Sophie has a friend named Laurel who is really cool because she's four. Laurel's family sometimes calls her Lolo, and Sophie has picked up on the habit. One day last week while Laurel's mom was crazily preparing for a final exam to become a Physician's Assistant, Laurel came over to play. And yes, it just so happened that a gingerbread house was on the to-do lineup. But trust me, we don't do that with EVERY kid that comes to play, despite evidence to the contrary.
Much as I hate to say it, I think Sophie is gradually, slowly, phasing out her naps. Now, I know I've been lucky thus far, and there are moms and dads reading this whose kids stopped sleeping at 2, if they ever napped at all beyond infancy. But I have gotten spoiled by those few hours in the afternoon when I can read, nap, or ahem, work feverishly getting my house spic and span. (Not.)
In my vain attempt to keep the naps going for as long as possible, I have discovered that a post-lunch constitutional with Polly and Din in the stroller serves to position the Deedlebug for a cozy little siesta. Something about the fresh air and exercise, I guess. And in case this sounds horribly self-serving, rest assured that Sophie LOVES to do this. It has become something we both look forward to on days that are mild enough. She loves to show "her babies" the leaves, the storm sewers (but not too close, gulp), and now all the Christmas lights so prolific in our neighborhood. She also likes to stop every few houses to get the babies out, change their diapers, feed them, and/or allow them to throw up (during which she holds them far away from her, their mouths pointed at the road).
Let the fall leaves fall
And the cold snow snow
And the rain rain rain 'till April;
Our coats are warm
And the pantry's full
And there's cake upon the table.
From Father Fox's Pennyrhymes by Clyde and Wendy Watson
Matt's birthday came the day after my long weekend to Seattle (pictures to come), so Sophie and I spent the day shopping, cooking and baking. In fact, I got in a little over my head with the whole thing, and so while I taught my Group Strength class that night, Matt and Sophie frosted the cake themselves. In the end, the birthday celebration was very nice and calm and surprisingly unfettered by sugar-induced hyperactivity. A nice gift in itself.
Earlier this month Matt learned that he has been promoted from Senior Master Sergeant to Chief Master Sergeant. This is the highest non-commissioned officer ranking available in the Air Force, and quite an accomplishment. I posted it on my Facebook page, but want to give due diligence to this huge milestone on the blog. We are extremely proud and happy, and somewhat relieved as well. Matt has worked hard and has had a great career so far, and (all bias aside!) he deserved this promotion. Unfortunately, though, with these types of things, what one deserves is not always what one gets. Many people have to test for Chief multiple times before making it. And so, when Matt came home early that day with a few bunches of flowers, a balloon for Sophie, and a new patch with 8 stripes on it, it was a very happy surprise.
That night, we had sundaes to celebrate.
Congratulations, Matt. We love you!
It doesn't happen often, but when we need a babysitter, we count our lucky stars to have Stephanie to call on. With daddy gone for two weeks, and appointments that needed to be kept, I had just such an occasion.
We took it as a good sign when, on her first visit to babysit, Stephanie brought her own bag filled with arts and crafts to do (just in case we didn't have those things here, ha ha). Add to that a degree in early childhood education, a passion for working with kids, a super friendly get-down-on-the-child's-level demeanor... and Matt and I (and Sophie!) have scored the Babysitter Jackpot.
Even though she was reluctant for me to go away, Sophie's worries melted away as soon as Stephanie came in the door. And when I came home, she all but pushed me away so they could continue playing. An hour of babysitting? $12.00. Ingredients to make the pizza they had for supper? $4.75. Mom being able to leave the house with a child who is happy and excited to spend time with a competent and friendly babysitter? PRICELESS.
We expect this post to make Grammy (in particular) smile. Grammy, I'm sorry she seems to be doing it with her right hand instead of her left, but she may have received the talent regardless!
And just because I couldn't resist (squeeze squeeze!):
It's always a bit strange to think that though she's only 3, this is Sophie's 4th Halloween. And it was the first time that trick-or-treating really sank in and became something exciting and fun, which of course was exciting and fun for mom and dad. We baked Halloween cut out cookies, and celebrated daddy's long-awaited return home by immediately putting him to work carving pumpkins. Then we put the final touches on the costume. This year's ensemble (debuted partially in a previous post from last week) was an amalgam of garden fairy, princess, and ballerina.
The stash:
ee-gads.
