Happy Mother's Day

Mommy got a new lens!
Mommy likes!

Hats, Sunglasses and Scarves, Oh My!

Sofia is just now becoming comfortable with her accessories. She will put on a hat, sunglasses and scarf when she feels like it. And, I can never predict these times, they just happen.
Not only is Sofia forming an opinion about what she likes, she is also finding ways to express how she thinks I should look. Last week I was getting ready to go to the store and she grabbed my bandana, which I wear when I go to the gym. She stood in front of me and held it up, firmly stating, “Gym!” It is quite possible she just wanted me to take her to the gym so she could play, but maybe, just maybe, she really didn’t like my hair and wanted me to cover it up before embarrassing her in public. Could it possibly start this early?

Abma's Family Farm

This is one of those images that will make me cry one day: my grandparents showing Sofia the ropes at Abma's farm. Just like they did with Aidan and Ross and just like they did with me.

The very first thing you do when you get to Abma's farm is feed the already to pudgy rabbits. You then trek up the hill to visit the fancy birds, goats, lamas ponies, piglets and chicks. When I was young the goats roamed free and Abma's didn't have the ponies or piglets. A mere year ago they had lamas, (and anyone close to us knows how Dan feels about the lamas). But, they too are now gone. These are minor changes to the big picture. For me, visiting Abma's still feels the same; Grandpa holds my arm and we laugh at how quickly those bunny rabbits pull the greens through their cage. We reminisce about the old, mean goat who attacked me and of course, we relive every step of Dan's lama run-in. There is a special place in my heart for this place, I'm so glad I can share it with Sofia.

Here pig, pig, pig...

Maybe those of you out there who have dealt with this can weigh in...as kids are growing up and we teach them about animals, what is the best way to communicate that this sweet, little, piglet is actually your breakfast? Or how about the confusing notion that the chicken with colorful feathers and a beak who says "cock-a doodle-doo" is the same chicken sitting on your plate, featherless and white? Do children question this? If so, when? What is the delicate way to tell them we eat everything on Old MacDonald's farm? (OKay, not everything!) Maybe it's time to consider a change in diet?

Child Prodigy

What more is there to say...don't we ALL think our kids are the amazing?!

Happy Easter

Our friend Gianni hosted an Easter egg hunt for all of the mom's group toddlers, it was so much fun to watch the kids try to figure out what to do. Dan and I couldn't help but to laugh when we realized Sofia had spent the first 20 minutes of the party sitting by herself, in this tiny little chair, overlooking the crowd. I had encouraged her to play in the yard below the deck with the other children, but she really didn't want anything to do with them, she wanted to explore and watch from afar. Hmm, like father like daughter? Sofia collected 6 eggs and then was distracted by the toys.

Giggling

Is there anything better on the planet than a giggle which explodes into a hearty 17 month old laugh?

Walking

When does allowance start?
Sofia insisted on holding Molly's leash this morning, it was so cute!

Shot Day

At the doctor's office today you found a Barbie to help make your visit more manageable. Dr. Roberts was so sweet, first she examined Barbie's eyes, then yours, then she listened to Barbie's heart, then yours and finally she looked in Barbie's ears, and then yours. You were so still and patient for the entire appointment, Dr Roberts said you were the best 16 month old check up she had ever had. You cried when you were vaccinated, those needles hurt! and then you, Barbie and I went out to the front desk where you were urged to take Barbie with you because she needed a good home. By the time I had you buckled into your car seat you had torn the band-aids from your own legs and stuck them on Barbie. How could I have missed that Barbie had shots too and OF COURSE needed band-aids?!

Dear Sofia,
I took you in for your 15-month check up today, a few colds prevented us from going in earlier than now, but never fear you are on schedule and are fully vaccinated. You weigh 23lbs and are 31.5 inches tall. You are still in the 75th percentile for height and you’ve pulled your numbers for weight WAY up and are now in the 50th percentile. WAY TO GO!

