Christmas Holiday

This year we celebrated Christmas with the Young side of the family. We hosted Christmas Eve at our house, followed by a sleepover party with Deb, Tim, Dylan, and Andrew. I had a great time making Christmas Eve dinner, but I was very tied from cooking for the three days prior, to say the least . Or maybe it was the pregnancy–who knows. Anyway, it came as a nice change of pace to change venues Christmas Day by going to Nonna's. Saturday we took a brief break from the Young side festivities so that we could sneak in a quick visit with my cousin Kiere and his wife Lauren–it was great to see them! Finally, we topped off the weekend by having a Christmas celebration with Nana Wendy and Papa Scott, where we got a great surprise, a visit from Ginny!

If I remember correctly last year around this time Tim and Sage were fantasizing about how fun it would be to have the kids running around together, and this year we were all able to take delight in watching this previously wishful thought come true–what a great holiday gift! Well, it was great to be with everyone! I know that Sophia enjoyed it–but who won't when spoiled with so much love and of course gifts!

Dylan and Sophia playing

top row from left to right: Deb, Nana Wendy, Papa Scott, Ginny, myself, Sophia
bottom row from left to right: Tim, Dylan and Sage

Super Surprise!

Sophia, Sage, and, I headed to Lake Placid this past weekend to celebrate my 3oth birthday. It was a beautiful snowy winter wonderland in the high peaks. We relaxed (as much as one can with a 15 month old) and enjoyed the time away.

While kicking back and taking in the Adirondacks I received an awesome surprise! Pops, Mimi, Jenna, and Uncle Tito drove to Lake Placid to join in on our celebration weekend. I had no clue they would be coming, and I could not have asked for a better birthday gift! We spent the afternoon basking in my glory (lol), or more accurately, having Aunt Jenna and Uncle Tito tell me that they can't believe how really old I am. Anyway, it was a great day—we shared some tears, laughs, and of course had fun! Thanks for making it a truly memorable birthday!


Sophia, the day after, getting tangled in my b-day balloons!

Fifteen Months

Sophia is right on track with growth and development. Her language skills are increasing as she continuously blabbers, although I still have a hard time understanding what she is saying. Teeth 15 and 16 have come in, giving almost a full set of teeth. She's is able to use her spoon when eating some soft foods. Hitting the fifteen-month mark for some reason has made her more frustrated, as noted by the many tantrums she throws daily. It has definitely been challenging to handle these scenarios! I'm not sure Sage or I will be able to survive the "terrible twos" if this is a preview of what is to come. Well, as the French expression goes C'est la vie! As tough as many days are we are still having a blast!

Baby, Baby, Baby

It's official that we will soon have a new addition to the family! We've changed the blog a little to reflect this news. Our new baby is due to arrive in July of 2010. Please join the fun of predicting the sex, due date, birth time, weight and height by joining our game, just click on the link (under baby pool) to the right and look up "BabyYoung-Game" to play.

Happy Thanksgiving

Yeah, we had our second Thanksgiving celebration with miss Sophia! So, originally we had planned to visit Grandma Jill and Grandpa Bill in NC, but unforeseen circumstances changed our plan and we ended up staying close to home–we missed you Grandma and Grandpa!

Anyway, it was a low key weekend and holiday. For Thanksgiving day we went to the Neulander house for a small family gathering. Sophia was endlessly entertained by Aunt Jenna's new kitty, Watson. The food and company was great as always!

Saturday night Nonna and Sophia had a sleep-over party. It was reported that they had a wonderful time. Thanks Nonna! I know Sophia is really looking forward to the next time. I guess this holiday made me reflect a little as it really is a thankful time in our lives. We are just so blessed and incredibly thankful to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

Sophia indulging in Pops dessert at Thanksgiving dinner.

Nonna and Sophia hanging.

