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!

Sunscreen

After asking my dermatologist, and my pediatrician, about sunscreen for little Sofia, I received conflicting opinions. My dermatologist said, no sunscreen for babies less than 6 months; keep them covered. My pediatrician said, if you have to be in the sun, a small amount of sunscreen is better than no sunscreen.

After a bit of research based on recommendations from friends and their sources, various news reports, the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetic Safety Database (EWG), my favorite baby sites, and of course the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), I found that if you are going to use sunscreen you should use one made only of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on top of the skin instead of soaking in. (Hence that white "glow" which stays behind after application.) In my opinion, the sunblocks listed below seem the least harmful.

Badger All Natural SPF 30 Sunblock
UV Natural Baby SPF30+ Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
California Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen

Commen Sense:
Many sources recommend that we keep our children in lightweight, long sleeved, pants and shirts while they are in the sun. They also recommend a large brimmed hat, see photo above. For what NOT to dress your baby in, see below.

Note: I also found this recommendation, “Be careful not to put lotion around baby’s eyes, and keep the lotion away from her hands, since they may end up in her mouth”. Gee, thanks. First of all, who wouldn’t keep the lotion away from their baby’s hands? Second, my baby puts everything in her mouth! (Again, see above.)



Ps. You won't find Sofia in a bikini this summer, she will be covered up!

Good Morning Sofia

Sofia wakes anywhere between 5:30am and 6:30am, I walk into her room and she greets me with a big smile. I scoop her up, change her diaper, and take her into our room where she lays between Dan and I for ten or fifteen minutes. She spends the time looking back and forth, Dan makes funny faces and Sofia gives a big smile or laughs. Eventually her fist goes into her mouth - and we know it's time for breakfast.

Just Like Class Pictures

There were a lot of moms at our meeting on Monday, it's always fun to meet new people.

What Mommies Do

Mommies are amazing people, but even MORE amazing are these little ones. Each thriving and at the very beginning of life; they are dealing with our ups and downs, hanging on our every word (or coo as the case may be), and at our beck and call… really, do they have a choice? And with all this power, what do we mommies do? We circle them up and photograph them because we realize that this may be one of the last times they are all actually in one place.

To Sofia's left is darling Evan, our long-time friend and playmate. You may recall Evan from our previous post "sleepdate" where we went to Pinkberry. On Sofia's right is Ben, he is a new friend and we hope to see him again.

VROOM

Max is hoping his first car is this cool!

Furry Creature Curiosity

Over the last week Sofia has become very aware of our cat Corbu. Sofia will watch Corbu as she walks by and if we are on the sofa or bed, and Corbu jumps up to visit us, she immediately receives Sofia’s attention. Today as Sofia was studying her feet, Corbu walked by and startled her. As worried as Sofia looked, somehow I’m certain that Corbu’s anxiety was ten times greater.

Four Months

When will I stop saying, "I can't believe..."? I can't believe Sofia is going to be four months old on Friday. I still wish she would stay small, I still wish I could hear her newborn cry, I still wish she would fall asleep comfortably on my chest.

How can I possibly miss her when I spend everyday with her? Does this make ANY sense? Right now for example, I am down in our studio blogging. The baby monitor is on and Sofia is sleeping soundly in her room. YET, I am practically in tears thinking that she is just growing up too quickly. Right this very second, I am fighting the urge to run upstairs and pick her up. (I held her almost ALL day today because her teeth are bothering her.)

The picture is from today...just in case I don't get to take one on Friday.

Goooooaaaallllllll

Max is playing all-star soccer this year, (this is an invite only extension to the regular soccer season he completed in November). Somehow I dragged myself up before the crack of dawn and drove us down to Long Beach, (it was dark when we got up).
Max played really well; he had a great assist and also scored a goal. (He had a hat-trick last game!) And...check out this header!

Swing

Dear Sofia,
You are 14 weeks old and we’ve had a big week together. You rolled over twice on Thursday, we took you to a delicious dinner at Pepolino on Friday and on Saturday you discovered your toes. You continue to use your fingers to pick up your toys and one toy (the one with the red nose) makes you so excited you uncontrollably flail your legs and arms when we dangle it over your head. You enjoy playing on your playmat, the orange monkey is your favorite, and you have discovered the pinwheel.
As my official co-pilot, you and I have already experienced so much together. I am thankful for each moment with you. Not only have we visited New York and Colorado, but we have enjoyed art shows and galleries with papa, we’ve gone out for numerous lunches and dinners, we’ve taken yoga together at Yo Mama Yoga, we’ve walked to the beach, we have spent many wonderful afternoons with Jennifer & Evan and Jin Ah & Jonah, we’ve made new mom’s group friends, we’ve shopped, we’ve seen movies and of course we’ve cheered Max on while he played soccer and basketball. Those times have all been memorable but my most favorite thing to do is sit with you at home where we read your board books, look at the alphabet flash cards, experience tummy time, stare at the kitty cat, or sit quietly with one another until you fall asleep.
If the last three months are any indication of the future, we are in for the best time of our lives.

I love you,
Mommy

New Toy

This is easy to grab and really easy to chew on...Thanks Jin Ah!

Jonah and Sofia

The weather was beautiful today and I decided to get out a Spring outfit for Sofia to wear. I have been saving this one because the size says 3 - 6 months. I could barely button the two little buttons on the back of her shirt! This particular outfit runs small because her other 3 - 6 month clothing fits comfortably. Her little bloomers have the cutest ruffles all over the butt...I neglected to take a picture.

Our very own "Happy Feet"!

Notice that Sofia is dressed all in black! Hmm, who does that remind you of?

Contemplating Bloomers

Sofia was so very sweet today. Actually, she is sweet everyday but today she was an angel.

It seems we have entered the, "everything I touch will be placed in my mouth" phase. Sofia is now fully able to pick up her toys, or teething devices as the case may be, and place them in her mouth. See below.

Cubby Bear

Sofia and I went out tonight to Mike and Mav's house. Sofia slept for two hours while I enjoyed catching up with friends. Sofia wore her Cubby jacket for the special occasion.

Happy Three Month Birthday Sofia!

This little girl captures my heart every time I look at her...she is just magical. She is holding things in her hands now and can grab her toys and put them near (sometimes in) her mouth. She occasionally falls asleep on her own and she is sleeping between 5 and 7 hours at night. We read about "bright baby colors", "things that go", the moon, Carl the dog and polar bears.
Sofia is starting to focus on Molly (little does she know that Molly will soon be her VERY best friend) and she was staring at Corbu today.

Meet Boo Bunny

Boo Bunny has a cold tummy so when Sofia gets a "boo" she can place boo bunny's cold tummy on her boo to "make it all better".