Easter

It was a white Easter here is Wisconsin, with nearly 10 inches on the ground. We still got dressed up though, even Sophia in an adorable flowery dress that she managed to keep fairly clean (with the help of many a bib). We had a small Easter in Sullivan with the Burgers (Meredith was on Break in California) and spent most of the time eating, talking and doting on the baby (it's a reoccuring theme). Sophia is starting to squeak and make yelling noises as well as the goo's and gaa's she was making before. She still hates tummy time and bathes, but likes her feet rubbed and has great head control. She can almost sit up by herself. She's getting so big, almost 13 pounds, and is so tall she's in her 6 month clothes already.

Friends

Sophia's friend Natalie (in purple), visited yesterday with her parents Matt and Marci. They enjoyed some playtime on Grandma Ref's quilt. Natalie is 9 months old now and crawling.

The girls were playing nicely together for awhile, interested in the "other" baby. But there was a little too much interest. The fun started to get out of hand or rather, Natalie was using her hand to "play" with Sophia. Marci, or Mrs. Gehrke, had to break it up before there were tears.

Grandma

Grandma Ref came to visit this weekend from Ohio. Sophia had a wonderful time. She got rocked to sleep, cuddled, read to, held, fed and changed all with Grandma’s flair. She even waited to roll over for the first time until Grandma was here. Grandma was holding the alligator A taggie just up over Sophia head. Higher to one side it went, Sophia watching it…until boop. Sophia was on her back. Yeah!

The sad part was when it was time to say good bye. Grandma was flying back to Ohio. That fat lower lip says it all. “We’ll miss you Grandma.”

Strike A Pose

Mom and Sophia show off their fashionable hair ribbons for fun.

Four Months

At four months old, Sophia is a doll. She's getting up regularly once a night (not too shabby) between 3:30am and 5am. She's on a schedule (well, pretty much) during the day and growing well. We figure she must be 14 pounds by now, more when she wants to be held.

She still loves the bouncy seat the best, but the swing is fun too when she has something to read (okay, look at). She holds herself up when on her stomach, but still hasn't decided she wants to roll over. Tummy time isn't her favorite.

Super Girl

Supergirl is one of her favorite games and can get her to stop crying almost anytime. (This is a tip for those of you who want to baby-sit). "Stand up, sit down" is also a winner.

Harold

Harold has been Sophia’s favorite toy for awhile now. He’s been poked, prodded, laughed at, molested and admired, but he doesn’t mind. Him and his buddy buzz the bee still keep coming back to Sophia for more. Joe calls Harold her homeboy – which makes us all laugh.

Sophia: 0 to 3

Over the next three months Sophia Grace grew and grew. She was always a squawker with a cry that sounded like birds. She hated her brand new Graco swing, but loved the hand-me-down bouncy seat (it was a life saver). She started smiling at two months and could hold her head up impressively well for her age. The months have really flown by. She's gone from Sophia burrito and bobble-head Sophia, to insect, little one and pumpkin.

The Big Day Arrives

Back in October of 2007, there were two people expecting to become three. One Thursday night, after work and some shopping, they were sitting on the couch playing a video game (gauntlet of all things) when suddenly Emily jumped up. Her water had broken unexpectedly (it was a week before her due date). So Joe rushed around, not actually packing anything (because they'd packed that morning...just in case). Finally, Joe and Emily got into the car and while Emily called the hospital Joe got a panicked look on his face and said:
"The cat...I think the cat just got out the garage. Give my 5 minutes," and he rushed away. Emily got a hold of the hospital and relayed they were on their way. Then she waited. Within three minutes Joe was back and getting in the driver's side door empty handed. To her questioning look he announced, "It wasn't our cat." He'd cornered the poor feline in the bushes and as it stared indignantly up at him, he realized it wasn't their "plump" green-eyed house cat, Samantha.
The rest of the trip was uneventful, a few more calls to parents and work and then Emily and Joe arrived at their destination, Fort Atkinson Hospital.
Very Excited, Mom and Dad waited eagerly for their daughter to arrive, snapping photos for the first hour or so.

Mom was still happy, surfing on the endorphins before the event. However, endorphins don't last long...but luckily there are no pictures of that. We wouldn't want to scare anyone.
Many hours later, at 3:01pm, October 19th:
A baby girl arrived...cheesy and screaming, but soon clean and happy...or at least hungry.
Mom was now a little tired , but thrilled to meet her baby girl at last.
And Dad was eager to care for the little one, (it was about time after 9 months with nothing to do.)