What can I say? I'm trying to win some stuff...

Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)

The Husband and I both loved "wearing" Sophia when she was a baby. Each of us had a sling style carrier, and we had it with us at all times. Sophia would instantly calm down and sleep when slung (which is how I got to go to the grocery store, or run the vaccuum). This contest will give me a free entry in the drawing if I put their link on my blog. So there you go. Can you blame me?? Look at those carriers- they are niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice.

Mah Beh Beh is sooooo smart! And a confession, of sorts

Most people who read this blog know that I have a lengthy work history in retail. Part of that time was spent in children's retail. As a result, I've had the opportunity to see how lots of different people act with their kids. I'm no expert, and I've certainly not taken any child development courses at community college or anything, but, having come from a big family and being around alot of kids, I've managed to form some impressions.

And I think my kid is pretty smart.

Now, I know, I know- EVERYONE THINKS THEIR KID IS SMART. Everyone. And it doesn't matter what their kid is or is not doing, their kid is a genius. (insert eye roll here)

But now I have confirmation that mah beh beh is smart. The pediatrician said so! Professional confirmation even! Sophia had her 15 month check up and the dr. asked about her verbal skills. I guess at 15 mos, they only expect kids to say "mama", "dada" and a few other words. The Husband and I explained that Sophia can say about a dozen words, and proceeded to list them (animal sounds did not make this list, although, I feel that they deserve to). Mr. Pediatrician was VERY impressed and said that Sophia was "advanced" verbally. Oh such the proud mommy moment for me. Mah beh beh is soooooooooooooooooooo smart!!! I bragged aloud to myself all weekend.

One other big thing has been brewing in our little family. My belly. I've told lots of people personally, but it hasn't made the blog yet. "Neveu baby" is about to become "Neveu babies." Sophia is going to be a big sister this November. We find out what we're having next month. Part of me is still in shock that The Husband and I are about to be blessed with another child. Considering the exhaustion and aches and pains I've been experiencing, I should be in full blown acceptance by now. But we're both very excited. Sophia still doesn't "know" yet....and I'm not sure when to tell her. I suppose she'll be told when I think she'll understand. But not yet.

The difference a year makes

There has been lots going on in our house. Sophia has gotten all four of her molars in the last 6 weeks or so. The last one cropped in just 2 days ago. Overall, it was uncomfortable, but she didn't seem too distressed.

Sophia is fully mobile now. She runs (not walks, runs) forwards, can walk backwards, sideways and spins in circles. She will not do much of this on command.

If degrees were given in the art of saying "No", my child would be a candidate for a masters degree by now. She says no, and says it clearly and in the correct context. She does not, ever, say yes. Sometimes, she will shake her head, but I think that is unintentional right now.

Sophia's verbal skills are definitely progressing. She can pick out certain objects in her books (the dog, cat, bear, lamb, horse) and can tell you what sound they make. Her favorite animal right now is the doggie, which, so you know, goes "oof, oof." She can say "please" (if you make her say it) and we're working on "thank you."

I've been a little reflective lately on how much Sophia has changed in the past year, how far she has come. So, for your viewing enjoyment, I bring you where we were last June:





Sophie now has about 10 lbs on Chloe. The swing had to be put away awhile ago, because Sophie was too big and heavy for it. I miss the swing sometimes.

The baby food had to be given away, and the last can of formula was purchased three months ago. Sophia will eat whatever table food that she is allowed and/or she can get her hands on (as you've probably guessed, these are sometimes two different things). She drinks out of a sippy cup and a straw like a big girl. She loves fresh berries, bread, pasta and green beans. She's still the happiest, most pleasant child ever (when she's not screaming in indignant frustration at the cruelty and unfairness that surround her).

Then and now:






My baby is getting so big! But she will always, always be my baby.

Help Mommy Get her Drink On

So.....Sophia is going thru this stage (which I sort of hate) where she pulls all the books off the shelves. This may not sound like a terrible thing, but I have several bookshelves, all stocked with books I LIKE. And you know what Sophia likes? Ripping pages out of said books. So this really isn't a good thing.

But, trying to encourage my child's curiosity about books, I'm trying to "compromise" and let her pull out certain books. Mostly, she gets to tear apart old Zagat guides. Personally, I find it funny that Sophia has "her own" Zagat guide. My kid, the future restaurant critic.

But she pulled a different book down the other day, and it made me laugh and laugh. So this is for Deana....this is SO MAH child.


OH Sophie, you got a new book?

That's right, my kid pulled down the bartending guide. Just remember that Mommy likes three olives in her martini.

Easter 2008

yes, yes, I'm very tardy. But I'm working on it, I swear. This week, I'm really going to work on it. There's alot to report...so I better.

I should mention that there is a joke in here for my brothers. I hope they get it/remember.

The latests stats

Sophia had her 1 year pediatrician visit last Friday. She is 29 and1/4 inches tall, 21 lbs. That puts her smack dab in the middle- not too big, not too small.

During the visit, Sophia impressed everyone by walking into the exam room herself- everyone smiled at her. Being wary of strangers and not quite sure of what was going on, Sophia did not return any of the smiles.

Sadly, Sophia got 2 shots. One in the leg and one in her arm. That was awful. You know its bad when the nurse tells you to hold your child tight and restrain her arms and legs- this one's going to hurt. (um, the medical field NEVER admits that something's going to hurt...I thought that was the rule...) So, Sophie cried and cried, but then it was over. She cried again when I took the band-aids off that night.

Then, the real fun began- vaccine fevers! Whoo hoo! I'm sure people thought The Husband and I were crazy- touching Sophie's head, her arms, her neck...putting our lips on her head to see how hot she was. We couldn't leave that poor kid alone. It took a looong time (and a call to the afterhours dr. service) to get the fever down. Plus, I think it made Sophie a little funky- she really didn't want to eat all weekend and she didn't sleep well. The Husband and I are sort of zombies today. Coffee is my friend.....hmmmmmm delicious coffeeeeeeeee.....

But other than that, Sophia is good. I will post pictures from Easter in the next few days. Mah beh-beh had the cutest little easter dress on...and then she had the most fun ever later that day. Wait till you see.

Big steps, little steps

Sophia is walking more and more on her own. It just feels like it happened overnight. I feel like it was yesterday that I was wondering if she was EVER going to roll over on her back or on to her tummy. Now, I'm waiting for her to walk out of the house on her own.

Pictures from Sophia's Birthday Party

Happy First Birthday

yes, I'm 9 days late, but I just took all the pictures off of my camera.

Last Monday was Sophia's first birthday. To tell the truth, we didn't do anything that day to celebrate (other than dress her in a "birthday princess" shirt). Why? Well, it was Monday, and she's one and didn't care.

But last Saturday, we threw Baby's First Birthday Bash with the PRETTIEST invitations you ever saw and coordinating plates and napkins and all that girly stuff. (True story: I couldn't find pink forks. Pink spoons and knives- yes. But no forks. The Husband says: Do you really need pink forks? Me: OF. COURSE.)

I will post more pictures tonight, a collage of all the party fun. But here's an indication of how much fun Sophia had:

Oh yeah, good times.
She eventually cheered up and enjoyed her paaaar-tay.