A Star is Born

Well, okay, a church star is born. This evening our dear little girl had the opportunity to be the baby Jesus in our Christmas eve celebration at Sunset United Church. Yes, I am aware that she is a little girl, but who cares. We're an open minded church! She performed beautifully... although she was a little wierded out at the fact that Mom was wearing a scarf over her head. She tried to pull it off, but eventually gave up and stared at the congregation instead.

She sat like an angel through the gospel and got the congregation laughing as the scripture described the little baby Jesus lying in the manger with tightly closed eyes, and Sophia was sitting straight up, looking around with eyes wide, wide open. As a story was read, kids joined us (the Holy Family) up on the stage. Sophia was just watching them and on occasion tried to coo at them.

It was a wonderful evening, and several people wondered what kind of drugs we were giving her. But it was a testament to her pretty easy going nature, and her interest in watching the world around her.

Alas, there are no photos to offer you this time. You will just have to imagine her up there with us.

Merry Christmas.

A Hosler Holiday Tradition

I think we have established a new Christmas tradition for this part of the Gerhard family: traveling out to the Hosler farm to eat, drink, exchange gifties, and to just generally have fun. It's a nice tradition, especially seeing that Melisa is Sophia's Godmother.

The gift opening blur. Sophia was more interested in eating the wrapping paper, and Taylor and Ayden were keen to do the unwrapping.

A quiet moment.

Everyone's eager to be a part of Sophia's gift. She seemed pretty interested too.

We spent the afternoon and part of the early evening with the Hosler family. The main purpose, besides seeing Melisa, Jack, Taylor and Ayden, was to check out the Children's Choir and the St. James UC choir. Both performed very well. About forty children were in the choir and the St. James folk did an excellent job with a Christmas Cantata called "Bethelhem Joy". We had a good time and remarkably Sophia stayed awake for most of the concert, only falling asleep during the last "everybody join in" Christmas Carol.

After the concert there was the obligatory "lunch" (for those who are not of the prairie speak "lunch" is any meal that comes after a meeting or a social function, and usually consists of "dainties" (sqaures and cookies) and tea/coffee/juice). This was the prime time for Sophia to be whisked away to visit with the adoring ladies of the congregation. And whisked she was. I have to admit that I was very proud of her... she went happily and didn't complain a bit. I think she was too overwhelmed with all the people. She did leave her mark, however, by spitting up and missing herself and David, but getting the church floor. He he he.

All in all, it was a lovely visit with all the folks of the church. We really did have a great time, and I am sure Sophia loved the attention. Then we had a nice supper with the Hoslers, and came home. That's when the real fun began.

We got home at about 8:30 and I, in my need to be orderly, decided that we would go through the normal bedtime routine. Yeah, right. Ever tried to put an overtired, overstimulated baby to bed? It certainly doesn't happen when YOU think it should. At about 10:30 she finally crashed, after some tense negotiations. She stayed that way for a whole half an hour... she kind of woke up crying from what I think was a bad dream and needed to be comforted. She then slept until 4 am, stayed up for an hour and then wanted to sleep until late. Well, she had another thing coming. In an effort to maintain normal sleeping patterns, I try not to let her sleep in too late. Whether or not waking her is a good idea, I am not sure, but come the evening she's ready for a night of sleep. Or at least that's what I am hoping.

One weekend accomplishment to mention: someone outside the family got Sophia to giggle. Melisa worked her magic and managed to coax some good giggling out of our little one. It was quite a lot of fun to watch. And Sophia was fun too!

Taylor is quite taken with Sophia and loves to chat with her and to teach her lots of stuff.

Taylor and Sophia

Ah Winter...

We love living in Saskatchewan... what with the affordable housing; big, open skies; bone freezing temperatures and somewhat unpredictable weather, who wouldn't? No, it's not that bad. Right now, it's foggy and cold but still pretty and definitely looking like Christmas, a nice white one! The winter weather does make it a bit challenging for getting around with Sophia. When the weather was nice, we would often take a walk in the parkland surrounding us --you know, get some exercise and enjoy the environment. Well, that goes a little harder with a foot of stubborn snow and slush on the ground. Our stroller wasn't made for that kind of terrain. Needless to say, the walking bit has taken hibernation.

