Holiday Fun

We enjoyed Christmas very much this year. We were lucky enough to see most of our family and get to spend time with those we love. We had a lot of fun visiting with Gramma and Grampa Guatta, Aunt Jaime, Uncle Paul, cousin Bella, Aunt Jodi, Uncle Greg (and baby Michael due in May), Uncle Jon (once he woke from his usual nap), Uncle Hal and Kerri. We were also fortunate to spend time with Gramma Jo and Grampa Don, Uncle Nate and Leslie. We all had a great time. Gramma Jo made a delicious ham dinner and we all really stuffed ourselves full!
Sophie has really changed a lot in the last few weeks, she's been learning all sorts of new tricks- like jumping, walking on her tiptoes and saying "Gramma" and "quack". She woke one morning this past week with a mouthful of teeth- finally! I think by the end of January she'll have all her teeth.
We're looking forward to the new year and all that it will bring!

Full of Thanksgiving

Sophie, Andy and I had a very busy Thanksgiving. Sophie and Andy enjoyed dinner at the Arnold's while I was at work. After work I joined them at my Mom's for dinner.
Sophie really had a good time at the Arnold's house. There was a nice sized gathering of family- Sophie's Great Aunt Janice and Great Uncle Wayne, Andy's cousin John, his wife Chris and their cutie, Grace. Also, Uncle Nate, his girlfriend Leslie, Gramma Jo and Grampa Don. The Hanahan's were unable to come as they have all been ill these past few weeks. She loved playing with Grace (who is Sophie's second cousin and is 6 months older) It was really nice to get the girls together to play and visit. Sophie also enjoyed eating her fair share of the Thanksgiving feast- especially gobbling up lots of cranberry sauce!!
At my mom's house later that day we had dinner with Gramma and Grampa Guatta, Great Grampa Guatta, Uncle Hal and his girlfriend Kerri. Andy and Sophie ate what they could, but since they had already enjoyed one feast that day no one held it against them if they didn't clear their plates! After dinner Aunt Jaime, Uncle Paul and cousin Bella came over, along with Uncle Jon, Uncle Greg and Aunt Jodi. Aunt Jodi shared the news that she would be finding out the gender of her baby-to-be right in time for Christmas, so we'are all looking forward to find out whether to plan for pink or blue! Sophie and Bella are going to like having a new baby in the family!! We all had dessert and loved watching the two girls play. Aunt Jaime and I tried really hard to get the girls to sit still long enough to take a picture of them. Finally once we were ready to leave Bella gave Sophie a hug (with much prompting) and we fumbled to get the picture- and TA-DA! We got a good one!
Thanks to all our family for hosting such lovely dinners and for spending time with us this Thanksgiving!

Sophie goes to the doctor

I just got back from Sophie's 15 month appointment and it was the WORST ever! She screamed the second Dr. Solomon walked in the room with us and didn't stop until her coat was on and we were out the door!!! He checked her ears and had to clean them out, which REALLY was awful because I had to hold her down and I know from experience it doesn't feel so good. Anyhow, besides her waxy accumulation, her ears are fine, which is good because she doesn't say too much so I was concerned. Then she had her flu shot and luckily it was the only one she needed now so it was quick and easier than when she gets a bunch of them. Everything is good with Sophie (he did say that she is very vocal obviously despite her lack of words- actually he yelled that to me over her screams) Sophie is 30.5 inches tall and 22lbs, 11oz. She's middle of the road, 50th percentile.

Holiday Parade

Andy, Sophie and I went to the South Glens Falls Holiday Parade with Uncle Nate and Leslie. We met Sophie's friend Maria, her Mommy and Grandma there and we had a really good time. It was a long parade, and we were FREEZING! Sophie really seemed to enjoy watching the marching bands and listening to music and seeing all the dancers and colorguards. Of course she really liked the lollipop Daddy shared with her. Sophie fell asleep and we decided to head home to warm up. This is the first of many upcoming holiday events we are planning on attending. We're looking forward to the holidays!

Welcome!

Welcome to the Derway Family Blog! I decided to start this so that we can keep extended family members near and far up to date on the exciting day to day happenings of our little family.
Sophia has been very busy lately. She is running, climbing, spinning, tumbling, dancing and toddling all over. She is an extremely active little girl. I am so amazed at all the things she can do now. She still only has two teeth, but can chow down with the best of 'em! Sophie has been allowing me to do her hair since we are able to put it up in one little fountain ponytail on top of her head. She has some fancy new hair bows and barrettes and sometimes will leave them alone long enough for me to get a picture of her with her hair all done up!! She is still terrorizing the cat, though I think the cat secretly enjoys the attention. Sophie loves waking up in the morning to see the cat all snuggled up in her crib. The two of them seem to enjoy their slumber parties!
Sophie has been meeting with her playgroup a lot lately. Sophie loves playing with her friends Ava, Cody and Maria. The four kids enjoy spending time at For The Love Of Children, which is an indoor playground in Wilton. There are lots of toys to play with, lots to climb on and even a bounce house there! We also like going to the play area inside the Wilton Mall since it's free and once the kids get tired out we all load our sleepy kids into strollers and roam the mall in search of great deals on clothes, toys and other goodies for our little ones.
Today Sophie and I went to the Wilton Mall and met Ava and Stacy there. We also had a little visit from Santa! He came over and gave both of the girls a little stuffed elf doll. Sophie seemed a little interested in Santa, but Ava didn't seem to care much for his visit, though she did enjoy playing with her elf while we wandered the mall. We had a good time and are glad that Stacy and Ava have moved back to New York. Zach (Ava's Daddy) is going to be deployed to Iraq before Christmas and our thoughts and prayers are with him for his safe return to his family.
We're looking forward to lots more playdates with our friends and lots of fun winter and Christmas activities that are coming up soon.
We are making plans to go to the Christmas parade, breakfast with Santa, getting pictures done with Santa, a Christmas party with the playgroup and one at the Great Escape Lodge given by Andy's employer. I can't wait to see Sophie's face light up in joyful expression with each exciting event of the season!!
-s.