Another Fall

It's hard to believe how quickly we've fallen into the rhythms of autumn. The cool crisp air of today reminded me that fall is now if full swing. I've been back to school for a month already, and Sophia has returned to daycare. The weeks have flown by with a mix of flurried to-dos and sacred bits of family time. The pace of our lives right now is certainly different from that wonderful week we spent with Ryan's family on on the lake in late August. That's where we celebrated Sophia's first 1st birthday party and enjoyed some quality swimsuit time. When we got back from vacation we celebrated Sophia's first birthday with the Proehl side. Since her cousin, Jordan, turned 4 only a week before Sophia's birthday, the girls celebrated together, princess style. Those days of summer were such a blessing.

Now that fall has arrived, we find the days are never long enough to fit everything in as sheer exhaustion kicks in around nine each night. Even so, life is good. We've been doing our best to get out and enjoy this extended summer weather. Wagon rides are a must these days, along with swinging outside. Whether we're inside or out, Sophia's favorite thing to do right now is motor. She isn't quite hands free yet, but she can get just about anywhere she wants on those two little feet of hers. And if her two feet won't do (stairs, for example) all fours will certainly do the trick. We're constantly amazed by her extending radius of reach.

Her vocabulary continues to grow and her personality emerge. She now greets everyone she meets with a smile and a "Hi". (Well, that's only if she's safely in her mama's arms.) Some days she's adventurous and inquisitive, while others she's a little cling-on and snuggler. I adore both sides of our little girl. She still loves her books, her puppy, and her increasing independence. She has a very strong will. One good example of her determination is the way she anchors down and pivots on her feet when she wants to lead the way (even though Mama or Papa are the ones holding her steady). Sophia is quite versed at exercising her vocal chords whenever she's not pleased. Whether we've just told her not to open that cupboard for the 5th time or we've taken away something her little fingers should not be hanging on to, she's sure to furrow her brow and screech. We gently, but firmly tell her, "No grites asi," or "Don't shout like that". Fortunately she then complies and soon becomes distracted with something else. I say she's preciosa. Ryan calls her intense. She is certainly both, and our entire world.