Happy 8 (and 7) Months Sophie Claire

SO, I completely forgot to post Sophie 7 month update. I could say that I was sooo busy that I didn't have the time or what not, but in all actuality I just plain old forgot. I'm a mom, it happens. So here it goes.

Happy 7 Months Sophie Claire

In the last month you have accomplished quite a bit my love and are becoming rather independent. You love to crawl and crawl around the house. It's so amazing to see you move and explore on your own. You are certainly keeping us on our toes by making sure you don't get yourself into trouble. I've begun baby proofing the house like mad. cabinet locks - check, table corner cushions - check, pool noodle on fire place mantel - check! I know the day will come when you do fall down or scrape that cute little noggin of yours, and I promise now to not over react to much, but if/when I do just know that it's because I love you so very much.

You really enjoy playing with other children and seem to have adjusted well to the few times during the month you attend daycare while I attend MOPS. I am so thankful that you seem to enjoy seeing new faces and playing with other babies because those few hours of fellowship I get with other women have become priceless to me. 

Sophie and her buddy Sydney

playdate at the Hands on Museum

You also enjoy books and have now joined in the activity by holding the book and turning the pages. My favorite time to read with you is before nap time. You snuggle in on my lap holding your sippy cup and monkey and we read at least two books. I like to think the second one is for Elliott. 

Rocking your hoodie with daddy

A few weeks ago we went on a very long car ride to Kansas, Missouri and Illinois to visit family and you were excellent in the car. You slept practically the entire time and were so happy at each destination you woke up at. You spent a lot of time with your big cousins Ireland and Luke, both of whom were very nice to you by sharing their toys. 

Aunt Abbie and Cousin Luke

Cousin Ireland

Cousins Brenna and Emerson

Some other fun firsts that have occurred this month are your first real big girl bath. No baby bath or bath seat for Sophie. You seem to enjoy this time which makes me very excited for a swim lessons which begin in April. 

We've started giving you finger foods and you love feeding yourself. You've gone on a spoon strike so I've resorted to letting you just drink from the bowl in order to get any pureed foods in to that belly of yours. 

We love watching your personality come out more and more. You smile so much and laugh and think we are quite funny at times. It's pretty awesome to hear those sweet baby giggles throughout the day.

Another big milestone you reached a week ago is pulling yourself up ... on everything. You're pretty pleased with yourself and all that you can do and I have to say watching you get your sea legs is so adorable. 

You said dada for the first time last Saturday.

You took your first steps with a walk yesterday.

Happy 8 Months My Love!

Eric Genuis Concert

Saturday night we attended the Eric Genuis concert at Christ the King Parish in Ann Arbor. The concert was is support of Perinatal Hospice and our good friend Janet Holtz.

The evening was so heart touching as we remembered Elliott, listened to another bittersweet story of a family's child born in to heaven and listened to beautiful music from world renowned composer Eric Genuis.

We also had the opportunity to finally introduce Janet to Sophie. We had been looking forward to this moment for so long and Janet was very excited as well. The first words out of her mouth were, "she looks just like her sister".

Happy Valentines Day Sophie

Happy Girl, Happy Valentine's Day!

All ready to paint Daddy's gift.

footprint heart

Love you from the bottom of my heart

to the tips of my toes

E for Elliott

perfect candy bowl for daddy's desk at work

pretty pleased with herself

Joe calls Sophie "ladybug"...
we couldn't resist giving her this for her first Valentine's day.

Happy 2nd Birthday Elliott

Today we celebrated Elliott's 2nd birthday in heaven. It's hard to believe two years have passed. As my mother in law said, "we've come along way", and we certainly have. Sophie is a beautiful blessing and reminder of her big sister. Today was mostly smiles and good thoughts but our hearts certainly still ache for Elliott. At times I felt a bit numb, watching Sophie play and cheering her on as she gets closer and closer to crawling. This year is so different than last year. And all of the experiences we have with Sophie remind me of what we don't have with Elliott. I know I should be grateful for what we do have, but some days, like today, it's a little more difficult.

beautiful flowers from my sister Abbie and her family

I hope to make her cake every year. I love to cook and bake. It allows me to escape for a bit and just think about her. 

Getting bundled up for the balloon launch

One for you Sophie

Grandma came to visit for the weekend and be with us today

Sophie's first experience with snow

Happy Birthday sweet Elliott Faith

The life of a 6 month old

Happy girl waiting patiently in daddy's arms for her well baby check up. We are so thankful to have such a wonderful pediatrician. Dr. L. is very kind and patient with us. I always have a million questions for her and she never makes me feel like any question is a stupid question. It is so reassuring working with great doctors.

You Grow Girl! Joe picked out this bib at a little shop in Niagara Falls, Canada. And, Sophie sure is growing. She is now 26 inches long and weighs 15 pounds 8 ounces. 

Big Girl Bath! After months of getting splashed by Sophie kicking in her little baby bath we have finally moved her to the "big" bath tub. She loves it and we are staying dry.... for the time being. 

Nothing is sweeter than a sleeping baby.

Well, how about a happy baby waking up from her nap. I am thankful for this smile each and every day, after each and every nap. So sweet. 

Sophie's play room is growing too. I love watching her play and discover new things. Some days I get teary eyed thinking about how there should be two sweet baby girls playing side by side, but most days I just smile and remind myself that Sophie has a beautiful angle watching over her.

So, I may over do it sometimes but I just don't want her to get cold. She looks so tiny doesn't she. 

This was her first ride in the front of the shopping cart, all bundled up, with all of her favorite toys. 

The cold weather has kept us indoors, just as it has so many other families, so what better to do on a cold day than have a tea party. Sophie's cousin Ireland gave her this adorable tea set for Christmas and Sophie, elephant and lamb enjoyed their tea and stayed nice and warm.

Sup!

6 months! Happy half birthday Sophie Claire

We love you!