Sophie 15.0

Australia Day (1-26) marked Sophie's 15th month. We've used "Lambie" to mark her growth!

1 week old:

3 months old:

15 months old:

And an extra shot of S for good luck:

"Baby, you're a firework...

...come on show 'em what you're worth/Make 'em go 'oh oh oh!'/As you shoot across the sky-y-y..." (imagine me singing those lyrics a la Katy Perry!!).

Although our blog is titled "D and E Whitfield", D and I decided that Sophie's life would be the primary focus of this blog; we aim to record and celebrate her first years to share with friends and family who don't get to regularly see her sassy attitude like we do!

Well, I must depart from that unwritten rule to focus on the "D" part of this equation.

D is Superman---working in a suit by day (actually graphic tees and jeans) and slipping into spandex by night (or early morning).

In a past chapter of his life, Doug skied for the Australian National Team, living, training, and racing all over the world. Ranked #2 in AU, he eventually retired and continued his education, pursued a career, and found LOVE....that's how D met E and eventually had S.

With some perseverance and passion, Doug now represents New Zealand in Ski Cross events and will compete in several races this winter! Although Sophie and I won't be standing at the base of the runs cheering him on, we are so proud of his triumphant return!! D does so much for our family, and he deserves all the joy and success of his dreams!

Our helmet-wearing, Kiwi-sponsored, comeback-kid D models tenacity, optimism, and courage to little Sophie. She is lucky to see these values in her father, and we eagerly anticipate the results of his first races next week!

We love you, D!

E and S

Soggy Bottom Girl

Between kissing her BFF, Connor....

..perusing magazines in a diaper and one sock...

..and reading her favorite books in her favorite chair...

Miss Sophie Soggy Bottom still had time to play in the puddles...

Let it Mo, Let it Mo, Let it Mo

D, E, and S Whitfield had a merry Christmas that included lots of MO!! (Mo=snow, Sophie style). Doug and I are in awe of the learning that Sophie exhibits on an hourly basis; she imitates sounds, recalls words from days prior, and repeats, repeats, repeats. Once we model an action (ex. sweeping the needles from our dead Christmas tree), she attempts the same movement. She picks up on words, says them in her own way, and then shows that she actually understands the meaning. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Sophie learned the word hap-py. But, over Christmas, she would look at me, smile, say happy, and then walk over to give me a kiss. Perfect. Anytime she sees an oven or a mug, she says "haaa, haaa" (hot, hot), blows air out of her mouth and waves her hand as if to cool it down. I incorrectly assumed she had just memorized those words and actions. While away for the holiday, Sophie felt hot air out of a floor vent and completed her "haaa haaa" routine. The greatest saying she learned this week (after watching me struggle to carry something heavy) was "oh maaaaan"...said in her raspy, whiney voice!! Doug and I are absolutely in love with this little girl and the holidays with her were so special.

The three of us celebrated Christmas Eve at our house--with Santa presents, delicious food, church, and lots of playing. Then, we headed out early Christmas morning to join my brother and Ali at their new home in Boise. We spent 4 days in McCall with them and the Ericksons skiing, playing in the snow, hot tubbing, laughing, eating, etc.

Doug earning his keep as Santa's little helper :)

D, E, and S opening Santa presents

When a camera points toward Sophie, she always scrunches up her face and says "eeeeeee" (cheese). I promise that she was happy with her new presents despite this pair of photos...!!

On our way to Christmas Eve church service where Sophie danced and twirled in the aisles

Doug and I enjoying some quiet time on Christmas Eve--complete with homemade french onion soup, cocktails, and new pajamas

Sophie and MO!

No caption necessary.....

Sophie and her future beau, Owen Erickson

6 adults, 3 children under 3, 2 dogs, lots of mo.....

What the world needs now.... 4 Sophies....

Sophie loved her cousin, Bebba (Bella)...

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!