Lulu - The Dolly

This dolly cannot get enough love from Sofia. This is how she prefers to carry her.

The Holidays

We had an eventful holiday season: Thanksgiving with Grandad and Grandma in NYC, skiiing in Steamboat Springs with Gigi, Poppi, Meggy, Old Grandpa and Old Grandma followed by a three day delay (and detour to Dallas) getting home due to snow on the east coast. It was great to spend time with family, get fresh air and exercise but we were all glad to get home and begin 2011.

Here are some of our favorite pics from the trip. Thanks for sharing 2010 with us and best wishes to all for 2011.

Max and Sofia getting their holiday kissing on.

Sofia getting into Mommy's jewelry box.

Sofia and Meggy getting some quality time in Colorado.

Marshmellow girl.

Mommy and Daddy, hitting the slopes (badly).

Sofia in Daddy's ski boots. Too big?

The ski bunnies: Gigi, Meggy and Me.

What Sofia is Thankful For

At 14 months, Sofia is a very thankful toddler. Her list was very long this year and it was hard to make sense of the "mamamamama ohohohohoh bobobobob eheheheheh" that is constantly streaming from her lips, but I have tried to translate for you:

• Mama and Dada, who I kiss and cuddle constantly.
• Her people: Grandma, Grandad, Gigi, Poppi, Old Grandma, Old Grandpa, Aunt Megan, Uncle Chris, Max, Aunties and Uncles across the US and the UK and random people on the street that smile at her.
• Food - any food. Except several fruits - no thanks, she says.
• Walking is AWESOME
• Sleeping without a pacifier
• Two naps a day. ("Mama, don't try to take my morning nap away again. I'll make you wish you didn't.")
• Cashmere
• Teddy, who's nose fur is almost completely rubbed off.
• Giggling and waving to strangers.
• Being able to now properly use toys, like building blocks and stacking shapes.
• The mouse in "That's not my ....." book series. I love finding that little mouse, says she.
• Calling for taxis with one finger in the air.
• Freebies from Daddy's new job where they make baby products.
• Being the center of attention every minute of every day.

That was about all I could make out.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. Miss you and love you.

Sofia's First 'Real' Walking Day

A few weeks ago Sofia graced us with a few lonely steps. She then decided to stop. Today with Jessica, both friend and babysitter, she decided to walk. Properly. Check it out.

Halloween

Halloween - urban style. This is pretty funny stuff. Sofia and I started the day off having brunch with Matt, Inigo and Phillip at HK (aka Gay Night Club that does brunch). HK was blasting Lady Gaga while the waitstaff pranced around in naughty costumes. Patrons were also getting into the spirit, and our favorites were Gem and the Holograms (for those out there that understand the reference).

After a late and much needed nap (for both of us), we went to a friend's party where there were 10 toddlers all over heating, running around a loft apartment and eating far too many cookies. Our little ladybug had a great time. By the time we left she was ready for some 'real' dinner followed by more trick-or-treating. And in true NY style, we came back with an apple, a bag of Chinese grape flavored gummies and an (almost) new Tickle Me Elmo. Suburbia - this is not.

Special props go out to my sister who whipped up this costume for her niece - who was very appreciative.

Clippity-Clop

Max gave Sofia this wooden puzzle. She doesn't have a clue how to work the puzzle but instead uses the pieces to 'make herself known' in the apartment. We just think she is the cutest thing doing this - maybe you will too.

Sofia - "It's Fun to be One"

A disproportionate amount of her cards said this phrase, but Hallmark was not lying. Sofia is tons of fun at a year old and she seems to just be getting better and better. Now I am not saying that I am over the moon at this baby/toddler turning point. I am quite sad when I store away her little outfits or she wiggles a bit more in the rocking chair when I am in the mood for a 'moment.' But I also applaud her development: her tiny tooth, putting her hand up to her ear when we say 'hello' as if she is answering the phone, and her special way of hailing a taxi (one finger pointed in the air). She is an amazing little creature and I (we) love her dearly.

Her daddy loves her so dearly that he is going to bust out the rest of this blog (readers, be ready).

I know I am supposed to say, a year already? really! but it really does seem along time ago and to be honest I can't remember what the old Antony was like. I know he had a lot more free time and a lot less grey hair but he seems a stranger to me now. The new me is not necessarily better but more rounded and richer (in a purely non financial sense of course) for going through the pain barrier time and again then being rewarded with a sloppy kiss or a squeal of delight.

I have no idea how we lucked out and brought such a happy and gorgeous little girl into the world or how we have managed to go through a whole year without a visit to the emergency room but here we are, she is one and we are ever so proud. She will be our little girl forever and the worst day with her exceeds all the days that went before. So cheers to the little monkey, may she be happy, smiling and carefree forever and a day.

Love R & A xxx

PS Just went into her room to give her a kiss while she is sleeping, she looks adorable.