This is how we roll...

So the past week or so has really cracked me up in regards to little things Sophia will do. She's a total copy-cat these days, so anything you do, she'll do too. She's always had a soft-spot in her heart for cell phones (as any girl does!) & so I caught this photo of her one day last weekend eating lunch...while pretend-gabbing to Ava on my old cell phone...we are in big trouble in the future. Oh, disregard the ridiculous mess on the kitchen table...I simply didn't wear my 'cleaning' pearls that day...ha!



Also, she's been a real stitch during tub-time...she has a plethora of Crayola tub markers & crayons...check out the tub walls...just know that no matter how much they stress it's 'washable'...that junk sticks to grout like white on rice! I just cringe thinking about having to re-do this bathroom whenever we sell the house down the road. In the meantime, I let the art-eest scribble her heart out!



It just cracks me up to think how many hilarious things she must do/say throughout the course of the day that I miss out because I'm a full-time working mom...although, she does save some real gems for me on the weekend!

Sophia's Big Night In

Last night Rod & I joined his parents at the quarterly Wynlakes Wine tasting dinner...it was so yummy! Luckily, we have some great friends who were up for coming over & babysitting Sophia. Aunt Margaret & Uncle Darren (Crimi), teamed up with Aunt Katy (Ryan)and had a blast entertaining Sophia! Early yesterday morning, I put the bug in Sophia's ear about each of them coming to play that night & she giggled with excitement while eating breakfast. As 6pm neared, we pulled up the blinds in the dining room, as we normally do, if we are anticipating someone's arrival. This is Sophia's special little spot to be the 'look-out'...and boy is she good at it! Crimi's arrived first & even came bearing gifts! Upon opening the door, Sophia ran right up & into Margaret's arms...it was so cute! So Margaret & Darren gave her the little gifts - one being a little 'chef' outfit which is totally appropriate for her & all the cooking she does at Elmo's restaurant...and the other would've made her Abuelito (Rod's dad) proud...it was a little Doctor kit! It was super thoughtful of them, but they sure didn't have to do that...they are just sweet people! Because of Darren being a new firefighter, he often works a crazy schedule & even had the night off, but came with Margaret to babysit Sophia...I know that was a big deal for him to spend one of his only nights 'off' at our house...thanks Darren! However, when we left, we felt 'extra' good knowing that we had a trained professional in CPR & firefighting at our house! Katy arrived right behind Crimi's & Sophia ran up into her arms too...I think she has a 'thing', perhaps a comfort thing, with brunettes. Guess b/c almost all of her family has dark hair, she must feel 'at home' with others with dark hair too? It was fun to see her dive right into showing them everything & playing. As Rod, Darren, Katy & myself were all talking in the kitchen, Sophia came parading into the room donning her new chef duds! I was able to snap a photo, but unfortunately she didn't keep the hat on...nor would she put on the oven mit! It was a hoot, & then both Margaret & Darren put on Rod & I' aprons...I wasn't quick enough to snap a photo of all 3. As Rod & I left, I was able to peer back through the dining room window to the inside of my house that was filled with lots of laughter & smiles of 1 little girl who had 3 wonderful people doting on her...it was a warm little moment for me!

Rod & I were then off to the wine-tasting dinner...it was very good. The wine choices were excellent as the majority were reds (pinot noirs, & cabernet sauvignons)...the only downside was that the 4 of us (Rod, Patricia, Rafa & myself) all agreed that some of the dishes we could've all done better (lobster thermador, lamb & filet of ribeye). Patricia is a great cook & often cooks something daring/exotic & it's so yummy! She also is a nutritionist, so everything she makes is healthy! I'm not even a huge lobster fan, but the lobster course was pretty good. However, this particular style, lobster thermador, Rod cooked for his parents anniversary about 2yrs ago...it was DEE-LISH! He had cheeses, bread crumbs & better spices in his than the chef's last night. The dessert course was the chef's take on a banana split...yum! Fried banana slices, with some sort of creme filled crepe, with strawberry, pineapple & chocolate drizzled over it. Let's just say I felt totally fat after leaving that dinner....I was fat & happy...who cared!? Ha!

Upon returning home, the 3 babysitters were all visiting in the living room & said everything went well. However, they were initiated into the club of "Elmo's World" dvd's...I'm so sorry guys! If you've ever heard the 'Elmo's World' song, it'll stick with you like none other...as in you kinda feel like jabbing your eardrums out if you hear it one too many times!

We look forward to more evenings with the 3 Musketeer Babysitters...they were fabulous!

TGIF!

Whew...we made it to the weekend, but some of us fared better than others here at the Lopez house. Poor little Sophia has felt out of sorts this past week, was increasingly cranky (we chalked it up to the terrible two's...although it was definitely some of that!) & had a case of the runny nose/sniffles in addition to a nasty little congestive cough. Ugh. Yesterday she had a low grade fever, but that didn't keep her down for long. However, this morning she a terribly high fever of 100.3. She was 'burnin' up' just like the Jonas Brothers song says (yes, I'm a fan. Probably the oldest one there is...whatever!). So I stripped her down to her diaper, pushed fluids into her & gave her a dose of grape tylenol. She was out within 20mins...poor baby. Slept another hour & then seemed to perk up as the fever subsided/lessened. As the tylenol's 4hr dose wore off, the fever cranked back up even higher to 101.6...I've never seen her little face the way it looked before...it was tragically pitiful. Luckily, Nana stopped by & brought me some lunch & most importantly a little 'happy' for the sick patient...a bright & happy 'get well soon' balloon! Sophia loved it & giggled at the smiley face or when she punched the balloon...almost immediately after, she went back to wanting to snuggle down in our bed. So I made the call to her pediatrician & set up the only appt they had available at 4:15. That doc office's parking lot was crammed! For the first time ever, we had to meander & sit in the 'sick' waiting room...I wanted to cringe. Luckily, also a first, we were in & out of the pediatrician's in ONE hour! Usually, we're literally stranded there for 2hrs or more...ugh. Dr. Simon is wonderful & looked Sophia over good & discovered a double ear infection. A sigh of relief as I knew that the treatment was an antibiotic (free at Publix!). The only other time she's ever had high fever, also resulted in an ear infection. So at least we knew what we were up against...& this explained so much. So, after picking up the meds & some juice at Publix, we came home to attempt to feed her a little something as a base for the meds...Mac & cheese. As I prepared it, she actually happily sat in her booster seat coloring! It's 8:15 & she's been konked out ever since 6:45! I had to wake her up from dozing to give her the last dose of Tylenol to help the fever! Fingers crossed she'll rest well tonight & with a 2nd dose of the antibiotic in the morning, hope that the infection & fever will begin to subside. It broke my heart all day to see her feel so ill...as mommies do, I catered to her every whim...& enjoyed for the first time since she was only a few weeks old...the chance to cuddle her while she napped! However, at 28 lbs, that was one heavy blanket of a baby on me!

Rod, sweet, Rod

I have been tagged by Margaret to answer a few questions about my husband. So, this might be amusing...

1.What is his name? Rodrigo Alberto Lopez (aka Big Al, Rod or Rigo)

2. Who eats more? Rod is officially the bottomless pit...his New Year's resolution was to quit "grazing" all day!

3. Who said, "I love you" first? I think I did? That was looong time ago!

4. Who is taller? He is...but back in the 7th, 8th & 9th grade I was....ha!

We lost #5 somewhere.

6. Who is more sensitive? Me for sure...you can look at me the 'wrong' way & I'll burst into tears! However, sometimes something will get under his skin & he won't say anything until he's ready to explode...at that point, just stand back. Waaayy back.

7. Who does the laundry? Generally speaking, I'll do it. However, he's great at getting it all started for me...he despises ironing, so sometimes we tag-team it & he'll sort & load while I hack away at the ironing.

8. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Me...& I've decided that after a few really cold nights lately, that drafty window has GOT to be dealt with!

9. Who pays the bills? Rod the bankerman...whew! I've decided I'm just too cute for math!

10. Who cooks more? Rod is definitely the Iron Chef around here & I'm the Sous Chef...he loves finding & trying out new recipes...that's a real treat for me!

11. Who is more stubborn? I think it's safe to say he is...& boy he can sure hold onto a grudge! However, in the 5years we've been together, he's come a long way!

12. Who is the first to admit they are wrong? I'm a 'forgive-and-forget-it' type of gal...he tends to want to dwell on it. I despise & loathe any sort of argument or fight, so I'm more anxious to swallow my pride & end the silly thing.

