A little story:

27 years ago today was the happiest day of my life. I wasn't aware of it at the time, but somewhere in the wind-swept tumbleweed capital of the world (Amarillo), an adorable, little surprise baby was born into the Republic of Texas. By all accounts, she was the youngest but feistiest child of seven. After going through a slightly rebellious phase in here early teenage years (ask her about the girl on the bus) she blossomed into a kind and caring friend to nearly everyone she meets. She loves to help others and is always ready to help you laugh when you're happy, cry when you're not, or a little of both.

Now, 27 years later, she's busy teaching her own feisty daughter how to navigate the world, and she's doing a terrific job. Soon she'll be doing the same for our little boy too, and I'm so thankful she's our family's mom.

So, to my fun, beautiful, amazing wife, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I love you.

- Husband.

I am His favorite!!!!

Although, it pains me to tell you all this, I know that I am Heavenly Father's favorite!! After spending the day with my adorably fun, cute and playful Sophia, I know it has to be true. I am so blessed to be her mom and to get to feel her adorable hugs everyday! Thank you HF for the best little buddy I could have ever asked for. :)

Baby books...

So, is it just me or does the ever so nagging "baby book" loom over your heads, too? I love them and I think they will be priceless years down the road. However, I cannot get caught up and then the guilt of not being caught up just plagues at me. I will hopefully make a dent in Sophia's today. Wish me luck!!! (Sigh)

A much needed update to our lives...

It has been awhile since we have updated our blog. Life gets busy and consequently the blog suffers. I will start with an update on Aaron and I and then tell you what's new in the world of the one you really care about, Sophia.

Aaron is still working hard and doing a great job at balancing the roles of provider, father, husband, son and family member. I am slowly transitioning out of my daytime position and will be shifting my work time to the evenings and weekends. Taking Sophia with me to work is becoming a bit too challenging. When work in the evenings or on Saturdays, Aaron tends to Sophia and has enjoyed the one-on-one time with her. (I enjoy a little "Tina Time" too! Thanks Aaron)

Our baby boy is due to arrive around the middle of May. The pregnancy has been full of ups and downs but thankfully things have evened out lately. Although I have only gained about 12 lbs I look (and especially feel) like I have gained about 30! We are still searching for a name so if you have any suggestions, please send them our way.

My cousin Allie has moved in with us while she attends the Dallas campus of UNT this semester. She has been here for a month now and the transition has been smooth. Here is a picture of Allie before she headed out for her first day of classes. She's so cute!
Sophia is growing like a weed; she is already wearing size 2T! Lately she has been having a little trouble sleeping at night and we can't decide if it's just a teething issue or something more along the lines of night terrors. Nonetheless, we are working through it and hope to have it resolved by the time baby #2 arrives. These days Sophia is...
running
kissing
blowing kisses
feeding herself everything (no help allowed)
eating everything in sight one day and nothing at all the next
laughing
discovering cartoons
manipulating her parents with tears and cuteness
signing in context...eat, more, please, milk, finished, mom, dad, dog, cold and love.
saying at will...mama, dada, bye-bye, hot, trash and ???
testing boundaries, and
testing the quality of mom and dad's consistency (or lack thereof).

Here are some recent photos of her walking around in her little tutu. For a few days in a row she wanted to wear it all the time.
Next month Sophia and I are planning to take a 'Mommy and Me' swim class. I am hoping it will help her become more comfortable in the water. You are probably wondering what I am thinking getting into a swimsuit at 7 months pregnant, and as I write this, I am starting to wonder the same thing. Maybe I should give an apology gift to the other participants in the class for having to witness the horror :)

Happy New Year to All!!!!
It is hard to believe that 2009 is already here. Our lives have changed so much over the last year and we are excited to see what is in store for us during the upcoming year. We enjoyed spending Christmas here in Dallas, and the festivities continued with a small "Wii" New Years Eve party at our house. Aaron and Tammi ski-jumped their way to top 10 immortality and Steve scarred us emotionally when his inner "Enrico" emerged as he hula-hooped with mesmerizing rhythm. Those hips don't lie.

We did decide to have tubes installed in Sophia's ears. The anticipation of surgery for our little girl was difficult, but everything went smoothly so thank you to all who called, emailed, texted, or prayed for Sophia and her surgery - especially to Tammi, as she came over that day (with a get-well basket) to help us through the day because both of us were feeling ill. Sophia has made a full recovery and is feeling better than ever. I could not resist including a few photos of her drugged demeanor just before surgery. She acted as if she was drunk. It was hilarious. :)



We hope that each of you finds peace, joy and good health in 2009. Happy New Year! :)

An update to the "tubes" dilemma

After 11 documented ear infections, Sophia is scheduled to have tubes placed in her ears a week from today!! I am extremely nervous about the procedure but, we felt like we had no other choices. We consulted with a specialist and I was hoping to discuss different options to reduce her ear infections. However, after meeting with him we learned that our options were to either place tubes in her ears or do nothing and continue treating the reoccurring infections with anti-biotics. There was no real middle ground option. So...the surgery is scheduled. Above all, I hope the procedure is successful and that it brings Sophia relief, once and for all.

Christmas Tree!!!

This past Saturday we went to chop down our Christmas tree. I know we were a little late in the season; the selection of remaining trees at the farm solidified that fact. So, as opposed to choosing a tree that was marginal at best but looked like we tried, we decided to find an extremely ugly tree that would have otherwise been homeless for the holiday season. Here is a photo of how it turned out. Surprisingly, we love it! It has actually turned out to be our favorite tree yet.


Sophia thought it was a great time for a kissing break. Don't mind Dad, he is just trying to cut a tree down. :)

Family Fun!!!