroller instead of putting her car seat in the shopping cart. This stroller has a big basket so I am able to get most of our weekly groceries; the only exceptions have been larger items like paper towels, cases of soda or cat litter. Today, Sofia used her new shopping cart/high chair cover and I filled my grocery cart so full the girl bagging my groceries said, "Are you kidding?". No ma'am.

All Gone

I found these flash cards in with Max's books and thought it would be fun to put them on Sofia's shelf. Right now they are just decoration, but someday she'll actually be interested in them. Clearly not today!

Standing

Sofia has started standing unassisted. I typically sit behind her - just in case she decides to let go.

Baby Steps

Sofia has been blossoming, I feel like so much has happened in such a short period of time. Over the past two weeks her bottom two teeth came in and one week ago she proved that she is able to sit up by herself; no more wobbling or instantly tipping over. She has also been standing, with assistance, for weeks now. In the Pisa airport Sofia shrieked with excitement when she saw a baby boy her age. (A sure sign that she really missed her mom's group friends back home!) The second I put her tiny feet on the floor so she could stand Sofia placed one foot in front of the other and tried as hard as she could to get to that little boy. Our dearest kitty cat Corbu garnered the same reaction Tuesday. I asked Max if he would capture it on video for us.

We're Home!

This year’s Italy trip was a wonderful reminder of how great it is to go away, but how much more fantastic it can be to arrive home. We spent two and a half weeks in France and Italy. Amazing wine and wonderful friends…it just doesn’t get any better. We had 11 people this year and Sofia loved every single one of them. The attention she received each day was mind blowing. I wish I could explain to her why all 11 people were not coming home with us, but I suspect this will sink in some day.

Our itinerary went something like this: 2 nights in Paris, 4 nights in Nice, 6 days in Tuscany, 1 night in Rome and Venice, and then one night in Paris at the end of the trip. Our time spent in Nice this year was one of the best I can recall. We spent hours at the beach, loafing in the sun, carefully shading Sofia under blue umbrellas the entire day. I collected sea-glass while Dan and Max looked after Sofia, we took mini-naps, and we enjoyed a crisp Sancerre. After two days at the beach we were relaxed.





Our dinner in Rome was also memorable, but the walk back to our hotel, by the impromptu night concert and past the coliseum, will remain unforgettable.

The villa this year was the nicest one yet, with traditional interiors, beautiful grounds and a to-die-for pool. This is the first villa we’ve stayed in that actually had screens on the windows to keep the insects away and sprinklers for the lawn - both luxury items inTuscany. Our mini trips to Florence and Venice were fun and Sofia did very well on every mode of transport. I have tons of video so that someday many years from now Sofia will be able to enjoy her first Italy trip.

At the end of this trip I felt as if I had seen everything I wanted to see, ate as much food as my stomach would hold, and spent as much time as possible with the people I love most. This is why when that last day of vacation was upon us, I was pleased to be returning to the comfort of our home.

Sofia Hits Venice

Just hanging out by the gondolas

Trains in Departure

Trains in Departure
As I upload video after video I realize you may wonder why there are relatively few photos capturing our trip. I did have my D80 with me however if you’ve ever tried to carry a diaper bag, push a stroller and take pictures all at once I guess you would understand my dilemma. This clip shows us at the Florence train station waiting for our train to Venice. Our friends are hanging with Sofia while Max and Dan try desperately to avoid the camera. They were REALLY tired of me video tapping everything, hence Dan's scowl.

Pool Time

Sofia finally enjoyed her inflatable turtle at the pool in Italy. While hesitant in the beginning, by the end of the week she was kicking her legs and making small splashes in the water. Look out Dara Torres!

When in Rome

I wish I could say we got to Paris and Sofia immediately began gnawing on a baguette, but that isn’t the case. The bread gnawing began in Italy, with this very tasty bread stick. She is clearly enjoying herself.

Paris

We still have not downloaded all of our pictures from the trip. I would like to keep them chronological which means you may miss pictures here and there if you are only looking at the beginning of my blog. I will try to remember to link if I do a substantial add.

Books

Sofia loves her books. At two months old I would hold a board book in front of her and would slowly turn the pages. Sofia would first watch as my hand flipped each page, then she would look at the pictures. Now at nearly seven months, I barely get the book open before her arms start quivering and her little fingers start wiggling in anticipation. I went from holding the book while she watches, to just handing it to her. Each month Sofia has shown more and more excitement towards her budding book collection; she drools on them, chews on them, and just this month has started turning pages!

Apology

It is so hard to find the time to write.
I recall the first time I realized I was blog-dependant. I would look forward to Jamie’s new mom witticisms and weekly Clara updates. I checked religiously, hoping for a new picture, or a new, “Dear Clara” letter, but after a few days of checking, and then a few weeks, the same date (and of course same adorable picture of the little miss) appeared. A similar thing happened with Aidan’s blog. For months I saw only a picture of “Miniature Providence”. It was strange that, unbeknownst to them, I had somehow become addicted to this tiny window of life they afforded me. I thank them now, because I’m certain I didn’t then, for the smiles their blogs brought me.

I apologize to you, (like they did to me and others who expectantly read their blogs), because I have not prioritized my updates. So, if you regularly check my blog and crave pictures, I will try harder to deliver! I have SO much to share.

First, Sofia is now rolling over almost every time I put her on her play mat! It’s adorable. She rolls, and then looks around as if there are paparazzi everywhere waiting to take her picture. (Okay, just because I tell her to, “look at mama”, when I’m going to take her picture and she now thinks the camera is her “mama” and the person behind the camera is a magic food mill, is beside the point.)
Second, Sofia is ticklish! That’s right, I found a spot just under her arms. I feel like this knowledge is my secret weapon. I only tickle her when I’m REALLY craving an out-loud giggle.

