Not Camera Shy...

here are some more pictures from the past week....



Story time. Sophia loves being read to. This book "Sophie's Wheels" was a gift from Great-Aunt Chris. It's so great to have a family member who works in a bookstore!



Unlike her mother, Sophie is a morning girl!


Practicing for future beach time


"I'm a superstar!"

As you can tell, Sophia is growing quickly. Yesterday she celebrated becoming four months old. It is crazy to think of how much time has gone past and yet, four months really isn't that very long. Except maybe for the dog, who seems slightly disappointed everytime we return home still carrying the baby. :) It truly is remarkable.

How a little water brings together a family

I know that we haven't posted in a while. Life in the Gerhard house has been anything but peaceful, what with all the people coming and going over the last two weeks. So much has happened in the life of Sophia, I hope I can do it some justice.

David spent the last week in Santa Barbara, California, attending a big important computer media conference called ACM MM (please do not ask me what that stands for). That left Tricia, Sophia and Haley on our own. The two legged females were busy traveling to Wolseley, grocery shopping for the up coming week, cleaning and getting ready for all the visitors that were coming. We enjoyed our time together, and the three of us spent some good time catching up on Buffy the Vampire Slayer (oh, to own an entire collection...life is good!).

Diane was the first of our guests to arrive. She came on Tuesday to help Tricia out and to spend some quality time with Sophia. She had not seen her granddaughter in two months, so there was a fair amount of catching up to do. Sophia only really threw one major fit, and that was on the way home after picking up Grandma. She was tired, it was her cranky time and to top it all off, there was this new and strange person sitting with her. I think if I were her, I would have done the same thing.

True to form, Sophia was the charmer. She spent her time with Grandma Diane hitting some new milestones. For one thing, and this makes me very happy, Sophia no longer hates tummy time. The reason for this change is the fact that she is beginning to hold her head up. Over a few days she learnt to hold it up while keeping her arms to the side, and then she discovered how much easier it was to do with her hands in front of her. From that discovery she was able to move on to reaching for and grabbing things placed in front of her. What a fun thing to watch. Now, she still cried, but mainly because it was a lot of work and somewhat frustrating, but it didn't happen immediately!


This is her surfer pose!




As a result of her new found head position, Sophia also figured out how to roll from her stomach to her back. This has happened only a few times, and not without a lot of effort. But it was so cool to watch and she seemed so proud of her self.








and over!


On Friday night, the rest of the family started to arrive... Grandma Gladys and Jacquie Moon (a friend of Tricia's) arrived at 9:30 pm and the remainder of the Gerhard clan arrived at 1:00 am, after a long drive from Winnipeg. David was supposed to arrive on Friday as well, but due to some unseen circumstances, his flight got cancelled and he was stuck in Minneapolis, Minnisota. He arrived at 1:30 the next day. Saturday was spent either shopping or geocaching and nice celebration dinner was held for the baptism (to happen the next day) and for David's 32nd birthday (on November 3rd). But Sunday was definately the big day!

We were on the road to Wolseley by 7:30 am, seeing that church now started at 9 am. Sigh. That was early. I think the only one smiling was Sophia. The snow was falling and the highway was clear, so we booted it to town. All in all, it was a lovely service. Sophia was perfect, only threatening to cry at one point, but became very happy when the minister started walking around with her so that all the congregation could see her. It was so wonderful to be able to share the moment not only with the congregation of St. James, but also with our family. I am sad that my dad and brother were not able to make it, but I know they were there in spirit. I also give thanks for the amazing support of Sophia's godmother, Melisa Hosler. We made the right choice in asking her to take on this special role. We wanted to ask someone who not only was a friend of ours but also a connection with the church. She beamed throughout the whole service. After the baptism we marked the end of my official time as minister in the congregation, which was bittersweet. Then there was an opportunity to have coffee and muffins in celebration of the day.

After the muffins etc, the entire family went to the Hosler's farm for soup and sandwiches with some special people from the congregation. This was a gift. People who were especially important to us were there not only to say goodbye but also to celebrate Sophia's baptism. We had a blast! Many thanks to all the people who made that time possible.

After Lunch, the Gerhards got on the road to Winnipeg, and the rest of us picked up the remaining things we had at the manse before heading to the city. We were tired, but happy after having such a perfect and meaningful day. Thank you to both our families for making the trip out to Regina, and thanks to Jacquie for doing the same. The baptism just wouldn't haven't been the same with out you.







Some more pictures are on the way, but I need to hit the sack! It truly is amazing how a little water can bring a family together and offer a time of celebration!

Oral Fixation

Sophia is definately conquering the "yikes, these hand things are attached to me" phase of life. She is reaching and grabbing quite well, and this extends to other things than toys, such as clothing, glasses, hair (her own and mine) etc. It's been interesting to watch as she discovers that her hands are also good for exploring her environment. When I lay her down on a couch or bed, I will often find her stroking the fabric --okay, it's more like moving her hands back and forth haphazardly, but stroking nonetheless. From what I can figure out, she is feeling the texture of the material of said furniture item. I think, also, that she likes the noise it makes as her nails graze the fabric. It brings a smile to my face to watch our little girl try to figure out this crazy world we're in.

