Week 52: First steps for a First Birthday

On Monday, we went to meet Udette for lunch since she was in town visiting family. We all had Squire's burgers, which even Sophia enjoyed the sweet potato fries. This would have been an even better picture if I had the flash on!

Look mom, no hands! For the past week or so, Sophia has been letting go (for seconds) when standing. On Monday she let go and took 3 steps! What a big girl getting ready to walk on her big 1st birthday.

Here she is in action putting rings on the ring holder.

Sophia loves to cuddle with blankets (and pose for pictures)...

..and act all crazy while playing peek-a-boo. She can entertain herself for a good 20 minutes.

We went to Ali's house on Tuesday after a special concert at the library. Layla slept the whole time of course, while Sophia had fun playing with all her toys with Noa and Leah.

Here is Sophia practicing her standing alone while stacking blocks skills again.

On Wed, we had a visit from Nick's cousin Becca. Thanks for the birthday gifts!

On Friday it was time to celebrate more birthdays, next up was Maddie and Evie.

The kids had lots of fun playing with a tricycle, Elmo and bubbles. Sophia found an extra special toy and became very attached to two plastics pink spoons.


Then it was time for some seriously good cupcakes. Sophia was more interested in yogurt than cake. Hopefully all this practice will help when it is time to eat cake on her birthday.

Daddy brought home Star Wars toys tonight..for himself. Sophia can appreciate keeping toys in their packages too since she prefers the packaging most of the time..

Sophia was all dressed and ready for her big 1st birthday party on Saturday! Grandma was the first to arrive and Sophia gave her a special Valentine's card.

Sophia opened her first presents from mommy and daddy -- a new purse filled with a cell phone, compact and coin purse.

We crowned Sophia a birthday princess for a day! The crown only stayed on 30 seconds and the bow didn't last long either.. Her wand was her accessory of choice.

Shawn, Andy and Alex were the first guests to arrive.

Nick's cousin made the cake (with an edible crown) and it was delicious!

There are triplets here, but where is Patrick? Hiding behind his Dad.

Ayden and Isabella were BFF!

Sophia motored around the restaurant...

... stopping only to socialize with all the party guests.

or to take a picture here and there. Here are some pictures of friends and family enjoying the party:

Towards the end of the entertainment (yes, we had a parachute), Sophia got a little tired..

She didn't want to eat her cake no matter how hard I tried. Ok, we will save it for later.

Sophia's baby doll was a stand in for the mommy and me picture.

Before the party ended, we had to make time for a pinata. The little ones got to use a special bat.

I guess the pinata did the trick because Sophia got a second wind and started motoring around all over the place. .and then crashed on the way home.

After a short nap, Sophia picked one present to open and it was an animal sounds farm from Chuck. It was a perfect end to the day!

On Sunday, Sophia got a chance to open up all her presents and really enjoy each and every piece of tissue paper and packaging.

Her new play house from the Braffs and Katsanos families was a big hit. Even the box was a blast!

Nick particulary enjoyed this gift from Karen.

Baby Giggles was a big hit as well.

Sophia even liked her bond from Tyler and Ayden too - she actually played with the piece of paper for a good 20 minutes at least. She had such a fun time opening presents- thanks everyone for the gifts and sharing in this special time!