Happy Birthday, Sophie!

We are very excited that Sophie is 2. It's a big milestone for a little girl. When she was born and in the NICU, we always heard 2 years old as by the time she'd be all caught up from preemie issues. For the most part that's true. She gets around very well, can climb most anything, and is very smart. She's had some extra issues to overcome, but she has done so well, and we are so proud of her.

We are definitely getting to the 2 year old phases. She has certain bibs that she will absolutely not wear. We have a fight every time we try to wipe her bottom during diaper changes. And she just decided a week or so ago that she was not wearing shoes or socks in the house any more (during the middle of winter). But, so far, these are the exceptions, not the rules. Sophie is a very sweet girl, VERY busy, loves to learn, and is a good helper. She knows her colors now, has most every picture in all her books memorized as to what that thing is, and knows when we pull up some place in the car where we are (squeals at the library and mimi's, cries at parents day out program). She is not speaking yet, but she has learned some sign language and knows over a dozen signs (more, help, cold, banana, dog, fish, hat, car, eat, cracker, and others).

She loves to help out. Every evening she brings one of the dog bowls to the pantry for their mealtime. She likes to help load the spoons in the dishwasher. She helps me pick pecans from the tree at the library (sometimes putting them in the bag, sometimes taking them back out). She loves being outside and exploring in the yard. Steps and climbing are still her favorite activity.

She certainly keeps us on our toes and is so much fun.