Cute pictures are harder than they seem...

I tried to capture some cute pictures of Sonia in her holiday dress by the Christmas tree. She is so mobile these days that she "ran" out of most of the pictures or turned her head or frowned. After trying for a while, I was definitely ready to leave the picture taking to the professionals. We had an appointment Monday for holiday photos - they turned out well and MUCH better than my attempts!

Anyway, here's a glimpse of my holiday girl!

Thanksgiving!

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Sonia and my parents. I am definitely so THANKFUL for the blessing of being Sonia's Mom.

Mom outdid herself (as always) with the meal. The one change was that we ate together in the kitchen so that I could relax with Sonia eating on the tile floor instead of carpeted dining room!

It was fun and Sonia enjoyed some of her favorite foods... especially the butternut squash and potatoes!

Sonia's cute little Thanksgiving plate -

Rich and Peggy Visit...

Sonia got to meet her Uncle Rich, Auntie Peggy, and cousin Michael in person the other weekend. She couldn't have had a better time playing and showing off for them. It was a great weekend as well because she started walking longer distances and "talking" (babbling what seems like words and sentences) too.

Here's a few cute pictures from the visit :o)

Halloween

Sonia had fun dressing up for Halloween.

She was my "Little Monster" on Halloween. She wasn't terribly fond of the full fuzzy outfit at first. But, she loved it when we went out Trick-or-Treating to visit the neighbors. She walked part of the way and carried her little Pumpkin bag proudly! (She sends Thanks to Uncle Rich and Aunt Peggy for the bag!) She loved it when people put candy in the bag and my friend's kids Ashley and her boyfriend Jordon liked the candy! The bag then became a great "in and out" toy to play with blocks for the rest of the evening.

For daycare, I didn't want her to have to spend the day in her hot fuzzy monster costume, so she went as a ladybug. She was a cute ladybug too :o)

Daycare...

Tonight was the "fall festival" at Sonia's Daycare. This means that parents can come at 4:30pm and hang out with their child in the daycare with their teachers and other parents. There was also a "Chili dump" to contribute to for supper. We had fun! It was nice to see Sonia interact with the toys and other kids and to have a little relaxed time to talk to her teachers. Everyone seems to think that Sonia is settling in very well and she seems to know all the teachers across all the age groups from baby to pre-K. It definitely helped to make me comfortable with my choice to see her happy there!

Here's a few pictures...

Sonia playing in the "sensory table" which is filled with sunflower seeds, gourds, and cups.

Sonia with her teacher Miss Sandy ...

Sonia with Miss Barbara (our favorite teacher but Sonia was ready to go home so we'll have to try another time for a happier picture) ...

And, finally, Sonia's latest "art" project...

Eating update...

Sonia's eating at daycare has been improving dramatically (as has her overall state and experience)! The last 3 days she's had either "ate fair" or "ate well" on her meals and snack. But, I realized over the weekend that this may be, in part, because she's making strides in feeding herself! She now holds the spoon and, if I put food on it, can get it into her mouth easily. I realized when taking a chance tonight on what mess she'd make, that she's also getting a bit proficient at scooping the food. She can't resist sticking her other hand in to grab some food too ... and she becomes a bit of a mess... But, she managed to eat her little bowl of my chili "all by herself". She also scooped out and ate her yougart by herself (although I didn't let her hold the little container out of fear for flying yougart).

What a girl :o) Mommy is so thrilled with each new "skill"...

Here's some pictures...

Ready for winter...

Sonia's boots arrived yesterday. She was pretty interested in them sitting on the floor. But, she clearly felt like Bigfoot with them on. Just wait until she has the full snowsuit, hat, and mittens to go with it :o)

Mobility is on it's way ...

Sonia started taking a few steps the last few days. We've been practicing in the one room I have with carpeting...

She turns so she's leaning her back against the couch, puts her arms out, and then walks and throws herself into my arms. From there, I turn her around and she trots back to the couch. Repeat and repeat and repeat.

She's not able to take more than 4-5 steps without falling but it's a start.

Her excitement is so contagious! I can't help but giggle along with her!

I've found it hard to catch her and get a picture too. So, here's what I have so far which is pictures of her racing toward me. I had to record the date ... first steps on 10/13. I'll work on some more pictures and video once she's a bit more stable and/or when I have visitors to do the photographing!

Here she is...

Enjoying the fall season...

Sonia had fun playing in the leaves. She's still not sure that she likes touching the grass but walking in it is fine. She's getting pretty proficient with her walking toys and likes to climb off and on the lion scooter.

2 Months since Sonia Day ...

I see from my banner that it's been 2 months since the day I met Sonia. It so hard to believe!! But, I'm not sure if it's hard to believe that we've only known each other for 2 months (it seems like we've been together forever) or if it's hard to believe that 2 months has already flown by (could it really be that long?). I feel amazed by both but over the moon blessed to have the chance to be Sonia's Mom! Happy 2 month Anniversary, Sweetie :o)