Thankfully you really do like a variety of foods. Our routine for breakfast has been, a bowl of cereal, a piece of fruit, and then something warm like a few bites of eggs, pancakes or French toast with butter, not syrup. Speaking of syrup, I had an interesting conversation with Renee about sugar the other day. I believe that parents enable their children’s desire for sugar. For example, YOU LOVE your French toast and pancakes plain. If I were to put syrup on your French toast of course you would like that too, but is that the healthiest choice for you right now at the age 1 year 4 months? No. Would you like ice cream right now, of course, would you eat cookies…sure. I guess the bottom line is that I’m trying to give your taste buds a chance before you decide that foods have to have sugar on them to taste delicious. Our foods are already loaded with so much added sugar and high-fructose corn syrup that for me to give you “extra” seems like overload. I also have to say that being conscious of this for you has made me more conscious of food choices for myself. Thank you! You have a mid-morning snack consisting of yogurt or a cheese sandwich and then you have lunch around 12:00pm. For lunches and dinners you love carrots, peas, your dad’s meatloaf, chicken, turkey, and pasta with red sauce. You are drinking 8-10 ounces of milk everyday, along with water and sometimes apple juice.

Everyone always asks about your words. There are days when you come barreling into the bedroom with a fervent and insistent chatter which makes your dad and I laugh and there are other days when you seem much more observant and quiet. I love watching you think through a problem. I also love when you come bobbling over, grab my hand, and pull me to see or fix what you are working on. At this stage you like to stack blocks with me and you ask for help when you would like to straighten your dolly’s blanket so she can lay down, each day brings a new moment to cherish. I like being able to help you and as silly as this sounds, I like that you want my help. I know the day will come where it is the other way around. Until then and always after my sweet, little cherub, you have my undivided attention.

Dada
All done
Dit dat = Kitty cat
Mama
Maah = Max
Mol mol = Molly
Bebe
Up
Down
Thank you
Where’d it…(always said with the gesture: open hands, palm facing up, elbows bent and tucked at sides)
Where’s dada?
Whoa
Wow
Truck
Moo
Meow
Aaooooooooo (molly howling)
Ho ho ho (when asked what Santa Claus says)
Bye-bye

You are doing so many new things it is hard to keep track of them all. I think Max is most impressed that you will turn the light on for him when he asks, and I love that you gladly pull a book off the shelf for us to read or throw your diaper away when I ask you to. You understand that we put shoes on to go outside and you are an excellent companion for morning walks with Molly. The little dog across the street will see us go for a walk and you will stop to wave at him. It goes without saying that you love catching people’s attention by waving hello, especially in the grocery store. As soon as people see you they say how beautiful you are (they instant remark on your eyes) and then they tell me you are the most friendly and social baby they’ve met.

You are just a dream, one that could go on forever. I love spending each day with you because you make me smile and you fill my heart.

With love,
Mama

Next We'll Play Dress Up!!

Sofia has decided that Molly is her BFF. The enthusiasm in Molly's expression really sums it all up.

Today, maybe because Dan is traveling, maybe because Max isn't home, maybe because we didn't have a play date, or we didn't hit the gym or maybe because Sofia is fast realizing that Molly has a greater level of tolerance than that of an Irishman on St. Patrick's Day...today Molly let Sofia dress her up in scarves, put a necklace on her nose and then as if that wasn't enough, made her play Barbie. All I could do was sit by Molly's side and run interference. I wish I could say, no egos were hurt during the capturing of these moments, but I'm afraid (judging by Molly's expressions) it's too late.

Guilty

Like the game Clue, it's always hard to determine, "who did it"? Did Molly put her nose up on Sofia's tray? Did Sofia throw pasta at Molly? The strange case of mysterious food bits appearing on Molly's nose continues...

Hi Mommy

Sofia seems so big to me these days. Her personality is changing, she has 16 teeth, her hair is past her shoulders (when wet), her feet are growing out of her size 4.5 shoes, and each day she seems to say something new. Today she "clucked" like a chicken. While not the most perspicacious sound to emanate from her lips (I recall her saying blackberry last week or buttercup yesterday) today, when asked what the chicken says she replied, "Cluck, cluck, cluck", and it made me smile.

Hugs

Sofia gives the best hugs; Molly's expression doesn't necessarily support my statement.

Sweeter than chocolate...

I had the best day with Sofia yesterday. It was one of those magical days where she ate well, took her nap on time, was happy and laughing upon waking from her nap, had fun with her friend Evan, played well at the gym and then fell asleep promptly after reading two stories. She slept until 7am. Now, if only I had gone to bed earlier than midnight…when will I learn?

