Christmas 2008

Today was a very casual day. Myron had to be at work at 7:30am so we got Sophia up early, so he could see her open her gifts. After she left she insisted on watching the "Santa Clause"classic cartoon. When it finished she said "bye santa"...too cute.

Santa bought her a cardboard cottage dollhouse, it is so adorable. It should endure her toddler years plus later on she can color it. The plus side is that it is "eco-friendly". Santa also bought her some mini furniture and small dolls. Her stocking was filled with stickers and small windup toys. Later on we ventured off to my brothers house to open more gifts, she got some music instruments, books, cars and a toddler camera. She has walking all over the house carrying it, saying "cheese" even though it does not have batteries yet (our little secret).

Merry Christmas!!

December Days

December Evenings

This time of year is officially my favorite. Sophia is 18 months and is exploring everything. Last year, she did not have any issues with Santa and this year we are really hyping him up, so now when she sees a Santa...she stares....and acts kinda timid and shy. She is slowly getting the idea of who he is...

We have also been doing lots of Christmas activities. Earlier we took her too the Polar Express. Last Saturday we took her to the Oakland Zoo "Zoo Lights" she loved riding the train and met Santa officially. We also enjoyed a ride on the carousal. Last night we took her too Fairyland where she once again met Santa (she was a bit taken back, though) and drank cocoa and played with the bubble machine.

Today we spent the day at Tia Oli's house for her cousins Rubens birthday. She came home officially exhausted. We are having so much fun!!

p.s. Mario is #2 Dad ...Myron is #1

The Polar Express

This past Sunday we ventured out to Sacramento, California to ride on "The Polar Express". For those of you who have read the children's book or seen the movie, it is an adventure and so is the ride. We went with Jeff (Dad), Thea (mommy) and Remy (Sophias buddy), who actually gifted us the tickets.

To Jeff, Thea & Remy: Thank you so much for inviting us, we had SO MUCH FUN!

The ride came complete with hot chocolate, cookies, tap dancers, the bum (character in movie) and last but not least SANTA CLAUS. Unfortunately Santa was extremely busy giving all the little ones gifts and was unable to take photos, he gave us all bells to ring. Sophia was in awe.... she was jumping, clapping and ringing her bell...im not sure if she is quite sure who Santa is, but I think she is getting the idea!!

First Haircut

Sophia's hair (particularly her bangs) have been getting very long. She pulls off her barrettes and has even mastered pulling out the tiny bands for pick tails that I put in her hair. So her hair is always in her eyes, and rather then moving her hair aside, so she can see, she tilts her head up. So we decided to have her hair cut. She really was not sure what was happening.

Toddler Days

Sophia continues to be our little flower that is in continuous blossom. She loves being outside, playing with dogs, sliding on slides, playing with sand, eating, singing, dancing. She is talking so much more and is able to point out her eyes, nose, lips, tongue, belly button, hands, fingers, ears, cheeks and her hair. She can make sounds for cat, dog, monkey, lion, bird, and cow. She loves the songs "If your happy and you know it..." and her ABC's. She can do this all if Myron asks her speaking in Spanish too. We are in awe and love every moment...She is growing way too fast.

Happy Halloween!!

Sophia's 2nd official Halloween has just past and she was a bit overwhelmed but loved the fact that people were giving her candy...she had one lollipop and savored every bit of it, the rest will be for mommy and daddy. She dressed up as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Theo was her cowardly lion, they were so cute.

Potty Trainer

Sophia is officially being potty trained. So far (fingers crossed) she has successfully taken three "poo poos" and two "pee pees". She gets a sticker to put in her elmo sticker book every time, along with tons of praise from us. I will keep you posted!!

Tot World

These past few weeks have been hectic and so much fun. We joined a Gymboree class, and we are still going to our play groups to other play gyms on a weekly basis. She is a toddler now, painting, singing, dancing. She tried sushi (california roll) and devoured every morsel. Can't wait to introduce to the real sushi (sashmi and unagi). We are having so much fun....

Sorry for the delay in posting, school assignments keep me occupied when Sophia is not...

