Merry Christmas!

What a busy, busy Christmas! Santa came and brought lots of goodies for Sofia. She was up at 7:30 a.m. this morning, after going to bed at 11:30 p.m. last night. I went to bed a little later, so I didn't have a lot of sleep. The first thing Sofia said when she woke up was, "I want to open presents?" She really got into the spirit of things and loved all of her presents. Of course there were tons of Dora items - including a sheet and bed set from Chelsea, toys, and a Cabbage Patch doll from Mommy and Daddy. I know she's a little young, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to give her the doll because it's the 25th anniversary. (Wow, has it really been that long?) She didn't get into the doll as much as I would have liked, but I wasn't surprised.

After presents with my Mom, Ken, and sisters, we packed everything up and headed out to my Dad's house. There we opened even more presents (and got lots of cool stuff) and had brunch. Sofia got a drum filled with musical instruments. As my dad said when she opened it, "Revenge." Sofia was playing the tamborine and recorder. She really had a chance to shine when Ryan, Chelsea, Logan and I played Guitar Hero. We were rocking (some more than others, I was on vocals and I feel sorry for everyone who had to listen.) I'll tell you what, that game is just as addicting as the Wii. Maybe there will be a Guitar Hero in my future? After spending a few hours there, we packed up all of the new presents, added them to the other presents and then headed off to our last destination, my aunt and uncle's house (my Mom's brother).

We ate lots of yummy food, watched Sofia be a spaz while playing with Sydney, and then opened more presents! Sofia really wanted to open presents, and I was astounded by how well she handled herself when other people got to open presents. I would have though that a lot of kids Sofia's age would whine or grab at other people's presents, but not Sofia. By 8:30 p.m., Ryan and I were practically falling asleep and we still had a two hour car ride back to Columbus. After packing up the car for the last time, saying our good-byes, we finally headed back out on the road. By the time we made it to Columbus, I was practically falling asleep behind the wheel. I was so tired that I completely missed our exit and had to turn around. All that stood between me and bed was the unloading of the car. I finally got to bed by midnight - only to wake up at 7:30 a.m. on Friday to get ready for work!

Christmas Eve

This will be post-dated because I have been a big slacker blogging lately. Anyway, Christmas was fun. Ryan, Sofia and I drove down to Mt. Orab Christmas Eve. We only had one major hiccup along the way - Sofia decided to puke in the car for the second year in a row. It was gross, it smelled, and it was a bitch to clean up. Luckily we were only 15 minutes from our destination, so we didn't have to be around the nastiness too long. As soon as I got my cousin Stacy's house, we put Sofia's clothes in the washing machine along with the carseat cover. Instead of wearing her cute sparkly pants and top, Sofia wore her jammies. She still looked cute. Luckily the puke was from carsickness as opposed to her being sick. We ate lots of food and checked out all of the new little babies. Sofia had a blast chasing Sydney around the house, talking to people, eating, and playing. The best part of the evening was when Santa came to visit. Everyone piled down into the basement and sat around as Santa passed out presents to all the children. One thing that must be noted is that my dad's side of the family is huge. I've lost count how many cousins and second cousins I have. Anyway, Sofia had a long wait until her name was called. As she waited, she stood right next to Santa and kept saying, "I want a present too. Santa, I want a present please." It was funny, and a little sad, all at the same time. Finally Santa called her name and she went and sat on his lap (much to my surprise) and was happy the rest of the evening. After spending time here, we popped over to another cousin's house to visit with the rest of the family. By this time it was close to 10 p.m., but Sofia was still going strong. She got a big kick out of watching the kids play the Wii. She would yell and jump and generally cheer them on. By the time we left and got to my sister's place to spend the night, it was 11 p.m. and Sofia was STILL up! She sat for another half an hour while my sisters, mom, Ryan, and Ken all played the Wii. Needless to say, it was a long day and night - but totally worth it!

Christmas Lights

Last night, Sofia, Ryan and I got in the car and went driving around looking at Christmas lights. I can't remember the last time I did this, but it was great. Ryan popped some popcorn, we grabbed some water and went on our way. Sofia was so good and really enjoyed seeing all the "pretty lights." She would yell "I see them, I see them!" However, I think she loved the popcorn even more than the lights. That's her new favorite thing - popcorn. We've been letting ehr watch the Christmas specials, Charlie Brown and the Muppets, and giving her popcorn. I hope we can make this a new tradition and keep with it!

Partay!!

Last Saturday we had our work Christmas party. It was a blast! There's nothing like partying and dancing at a library afterhours. Sofia was great. She really was a dancing queen. She was jumping, twirling, shaking her booty, and running around. She tried to become friends with two other little girls close to her age, but they didn't want anything to do with her. It was kind of cute, because the two little girls were dancing, and Sofia was standing by them waving saying, "Hi girls. Hi girls." Over and over.