Red is Back

Monday November 2nd Mimi, Sophia, and I flew to NOLA for the much anticipated arrival of cousin Marcus. The trip was long and painful, as Sophia showed off her best "singing" voice for most of both flights. We were relief and exhausted when we touched ground. I think Marcus knew how tough the flight would be and decided to give us a little time more to settle into life in NOLA before he arrived. Which also meant that we were able to spend a few days with just Brian and Chantal.

However, later that week he was finally ready, and on Thursday November 5th a red-cheeked, red-headed, 7lbs 8oz happy, healthy, content little boy was born—debuting just in time to meet all his visiting relatives who had prearranged travel to New Orleans just for him—and boy are we all so glad he did!!!

Here is a clip of him in all his infant glory. It's hard to tell here, but he really does have a carrot top.

Happy Halloween

Dressed as a little bumble-bee, miss Sophia buzzed her way from house to house. Nonna joined us on our adventure as we started out by going across the street to visit our friends, Brian, Carrie, and their daughter Lydia. After which we went up the street to visit my long time friend, Claire. Believe it or not Sophia was already tired by this point, but not to worry, Aunt Claire had the remedy–she gave Sophia some chocolate. This made her jump off the walls by the time we made our next stop at Mirca and Barbel's (where we were joined by Mimi, Pops, Angi, Mickey, and Yossi).

As we made it to our final destination to visit Mary and Taylor Espisito our "little bee" was pooped. We thought perhaps some real food was in order so Nonna, Sage, Sophia, Mimi, Pops, and I went for an early dinner. However, Sophia wasn't really interested in dinner. She thought it was much more fun to run around the restaurant—I guess she had too much sugar still in her system. Thankfully, she crashed quickly once we got in the car to head home.

We didn't prepare for any Halloween visitors since our neighborhood really doesn't get any anyway. However, we were surprised by one group of tweens who decided to be rebellious and ring our door bell despite the sign posted on the door "Do NOT ring" so as not to wake Sophia. Oh well—I guess that is why it's "trick-or-treat!" Sophia wasn't aroused and Sage scared off the kids.

Before the chocolate

Perking up

On the go

Flying

Fourteen Months

Our little girl is really showing personality these days, okay—even more personality. She finally started to entertain herself for short periods–yeah! Walking has become her new focus, as she attempts to figure out how to run. She uses her baby signs like crazy and it seems like she is always blabbering. We have also transitioned to one nap, although I am still trying to push out the time she goes down—we'll get there. Teeth 13 & 14 have made their first appearance as they have just broken through her gums—poor girl! Below is some cute footage of her walking, as promised, and then another clip of her "combing" her hair.

The pic of her in the tub is thanks to the Mary, Taylor, and Emma Espisito (Taylor is our regular babysitter and is sometimes accompanied by her mom, Mary, and sister, Emma, since they all love kids). This past Saturday they watched Sophia for us when we attended a wedding. When we got home they shared this photo and a story about the hairdo Sophia was given. Apparently, this is the "famous Mary Espisito hairdo." All four of her kids and all the kids that she used to babysit would beg her to do this when she gave them a bath. Jenna and Ari Neulander are very familiar with this "do" since Mary was their babysitter and now her daughter is my babysitter.

NYC/Yorktown Heights

The last weekend in September Sage and I took another trip to visit NYC without 'Phia. She stayed behind, thanks to a few helping hands—spending the majority of her weekend with Nonna—it was reported that they had a blast! This came as a great relief, but we both missed her terribly!!! Anyway, Sage and I had a great time visiting with some old friends, Jeff and Lorena, and toured some of Brooklyn. We walked from the esplanade at Brooklyn Heights to Carroll Gardens, and then hopped a cab to Park Slope. We both loved Carroll Gardens and Park Slope and could totally imagine living there someday.