Ultimate Tantrum

Yesterday, I took Sophia and Theo to the park. I usually take them in a double stroller, instead I took them in a wagon. Theo absolutely loves it, Sophia seemed to enjoy it up the way up, but did not feel the same way coming home. It started off great, we walked to the park, Sophia was playing. Well when it was time to go home, Sophia did not want to ride in the wagon or walk, she wanted me to carry her. Its a healthy 15-20 min. walk, especially hauling two 24 lb. kids, their was no way I was going to carry her.

She cried the whole way home....Theo was such a good sport, he was trying to cheer up Sophia the whole way home.

The BIG BIG WORLD

Sophia is so much more active lately that I have been trying to keep up with her. Our trips to the park now include climbing the structures, climbing and playing in the sand. Running and exploring every nick and cranny. We go to alot of indoor kids gyms too. She is talking tons more too. Everyday is a whole new world for her and she is loving every minute of it. This past week her grandparents and great grandmother visited. Myron and I also took a trip to the improved Academy of Sciences in SF. Enjoy!!

Play...Play...Play

Little Woman

Sophia and I have been really busy these past few weeks and I started school (reason for delay in updates). Last week was so hot, so we enjoyed it at our balcony, SHE LOVED IT (on video)!! She is talking so much more too, she is constantly repeating me, especially when I am mad (thank god, no profanity has come out yet). She mimics alot of our actions too, she loves feeding her dolls and elmo. Their is not a day that goes by that she does not do at least 5 things new...its amazing.

Summer Fun

Sophia is such a doll. We have been enjoying this beautiful, hot weather and trying to stay as cool as possible. My parents visited this last weekend, and we discovered that she loves motorcycles espically my dads. We also visited her Tia Oli's house and discovered that she loves chocolate pudding. She is continuously growing in every way....and it is such a joy to watch.

Choo...Choo

TOOOOO CUTE!!

Sophia is growing so much and absorbing everything like a sponge. Its amazing how fast she picks ups on stuff. She continues to love books and has even began "her talk" while turning the pages, sometimes she laughs too while reading. We have been trying to show her how to hold a pencil or pen and she is actually pretty close...I also got her some magnetic speaking alphabet letters that she loves mimicking. She insists on walking by herself, of course our hand is close by. She does this funny thing with her eyebrows too, I have yet to capture it video though.

Sweet Pea

Toddlerhood

I found this today while browsing websites for toddler food...I thought it was soooo TRUE!!

What is a Toddler?
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a Toddler as:
One who toddles, especially a young child learning to walk.
A size of clothing for children between the ages of about one and three years.

We like to define a toddler as:

• A child who is between the age of 12 months and 48 months old (1 year and 4 years old)

• One who loves to eat food one day and then dislikes that very same food the next day

• One who requires a lot of clean laundry, tidying-up after, and lots of attention, and constant amusement and stimulation

• One who is methodical and focused in his or her attempts at launching a spoonful of mashed potatoes as easily as a robotic arm assembles a car!

• One who's innocence and wonder inspires us to do better

• One who possesses an abundance of love.

• One who is unconditional in the giving, and delightful in the receiving of that love, along with showering hugs, kisses and smiles to those around him or her;

A true joy and a true blessing to treasure

"When you're Smiling"
Sung by: Louie Prima

Chabot Space & Science Center

Sorry I have not blogged in a while. Sophia and I are staying busy, or should I say she is keeping me busy. She has started walking alot more, still not a runner, but walking alot more. She eats EVERYTHING!!

She is talking alot more and repeats alot of words we say, sometimes I swear she responds to what I ask her or tell her too... For example, I will tell her she needs to eat all her vegetables, because they are healthy for her and she responds, "I know"...

Yesterday, Myron and I took her to the Chabot Space & Science Center and all she wanted to do was climb the stairs and walk holding the rails, we tried watching a space movie but were unsuccessful because she insisted on climbing the theater stairs instead. She is so much fun!!

Today we went to Trader Joes, and she was charming everyone, with her head tilt and her beautiful smile and saying "Hi". People were melting all around her...

Tia Oli's Long Visit

Myron and I went to a wedding this weekend and decided to leave Sophia with her Tia Olinda, Tio Mario, and all her cousins. I think it was alot harder for me than it was for her. We dropped her off on Friday morning and picked her up Sunday afternoon. I missed her so much!! But she had lots of fun and exhausted her Tia Oli and her cousins.

Thank you Tia Oli....can't wait till next time!! (if mommy can ever bear to part)

Bicycle....

For the past few months, I have been researching and looking at different bicycles for Sophia. I found the perfect one... it is called the "Kettrike Air Navigator - Kettler".

She can use it till she is 5 yrs. old and of course has 5 different seat settings as she grows. It also will allow us to add another seat for our second child. Other features that I loved was that it comes with a bar that gives us the power to control the steering. Sophia loves it, but I think cannot wait till she can peddle herself.

She's Walking

Milestones

We have been so busy these past few days and it has been so much fun. We had her 1 yr. appointment today, and she is as healthy as a horse. She weighs 24.5 lbs. and is 31 inches long. She took her first step today! (Although not camera) We have been expecting it since she can cruise comfortably holding on the side of the wall or a couch. She walks really well with me holding one hand. We took her to the beach on Friday, and as usually we could not keep away from the water, the weather was in the 90's that day so the cold cold SF water was perfect. Although we limited it, because that water IS SO COLD. Other than that we haven't gone out with our usual mothers group since we have been running errands and/or sleeping (her sleeping habits have been kinda out of routine). She has switched from formula to milk completely and Sophia I don't even think has noticed. The hardest part is for me, we are also transitioning her to a cup completely and I have to stay up with her at 5am while she has her morning milk.

Myron and I have been blessed...

My Ladybug Sophia's Party...

First of all I would like to give a special thank you to the following people, without them the party would of been a flop...

My Mom for all the delicious salads
Olinda for the scrumptious ladybug cookies
Olinda, Nydia, and Ruth for the beautiful photos
My Dad for unloading/loading the chairs, tables, food & party stuff
My Nana helping me decorate those ladybug cupcakes & and making the ladybug cake and of course for showing me some secrets to baking.
My brother Isaac for letting us use the chairs
My sister Denise for picking up the balloons
and last but not least...

TOO ALL OUR GUEST....

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVE, SUPPORT AND GIFTS ...
We are forever and eternally grateful

Love
Myron, Julie & Sophia

Happy Birthday Sophia!!

Today Sophia turned ONE...at exactly 6:37 pm, last year she was born. Geez, I cant believe how fast time flew. It seems like only yesterday she came home for the first time. I was, as a mom sad for this day to come, not because it was her birthday and she turned one but because she is growing up...I know she is only one...but I can only imagine how fast the next year and years will fly by. This fact makes me sad....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR BEAUTIFUL SOPHIA!!!!!
Love,
Daddy Myron & Mommy Julie

This video is of this last year...I hope you enjoy it....

Dog Lover

Sophia is a dog person. She adores and loves dogs. She scrunches her nose and makes this adorable breathing sound through her nose. She can crawl endlessly following all the dogs around around and will stand for long moments on the other side of the glass just looking at them and pointing. I cannot wait to get a dog for her, since we live in an apartment, we are not allowed, but when we buy a house that will be the first thing we buy.

This video is of our last week visit to Tia Olinda's and the weekend following with just us. Enjoy!!

Pier 39 Aquarium

We went on Saturday to the Pier 39 Aquarium. Sophia was so curious by all the fishes, although she could not express herself, she was pointing alot to all the different fishes and sea creatures.

The Past Week

Sophia and I have been so busy since our last post. On Friday, we visited her tia Oli and watched her cousin Mario play the trumpet in his band. He is very talented. On Saturday morning, Myron and I drove to go visit my parents for the remainder of the weekend, sadly I did not bring my camera out too often during our visit. She loved chasing (crawling) after Nana's dog, Petunia, who you will see is scared to death of her (and all kids). On Sunday we drove back, and Sophia was exhausted. Monday we rested. Tuesday, I babysat Theo, who, as usual, is so adorable. Sophia and him are becoming more and more comfortable with each other as you will see. I love watching them interact and play. Today, I had to run a couple of errands and we went to our mothers group at the park, she loves eating all the other babies food after finishing hers. Time is flying...she has not begun to walk, but she is attempting too...its only a matter of time!!

