Pics from Sofia's photo shoot

I just got the pictures back from Sofia's second photo shoot with Heidi Fuentes. This time around we wanted to take pictures of her at the beach and take advantage of the beautiful weather that we've been having in southern Spain. We decided to head out to the local beach in Puerto Sherry. Puerto Sherry is a gorgeous location because there are several spots where one can take great shots. Hiking up to the ruins was fun and made for some great pics in the basket. Then we headed over to the water to capture Sofie with the sun setting as a backdrop. You will probably notice that the Munchkin wasn't her usual smiley self in this pics. She barely slept the night before because she had been teething. About a week after this photo shoot, her two front bottom teeth finally cut through. That explains why she was biting her bottom lip in nearly every frame.

These shots really inspired me to want to continue learning how to use my camera. I have a very special shoot planned for my Princess. Right now, I'm just waiting for all my props to arrive. Anyhow, here are some of my favorites from Heidi's shoot. Enjoy!

It has been awhile...

Considering it has been awhile since I post anything interesting, I figured "Why not post something today?" After all, today marks 6 months since Sofia's birth. I know I already addressed this topic when she hit 3 months but... I must celebrate the fact that my litle Munchkin is now officially half a year old. It's amazing how spending time with her day-in, day-out, I tend to overlook the little steps, or milestones that she is making on a daily basis. I never want to take these for granted, but I really haven't taken the time to appreciate the greatness of all her achievements. I know, I know.... You are probably thinking "look at this crazy first-time Mom." But you're right! I am crazy!  Crazy about this blessing that God has placed in my life. I prayed for her everyday while I was pregnant and now I get to enjoy HER! From every laugh to every cry. My princess is just that; MY PRINCESS! Thank you Lord for putting her in our lives. Sometimes, it makes me sad that I get her all to myself and others are missing out on all these milestones. I just hope that with the phone calls and the weekly pics, it helps you feel more connected to her life and in tune with everything that is going on.
So here's what's going on in Sofia's world these days...

-The day we were stuck in Dover waiting to fly back to Spain, she started smacking her lips. It was a weird sound but that's the best way I can describe it. Lip smacking, I guess?

-This week she started blowing bubbles with her lips. It's hilarious because she smiles as she's doing it and is covered in drool by the time she is done.

-She is eating solids on a daily basis. Everyday she eats rice cereal for breakfast and then a vegetable for lunch. She has tried sweet potato, butternut squash, and avocados. *She really disliked the avocados. It was the funniest thing to watch her expressions as she was trying it. I really wish Pete had been here to take pictures of that. No worries, I'll try it again this weekend.

-She is slowly starting to "push up" when on all fours. We think she might start crawling in a few weeks. She pulls back with her legs and lunges forward. Get ready world, Sofia will be crawling soon! (That just means I'll have cleaner floors).

-She is sleeping in her crib 100% of the time. No more shared bed. =( I miss snuggling with her but I think we are all better off. She was kicking me all night and we would both wake up sweating. Now, we seem to be resting a little bit better.

6 months, half a year, 2 quarters, 24 weeks, 168 days... We asked our friend Sara to make a small cake in honor of Sofie's 6 months. (Remember, this is a big thing for us). I told her nothing fancy, just a plain cake. When Sara showed up at our door, this is what she brought. (Coincidentally, Sofia was wearing a butterfly onesie all day today. Sara's cake was covered in the same colored butterflies). ESP I tell you!

She actually got her fingers in it...

smiling at Mommy

-priceless-

after cake, it was time to put away the laundry

her 'Fred Flinstone' feet

I just thought she looked cute ;)

Mommy's First Mommies Day

So now I will bring my blogging to a close and try to take advantage of the fact that Sofia is actually sleeping. It was my first Mother's Day today and it still feels a little surreal. I can't believe that "I'm a Mom!" (I think Danny is still in denial too)... But I am! and I wouldn't change it for the world! I've said it so many times since Sofia was born but she is my greatest accomplishment!!! I think I've had many accomplishments/ successes throughout the course of my life, but I tell you in all sincerity, giving birth and raising my baby girl is by far, the greatest thing I have EVER DONE! I may not be perfect or "Super Mommy," nor do I claim to, but I try my best and I love her with every inch of my being!
My Mother's Day started last night when Pete made me some homemade cookies. (I swear they were better then Mrs. Fields' cookies!). (And yeah, the diet starts on Monday)... Then he gave me a beautiful card from him and Sofie. They both bought me a new lens for my camera. The best part of the day was when Pete took me out to take some practice shots with my new lens. I had so much fun! I still have a lot to learn but it's fun when you have the best things to take pictures of... my husband and my beautiful, baby girl! We finished our night with dinner at a "Italian" restaurant here in el Puerto de Santa Maria. It sure beats Las Tinajas. ;)

Cadiz at a distance

My Princess and I
FYI Mom and Abuela... Daddy put on her headband

gorgeous

he's an amazing father

"You want me to eat that stuff?"

At Sofia's 4 month checkup, her doctor recommended that if we wanted, we could start her on rice cereal. At first, (I'm not going to lie) I was all ears. The thought of something that could perhaps, keep her fuller throughout the night and in turn, allow me to get in some much needed sleep... Sign me up! Pete, on the other hand, was a little more reluctant. You see, at her last checkup, we discovered that our little "Chunky Monkey" was now on the 95% for both height AND weight. Her daddy didn't think she needed anything else to make her even more perfectly plump. We decided to try it out for her lunchtime feeding, (keeping in mind) that if she spit the cereal out, well, it must mean that she simply wasn't ready.

Attempt #1
Sofia meet your high chair....

"What is this thing you have me trapped in?"

Add caption

Cereal...Take 2...

"This sure doesn't taste like milk to me!"

"I'm not a fan of this cereal stuff but, boy, the spoon sure feels good on my gums!"

"How about if I just eat the tray, Mommy?"

Sofie after she wakes up.  Also known as Ms. Bed Head!

(I can't believe I am posting this but...)
both of us after we wake up. Major BED HEAD!

in her Bumbo

playing with Daddy

Exer...What?!?

It's been awhile since I posted any updates on the blog. I'm sorry that I have "slacked off" a bit but so much has happened in the last few weeks that I really haven't found the time to actually sit down and write about it. Sofie is finally able to use her Exersaucer. Yeah, you heard me... EXERSAUCER. Anyhow, we put her in this contraption about 2 weeks ago. Initially, she didn't know what to do. It was like "stimulus overload." Over the weeks, it has "grown on her." But I still think she hasn't decided if she loves it or hates it. She's usually in it for about 10 minutes and then she wants out. Maybe with time, she'll learn to like the Circus a little bit more. =)





Sofie is finally able to use her Exersaucer.
Yes, that's what it is called...



***Attention Family Members***
If your 3rd toe is bigger then your Big Toe, please let me know.
We have no idea whose toes she inherited



What are you lookin at? I'm standin' up!
What more do ya want?







"Ok, Ok...I'll cooperate Mommy but only because I love ya!"



"Ah, savory lion, hurry up and get in my belly!"



Fingers taste so much better!
(In case you hadn't noticed, EVERYTHING ends up in her mouth).



"Seriously?"