13. Who has more siblings? Rod does...he's the oldest of 3. I'm the baby of 2.

14. Who wears the pants in the relationship? Physically he does, but I'd like to think this hen rules the roost!

15. What do you like to do together? Cook & travel...oh & most importantly...EAT!

16. Who eats more sweets? Guilty as charged! He has never liked sweets, even as a kid. Guess that means more for this mama!

17. Guilty Pleasures? Grazing! Oh,& of course napping!

18. How did you meet? In the 7th grade at St. Bede here in Montgomery. We were always really good friends & ran with the same group of friends for several years...to this day that 'group' has remained in-tact & in-touch. They are all still a bit shocked that the two of us were the ones to get married & start a family!

19. Who asked whom out first? Rod asked me...then came to pick me up in his Mom's mercedes....pimp.

20. Who kissed who first? He kissed me...so sneaky!

21. Who proposed? He did at Emeril's in Atlanta...he had them bring it to me with my dessert (a chocolate martini!) on a silver platter...it was very sweet...oh, the proposal was too!

22. His best features and qualities? He's very much in tune with being family-oriented, is very meticulous with finances, HILARIOUS & is always wanting to make sure you are happy...no matter who you are. He loves to crack others up too...he's a very good comedian!

23. Tag you’re it. Who do you tag? Hmm...Jessica Azar!

Where's the champagne!?

Wow, can you believe this is 2 posts in 2 days?! Well, it's only because I'm so behind in posting 'recent' events...ha! Thought I'd share some great photos of Rod & I's big New Year's Eve. We spent it with all our favorite friends...well almost all of them...some had made previous plans & some had to work (we missed you Darren!). Poor Margaret was ringing in the new year at home as her hubby was busy working his magic as a fireman on duty over at the Norman Bridge Rd station...perhaps next year, there'll be a rookie who will have to take that shift so that Darren can ring in the new year with his wife! Way to hang in there Margaret!

NYE08 was a fun one for those of us who made plans to party at the Renaissance downtown...it was a perfect evening for drinks, dancing, food, more drinks & more dancing! Us girls had an absolute ball right from the get-go dancing our socks (or heels?) off on the dance floor. Music was by the band The Spicoli's which played a great blend of late '80's & early 90's rock...we were loving it! The best part is that all of us had gotten rooms there at the Renaissance so we didn't have to hassel with cabs or anyone being stupid & driving home. Whew. We did feel a bit silly staying in a hotel in the same city we lived in, but it sure beat spending the night in the drunk tank down at the MPD! It's always better to be safe than sorry...none of us really felt like having our first snapshot of the new year being a mugshot for drunk driving. Never too flattering I'm sure! The rooms were really nice & I decided that the little sample shampoos, etc that they have were my favorite (lather.com)...my pick was the peppermint shampoo! Anyhow, i digress...We danced & drank late into the night just waiting for midnight to strike & 2008 to roll on out. However, the tickets & all the marketing for the event had promised a 'complimentary champagne toast at midnight'....so, Katy & I had made our way to the bar area prior to midnight to go ahead & get in line for our champagne. All of the the sudden we both heard "THREE! TWO! ONE! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!" & we both were wondering how in the world we missed the bigger countdown! Even though I didn't get a midnight kiss from Rod, I was so happy to ring in the new year with one of my favorite people in the entire world! And, we never even got champagne!! We all came to the conclusion that someone on the committee must've dropped the ball on that one...oh well! Around 1am as the party wrapped up, we all decided our feet hurt & that going up to hang out on our hallway of rooms would be just as fun. So we all went up there with the intent of changing into our PJ's & ordering some pizza. Well, somehow, on the way up some of decided we were way past the ability to stay up any longer & the other half decided that the night was still young! So the other half ventured across the street to the fated Sous La Terre!! Turns out that they all stayed out until about 5am...ugh, I just don't have that in me anymore! I waved bye-bye to those days when I was 22!

Anyhow, enjoy the photos....it was a great time & we can't wait for NYE09!