Gaby's Birthday Party!!

Growing up TOO FAST....

This past week, as usual has been very busy. We visited Sophias Great Grandma, Nana Artemisa, for mothers day, she had so much fun.

She has started standing up by herself and sometimes with barely noticeable support ;) (you will see in video). She will be walking in no time, although I am not rushing it. She is into everything and loves playing with dolls and talking up a storm. Myron and I can't get enough of her. She also turned 11 months on Saturday, I can't believe how time has flown...she is growing up too quickly!!

Mothers Day....

Our Socialite

"Be Happy!"

Sophia and I have been staying busy, between babysitting Theo and playgroups, I always make sure we have something to do. She is exploring and curious about everything. She likes whoever will feed her first and foremost, then of course whoever talks to her. She has this adorable head tilt and then she scrunches her nose. She is our happy baby!!! She has been talking alot too, what she says, we don't know, but her attempts are captivating. She has pulling herself up like a pro, and walking sideways holding on to the couch. Her grandma bought her an activity walker this weekend and she has all the enthusiasm and excitement to run all over the house with it, but when she has it within her grasps, she just stands there and/or takes steps in place. Occasionally she will walk a couple of steps. She likes playing with the gadgets on the walker too.

This past few weeks has been filled with lots of tissue. Two weeks ago, Sophia had allergies and Benedryl was a sleeping savior. Last week she got a cold and since then she has been congested with a drippy nose. She slept ok, but yesterday morning we found her eyes closed shut with green boogies, her eyes were swollen and very red (you will see in some of the photos). We called the doctor immediately and went to the doctors. It turns out she had an ear infection. (She showed NO signs!). During her cold, I also got a cold and went to the doctors myself today and it turns out I also had an ear infection. No reason to complain, if my daughter can handle it, then I definitely can, she is my hero!!

Theo...

Last week I started babysitting Theo. He is 6 months old and is so adorable (as you will see). He likes watching Sophia crawl around and eat. She likes watching him and talking to him. It is so cute how they interact. Somehow, they know each other boundaries and are getting used to each other.

(Turn up the speakers)



Song: "He Needs Me"
Soundtrack: Popeye

Having Fun...

Sophia is at the perfect age, and we are enjoying every moment of it. She loves playing, crawling, and exploring. If she knows there is something that might not be the best thing for her to get into, she looks at us, and the moment we say no or try to direct her attention elsewhere, she crawls right back to that place, all while looking right at us...I cant believe she is testing us...

Her objects of affection right now are Daddy's CDs, Books, and plants. We need to get those things out of arms length reach for her...but have yet to find another place to put them. She also likes seeing how long she can stay up with us...It frustrating, but we love every moment of it. I am in constant awe of how she learns or develops things from one day to the next, RIGHT BEFORE OUR EYES!!

Oh yes, we just cant get over how damn cute she is...(it must be a parents thing)!!

Oakland Zoo...

Sleepless Nights...

Sorry, there hasn't been a new postings, this past week has been really busy and at times a bit rough for Sophia, but like always she is fine now. Last week she was having a hard time going to sleep, and we couldn't figure out why, she usually loves her sleep. So after several nights of waking up every 2-3 hours screaming, the only way she would go to sleep was in my arms, which was tiring me out....

I finally took her to the doctors, who suspected a ear ache, but was wrong. She suggested Benedryl to help her sleep and to dry up her runny nose and it has worked like a charm ever since. Myron and I are convinced it was allergies that was bothering her...

Other than that, we have been going to playgroups at the park. She loves it, and crawls everywhere, playing with all the babies.

Here is a video of what she has been doing this past week....Enjoy!!

New Discoveries...

