Taken at home on January 3, 2008, walking with the assistance of the gift received from her godmother, Deana
Follow our adventure raising Sophia from baby, to sassy young thing.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The pony, snow, and leaving Chicago
This post should sum up the end of the trip and 2007.
Not surprisingly, my mom bought Sophia a TON of presents. She was definitely the person most excited about Sophia's first Christmas. She bought Sophia so much stuff- --that I only bought mah child 2 presents. I figured- the kid doesn't need anything else.
But there one was present that my mother was besides herself with excitment over. Months before Christmas, my mother came across a pony at a store. It's a rocking pony that sort of looks like a shetland. It "neighs" and has a real looking saddle and shakes its tail and everything. My mother was so entertained when she found it, she called me up to tell me about it- but she was laughing so hard that I couldn't understand a word she was saying. She was so excited about giving Sophia this pony, she started asking on the 23rd- can we give her the pony now? How about now? Can we show her the pony yet? Now? Howaboutnow?
OK! Let's give her the pony!
Sophia's reaction was pretty funny. At first, she didn't want much to do with this thing. But she warmed up to it pretty quick.
Sophia is not really enthused about the pony.
Forget this pony business, where's my singing snowman?
Hey! I like this thing !
As most people who read this blog know- Christmas in Chicago usually means freezing cold temperatures and snow. In preparation for this, I found Sophia the cutest pink snowsuit and I was completely excited at the thought of her wearing it. Growing up in the midwest means pictures of babies eating snow....pictures of babies next to snowmen...pictures of babies trying to make snow angles....the thoughts of all the adorable pictures I was going to take of mah beh-beh in the worlds cutest pink snowsuit was just making me drunk with anticipation.
Right about a week before we're all set to go to Chicago, it gets dumped on with snow. It's so bad that my mom is all worried the snow will continue and somehow ruin my trip. Fortunately...that was not the case. Unfortunately, it REALLY wasn't the case.
After getting over a foot of snow, Chicago experienced a slow, but steady warm up that melted nearly all the snow. Mind you, I said "nearly"- not all. This is what was left in my mother's front yard.
How completely lame. It was so warm, The Husband and I were outside taking these pictures and we had no coats or hats on. I think it was 45 degrees or something. But I was getting my pictures with my baby in that snowsuit, and I didn't care how lame the snow was ( I did, however, tell the husband that day to "hurry up before snow melts." How sad.)
Ironies of ironies, our trip ended with it snowing in Chicago. The flight was fine, early- but fine. Sophia did really well on the plane again. The Husband and I were exhaused by the time we got back to San Diego.
Snow outside the window
Sophia is not concerned at all about the snow
New Year's Eve was spent at home with just me, The Husband and Sophia. I think it was the first time since high school that I didn't go out and celebrate. But the celebration with just The Husband seemed a fitting way to close out 2007. It was a big year for us, and that's saying alot when you consider how many years we've known each other. But there was no one else in the world I wanted to say "happy new year" to when I crawled into bed (at 11pm- how completely lame!)
I look forward to all 2008 holds for us.
Not surprisingly, my mom bought Sophia a TON of presents. She was definitely the person most excited about Sophia's first Christmas. She bought Sophia so much stuff- --that I only bought mah child 2 presents. I figured- the kid doesn't need anything else.
But there one was present that my mother was besides herself with excitment over. Months before Christmas, my mother came across a pony at a store. It's a rocking pony that sort of looks like a shetland. It "neighs" and has a real looking saddle and shakes its tail and everything. My mother was so entertained when she found it, she called me up to tell me about it- but she was laughing so hard that I couldn't understand a word she was saying. She was so excited about giving Sophia this pony, she started asking on the 23rd- can we give her the pony now? How about now? Can we show her the pony yet? Now? Howaboutnow?
OK! Let's give her the pony!
Sophia's reaction was pretty funny. At first, she didn't want much to do with this thing. But she warmed up to it pretty quick.
Sophia is not really enthused about the pony.
Forget this pony business, where's my singing snowman?
Hey! I like this thing !