We had a surprise guest yesterday. My friend and colleague, David Cathcart, stopped by and crashed in our guest room in anticipation of a 6:00 am flight this morning. Sophia was quite taken with him, and even went as far as trying to fall asleep as she sat on his knee. I wish I had a picture. It was priceless. Then she got bored, and started crying. This was compounded by the fact that I was on the phone, which usually brings on fussing in the child. It's strange how that happens. I never truly believed my mother until I had my own baby.

Sophia and I are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Grandma Gerhard. She arrives tomorrow and will stay until Sunday, when Sophia gets baptized. It's truly wonderful to have someone around while David is away. Diane and Arthur, and Adam and Kristine, haven't seen Sophie since August. So much growing has happened since then. I am sure they are in for a surprise. Mom and my friend, Jacquie, are also coming out for the baptism. It is taking place on Sunday morning at St. James UC in Wolseley. It is also my very last Sunday with the congregation as minister. So it is a bittersweet day. It's crazy to know how much time has passed since Sophia made her grand entrance into the world. Sigh.

Anyway, I have more pictures for you to enjoy....


This picture is a coule of weeks old. Sophie is in her Snugli carrier.


"I have it! I have it!" Evidence of the grasp and drool on it reflex.


Sophia's Halloween costume... isn't she a cute ladybug!?


She won't be going out this year (although Mom and Dad could use the candy!) but she will greet other
kids at the door!

ooooo, hands.

We've returned from our West Coast Trip. We're happy to be home again, although we did enjoy our time away. I think Sophia had a fabulous time being cuddled and loved by her grandparents and her uncle. Once again, Sophia performed like a trooper on the flight. She behaved like an angel which is more than I can say for some fairly obnoxious men on the plane. I have a sneaking suspicion that they were slightly inebreiated before getting on the plane. Oh what fun. Anyway, we got home very late on Sunday night and have been on the go since.

As I said in an earlier blog, Sophia has discovered her hands. It's been quite an interesting thing to watch. Every so often she holds her hands out in front of her and just watches them. She's still trying to figure out how these strange things are susposed to work. Eventually, after some good staring, they end up in her mouth, but she has had some really good time playing with several of her toys. She's even figured out how to pull on a ring to turn on the music and lights on her swing. Now, call it mother's pride, but I keep thinking she's doing it intentionally, but the reality is that most of the time it is a fluke, merely a coincindence brought about by her pulling. Anyway, in my world, she's doing it herself.

I think that Sophia is still holding her fall over my head. Seems to be that the last couple of nights she has decided to regress a bit and is waking in the middle of the night for a fed. I am NOT happy about this. But what can I do. I drag my sorry, tired butt out of bed and feed my little girl, praying all the time that she will go right back to bed. A consequence of this is, I think, that I am getting sick. Sigh. Oh well, what can a mommy do?

Here are two more pictures from our trip.


Just a dopey Sophie, after some serious outlet shopping in the States



New super graspy hands have tired little Super Sophie out, right in the middle of a good chew on the toy! :)

Using her outside voice

Well, Sophia is exercising her vocal cords. All day today she has been cooing and "talking" up a storm. She has discovered the upper octaves of her voice and is quite enjoying getting up there. It's been quite fun to watch and listen to. If we get the chance, I hope that we can record some of her sounds and post them on the blog. If you sit with her while she is cooing, you can have a little conversation with her. Seems to be that she is beginning to learn the basics of give and take in conversation. I believe she might just take after her talkative grandmother Gerhard, in how much she chats. This isn't a bad thing, unless you are trying to get a word in edgewise! :) (Just joking, Diane... it's an endearing attribute! ;P) Currently, Grandma Gladys is having a very interesting exchange that consists of a lot of clicks, jibberish and searching for ears and such. Seems to be enough for Sophia though. Happy smiles and sounds all around.

Check out Tanya and Muniz's blog (www.shelizavirani.blogspot.com) as there is a very cute picture of Sophia with her new pal Sheliza.

Well, the babbling has turned to crying, which is my cue to pay attention. Can't deny a crying baby.

Falling...

I forgot to give an update about the fall out of the fall! :) Sophia survived her fall from the change table with no lasting repurcussions. In fact she complained a little that night, I think mainly because she was a little sore, and to make sure that I didn't forget too quickly. My dear friend Jen Eastwood, said that SOphia didn't just fall, rather she gained a new skill. I like that. I, however, have learned that a hand must remain on my daughter whenever she is on the change table. My mother has also learned this --no falling this time, but a very wiggly baby.

Anyway, Sophia is just fine and my feelings of guilt are disappearing. Thanks to all the friends and parents who have emailed support and their stories of tumbling tykes.

Size matters!?

Greetings from Vancouver. Currently, Sophia and I are enjoying some visiting on the Coast. Grandma and Grandpa MAntel are very happy to have Sophia around again. And Sophia's smiles show that she is thrilled to be here as well. We've had some time to visit with folks here, including a brief visit with the congregation of South Burnaby United, where I was a student for several years and eventually worked as a Senior's Minister for a short time.