Third, she is eating solid foods, not just boring rice cereal either. Sofia has tasted (in order): sweet potato, green beans, peas, avocado, and squash. She LOVES food.

I will try to be more regular with my updates, so many things are happening and I don’t want you to miss them!

xo,
Brandie

May 17

We went down to La Jolla for the YPO family weekend. My birthday was Saturday and I can't imagine a better way to start off my day than a walk on the beach. Sofia agrees. The morning sun was strong! That evening we all went to the Wild Animal Park and had dinner after hours in "Africa".

Six Months

Fearless Hunter

...of ants and other small intruders.

Sweet Potato

Sofia likes rice cereal, but does not like sweet potato.

Pretty Blue Dress

...and prettier blue eyes!

All Clean

Joy

Jennifer took some amazing pictures of us back in March, these are among my favorites. Truth be told I have about 15 favorites! She even did all of the special fixin' in Aperture, so all I had to do is select the ones I like to print or post. Thanks Jennifer!

DaDa

Dan was playing with Sofia this morning. He has a new game of “baby wrestling”, (think WWF) where he puts his hands around her belly and gently rolls her side-to-side and then squishes her into the bed - repeatedly. Sofia LOVES this. The anticipation makes her squeal. After a few minutes of play Dan had to finish getting ready for work, (he’s going to NYC today). As he left the room a very clear, “Da, Da, Da, Da” came bellowing out of Sofia’s mouth, followed by an inquisitive, "Da Da"? When Dan came back into the room, she repeated those delightful little sounds for him to hear. What a wonderful way to start the day!

Blah, Blah, Blah

Sofia started saying, “Blah, blah, blah” today, adding this to the many other sounds in her repertoire. A few times she even mixed in a, “ma, ma, ma”. It cracks me up to here the, “blah, blah, blah, ma, ma, ma”.

When she cried for me to pick her up the other day she threw in a, “ma, ma, ma”, which only means that I have earned the same status as, “ahhh, aiii, and waahh”, her other vocal accomplishments. Of course I tell myself that the most important thing is that she is discovering her consonant sounds.
: )

The other "big" thing that happened today is that Sofia watched her hand wave "bye bye". Note: she didn't actually wave bye-bye at me or anyone else, she just watched her hand as it made the bye-bye motion. She is also rolling her hands. To picture this, it is the motion you would make when singing the Pat-A-Cake song at the lyric, "rolllllll it".

She is still congested but in much better spirits than yesterday.

Under The Weather

Sofia isn't feeling tip top today. She is having nasal issues, which made for a restless night and has prevented her from eating comfortably. It was a rough night on me too; I think it was worse than when she was a new born! We were up every two hours on the dot. Read: wake at 1:00am, nurse and hold until 2:00am, try to put her down. Wake at 3:00am, repeat. I held her from 4am on. I think it is official; today she has her first real cold complete with fussy, no-sleep behavior. Needless to say, we have done a lot of cuddling.

Little Red Riding Molly, er um, Hood

..."But, Grandmother, what a big nose you have."
"All the better to smell with, my dear."

Progress

In no particular order: Sofia is on the brink of rolling over. This morning when Dan brought her in to our bedroom she rolled her hips all the way over, but her arm was trapped under her. Last night she slept on her side for the first time. Dan noticed today that Sofia pulls her toes away in anticipation of him grabbing them.
Yesterday while playing on her play gym, Sofia used one toy (the red mirror) to 'hit' the other toys. She also can throw her toys now, though I don't think she does it on purpose. When she throws her toys, she shows her disappointment that the toy is gone by screaming....instantly. She shows frustration this way as well.
By far, watching her relationship with Max develop is my favorite. Now that she responds to gestures and facial expressions, they enjoy riveting back and forth communication. Sofia will see Max. She will stare at him until he looks at her. Once he looks she smiles or giggles. Then because she has smiled, Max smiles. When she sees Max smile, she laughs. This makes Max laugh. Repeat.

Silly Accessories

I did it. I broke down and bought one of those damn headbands, an item that 10 months ago I swore I would never buy. It was as if I couldn’t help myself, kind of like when we’re at the Prada outlet each June. Remind me someday (like in 13 years) that on April 12 I surrendered, not to a higher power, but to the proverbial fashionista mentality.

The next time I’m having a weak moment I just know I’m going to end up with a tutu.

Quick, while no one is looking...

After dolling Sofia up in her darling headband, she realized the pressure to be a fashion king pin was too intense; a quick fix was needed. Sofia's latest addiction is sucking her toes. How many toes can she fit in her mouth you ask? So far just three, but I'm certain it won't be long before all five are covered in drool.


Caught red handed!

Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty...

Poor Corbu doesn't know what she's in for.

Happy to Be Home

Sofia shares a smile with me Tuesday morning. With her first international trip now complete, I think it's safe to say that this little girl was born to travel...wow, did I get lucky or what?!

Tender Ride

After spending five nights on the boat, we are headed home. Max watches as our floating hotel disappears in the distance.

The Kids

On our last day in Mazatlan.
Sofia: 2'-3"
Max: 5'-9"
How did Max get so tall so fast? Just think, next year at this time he'll be driving! (I'll let you know when so you can stay home that day.)

Outside of Puerto Vallarta

On our first night in Mexico we took the boat South and anchored in a little cove outside of Puerta Vallerta. You can barely make out the Palapas in the background. Sofia is wearing her hula girl dress!