Running Partner

During the week (and when the weather allows) Sofia and I run on the running paths near our house (she's in a running stroller, of course - she isn't growing up that fast yet!). She generally reads her books (or I huff and puff reading them to her), munches on snacks, and enjoys her view as we roll along. On longer runs I try to take a break at some point to feed ducks, visit with cows, and/or visit a local playground. Over the past few days I've taken pictures of a few highlights of our adventures....

Trying on Mommy's running shoes


Lacing them up!


My view during a run....


Showing the young Longhorns her book


Feeding local ducks (they weren't very appreciative)


Watching the bread float away....


Feeding a couple of ducks that are very appreciative


Visiting with the cows across the street - the were very interested in Sofia and her stroller!!


During a running break at a nearby playground

Sofia's favorite things....

Sofia is growing up so fast, it honestly seems like she changes every day at this point! We joke that she's a parrot because she repeats nearly everything we say, especially the last two words of our sentences. Or if you ask her "Now what?" or "What else?" she repeats it - it's very cute! She's also very good at grabbing my hand and saying "Show me" and leading me off to whatever it is that she wants or needs - usually books! (When I can't figure out what she wants I tell her to 'show me' and that's where she gets it from).

She still loves owls, alligators, and puppies but is now a big fan of peacocks! I showered her some peacock feathers in the flower department of our local grocery store and ended up buying two of them. She loves them and carried them around the house saying "Peacock, peacock." She still loves to watch youtube videos of owls, puppies, alligators, and now peacocks. She LOVES the noise peacocks make!! I'm trying to locate real peacocks around here, but neither zoo seems to have them......

Her other big favorite is Elmo, which she says "Melmo." She only knows "Melmo" from her diapers, and carries one around with his image all over the house....I'm considering buying her a little Elmo stuffed animal, but am not sure we want to go down that path - then it will be the next Disney character, etc....

Sofia also LOVES to go in the pool despite the fact the water is in the 60s. I strip her down and she runs in and splashes, sits down, and mainly crawls out the side and walks back in...I don't know how she does it! She'll easily spent 30 minutes playing and I'm usually the one that suggests a bath since it's the only thing that will get her out of the pool!

She's really a lot of fun and I can't believe how quickly it all goes by.....

Walking toward our backyard carrying her Elmo diaper and her "peacocks"


Strolling....Sofia went in the pool moments after this picture, but she goes in the nude, so no pics.


Riding our neighbor's pig! Sofia thinks it will bounce like her pony


Playing with the pig's ears...

Visiting Washington DC

Sofia and I flew to Washington DC to meet up with CK who was in town for meetings. It was a great chance to visit Uncle Steve, Aunt Shirl and a bunch of friends over the long weekend (not long enough though!!). The flight went by quickly and we arrived at Uncle and Aunt's house around 4pm on Thursday. That evening we relaxed and had a delicious dinner (as usual from Aunt and Uncle!!) The next morning (friday), we bundled up and walked to Sandy and Emily's house for a get together with Megan and Aria and Cornelia stopped by. It was great fun and funny to watch the girls play. Emily and Sofia were a bit confrontational to put it nicely, but Sandy and I are hoping they grow out of that! Luckily, Aria is the eternal peace maker, so she was a great addition to the girls! Alice had to work, so Grayden didn't get a chance to play. It was so much fun (and I didn't take a single picture!!!!). The weather was very nice that day, melting the rest of the snow, so Sofia and I walked around Eastern Market and then went to our old playground with Papa.

All bundled up on our way to Sandy and Emily's house


Snow! Sofia loves snow and held a ball of it until it melted


Strolling through Eastern Market like she owns the place...


We visited our favorite vendors on our way back to Aunt and Uncle's house


Playing at 'our' old playground, Marion (or Turtle) Park


On the teeter-totter with Papa in the background


Playing, with our former house in the background...

Visiting DC (continued)

Friday night we met Bahareh and Mike and Forrest for dinner at our favorite restaurant in DC, Montemarte (also conveniently located 2 blocks from Aunt and Uncle's house). We originally planned to bring Sofia with us since Bahareh wanted to spend some time with our girl. However, Aunt and Uncle offered to babysit!! Needless to say, we didn't pass on that offer and enjoyed a very fun evening with friends (without convincing a 19-month old to eat!). It was heaven! I also got a call from Uncle Steve around 7:45pm to announce that Sofia was fast asleep. By the time we got home, they were ready to adopt her (I'm not sure how serious they are about that, but it may be an option down the road - maybe once Sofia is a teenager).

On Saturday we meet with a bunch of friends, starting out the day with a quick meeting with Joe, Alice and Grayden. We met at Turtle Park and the kids played for a little while before we left to meet Yvette.

Sofia opens her gift from Bahareh and Mike! The Bunny sounds a little like a chicken when you push his tummy - Sofia loves it!!


Figuring out how to push his belly


Snacking on broccoli - she loves it!


On the teeter totter with Grayden





Getting ready to go down the slide together


Such cutties!


Weeeeee

Hanging out on Saturday

After visiting with Joe, Alice, and Grayden we met up with Yvette (and later Brett) for coffee and lunch. It was very fun to see them and actually spend some time chatting and hanging out. Sofia was given a "Little Miss Giggles" book, which she loves to flip through or for us to read. After lunch, we went back to Aunt and Uncle's and Yvette and Sofia played in their backyard fountain.

After visiting with Brett and Yvette, we met up with my friend Brian and later Brian and his 14-month old son, Grady.

Sofia's new book, Little Miss Giggles


Playing with Yvette


Playing in the fountain


Riding the turtle (which she calls "horse" since it reminds her of her horse at home)


Kissing Grady goodbye

Our last day in DC

We had breakfast with Joe, Alice and Grayden before we had to return for Dallas and ended up going to the playground to let out a little energy. It was so fun to see them and watch Grayden and Sofia. Sofia loved holding Grayden's hand, but he wasn't as fond of the idea. Nor was he very excited when she hugged him (boys!). We spent a little time with Aunt and Uncle before heading off to the airport and Sofia hung out with Uncle the whole time. As soon as we would reach Aunt and Uncle's front stairs, Sofia would start saying "Steve, Steve, Steve" and then search for him until she found him. They are big buddies and she may ask to be adopted by them at some point!

Grayden and Sofia at breakfast, Sofia fell in love with Grayden's bus, so we bought one once we returned to Dallas, but she gets frustrated because the doors don't open and close like the "Wheels on the Bus" song...


Walking toward the playground


The whole gang


Hanging out with "Steve"


Our farewell picture, before leaving for the airport

Breakfast

Ok, I realize that I just love taking pictures of Sofia when she eats. She's so careful when she eats and loves to use her fingers and experiment using utensils (although she also really loves being fed still). Sofia had Cheerios and banana this morning and it was so fun to watch her negotiate it all - she did end up using her fingers to pick out one Cheerio at a time.....

Using her spoon


Offering her giraffe a bite - Giraffe eats nearly every meal with us because Sofia likes to share with him


Yum!!


The fingers get involved!


Our little eater