Another funny part of the night. Some of my coworkers noticed that most of the kids were running to the food table and grabbing cookies. Not my kid. Now, don't get me wrong, Sofia loves her cookies and she had her fair share, but at one point she must have gotten tired of them. She ran to the table but veered away from the cookies and grabbed... a huge hunk of broccoli. I love that girl.

Poopy Hands

I'm talking on the phone to Mandy when Sofia comes up to me holding her hand out and saying, "Eeewwwyyy." I look at her hand, see nothing, decide to smell it - bad idea. She had poop on her hand. She had pooped in her diaper and stuck her hand in it...the joys of motherhood.

Happy "Be-lated" Thanksgiving

I am the slacker of all bloggers, I swear. My fellow mommy-bloggers are much better. We had a great Thanksgiving with Ryan's parents last week (thanks Rose and Mark!). I was dreading the three-and-a-half hour car ride out to eastern Ohio, but Sofia was great. We are still having the problem with her taking her arms out of her carseat. Luckily, with these nifty 5-point harness seats, she's still attached at the legs and middle. Since I knew the car ride could be trouble, I put Sofia's seat in the middle so that Ryan had access to her while I drove. I packed one bag full of books, one of toys, snacks, her blankie, her bunny, mommy-bear (it's what she calls my old Carebear), and Dora. It was a packed car for only an overnight stay. Traffic sucked coming out of Columbus, of course. Once we got past Zanesville, however, the load lightened. We stopped for dinner at Cracker Barrel. Ryan had never been there (shock!) so I had to introduce him. Of course I wound up buying things in the store they have. I'm a sucker for stick candy, I had to buy a Christmas count-down calender (like the one on National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation), Ryan got a harmonica, and Sofia got M&M's. I just told myself it was a special occassion.

We got to Ryan's parents and settled in. Sofia was so good the whole time. She wasn't timid or nervous, and opened right up to everyone. She didn't eat much during dinner on Thanksgiving day, but Ryan and I made up for that. My pumpkin cheesecake was a success, if I do say so myself! I had never made a cheesecake, but Sofia helped and it was tasty! Then the three of us took a nap in the afternoon before our trek home. It took Sofia a little while to settle down, but soon all of us were out, lying in the same bed.

Check out those muscles!!

The trip home wasn't bad at all. We listened to soothing music and walked in the door around 9:30 p.m. Sofia went straight to sleep. Ryan and I followed soon after!

Blech

Sofia is finally feeling better after days of being sick. It started last Thursday with throwing up. Luckily, for me anyway, she waited until I had just left for class to let loose. Poor Ryan had to deal with it all. When I got home around 9 p.m., Sofia was laying on the couch, wearing nothing but a diaper, covered in blankets, and watching Dora with her arms behind her head. It was a little pathetic and amusing all at the same time. She threw up again Friday morning, so I had to call off work for the afternoon. (I went out the previous evening to get my dance on for a friend's birthday, but it didn't feel quite the same because I was worried about Sofia.) Saturday things seemed to go better, Sofia was perking up. Ryan and I had the day off and we went to the library. Sofia is obsessed with the computers and she ran around like she owned the place. We went out for a late lunch and then popped by the store to grab food for dinner. Sofia was such a trooper because she didn't even take a nap until 3:30, which is an hour and a half after the normal time. Sunday dawned bright and clear, Sofia was quiet and we watched lots of television. (Who am I kidding, we watch lots of television all the time). However, Sunday evening I got a nice surprise...Sofia puked on me. It was disgusting, to say the least. Finally, after throwing up again Monday morning (do you see a pattern?) I took her to the doctor. He promptly told me it was probably a virus (which I already figured out) and there wasn't anything they could do (which I knew as well). I knew Sofia was back to normal yesterday because she was back to whining and crying. Is it bad that I liked her better when she was sick?

All better!

Halloween

This was the first year we took Sofia trick-or-treating and I must say, I'm glad we waited. Sofia was a princess this year and she absolutely loved this costume. In fact, she wants to wear it all the time. She looked really cute in her costume and the night was perfect. We went to Russ and Vanessa's to meet up. They have more neighborhoods with houses, rather than apartments, around them. We took the wagon for the girls, a little Halloween limo. It took a few visits to houses before Sofia caught on but after she did, she was on a role. She would run up to the house and say, "trick treat. Tank Ew." She would then run back to the sidewalk, put down her bag, add the candy, pick back up the bag, and then run down the sidewalk yelling, "Next house, next house." Genevieve took her time and rode in the wagon...maybe she should have worn the princess costume! We went to all kind of houses and got lots of candy. I thought for sure the girls would tire out, but they lasted the whole 2 hours. I think they would have kept going, but us adults were pooped. (In addition to Ryan and myself, we also had Russ, Vanessa, and Vanessa's parents.) Sofia was really good about not trying to eat all of her candy, although we did give her a bite or two along the way. I was excited to get home and see what kind of loot we got because, I'm not going to lie, most of that candy will be eaten by Ryan and I.