Except for the other day, when the thermometer outside reached the balmy temperature of +3 or 4 degrees. The sun was shining and the air was "warm", so in response we decided to go for a walk. One problem: the stroller. We didn't know if the walking paths were cleared off or not. The solution: our Snugly. We'll just strap her in and away we will go. We got Sophia all outfitted for a walk -toque, gloves, long pants, socks, shoes, shirt, and sweater, and got David (the baby carrier) all ready for the cooler air. Then we wrestled Sophia into the carrier! Whew! At least we didn't have to worry about her needing to go pee. David? He was out of luck!

We really did enjoy the walk, and Sophia stayed awake for most of it. The one thing we didn't take into consideration was the wind. There's really nothing in the province that stops the wind from blowing -no hills or mountains or such, so it pretty much blows at lot of the time. Wind tends to lower the temperature a bit (okay, a lot, but not to the point where anyone (big or small) would be hypothermic). Let's just say it was a brisk and quick walk. Sophia's cheeks were quite red by the time we got home. But the cold did not stop her from falling asleep....

Ready for winter walking! Doesn't she look happy?!

Post walk position for nap

Sleeping like a baby? More like limp linguine!

In a year of life, a baby is to accomplish many things. Rolling over is one of them. I have posted some pictures of Sophia's attempts at rolling from her stomach to her back. Now, as the months progress it seems to me that she likes being on her stomach less and less. The problem is that she can't see much from there, and for a baby who is afraid to miss anything this is not good. We still force to do mandatory tummy time, for how else is she ever going to learn how to crawl? You got to start on your belly. Or at least I hope so.... my mom did offer me the fairly frightening image of Sophia learning to scoot across the floor on her back, therefore wearing off the hair on the back of her head. Yeesh!

Anyway, from time to time, Sophia does try to roll from her back to her tummy. This usually occurs when there is something interesting that she would like to put in her mouth. It's humourus to watch. I was a little concerned when one of the books I have said that at five months babies should be able to roll both directions, and I looked at my daughter who didn't really do either. So, at the doctor's this week I asked if I should be worried. Dr. MacDonald, bless her, told me that she'd do it when she is good and ready! Whew. Really, she's just too busy watching the world!

Got to get that bumper...so tasty!

After roll recovery

Here's the latest doctor update: All is good and she's a healthy little girl.
WEIGHT: 16 pounds and some change
HEIGHT: 26 inches

No problems other the usual baby issues: spit up, drooling, dirty diapers and eating needs! If we could just her her to sleep through the night more often!

Pbbbbbbpt!

Sophia has a new favorite sound.... the ever soggy "raspberry". It's actually quite funny to watch: she starts by sucking in her top lip, pushing out her bottom lip and then finds as much saliva as possible before starting the vibrations. She seems to really enjoy it. And heck, we enjoy doing it back to her. But we don't get too close, unless a change of clothing is in the plans!

This was a monumental week for us. We had our very first Gerhard family photo, taken by a fabulous photographer at CameraOne here in Regina. Haley even got in on the act. We've picked the pictures and hopefully we'll get one or two on the page (even though we are sure we're not supposed to!). Sophia and Haley both behaved like superstars. We also had a series of shots done of Sophia. They are excellent. She was happy and content to sit around in her diapers and have three adults work hard to get her to smile. We have some lovely images of her giggling away. David finally believes me now that he has managed to elicit these somewhat mysterious sounds. It was priceless.

Anyway, I just want to post a few more pictures for your viewing pleasure! Stay warm!

Baby, it's cold outside!

I just can't let go....

Sitting pretty. This is a favorite spot, as Sophia can see everything that is going on. She's a great help in the kitchen!

What a face!

An early variation on the "raspberry". Just working out the mechanics.

Chew, chew, chew!

Growing Older

You know it's true what they say about the first year of your baby's life going by quickly. This week we marked Sophia's fifth month of life. I am still in a little bit of shock that so much time has gone by since her birth, and yet it really hasn't been that long. With that said, I can't really remember life without her. Okay, maybe I can, but it's getting blurry.

