Sophie and Soccer

Soccer.

I can't say that every second of this was a super awesome experience. In fact, I actually dreaded every Thursday night when there was soccer practice. We would show up ("we" meaning me, Sophie, and Sabrina) and in my super excited soccer-is-so-cool-voice I would encourage Sophie to participate. While  holding Sophie's hand so she could practice dribbling, I would also be lugging around Sabrina in her car carrier (which isn't exactly light). Then a kind friend would offer to watch Sabrina for me so I could focus on Sophie. This would work out well for two minutes until Sabrina would start crying. I would walk over to see if I could calm Sabrina only to cause Sophie to cry when she realized mom walked 10 feet away. Then I would want to start crying. Because this is pretty much what happened for 2 months straight.

Then one day. Sophie went to a game. And played. By herself. And it was awesome. Suddenly she didn't need any help at all. Suddenly she loved to run around and play!

Now that the season is over Sophie still asks about soccer and if she can play. She would tell you that she can't wait for next season!

In the end it was a good experience. I'm glad we stuck with it.

Here's a video clip. The best part is at the beginning when Sophie begins dribbling the ball off the field.

Because I said I would post...

Here are pictures of my perm.

 Side Note: I am holding the most beautiful chocolate dipped strawberry you have ever seen. Made especially for Valentine's Day. Apparently there is such a thing as melting chocolate too much.

I'm not as thrilled with it as I was the last time I got a perm, but oh well.

Now to look forward to my next hair cut coming this Summer!

For the Love of Running

 I love her hair flipping out as she runs.

Is this not the face of pure joy?

Sophie got really into it and in turn wanted to take my picture running around.

Isn't this a great shot done by Sophie?

For the above photo, she was awkwardly managing my fat camera while shouting out "Now run, Mommy! Spin around. Dance!" and snapping away. I really should do a post dedicated to Sophie's photography because she really gets some lucky creative shots. I'm glad she's enjoying it. 

Childhood is just so fun.

How to play with a 7 month old

First, you have one baby sit in an ottoman full of fluffy animals.

Then you give that baby a blanket to make her more comfortable.

She might like scarves so you give her a couple of those,

 and add another blanket,

 and another blanket,

and a few more blankets.

Then you give that baby a hat and a toy,

and add a couple more blankets.

And just to make her extra cushy, you give her a few more blankets .

By now, the baby might be feeling a little too claustrophobic.

When she decides she's had enough, have Mama remove her and then you can take over her cushy spot.

Baby on Momma's Bed Photo Shoot

 

Sabrina Loves

Sabrina loves


exploring,

checking out her reflection,

eating lunch (mostly),

scheming to take over the world,

chewing on things,

hanging out with Big Sister,

being spontaneous,

and just being super cute.

Sophie's First (Real) Birthday Party

Holy Exhaustion.
That is all I have to say.

I wanted to keep things simple, because big parties really scare me. So I had six of her little girl friends come over on a weekday dressed up in their princess attire. I imagined myself effortlessly playing the Mommy Hostess, directing games, taking some great pictures, and tending to Sabrina. Then reality hit. It was 5 minutes till the party was to start. I went in to check on Sabrina who was stirring from her nap. I find her find her lying on her tummy rubbing her nose in some spit up. Possibly even throw up. She was smiling at me. I realized that things probably weren't going to go as smoothly as I had hoped.

But the party was a blast. And thanks to the other moms that attended, I had plenty of help with picture taking, holding Sabrina, and serving the children.

The first game we played was "Help the Princesses Find Their Stuff." That's the official game name by the way (wink). Here's what it is: I told all the princesses that an evil witch had stolen Snow White's apples, Cinderella's princess shoes, and Belle's books and had hidden them in the forest (aka backyard). The girls had to find everything. This game is inspired by an Easter egg hunt, a game Sophie has been wanting to play a lot lately. The girls loved this game, but I think mainly because I had said the word "witch" and that spurred them to begin a game of "Get The Evil Witch!" Their imaginations were running wild. It was so entertaining to watch them.

We then made Magical Princess Necklaces. In the end only 3 girls actually finished their necklace because everyone wanted to go outside and play "Witch." Here are two of the three girls who did their necklaces:

Then we played "Pin Pascal Onto Rapunzel's Hand" and opened presents. The present opening was a free-for-all.

 

Okay, so the cake. I decided to make cream cheese frosting and I used a recipe I never tried before. The recipe called for 1 cup of milk to make 4 cups of frosting! I thought that 1 cup of milk seemed like a lot, but contrary to my better judgement I followed the recipe. I had enough frosting to frost 3 or 4 cakes! Now I have learned my lesson. Do not follow a frosting recipe that calls for 1 cup of milk!

 All the Princesses:

Paisley Taylor, Emily Mehr, Juliet Wiscombe, Sophie, Eliana West, Mya Bates, Lily West

*****

Sophie,
You are very compassionate.

You get very upset anytime I have to use hard words on anyone!

You don't want anyone to have to go to timeout--even if that person has hurt you!

Sophie, you are very loving.

Once, I had to go on a Relief Society visit with the Relief Society President. Daddy was in the bathroom when it was time for me to go so I just said through the door, "Bye, Daddy!" Then I hugged and kissed you goodbye. I left out the front door and was about to get into the car when you opened the door crying. I walked back to see what had happened to make you so upset. You wanted me to hug and kiss Daddy. I told you that I already said goodbye to him but you insisted that I wait for him to come out so I could say gooobye properly. You always are making sure that I show people I love them.

Sophie you are very forgiving.

With a simple "I'm sorry" you always forget whatever wrong has been happened to you and are quick to reinstate your friendships with others.

I love you, Sophie!
You love to change your clothes three or four times a day. You love puzzles and make believe. You're beginning to really love jewelry. You LOVE your stuffed animals. Right now your favorite is Marie the kitty from Aristocats, but you change favorites often. You pretty much eat a quesadilla or a cheese sandwich everyday for lunch. You will do almost anything just to get a sticker on your sticker chart. You often say the word "bubble" in response to anything I say or ask you.

You are no longer my baby which makes me sad, but I am very proud of my big girl.
Happy Birthday, Sophie Girl!

Swingin'

Another day at the park.

Her little toes.

I love that we can wear warm weather clothes already.

Loving the swings.

And Sophie being Sophie.

Wearing the same dress she wears every other day.

You know what the best weather combination is?

Warm sun. Cool Breeze.

Nice.

...and Dave adds:
"And all you need is a nice jacket!"
I hope you catch that allusion.

Fun with Daddy

 These just make me happy. That's all.

Phoenix Children's Museum

 Here are some pictures from the last time we went to the Phoenix Children's Museum back in December. What a fun place that is-- for adults and kids!

PAINTING

TANGRAMS

GROCERY SHOPPING

The little boy here was playing the cashier and Sophie was unloading all her groceries for him to check out.

This picture was taken right after the little boy told her that she couldn't get the Gatorade because it was $59 and that was too expensive.

ICE CREAM