Zoo pictures

Checking out the chimpanzees.
Sofia really loved the aquarium and the manatees.
Check out that Rhino!
This was a very difficult picture to take. You can't see it, but I'm holding Sofia up at the same time I'm trying to stick her head in the hole.
I love this picture. Sofia walked right up to this little goat and put her head on its back.
Sofia after her long day at the Zoo!

Sick Little Girl

Poor Sofia has been so sick. Last night she had a temperature of 101 degrees and when he woke up this morning it was 102. I feel so bad for her. She's had a cough and a runny nose for a few days, but now with the fever she's even more worse off. The funny thing is, though, Sofia's still in a good mood. We read about six or seven books today. Also, Sofia sat on my lap and watched "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown." Now, I'm not for little kids watching t.v., and I don't let the t.v. babysit her. Although, I am bad because I usually have the television on all day long. I don't even like most of the shows I have on, or I've seen them already. I'm trying to break that habit, at least for my own sake. Anyway, back to watching Charlie Brown. Sofia at on my lap, with her thumb in her mouth, and paid attention to the whole cartoon. It was actually kind of nice.

On a different not, this weekend I was a storyteller for a program we had at the library. Our library and local historical society held Ghost Tours and it was awesome! I never knew I could be a storyteller, but I must admit that I was awesome. (Hey, I'm allowed to brag every once in a while, right?)

Zoo Day

We had a great time at the Zoo today. The weather was perfect and Sofia was in a great mood. The one downside was the Zoo was really crowded because they were having their Halloween Boo at the Zoo. Other than that, I can't complain. Sofia really liked the aquarium and the goats in the petting zoo. As you will see in the picture, she really loved the goat. She did start getting cranky right before we went on the train ride, but I really can't blame her. We'd already been there for four hours by that point. Once we were on the train, she just sat and stared at everything as it went by. We get to go back to the Zoo in December for work's holiday party. It should be a blast. Plus, I can't wait until Mom gets us the season pass for Christmas (hint, hint) and then we can go all the time. I love the Zoo. I feel like I'm eight years old when I'm there. Unfortunately, this blog is not allowing me to upload pictures, so stay tuned. I will post them as soon as possible!

Toddler Tirade

Is 1 years old too early to hit the terrible twos? I know I'm overexaggerating, but I got a glimpse of the future today. Let me elaborate. Sofia can now turn the T.V. on and off. I don't really care too much because I watch too much T.V. as it is. Anyway, it does get annoying when she cranks it up to maximum volume. This is how today went. Sofia turned off the television, I took her hand and said no, and then plopped her butt away from the television, Sofia cried, and repeat. This went on for about fifteen cycles I kid you not. And oh the tears! You'd think I was denying her food or water instead of the power to turn off the television. I yi yi.

Sofia is an eating machine. She went to a party last night with Ryan and from what I heard, she was eating everything in sight. Pasta salad, bean salad, mushroom fondue, strawberries, chocolate mousse, bread. (If you couldn't tell, the host of the party was a chef.) I swear, anything you put in front of that girl, she eats. We're pretty lucky right now, but I keep waiting for the day that she starts to reject most food. As for now, we give her anything and everything and it seems to be working fine.

Sofia the pasta queen.

This was after the party and after she gorged herself on delicious food.

Slides are cool

Sofia loves the slide. We went to the mall today to play in the play area and Sofia just loved the slide. She no longer falls backward...which means less work for me. Then, once Ryan came home, we all went out to dinner at the Rusty Bucket. It was yummy. Sofia got to eat mac and cheese, mushrooms, cheerios and milk. A well-rounded dinner. The funniest part was Sofia flirting with one of the guys at the next table. She was so close to him that she kept reaching out and touching his arm and when he turned around she would smile. As soon as he turned back to his party, there went her little hand tap-tap-tapping on his arm. She's such a flirt. I'll have to keep her locked in the house until she's eighteen.

Italian Attitude

I love when I hear people say, "What a happy baby" or "What a cute baby" whenever we take Sofia places. It boosts my pride. This happened on Saturday when the three of us went to the Italian Festival. Wow, there are a lot of Italians and Italian wannabes (mostly the latter.) Ryan and I haven't missed a year yet. Last year Sofia was only about three weeks old when we went and I remember carrying her around in the little front baby carrier. She slept the whole time. It was really neat taking her this year. Especially when she decided that she wanted to go into the big tent and dance to the music. I haven't laughed so hard in a long time. Just picture it. A few hundred people sitting at table under a tent. There's a stage and a clear space in front for performers. Sofia walks out to the middle and starts swinging her arms to some Dean Martin. Then she starts bobbing up and down. People were laughing and getting the biggest kick out of her. I swear, Sofia is such a ham! I'm just glad I remembered to bring my camera for once. Unfortunately, the pictures just don't do the performance justice.

