Fulflling Needs

This is the face that Sophie gives us when we "catch her" doing stuff. One time she game me this face when I opened the stroller covers to find her gnawing on her giraffe. She now can roll over every which way and likes to get places by rolling. She's trying so hard to crawl, but mostly just lays there with only her belly touching the ground wondering why she's not getting anywhere. The fact that she's not moving makes her so mad. She continues to not sleep through the night. I realize she's only 5 months old, but I would like 1 night of completely uninterrupted sleep.

The biggest excitement of my week was celebrating my birthday with Elise. We decided to celebrate both of our birthdays halfway between. We went for Pizza Hut and pedicure. Yum and ahhhhh. We also bought gifts. I got a new wristlet. I'm a little obsessed with wristlets I must admit.

In other news, I also got a library card this week! Yes, that is the extent of my exciting life. :-)

Mugged!

Long time, no post. Things are going well here in Pennsylvania. Today Carl and I carved the pumpkins that we got at Simmons farm. While we were at Simmons, I took Sophie to the petting zoo and Sophie was mugged by some goats.


Next week, I plan to post a virtual tour of our house now that it's all set up. Stay tuned . . .

Happy Belated Football Season!

Sophie before the Steelers' game on Sunday:

Sophie after the game on Sunday:

Where's St. Patrick When You Need Him?

Today, I was sitting in the yard with Sophie. Carl came out to join us and we sat and played on a blanket in the yard. I had to go inside to tutor so we picked up the blanket and headed inside. Next thing I know, there is a snake on the patio between Carl and I. I jump in the house and start thinking, "What can I throw at it?"

I'd like you to remember my rhapsody when there were deer and groundhogs and blue jays in my backyard. Why didn't I think there might be snakes too? Carl said, "I hope you enjoyed your time in the grass Soph because that's the last time that mom will be taking you out here." The snake was literally a teeny tiny garter snake, but now that I know it lives in our bushes, I'm literally thinking of removing the bushes. Yes, I know this is irrational. Especially as a former naturalist at the Fort Belvoir nature center, but I can't help it. I am terrified of snakes. Any kind of snake. Terrified.

Stupid snake. It ruined everything. And whatever happened to "It's more afraid of you than you are of it?" It certainly took its sweet time studying me before slithering back into the bushes.

Keep moving, snake, less you meet an untimely and senseless end . . .

Hello From Rainy Pittsburgh, PA!

I am writing to you from our new gameroom while Carl and I watch the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Tennessee Titans and Sophie is asleep in her new room. We are truly enjoying our new home in our new hometown . . .

Last night, I fed a deer a biscuit as he traipsed through our backyard. This morning, I dressed Sophie in her "Littlest Steelers Fan" onesie that Jennie made her and Carl and I put on our jerseys. Not to be totally converted, Carl wore his Denver Broncos baseball cap and off we went for lunch at Eat n Park. Everyone was out in their jerseys and other Steelers shirts and they just thought that Sophie was the cutest thing. At one point, Sophie was smiling at a waitress and the waitress said, "She;s just so happy to be at Eat n Park today." So was I. I am home.

Pictures to come . . .

Musings

If I were ever dying and make-a-wish wanted to grant me something, I would ask to be a back-up singer for Neil Diamond. I would totally learn harmonies for Neil Diamond. He makes me smile way more than he probably should.

Sophia is 11 weeks old!! I wish I had a new picture to post, but Carl and I have been busily packing and getting ready for the move. Next Saturday, we leave for Pennsylvania and it's starting to hit me.

I have been in the DC area since the summer of 1998. Since then, I have attended and graduated from George Mason University, where I met my wonderful husband. During our stint at Mason, we started to go to Fairfax Church of Christ where we met some of our best friends. Through these friendships, I became a Christian. I was baptized into the body of Christ on May 27th, 2001, by happy coincedence, the same day that Carl had been baptized years before.

In the year after I graduated, I got my teaching job and Carl and I got married. Shortly thereafter we went from FXCC to The Church at Clarendon (a closet baptist church) and took leadership roles in the worship team and AV ministry. Somehow, I was able to work and finish my master's degree while creating even more great friendships at our new church.

Never content to sit still, at the age of 30 I decided to go back and try my hand at comedic improv. Shortly after that, I was moved to the mainstage of the ComedySportz troupe. More true friends were made.

Then in October of 2008 we found out that Sophia Marie was on her way and we started to take steps towards next week's move. Perhaps my one and only regret about this move is that I can't take all of the wonderful friends we've made with us. Whether our friends know it or not, they have changed us for good.

Now I'm on my way home, changed and curious how the new me fits with the old environment. I'm looking forward to new challenges and the changes, but I am sad too.

2 Months!

You know why I have time to type this? Carl and I have mastered (knock on wood) the art of getting Sophia to bed by 8:30. Last night we cleaned the apartment and tonight, we're getting some quality time together. This is great!

In other news, our little angel (though this picture makes her look a little devilish) turned 2 months old on Friday! She's pretty amazing. :-)