Blast From the Past Weekend!

Since Sophia is no stranger to an airplane, I loaded her up once again and we hit the skies for a weekend getaway to Chicago. Now, the REAL reason we went is because I scored some seats for an awesome concert...New Kids on the Block, Baby! But, an added bonus was the chance to see my dear friend, Eileen and her family. ;)

Eileen and I went to college together and like many things, since the addition of husbands and babies in our lives, we've been more out of touch than we would have liked! But nonetheless, we happily reunited as if no time at all had passed and everyone had a great weekend!

Here Sheehan and Sophia pose for pics! We tried to get Sheehan to hold Sophia on his lap, but she just looks monstrous compared to him! Sheehan is 2 and a half is just adorable. He tried his very best to share all his toys with Sophia and only tried hiding them from her a few times! :)
Here the two cuties play a duet on their full size Casio keyboard. This was by far Sophia's favorite part of the entire weekend. I am beginning to seriously think that she may become a piano player! I guess I better start looking into lessons!

Two old friends and two new friends

Bubbles!

Since we already know that Walter likes bubbles, I took the kids out back for a little bubble fun! Sophia was a little unsure, but was really getting into in by the end. Walter, on the other hand, poor guy, he just can't see a darn thing through those bangs and couldn't see the bubbles till they were way past him. So to compensate he just started jumping into my lap and trying to eat the bubbles as they were coming out of the wand...uh, that didn't work for me so much. Walter was then banned from bubbles.

Once Sophia got the hang of it, she dipped the blower in the bubbles and then held it up to my mouth for me to blow.

By the way, these Gymboree bubbles are pretty darn awesome...thanks Isaac and Lisa! We also used regular cheap-o bubbles but these were more fun!
ooooooh, bubbles....

Fun With Birthday Presents!!!

Lily and Kathleen sent Sophia this adorable princess skirt and wand. She loved to pick it up and watch it flow and blow in the wind! :)
Sadly we couldn't seem to capture the really adorable moments where she kept whacking daddy with the wand, but hopefully we'll get in on camera soon!
Sophia now says 'Vroooom' when riding her Funny Faces Van or while pushing around cars!

I'm not sure if she's teething or if she's starting 'kissing' but she mouths all sorts of animals and people now...pretty funny. She loves to hear the penguin make noise and will drive around in her van, stop, bat around the penguin and keep going.

Ever-Expanding Vocabulary

This morning, like many other mornings, I heard the sweet little voice of my darling daughter crying out, Moooommmmy. So naturally, I went to get her up for the day. She is cute as ever in the morning, so happy and grinning from ear to ear when either Charlie or I walk in. As usual, I took her from her crib and laid her down to change her diaper. I was still in my nightie at the time, also not unusual, but this morning something different happened...

She poked one little finger into my breast and said, "bub", smiled, then did it again. Awesome. I blame Charlie.

Shady Lady

Party Animal

Here is a good picture of Sophia's birthday threads, courtesy of Grandma Sue. I had picked out some other (very cute) onesies and shorts with dogs on them, but when Grandma Sue gave us this we just couldn't resist! It is perfect for a girl having a dog party!
Sophia and Daddy lighting a sparkler in the shape of a 1
Make a wish!
Ummmmm, frosting!

Now that Sophia is one and the doctor has given us a the green light on any food (except nuts) I am a little nervous about it. People, and I probably was one of those people once upon a time, just want to give your kid sweets. Obviously for her birthday I encourage a little cake eating, frosting licking fun, but it does open a door that I'm not too sure I want opened. Once that sweet tooth habit begins, it sure is hard to break it! But, like I said, it's a birthday so let the butter cream in!

I had a great time at Sophia's party, but honestly I felt a little out of touch. It was almost like our wedding where I was running around trying to greet everyone and make sure everyone/thing was taken care of that I felt a like a tornado! I hope it was fun for our guests! We were so happy to have both our friends and Sophia's friends in attendance and time did get away from us as most people left before present opening, and I do apologize about that! But, on that front, she made out like a bandit. Her gifts included a Fridge Farm magnet set that she played with before we could even open it, a ride-on van that is too fun, a few baby dolls that she is already mothering, a bounce and spin Zebra that looks amazing, clothes and jammies, books, and more! Thank you so much to everyone!

Dog-Gone Cute

Here's a few pics of our cutest party-goers

I love this picture of Justin...he looks right at home in his floppy ears!

Luca caught with his hand in the doggie bowl! He's enjoying some Scooby Snacks, but just wasn't feeling the ears.
Wendy and Ray
Charlie, Jason (the newlywed!!), and Neil
Shelby with Aunt Chris in the background sporting her ears too!
Matt and Jill