One of the exciting reasons for being in town is to meet Tanya and Muniz's new little baby, Sheliza. She is a beautiful little girl, who definately looks like her Daddy (check out their blog at www.shelizavirani.blogspot.com). Now, at the time of our visit Sheliza was only just over a week old. This means that she is little, weighing in a just under 7 pounds. We put the two babies together, and Sophia looks HUGE. It really drove home for me how quickly these little ones grow.

People who don't see Sophia often really remark on how much she has grown, how big she is. I am so used to her that I don't notice it so much. She's 13 pounds, which seems small, especially compared to adults. She will always be my little baby, even when she is 40. Right now, she is so vulnerable, so completely dependant... sigh. I am enjoying her so very much -even when she is crying and complaining. She makes me proud... for example tonight, she just smiled and cooed while being with Jacquie, Jen and Sylvia. So laid back and easy going.

ANyway, I gush, and I am not sure that I making much sense. By ten at night, I am lucky I can get a sentence out. Oh, one fun thing that happened today: Sophia started reaching out to bat at one of her toys. It's still kind of jerky, but she was having fun.

Well, I gotta rest up. Going shopping with Mom here in town tomorrow, get to visit Sheliza, Tanya and Muniz tomorrow, and then Wednesday we are off to shop at the discount stores in Washington. What fun.

Certain Panic

Well, that is exactly what I felt yesterday as we hit another milestone. This isn't one of those happy, amazing milestones, but rather one that strikes fear into a new parent's heart. Yesterday afternoon, while disposing of a dirty diaper, Sophia decided -okay, so it wasn't intentional -to roll off the change table. Yup, this mom turned her back for less than thirty seconds only to have her first born tumble through the air. As I turned back to pick up this little girl of mine, I watched in horror as she fell slow motion off the table and on to the floor. Her back hit the carpet first and then her head. You know, babies do bounce. After a moment of shock for both of us, Sophia started to cry and I did my best to keep myself from joining her. This all happened while I was at home alone, and knew I couldn't reach David for he was in class. But I tried him at any rate, with no luck. Then I had to figure out who to call next. Mom! She would know what to do, after all both my brother and I had taken tumbles off the bathroom counter onto the hard floor below. I got through, but was quickly told that they were on the phone with Airmiles trying to book tickets for the baptism. They would call me back.

What to do!?! Finally, I got ahold of David and he calmed me down and tried to get home as soon as he could. After that, Mom called and told me what to check --are her pupils the same dilation, are they responsive, is she moving all right, are there any bumps on her head? Bumps on her head!? I checked her over and she seemed okay -just really, really mad at me. Honestly, what kind of mother could I be if my child could roll off the change table! Anyway, she remained fussy for part of the evening -which I was totally okay with. After a bit of Infant Tylenol and some food and cuddling, she settled down. No lingering side affects -she roused when pestered when sleeping -this is a good sign and probably the only time I will intentionally wake her up like that. Today she is happy and smiley. Whew, what a relief. And she seems to have forgiven me.

Now, can I forgive myself? After some consultation with other mother figures in my life (mainly my mom and my mother-in-law) I have come to the conclusion that accidents of this sort are a part of early parenting and are almost a rite of passage. I know it will take a while for me to get the image of my daughter falling out of my mind, but they will fade. I need to be thankful that she's okay and that she's happy today. Nothing happened to her more than some shock. And I am not the horrible mother I think I am. Every kid has been bumped, dropped or thunked at some point. Heck, if I can fall on to the linoleum floor in the bathroom, and be okay afterwards (no comments from the peanut gallery) then there is no reason to worry over Sophia.

Afterall, she has enough to worry about already ..... :)

Even More Pictures...

Here are some more pics to adore. Notice the Osborne Three Finger Suck. The one of Sophia sleeping in her car seat was taken this evening... you can't get more up to date than that!

Pictures...

Little Updates

Howdy!

Thought I would just let you know about some of the newest Sophie developments. She continues to grow and develop and discover new things, such as the hair on the top of her head. She found it last night, as I tried desperately to put her to bed. With one hand firmly planted in her mouth, she reaches up and starts grabbing for the tuft on the top of her head. It's quite cute to watch, except when you really want to go to bed. At one point, she was using the same hand to suck and to play with her hair, so her hair was quite wet.

Sophia has moved from being a thumb sucker to being a finger sucker. Seems to be that this is a trait that runs in the Osborne side of the family (that's David's mom's side) as at least one of David's cousins (and to be honest I can't remember which one) sucked his middle two fingers.

Bath time has become even more interesting. Sophie really enjoys her time in the warm water, and smiles lots while she in there. Recently she has discovered that if she moves lots in the water she can make a lot of noise and waves. Ends up that who ever is bathing Sophia is almost as wet as she once it is over.

I do have pictures to post, but currently Sophia is crying and probably wants some food. I have yet to perfect the skill of typing and feeding all at once. So, I will post those pictures as soon as I get a chance.

Bye for now.