Sofia's First Christmas

Baby's First Christmas PJs:

... and exhale. Whew... what a whirlwind it has been! We have officially survived Christmas of 2010 :) It was wonderfully chaotic and crazy and I don't even know where to begin!

First off, Sofia attended the Bucks Holiday Kids party which was awesome. She got to hang out with Bango and meet Santa for the first time. The highlight was definitely meeting Santa - she would not stop staring at his beard! When she went to sit on his lap, she seriously was mesmerized! She was so excited to be partying, kicking and squealing and laughing. And of course Mike and I were totally giddy and proud parents. She even got to eat some mac n cheese and big people food. She was so excited to do this that she did not chew and proceeded to puke in my hand at the party... again unphased :)

Family pic with Santa (Sofie staring at the beard)

The next week was spent finishing Christmas shopping and getting ready for our trip to Houston. Everything was stress free and smooth sailing until the day before we were scheduled to leave Milwaukee... that Sunday Sofie woke up with a fever and had been a little more irritable than normal. So, since her dr's office was closed, we had to take her into urgent care. Turns out the poor baby had a double ear infection and yucky cold virus that likely caused it :( Fortunately we were able to get her some antibiotics before we took off on our trip and all was good. I think this ear thing is going to be a constant struggle due to her dad and I'd histories.

Once we got to Houston, it was 100% excitement and insanity for all! I think we finally figured out why Sofie doesn't sleep great when she's at Grammie and Grampie Lu's house and that is all of the excitement she doesn't want to miss out on :) It was a wonderful trip as always and she got to meet her Great Grandparents on my mom's side which was very special. My grandma was crazy over Sofia (literally :)) and Sofie handled it well although sometimes needing some quiet time. I learned that Sofia really does enjoy her "me" time while we were in Houston b/c if I took her into the room and read her some books, she would immediately calm down.

Sofie chillin on the front porch with Grampie Lu. What a sweet moment.

Once Christmas Eve day came, we were all able to relax a bit more and enjoy it. We went to church as a family and then had a little gathering at our place complete with family, friends, delicious eggnog, delicious Mexican Christmas fare (tamales :)), wine, and an appearance from Santa, or as I called him - Pancho Claus. Sofie was a little unsure of Santa this time but probably b/c it was past her bedtime and she'd been pretty much overstimulated the whole day! But, she was a trooper nonetheless.

With Great Grandma and Grandpa on Christmas Eve:


Santa's visit. She was OK once she got her gift!

The next day was Christmas Day and Sofie was so excited she got up at 4AM! Not the best considering we were traveling that day to Chicago, but hey - it was Christmas, what could we do?! :) We woke up, opened a few more gifts and just enjoyed each other that morning. Then, it was off to Chicago for Round 2! Unfortunately at this point, I was catching Sofie's cold and not feeling so hot so I did not bring my A game to the Schnieders Christmas although I definitely had a blast, despite having a head full of snot.

Christmas Morning with Grammie Lu

Cousins opening presents in Grayslake


We headed home the day after Christmas and although it was decidedly the best Christmas ever - we were so happy to be back... home sweet home. Even Sofie settled into her bed (for 12 hours) our first night back and said "ahhhhh"....

Opening her gifts at home:

Some updates:

She is definitely waving and doing "La Linda Manita" which is a Spanish song where babies learn how to wave their hands.

She got a 5th and 6th tooth.
She is starting to clap.

She is reaching for people to hold her.

She immitates laughter.

She throws tantrums, fun fun! Don't take her toy away from her!

She cracks herself and us up :)

Happy New year everyone! Cheers to a wonderful 2010 and to an even better 2011!