On another note. Sofia can kind of eat with a fork. I say kind of because I've only tried it once. But when I tried it on Saturday, she was doing a pretty good job. I put some green beans on her tray, gave her the fork and let her go to town. I had to do some of the work, but she actually got the hang of it. I cheered her on, which made her want to do it even more. She is one smart cookie!

Before...
After...

I'm sorry to everyone for not posting. I've been so busy with school and work that I just don't know what to do! Right now I have an assignment for one of my classes that is taking up all of my time, and I'm sure I'll fail it because I have no idea what I'm doing. Does anyone reading this know anything about metadata schemes?

Alright, enough whining. Onto Sofia. So, over the weekend of the 9/27 Sofia and I went down to Cincinnati because my mom flew in from Phoenix to celebrate Sofia's birthday and the birth of my niece Sydney. It was great seeing her and the whole family. I wish we could have stayed longer, two days was not enough. Sofia was great the whole weekend. She's such a good traveler, which is a good thing since both Ryan and my family are over two hours away.

Sofia and Grandma Colleen

Let's see, what else. Sofia has both top teeth growing in. She was miserable for a couple of days, and I had a feeling it was her teeth but I had no idea it was two at once. It's about time! I was wondering if she would ever get more teeth!

I wish I had more to say, but I'm just so tired. I promise I'll try to write more...and now, pictures!

Sofia' first drawing (the shapes and flowers are mine) Sofia and her sweet ride!

Where have I been?

And the cheese stands alone.

Wow, have things been crazy around here. I've been neglecting the blog because I feel like I'm going crazy! Too much to do. Sofia's birthday is over. We had a great time at the party on Sunday. It was a beautiful day and I was lucky enough to get the last shelter at the park. The only problem was I couldn't post any signs for people to find the party, but luckily everyone found the shelter in the end. Sofia had a blast playing with all of the other kids. It was great to get all of our friends together to celebrate such a special milestone. Sofia got some really cool gift and I even baked the cake. When we put her piece in front of her, she grabbed it with both hands and shoveled it into her mouth. Pure heaven!

We have one last party this weekend, Mom is coming in from Phoenix for the weekend so Sofia and I are going down to Cincinnati to see her. I can't wait!

Now I just need to get back to my schoolwork and get caught back up! I'm so far behind and it's only the third week. Of course Saturday was my day off and I got sick. I've been sick for the past four days. Okay, I'm done complaining and I'll promise to post more often.

Chelea and Sydney.

Sofia blowing out her candle. That's not a look of digust, it was good cake.

Happy Birthday Sofia!

I can't believe Sofia is a year old today! Where has the time gone? I'm sorry to say that she started out the day at the doctor's office getting her year check-up. Here are the stats: weight: 18.3 lbs. (5th percentile); height: 28 in (15 percentile). Healthy and happy. Of course the worst part of the appointment was the shots. Sometimes I think they're worse for me then they are for Sofia. The good news, no more formula! Finally!

I tried to make the rest of the day special. After her morning nap, Sofia and I went to the pizza buffet and ate pizza and icecream. After that we went to Payless and I bought Sofia her first pair of shoes. They are so cute and she looks so funny trying to walk in them! Finally we headed to the pet store to look at the animals. All in all, I think Sofia enjoyed herself.

Opening presents from Mo and Margaret.

Getting Cultured

Yesterday Ryan, Sofia and I were getting cultured at the Art Museum. I always forget it's free on Sundays, and since it was we all decided to go. Sofia was so good. She would point at the paintings and jabber on. We let her walk around for a while, but she kept slipping on the floors. People kept commenting on how happy Sofia was and how cute. It makes me happy hearing those comments because it makes me feel as though I'm doing a good job!

This morning we went to storytime at the library. Sofia is definitely a lot more mobile and does not want to sit still and listen if she can walk. She was still good and would stand and listen to Miss Amy read the stories. My favorite parts are the songs, because Sofia starts dancing and shaking her hips. She had quite a few people laughing at her because she would just stand in the middle, right in front of everyone, and dance. She's such a fun, happy little girl. I can't believe she'll be one in only two days! Time flies by too fast.

