New Year's Resolutions

It's hard to believe we are over halfway through the first month of 2011. Despite some winter colds, an ear infection, and the stomach flu the year is off to a good start. Days are getting longer and we haven't yet tired of seeing the sun reflecting off the mounds of brilliant white snow outside our windows.

As is the custom, all of us here in the Sonnek household have made some New Year's Resolutions. Let's start with the littlest.

Claire Ella is determined to continue being the happiest baby around. With mixed emotions, we all admit that she's definitely not a newborn anymore. Though she doesn't have any words yet, she seems to be screeching to all of us (especially to her hermana mayor), "Watch me grow!"

Some of her resolutions include trying new foods, getting on the move, popping out that first tooth, and talking as loudly as her big sister.

Now for Sophia Maria...

She is determined to ask every possible WHY question there is to ask. Here are a few that popped out of her mouth on our way home from preschool today. Why are all the people in the world? Why is there a sky? Why is there dirt? She's also set on reading the entire Beginner's Bible cover to cover and asking mind-boggling questions about each story. She would love to give up naps FOREVER. Sophia is ecstatic about being four when Claire turns one! Being super silly is also on the top of her list.

Last, but not least, Sophia endeavors to celebrate every holiday with flare!

Here she is at our little New Year's Party holding a clock cookie, just like Max and Ruby make.

As for Mami and Papi, we resolve to be more present in the here and now, focusing on our girls where they're at and just plain having fun with them. We're striving to get outside and enjoy the sun and snow. We're also being conscious about making more time to hang out with our friends.

Finally, Mocha, our too-often-forgotten beagle, has a resolution of her own. It's actually the same resolution she makes every year--to stay directly under foot in hopes of snagging some yummy people food. The odds are better now that Claire's started eating too. Here she is with specs of flour on her head, compliments of Sophia's baking.

Cheers to a memory-making 2011!