Lately

A few days ago Sophie woke up like this:

She looks abused, but those red marks are actually from her crib.  She likes to cuddle up to the nice soft bars apparently.

This is Sophie's favorite place to be:

We moved our computer downstairs so if we are ever using it you can bet Sophie is waiting for you just below.

 Cuddling:

She's been teething (yeah...she just got her first 2 teeth and she almost 10 months) so she's been cuddling a lot more.  Probably the only benefit that has come from teething.  

 Chewing on fabric.

She always sits here while I finish sewing.  Right below my feet.

My favorite peeps. 

Katie gave us these soft stackable rings a while ago but I left them in AZ on accident.  

My sister just brought them back for use, so she's been cruising around the house like this.  It's hilarious because she never takes it out....not even to talk.  

We've had a lot of play dates lately.  

She loves to follow her cousin around the house.  Even though he's walking, she can keep up with him pretty well.

She does the same with Blake.  He's not as quick as Wes yet (he's just barely older than Sophie) so she can catch him more easily.  SO cute to watch.  

Work It.

I've been looking for ways to up my workouts lately.  This is hard because I'm kind of picky when it comes to working out for several reasons:

1.  I refuse to spend money to work out.  I had a BAD experience with a gym I shall not name and I can't seem to get over it yet (it was only 4 years ago...cut me some slack).

2.  I want to work out everything in the shortest amount of time possible.  While it is fun, it's not as much a hobby as it is for health.  I'd rather spend my time doing things I like more.

3.  It must not require equipment ( or at least very little equipment).

4.  It needs to be able to be done in a small space (we are still in an apartment).   I prefer to work out at the park but some days thats not an option.

5.  It needs to get me out of breath and sweaty.  I don't feel like I've worked out if I am not sticky and breathing hard.

6.  It needs to have the big three (cradio, resistance, flexibility).

Yeah... I know...I have problems.

This week, I've pinned down a system that I actually like.  Hey, you gotta do what works, right?

• I start with this video because I REFUSE to stretch cold muscles.

• Then I load up the baby jogger and go on a short run.

• Then I do the exercises in this video at home if Sophie needs a nap or at the park if the weather is nice.  

• I finish with some light stretching and call it a day.

The whole routine takes about an hour.  Which is a bit of time, but I really feel "worked out" when I'm done.  Depending on my schedule that day, I can take things out or add things to make it shorter or longer.

What works for you?

9 Months

Thing she does:

crawls, climbs, stands
walks with help
drinks from a straw
sleeps through the night
laughs and giggles

Things she says:

mama, baba, papa

New foods:
grapefruit, oranges
strawberries, broccoli
beans (pretty much any kind)
paper

The weather has been in the high 40's so we've been going to the park a lot lately.  Sophie loves it.  I'm not sure if she likes swinging or watching other kids swing more.  EVERY time we leave she cry's and reaches for the play ground.  I know this may seem cold to some of you, but when you've been trapped inside for several months, you can justify going outside.

We recently discovered...thanks to Rob...that she is freakishly strong.  She can hold herself up on the back of the benches at church with just her toes touching the hymn box.  It's hilarious.

She loves Sesame Street.  Her recent favorite is THIS video with Ricky Gervais.  It has become part of our bedtime routine to watch a clip before she goes to bed.  Don't worry...we read a lot of books, which she likes equally, if not more.  Especially when I read Skippyjon Jones in a Spanish accent.

Happy moments.

Things that have made me feel good this past week:

As of 5 days ago, Sophie's first word was "mama."  She also says "baba" and "papa", but still no "dada."  Not sure she knows exactly what it means yet, but she looks right up at me and says "mama" ALL. THE. TIME.  It makes my heart smile.

This video.

The weather has been amazing this week so we've been able to go jogging OUTSIDE (as opposed to the BYU indoor track).  Sophie LOVES it.  She laughs the whole time and gets excited when we see kids playing at the park as we pass.

Spring is in the air!

Sophie is getting closer to sleeping through the night which means I'm closer to sleeping through the night.
Making it 10 hours without eating is pretty close to 12.  I'll take it.

She can almost drink from a straw which will help because she HATES a bottle and I always feel bad when I have to leave.

I got to hang out with both my sisters last night...I need to do that more often.

The husband finished 2 huge projects at school on Monday so we've seen a lot more of him this week.  I love when he's around more.

I gave the sewing machine a break this week but I think I'm ready to dust if off and get moving on some projects.

Life is sooooo good.