Sophia recently has started to discover things...I try not to discourage her too much, if she falls, I try not to react too quickly, not because I don't care (because my heart does drop to my stomach every time), but I want her be able to brush it off and pick her self up and she does, within a couple of seconds she is repeating the same activity over again. I have noticed that the majority of the time she falls, she looks for my reaction before reacting in those split seconds. I want her to be the best that she can be, and its in those moments, I hope that I am teaching her a little bit of life. Motherhood, is getting harder and harder and she is only 10 months...

She is pulling her self up alot more and now trying to pull herself along the couch, she is still wobbly of course. I cant believe how fast she is learning, and growing. These past couple of days, she is repeating sounds of names or phrases I say.... she is still working on the pronunciations, but she has the sounds...oh its very exciting! She can say, dog, kitty cat, dada and mama well. She officially has 3 teeth on the top (1 pending) and 3 teeth on the bottom (1 also pending). One tooth is coming on an average every 2 weeks. Oh yes, she also eats everything.

Hope you enjoy the video....

(her fingers are fine!!)

My Graduate

Today, Sophia officially graduated from the Infant Studies Center at UC-Berkeley and she has a shirt to prove it.

Here is the website of what the study consisted of...
http://babycenter.berkeley.edu/

Zucchini....

Here are some short clips of what she had for dinner today. We discovered that she does not like Zucchini, but will eat it.

Does anybody know how to get rid of that bitter taste?

Not Sleeping, but STANDING!!!

Sophia has always loved her sleep, but they past few days, she has been fighting it. There are a couple things that we have learned through this process. First thing, Myron cannot put her to sleep, she assumes that it is play time and wants to stay up and play. If she is falling asleep and realizes that he has just passed her bedroom, she will call out "Dada" and pull herself up quickly. Oh yes, she has begun to stand up in the crib too, very exciting, but also very scary. (We must lower her mattress, so she can not climb over). Second, she loves her bottle, she is able to fall asleep without it but she does alot better if she has a little something to drink before she dozes of. Another habit, that I must slowly trick her out of (sippy cups, here we come). All in all, her sleeping habits are once again familiar, but she has definitely begun to test the waters of mommy and daddy.

Hope you enjoy the video, I am still in the learning process, so I apologize, some of the live clip is sideways and I am unable to fix it on my computer, I should of fixed it on my camera before downloading it, but I deleted it before. SORRY, the video could not do without!!

Mrs. Conrad

Today we visited Mrs. Conrad, she was a past employer to Myron, who has continued to be a dear friend. Sophia loved looking at the view, as well as Mrs. Conrad's self carved wooden treasures (trees, animals) found throughout her home.

Her Friend Emily...

While on out on one of our many adventures at the park, we ran into our neighbors, Lana and Emily. They live directly opposite us and we can see each other from our balcony's. Lana was pregnant the same time I was and since the girls were born we have been trying to have a play date, unfortunately our paths and schedule never met up, until Tuesday at the park.

Sophia officially has a neighborhood girl pal. Hopefully, Emily can teach her Russian and Sophia can teach her Spanish....

1st Lesson - Sophia is София (sounds like Sofie) in Russian

Happy Easter!! -Revised-

Sophia spent her first Easter at her Tia Olinda's house. She had so much fun with her cousins Mario, Gaby and Ruben. She especially loved watching and playing with the dogs. She even played a bit with her extended cousin Angelina who is about a month older than her.

The Busy Little Lady

Today, Sophia was a busy little lady. She had her usual swim lessons this morning and then we decided to drive once again to beautiful San Francisco to another one of our favorite spots called Park Chalet Outdoor restaurant. It is near the well known Cliff house. We sat on the grass and enjoyed a margarita and a delicious hamburger, which was literally one of the most juiciest, mouthwatering hamburgers I have ever tasted. Then we walked across the street, to the beach, where Sophia went crazy with all the water...she loved every minute of it... and so did we...