Pumpkin Party

Pumpkins + Knives + Two-year-old = interesting!

We had a good time carving pumpkins tonight. This was the first time we've tried it with Sofia. At first, I don't think she knew what to think. I tried to get her to stick her hand in the pumpkin, but she wouldn't touch it. I tried shoving the pumpkin goo in her face, but that didn't help either. (Are you surprised?) However, after she aw how much fun Ryan, Jessi and I were having, Sofia decided to give it a try. However, I don't think she quite had the concept down because she started to put the goopy insides back into the pumpkins as we were trying to get them out. All in all, it was a good, messy time and I think we made some good pumpkins.

Leed's Farm

We went to this farm and had a blast! It's out in the country near Ostrander and we couldn't have picked a better day. It was cool, but sunny. When we got there, the first thing Sofia did was this black tube slide.

She took turns going down with me, then Ryan. I think we each went down a total of four times. Sofia was having so much fun that she didn't want to stop, but I wanted to check out the hay barn.

Now this barn is not for those with allergies. It was filled with hay. So much that Sofia could barely walk. Even Ryan and I were falling down. It was such a blast that I felt like I was eight years old again! After playing in the hay barn, we checked out the goats and donkeys. Sofia really got a kick out of feeding the goats.

I was afraid they would bite, but they didn't. After playing, we got a quick bite to eat, including one of the best pieces of pie I have ever had. After that we went on this little tractor ride called the banana bus. The only stipulation for riding was if you can fit inside, you can ride. I'll be honest, it was a tight fit. Ryan and Sofia rode together and I sat in front taking pictures. It was a little bit scary being smooshed into that little car, but was worth it. I can't wait to go back next year!!

Pretty, Pretty Princess

I picked up this princess costume for Sofia at Old Navy for half off, you really can't beat that. Well, now she wants to wear it all the time. And when she wants to wear it, this is what Sofia says," lollollollipplillipp wear pretty princess." Quite a mouthful. This will most likely be her Halloween costume as well, for all of you who are curious. (However, I did pick up a really cool ninja costume there as well, so who knows!)

Mother - Daughter Outing

I've been feeling a little guilty lately because I've been doing so much homework during the day, that I've been putting Sofia in front of the television with Dora. I don't think she minds too much, but it's been weighing heavily on my shoulders. So, since I had the day off today, I decided to take her out and about, away from the t.v. We started the morning at Old Navy, where they are having awesome sales. 99cent shirts and tank tops, how can you pass that up?! So, I bought some shirts, a couple of Halloween costumes for Sofia...in all about 24 items for $90. After our shopping spree, we went to the library for some Dora the Explorer books (you never can get away from her), then we went to the park. This was one that we have never been to, near my old college Otterbein. There were a ton of kids there running all around. Sofia was brave and got right into the middle of them. After that, we topped off the first part of the day with hotdogs at The Dog Joint. The food was tasty,my only complaint was the women's restroom didn't have a changing table. I just don't understand why a restaurant, especially one that has such kiddie food, wouldn't have a changing table? This isn't even the first time it's happened. All in all, it was nice to get out of the house and play!

Mmmm...Pudding

Mmmm...I like chocolate pudding.
I like it so much I want to lick the bowl.
Do you like my goatee?

My, What Big Feet You Have!

This is why pens and toddlers don't mix. That is pen drawings (by Sofia) all over the arm of my couch. I can't really blame her, because I'm the one who left her alone with access to my pens. Argh!!!

We're Engaged!

This news is a little late, but I thought I would still post it. Ryan propsed to me Saturday, September 27, 2008. We've been talking about it for a couple of years, but I was still totally shocked. Thanks to Russ and Vanessa who went with Ryan to get the ring. It was the exact one I wanted, a claddaugh ring with three, small diamonds inside the heart. It's prefect!

Renaissance Fair

We went to the Ren Fair today with Jessi and some of her family. I hadn't been there in 15 years, but it looked pretty much the same. We had a lot of fun, and Sofia acted good for not having a nap! There was so much stuff that I wanted to buy, but it's so expensive. If I had my way, I would have bought tons of clothes. We aw tons of people in costume, a washer women show (pretty bawdy!), a belly dancer, and the queen. Ryan got to throw Chinese throwing stars and knives, and I got to shoot some arrows. The only thing that resulted in shooting arrows is a huge bruise on my upper arm. I guess all of my college skills have been lost.

