Big Changes

It always strikes me how life changes seem to take place in clumps. It's as if the heavens decide that lots of change all at once is easier to deal with than a constant stream of change. Either way, change struck us this week.

After several months of discussion and growing pains, we made a decision in early January to sell our house. We found a great realty husband/wife team who guided us through the process. Friday, our home went on the market officially. It was odd to drive up to our house at the end of the day knowing that this will soon (hopefully) be someone else's house. Regardless, the idea of a yard and more space is beyond enticing and makes the process all the more bearable. We will be sure to keep you updated on the progress of the sale.

This weekend marked the official usage of sippy-cups ONLY! Bottles are out! Surprisingly, Sofia has done really well. She hasn't acted out or wondered around aimlessly, with the "where is my bottle" look and whine. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a smooth transition!

Today, perhaps was the day that I was most struck by all the change in our lives. The weather was GORGEOUS so we decided to take a walk as a family. We got about a block away from our house when I realized that we didn't have the stroller with us. All THREE of us were walking! Sofia was as happy as can be and seemed delighted at the freedom that came with walking on her own and chasing Layla down the sidewalk. All of a sudden she seemed so grown up!

Change is inevitable. Watching our daughter grow each day is the most amazing change of all. Love to you all.


This coyote walked right out in front of our house today! He seems to have made a home in the under-construction park across the street!

Brilliant

Take #1 - Impressive maneuver! ...or in Chris's mind; here is Sofia demonstrating her skills as a future elusive running back, weaving around linebackers. She sees the hole and makes the cut!


Take #2 - We have NO idea where Sofia learned how to use her head...Actually this was more like Take #8 and she was more interested in the camera. Still a ham for the camera like her aunties. Listen for high-pitched toot right before tower 3. :)

What a difference a decade makes...

Ten years ago today, Meg and I went on our first date. We went and saw a scary movie, (now Meg doesn't even think about watching them) and went to one of our old favorite places, T.G.I. Friday's! It still remains one of the most magical nights of my life. (It was also our first kiss!) Thank you, Meg for 10 great years filled with love, growth, memories, and laughter. Thank you for making me a better man, husband, and father. May God bless us many more for many more years! Love always and forever...I love this picture with Sofia's hair looking so fine and so long! She likes to put her socks on her hands. What a stinker...get it?...stinker...sock...

Sofia is teething right now and is being a very fussy eater. Tonight she just wanted to eat her cheesy potatos and vegetables on her own! I think she got as much around her mouth and on her hands as she did in her mouth. I love my beautiful daughter! What a character...

The Next American Idol?

Music has always been a big part of our lives. It looks like it will be for Sofia too...

Watch Out Martha Stewart!

Okay, everyone knows that Chris is the cook in the family. I love that about him. He takes such good care of Sofia and I in the food department. :) On a rare, and I mean RARE occassion, you can find me in the kitchen putting a meal together. The thing about me and cooking is that I just am not a fan of putting lots of different foods together to make a meal. It is just too many types of food. Let's be honest - I don't even like my food on my plate to touch! I would much rather just make a tasty treat - pie, cake, monkey break - you know all the stuff that is terribly bad for you.

Every Thursday morning, I meet two of my good friends that I work with for coffee and breakfast. It allows us to have an hour once a week to catch up, vent, laugh, and escape. It is the easiest day of the week to get up. :) This week, it is my turn to bring a bite to eat and all I could think about was chocolate chips on my way home from work tonight. I got a taste in my mouth for scones and called my step-mom for her recipe (best scones in the WORLD!). I realized too late, however, that I was missing a key ingredient and couldn't make them. I was bummed. So, I jumped on my favorite search engine and typed in "chocolate chip recipes" and voila! Chocolate chip muffins....FROM SCRATCH!

Yeah, that's right. I, MEGHAN DANIEL, MADE CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS FROM SCRATCH!

I know your mouth is watering....

Karma

I burned my thumb as I pulled the muffin tin out of the oven. Serves me right for gloating.

So Proud

I am so proud of my hubby. :) He just found out that he is being sent to Arkansas on Thursday for a conference to be trained on storm water management. As a nerd myself, I even have to admit it is kind of a dorky subject to spend two days on. Regardless, I am still excited that his employers are asking him to learn new things so that he can take on new responsibilities. He works so hard and is deserving of every good thing that comes his way!! Good job, Love!

A Moment to Remember

Many apologies for the hiatus.

The last two weeks have taken us by storm. Chris has been working at his office estimating on multiple projects (almost 20 million dollars worth in January alone!) and I went back to school to finish off first semester. Extra long work days for both of us meant precious family time when we got home. By the time Sofia went to bed, we either zonked out ourselves or took a deep breath to get a second wind and get back to work.

But we are done. Grades are in. The semester is over. Chris is half way through the month of bids. There is officially a light at the end of the tunnel for him and I have a long weekend due to MLK, Jr. Day.

Despite our busy and stressful schedules, we continually find ourselves caught in priceless moments with Sofia. I never imagined that a child's smile, laugh, hug, kiss or gaze could make even the worst moments melt away. She is such a blessing! We often tell her she is a "good girl". As we drove around running errands today, we heard a sweet little voice, with perfect inflection, from the back seat, "goo gir, goo gir"! We immediately realized what she was trying to say. After laughing hysterically and confirming that our child is definitely a genius, we then dreamed about what her first "real" words are going to be. Chris thinks "Jack, no!" (no explanation necessary). I think "pineapple" (it tastes good and is a funny word).

For now, here are a few shots and laughs from the past few weeks.
xoxo

Sofia found her swimsuit and put it on herself! Paisley and polka dots are a perfect match!

After playing with her blocks, Sofia got her tool belt and headed for the pipes under the sink.

How we play. :)

Quickie

I swear, we haven't dropped off the face of the Earth. It's been a busy couple of weeks and a lot has been happening in our little home out west. We will give a full update this weekend.

Love to you all! :)

Looking Back

Yes, yes, I know...we haven't posted in over a week. Many apologies for our cyber-absence. But, we're back in full force for a fabulous year in 2008! Before we move forward however, Chris and I wanted to stop and take one last look into 2007. It was a year filled with many firsts for Sofia, friends, family, adventure and love. Enjoy!

We miss everyone's comments so please leave a note!