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.