May 31

Grandma came by for a visit today to see Sophie and I and to lend a hand with some cleaning! I love it when she does that! :) She brought over some party favors for Sophie and she got a real kick out of these cheapo sunglasses! I love this shot of her in them and with her crayon stained mouth (why do kids eat crayons?).

May 30

I'm not a huge fan of Sophie watching TV, but was looking for a bit of distraction this morning. I found a DVD that Matt's aunt and uncle bought for Sophie when she was just born called "Sea Tunes." It's basically real footage of fish and sea creatures along with some kiddy songs. She loved it! We had fun pointing out the fish and she would say "fishy, fishy" over and over! I had to keep her away from the TV as you see in this shot. I'm glad she enjoyed it.

May 29

Today was warm and beautiful! When Sophie and I got home from school, I got her in her swimsuit, me in shorts and headed for the sprinkler. Sophie wasn't too keen on the whole idea, but she did give it a try. She enjoyed watching the water spray more than getting in it, but it was fun anyway!

May 28

I have a metal "thingy" that hangs outside (it's not a wind chime because it doesn't chime!) and I thought it looked really beautiful tonight as the sun was setting. The moon was a tiny sliver, the blurry white spot in the picture, but I loved the contrast of the dark metal against the blue sky.

May 27

When the sun starts to shine and I spend more and more time outside, the cats start meowing! They want to be out there with me and won't stop meowing until I let them out. I have started to let them explore the yard and Guster stays around, chowing on grass. Max is a little more adventurous and he typically hops the fence and goes to the front yard. They are both pretty good about coming back, but sometimes they make me worry! The don't have their front claws, but they should be able to climb a tree if need be. I caught this cute picture of them trying to get my attention while I was enjoying some fresh air tonight.

May 26

I met up with Sophie at mom's house and stayed for dinner. I didn't bring my camera, but my mom got some great shots of Sophie! I feel lousy tonight, so I thought I'd steal one of hers... hey, it's still a shot from today! :)

May 25

Sophie's first caterpillar sighting today! We were playing outside this morning and she pointed to something saying "whadat?" I spotted the little creature crawling across our sidewalk and into the bark. It was fun to see Sophie's reaction to the caterpillar, and we watched him climb all over rocks and bark for several minutes. Who would have thought that I would feel the need to run in and grab my camera to capture this memory! It's so much fun to experience new things through your child's eyes!

May 24

We had a great time in the sun today! I bought Sophie a cheap pool and some toys to keep her happy outside, but the only thing she really cared about was the water and the hose it came from! Sophie doesn't really like cold water, so she stood in her pool the entire time and played. She got herself completely soaked, but just wouldn't sit down! When she was done in her pool, we put on her boots and she explored the yard. It was a beautiful afternoon!

May 23

Sophie was in dire need of a hair cut, so we headed to Jack and Jill's this morning. Sophie has had her hair cut once before, and she did pretty well. This time started out rough, but she came around after she'd been there for a little while. Whenever she's worried or doesn't really like something, she'll say "Owie, owie" even if nothing actually hurts! So as her hair was being cut, she kept saying those words and we kept reassuring her that it was all right! She came out great and looks so cute with her little ribbons! So serious though!

May 22

My first iris bloomed today and I wanted to catch it in all its glory. It's a bummer that they only stay for a short time, but I will enjoy them while they're here!

May 21

So I didn't take this picture, Karen did because I left my camera at home. However, I just had to use it to document the fun evening we had! Sophie and I went over to Karen and Will's for dinner, and the two kids had the best time together! They played really well together with toys inside (it helped that Karen suggested Sophie bring some toys from home) and they loved running around outside. The kids took turns swinging and going down the slide, and then we stuck them in the hammock together. It was priceless seeing the joy on their faces. Thanks Karen!

May 20

Sophie in the bath tub, having a ball! Boy, she needs a haircut, doesn't she? We have a date for one this weekend.

May 19

Sophie had her first visit to the dentist today! When she saw Dr. Davidson, she crouched into me and didn't want him to touch her. I laid her down so he could look at her teeth and she started screaming! It actually worked well because her mouth was open! The dentist counted 16 healthy teeth and noticed that she must suck her thumb or something since she has one tooth that is slightly turned. Sophie does suck her pointer finger, but he said not to worry about it till she's older. After he was done, she was happy as a clam, taking the plastic bear toy and sticker gladly. Then she ran all around the office, thinking a game of chase was perfect at the time! I didn't get a picture of her at the office, but this is the next best thing!

May 18

Grandma brought Sophie by the school today so I could show her off and the students could see her. She was cautious as ever around all the kids, but once they were gone, was running the halls and getting into everything. Here she is, sitting at my desk (a teacher-in-training!). She loves looking at the books I have and playing with the popsicle sticks. It was really fun to have her there!

