First Day of School And Belly Sleeping

Yes, today was Sofia's official first day of school.  Well, it's Mothers Day Out but it's preschool pretty much for 2 year olds.  I had mixed emotions about this but I now have no doubt in my mind we made the right decision.  She walked right in, said bye and never looked back!  She was so excited to start school, and man does she need it.  As much as I love spending time with her each day, I feel that she really needs a little more structure and learning interaction.  She is a very active and inquisitive little girl and I think a two day a week preschool is just what she needs for now.

We had her enrolled and ready to go at a great preschool in Milwaukee but when we made the move to Houston, I had no idea where to send her.  I thought I'd wait until we had our house but as we wait and wait I figured I'd just bite the bullet and research places around my parents' house.  I had four for three different churches/schools and all were full but one, which happened to be a GREAT place and highly recommended by lots of people.  So exciting!  So, we visited, got all the paperwork done, and started her today.  She missed the first few weeks of class, but I think she'll still just fit right in :)  The dry erase board outside of her classroom door said "Welcome Sofia".  So sweet!  I can't wait to pick her up this afternoon and hear all about her day.

As for Gabe, I know I keep talking about him rolling over but now he's doing it when he sleeps and seems to like it a LOT.  He looks so sweet sleeping on his tummy, I just want to grab him and cuddle him.  Last night, I rolled him back over to his back (b/c I'm paranoid) but woke up this morning and there he was back on his tummy.  Doctor says it's OK to keep them on their tummies at night as long as they have the ability to go back and forth so I guess he's turning into a tummy sleeper!  He's also also loving his baby cereal now and over the next couple of weeks I'll start adding some veggies in there.  So exciting!  Last night, he ate so much cereal and got really angry when it was all done!  Too funny. . . he has a little temper on him when he's hungry.  Weird, I have no idea where he got that from???

Sofia eating her breakfast of champions before her first day of school

Ready to go!

Sweet little cuddle bug on his tummy

Potty Time

Well, we have been at it again for the past few days and Sofia is consistently improving her potty skills :)  It all got started because she was waking in the middle of the night or super early morning and crying to change her diaper.  This lasted about a week before we decided we should put her on the potty before bedtime.  And, like magic, it worked.  She actually wanted to do it and she actually peed almost right away!  So exciting.  So, for the past few days, she has been using the potty more and more each time.  She has even asked to go one or two times herself.  At this point, we still have to remind her and she's definitely not down for pooping in the potty yet.  Today was a big day, she had zero wet diapers and all of her pee pees happened in the potty!  I never had any idea this would be so exciting but it really is a proud moment b/c it's  her first big accomplishment of her own will power.  So cool and her little face is so proud and excited each time she uses the potty.

It is so true that kids are ready at their own pace.  When we first tried this a few weeks ago, she clearly was not ready.  But, now, she is and is excited about it!  We'll keep at it and hopefully will soon be totally potty trained!

I had some fun with a collage app as you can see here :)

Gabe's 4 Month Photos

I was so worried we wouldn't be able to find another great photographer like ours in Milwaukee (McManigal Photography) once we moved here.  But, thanks to facebook, I found a great recommendation from a friend and ended up taking a gamble on a girl out in LaPorte.  Yes, it was a drive, but so worth it.  All I wanted was some professional pics to follow Gabe's first  year just like I had for Sofia without breaking the bank.  I'm so happy we found someone great that will help us document all the milestones of our family!

Photos by Picking Petunias.
Click here for the link to all of the touched and untouched photos.

Galveston

For Labor Day weekend, my parents rented a beach house in Galveston, which is something we hadn't done since I last lived here.  It was so great to be back to the beach.  Although Galveston is far from beautiful, it's still the beach and it's the beach I've known my whole life. It was so much fun to watch Sofia experience it and even little Gabe went for a dip.  Sofia surely had the time of her life.  She spent every waking moment in the water or in the sand.  Mostly in the water. . . I tell you, this child has no fear.

Gigi joined us, or as we now call her, the official baby holder :)  

 Sofia's footprint in the sand.  I couldn't resist.  Too cute.  

 Sofia and Daddy in the ocean.  I let them have their time together b/c I am such a nervous freak about the ocean, I wanted them to actually enjoy it.  I did get to swim a bit with them, and Sofia was just a trip to watch in the water.  Her fearlessness makes me nuts!  That lifejacket was the best idea to bring!

Never stopped running 

Sink bath for Gabe.  Such a smiley boy.

 Family photo at the beach

 Gabe's first dip in the Gulf.  

 Sofia watching cartoons in Gimmie and Gippie's bed