Potty Time

For the first time, Sophia asked to "pee on the potty" and actually did! It's a nostalgic moment, okay. And it's a good thing I'm doing it now...Joe wanted to wait for number two.

The St. Germain Weekend

Our friends, the Gehrke's, invited us up to St. Germain again this year for a weekend of fun, food and .... kids...there were 5 of them, with two more on the way. While we had to dodge the rain drops, it was still a great time with trips down to the lake, to the local playground and eating alfresco on the deck overlooking the great north woods.

Dance Performance Interrupted

When we were up North, Sophia launched into a one-woman show on the deck, singing, twirling and making it all up as she went. I tried to get it on video, but there's just a snippet because someone else tried to take the stage. You'll see. I'm just sure she was thinking, "No one respects a true performer."

Atti-two And A Half

If this is the look we get at 2 1/2 heaven help us when she's 16. Of course, by then we probably won't be taking pictures of her in the bath. :)

Spaghetti Face

Well, the picture really says it all. What did my mother used to say, using utensils separates us from animals? Well, it certianly would keep our clothes neater. But it's too cute to be a crime.

The Games Kids Play

I was working from home today and Joe had Sophia outside with him while he mowed the lawn. They have this special game they play called “Ready, Go…” They stand together on the edge of the grass, and Sophia says “Ready, Go.” Then they both run along, Joe pushing the mower and Sophia pumping her arms for all she’s worth. It may sound mundane, but it is hilarious to watch. Anyway, I glance out the window expecting to see this farce of a race, but instead see Joe quietly mowing the grass himself. I open the window, listening, but I don’t hear her. As Joe rounds the corner, to far for me to ask where Sophie is, I start to get…well, a little nervous. A quiet toddler is never good. So I run…I mean, walk calmly downstairs to the large back windows to see the whole yard. There she is with Odin, sitting in the corner by the fence. What is she doing? Watch the video to find out, but just in case you can’t tell, Odin was covered with grass clippings.

A Raspberry For The Baby

Okay, so this picture might need some clarification. We’ve been trying to explain about a new baby brother for Sophie being in Mommy’s tummy. Yeah, she just thinks I have a “nummy ache” and rubs my belly. But today, as I’m laying on the floor, Joe starts talking to my stomach. After staring at him strangely for a while, Sophie starts imitating him and speaking to Mommy’s belly. Then Joe gives it a kiss. And Sophie gives it the wettest kiss ever. Okay, that’s when I started laughing…which just made Sophia do it more. The kisses morphed into raspberries and Sophia made the loudest, longest raspberry either Joe or I have ever heard. It sounded like a large man who ate a family sized can of beans. It was just too amazing. I was crying, Joe was crying and Sophie just kept running around trying to do it again and again to both our stomachs to get us to laugh some more.

WORLD CUP DAY!

While I had planned a fun day of baby shopping, Joe was planning his own day - of soccer watching. I have since learned that it’s world cup time and the USA was playing ENGLAND. Which, I was told, was very exciting. So we compromised, we went shopping in the morning and watched soccer in the afternoon. Thank you again Aunt Brenda for babysitting. In preparation for the long awaited match, however, Joe brought down the American flag and got Sophie to be a "Soccer Monster" (a name she got from an episode of the Backyardigans). I’m pretty sure the founding father’s wouldn’t approve, but the US did tie the game with ENGLAND, 1-1, so no red cards please.

Attack!

While laying on the floor, stretching out my cramped back muscles, Odin decided I was there to play with him. Sophie came to my defense. Ride him cowgirl!

Dressing As A Younger Woman

While I was digging through Sophie’s baby clothes (a very bittersweet moment) pulling out the gender neutral items, Sophia just HAD to force herself into this size 0-3 month onesie with the zebra on it. It was really funny, with the tails hanging down over her stomach. I’m surprised the arms didn’t cut off circulation in her biceps. Anyway, she wouldn’t stand up so you can get the full effect, but here she is hiding behind the light because she’s afraid I’ll make her take the ridiculous thing off. Like I would do that…

Kids and Dogs

Sophia and Odin are getting along much better now.