As most people who read this blog know- Christmas in Chicago usually means freezing cold temperatures and snow. In preparation for this, I found Sophia the cutest pink snowsuit and I was completely excited at the thought of her wearing it. Growing up in the midwest means pictures of babies eating snow....pictures of babies next to snowmen...pictures of babies trying to make snow angles....the thoughts of all the adorable pictures I was going to take of mah beh-beh in the worlds cutest pink snowsuit was just making me drunk with anticipation.
Right about a week before we're all set to go to Chicago, it gets dumped on with snow. It's so bad that my mom is all worried the snow will continue and somehow ruin my trip. Fortunately...that was not the case. Unfortunately, it REALLY wasn't the case.
After getting over a foot of snow, Chicago experienced a slow, but steady warm up that melted nearly all the snow. Mind you, I said "nearly"- not all. This is what was left in my mother's front yard.
How completely lame. It was so warm, The Husband and I were outside taking these pictures and we had no coats or hats on. I think it was 45 degrees or something. But I was getting my pictures with my baby in that snowsuit, and I didn't care how lame the snow was ( I did, however, tell the husband that day to "hurry up before snow melts." How sad.)
Ironies of ironies, our trip ended with it snowing in Chicago. The flight was fine, early- but fine. Sophia did really well on the plane again. The Husband and I were exhaused by the time we got back to San Diego.
Snow outside the window
Sophia is not concerned at all about the snow
New Year's Eve was spent at home with just me, The Husband and Sophia. I think it was the first time since high school that I didn't go out and celebrate. But the celebration with just The Husband seemed a fitting way to close out 2007. It was a big year for us, and that's saying alot when you consider how many years we've known each other. But there was no one else in the world I wanted to say "happy new year" to when I crawled into bed (at 11pm- how completely lame!)
I look forward to all 2008 holds for us.
Christmas Eve and Christmas
This is taking me a very long time. Sorry about that.
Christmas eve and Christmas day were spent at my mom's house. Christmas Eve was pretty nutty- lots of people dropping in during the day, and a whooooole bunch of people coming for a party that night. Sophia received LOTS of presents. The party was Sophia's first big introduction to my side of the family, as most of my aunts, uncles and cousins had not met Sophia yet. Although there were lots of new people, mostly strangers, Sophia did really well. She was a little clingy, but eventually let me put her down, hand her off, or just let her play.
One of the best things The Husband and I did was keep Sophia on "California Time". So when it's 8pm here in San Diego, it's 10pm in Chicago. That means Sophia stayed up partying until 10 pm Chicago time with noooooo problem. She even had a costume change around 9pm (my baby diva in the making)
Sophia in her "my first christmas" pajamas.
Christmas morning was just with my immediate family. Sophia received so many presents, when it was her "turn", we had to open 2 or 3 presents for every 1 present the rest of us opened. Sophia received everything from toys, to jewelry, to clothes. But what were her favorites? The $3 stacking cups and the "yours for $15 with the purchase of 3 cards" animated toy from the Hallmark store. She Loooooves this thing. Its a snowman, dog and penguin on a sled, and when you sqeeze the snowman's hand, all three of them dance and the snowman sings "It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you." (I have no idea if that's the name of the song or not, but you know the one I mean." She's played with that thing so much, we had to replace the batteries already.
Sophia and her stacking cups
The favorite toy from the hallmark store
Overall, Chirstmas was great. I've selected some of my favorite pics from Christmas Eve and Christmas to share. I hope Santa was good to you, too.
Christmas eve and Christmas day were spent at my mom's house. Christmas Eve was pretty nutty- lots of people dropping in during the day, and a whooooole bunch of people coming for a party that night. Sophia received LOTS of presents. The party was Sophia's first big introduction to my side of the family, as most of my aunts, uncles and cousins had not met Sophia yet. Although there were lots of new people, mostly strangers, Sophia did really well. She was a little clingy, but eventually let me put her down, hand her off, or just let her play.
One of the best things The Husband and I did was keep Sophia on "California Time". So when it's 8pm here in San Diego, it's 10pm in Chicago. That means Sophia stayed up partying until 10 pm Chicago time with noooooo problem. She even had a costume change around 9pm (my baby diva in the making)
Sophia in her "my first christmas" pajamas.
