Orlando

Sophia and I intended to join Joshua on a work trip to Orlando. When it was cancelled, we realized it would cost more to cancel our plane tickets than it was to buy them. Instead we enjoyed a few days together along with Sophia's Uncle James.

We began our trip with a "Sophia-sized Sea World", also known as the fish tank at the Orlando Airport Food Court.

Also while at the airport, Sophia was introduced to some of the Disney Characters.

It was clear that she had no idea who these folks were, and what all the fuss was about.

We decided that Epcot was the best park to visit since we were going to be bringing a 10 month old. There aren't many fast rides, and there is a lot for adults. Unfortunately I didn't realize the "Energy Adventure" involved dinosaurs, which Sophia found terrifying. Sophia slept during a few rides, nursed during others, and spent most of the time riding in her carrier while we walked the park.

Even if Sophia was still too young to participate in some of the attractions, James and Joshua did plenty of playing.

We were also pleasantly surprised that the Flower and Garden Festival was taking place while we were there.

 

Epcot is my favorite of the Disney Parks. I appreciate how the rides are more focused on topics like conservation and innovation, and less on fairy tales and cartoon characters. I also really like the International showcase.

As the end to our visit, we had a progressive dinner by visiting several of the countries. We shared an appetizer in Morocco.

A plate of Empanadas for dinner in Mexico.

And ice cream for dessert in France.

The next day we explored a wilderness preserve.

 

Just when I thought Sophia was done with the frightening rides and loud fireworks of the previous day, I had to comfort her after I let out a shout following an alligator splash.

Anticipating Spring

Sophia's first winter was cold and snowy, but it did not set any records. She lives in New England where these things are to be expected.  I have lived my whole life in places where it snows. I love the smell of snow and watching it fall, as well as wearing big bulky sweaters and curling up in blankets with hot drinks.

Photo Credit: Ashley Lynch-Mahoney

Still, one of my favorite things about winter is how I feel when spring actually arrives, and the anticipation leading up to it. It is the same reason I tend to only eat fruits when they are in season, despite year round availability in the grocery store. Yes, it tends to be cheaper this way, and the flavor is usually better, but my primary motivation is the satisfaction that comes with waiting. 

Photo Credit: Ashley Lynch-Mahoney

By the end of the winter, I am admittedly ready for the next season. I think some cope better with the cold by getting involved with winter sports. Since I have never been a fan of any type of sport (see Sophia & Sports) this method doesn't work for me. I am however grateful for the wisdom of our native New England friends. For instance, putting my child in a swing during this time of year would have never occurred to me.

When I was growing up, the first way we welcomed spring each year was a trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show. This year, I brought my little girl, along with our friends Carolyn and Hazel, to the Boston one.

Even if you went through the entire show with your eyes closed, the smells alone (Hyacinths in particular) provide encouragement that spring is coming.

Carolyn and Hazel are both incredible gardeners. As we walked through the rows, they would yell out various Latin plant names, making me feel as if I was accompanied by special tour guides.

Flowers burst open in every shade, some so bright it almost hurt your eyes to look.

My favorite part of the show was the almost barren trees with just a few green leaves. This is the season we are about to begin. It seems miraculous when all of a sudden buds start appearing everywhere. The anticipation growing ever stronger as you realize it will really happen and happen soon. This was the season one year ago, when I knew it wouldn't be long before I would hold my little one.

Guest Post from Gran: "They really can't do much at this age"

I asked my Mom's permission to share a recent letter she wrote Sophia. The picture above is the one referenced in the latter paragraphs.

My dearest angel,

I think of you all the time and have been wanting to send you another email that you will hopefully enjoy reading for yourself one day.  Now you are eight months old although we can hardly remember life without you.  One thing that is often said about you and your peer group is that you “can’t really do much at this age”.  The implication being that before you can move about on two legs or join a lengthy conversation, you can’t really do [much of what adults do].  But the Bible itself tells us that there is a time and a season for everything.  One might say that I’m biased, but I have seen MANY babies through my work as a social worker and personally with family and friends.  You were exceptional when I saw you at birth and I believe you always will be.

I will share just a few of my favorite moments in your life so far.  Unfortunately our visits are few as we live far apart with busy lives, but I’ll never forget the day that I walked up your front porch steps where you were nursing.  In spite of your joy in eating, you pulled away to look at me with the most amazing smiles and giggles.  I’ll never know whether it was truly because of a special bond we share or just your generous sharing of love and happiness that you give so freely.  I like to think it’s both.

Another amazing moment occurred at the end of a visit.  I will confess to a special fondness for baby feet.  Finally one day I learned that as we develop from the head down and the feet are the last to grow, that maybe that is why baby feet are so special to me—the last part to stay tiny.  I was in your room while you were on your changing table with those little feet.  Just as I was about to leave the room, you stretched your foot to me.  I laughed and kissed it and you did it two more times.  Again it definitely  looked like you were sharing joy in the best way you could with me, but “they” say people your age really can’t do much at this age.

Final thought for this post relates to one of your mother’s favorite photos of you.  When I saw it, it made me smile and laugh EVERY time [and there were many].  When I finally tore myself away from it, I found that I would only have to think of it and I would smile.  Well, one sad day I visited one of our friends who was so sick that she thought she’d die.  I went to see her as soon as we were allowed and she told me that sometimes she wondered if it was worth the energy and effort to continue.  I said that I had a reason for her to keep on fighting to stay alive and she said, “Do you have a new picture of Sophia?”  I unwrapped the picture and stood the frame up where she could see it.  She loved that Grandpa and I had come to see her, but she kept looking at your picture and saying how sweet you were.  She finally laughed and smiled, but “they” say people your age really can’t do very much.

Gran says you were a blessing on the day you arrived and always will be.

Much love,

Gran

Third Quarter

Seven Months

8 Months

9 Months

Dear Sophia,

Not so long ago I looked at you and thought, "I can't believe you are actually here" and a few months later it was, "I can't believe you are able to sit across from me unassisted". Every day I get to know you better. When I look at the expression in your seventh month photo, it isn't generic to me, but rather a familiar "Sophia look".

At 8 months, when I try to put you in a seated position for a photo, it isn't long before I have to put down the camera to make sure you don't topple towards me. During month 8 you also officially started crawling. Sometimes you seem so "grown-up" to me, for instance when you turn the pages of your board books all by yourself. But soon after you start chewing on the pages, and I am reminded that you are still quite small.


At 9 months you are crawling everywhere, interested in anything that is not meant to be a toy, and waving at everyone you see. I enjoy being the center of your small radius as you venture out and then turn around to make sure I'm still close by. You continue to look less and less like a baby and more like a toddler. It isn't so much that you are growing up fast, but rather that it is happening all at once. For instance, you climbed a whole flight of stairs before we realized you were capable of doing one step.

Nine months has been the easiest one yet for us. I think it is a  combination of you being able to go longer stretches without eating (and also longer stretches sleeping) while your Dad and I have also learned a few things about how to care for you. Our goal in the coming months is to help you continue to explore your world, while keeping the bumps and bruises (you've had a few) to a minimum.

So glad you're here,
Mom & Dad

Sophia & Elisha

Sophia recently got to meet her friend Elisha in Atlanta (see Georgia post).

At first Elisha wasn't too sure about her tendency to chew on toys, particularly when it came to his own.

He also noticed that she has yet to master the concept of personal space (particularly when other persons are impeding her ability to reach toys).

Sharing is yet another skill currently under development.

What really seemed to cement their budding friendship was a love of music:

And he makes her laugh: