...and a Happy New Year to All!

Well, it's been an amazing first almost-year with our little Sophie, so many adventures, and such a wonderful holiday season. We are so grateful for our beautiful little baby girl, and are so excited for the year to come! Happy New Year, everyone!

Houston, we have Teeth!

These first two chompers broke through the day we left Colorado, but now they are truly photo-worthy!

Another visit to Nora

Cuteness

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The Nutcracker

Grandma Kathy has a wonderful holiday tradition of taking the girls to the Nutcracker every year. We had a great time! Here we are at lunch before hand also with Aunt Amanda, partying down, as usual. Sophie watched about half of the first act, then nursed and napped until intermission. During the Sugar Plum Fairies at the top of the second act, you know, the sweet, quiet flute melody that is absolutely the heart of the Nutcracker? The part everyone loves so much? Well, SOMEBODY decided to begin a running commentary during that scene, so Sophie and I split to the "cry room" up stairs. No crying involved, but we did watch and commentate through a soundproof window. Ah, modern miracles.

Thank you for a lovely afternoon, Grandma Kathy!

Sophie's First Christmas

The day began simply at home with cinnamon rolls, coffee, and of course the First Child, Jack, the Christmas Cat.

Sophie wore the Santa hat, and dug into her stocking full of toys she already had but forgot she had them...

Yummy book!

Um, can I help you?

A very special dress bought in Paris by Gigi!

We had a beautiful White Christmas, at least up in our neighborhood! It was brief, but very nice to have a bit of snow on such a special day!


On to Grandma and Grandpa Culver's house on Mercer Island for more fun and presents, we got a fabulous coat from Aunt Thu and Uncle Brian.

Hanging out with Grandpa Bruce in the kitchen.

Eventuallly, we really got the hang of this tearing into packages thing!

Whoa, there's more??? We had a great day, and a wonderful Christmas Dinner! Merry Christmas!

Welcome, Future Best Friend of America!

Today we got to meet Gillian and Basil's beautiful baby girl, Nora Somerville Jorgensen, born on December 22nd. Welcome to the world, little sweetheart, and yes, your mother and I will be forcing you to play together for years to come.

Babies in towels are always cute

Case in point.

Holiday Cocktail Party

Our good friends, Corey Quigley and Jon Harmon had another one of their fabulous Holiday Parties this year, Sophie was in attendance last year, in the belly, so this was her first one out where she could see and everything. Here she is meeting Henry, the dog.

...and getting kissed by Henry the dog!

Escape!

First Official Christmas Gift

We received a package today from Gigi marked "Open Me Now!" So Sophie is presented with, well, her first present:

Okay, I think I know what needs to happen here...

Ooh, stripes! I love stripes!

Ta Da! Okay, what now?

Of course, bows on face, yay! Thank you, Gigi!

Future Best Friend of America Baby Shower!

Today we attended the Baby Shower for dear friends Gillian Jorgensen and Basil Harris. I thought I would be much better at taking pictures, but this is really the one great shot, Sophie and Dad with David Rowley and Finn!

Found a Tree!

Finally, HOME!

Upon arrival Home Sweet Home in Seattle, Sophie had a package awaiting her; this lovely Pink Puffy from the Norris'. We were so excited we had to try it on her immediately! Clearly, Sophie was so excited she passed out. Or maybe it's the jet lag. Difficult to say. Anyway, it sure is good to be home!