C-R-A-N-K-Y

What's that spell? Cranky. That would describe Sofia perfectly. Plus let's not forget clingy and whiny. Oh, I love my little girl, I really do, but is it wrong to look forward to getting away from her some days? Seriously, the past two days I've been looking forward to Ryan walking in the door so that I can walk right back out. I'm hoping she's just teething and that this isn't anything permanant. I don't have any new pictures because who wants to look at a cranky baby?!

Just kidding...kind of.

Wow, I can't believe it's already September. I can't believe Sofia turns a year in 9 days. Where has the time gone? I'm sure I'll be asking myself that for the rest of my life. Sofia, Ryan and I got to enjoy some family time the past couple of days. For the first time in months Ryan and I both had two days off in a row. Yesterday, after I slept in until 11 a.m., we went to a pizza buffet for lunch. It was yummy! After that we went to Payless Shoes to see if we could find some for Sofia. We couldn't. When we measured her foot, she was right at a size 3, but those shoes felt a little tight. When I went to find some shoes in the next size up, they didn't have any cute ones, so I just passed on it for now. Next we went to the pet store to check out the animals. Sofia had a blast. She especially liked the kittens. Finally, we rounded out our afternoon with a trip to the grocery store. Sofia was in charge of holding a can of tomato paste, which she proceeded to drop over and over.

Today we went and visited our friends Russ and Vanessa and their little girl Genevieve. It's hard to believe how much of a difference four months really is. Sofia had fun chasing after their cats and exploring the new environment. I think all of the excitement made it hard for her to go to sleep tonight. The poor girl took about a half an hour to finally get to sleep. It's getting harder and harder for me to put her to bed. Usually I'm not home to do it, and at the same time I have a battle of feelings going on in my head. On the one hand, I'm glad she's going to sleep because I now have some free time to get things done, but on the other hand, I feel bad because usually she cries and it breaks my heart! One day it'll get easier.

Some Pictures to Hold You Over

Sofia brushing her teeth. She cries every night when we take the toothbrush away.
Sofia's balloon from BW3.
Payback picture! I had to have a picture of her like this, it was so cute. That little naked baby butt!
Sofia loves her purse. Thanks Grandma Nancy. Sofia is only eleven months, and she already has a thing for shoes and purses.

No Excuses

I know, I know...where have I been? I know it says no excuses, but I have some valid ones if you would life to hear them. First, my sister Jessica had a healthy baby girl on Monday morning at 1:08 a.m. Sydney Elizabeth. I got the call that her water broke at 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning. Soon after, Sofia and I hopped in the car and drove down to Cincy (I knew this would be an overnight trip) and stopped by Chelsea's place. We got to the hospital around 3 p.m. Sofia was not allowed in the room most of the time, but we did get to leave at one point and get dinner with my dad and stepmom. After that we went back to the hospital until 11:30 p.m. Sofia stayed up most of the time, and after 8 p.m. she went a little loopy. Chelsea, Sofia and I left the hospital and then were promptly pulled over by a cop (I was driving Ryan's car and it had a tail light out which I was not aware of). I didn't get a ticket or anything, thank god. We went back to the hospital the next morning and visited the baby. She was so cute. As soon as I get a picture saved on my computer I'll post it.

Monday we drove home and then I started class that evening. Then Tuesday I worked all day and then went to class. I got to see Sofia a total of maybe 10 minutes on Tuesday...it was a little depressing.

So as you can, I have been up to my ears with busyness. I do have some new pictures, especially some really cute ones of Sofia naked and holding a balloon...future blackmail. I promise I will post them soon...probably tomorrow...or the next day!

No Awards Here

Sofia and her battle scars.

Okay, I will definitely not win any Mother of the Year awards. Reason number 1: Saturday morning Sofia took a dive off of our bed. Granted, I wa in the bathroom at the time and Ryan was supposed to be watching her, but I still feel at fault because I put her in bed with him when he was only half awake. All I heard was a thud and then crying. Luckily Sofia wasn't hurt, only a scratch on her cheek and a cut on her lip. I felt terrible. Reaon 2: This one isn't my fault and there was nothing I could do to prevent it. Sofia was walking out of her room and tripped over her feet and took a face plant right into the corner of the wall. Oh the crying! Poor Sofia hit her nose. Now she has a bruise across the bridge of her nose to match the one on her cheek. She looks like she got into a fight!
Opening presents!