Max and Sofia

I scheduled a facial and asked Dan if he would watch Sofia, I was so excited when he happily agreed. So, let me break it down, Dan and Max watched Sofia, and Max and Sofia watched TV.
Oh don't worry, I'm sure it was educational. lol.

Time

As I laid Sofia down for sleep tonight I was struck with that familiar feeling, the one that pulls at my heart and causes tears to fill my eyes and roll down my cheeks. It’s the heart-whole feeling of unconditional love that causes me to feel complete anguish over the persistent threat of Time. I have taken it for granted again and this is Times way of rearing its persistent, ugly head and in one fell swoop taking little Sofia and forcing her into toddlerhood.

How did it happen? How did she get so big? How did she grow so quickly…just yesterday she was the size of a raspberry and now she is nearing 32” long. She signs and talks, she will get books off her shelf for me to read, she places her diapers in the diaper pail, she opens and closes anything with a lid or hinge, she stuffs empty bags full of random objects (like when I found one of her shoes in my insulated lunch bag), she holds my hand, she runs, she gets undressed (partially), she completes my sentences (stay with me here):
Brandie: “where is…”
Sofia: “….Dada?”
Brandie: “Do you want…”
Sofia: “…Dada?”

She is quite simply…amazing.

Soccer

Sofia has gone with me to all of Max's soccer games. She loves running on the sidelines, chasing the soccer ball, and finding others to play with (even if they are triple her size).

Howdy Partner

Sofia had so much fun playing with Delaney at the park, they hurried as fast as they could to slide down the slide and they crawled through the tunnel with such ease. Sofia loved playing with all of Delaney and Carter's toys and they did a fantastic job of sharing them! As always, we had a great visit with Renee and Collin, they are the most gracious hosts and spending time with them makes me happy. Renee and I have been friends since the 7th grade, so watching our little girls get to know each other is truly very special.



Phew, tunneling and sliding is hard work!

Puppy Love

Sofia Loves Molly.
Sofia actually loves all furry creatures, but Molly is truly exceptionable. She is the only animal in the house Sofia can lay her head on, wrap her arms around, sit on, chase, play ball with, and of course the only one who will let Sofia grab her hair, though this action always warrants a stern, “be gentle to Molly!”.

I have met more dogs than people this month because Sofia will spot a dog 50 feet away and will begin running…and running…and running. She doesn’t look back. Cue “Chariots of Fire”…cue happy, slobbering dog 50 feet away…cue anxious mom running after baby when she realizes baby is not looking back and has no intensions of stopping. This is my life at least once week when we’re hangin’ on the bluffs with Jennifer and Evan.

Me – “what a cute dog, is she friendly?”
Dog Owner – “Yes, she’s friendly, she loves kids.”
Me – “Sofia be gentle with the doggy.”
Dog Owner - Silent
Me – “Oh how nice, Sofia you’re going to hug the doggy?”
Dog Owner - Silent
Me – “Sofia do you love her?”
Dog Owner - Silent
Me – “Say good-bye to the doggie.”
Dog Owner - Silent
Sofia – Waves, blows a kiss

LOL

Funny mommy!

A new bike seat...

I have been looking at bike seats for months now and I finally decided on the Copilot limo for Sofia. Dan installed the seat for us and we went for our first test ride. I was huffing and puffing up our tiny, little, hill...the little bit of jogging Sofia and I do has not prepared my sad, unexercised muscles to navigate an extra 20 pound babe up and down the hills on Sunset. I can't wait to give a full go!

Babys got a brand new bag...

A small pink bag with sequined ballet slippers on it adorns Sofia's shoulder at some point each day. This new fascination began when she started draping socks around her neck, then belts, then a pair of pants, then she found a set of carnival beads and it was all over. Now anytime Sofia sees a string of beads she points and whines until she has it around her neck. This quickly turned into her placing bag straps around her neck and now finally she puts them on her shoulder...until they fall off, then she puts them back around her neck. I was worried at first...um, a baby with anything around her neck just seems bad, but we watch her closely and so far no accidents. The cutest part is really seeing what she decides to place in her bag each day. She will take one or two things out and replace them with new things, today she took out a pair of socks and replaced them with an orange ping pong ball.

Merry Christmas!