May 17

I took Sophie to the Lacey Fun Fair this afternoon on a beautiful, but warm day! She enjoyed checking out all of the sights which included climbing on a city bus, peeking in a fire truck, and dancing to country music. We also waited in line for a pony ride which Sophie was so excited to do. She kept saying "horsey, horsey" and was fine until she was strapped onto the pony. She bawled for the first two rounds but then started to like it. She turned into all smiles and started saying "mo, mo" when we finished up. Then I had to drag her away from the ponies, upset for another reason! Ah, the joys of a 20 month old!

May 16

Today was a productive day! While Sophie was with daddy, I mowed both lawns, cleaned out the garage, vacuumed the house, did laundry and dishes, and still had a little time to myself to relax. When Sophie got home she enjoyed playing with Grandma's shoes. She learned that if she held onto the wall, she had an easier time getting the shoes on. Then she proceeded to tromp around the house proudly in too-big-for-her-feet sneakers! Too cute! I decided to play around with Adobe Photoshop Elements today, so here is what I ended up with!

May 15

Karen and I went out for a much needed "mom's night out!" We had some food and got pedicures. I realized that I hadn't treated myself to a pedicure in almost 2 years! My feet needed it! It was a great, relaxing night.

May 14

I thought I'd catch a glimpse of some of the beauty that's blooming in my yard! It's the time of year when the lilac bloom and send their lovely scent into the world. Each year, I'm surprised that my lilac tree has white blossoms, not lavender ones. It makes it unique I guess. The small petite pink flowers have been popping out of a boring old terracotta pot for about 7 years now, and I enjoy them so.

May 13

Tonight "gra gra" came over for dinner. Sophie enjoys looking at her baby scrapbook each evening, and she talked grandma into looking at it with her. She enjoys pointing out mommy and daddy, as well as her extended family and friends. She has learned how to say uncle, which I can't wait for Tim to hear! It's a fun nightly ritual, and I'm glad she likes the book I worked so hard to make for her!

May 12

Sophie was mesmorized tonight by a little toy I have. The toy is Larry the Cucumber and he sings "Oh, where is my hairbrush?," a silly little song. At first she liked the toy, but now she keeps her distance. She really wants to see Larry do his thing, but she doesn't want him anywhere near her! I'm not sure why Larry spooks her all of a sudden, but a singing and dancing cucumber is kind of weird!

May 11

What a sight Sophie was tonight! She had gotten her clothes pretty dirty, so she ran around this evening in a t-shirt, diaper, and boots. Boy, is that white trash or what?

May 10

A simple white carnation, given to me by one of the children from church this morning. The pastor said that the woman who started Mother's Day thought it had gotten too commercialized. She said that the perfect gift is a single white carnation, her mother's favorite, that stood for the purity of a mother. I have thought a lot about that flower today, something so simple, beautiful, and strong, something that I strive to be. I want to get back there, to simple, paying attention to the small things, the important things in life. To be beautiful again, working to get myself back in shape so I have the strength and endurance to be the mom I want to be for Sophie. I have come upon some tough times in my life, but I remain strong, optimistic for what the future holds. I can do this...

May 9

We went over to visit Grandma and Papa today at their house. Sophie loves roaming their large yard, checking out the birds and squirrels. Today, she picked flowers for me and brought them to me for the first time! A fun early Mother's Day gift!

May 8

I caught a shot of my beautiful rhody starting to bloom before the sun finally went down. When we got this rhody, the tag said it was a deep lavender. I guess we were fooled, but I still love how it turned out!

May 7

My mom came over tonight and took control of the camera! Sophie loves her puppet, Eduardo, and mom videotaped us playing together. Sophie loves looking at herself too, so we checked out the videotape. I love how she laughs at herself and thinks it's the coolest thing!

May 6

Grandma Marcia and Papa came over tonight and Sophie enjoyed "combing" Grandma's hair. Her style of combing is more to bop you on the head with the brush than to comb it, but Grandma played along. Sophie, of course, thought it was hilarious!

May 5

Sophie was in rare form tonight! She was hyper, hyper, and more hyper! She ran around the house laughing, danced to any musical sound she heard, and smiled non stop. It was a very fun evening witnessing her enjoyable behavior!

May 4

So I have been meaning to get some shots of my tulips, but never got what I wanted. Karen reminded me today that I can use my larger lens to zoom in and get a clear view with softness in the background. Standing outside, avoiding the rain in my pajamas, I got the shot I wanted!

May 3

Today was Mara's baby shower and she looked so cute! I am so happy for her and Mike and their little boy that's on the way. I enjoyed spending time with the ladies - Kirsten, Bonnie, and Genevieve because it had been so long. I can't wait to meet Mara's bundle of joy come July!

May 2

My silly little girl. She made me laugh tonight, and I really needed that!

May 1

Today is the first day of May and it couldn't have been a prettier one. Sophie and I stayed home from school today because she had a fever and I wasn't feeling the best. We went outside to enjoy the sunshine for a bit at our neighborhood park. Sophie wants nothing to do with the small "kiddie" slides, she'd rather go down the big ones. I caught a glimpse of her climbing the stairs for her next go down the slide. What a fun time!