Other than all of the accidents, things have been going pretty well. Grandma Rose and Grandpa Mark came and visited on Sunday. Sofia got a couple of early birthday presents and entertained everyone. She was on the go for almost three hours straight. She really enjoyed chewing on vegetables we had laid out. A piece of pepper in one hand and a carrot in the other, not to mention smashed goldfish in the palms of both hands. I'm still finding pieces of goldfish in the carpet.
Sofia and Grandma Rose.
Sofia trying to feed Grandpa Mark.

After a fun day playing, I had to go to work and Ryan was watching Sofia. Sofia was not happy to see me leave. Ryan tried to pick her up, but she kept pushing off of his chest, trying to get down. Oh the crying! It was heartbreaking because she never acts this way when I leave, even when I leave her at the babysitters. Oh well, I guess it had to start sometime.
Hanging on the couch with Daddy.

What a Champ

I don't know what's been going on lately, but Sofia has been a champ when I put her down for her naps. No crying, no fussing, no screaming. I've been putting her down a little earlier for each nap, at the first signs of tiredness, so maybe this is doing the trick. All I do is carry her into her room, turn on her music and lay her down. She used to sit up and cry, but now she just grabs onto her pink bunny/blanket and rolls over. I still hear her talking to herself after I shut the door, but there's no fighting and no crying. It's kind of a relief. It was getting to me for a while, hearing those sobs of anguish. But like everything, I'm sure it won't last for long.

Oops!

So, here's a quick story. Ryan and Sofia came to the library to visit me today. Of course Sofia was mobbed right off the bat by all of the library ladies. And of course she showed off for them, walking and jabbering and smiling. Well, Ryan checked out some books and put them in a canvas library bag. Five minutes after they left, Kerri came up to the desk with the bag. I guess a patron saw it sitting in the parking lot and brought it inside. Ryan was bag five minutes after that. He had put Sofia in the car and then forgot about the bag. Everyone kept saying it was a good thing the situation wasn't reversed and he forgot about Sofia!

Girls Night Out

I must say, Sofia and I had the best day together on Friday. After she got up from her nap and ate lunch, I packed everything up and we went to the mall. The first stop, the play area. We last maybe ten minutes before I decided it was too crowded. Instead we walked around for a little while and I ate lunch. After that, I decided to try the play area one more time. This time it wasn't quite as crowded and Sofia had a blast. She was walking around, crawling through a hollow log, climbing stairs and screeching at the top of her lungs. We must have played in there for close to an hour. We only had a couple of accidents, one involving a couple of kindergarteners running around and one of them elbowing Sofia in the head. It didn't phase her. After that, we went home so that Sofia could take a nap and we could say goodbye to Ryan. Ryan went to Wheeling to visit some friends. Once Sofia woke up and ate dinner, I decided that I was in the mood for California Pizza Kitchen, so off we went back to the mall. After we sat down, our waiter brought us some goldfish crackers. You'd think I hadn't just fed Sofia twenty minutes earlier, but she was double fisting those crackers and stuffing them into her mouth like there was no tomorrow. She was awesome throughout dinner and after we went back the play area so that I could wear her out. It worked. We came home, she took a bath and then she went straight to bed, no fuss. It was one of the best days I have had!

Day Off

Arrg..Sofia wearing her pirate hat at the Library's Summer Reading Club party.
A picture of the family.


Today is my day off for the week, and I have no clue what I'm going to do. It's been so hot lately that I haven't gone anywhere this week except for the grocery store. Today has been the first slightly cooler day in over a week or so, so I'm definitely going to get out of the house. Ryan may be going to Wheeling tonight, so I was thinking of taking Sofia out to dinner. Our own little girl's night out or something. I love eating out. If I could afford it, I would do it all the time. There's just something so exciting about trying different foods without having to cook them yourself. Sofia likes to eat out as well because she loves the bustle of the retaurant atmosphere.





Speaking of Sofia, epecially since this blog is supposed to be about her, she has been an absolute gem the past week. I can't get over how good she's been. She's getting alot more involved with her playing. You can see the concentration on her face and the wheels turning in her brain. I hope this good humor lasts a while because I'm really enjoying it!


By the way, here's a couple of new things Sofia can now do: she can kick a ball, point at things (although most of the time we're not sure what she is pointing at, so if she points in the general direction of the t.v., I just start listing everything that is over there.), throw a ball, and she babbles all the time. Some of the words I think she may be trying to say include: kitty (ki ee), daddy (da ee), mommy (ma mae), and many more that I just can't figure out.
The cat's out of the bag!
I abolutely adore this picture. You can see Sofia's two little bottom teeth. And look at those cheeks! I just want to squeeze them.