Best wishes from all of us at Tiny e Ranch!
December 2005 Archives
Sophie and her pal Santa discuss her list in a pre-holiday conversation.
We were both expecting some stranger anxiety at some point during this event, but Sophie was very curious about his beard and didn't want to get off his lap. It was all very low-key, no lines and no waiting. Let's hope that luck continues.
Dad & I retrieved our computer from storage yesterday, so I've been able to get started scanning my grandfather's collection of slides. Here's a sneak preview, and don't fight ladies: there's plenty of style to go around.
Today I received (after demanding) my favorite Christmas gift, homemade almond roca from my Grandfather. This is one of the few things that has been consistent every Christmas in our family. Each year my Grandpa makes tons, alright, pounds, of this candy and sends it out to friends and family. Well, he sends some of it out. The rest of it is stored in a covered five gallon paint bucket next to the fireplace at their house. It took me years to figure out where he stored it. Think of all the opportunity wasted!
This is easily the best candy I have ever tasted. It's so buttery and the almonds are toasted (I am pretty sure) then it's topped with just a smearing of chocolate. Does it taste so good because my Grandpa makes it? Or because it is associated with so many holiday memories? I decided to put the question to an outsider, someone who hadn't experienced the food, family fueds, or drunken gift opening fests. My father in law was the perfect candidate. He's got a sweet tooth but isn't afraid to give criticism. He agrees that it isn't just family bias or nostalgia that makes it taste good.
So, a little piece (or many little pieces) of Christmas memories were delivered to my door here on the east coast. I will enjoy eating them one by one.
Oh, and Grandpa, please let Grandma know she can stop sending me sweaters and just send me a tin of almond roca each year.
Sophie hit another milestone today by throwing her binkie into the toilet. Picture to come soon. Don't worry, I threw the bink out.
Wishing everyone a festive and joyful holiday season!
We'd also like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for all the kind support, which we've needed and received in even more than usual supply this year. It's been a rough ride and it would have been a lot rougher if it weren't for our friends and family helping us get through!
Some pics of Sophie enjoying the snow, her first time on a sled. Thanks to Scott & Roi for lending us the snowsuit!
Tonight Sophie celebrated her first birthday with some balloons, her very own cake and some very fun presents. She had a busy day that included a trip to the pediatrician for shots (I know, we're terrible) and as a result skipped her afternoon nap (probably because of the shots). After a long afternoon, dinner, cake, a bath (necessitated by the cake), opening presents and then playing with them she was one sacked out one-year-old.
To catch up on a few milestones we missed, on Thanksgiving Day we stopped by Bompy's to visit and drop off some pie. Sophie chose that occasion as one of her first attempts to walk back and forth between us unassisted. She could take about four or five steps max before she teetered and needed to be caught. It was spectacular, inspiring and terrifying all at the same time.
She hasn't gone for much more distance since, but loves to stand unassisted and squat down to pick things up much more now. She'll stand by herself for up to a minute, and sometimes swivel her arms and torso back and forth in a mini-dance move. She'll also bounce up and down when her favorite song is on (currently 'Hollaback Girl' by Gwen Stefani).
She's a big fan of animals, and loves watching the Baby Einstein 'Animals of the World' dvd. She gets most excited watching the monkeys segment I think.
Verbally, pretty much anything can be "Dada?" at this stage but Sophie's repertoire of words also includes: Momma, dah! (for 'dog'), buh! ('no barking!' or 'bad!', we're not sure, but it's directed at the dog when she's barking and sometimes accompanied by a shaken finger) no, oof! ('woof'), zat? ('what's that?'), tickle-tickle (sort of, it kind of all runs together), uh-oh, Dadul, Grampa (only once or twice so far).
Hot off the presses (or memory card, rather), here are some pictures of Sophie on her birthday. So far we've opened presents from Grammy (a bracelet and sheepskin boots) and Grandma & Grandpa Great (a big basket of soft cloth letters and a Donald Duck blanket that zips into a pillow). Scott and Roi also sent us a big box of clothes, including a warm snowsuit that we've already used (at the tree-lighting festival Friday night, brr!) Thanks everyone!
Perhaps in anticipation of her big day, last night Sophie broke her unprecedented five-day streak of sleeping through the night. We knew it had to happen eventually, but it sure was nice while it lasted!
As I put Sophie to bed tonight I was thinking about her first birthday tomorrow and reflecting on the last year.
I remember the many late night feedings and how she was up every two hours for the first month or so. I wasn't thinking of how tired I was or how happy I am that those times are gone but instead, I was grieving in a way for those quiet close times that I got to spend with her. Just rocking her in her room and feeding her. It was so sweet being that close to her and watching her sleep.
I couldn't wait to find out what she was going to be like and got so excited at any sign of a personality during those first few months. I love who she has become. But I miss and cherish that little baby who came out just as beautiful and quiet, who only worried about food, sleep and diapering. I honestly can't believe that it has been a year. My only regret that I have is losing some time with her unnecessarily to work. All the screaming fits and waking in the middle of the night and walks up and down the stairs are little gems that I think of now and cry to know that they are gone. I am so grateful I was able to spend that time with her.
She is a wonderful creature. She's funny and loud, serious and stubborn and my favorite, snuggly. Most of all, she has surprised me with who she is becoming. I can't imagine wanting her to be any other way.
Happy almost First Birthday my baby girl. I love you.