Christmas morning was just with my immediate family. Sophia received so many presents, when it was her "turn", we had to open 2 or 3 presents for every 1 present the rest of us opened. Sophia received everything from toys, to jewelry, to clothes. But what were her favorites? The $3 stacking cups and the "yours for $15 with the purchase of 3 cards" animated toy from the Hallmark store. She Loooooves this thing. Its a snowman, dog and penguin on a sled, and when you sqeeze the snowman's hand, all three of them dance and the snowman sings "It's lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you." (I have no idea if that's the name of the song or not, but you know the one I mean." She's played with that thing so much, we had to replace the batteries already.
Sophia and her stacking cups
The favorite toy from the hallmark store
Overall, Chirstmas was great. I've selected some of my favorite pics from Christmas Eve and Christmas to share. I hope Santa was good to you, too.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Sophia's Big Trip, part 2: Sophia Meets Lots of People
For the reasons stated below, this post is dedicated to my friends who continually open their homes and hearts to me, sharing their experiences and opinions and who always, always make me laugh.
As this was our first trip to Chicago since Sophia was born, there were so many people who had not yet met Sophia and wanted to while we were there. Both family and friends had to be squeezed in around Christmas and Christmas Eve for introductions to be made. Overall, I think we did pretty well, but the holidays are always hard and there are always a few people with whom we can't connect with over Christmas. I think this means I'll just have to plan another trip in the Spring or Summer so Sophia can meet all my friends.
Our first full day in Chicago was spent meeting a big group of my friends. One person was kind enough to open her home for the afternoon and we had a potluck style lunch. Husbands and babies attended as well. I love seeing my friends and their families, and I'm always amazed at how much we have all changed and stayed the same. This year, the children finally outnumbered the adults, which was sort of a culture shock for me.
It makes me reflect sentimentally on how long we've all known each other (15+ years). It feels like yesterday that girls night out merely required a phone call and 2 or 3 days notice, and was exactly that: a girls only night out. No husbands, fiancees or the like to worry about. And we all carried really tiny purses*, danced on bars and stayed out all night. But we've all graduated and have careers and own homes. We traded tiny purses for diaper bags, paying a cover for paying a mortgage, 4 am bars for 4 am feedings and nursing hangovers to nursing sick babies. But most importantly, we really haven't changed that much- we still look fabulous and enjoy each other's company immensely.
In order to orchestrate this afternoon potluck, planning began in July (that's right, I said July). The food and company were excellent. There was even a group diaper change! (I suppose we had to exchange the "boob shot" for something else, eventually)
This was also my opportunity to meet Deana's new baby, Stephanie, who is 6 mos younger than Sophia. Deana and I are determined to make our daughters BFF's, just like we are. Of course, Stephanie is adorable and has a truly incredible head of hair (Sophia was jealous!). I also met Kristen's newest addition, Barrett. Barrett is 3 mos younger than Sophia, and a very big boy! Sophia thought he was pretty cute, and kissed him**!!!
The Ya-Ya's and our petite ya-ya's
Barrett tries in vain to get everyone to look at the camera.
Everyone also gracioulsy agreed to wrangle their children for a group shot. We're a long way from where we started, but the view is nice from where we are, don't you agree??
Before:
After:
The Husband and I also journeyed to Wilmette to see my friend Andy and his brood. Andy and I have been friends since our first day of college and he has one of the most beautiful families- ever. His five year old daughter, Tigi, was very happy to hang out with us and show us how smart she is. Tigi goes to Greek school, and knows all of her colors in English and Greek. Naturally, we were very impressed. While Andy's sons were not as interested to hang with the grown ups and the baby (boys will be boys), his oldest, George, agreed to pose for a picture. The other boy lives across the street and is George's BFF. Andy's other son, Socrates, asked not to be photoed.
Tigi's shows Sophia the ropes
George, Tigi and Sophia
Neighbor kid, George, Tigi and Sophia
I would feature a "beforfe and after" series for Andy and I as well....but strangely, I don't have that many pictures of him and I together. We were friends before there were digital cameras and picture phones. It's probably best that we don't have many of our antics caught on film. What happens in Greektown, stays in Greektown.