I finally learned how to use iMovie on my mac, I hope you enjoy it.
(Turn up the volume)


"Betty Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes

Twin Peaks & Puppets

Myron decided to call off from work, so we enjoyed this beautiful weather and journeyed to SF. Today was a beautiful day in San Francisco, particularly in the Twin Peaks area, which is surprising because it is usually very windy. We bought some delicious sandwiches, which we ate in the car while enjoying the view. Sophia made her first attempt to drive, although she was more interested in biting the steering wheel. After Twin Peaks, we made our regular stop to our favorite ice cream place. Sophia enjoyed a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which she loved, she literally tilted her head back in the baby carrier and waited to be spoon feed. We have never seen her so "at ease".

Later in the evening we played a bit with some puppets. I purchased a new camera today, and as you will see I am experimenting with some of the photos.

Sophia's Pet

We have always had regular visits from squirrels on our patio. Myron has always enjoyed feeding them peanuts for several years now. When I found I was pregnant, I asked him to stop, so they wouldn't continue making there regular visits, especially when Sophia was born. Well since Sophia has come along, they don't make regular visits anymore but they are often running along the rails of our patio and Sophia has noticed. She will stop whatever she is doing and crawl towards them. Her face is luminous with excitement and curiosity. She now waves to them and is often found talking to them. Let me point out, the glass door is ALWAYS locked, and when it is open, Myron and I are holding her with the squirrels no where in sight.

Our Strummer...

Myron has been playing the guitar for Sophia, since the day she was born. Now, when she sees the guitar, she lights up, and all eyes are on daddy and his guitar. Since she has discovered her hands, she has been very interested in "picking" the strings, and gradually Myron has begin to teach her how to strum. I think we might have another talent brewing...

Swing Buddies....

Sophia has found a friend for life. As we were out for our daily walks and visit to the parks, we ran into Esther and Joa. Esther is in my mothers group, and while Sophia and I were out for our daily walks, we ran into them. Esther has a son named Joa who is about a month younger than Sophia, and as you can see, he is so cute. There was only one swing available at the time so we decided to put them together....They were so adorable. This will forever go in the memoirs of adorable moments.

A Swim With Grandpa

The Girl of Many Faces

We visited her Tia Olinda's house today, and as you can see, we both go crazy taking photos of Sophia. I don't think she minds to much either, she is always reaching for the cameras. She played with her cousins Gaby & Ruben who thankfully tired her out, for the drive home.

WARNING: The Cookie Monster

Sophia loves her Gerber cookies, and the moment she finishes it, she turns into a monster. As you will see...

Party Time!!

Today was my nephew, Donovan's 14th birthday. (Unfortunately, my camera stopped prior to his arrival).

Before the party started we were enjoying the sun in front of my sisters house. She loves all the attention....and all her cousins love giving it...

stretch, scoot....stretch, scoot

This is how she gets around. I guess I need to childproof now.....

Just the two of us...

We have been very busy these past couple of days, going to the park alot and enjoying this beautiful weather. I have been meeting alot of new moms and enjoying the company. Sophia is starting to get real excited too, especially when she sees babies her own age. She starts waving her arms and kicking her legs. Then she will attempt to grab their face and/or hair. Poor things... my attempts to save them are often to late...

These past couple of weeks she has been rolling everywhere and now it is only a matter of days before she is crawling everywhere. Today she OFFICIALLY crawled two knees (as oppose to two steps) and then dropped to her stomach once again and began to scoot and stretch...scoot and stretch...it so cute...

Her 3rd tooth poked out a couple of days ago on the top (so far she only has her two bottom), and the 4th one should be poking out VERY soon, you can see the white pressing her red gums (thank god, for Tylenol and teething tablets). She is handling it well though, the only time she really cries is when they finally press through the gums.

Below is a video of Sophia and I dancing to a Selena cd. She begins to sing...

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall....

8 Month Appointment
Weight: 22.5 lbs.
Height: 30 inches long

Her 8th month appointment was last Friday. She is a healthy baby. She had 3 shots and once again handled it "like a pro". Sophia compared to other children, her age and older, is relatively long and large, but proportional. She is growing perfectly and beautifully.