Much is going on for the little one. Everything is so interesting, to the point that we need to be in a fairly quiet, less busy space in order for her to eat properly. Any distraction and those little lips lose suction. It's kind of funny. But a little frustrating, when all you really want her to do is eat. I give thanks that she hasn't developed the habit of turning her head while remaining firmly clamped on. :)

Sophia's grasp is getting better, although her thumb still has yet to break through and become independent! She is working on picking up smaller toys, her favorite so far is little stacking blocks that are the perfect size for her. And to go along with this new found skill, she has discovered that she can knock things off of places... counter tops, exersaucers. I am more than willing to play the game, but David gives about three pick ups and then is done with it. He might just be the smarter adult in the house.


Sophia is also figuring out that there are little things attached to the ends of her legs. Her squirmy toes are still a little mysterious as often they are cozily covered by her slippers, but she knows they are there. She spends time in her "Bumbo" seat trying to grab at them.

Not along ago I wrote about the first giggle... well more have happened since. I have to work pretty hard to get them to come but they do happen. David didn't believe me... there was a bit of a snuffleumagus (whoa, what's the spelling on that!?) syndrome about them --he didn't believe me even though they existed. At least that was until tonight, when he heard for himself the glorious sound of laughter coming from our little girl. It's so much fun to be able to act like a complete fool and actually have someone enjoy it. Sophia is generous with her smiles, both at home and at events --which is nice because everyone loves a smiling baby. It really makes meeting people a whole lot easier when you have a happy smiling baby.

Speaking of meeting people, we've been spending time at Sunset United Church, where the congregation has welcomed us with open arms (and just this week approached us about joining committees!) Sophia now stays awake for the whole service and seems to really enjoy it, especially the music. Last week, the choir sang acapella (sp?) and Sophia stood on my lap completely riveted and just beaming. I really do think that she has her daddy's music appreciation. I really appreciate the ability to be with such a community of adults and children, especially after last week when we were stuck inside for four days because of snow and cold weather. Oy, did I crave other people.

David and I have noticed over the last two days that Sophia's sound repertoire has increased. She is becoming far more adept at raspberries, which require the listener to wear wet weather gear as she still drools lot. And she has now discovered the "ba ba ba", "ma ma ma" and "wa wa wa" sounds. I have no illusions that she is calling for her mama, so no worries there. But it is quite funny to watch her, especially when she is getting upset or crying because her "wa wa wa" sound makes her pout even bigger. You really do have to see it! It's exciting to hear the sounds, for each new one she starts is another step closer to actually making words. Which we may or may not regret later on... hmmmm.

One of the challenges I have been facing with Sophia is she is back to getting up at least once a night to feed. The feeding bit is okay, I understand that she's just little and her body is constantly growing. It's the "Okay, I'm up, let's look around and keep from going back to bed" phase that has taken over. It used to be that I could feed her and she would go right back to sleep. These days it takes me almost an hour on a good night to get her back to sleep. I really shouldn't complain because I know there are parents out there who have it a lot harder, but I am tired.

We got to thinking that maybe she's just not being satisfied by milk alone anymore. So, as an experiment we started Sophia on rice cereal tonight. We did a lot of reading and research to figure out what exactly to do, which is helpful, but in the end we figured out that it's really up to us. So we took the plunge and tried it out. And she ate it. We gave her about a teaspoon of fairly watery rice cereal and most of it went in. You'll see what I mean in the pictures. She seems to enjoy it, so we will start giving it to her in small amounts twice a day. I will continue to breastfeed her, and the cereal will just complement the breastmilk. So she still needs me! :)

First test with a spoon

This is what I do with it, right?

The real deal... yummy.

A picture of success!



One more thing... Sophia has met Santa, and emerged from the experience unimpressed. Not "unimpressed" in a negative, screaming, crying way, but in a "okay, now what?" kind of way. And the photo is proof of that. We need to scan it and put it up for all of you to take a look at. She's not smiling, but that's not because we weren't trying by doing crazy things behind the photographer. Oh the things new parents do in public!

Anyway, the babe needs to get some sleep. Take care!

Quality time with Daddy. Can you see the similarity?

This was bound to happen sooner or later. A computer geek in training. Sigh.

Check out the fancy new dress that Grandma Gladys and Grandpa Hank sent!

Is this a good angle for me?