Whew, Busy Day!

Sophia and I started off our day as usual with Baby Boot Camp. Afterwards we ran some errands and got home in time to finish up some laundry and of course, unload the dishwasher after Sunday's feast.

Then my friend Lisa and her son, Isaac, came over for a play date. Sophia and Isaac have played together before, but it usually consisted of one or both of them lying immobile or even sleeping! But now, both babies are growing up, sitting on their own and eager to play. They were absolutely too cute together! Shamefully I did not get any pictures of them! :( I guess I was too busy giggling at their interacting and snuggling with Isaac because I totally forgot to snap some pics! I will have to do better next time! Lisa has been a wonderful support for me during my pregnancy and early motherhood as Isaac is only 3 months older than Sophia, so I get to ask her all those "what happens next" questions; it's been great!

Sometimes it's easier to go ahead and wash everything together.

We rounded out our evening with a fabulous dinner with our close friends, Jill and Matt! It was Jill's birthday so we were all eager to celebrate with a great dinner and fun conversation!

Here's Sophia and the birthday girl!

Here's Matt practicing his best baby hold!

The Little Bears have a lot of practicing to do since Jill is expecting twins this fall! Wa HOOOO! We can't be more excited for them and Sophia is thrilled that she'll have not one, but two playmates! Jill looks and feels great and I am both excited for her, of course, and for me! I figure Jill and I spend so much time together (she really is the sister I never had) that now we can do even more things for us and our babies! Besides, I think Charlie is always looking for guys who like to watch sports while holding a baby, so maybe he and Matt can perfect this skill together!

Finally, here is Sophia practicing some skills of her own! She always wants whatever mommy has in her hand and I always let her drink water from my glass, but she always spits it out. Well, not this night! She actually drank it down! I was amazed, not only because the water was pretty cold, but she usually grimaces at the taste of water and refuses to drink it. I guess practice really does make perfect! Now maybe she'll drink it if I give it to her in Sophia sized cups!

Easter Sunday

Our little bunny munchin' on a plastic carrot

Aunt Cathy with one pooped pumpkin!

The Egg Hunters showing off their booty!

We hosted Charlie's family for a late Easter brunch this weekend (Greek Easter isn't until the end of April, so there is still more fun to be had!) It was nice to have everyone together and the weather outside turned out to be a bit warmer than anticipated!

Charlie and I set up an egg hunt for the kiddos and sadly Sophia decided it was nap time during this time, but she wasn't going to do much hunting anyway. I was disappointed though that I didn't get a group shot with her included, but maybe next year!

It was a very busy afternoon with all the kids hunting, eating and playing. The adults laughed and chatted with each other and a good time was most definitely had by all! I will say, though, that after everyone left is when I had my greatest parent epiphany.

Both Charlie and I have had to do some adjusting to our new lives as parents, but by far, the hardest thing so far was the fact that when everyone left yesterday and all the dishes were cleaned and the dishwasher packed, the only thing I wanted to do was lay down, and I couldn't. Charlie and I just looked at each other, both with exhaustion painted across our faces and could only giggle when we looked at Sophia who was a smile from ear to ear and happily bouncing in her exer-saucer. Hmmm, no napping for us and for a girl who really cherishes her sleepy time, this is the worst part of parenthood! Oh well, that smile is worth every minute I give up!

With a Peep, Peep Here

Finally, One for Mommy

So, Sophia has matched Daddy and Walter, it was high time we had a match day too! It's not easy finding rugby gear for girls, I tell you that! These aren't exactly Charlie's team colors, but one thing I've learned about rugby over the years is, it doesn't matter whose jersey you wear as long as it looks cool. Well, I think we achieved that.

Go, Bulldogs, Go

Maybe Sophia will follow in Daddy's paw prints, er, uh...footprints

Go, Team, Go

Awwwww, maybe next year, Baby.

As a special surprise I ordered some new fan gear for Charlie to wear today to cheer on his team. I figured Sophia needed to help Daddy cheer his team on too, so of course I got her a coordinating shirt. Let's not forget that I am up for ANY opportunity to make some matches.


The Drake Bulldogs put up quite a fight and lost in a very disappointing overtime match. This is their first tournament appearance in quite a number of years, so it was exciting anyway! Better luck next year!

When Daddies Take Control...

Charlie has been off the past few days ( of course to watch March Madness) but he did find time to help me out the other morning and get Sophia dressed so we could go to our exercise class. I was downstairs packing a bag, etc. all the while thinking about what a sweet and wonderful husband I had and how very nice it was that he was helping us get ready...when he brought her downstairs wearing this:

Oh dear, God.

This shirt has been in Sophia's drawer since Favorite Uncle Stacy ordered it for her many months ago. Actually, I will admit, I put her in it once when F.U.S. and Aunt Pam were babysitting, but that was it. In case you can't read it clearly, let me read it to you: Mommy Drinks Because I Cry.

This picture was taken because Charlie insisted I take one where you could see the color-coordinating shoes.

Shirts like this are made for daddies to buy and mommies to cringe. Actually, I'm a good sport and I even left her in it all day. The gals at Baby Boot Camp got a big kick out of it and Favorite Uncle Stacy was quite pleased to see his present in action. And, I must admit, the outfit DID look pretty cute with all her color-coordinating garments. :) Plus, I can't look a gift horse in the mouth especially when it gets the baby dressed!

More Birthdays

Sophia and Papa Leo, notice how they both have the "non-smile" smile! Ha!

What you talkin' bout, Papa Leo?

The 4 Granddaughters: Julie, Sophia, Angela, and Molly

Today officially marks Miss Sophia Anastas' half birthday! Wowee! I am thankful every day for her wonderful laugh and smile and I look forward to the many years we have with such a loving child!



Today is also a big day for Sophia's Grandpa Leo, as it is his birthday too. We all celebrated on Sunday with lots of good food and of course, cake!