Pitter-Patter Rain Drops and a Breath of Fresh Air

This is our daughter enjoying the elements. She loves the wind and light showers. She stops, holds her arms up, and takes it all in. Above, we are getting a light sprinkle. Below, she's feeling the breeze.

Hugs for Free

Cheesecake Bliss

Yes, yesterday was National Cheesecake Day and The Cheesecake Factory had there cheesecake for less than $2 a slice. We joined with our friends, Dave and Liz and their kids, and joined in the madhouse. Mmmmm sweet creamy goodness!

Hello? Is Anyone There?

I guess I should teach her how to use the headset or loudspeaker so she can protect her brain from all those waves.

Play Time!

Bathing Beauty

Sophie loves her pool especially in the 100 degree weather we've had lately.

Hanging Out

Entertainment

Sophie's new passion is pushing things, like her stroller. She gets pretty bummed when it gets stuck.

Dad has been having more fun rough-housing with her lately.

Aqua Woman!

Today we went swimming in the big pool again! We took along our friends Kari and Kenzie. Sophie had some firsts today! She loves water! She went underwater 3 times today and there were no tears, although some wide eyes and gasping. Also I sat her on the edge and put my arms out to her and she skooched her bottom to the edge and jumped into my arms with a splash! She did this 3-4 times. She is so much fun and such a happy kid! Thanks for the use of the pool, Rudy and Becky.

An Afternoon at the Park

Blueberry Goodness!

Toys are Just Fluff

We don't really need toys. We can't believe how Sophie can entertain herself for long periods of time with: toilet paper rolls, sheets of newspaper and junk mail, towels we leave on the floor (yes we are untidy), and her reflection in the TV screen (when TV is off). We, also, are entertained by just watching her find ways to amuse herself with these everyday objects.

Celebrating 6 Years of Bliss

We were married on July 13th but have enjoyed nothing but good fortune with each other for the past 6 years. We conquered breast cancer, saved money, completed Neal's college degree, bought a house, and had our our sweet angel Sophie. All of these blessings we attribute to our Heavenly Father and our desire to follow his plan for us. We look forward to the roller coaster ride that is marriage for the rest of eternity.

What's Your Sign?

Well, Sophie's new sign is "more." We are using some sign language to get her communicating and lessen frustration for all. She uses the sign "more" without prompting now and she uses the sign "finished" with some prompting.

Sophie has no true spoken words yet. Although we think we are hearing some pre-words such as poorly articulated "meow" and "kitty" and inconsistent use of "dada." We are just going to hang in there and see. We are not concerned about her speech development and Mom is a speech and language pathologist so you don't have to worry either.

Gone in a Flash!

Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a decent picture of a kid that loves to be on the move?! I take TONS of pictures and most end up looking like this...

Luckily, we have a digital camera so I can delete most of the pictures I take. Here are some so-so pictures that did not end up blurred by Ms. Speedy Gonzalez! She is actually quite a fast walker when she isn't falling repeatedly.

12 Month Perks

Another perk of having a 1-year-old cutie is the right to turn that car seat so it is forward-facing. Then when we glance back in the review mirror or look back at a stoplight, we get to behold our loving daughter.

Well Check

At Sophie's 1 year well check she weighed in at 22 lbs, 11 oz., placing her at the 75 percentile. She was 31 inches long, placing her at the 94th percentile. And she got two shots. And then she was sick for a few days with a low fever. But she's all better now. And we thank our lucky stars that she is on whole milk as opposed to formula because formula was costing us $125 approximately per month and with the increasing price of gas/groceries...Yikes! Whole milk is SOOOO much cheaper. Hooray!

Happy Independence Day!

We are grateful for the freedoms we celebrate in this country. We are also mindful of the many who have fought to protect those freedoms and the sacrifice their families make. God bless America!

Fun was had this Independence Day at the home of Rudy and Becky. We visited, swam, and filled up on delicious foods. Thankfully, we all got in naps when we returned home. We hope to see some fireworks tonight from the top of a parking structure. Hope everyone had a fun day!