Thursday, October 4, 2007

Happy Birthday Sophie!

My Soapy is turning one today! I can't believe how quickly this year has passed and I feel so blessed that Sophie is part of our little family. Sophie was born right in the thick of a very hectic time, with the autism diagnosis looming, Franny's ABA therapy starting, and Bobby's starting the infamous 5th quarter of medical school. I remember being terrified of having to care for two kids before Sophie came, having felt a little stretched with just Franny. But I remember feeling after she was born that the timing of her birth was not another challenge to add to the list of things I needed to endure, but actually a blessing to help me cope with the trials I was facing. There were many times last fall where I felt pushed to my limits (poor Franny was having a typical reaction to a major change in diet and beginning an intensive behavior therapy program) and often feeling very frustrated, my eyes would fall to the tiny baby in my arms and she'd be waiting to meet my gaze and I would feel a wave of peace settle over me. This happened countless times. She is such a good sister to Franny and the two of them love to laugh and play together.

Some interesting facts about Sophie:
1.) Her roots are kind of blonde-ish and her ends are dark brown. She has A LOT of hair.
2.) When she was an infant, she would sometimes go 2 weeks between bowel movements. (gross, sorry).
3.) She sometimes laughs like a robot.
4.) She waves bye, signs for "more" and knows how to use hand sanitizer.
5.) She loves the theme music to The Office and she'll dance to it.
6.) Her favorite food is peas.
7.) She likes to pretend to talk on the phone, but when she does, I get the distinct impression that she's in a hurry and doesn't have a lot of time for small-talk.
8.) She can say grandpa (bampa) but not Dad. :)
9.) Her dad loves her anyway.
10.) So does her mom. But then again, she can say "mama." :)

I've been thinking a lot about when my Mom came to help me with Sophie last year. Originally she planned her trip for about 9 days, but when it was time for her to go she called my Dad and said she felt like I could use her help a little longer and she ended up staying for two weeks! I used to joke often that the only way I could get my family out here for a visit was by having a baby! (Thank goodness that's no longer true because my Dad and my sisters are coming for Thanksgiving!) With a time-consuming church calling, teenage kids at home, and many other responsibilities, it wasn't easy for her to get away. We had such a nice visit. She got to the hospital the night Sophie was born at about 9 pm. I was so excited to see her! We talked for about an hour until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer, and she stayed in the room with me holding the baby until about midnight. When I came home from the hospital she had a big meal prepared and had stocked the kitchen with all kinds of treats and snacks for us to enjoy. Everytime Sophie needed a bath, my Mom did it. It was the same with Franny. I used to joke that I never get to bathe my babies until they're about 10 days old because my Mom insisted it was her job. My mom also took a huge interest in Franny's gluten-free casein-free diet that we were implementing. She read Karyn Seroussi's book cover-to-cover and made the 90 minute trip to the closest health food store in Columbia to pick up some much-needed ingredients, making a stop at baby Gap and Gymboree for some necessary grandchild-spoiling. She helped us buy a freezer so that I could prepare large amounts of food for Franny and freeze it for my convenience. Franny had her first dance class while she was here and my Mom bought her her first leotard, tutu, and tights. Franny had a blast dancing with all the other little kids and my Mom had a blast watching her. It was difficult to get her there because of the scheduling of Franny's behavior therapy, but my Mom encouraged me to make it work because she saw how happy it made Franny. We watched movies and the entire second season of the Office, which she had never seen before and loved, except for the sexual harrassment episode. We talked A LOT. It was perfect. I am so glad I had that time with her all to myself. Sophie, I have you to thank for that visit.

Here's some video of my Sophie who recently learned to walk (actually about a month ago she started talking steps. I really need to get better at recording my children's milestones.) Oh yeah, and at the end that's Sophie singing her favorite song.


20 comments:

Julia Holmes said...

Dangit Kath! You totally made me cry. I need to get a hold of myself. I am at work "for cryin out loud." Mom use to always say that. I miss her way too much. She was always so cute with Franny and Sophie. Nothing made her happier than seeing them. She would get soooo excited whenever you guys would visit. It was so cute. Love you! Happy Birthday Sophie!!!!! I love you!!

Anne said...

Happy Birthday cute Sophie!

Chrissie said...

Happy Birthday little Sophie! Hope you have a great 1st birthday! We love you. You know what is so cute, she looks like your mom to me. If we are lucky, she may act like her too. Love you too, Katherine!

The last Unicorn said...

I can't believe Sophie is a year old! That was a great post... your mom is probably "upstairs" celebrating with you and enjoying some yummy cake in her honor. That video is adorable... she is walking so well. I love you guys!

Pattie said...

Please pass me a tissue
I am so glad you have such sweet memories of your mom.
LOve the picture of Sophie she is so cute...

Jessica said...

Happy Birthday Sophie! She is so adorable. I love it when you share memories of your mom. You always make me cry. Love You

Levon said...

Katherine, your post totally got teary-eyed too! Moms are the greatest, and so are our little children who seem to come at the right times of our lives. Your girls are blessed with such an awesome mom!

Levon said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Posse said...

She's so cute! Happy Birthday Sophie! I'm so bugged I missed her little get-together today, but naptime came late for us. We'll have to come visit soon. What great memories to cherish...

Jane said...

Happy Birthday Sophie! She is such a doll Katherine. You are lucky to have such wonderful memories, I know she is with you to celebrate Sophie on her first birthday. You have the best blog, I love to read it, you are so talented. I wish I lived near you still.

Rachel said...

I love reading the things you write about your mom. She was obviously a very loved woman.

As for your love of The Office...Word. I am so loving that show. Juston and I are addicted. He actually bought me the first season for Valentine's day a couple years ago. Greatest gift ever. ;)

Jill said...

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Ashlie n Jonathan said...

WOW!!! Time flies! I can't believe she is 1!! I LOVE her picture! Such a sweetheart! I am so glad you had such a special visit and fun memories with your mom. My heart goes out to you.

Ashlie n Jonathan said...

WOW!!! Time flies! I can't believe she is 1!! I LOVE her picture! Such a sweetheart! I am so glad you had such a special visit and fun memories with your mom. My heart goes out to you.

Bobby said...

It was Sophie's birthday?

Bobby said...

Just kidding, your daddy loves you- I love all my girls. (By that I mean Katherine, Frances, and Sophie--don't get any ideas other ladies)

Maggie said...

made me cry too. shoot. i guess im not tougher then julia..

Rebecca said...

Soapy? Was that a typo or is it a pet name for cupcake cheeks? Oh she is so sweet, that picture is just yummy. Your Mom is incredible, she always had 6th sense about who needed what. Her heart still beats in her family, it is so obvious in you especially Katherine. Love you, Aunt Becky

rebecca said...

wow! I can't believe she is 1 !! I remember not too long ago holding her as a tiny baby in church! I always looked to see if you had a chair by you in Sunday School so I could hold that cutie :) Happy Birthday, Sophie!!

TerriLyn said...

Happy Birthday to Sophie. I love how you called her Soapy. She is such a doll. What a neat story of her birth and your mom's visit. So special!

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