General Cuteness, July Edition

Louis came to visit a couple of weekends ago and at some point, as toddlers tend to do, Sofia whined and cried over God knows what. Louis was disappointed.

"I want to see Blog-Sofia," he lamented.

Not to worry. She warmed up to him and Blog Sofia made an appearance before too long.

So in honor of Louis, here are a few moments in general cuteness. Brought to you by Blog Sofia...

Summer Fun
While he was in town we took Louis to our friends, Mel's and Dee's house for a little burger cook out. We love to hang out there. Besides the good company we would say it's because the backyard is beautiful, the drinks flow and the food is always fantastic. Sofia would say it's because they keep a kiddie pool for her outside and there are plenty of berries to eat and puppies to chase.





Daddy tried to keep her hat on but finally gave up. Here she tries to keep it up but that doesn't work too well - so she decides to taste the water instead.



It seems Dee confused Sofia with one of her plants. Sofia loved it - she kept saying it was "wainie," or raining, and "wawa" is one of her favorite things to play with ... and drink. Poor thing is probably confused because she drinks water from a sippy cup all the time but Mommy gets grossed out when she drinks bathwater or poolwater or oceanwater!





Bye bye!
One of the cute things Sofia does of late is to take Mommy's purse and walk around the house saying, "bye" or "let's go."



This time she found a set of keys. Seems she's paying attention. She know where the keys are kept by the front door and loves to look for them ...



and knows what to do with them!



Jax + Sofia = Friends Forever
Sofia's also discovered where we keep Jax's leash. Poor Jax. Everytime she pulls it out he gets so excited. Needless to say we've been taking Jax on more walks these days. They both love to go outside, even in 100 degree weather. Freaks.





One for me. One for you.
We left a small bag of SunChips out on the coffee table the other day. Sofia found them (after eating a full dinner) and we found her wandering the house with them. Seems Jax wanted a piece of the action too.



Look, Ma! I'm sharing!



One for me...



and one for you!



Our Happy Comedian
You know when you have one of those moments that is so great and impulsive and entertaining and you feel so lucky to capture it on video? Well, that isn't what happened to us. The camera wasn't rolling but since I had the camera right there we tried to recreate it. It's still cute but I have to say, the original was better.

We were sitting on the couch and Sofia was wandering around the living room. Daddy belted out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," Sofia's favorite song, and she did the cutest little waddle-y dance. Then suddenly at the end of the song she very quickly laid herself on the ground and went, "night, night!"

We laughed so hard. And then made her do it again. Here's the choreographed version...



Fun With Grandma & Grandpa
As most of you know I was out of commission for a few days recovering from a minor surgery. While Dan was at work over the weekend Sofia got to spend some time with Grandma & Grandpa and I got to get some rest! Here are some pics Grandma sent over of bathtime.

But first this one because I think she looks so beautiful. As you'll notice Grandma & Grandpa have lots of ducks around the house. Here Sofia's holding one of her favorite ducks. Grandma says she likes it the best and walks all over the house with duck in hand.



Bathtime - As you know from a previous post, Sofia loves her books. Even in the bathtub!









I love this last picture too because it captures her love for towels. Yes, I wrote towels. It's sort of strange but she spends so much time laying them flat on the ground and straightening all the corners. The only problem is she gets so frustrated when she doesn't get the towel perfectly straight. Dan's hoping this isn't the beginning of early onset OCD! It's actually pretty cute. She also loves to help Mommy put clothes in the washer and / or the dryer. Maybe she's beginning an early love for doing laundry and folding clothes. Hopefully by three I can let her take over laundry duty! Ya think?

Beach Trip 2009

Our bags were packed.



Right after work / daycare, we headed straight to Hobby Airport to catch a plane.



Luckily the seat between us was empty. We buckled her up and we were ready to go!



We were on our way to our annual South Padre Island trip. It was my fifth year, Dan's third and Sofia's second (third if you count in utero!) My dear friend from college, Sara. Her parents own a lovely condo right on the water and they're nice enough to let us come visit whenever we want. The group varies every year but this year since her husband had to work it was just going to be Sara and us... for five days!

You will notice, this blog entry is photo-heavy. But there are only so many photos you can take of pure relaxation. And only so much commentary you can make on it too. Ahhh, bliss!

Day One
Sofia woke up and was fascinated by the baby swing in our room. She wanted so badly to get in and "rock, rock, rock, rock" like her and Grandma's song.



Last year Sara's parents surprised us with this swing for Sofia. This year she wished she could swing in it. But she's too big now. She didn't even remember what a cutie little baby she was last year. But we do!



When we're on vacation we splurge - so Sofs should too! That morning she had her first taste of a powdered donut.



I think she liked it!



Then we got on our suits and headed down for the beach.





It was really Sofia's first taste of the ocean. Last year it rained most of the time and there was virtually no sun. This year she had a blast! She loved the ocean and loved playing in the water



and was mesmerized by the sea gulls.



We bought a little kiddie pool and filled it up with ocean water.



It was a great way to keep her cool, occupied and content so we could do a lot of relaxing. We could tell by her smile: this was going to be a fun time!



Day Two
This day went much like the others:

Sofia modeled her new bathing suit and pink Crocs.


We played in the ocean. She loved digging up the sand and putting it on Mommy's legs. I would say, "Ewww!" and then she would say, "Ewww!" Very cute, but I'm glad that word didn't come home with us.





Can you see the pure joy in her smile? She's so sweet.



Her favorite snack at the beach were "bawies." I'm surprised she hasn't turned into a strawberry.





On this particular day Mommy and Daddy were having way too much fun on the beach to go up for naptime. But Sofia was tired. Here she gives us her first clue



and then another clue.



and we finally take a hint. Thank God (and Tia Clarita and Maggie) for the BOB stroller.



Then Daddy followed suit. Look at both my babies passed out on the beach. This is the life!



Last year we took this picture and Dan keeps it in a frame on his desk at work.



He loved that picture so much that this year he wanted to recreate it. He even packed the same shirt. I love it! He's so sweet, my guy.



Day Three
First a little Barney and paci while waiting for the lazy adults to get their asses out of bed.



And once they do, Sofia finally was able to model beach look, day three, with the cute t-shirt that Grandma gave her for the occasion.



This day was spent at the pool, strutting around in yet another adorable bathing suit,



floating in her panda boat,



playing with Mommy,



and Tia Sara.



Day Four
By this time we've fallen into a very pleasant routine.

Sofia fashion show.



Drinks on the beach.



Friends and doggie.



Goofing around til bedtime.



I bought Sofia this Mexican housedress last year with this trip in mind. Then when I was in Mexico in Feb I bought myself one to match.

Dan was hanging around in a wifebeater. So we took a South Texas Family Portrait.



Day Five
The last beach day. Sad thing, because we've had so much fun!



But good thing, cuz we're out of new suits to model.



Daddy had fun throwing her up in the air. I should have gotten video. She loved it.





Day Six
Sofia sat quietly while we shut down the condo. Then headed to the airport.



We hate leaving. We have so much fun every year with Sara and company. But it's always good to know that we'll be back next year.

Harlingen airport has this cool little play area for kids right in front of our gate. On this day they were changing out the ball pit. Sofia demanded he work faster. Didn't he know she had a flight to catch!?



Since she couldn't get in the ball pit she just ran around with them.



And slid down a soft slide



until it was time to board our plane.






We had so much fun!!! Until next year...

If you care to compare here's a link to last year's Beach Trip 2008.

Beach Tease

Well, our annual South Padre Island trip to visit Sara has come ...




and gone.




Sofia loved the beach!

So when I get back in the swing of things and get a chance to go through the photos I'll tell you all about it.

But until then, let Sofia serenade you with a little Twinkle, Twinkle. My apologies in advance for making it a duet at times.

Pacifier Attachment?

I think Paci Addiction is probably a better term.

This is how I found her playing in her room the other morning.



I laughed until I peed. She loves her "pashis!"

This is going to be a fun habit to break!