We have had one broken ornament this year, last year, due to our mischievous cat, we lost three. Fortunately, this year's sacrifice was a durable, hallmark, Eeyore ornament, without which I think I would have lost five separate ornaments. The first time Sofia dropped the ornament Eeyore lost an ear. The second time, piglet suffered the loss of his ear. The third time, Eeyore lost his antlers and the last time, Eeyore lost his front leg. The injuries were minor and from a distance you couldn't tell that this lovable character was worse for wear. SO, each time Sofia took the ornament off the tree and would drop it, I would have her put it back. (A form of "clean up" perhaps?) Poor Eeyore...but he did save all of the other ornaments, and for that we are grateful!

Pondering

Sofia has a myriad of expressions but this one we see most frequently. This look usually happens when we ask her, "where is" something. She ponders for a minute, she'll look around, and she'll gesture with both palms up as if to say, "where is it, where did it go?".

Cool Day at the Park

We went to the park to celebrate Evan's first birthday. It was a bit cooler than normal but that gave me the perfect reason to bundle Sofia up in her new green hat and fleece jacket. The jacket we had purchased for our NY trip but the hat was a happy find just days before in a shop on Abbott Kinney. Surprisingly, Sofia wore her new hat the entire day.

Swing

We saw JinAh and Jonah last week and revisited the park where Sofia had her first infant swing ride. It is amazing to me that she has grown so much. I still think of her as teeny tiny, even though she is over 30" long!
This week I have really noticed Sofia changing, her hair seems longer, her sounds and babbling are evolving, she even has new expressions. She is trying to say words, first attempts at Thank you have been noticed. Her feet are officially out of size 3 shoes, and she is too long for the 9-18 month pajamas. She took 11 steps at Max's soccer game last week and practices a few steps all on her own each day. She loves to stand in the middle of the room and then sit, and then stand, and then sit...she will lift a size 5 soccer ball and she even tries to stand up with Dan's basketball.

Audrey's Ride

Sofia really enjoys being pulled in the wagon.

Le Artist

And so it begins!

Change is in the air...

...and represented here on a random window in Soho.

Little Italy

We wandered over to little Italy for Lombardi's pizza, which just so happens to be right across the street from Rice to Riches (my new favorite rice pudding place). Sofia enjoyed a few bites of pizza crust!

Pastis

A trip to NY would not be a trip to NY if we didn't go to Pastis at least once. This trip we went to Pastis and Balthazar, actually we went to Balthazar twice! The french onion soup is to dye for and the recipe can actually be found in the Balthazar cookbook. The key ingredient is a good port wine...oh, and lots and LOTS of Gruyere cheese!

http://www.amazon.com/Balthazar-Cookbook-Keith-Mcnally/dp/1400046351/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228506029&sr=8-1

NY, NY

Sofia takes in the view. Our room in SOHO looked to the Empire State building...which I still have yet to visit.

Say it ain't so....

The time is nearing when I will be able to stop counting Sofia’s birthday in months and will begin to use years. 1 year to be exact. This day is 29 hours and 15 minutes away. Again, I’m in tears. Where has this year gone? Why are the most special moments over so quickly? I would still go back to day one and would do it all over again. (Does anyone ever say they wouldn’t?)

Sofia, you are surrounded by so much love and adoration, I hope you will read this one day and know how many people you have made happy just by being born!

Some things haven’t changed; I’m still in awe by all you can do. This month has been a fun month because you have started standing on your own. You also will go from a sitting position to a standing one without holding onto anything at all. Other noteworthy accomplishments include: playing in your crib when you wake up, cleaning up your toys – sometimes, eating anything and everything I give you – with the exception of what you feed Molly, hugging all stuffed and live animals which come into your reach, hugging your playmates at mom’s group, playing, “catch me if you can” with Evan, waving goodnight to mommy when in dada’s arms…as if I am going to bed and you are not, saying ooowwwww (the beginning of owie or ouch) while holding your hand over your temple as if you’ve bumped your head, you can sort shapes, you turn the pages of your books very quickly, you still love the same three books I read to you when you were three months old, (The Hungry Caterpillar, Counting with Wayne Thiebaud Counting, and Peek-a-boo Puppy), you crawl after the cat hysterically laughing at her the whole time, you stand up using Molly for support and as she walks you walk with her, and you giggle non-stop when your dada tries to “eat your toes”.

