Belated Birthday Post

So as many of you know, Sophia turned one. We had a small party at Nana & Grumpy's house with the rest of September birthdays, and then a small party at home with just Aaron and I. Here are a few pictures of her birthday weekend:

As shown below, Sophia is now old enough to be forward facing in the car! I can't decide who loves it more - me or her.
Here is Sophia about to open some presents. Don't you love the hat!!!

Sophia was not too excited about eating her cake; this is her reaction when I put some in her mouth.

It is amazing to me how quickly her personality is changing and evolving. For example, she is not as easily distracted, and therefore, remembers the reasons she started to throw her little tantrums. After I redirect her, she darts right back towards whatever I had removed from her. Grrr! I know that these changes are normal and I don't know when I was expecting them to happen, but I am not ready for them. :)

I must add though that with all the new challenges age has brought it has brought so many great things too. She is very affectionate - willing to give hugs to almost anyone, especially if they have her favorite blanket draped over their shoulder.

Sophia at age 1 is ...curious but not too daring, laughs at everything except the vacuum and dogs, prefers walking instead crawling, loves to feed herself but will still let us feed her, she talks a ton and very loudly - it just happens that we can't understand much (almost none) of it, she has only two teeth but has strong gums, she is in the 97th percentile for her height and 45th percentile for her weight and she loves to talk on the phone - even if nobody's on the other end.

Happy Birthday, little one!!!

Signs of Maturity

I have always told myself that I'll know I'm getting old when I begin to care about
1. Genealogy &
2. Food Storage
Well....the day has come!!! Although I am not quite mature enough to be proactive about my genealogy, I have started to care about food storage. Aaron and I are gathering information and becoming more passionate about the need to have food storage (thanks, Hurricane Ike!). I have to admit that the task is VERY overwhelming. For example, whats better... #10 cans, aluminum pouches or Bulk? What is the difference???

If you have any wonderful ideas or suggestions of things to look for or things to avoid please let us know. Does anyone have the Shelf Reliance shelving system?? If so, do you like it?

Age and babies do crazy things to us! It even makes us excited about dry packed cheese. :)

Politics in America

I, much like the rest of Americans, have been glued to the political speeches, debates and conventions. The history that is being made in our lifetime (by both tickets) is fascinating to be apart of. For all of you who watched Sarah Palin's speech probably saw this video. I think it is too cute to pass up sharing again.

If you are living on some other planet and need the background...this is Sarah Palin's daughter, Piper, holding her little brother during the RNC. Too cute!!


Piper Palin Grooming Her Little Brother Trig's Hair With a L Video

If you are feeling brave...share your political thoughts on this crazy race for the Presidency.

Swing

I just thought I would share some recent pictures of Sophia swinging at the park.

Stay-cation!!!!!

This past long weekend Aaron surprised me with all sorts of things planned. We starting by painting pottery for each other, then we went to the famous "Sprinkles" cupcake bakery (YUM!), we then went to dinner together and finally we checked into a hotel room. It was a great surprise and we had a blast. At the beginning of the date I thought my sister was only watching Sophia for the afternoon but, Aaron had actually arranged for Sophia to stay over-night. :) Thanks Tammi!!!! Here are a few pics from our adventures together.

Aaron...Thanks for working so hard to plan it. Your a great friend. The mini-getaway was great!!

Sunday Struggles

Its the end of the week, and boy do I look forward to Sundays - church in the morning and a relaxing afternoon of naps, games, family dinners and sports.

However, Sundays are not nearly as relaxing and spiritual as I once remember them. Our service starts and nine and ends at noon - smack dab in the middle of Sophia's morning nap. I am sure you can guess where this post is headed. I work with the youth for the first hour and Aaron takes Sophia to his priesthood class. Or should I say... Sophia takes Aaron to the foyer. The second hour Aaron an I take turns leaving Sunday School when Sophia is talking or squealing uncontrollably loud. By the time we get to sacrament meeting Sophia has been awake for about three and half hours, refuses to sleep in our arms and we are expecting her to sit somewhat quietly so that those within 10 rows of us can still feel the spirit.

I know that we are not the first family with this struggle on Sundays, that it will only get more difficult with more children and that we will not be the last with this frustration. But it stinks!! We spend most of our time in the foyer or trying to entertain Sophia so that we won't have to go to the foyer. Lesson.......what lesson.

Now, for all of those older, wiser or more experienced than me; I have a question. I have noticed several families with many children sitting quietly and reverently on their pew. After asking their tactics they've told me they employ the "feet don't touch the ground" rule and if the child is taken out to the foyer for misbehavior they don't get down and walk or play.

I am a fan of this idea but at what age do you start it???? Obviously 11 months is too early to sit still for an hour but is it too early for her to know that when she screams she get to go to the foyer and walk around the halls and play with all the other kids that have been taken out??

Sophia at 11 months!!

Sophia turned 11 months old a few days ago!! We cannot believe that she almost a year old. At eleven months old Sophia.........
is walking with us while holding one hand
FINALLY has two teeth that have broken through on the bottom
says (the ever so important word) mama
gets so excited when she hears our alarm sound around 5:30, indicating that Aaron has opened the door.
has a tendency to bite and hit when throwing a tantrum (we are working on that one)
and so much more!!!!

We can't wait for her one year photos to document her fun personality at such a young age. I would write more but she is screaming in her crib - gotta go!