Last night, the three of us enjoyed a wonderful movie at the Speakeasy Theater in Oakland. It is is a theater with couches. They serve pizza, nachos, wine and/or beer. On Monday nights, couples with infants under 1 yrs. of age are welcome. It is a wonderful idea, thank god for these places. Myron and I enjoyed a movie called, "Persepolis" (highly recommended). Sophia was surprisingly behaved.

This video was taken a couple of nights ago, we caught her looking at herself in a mirror.

Enjoy!

Flashback: After Birth

These videos speak for themselves...

The Curious One...

Sophia is such a inquisitive baby. When strangers approach her, she does not greet them with a smile, but she looks at them with such curiosity, it is as if she is looking right through them. Then after several moments of scrutinizing, she'll give in to a smirk, but if your lucky, a large, unforgettable smile soon follows.

When we are outside her eyes never stay in one place. She loves looking at everything from squirrels, trees, cars, kids playing. If she could, she would roll everywhere. She hasn't got the hang of crawling yet, she'll get their sooner or later.

Baby Loves Disco

After our swimming lesson, Myron and I drove to San Francisco to "Baby Loves Disco". I had initially heard about this through my mothers group and I was very curious. So I bought the tickets ($15 for every walking person) about a month ago as recommended. The Ruby Skye in SF is converted to a baby club, which is hilarious in itself. The place was decked out with strobe lights, a DJ (playing anything "baby" themed), bubbles, pillows, face painting and ALCOHOL. The idea is very creative, but I think it needed a bit more child themed ideas. I wanted Sophia to mingle with other babies, but the only ones mingling were the adults. I love mingling with other adults but not where I have to try to yell over the music. Myron and I settled with dancing with her in the dance floor which she enjoyed. I think too, she will enjoy it more when she is walking and dancing herself. We stayed for about an hour, she was really tired.

Until next time....or NOT....

My Little Pro...

This last Saturday was Sophia's second swim lesson, it was not as exciting for her as the first lesson (read further) but she still had her smiles.

While I was stepping into the pool with her, I slipped on the stairs and we both feel in. That was the first time Sophia has been completely underneath the water. Those seconds inside the water scared me to death, luckily the teacher was close by in the water and picked me up by the arm. I was completely disoriented, all I was thinking was getting her head up and out of the water as soon as possible. As soon as we emerged, I expected Sophia to start screaming, but she handled it like a pro. She had a startled look on her face, but did not cry or scream, although she was a little bit more cautious throughout the rest of her swimming.

Diaper Discovery

Lakeview Park

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood...

Today was so BEAUTIFUL, I almost forgot what those jacket free days were like. I LOVE IT!! I am so glad Sophia was with me to enjoy it. We walked to the park and around the Lakeshore area in Oakland. I can not wait till tomorrow to do it all over again! (The weather better be good)

Here is a video of Sophia in a swing at the park that she loves...

Busy Weekend!!

As you can see from the past 3 posts, we all had a busy weekend. On Saturday, we went to her 1st swimming lessons class. She had so much fun. From the moment she felt the water, she was kicking and moving her arms. I think if she could, she would swim away. We played games, and I think her favorite part was jumping from the side of the pool, into my arms. The lesson was 30 minutes, which initially I did not think was very long, but after 15 minutes of holding a 22 pound baby in the shallow section with your knees bent. Thirty minutes is too LONG!! (no not really, I can handle it) By the time we got out, I WAS SO TIRED!!

After her lessons, we spent the rest of the day hanging out at Tia Denise's house. We were both so tired, but we hung in there to spend time with Grandma Elaine who always brings lots of toys and books for Sophia.

On Sunday, we all got up early to file our taxes and while we were there, my parents met us. Sophia and my dad have a what you would call a "LOVE-HATE" relationship. She loves and adores my dad, but hates when he kisses her because of his mustache. I haven't captured it on video yet, but I am working on it. (The photo to the left is a photo of them together)

Since it was Tia Olinda's birthday, our next stop of course was to visit her. Sophia has so much fun. All her cousins keep her so occupied, I LOVE IT! Her grandpa Lalo was there too, which was really nice. Overall, we had a very nice and busy weekend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIA OLINDA!!

