Happy 11 Months!

Once again Sofia is pushing the envelope with her fashion sense.
White pants the week before Memorial Day? What a renegade!

Some excitement from the past month...

*To celebrate her 11 month birthday, she took her first legitimate crawling "scoots!" Life as we know it will soon be over.

*Fiesty! That's the best word to describe Sofia these days. In particular, when it comes to diaper and clothing changes. The words "wrestling a pig" often comes to mind when trying to quickly complete these tasks! Her new favorite thing to do while getting her diaper changed is to roll over and bite the edge of the table.

*She is sleeping through the night more often these days, which is a wonderful thing! If she does wake up, it's usually just once.

*Nursing was swiftly cut short when Sofia decided that biting is fun! I tried all the tricks to make her stop, to no avail. So, we're supplementing with formula until we can introduce milk. I have mixed feelings about stopping...I'm thrilled to have stopped pumping, but I admit I'll miss the time with her.

*We completed a 6 week course in baby sign language a couple weeks ago. Now the trick will be actually using it.

*She's begun to mimic loud noises like the vacuum, blender and the grinder at Starbucks. I think it's hilarious. I'm not sure if the other customers agree.

*She's giving hugs now, but they are really just a ploy to get closer to her favorite thing of all - HAIR.

"Helping" Mommy pack for her trip to LA.

I heart waffles.

The End.

Cinco de Swirlo

Two of my favorite things are Garwood's Wet Woodies and Aqui swirls. Wet woodies only come once per year (August in Lake Tahoe) but swirls are just down the street. In two different directions! Unfortunately (or fortunately) it only takes one swirl to impair my judgment and force me to order a second. So I try to limit my consumption.

When mom friend Amy and I found out that our new friend Tina was a swirl virgin, we decided that Cinco de Mayo would be the perfect time to de-flower her. Actually, it was Tina's idea but we did not disagree. So with all four kids in tow, we met up for a lunch date to celebrate Mexico's unlikely victory over the French in 1862.

Fiesta shirt.

Super shades Michaela.

Avery jonesin' for a swirl.

The gang minus Tina who was getting the swirls.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Grandpa Dick loves to give presents to everyone else on his birthday. This year, for Grandpa's 75th birthday Sofia received some new patio furniture. One for her and one for a date. We're taking applications.

Gelato, wine & formula. Mmmm...

Grandma Peg & Sofie

Easter

Sofia's first Easter started with her first trip to mass at St. Christopher's where she was a model parishioner. She greeted everyone, sang during the hymns and kept quiet during the homily. Best of all, she looked adorable in her Easter best. All that was missing was a bonnet.

Easter dinner was at Grammy and Nono's house. Good times (and chocolate) had by all!

Luckily Grammy has a love seat that matched her outfit.

Godparents Auntie Jen and Uncle Nick. Auntie Jen sporting her new short 'do that we love.

Adorable gift box that wrapped up Sofia's first GAP jean jacket!

Aforementioned jean jacket.

Ohh! Cellophane!

The elusive mommy.

Sitting like a big girl at the table in the high chair that Daddy used to use!

A Perfect 10

Happy 10 months!

The 10 month photo shoot was the most challenging yet. No interest whatsoever in looking at the camera or smiling!

*To our clapping and waiving repertoire, we've added the "How big is Sofia?" ... "So BIG!" with the arms shooting straight up in the air. We're working on blowing kisses. We either get a modified pucker OR an arm waving.

*THE most exciting thing this month is that we're FINALLY interested in food. She has suddenly become a hearty, three meals a day, legitimate eater. Favorites are anything mixed with yogurt, cheerios, bread and turkey.

*Still not crawling, but no longer happy to just sit and play. She definitely WANTS to be moving, she just hasn't quite figured it out yet. Attempting to put her down to sit on the floor or into the car seat or high chair inevitably results in the fun arched back and red face.

*Solidly moved from three 30 minute naps to two hour+ naps a day. Usually 10am and 3pm.
Bedtime is 8pm and about 50% of the time she sleeps through the night, the other half she wakes up once and wants to eat.

Action shot. Nothing she loves more than rolling around in our crib and laughing at herself after a nap.

Chillin' in the easy chair at Las Madres church playdate.

First balloon!

Checking out Little Gym. A little suspicious of all the crawlers and walkers.

No, she didn't slide down by herself. But it sure looks like it!

Bronco Baby

Every photo session we have with Andrea Heyfron I think "Sofia can't get any cuter." But each time she does! Check out our latest photo shoot. We spent the morning at Steve's alma mater, Santa Clara University around the mission and it's gardens on this beautiful April day.

Sofia Go Braugh

St. Patrick's Day is a very important day in our house. Since college it has been one of my favorite "holidays." Since heading to San Francisco to celebrate with Irish Coffee and Guinness was out of the question this year, I compensated by dressing up Sofia. Luckily she indulged me and didn't fuss too much during her three costume changes.

The perfect day to wear the Fighting Irish hoodie - a gift from the Righettis who live near South Bend.

Daddy's Lady Luck

As has become tradition, we headed over to Marcia & Ernie's for corned beef and cabbage. Sofia tried some, but preferred the potatoes. Thanks to Gillian for the great outfit #3!

The Green Team

Auntie Jen & Cousin Marissa

Auntie Eva, Elizabeth & Uncle Sweet Nick

Buddies: Noni & Sofia