NYO

No! Pronounced by Sophie... "Nyo". This is Sophie's favourite word. I had another parent tell me this persists for about 13 years. Great.

Halloween

Sophie dressed up this year for Halloween for the first time. She was a Butterfly.

She started Trick or Treating early with the local neighbours. Her red wagon served well to move fast and efficiently. Later we went out with Sabastian from next door who was dressed as a monkey. They really seemed to get the hang of it at 1.5 years old to my surprise. Sophie would hop out of the wagon at the end of each driveway, and bring her candy basket with her on her arm and truck up the driveway with direction and intent!
















Fall has also brought some fun in the leaves and this year Sophie was old enough to get into it a bit.

Cross Atlantic, Intergalactic Family

The gang is back! Arrival and for Sonja's birthday:

Return to the Cottage

Sophie made it back to Georgian Bay this past weekend to join in celebrating Nanna's 65th birthday. She drove the boat, got down with the BBQ tool box, and had a great time playing with granddad. No swimming yet, as the water is still too cold, but she did try out her lifejacket. Next time a warm sauna be had.

Mother's Day

Marianne had her 2nd Mother's day last week. We made it out to Oakville to have a croissant and coffee brunch with "Nanna & Grandad". Before leaving Sophie practiced her climbing skills:






































See Photos at: http://gallery.me.com/cgalberg#gallery
Look at "1 Year" folder
and also some updated videos at: http://gallery.me.com/cgalberg#100004&bgcolor=black&view=grid

Stepping Down

Sophie is a great climber. She can climb up any stairs around in two seconds flat. But she has always struggled with going down, in spite of our teaching efforts.

Today she figured out how to sit down on her behind in order to exit the back door:

Tulips Bloom

The tulips have come out in full bloom the last week. Here are a few samples:














Sophie also helps me in the garage regularily:














This weekend, we made Oatmeal pancakes for brunch, Sophie helped out in the kitchen in her usual fashion:

Easter 2010

In the past few months, Sophie turned one year old. We hosted a party at our house and many people crammed into our living room, kitchen, and even family room. Babies, toddlers, parents, and grandparents.

Sophie's mom went to a huge effort to bake a chocolate cake the night before as well as a batch of chocolate cupcakes.














For Easter this year the we had a special visit from sister Sonja accompanied by Oona and Kiefer from England! First cousins; Oona, Sophie and Kiefer got to spend a few weeks together getting to know eachother more and having lots of fun.

Tables & Chairs

Before leaving for a work trip, the "Action Jackson" from Millbrooke dropped by to leave Sophie a birthday present for her 1st birthday. Master craftsmanship, cedar contruction and natural non-toxic wood finish makes this piece perfect for little people and their implements of play:

Crocodile Dundee Impersonation

Sophie can do a good Crocodile Dundee impersonation.

5 Nights of Sleep Training

Problem: Sophie does not know how to go to sleep without someones assistance (ie. rocking, nursing, soothing). Sophie wakes up multiple times a night, wanting our attention, nursing with mom, and often ends up in our bed at 2/3/4am. All in all, mom & dad are left exhausted in the morning, with interupted and inconsistent sleep.

Resolution: 5 nights of sleep training directed from clinical studies. Now we've read all this in multiple books in the past months, and even started to do it with some success, then with regression back to the problem described above. Once and for all, we needed to create a habit for all three of us that results in quality sleep for all three of us.

Results:
Night 1: 5.30pm Dinner routine with solid food, followed by bath routine, change, pjs, and last nurse from mom. 7pm hits the crib with dad. Leave the room. Crying ensues. Checks at 2, 5, 10, then 15 min. intervals not staying for any longer than 5 seconds for quick reassurance. Minimal physical contact to allow Sophie to learn to put herself back down to sleep. Crying for 45 min. or so. 1.30am wake up, crying for 1 hour straight. 4am wake up, crying for 45 min. 6.30am wake up. Up for good, Goodmorning!
Night 2: Sleep at 7pm, wake at 1am again for 45 min., wake at 4am for 30 min.
Night 3: Slept 11 hours straight, 7-6am
Night 4: One small waking and put herself back to sleep
Night 5: Slept 11 hours and 20 min. straight!
Night 6: 11 hours.

Done.