As we seem to be on a traveling kick, the adventures continued this past weekend as we accompanied Nonna to Yorktown Heights to visit Tim, Deb, and Dylan (see pic off to left of 'Phia being silly when we stopped on our drive down). The first activity was taking the kids to the local mall to play on some toys. Once we got back from this excursion and put the kids to bed, Nonna surprised all of us by giving us a parents night out—what a great Nonna! Out of pure luck we enjoyed listening to famed jazz musician Bucky Pizzarelli while eating, drinking wine, and enjoying great company—it was a fun dinner! The following day we visited Muscoot farm and after we got in the car and headed back north.

Here she is trying to get into mischief at our rest stop with Nonna holding her at bay!

Dylan and 'Phia driving the toy car in the local mall.

The kids on the farm.

Sophia and the cow.

The Beginning of September/Starting to Walk

It's been a busy month so far! Sophia has been hard at work learning and discovering her abilities and the world around her. She has a bunch more teeth, bring her to a total count of 12. She has also been taking a few steps on her own, I've counted her taking at least 15 (I promise to post a clip of her walking soon). However, she's much more confident holding on to someone with one hand and running. She loves to scream, uses her fingers to point, blows kisses, has learned a few more baby signs, and has added the word bye-bye to her vocabulary.

Any-who, the month started with visit from Nana Wendy and Papa Scott. They weren't able to attend Sophia's 1st birthday party, so instead we got to have a small imitate belated celebration—it was very nice! They brought 'Phia a bunch of cute gifts and took us all to dinner—thanks! After dinner Nana and Papa played a silly straw game with Sophia (see video clip below). Not sure who was having more fun (ha-ha).

The following weekend we attended Kiere (my cousin) and Lauren's wedding in Saratoga, NY. Nonna Penny accompanied us there to be our babysitter since it was an adult-only event. I think she and 'Phia had a lot of fun together! Thanks Nonna! The wedding was beautiful and the newly weds seemed very happy! No pics to share of Nonna and Sophia or of the newly weds—we'll do better next time.

Celebrating GG Mum

The next day after celebrating Sophia's b-day we continued the fun by going to Belhurst Castle in Geneva, NY to be with GG Mum and family to celebrate her 80th B-day (see pic above). We had a lovely brunch and good time being together. We are so lucky to have GG Mum in our lives! Looking forward to many more birthdays to come!

2 clips of 'Phia showing off her one hand walking on the grounds before brunch. Cousin Dylan was snoozing, so sadly, we weren't able to get any footage of them together.

Wow!

As most of you know Sophia is now officially ONE! It was a crazy week leading up to her first b-day, as she got sick with a virus (her fever got up to 103.5) for the first time. Having a sick child gave me a truly new appreciation for parents who have to deal with a child who has any chronic physical or mental condition. Anyway, back to the matter at hand, we made it through the week and even though 'Phia wasn't a hundred percent by the time her b-day came, she was well enough to have her party. We had a great time celebrating with all the friends and family that came. Thanks Mimi and Pops for making it such a memorable event! My favorite moment was when Sophia put her whole hand into the yummy chocolate cake—who can resist chocolate? I knew she had a little Neulander in her!

Our little family.

Me having a little fun!

Sophia in the car at the end of the party, ready to go home.

Aunt Becky and Uncle John

Sage's Aunt Ronnie had a Young family get together since Becky and John we in town (they live in TN) at her lake house. We are so happy that 'Phia was finally able to meet Aunt Becky and Uncle John. The visit was all too short, but it was so great seeing them! Sage and I were very bad picture takers this weekend so the only pictures we took were of 'Phia eating corn at Aunt Ronnie's—she is so darn cute doing this! Other exciting news—'Phia took her first boat ride on Skaneateles lake, thanks to the Sedgwick family, and I think we may have a water skiier in the making, or at the very least a good spotter. I'm sure this would make Uncle Brian, Grandma Jill, and Grandpa Holmes proud!

