Say, "Cheese!"

Yesterday Mom and I took Sophia to get her picture taken professionally at Portrait Innovations in Fredericksburg. It was a good experience despite the long wait and Sophia getting a little cranky during the last few shots. Here is a little sampling of the photos...

Happy Valentine's Day!

Our little love bug!

Grammy and Pop pose with Sophia and their Valentine's Day treats

Sophia playing with her new toys

Daddy gives Mommy and Sophia their Valentine's Day goodies

Pop brings flowers to his girls.

Three's a Charm!

Our sweet girl!

Tummy time on Tony, the Tiger.

I couldn't resist...

Sophia is now three months old and Raph and I keep asking ourselves "where has the time gone?" These past few months of parenthood have proved to be the most wonderful, challenging, rewarding, and truly amazing time of our lives. Everyday Sophia surprises us with a new "trick" and we can't wait for more! At three months, Sophia's personality is really starting to come out. She is so playful and she smiles all the time. She is now able to grasp and hold onto her toys and yes, put them into her mouth! She chews on her hands and drools constantly! Her favorite thing to do lately is to pull up to a sitting position by holding onto our fingers. Tummy time is starting to be a fun thing and Sophia also loves looking all around when we go for walks. And, Sophia is sleeping (almost) all the way through the night!

A few weeks ago I returned to teaching part-time and it is working out great. Allie Clatterbuck comes to our home Mondays and Tuesdays to watch Sophia and we feel so lucky to have found someone as kind and gentle as Allie. At first, it was so hard to leave in the mornings but it is getting a little easier. I enjoy my flexible schedule and being able to get out of the house a bit. Tracey Stakem and I are also busy preparing for the musical, Guys and Dolls, at St. Luke's.

Mom and Dad (Grammy and Pop) have a standing babysitting gig on Thursdays when I teach dance at the studio. It is so wonderful seeing Mom and Dad with Sophia - they are the epitome of what grandparents should be. We feel so lucky to have them so close by.

Our little bundle

We love this face!

Going for a ride!

Aunt Kate reading Sophia a bedtime story.

Thanks Tracey for the cute outfit! Clearly, Sophia loves it!

Grammy showing Sophia her first snow.

Daddy and Daughter time

Our sleepy little rider

Tummy time

video camera woes

Ok...I have a SONY Handycam camcorder that Raph gave me as a present in preparation for Sophia's arrival. I loved the camera and was excited about capturing my daughter's every waking move. The camera works great but the problem is getting the videos from the camera onto a DVD. I have spent hours (yes, hours. I'm not exaggerating) on the phone with SONY customer support trying to fix the problem. I have reinstalled software, upgraded my computer's memory, and tried different DVDs. I am so frustrated. The problem is still not resolved so I guess I will spend more time on hold...

If anyone has any experience with this matter PLEASE let me know.

These are a few of Sophia's favorite things

Sophia relaxing in the tub

Sophia listening to the music and watching the flashing lights .

Reading Fluffy Chick and Friends - an exciting read!

I'm such a big girl!

Sophia is such a happy girl! She loves bath time and her baby chick towel! Sophia is really starting to enjoy all of her toys and books. She is mesmerized by her mobile and aquarium. Recently we got Sophia a bumbo seat and she looks like such a big girl sitting up all by herself!

Sophia's first play date

Lorae and Harper

Sophia and Harper are getting to know each other.

Today my friend Lorae and her daughter Harper came over for Sophia's first play date. The sweet little ones spent a few minutes looking at each other and then they went about their playing. Harper entertained us with her "singing" and her new move, a roll! Sophia watched her new friend and after a while she drifted off to sleep. It was a wonderful afternoon with the girls!