For the Love of Dora

Sofia is obsessed with this little import from Mexico. I love Mexicans and people from all over, but I'm really starting to dislike Dora the Explorer. Sofia, on the other hand, couldn't be more in love. It's a girl crush of course. From the moment she wakes up, Sofia is asking to watch Dora. I know, I know...kids under two shouldn't even be watching television. Well, whatever sadistic nut thought that up hasn't ever been a stay-at-home-mom. So, Dora is turned on. Last Friday I wasn't feeling well, and Nickelodeon was running a marathon. A four hour marathon. And oh yes, you've guessed it, we watched the whole thing. I think I deserve an award just for watching all four hours. But you would just have to see Sofia's face to understand. It makes her so happy! She was smiling, singing, dancing...who could deny her such pleasure?

Happy 2nd Birthday!!

Wow, Sofia is 2. I can't believe it. Where has the time gone? Sometimes I forget that she is only two, because she acts so much older. I'm so proud of my smart, beautiful little girl. And that's what she is, a little girl. She's no longer a baby! It's only been two years, but I can't imagine my life without her!





Here are some pictures from the small party we threw!
Yes, Sofia has put herself in that little box.

The cool place to play!

Two wild girls!

Tantrums

Ugh...I am so sick of Sofia's tantrums. I was trying to sleep in a little this morning because Ryan was going into work later but all I could hear was Sofia crying. Why was he crying? No clue. I think it may have been because she got pissed about something and threw herself on the ground, resulting in her head banging off the ground. It's kind of hard to sympathize when she does it to herself. Silly child. I'm hoping that since she's not quite two, and has already started the tantrums, that maybe she'll grow out of them sooner. (I know, I can hear the laughter coming from all of you, but it's just a wish. It's what I'll be thinking when Sofia blows out her candles on her birthday.) Luckily for me, next weekend I am going away to Cincinnati all by myself. Did you hear that? All by myself! This will be the first time in two years that I have been away from Sofia for more than just an evening. I'm not trying to sound heartless, but damn am I excited. I think it'll be good for everyone...I'm sure Sofia gets sick of seeing me too, I would!

Terrible Two's

FYI: make sure you look at previous posts, I've added some pictures. I figured it was about time to stay on top of this blog.

Sofia is being a terrible two. Yesterday was one of those days. Sofia was a turd (and I'm not afraid to say it). She was whiny, yelling for Dora the Explorer, saying she had to use the potty every ten minutes (but not using it). The kicker was right when Ryan came home she decided to pee in the potty and then pick up the little bowl and dump it on the floor. I was pissed. After that I had to get out of the house for an hour. I had been home with Sofia for 1o hours while Ryan was at work and I needed a break. So, I went to Target, bought a portable CD player with headphones (and no, I don't own an I-Pod or MP3 player, I'm still stuck in the mid-nineties), then I took my new purchase to the gym for half an hour. I came home a much saner mommy.

Today, knowing I would be home with Sofia all day alone again, I made the decision to go to the zoo. This is the third time we've gone in as many weeks, but it is so worth it. Well, except for the over-priced food and annoying kids, but that's fine. Sofia was pretty good and it was a perfect day for it- 75 degrees and sunny. The animals were out and about. And finally, for once, I did not get pooped on by a bird. Sofia did. It was kind of funny hand of course it was right after she had a full outfit change, but that's Murphy's Law for you!

This weekend was fun. Sofia, Ryan and I went down to Mt.Orab to visit with family. There are so many new babies it's hard to keep track. There are 6 kids under the age of two. It's crazy but I love it! Sofia was really good. One of my little cousins wanted to play with her the whole time, which was fine with me. However, I think Sofia was getting a little frustrated. We stayed and watched some of my brother's soccer scrimage as well. I can't believe he's going to be a junior in high school. I remember when he was Sofia's age. We only lasted at the game for about a half an hour before Sofia started to have a major meltdown. I don't blame her, it was close to bedtime.

Sunday Sofia and I went to the park with Russ, Vanessa and Genevieve. Sofia and Genevieve are so cute together, and they play well. Russ was the impromptu daddy since Ryan wasn't there. At one point, Sofia wouldn't let me put her in the swing, it had to be Russ. The only snag of the morning was when Sofia and Genevieve were holding hands, walking in the parking lot. Genevieve tripped and went down, pulling Sofia with her. Sofia's hand was still in Genevieve's, so the only way she could catch herself was by falling on her face. I felt so bad! We went to Wendy's and got a frosty to make up for it (the power of the frosty!). So was fine, but she has a little mark on her face.

So, the whole potty training is going really well. Sofia kind of initiated it on her own, and we're just following. I started a potty chart for her yesterday. It has all of the days in August (starting from yesterday) and everytime she pees in the potty she gets 1 sticker, and when she poops she gets 2 stickers. When she gets to ten stickers, she gets a prize. Yesterday alone she went 6 times. Impressive. We're still a far cry from underpants, but we're getting there!