I miss all of my friends every day. Thank you to those who found the time in the always hectic holiday season to squeeze my family and me into your schedules. It was truly a highlight of the trip for me.
*What exactly happens to you in your 30's that makes it impossible to carry a small purse? It's like we all have luggage now to tote our wallets and makeup....
**While Kristen and I both counseled our childred that "boys/girls are dirty" we also agreed that if necessary, a pre nuptial agreement would be circulated
As this was our first trip to Chicago since Sophia was born, there were so many people who had not yet met Sophia and wanted to while we were there. Both family and friends had to be squeezed in around Christmas and Christmas Eve for introductions to be made. Overall, I think we did pretty well, but the holidays are always hard and there are always a few people with whom we can't connect with over Christmas. I think this means I'll just have to plan another trip in the Spring or Summer so Sophia can meet all my friends.
Our first full day in Chicago was spent meeting a big group of my friends. One person was kind enough to open her home for the afternoon and we had a potluck style lunch. Husbands and babies attended as well. I love seeing my friends and their families, and I'm always amazed at how much we have all changed and stayed the same. This year, the children finally outnumbered the adults, which was sort of a culture shock for me.
It makes me reflect sentimentally on how long we've all known each other (15+ years). It feels like yesterday that girls night out merely required a phone call and 2 or 3 days notice, and was exactly that: a girls only night out. No husbands, fiancees or the like to worry about. And we all carried really tiny purses*, danced on bars and stayed out all night. But we've all graduated and have careers and own homes. We traded tiny purses for diaper bags, paying a cover for paying a mortgage, 4 am bars for 4 am feedings and nursing hangovers to nursing sick babies. But most importantly, we really haven't changed that much- we still look fabulous and enjoy each other's company immensely.
In order to orchestrate this afternoon potluck, planning began in July (that's right, I said July). The food and company were excellent. There was even a group diaper change! (I suppose we had to exchange the "boob shot" for something else, eventually)
This was also my opportunity to meet Deana's new baby, Stephanie, who is 6 mos younger than Sophia. Deana and I are determined to make our daughters BFF's, just like we are. Of course, Stephanie is adorable and has a truly incredible head of hair (Sophia was jealous!). I also met Kristen's newest addition, Barrett. Barrett is 3 mos younger than Sophia, and a very big boy! Sophia thought he was pretty cute, and kissed him**!!!
The Ya-Ya's and our petite ya-ya's
Barrett tries in vain to get everyone to look at the camera.
Everyone also gracioulsy agreed to wrangle their children for a group shot. We're a long way from where we started, but the view is nice from where we are, don't you agree??
Before:
After:
The Husband and I also journeyed to Wilmette to see my friend Andy and his brood. Andy and I have been friends since our first day of college and he has one of the most beautiful families- ever. His five year old daughter, Tigi, was very happy to hang out with us and show us how smart she is. Tigi goes to Greek school, and knows all of her colors in English and Greek. Naturally, we were very impressed. While Andy's sons were not as interested to hang with the grown ups and the baby (boys will be boys), his oldest, George, agreed to pose for a picture. The other boy lives across the street and is George's BFF. Andy's other son, Socrates, asked not to be photoed.
Tigi's shows Sophia the ropes
George, Tigi and Sophia
Neighbor kid, George, Tigi and Sophia
I would feature a "beforfe and after" series for Andy and I as well....but strangely, I don't have that many pictures of him and I together. We were friends before there were digital cameras and picture phones. It's probably best that we don't have many of our antics caught on film. What happens in Greektown, stays in Greektown.
I miss all of my friends every day. Thank you to those who found the time in the always hectic holiday season to squeeze my family and me into your schedules. It was truly a highlight of the trip for me.
*What exactly happens to you in your 30's that makes it impossible to carry a small purse? It's like we all have luggage now to tote our wallets and makeup....
