~Fredericksburg, Texas ~
When Sofia was about 9 months old, her pediatrician told us "This is the perfect age for the two of you to take a mini-vacation without her"...... and 8 months later, we did just that.

A friend of mine {and former co-worker} married in Fredericksburg this past weekend. We left Sofia with my mom and sister and headed off with our friends to enjoy this blessed event.

But first, we took our favorite little person for breakfast to spend a little extra time together before our trip....... as she debut with her pigtails for the very first time :o) - super cute!!!!

Our Cozy Place: Camp David Bed and Breakfast. Our cottage (Willow) was so welcoming. Breakfast was delivered by the owner each morning. This particular morning, we enjoyed {and devoured} quiche, peach cobbler and the sweetest watermelon.

Angie and Christian

Laura and Stephen :o) {our travel buddies}
Kim and Grant {Fun surprise to see them!}

Steven - ready to call it a night........

Breakfast Day 2: The most wonderful and sweetest peaches {Fredericksburg is known for their peaches}, homeade blueberry muffins and stuffed french toast - a.k.a - YUMMM!!!!!

We love plants and flowers and herbs and fruit and vegatables........so we were taken to this AMAZING nursery. The sunflowers were the tallest I have ever seen.

Wind Chimes

~ Father's Day ~

I love the way......
*Sofia runs around the house saying his name over and over again while she squeals with delight and excitement
*they eat breakfast together every morning on the couch before Steven begins his day
*they enjoy outside and visit the garden when Steven arrives home after work
*they take naps on the bed while Steven holds her in his arms
*Sofia signs "I love you" to him as Steven leaves for work as well as when he kisses her goodnight

*Steven loves Christ more than he loves us.

~ Beautiful Gift~

Kellea (Steven's sister) and Paul had their baby!

Jude Douglas Charles Baker

June 17, 2010

Happy One Week Birthday, Sweet Baby Jude!!!!

We have yet to meet this bundle of joy, but as soon as we do, I'm am going to squeeze those cute cheeks!!


Congratulations, Kellea and Paul - this is the best chapter of your lives :o)

~ What a Treat! ~

Last Friday, we met Tori and her mom, Tanya at the charming (The) Cupcake Cottage. This particular day we were able to enjoy the flavors of cookies and cream, favorite chocolate and peach {my new favorite - Yay!!! , but seasonal - Boooo! } We had a fun time and can't wait to go back for more. The owners are on a much needed break for a couple of weeks {they probably bake 300+ each day}, so we will sit at the edge of our seats until the doors open again :o)

~ maddie and sofia ~

This past week, we visited friends, Maddie and her mom, Susan. Since they only live a few blocks away, we are planning on play dates often this summer. The girls played so well together, they both slept for 2 HOURS! Therefore, Maddie and Sofia play dates are 4 of 5 days weekly ;o)!

Thank you Susan and Maddie for the fun - come over and play soon!!!

I love to look at past pictures and compare them to current ones. This is Halloween 2009 - Sofia was candy corn and Maddie was a dairy cow. It was so hot that afternoon, so they were done with the costumes.

June 17, 2010

We are in the early weeks of our summer break. I find myself just sitting back and watching Sofia piddle/play with her things around the house. It is so much fun.

Playing with her sweet and simple kitchen....



I hate to admit that I am just now letting her get dirty by walking in the mud, playing with dirt or feeding herself, and she seems to enjoy feeding herself. I am letting go of this battle - v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y. Here is the result of her after dinner snack...

Robin, a friend of ours, was so kind to take pictures of our family and for Sofia's one year pictures. We went out to the Botanical Gardens one Saturday morning and Robin worked her magic! These are the first pictures of us as a family together :o) Here are a few of my favorites......

(Oh! - and I also love how she signs her "signature" in the bottom right hand corner)

~ Last Day of "School" ~

When I realized that I was going to continue working to finish my CFY Intern Year, I started praying for God to pick someone so special to take care of Sofia. Other than our parents, Steven nor I could not imagine leaving her with just anyone and since I had assessed several children at the daycares in our area, placing Sofia in any of them was not an option to be considered. I can honestly say, that who we would leave Sofia with was never a worry. I knew God had a perfect person to love on Sofia and care for her as if she was her own. Our prayers were answered beyond our imagination with Mrs. Nikki. We could not of asked for a better place {again, other than the grandparents ;o) } for Sofia to play and learn other kiddos exist at such a young age. Sofia's absolute LOVE for Mrs. Nikki and her crew would be confirmed with squeals of excitement when we would pull up to her house, followed by wanting Mrs. Nikki and blowing me a kiss or waving/saying "bye". I would leave there with such peace knowing she would do great.

Well, here we are the last day. It was a little sad to drive off because I know the fun time she has had this year, so we made promises to each other that she could go visit a time or two over the summer. Until then, thank you Mrs. Nikki - you made what could of been the worst year a lot easier, thank you Nani and Grandpa for taking care of Sofia when she was sick for a few days straight and most important, - thank you, God, for wonderful family and sweet friends......


In this picture, Sofia meets Mrs. Nikki and Tia (her daughter) for the very first time. God's confirmation to me was seeing Sofia's sweet smile ;o) {I cannot believe how little Sofia is in this picture and it is less than a year old!}


Mrs. Nikki was so kind to send me text pics of Sofia through out the year......

Sofia's very first day!

(Last day) With Asia {Mrs. Nikki's daughter}

With Tia {well, sort of.... ;o) }

What a great year!!!!