Gena Celebration

Since it's the last day of January I figured I'd better get these pictures posted.  We had a wonderful meet up and first dinner at Dianes.  It is always so great to get together with our friends.  The Ethiopian gathering didn't start until 7pm which is Sofias normal bedtime, however she did amazing!  I didn't want to leave until the band started and so I was hoping that she would make it.  Oh yeah, I've got a party girl!  She was shakin' her booty on the dance floor at 945 and sleeping in the car on the way home at 955!  The second dinner was sooo good.  Kevin and I ate at least 4 servings of Tibs Wat each, it was so good that my mouth is watering now just thinking about it. 

My Mom knew someone who went to Ethiopia and got him to bring back an outfit for Sofia.  It was a big surprise at Christmas when we opened it!  I think Sofia looks great in it.

Sofia and her bestest friend Molly!

2 outta 5 is bad!  Diane must have the picture of the girls looking at her.  

Sofia, Lidya, Molly, Dexter, Selamu

Sofia shakin' what her Momma gave her on the dance floor at 940pm!  She had a great time and was surprisingly alert and engaging at such a late hour.  I had such a great time listening to the music and watching the Ethiopian woman dance.  I need lessons, I've got the chest pop down but I need to develop some fierce attitude to go with it!

Wordless Wednesday

Beach Day

Now that our snow is melted we've been heading back to the beach for our dog walks.  This is the beach closest to our house.

I LOVE how excited Qimik is, both ears up and a great big smile!

Sofia loves walking on the logs.  Her balance is getting really good.  

Hee Hee sandy butt! 

We have a hard time keeping Sofia out of the water.  I'm looking forward to the warmer weather when she can swim in it.

Sofia is actually giving me a kiss in this picture.

Being back at work makes my days off so much more special.  I love the things that we can do as a family off 3 now (or 4 when it includes a dog walk!).  I get the joy of taking Sofia to swimming lesson on Saturday!  I'm excited to bob around the pool singing kiddie songs.  I've been waiting a loooong time to do it!

Grants Great Do's

Dada is much more creative than Mumma is when it comes to Sofias hair.  I've been majorly impressed with my husbands hair dressing abilities.  I am not able to do them justice with my photography skills.

Tri-ponies with zigzag parts

Diamond patterned ponies

Funky quad ponies 

(these are parted in an 'x' rather than my usual '+')

I am lucky to have such a great husband!

Today is a great day

Barack Obama is president!  I'm so excited that my daughter is growing up in a time where she can do anything she wants to do.  The past should never be forgotten but the future, ah the future holds so much hope!  

I love President Obamas inaugural speech.  "I stand before you a man who's father 60 years ago couldn't eat in a restaurant and I am your president"  paraphrased I'm sure but the sentiment is right.  Ah, my heart is soaring today and I feel the possibilities are endless!  

242 Pictures

That's how many pictures I downloaded from my camera today.  See even though I haven't been posting pictures I've been taking them!  I'm not sure where to start so here's a few random Sofia moments.

Grandma, Sofia, and Grandpops ohhhing and ahhhing at Mummys birthday balloon.

Child labour

Sofia giving me a thumbs up and saying "Cheese!" 

This girl of ours continues to be a joy every day.  She has the most amazing sense of humour.  She loves to make us laugh and has so many faces that crack us up!  She has started using silly voices and has a giggle that fills my heart.  We feel so blessed that she has joined our lives. 

It's tough

We're having a pretty rough go of it at our house right now.  Sofia is getting numerous molars and her coping mechanism of choice is to lie awake at night with a parent near here.  I guess depending on which side you are on I went back to work at a great time.  Last night Grant was up with her for about 7 hours.  That's retarded!  She's good during the day, other than she ridiculously tired.  At night we just can't get her to sleep.  She's been asleep for an hour and she's already been crying 3 times!  I suppose the only good thing is that she doesn't cry or carry on she's just awake.  

I think it's one of those things where we just have to grit our teeth and push through it.  But if you have any suggestions I'd be willing to listen.  We have tried Motrin, orajel, and holistic teething tablets.  Tonight we are trying Tylenol.  I keep hearing that eye teeth are worse and frankly I'm scared!

Being back at work is not as bad as I thought.  I hate being away from her as long as I am, that part is hard.  I remembered how to do my job and one coworker even commented that he's surprised at how quickly I got back 'up to speed'.  I didn't realize how distracted I was while Sofia was living at the TH.  I am having a much much easier time working with her being at home with her Dad then I did while she was at an undisclosed location in Addis Ababa in an undisclosed health condition.  Being a working mother is not something I ever wanted but I think I've got a good balance going. 

On another note Grant is an amazing stay at home Dad!  Once I get unlazy and upload all the pictures off my camera I can show you what incredible hairstyles he's been giving our little one.  He's far more creative than I ever was.  Sofia's a lucky girl, her parents balance each other out well.  

Melkam Gena! Happy Christmas!

Ethiopians celebrate Gena on January 7. Traditionally no presents are exchanged but small gifts of clothing may be giving to children. It is common for everyone to dress in white and wear a shamma (a traditional wrap made of white cotton with bright coloured stripes near the end). Sofia and I are celebrating Gena on Saturday with some of our friends and also with the Victorian Ethiopian community. They have invited us to join them in celebrating at a local hall. I'm hoping to be able to take pictures, I've heard there will be music, dancing, and food!

We didn't give Sofia any presents to open today for Gena. However since it is tradition that the children are given a small gift of clothing, I think I might have to buy her a bathing suit for her lessons that start next week. I hear Old Navy has some really great ones.

First week

So week one of Mum working and Dad staying home is down.  Work went easier for Mum than she thought and Dad isn't saying if staying home is easier than being an electrician.  Sofia seems to be okay with the transition, but isn't she always...

Sofia learned lots of new things this week.  She started stacking blocks and 7 high at that!  She started walking on her tippy-toes and did a backwards bear walk too.  And today she showed us she can climb on the to kitchen chairs.  

I always love it when Sofia learns new things but the kitchen chair climbing is a double edged sword.  She now has access to EVERYTHING!  Our house is baby proofed but now it's time to toddler proof it.  Egad!

Christmas Day

Checking out the presents from Santa

The little drummer girl!

Singing 'Oh Canada'

The Dybdals

Sofia was really good and kept her Christmas hat on for the whole meal.

We had a great Christmas and I had a good birthday.  As always the day went by in a blur.  Sofia had a great time unwrapping her presents and got some really neat things!  I'm looking forward to next year when she'll write a letter to Santa and leave him milk & cookies (and a carrot for the reindeer!). 

Christmas Eve

Grants family celebrates Christmas on Christmas Eve which we love because my family celebrates on Christmas Day and so there are no hurt feelings.  Sofias OldeMor (Great Grandmother) sent her a beautiful pink dress with fluffy trim and we thought it was the perfect party dress for our Christmas celebration. 

Sofia and her cousins, Ethan and Beckett opening one of Sofias presents.

Ethan 3, Sofia 19 months, Beckett 15 months

It was SO much fun watching the kids play together.  For the most part they all get along very well.  Sofia likes to hug Becks although it looks more like wrestling moves.  Eventually they sorted it out and shared a few kisses.  Christmas is all about kids and I'm happy to finally be able to join in!

My favourite Sofia picture of the night.

If your kids don't have a giggle ball, they should.  Sofia had so much fun playing with Ethans that Grant went out and bought her one. 

My favourite picture of the night!  

Beckett insisted on wearing Sofias pretty party shoes.  Once on, he ran around the house dancing and tap tap tapping on the kitchen floor.