Sofia's Birthday Celebration

On Sofia's birthday, we took a family trip to The Land Of Make Believe in Hope, NJ. What a perfect place for young kids and it was only an hour away.

There was little to no wait for any of the rides and although the water park was slightly more crowded it was never so crowded that we couldn't enjoy ourselves.

Even though this was a celebration for Sofia, big sister Ella had a mighty good time as well.

Before we left the house. Happy Birthday Dracula!

First stop-Daddy on the Barney train

On the Choo choo train

Ella, always the daredevil went on every ride by herself. When I asked if she would like me to go on the roller coaster with her she said, "No mommy, you're too big to ride the roller coaster." She just climbed on with this little boy and had a blast. Now if only we could get a smile out of her like this on command!

On the carousel

Sofia, ummm, I think I like this...

Wait, no, no, I don't like this at all

We then headed to the water park which was a blast but unfortunately I value the life of my camera so I was unable to take pictures, but trust me, it was fun.

I would say the day was a success We aren't having Sofia's big 1st birthday party until we go home to California at the end of the month. We're doing a joint party with Tissie, my grandma, who is turning 90! We didn't want to overload Sofia with sugar but we couldn't let her actual b-day go without a little taste of sugar so Ella and I made her some chocolate chip cupcakes. Bakers we are not, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Singing Happy Birthday!

What is this thing?

Ella knows what to do with it

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY SOFIA CECILE!!!!

At 1:33 am on August 14, 2007 Sofia Cecile was placed in my arms for the very first time. We looked at her with astonishment. This was real. We are now the parents to two little girls.

Sofia was born screaming and she didn't stop screaming for 3 1/2 months. Like her big sister, she had colic. The first three months were rough. Very rough. Sofia was terrified of her own arms and spent the majority of her life wrapped tightly in a miracle blanket, in a sling against our bodies, while sucking on a paci. But like magic, around 3 months this adorable little personality came out and our funny, fiesty, little Sofia emerged.

Sofia, we love you more than words can say. We love you (and your sister) with a strength and depth that can't be understood until you have your own children. Nothing gives me more joy than watching you and your sister play together. I love when you just look at each other and break into a fit of laughter. You make my heart smile.

Thank you for being our little girl! We can't wait to celebrate many more birthdays with you.

Sofia at 1 year old:

We don't got for her 1 year WBV until Monday but I weighed her on our home scale and she was 24 lbs!!!

Sofia says:
Hi
bye bye
Mama
Dada
Hi Dada
Ella (ya ya)
Doggy
Cat
done
giraffe (gaffe)
I did it
Ashes Ashes aaa faa DOWN!
da dadada da!
thank you (although she really is just copying the sounds)

Sofia does:

She's so close to walking but not yet letting go of us. She can walk holding on to one finger and cruises like a maniac but still prefers crawling to walking.

She climbs EVERYTHING! Including the couch, the stairs, chairs, small tables, she even tries to climb into the bath tub.

claps
waves
gives high fives

plays peek-a-boo
signs: done, more, milk

Now, lets take a walk down memory lane...

Still in my belly-8/10/07

Hello World! I'm here!

Meeting her big sister

The sling/swaddle-where she lived for 3 months!

Even Gaga got in to the sling action

But then around 8 weeks in between the crying, she gave us a little glimpse in to the future. Look at that smile!
She discovered she loved jumping!

and just generally being cute



HAPPY 1st Birthday Sofia!!