I think I will be too distracted celebrating your one-year birthday with you to actually write on Friday but hopefully I will post pictures so everyone can feel like they are celebrating too. That said, I know I will be wearing black that day.

Ssshh

Marilyn is one of the women who we call to baby-sit for us when we go out. Last week she taught Sofia how to say, "Sshhh", to Molly. Molly has a very loud, and often frightening, bark. Sofia sticks her finger in her mouth and blows air out, ostensibly making a “sshhh-like” sound. Yes, we are proud.

This picture was taken by Steven, Evan's dad, while we were all at Infusion Cafe, our favorite boba hangout. Sofia is sitting on Jennifer's lap.

HOPE

Sofia took her first three steps all by herself today. We were watching the polls at Dan’s office. Perhaps it was all of the excitement at the promise that lies ahead, or maybe she is just developmentally ready, regardless, she said, “Yes I CAN”!

Decisions, Decisions....

I love these little animals. This love started when Michael and Kellie gave Sofia the stuffed animal "Giraffe" at my baby shower. I had never felt a stuffed animal this soft. I soon realized that Giraffe had lots of buddies. Next came Pig, and now Cow and Lion. Sofia will still grab her stuffed animals and squeeze them as hard as she can. The most difficult part, once I've handed her two animals, is wrongly assuming she will let her least favorite go. It is almost, but not quite, as impossible as getting my iphone out of her hands once she has a hold of it.

Mmm, yogurt

This is what happened when I turned my head for a second the other day while Sofia was taking a beat. I turned my head for two seconds and when I turned back to give her another bite she had her fist swirling around inside the yogurt container. Yogurt was already all over her face. How do they get so messy so quickly?

Hello?

Almost as soon as Pam and Gary arrived Sofia started pretending to talk on the phone. You tell me, Coincidence? LOL Love ya Pam! It is really cute, Sofia grabs the phone and holds it to her ear and says, "hi". I think at some point all children do this, but the first time it happens is worth mentioning.

We have Dan's older brother Gary and his wife Pam in town this week. It has been wonderful having them. Dan was traveling for four of the days and it was so nice to have company here while he was gone. I have gotten used to "going it alone" as Dan has been out of the country more this year than he has been home. Though, I still have no right to complain, it could be so much worse. Anyway, consider this an official invite to all...next time Dan's away you are welcome to come and stay with us!

Pigtails

I have recently noticed the abundance of pictures I post of Sofia sitting in her high chair. If you ever wonder why, my best excuse is, that this is the one spot where she sits still. My second excuse is that I have been forgetting my real camera a lot these days.

Guess What We Did Today?

Pumpkin Patch

Today Sofia played with straw,


"borrowed" Evan's pumpkin,


tried to eat a pumpkin,


checked out James' teeth,


and stood on a wagon with all of her friends!

Sofia and Clara have a playdate

Sofia loved visiting 2 year old Clara's house today. She experienced a "big girl's" room first hand. She also saw her first baby doll, (undoubtedly one of Clara's favorite toys). If Sofia would have had a second alone with Clara's doll I'm certain it would be covered in drool and likely missing parts. Who would've thought that rubbery, doll limbs could cure teething pain.

France

I have a few pictures to upload from our trip to Poitier, France. As always I wish I had more time to "document" our adventures, but the following pictures will have to do.




Since our visit to France, Sofia has fallen madly in love with...bread. Any and all kinds of bread. In France her favorite seemed to be the hard "biscuits" which were served with our pate, but here at home any old wheat bread will do. (Sofia has even taken a fancy to pizza crust. Her hands open and close wildly as if to say, "gimme, gimme, gimme".)


We walked the grounds of the chateau each day and explored the old church next door. One of the days we even ventured out to the cemetery. We relaxed in the kitchen and talked to Patty and Erin whilst they busily prepared our next meals. We would pop in on Dan and his crew to see how their designs were coming along, but for the most part we stayed out of their hair.







While Sofia took naps and I would walk to the garden to see if I could find new flowers blooming. I have been testing my floral photography skills for my mom who has found a love for painting flowers.





This was a very relaxing and peaceful trip, it was exactly as I had imagined.