Quick Review of Family Members
Tia Oli - Myrons sister
Tio Mario - Myrons brother in-law
Grandpa Lalo - Myrons father
Tia Denise - My sister
Grandma Elaine - My Mom
Grandpa Ruben - My Dad

Sophia's Visit to Tia Oli's

Play Time

Our Little Camaron

Alice the Fairy

This is one book Sophia really enjoys...as you will see...

ABOUT THE BOOK:
Alice speaks for herself, claiming she can fly (not too high but really fast), can change her dad into a horse (for a horsey ride), can make herself disappear (by flicking off the light switch with her wand), and can turn oatmeal into cake by pouring on fairy dust (sugar). There are elements of danger, such as broccoli poisoned by the wicked Duchess (Mom) and baths (fairies hate baths), as well as mischief ("…my mom made cookies for my dad. So I turned them into mine") and mishaps ("Once I accidentally turned my white dress into a red one").

There is one particular part Sophia loved hearing me read, it is when Alice tries making her dog float to the ceiling...

The Thumb

Since Sophia was about 1 month old she has discovered and enjoyed her thumb. It is her comforter, her companion and "just hers". Our attempts to dissuade her have all failed. Whenever she is tired, hungry or upset, her thumb is always her comforter. Here is a video of when she was about about 3 weeks old, at the time, she fell asleep on our our bed sucking her thumb and we decided to have a little fun....

ENJOY!!

Not feeling so well...

Before Sophia came along, I used to think that parents were ridiculous for not showing up to parties/gatherings if there baby had a cold or a cough. I used to think, that if they caught a cold, that it was no big deal, if anything it was building up there immune system. Now I know why parents are not so crazed about building up there immune system....especially when there infants....

Sophia has been sick twice. The first time was awful, the second time is not much better, in fact it has been worse.

She had a cold the first time, we were completely unprepared and out of town, for that matter. We had made a couple of trips to Walgreens for anything besides cough syrup that might relieve her symptoms, but there isn't much of anything besides Tylenol that you can give them. So we bought juice, bottled water, Baby Vix and some saline nose drops, all of which only subdued the symptoms briefly. That night she was sneezing, and so congested that she had to breath with her mouth open. Sophia was so frustrated, one of the things that comfort her, is her thumb, she could not suck her thumb or a bottle! The second night was better, since our second visit to Walgreens included a humidifier. For those days she was so tired and frustrated, and so were we.

Since Sophia has been sick this time and although we are more prepared, she has been coughing, sneezing, congested, and even more fatigue. The sight of any nose drops, tissue or Tylenol make her cry. Last night she was so frustrated she woke up every 30min to an hour, wanting to be comforted.

The helpless feeling you get is horrible, its those moments that you want to pull out your special powers and make things all better.

The one thing about Sophia, though, is if you smile at her amongst her fatigue and exhaustion, she returns the smile.

I know she'll be ok, but I still hate that she is sick...

Flashback: Swimming Without Water

0-7 Months

Too Fast...

A couple of nights ago, as I was lying in bed, all I could think about was how much Sophia has grown these past 8 months and how big and beautiful she is. I could hear her breathing in the speaker next to our bed. While thinking about her, I had the sudden urge to just hold her. So I quietly got out of bed and took her out of her crib and I just cradled her. Of course, Sophia is such a good sleeper, she did not wake up at all. A sudden flood of memories overwhelmed me, from the moment she was born, the first night with her at the hospital, her first fart, the grunting sounds she would make while sleeping, her eyes, her endless amounts smiles, her first teeth, her cheeks (yes, both sets), her curiosity with everything and everyone. She is almost 8 months now and so far she is a perfect baby. She loves singing, talking, and playing. For the past month she has been attempting to crawl, she loves when I read to her, and she loves eating.

There are 8 months that had alot of funny moments, so throughout the blog I am going to type "flashback" moments with past videos and/or photos as well as the new ones as she is grows.