Elmo's World

Yes, it seems to be Elmo's world & we are just living in it! Since last time, Christmas has come & gone....it's been too long! Christmas this year was a fun time for our family as Sophia has grown up so much. She doesn't quite understand the 'buzz' around the holiday yet, but definitely knows something is 'up'. It was a 'no-go' on Santa this year (perhaps next won't be terrifying?) but adored the train at Eastdale Mall (& so did her Daddy!...more on that later). She loved going 'round & around on the little track & thought that was the best thing ever! One day Rod took her to the mall on his day off & as he was securing Sophia in one of the train cars, he was able to slip in with her! He sent photos of the little ride via cell phone...I couldn't believe I had two family members riding that train...a 21mos old & a 26yr old! Hilarious.


December was a busy time for us as we (the Schultz family & us)flew to VA Beach for my cousin Jaimie's (Schultz) wedding. So LOVES airports & airplanes - this was her 3rd time flying on a plane in less than a year...talk about a frequent flyer! She's a hoot as she waves to everyone else boarding the plane & loves coloring at her little tray-table on-board. She usually provides some cute in-flight entertainment & behaves very well. Whew! Thank goodness! The Schultz family in VA Beach really enjoyed meeting Sophia in person & we had a wonderful time @ Jaimie & Jeremy's wedding. I've decided I love a Christmas wedding! Poinsettias & amaryllis are seasonally abundant & gorgeous! It was a very quick trip (just 3 days) & we were back home.



Christmas Eve was fun as we spent it with the Lopez family. Usually, Patricia & Rafa (Rod's parents) put on an annual Christmas Eve Cocktail party at their house. This year, they decided to forego the event as Patricia was flying to her brother's wedding in Colombia on Christmas Day. So, with the family gathered we had wonderful paella & opened gifts. Traditionally, the youngest family member passes out the gifts to all the others...so that meant Sophia had a big job! With a bit of assistance & direction she accomplished the task! However, her crush, Devon (Tia Gabby's boyfriend) was there & so she felt Devon deserved ALL the gifts! Ha! We snapped LOTS of cute photos on Christmas Eve! Sophia certainly made out like a bandit that night! All things 'Elmo' decended upon her & our house that night! She loved the Elmo telephone/answering machine from Gabby...& Devon even recorded a sweet message for her that makes her giggle & blush! Then Steve & Becky (uncle/aunt from Miami) aka "the Miami Santa" gave her the 'Elmo's Restaurant'....she is actually cooking up something as I write! She loves playing 'chef' & will point to where she wants you to sit & order...you go girl! We giggle as whatever you order up, she'll always 'eat' it first, then give to you...guess she's a big fan of taste-testing! Ha!




Christmas morning, Sophia was up & at 'em...so we took her into the living room & watched her open up her gifts from Santa. It was so much fun, except when she decided she was not even remotely interested in the new presents & decided to open up her toy box full of 'old' toys instead! We could only laugh. Once we opened up Elmo Live, she started to get into the spirit...she danced, blew kisses & hugged her new friend. Then she raced her new cars all over the living room & played with her little doll house. After the initial excitement subdued, we were all ready to head to Nana & Papa's (my parents) house to celebrate Christmas. After some yummy honeybaked ham, potatoes, jell-o, green bean casserole & more we opened gifts. Sophia was so exhausted from the previous activities & opening gifts at our house, she crashed in the car en route to Nana & Papa's! Sophia napped while visited & started eating. It's also tradition at our house for the youngest to distribute gifts, so since Sophia was napping, it was my job to distribute! Just as we finished up opening up our gifts, Sophia awoke & was able to open hers. She got some very sweet gifts from her grandparents, uncle & great grandmother. We had a wonderful time & can't wait for next year!





All in all, Christmas was a success for us this year & extra fun to watch our little girl! It's hard to think that next Christmas Sophia will be on the verge of turning 3!! Where DOES the time go?!

We're grateful that MDO has started back up & a major blessing that a spot opened up for an extra 2 days a week! Sophia absolutely adores going to school to hug her teachers, play with her friend Abby, be silly. She runs as fast as her little legs will go to get to the front door of Frazer & into her classroom. She squeals going down her hallway & right to the classroom door where the 2 sweetest teachers in the world light up when they see her & scoop her up with affection. They are such a blessing her little life! We were even able to sign her up for 5 days a week next fall! She'll go in the mornings all 5 days next Fall & we don't doubt she'll absolutely thrive!

Sophia is growing by leaps & bounds, chattering new words all the time & becoming so smart...that little girl does not miss a single beat. We are hoping to take her to the Georgia Aquarium this spring in Atlanta to show her all the fishies BIG and small!