The Princess Diaries...: February 2009

Saturday, February 28, 2009

7 things I love about my 7 month old ...

(in no particular order)

- the way she lights up the room when she smiles

- the way she grabs my face and pulls me close for a snuggle

- the way she kicks her legs when she is excited

- the way she gazes into her daddy's eyes

- the way she giggles when we play baby games

- the way she watches her big sister with amazement

- the way she observes the world around her and soaks it all in

This old Billy Joel song comes to my mind when I think of her...

She's got a way about her

I don't know what it is

But I know that I can't live without her

She's got a way of pleasin'

I don't know why it is

But there doesn't have to be a reason anywhere

She's got a smile that heals me

I don't know what it is

But I have to laugh when she reveals me

She's got a way of talkin'

I don't know why it is

But it lifts me up when we are walkin' anywhere

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down

Inspires me without a sound

She touches me and I get turned around

She's got a way of showin'

How I make her feel

And I find the strength to keep on goin'

She's got a light around her

And ev'rywhere she goes a million

Dreams of love surround her everywhere

She's got a way about her

I don't know what it is

But I know that I can't live without her any way

I am totally smitten with my precious baby girl!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Fabulous at Five!

Warning: this blog entry contains lots of bragging and gushing from a very proud mama!

Five seems to be a magic number for Sophie. All of the sudden she has turned into a young lady. She is more polite, more helpful, and sweeter than ever. She is taking the initiative to do things on her own (without me having to ask a dozen times). She cleans up her room and turns out the light when she leaves it. She gets herself ready in the mornings and stays on task. She cleans up the dinner dishes for me and the other day she folded a basket of clean laundry that I had sitting in her room! She said, "I knew you would appreciate the extra help since you are busy with the baby today." Wow! I am so proud of the little lady she is becoming!

my little helper

Sophie constantly amazes me with her intelligence as well. She understands many concepts that should be well beyond her developmental level. Her preschool teacher said she is by far the brightest student of all of her classes. She also said Sophie is emotionally, physically, and socially superior as well. I was a little surprised at first by her teacher's comments, but very pleased! At church, Sophie has been the "Rainbow of the Month" for her responsible and respectful behavior twice. I am so proud of her!

Sophie has endured many life changes and some heavy heartache for a five year old. I have always worried that these things would somehow impact her negatively, but so far she is thriving! It reminds me of this passage in the Bible, "²Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. ⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1. I am seeing new levels of maturity and growth in Sophie and I know that God has used what was intended to harm her for good; to strengthen her and develop her character.

Here are some of my favorite Sophie pictures from 2008 and her favorite things: