This is your new morning routine (and afternoon, and evening) you are obsessed with going in the tub and swimming, putting your head under the water, playing pretend with your dollies, splashing, etc. We might use the most water in our town because of your current addiction to the bubble back. How can I refuse when you look like this? Oh, and it is equally fantastic since you hate getting your hair brushed but insist on putting under water about 4-5 times a day btwn the tub, ocean and pool-lol. i lub u.

Hahahaha, I think you might be a little confused…tonight before bed you said “Thanks Dad, thanks Mom, I lub it da birthday”. That translates to Thanks Dad, thanks Mom, I loved my birthday-lol!! Oh well, Xmas, your birthday, as long as you loved it that’s all that matters! I lub it da Sophie!

Oh my sweet Sophie, where does the time go? How have 2 and a half years gone by!?! You are the funniest little firecracker full of love, cuddles and attitude all in one small beautiful package! Your vocabulary has exploded in the past few months and listing out all the words/sentences you are saying would be nearly impossible. Here are some of the funny, quirky phrases unique to you…

Bubble back (bubble bath)
Take it back (give it back)
fall me (follow me)
yook (look)
scuse me (excuse me)
stinky head (stinky head)
bayzies (grapes and berries)
tootsie pops (feet)
mooie (smoothie)
don’t do it to sophie (leave me alone)
quit it (quit it)
ipad died (need to charge ipad or its bedtime)
Open da wide (open your mouth)
Noodie (pasta)
Sparkly (sprinkles)
Pabs (crabs)
newie (your floaties)

This list could go on. You love to be tickled, play hide n seek, take bubble baths, body surf waves, swim, collect hermit crabs, squish ants with your finger, watch youtube videos on the ipad, scary movies, sprinkles, building lego castles, playing make believe with your dolls, running around naked, staying up late, ice cream, noodies, eating ice cubes, dressing up in costumes and silly clothes, dancing, pretending your an announcer, cashews, jumping in tide pools, climbing, having someone chase you, giggling, balloons, bouncy balls, babies, sticks, apples, grapes, animals, pretending your a lion, and bubbles.

You dislike getting your hair brushed or washed, getting your teeth brushed, wearing shoes or clothes, coconut water, getting your face wipes, when mommy talks on the phone or to anyone other than you, going to bed before you decide your ready, getting your nails cut, going to the dr., and being told No. Typical toddler.

We are so proud of you and you continue to amaze us each day. You are my heart. Keep on being your weirdo, quirky, stubborn, loving self! We love you more than you could ever imagine. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Full album to come but here is the sweet princess from today. Still figuring out how to organize photos on this computer. Hope everyone had a fantastic Xmas! We love you all! xoxo

Whew it has been a chaotic few weeks. Nearly 2 weeks of travel, week long colds for Sophie and I, pregnancy nausea and exhaustion, no naps, attempted weaning, xmas shopping, broken computer…but luckily the world didn’t end yesterday :). WIll set me up on his extra work computer so i’ll start updating again and catching up from our travels, etc. Right now Tater tot is up and hyper so this is about all im going to be able to get in at the moment but i’ll work on some photos and videos later (hopefully) xoxo.

Well our first leg of the trip was a blast and we are now all cozy in bed the next morning @ our favorite hotel in San Jose. Sophie knows this trip so well it is just hilarious. She fell asleep on our way out of Santa Teresa and when she woke up she just looked out the window then looked at me and said “Go on boat”! We were at the dock but waiting on the car line and there was no water or boat in site but she knew we were there! Love her!!

After we parked our car on the ferry she wanted to wear my bag all by herself and walk up the stairs (pics below). She got to the top and walked right over to the snack bar pointing and requesting “chocolate cooka”. She always gets a treat on the ferry and then sits in a chair and eats it. i dont know why i even bother bringing the healthy snacks on with me…guess it makes me feel better. Once she finished she walked up to her sign to point out all her animals (video on site from previous ferry ride) and then proceeds to walk all over the boat asking “whats this” to everything. The ferry was decorated for xmas with a tree and presents so this kept her occupied for the majority of the ride-sweet!!

The last hour in the car was filled with “i want out. Go bouncy. Go wee. I stuck!” over and over and over again, but once we got to her bouncy and slide the big smile lit up her face and she was off!! The lady remembered her from last time and Sophie was in heaven bouncing on the bouncy, going wee on the slides and playing in the little houses. i just love watching the innocent excitement and joy as she plays and runs all around!

It started to drizzle and we finally got her to leave by telling her we’ll go get balloon. She refers to Applebees as “apple balloon” because they always give her an apple balloon of course. She fell asleep again on the way back from the park and woke up at the hotel not skipping a beat. She hopped right out of the car and walked her butt in to the hotel and over to her pool table to go play with the balls. She knows her way around the entire hotel and even puts her own key card into the elevator.

Anyway we wrapped up our day at Applebees which is undoubtedly Sophie’s favorite restaurant. She hammed it up to the staff so much that she even got a free ice cream!! We decided to throw in one more surpise after dinner (hoping to run off her ice cream high) and took her to another playground in the shopping center that was decorated with gingerbread houses and little elves. She completely geeked out, went swinging on the swings and took a spill in a huge pile of mud. Perfect way for a toddler to wrap up the day…ice cream on the face, an apple balloon, and covered in mud from the waist down!!

Anyway, im updating this all from my phone the next morning while tater tot is sleeping cuddled up against me…life is good. im feeling less ill and hoping it stays that way! Today we head off to Atlanta around 1pm and the second part of our travels begin. Ill keep posting pics along the way from my phone and will be busting out my regular camera as soon as we settle in. I have some videos on here ill have to upload as well.

Love you all! xoxox