**While Kristen and I both counseled our childred that "boys/girls are dirty" we also agreed that if necessary, a pre nuptial agreement would be circulated
Sophia's Big Trip, part 1: The Journey Begins
Now, for the most exciting event of the past few weeks. As just about everyone who reads this knows, my family journeyed to Chicago for the Christmas holiday. It was Sophia's first plane trip, and the first time The Husband and I had to plan to be away from our own home with Sophia (for any length of time) overnight- nevermind nearly a week.
The trip was months in the planning. The Husband and I like to plan :-). We decided to get Sophia her own seat on the plane, that way we could take up a whole row, as well as take the car seat on the plane with us- that way the airline couldn't lose it! Plus, the ticket allowed us extra checked bags and carryons.
Just an FYI- the next few blogs will not be in chronological order, per se...more like grouped in themes that made sense to me.
Naturally, the trip begins with the airport in San Diego. The TSA authorities informed me that there is a new policy- all cute babies have to stay with them. I told her, as long as you're going to keep her until she's thru with braces, that's ok with me. Another TSA employee commented on how amazing Sophia's eyelashes are; I gave all the credit to The Husband. Those sweepers are not from my people!!
Sophia wants to check out the airport, but its too crowded to allow her to explore.
Sophia was excellent during take off. She stayed in her seat and had a bottle. I don't think her ears bothered her at all. The Husband has a very sensitive inner ear, so he was very concerned that Sophia would also have this trait. It looks like she was spared.
The flight to Chicago was largely uneventful. It was a little bumby on the descent, not terrible. But Sophia didn't like it, so I held her during the descent. She was a little squirmy and whiny during the flight. I figure this was likely because she wanted to explore and meet her neighbors, who were not all thrilled to be sitting around a baby on a four hour flight (I can't imagine why!?).
After 4 hours, we landed in Chicago's Midway Airport. My mom met us at the airport, and I'm glad she did. The airport was a mess, and having another set of hands in the baggage area was very, very helpful. Eventually, we collected our bags, got our rental car and were on our way to Nana's House. It was VERY cold the day we arrived in Chicago. They were experiencing freezing rain and 70 mile an hour gust winds. As you can imagine, being a Southern California baby, Sophia has never been "bundled up" to keep from freezing to death (quite literally). She found the experience interesting and actually seemed to enjoy the cold.
The trip was months in the planning. The Husband and I like to plan :-). We decided to get Sophia her own seat on the plane, that way we could take up a whole row, as well as take the car seat on the plane with us- that way the airline couldn't lose it! Plus, the ticket allowed us extra checked bags and carryons.
Just an FYI- the next few blogs will not be in chronological order, per se...more like grouped in themes that made sense to me.
Naturally, the trip begins with the airport in San Diego. The TSA authorities informed me that there is a new policy- all cute babies have to stay with them. I told her, as long as you're going to keep her until she's thru with braces, that's ok with me. Another TSA employee commented on how amazing Sophia's eyelashes are; I gave all the credit to The Husband. Those sweepers are not from my people!!
Sophia wants to check out the airport, but its too crowded to allow her to explore.
Sophia was excellent during take off. She stayed in her seat and had a bottle. I don't think her ears bothered her at all. The Husband has a very sensitive inner ear, so he was very concerned that Sophia would also have this trait. It looks like she was spared.
The flight to Chicago was largely uneventful. It was a little bumby on the descent, not terrible. But Sophia didn't like it, so I held her during the descent. She was a little squirmy and whiny during the flight. I figure this was likely because she wanted to explore and meet her neighbors, who were not all thrilled to be sitting around a baby on a four hour flight (I can't imagine why!?).
After 4 hours, we landed in Chicago's Midway Airport. My mom met us at the airport, and I'm glad she did. The airport was a mess, and having another set of hands in the baggage area was very, very helpful. Eventually, we collected our bags, got our rental car and were on our way to Nana's House. It was VERY cold the day we arrived in Chicago. They were experiencing freezing rain and 70 mile an hour gust winds. As you can imagine, being a Southern California baby, Sophia has never been "bundled up" to keep from freezing to death (quite literally). She found the experience interesting and actually seemed to enjoy the cold.
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