The Beginning of September/Starting to Walk

It's been a busy month so far! Sophia has been hard at work learning and discovering her abilities and the world around her. She has a bunch more teeth, bring her to a total count of 12. She has also been taking a few steps on her own, I've counted her taking at least 15 (I promise to post a clip of her walking soon). However, she's much more confident holding on to someone with one hand and running. She loves to scream, uses her fingers to point, blows kisses, has learned a few more baby signs, and has added the word bye-bye to her vocabulary.

Any-who, the month started with visit from Nana Wendy and Papa Scott. They weren't able to attend Sophia's 1st birthday party, so instead we got to have a small imitate belated celebration—it was very nice! They brought 'Phia a bunch of cute gifts and took us all to dinner—thanks! After dinner Nana and Papa played a silly straw game with Sophia (see video clip below). Not sure who was having more fun (ha-ha).

The following weekend we attended Kiere (my cousin) and Lauren's wedding in Saratoga, NY. Nonna Penny accompanied us there to be our babysitter since it was an adult-only event. I think she and 'Phia had a lot of fun together! Thanks Nonna! The wedding was beautiful and the newly weds seemed very happy! No pics to share of Nonna and Sophia or of the newly weds—we'll do better next time.

Celebrating GG Mum

The next day after celebrating Sophia's b-day we continued the fun by going to Belhurst Castle in Geneva, NY to be with GG Mum and family to celebrate her 80th B-day (see pic above). We had a lovely brunch and good time being together. We are so lucky to have GG Mum in our lives! Looking forward to many more birthdays to come!

2 clips of 'Phia showing off her one hand walking on the grounds before brunch. Cousin Dylan was snoozing, so sadly, we weren't able to get any footage of them together.

Wow!

As most of you know Sophia is now officially ONE! It was a crazy week leading up to her first b-day, as she got sick with a virus (her fever got up to 103.5) for the first time. Having a sick child gave me a truly new appreciation for parents who have to deal with a child who has any chronic physical or mental condition. Anyway, back to the matter at hand, we made it through the week and even though 'Phia wasn't a hundred percent by the time her b-day came, she was well enough to have her party. We had a great time celebrating with all the friends and family that came. Thanks Mimi and Pops for making it such a memorable event! My favorite moment was when Sophia put her whole hand into the yummy chocolate cake—who can resist chocolate? I knew she had a little Neulander in her!

Our little family.

Me having a little fun!

Sophia in the car at the end of the party, ready to go home.