Beach balls and belly laughs

Whole lotta love

Sophie is a Daddy's girl. Whenever he is around, she is super smiley and laughs like crazy. It was evident even from the beginning there was an unspoken bond.

Minutes after she was born, while I was recovering:

In the hospital room (1 or 2 days old):














At the circus for the first time. Look at the smile on her face. (2 months):

Yesterday (7 1/2 months):

One just for fun (in Atlanta, 2 or 3 months):

Swimming!

Our little fishie went swimming for the very first time ever last week in her new bathing suit. She really liked being in the water, but I think she liked the new toy to chew on more.

Cute? Yes. Helpful? Not so much.

Self-feeding is not an option as of yet.

Random happy-stance

I sat Sophie down on the floor of the living room to change her and had to move Jim's shoes out of the way. This is what happened next. So random.

New toys and experiences, part 2

Sophie is getting so big and agile! She can sit up unassisted for long periods of time. She's also having solids twice a day for breakfast and lunch. We're going to start her on finger foods early next week. It's really amazing to see how much has changed and how she is growing into a little person each day. It is exciting to see her learn about and experience the world around her. We love being parents!

Here is a short video of Sophie enjoying the bubbles we got her for the first time:

Sophie new absolute favorite thing to do is bounce in her jumper that she got from Grandma and Grandpa Lutz. She's finally old and strong enough to use it. Last time we were home, she was too little. Not anymore!

On a side note, I've been experimenting in the kitchen. I made s'more cupcakes (dark chocolate cake with graham cracker bottoms and marshmallow topping) and tiramisu cupcakes (angel food cake with cream cheese frosting with raspberries). We brought them to site yesterday and they put them out at intermission. Jim said they disappeared in minutes...but he is a REALLY nice guy! :]

New toys and experiences, part 1

Over the transfer week, we visited Gruners in Lansing, and met baby Declan for the first time. He was as sweet as could be! Dave and Kelly were so thoughtful that they got out Nathan's old Exersaucer and let Sophie use it. Here is a video (excuse the cell phone quality) of Nathan making her laugh like a crazy person!





Because of that, we went to a consignment shop in St. Paul and bought a used one (with a circus theme, no less) that she adores. It's not too portable, so it probably won't fit in the car when we travel, but we still have a few boxes that could work just in case.






























When we got to St. Paul, we were invited to go to the Earth, Wind and Fire/Chicago concert at the Target Center. We obviously couldn't miss this opportunity.















Oh and happy 7 months (on 7/7!) Sophie-belle!

7 months old already!

Boy how time flies! It's true, having a baby is like having a fast-forward button for your life! To commemorate this special occasion, please take a gander at these photos. I can't believe she was ever that small (and that we had to roll up towels for the car seat!) and how her little feet were so far from the edge. Not anymore!





















2 weeks old, born 6 lbs 4 oz





















7 months old, 22 lbs (estimated)

Transfer week

So last week we packed everything up and headed home to MI for the obligatory "showing off" of Sophie. We saw just about everyone we could think of to see, and it was wonderful but tiring! I almost need a vacation from the vacation! We saw family on both sides, friends from college and their babies, my cousin's wedding, etc! It really was crazy but fantastic to see everyone! One of the highlights was when Sophie ate sweet peas picked fresh from Grandma Lutz's garden. We have photographic evidence that they were enjoyed tremendously! (She even grabbed the spoon from my hand and tried feeding herself. Apparently Mommy moves too slowly!)












































One of the highlights of spending time with Grandpa and Grandma Mallory was when we went to Michael's for some craft items and saw a display of funny hats and glasses. Mommy couldn't resist. I think I'll save these for her date on prom night someday.