August Play Date

Friends Charlotte, Mike, and Audrey Moore were in town visiting family, and while here they stopped over for a play date. It was so wonderful to see them all, and of course, to see the girls playing together—okay, alongside. Anyway, Audrey is such a sweet and gentle girl. It's becoming clearer to me how physical Sophia really is and how she loves the spotlight! Here she is showing off 'I am so big' in front of Audrey. Not sure that Audrey was impressed. Can't wait till the next time we have them together. Also, wanted to wish little miss Audrey a very Happy 1st Birthday!—as we won't be able to celebrate with her in person.

That's How Life Goes

We left Sophia for the first time with Mimi, Pops, and Jenna (Uncle Tito is away in Europe). It was a major step for me, as I haven't been without my little one for more than a few hours since her birth. I realize that this the natural progression of what is to come–but it was still hard! We ended nursing a week before the trip because it was time, and I hoped that it would make the sleepover experience smooth. I think she gave Mimi, Pops, and Jenna a run for their money, although they still all seemed to have fun. Thanks guys! Sage and I had a great time in NYC. We were happy to go and really happy to come home. Love you all so much!

It was a another challenge for me as a new mother. As I am never fully prepared for all the difficult and wonderful challenges that each new step of motherhood presents (not sure anyone is), but I wouldn't trade all the tears, smiles, and laughs we've had so far for anything else in the world!

Well, I just wanted to write this all down some where and since I don't have a traditional baby book here it is for all to read. But, this is for you, 'Phia. So when you when you ask me years from now when my memory is blurry when we did this or that I can say it's on the blog.

Renaissance Festival

A few Sundays ago we went to the Sterling Renaissance Festival in Sterling, NY with our friends Ryan, Sarah, and Duncan. It was a lot of fun pretending to be back in medieval times. Sophia enjoyed all activity and events, but of course she liked seeing the horses and owls best. I tried to explain to her that rock eating wasn't one of the scheduled activities (see picture). The highlight for me was watching my daughter and husband take their first ever horse ride–yeehaw! I realize we were at a renaissance festival and not a horse ranch but, I just can't help being anything but enthusiastic!

Sophia eating rocks.

Sage and Sophia riding a horse!

Ryan and Duncan meeting some interesting character.

Me climbing the rope ladder to win a prize for Sophia.

4th Of July Weekend

We did a poor job taking pictures during this weekend, but here is cute one of Sophia just hanging at home. Friday kicked off the weekend as we went to GG Mum's for a small get together and dinner. Larry made a killer steak and Penny did a great job with all the sides. It was a beautiful day but a bit too cold for swimming, Sophia entertained herself instead by trying to eat the grass—oh, child of mine. Saturday was a flop, as it was the coldest I can remember it ever being on the 4th. Since the weather was crappy, we just had a quiet family day. Finally, the weather broke on Sunday and we spent the day lounging at the Neulander pool with Jenna and Ari. We thought about Mimi and Pops and dreamed we were with them on their Mediterranean cruise.

Also, just wanted to update everyone on a few more of Sophia's new accomplishments. She can pull herself up easily and is now cruising. Finally, she is saying "ma-ma." My heart skipped a beat when she said "ma-ma" for the first time. She also identifies "da-da" with Sage and "ma-ma" with me. I believe that she has said the word hi a time or two. She is using the all done sign and can use the milk sign when she feels like it. Yeah, all my persistence has paid off. Can't wait to see what next week brings!

The Zoo And More

The last weekend in June Tim, Deb, and Dylan made a visit. On Saturday we meet them and Nonna at the Burnett Park Zoo. It's debatable if Sophia liked seeing the animals or watching the kids more as we walked through the exhibits. After the zoo everyone came to our house for a dinner, which I loved making. Anyway, Sophia was so cute to watch as she tried to chase Dylan all over our living room. You can see from the video clip below that the sharing thing hasn't changed (look back at May posting "Happy B-day Dylan" to see previous exchange). Sunday we meet Dylan and family at the Muggleton's. After our visit we parted ways with Tim, Deb, and Dylan as they headed home. On our way back to Syracuse we decided to stop at Nonna's — I am so glad we did since it is always fun to see Nonna and because we were pleasantly surprised by a visit from GG Mum while we were there.

Family Pictures/Showers Galore/Father's Day

Well I don't think we could possibly try to fit anything more into one weekend. Aside from having a slightly hectic schedule, we had a fun filled weekend. Friday night commenced the chaos — we had Young and Neulander family photos followed by Ari having his senior picture taken. Of course, it wouldn't be a family gathering if someone didn't get thrown in the pool. Uncle Brian, Pops, and Uncle Tito were fooling around (how unusual) and Uncle Tito ended up partially in the hot tub. After family pictures we had a small family dinner.

Saturday morning I met Jenna, Chantal, and Mimi at Lauren's bridal shower (my cousin Kiere's fiance). She seemed so happy and had a very lovely shower. After that we had a small reprieve, and then on to the baby party that we gave Brian and Chantal. Nonna joined us, which was great fun, as I love having everyone together. I think the party was a success as both Brian and Chantal were glowing, or maybe they just are happy they are still getting sleep. They also announced that they will be having a baby boy. Sophia was happy of this news, since she loves being the only princess.

Sunday we all convened back at the Neulander house to celebrate Father's Day. We also squeezed in celebrating Brian's 32nd Birthday. Wow—I am almost out of breath just retelling all we did. Sophia made her Daddy a handprint card—and of course, he loved it!

9 Months And Growing!

Everything continues to be on track as her nine month checkup confirmed that we have a healthy growing baby. She also has many new and improved skills. She is repeating syllables. Mostly she like the "ah" sound, but also fancies the "da" sound. I'm trying to get her to associate "da-da" with Sage, but I'm not sure it's working yet. Still, I am committed to using baby signs since Sophia understands these gestures—hopefully soon she will use the signs. She is crawling at a quick pace, as well as going from crawl to sit with ease. She has begun to pull herself up and will take a few wobbly steps with assistance. She can wave and clap her hands, but does these actions at her own accord. She has also been giving us a preview of toddler hood by throwing the occasional tantrum—she definitely knows what she wants and is persistent! Her bottom 2 incisors (teeth 7 & 8) are almost completely in. She continues to eat everything and anything and is and has been for over a month been eating "big people food."

Meeting The Muggletons

Finally, we made a long overdue visit to Bob and Ginny Muggleton. Sophia loved visiting with them! She especially enjoyed climbing all over the floor of their sun room as she tried to get into anything and everything in site. She also fancied playing with Bob's shoes and nawing on her yellow plastic silverware container — kids! Earlier in the weekend we got to see Uncle Brian for a quick second as he came into town for work. We also brought Sophia to her 1st Taste of Syracuse were we meet our friends Ryan, Sarah, baby Duncan, and baby to be — little Quinn.

Treman Park/Ithaca

Last Sunday we met Nonna at Treman Park and went for a hike. Afterward we headed to Ithaca Commons for a late lunch and stroll. The weather was just right and we had a great time!

Memorial Day Weekend

It was a very busy weekend! Saturday morning we made a quick visit to Papa Scott and Nana Wendy's house before we attended the annual family reunion on Nonna Penny's side. It was fun to see all the extended family as well as hang out with GG Mum, Nonna, Tim, Deb, and Dylan. Sophia was a little overwhelmed with all the activity, but had fun playing with a few of the older kids. Sunday we celebrated Clara's life (my great aunt) who past away last year. The family gathered at the cemetery to commemorate her and unveil her stone. Following this we spent much of the day together first by going to brunch and later meeting up for diner. Monday was a little less eventful as we headed over to the Neulander pool for a little R & R. It was wonderful to be surrounded by so much family-makes me further appreciate how lucky we are!

Sophia a little preoccupied as she scours for food


Dylan shocked as he wondered where all the champagne had gone

dinner Sunday night

Sophia body surfing