Sophia Belle

I picked up Sophia's social security card a few weeks ago, and just reading her name brought a smile to my lips: "Sophia Belle Rogers." What a precious name for our sweet baby girl! I actually worried about whether I could love another child as much as Nathan, but those minor fears completely fell from the corners of my mind when I held Sophia. I felt so much peace and quiet happiness, and just like the first time, I fell in love.

Sophia is six months old now, when a baby's cuteness peaks -- according to my husband. It really is a darling stage. She smiles at us with such trust and love, and she's more aware of her environment. She's a scooter pie, scooting all across the room to grab a toy or to reach her parents. She gets up on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth, then flops forward and scoots. Even though Sophia is a baby, I notice elements of her personality unfolding already. She has a tender nature and likes to cuddle. She makes funny faces and blows raspberries, revealing a sense of humor. Sophie's also a strong girl; she aggressively moves across the room and grabs at my hair like she'll rip it out. Her face absolutely lights up when Nathan enters the room; her eyes sparkle and she smiles at his antics. However, Nathan has started hitting the little one when she gets into his toys, so we've dubbed her "little monster" and laugh about it to avoid angry attacks. Nathan laughs and says "little monster" as Sophia plays with the doorstop or gets into my purse.

It's so fun having another girl in the house. It's more than the pink clothes and the bracelets and bows and cute shoes. She brings a sense of sweetness and happiness that cannot be replaced. Our family has reached a nice balance -- a sense of harmony -- with a boy and a girl. I'm sure I'll have another baby in the future, but right now I want to make the most of this moment in time when heaven has smiled upon us and favored us with a beautiful angel. While there are times I lament the tedious labors of motherhood, there are other moments with my children that fill me with a joy so real I can nearly wrap it in a box and tie it up with ribbon. That would be a waste, though, because those experiences are meant to be enjoyed and then treasured in our hearts. We need fresh feelings of love to keep life from turning stale. My children provide the opportunity to give and receive love every day. I'm so blessed. While I look forward to the day Sophia and I can enjoy "girl talk," I'm just as excited to see her try to crawl tomorrow. After all, it's not every day you have a six-month-old cutie pie in the house.

My hope takes flight

Nathan responded to my question, "What did you do at school today?" on Monday, April 2, 2007. He said, "Hippos." I knew he had played "Hungry Hippos" at the preschool before, so I asked, "Did you play Hungry Hippos?" He said, "Mmm-hmm." I wanted to jump up and down. I decided to write a note to the teachers, asking if Nathan played that game. We receive reports on his activities almost daily, but they're not always detailed.

My husband went to observe Nathan at school on Tuesday. He asked about Hungry Hippos, but they said that game hasn't been used in quite a while. They moved Nathan into a new room, and he handled the transition well. I knew he joined another group for circle time and singing time, but I found out he also meets in a regular preschool setting with children who attend kindergarten in the morning and come to the preschool in the afternoon for additional learning. (Nathan may need the extra help when he's in kindergarten too.) My husband said Nathan held a rectangle in his hands, and he was supposed to stand up when his shape came up in the song. He missed it the first time, but he nailed it the second time.

I asked Nathan after school on Tuesday what he did at school that day. He said, "Hippos, Teletubby game, Papa goes to work." Wow! While I'm not sure what the hippo reference is about (no safari games on the bus, I checked), I was excited to hear him mention another activity and to remember what Papa said to him before he left. Such good signs!

Tonight I read The Little Engine That Could and The Little Train to Nathan -- his favorite books of the moment (along with One Duck Stuck). He had me insert a couple of "uh-ohs" at appropriate parts in The Little Train, which he has memorized. After we read the books, Nathan prompted, "Did you have fun at school?" I asked, "Did you have fun? What did you do? Did you sing some songs?" And wouldn't you know it, he quietly started to sing, "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap, clap)." I joined in and we clapped our hands and stomped our feet. I thought that was the end of the song, but Nathan went right on with whistling, jumping, and he didn't want to stop! I was so impressed that he used some sign language as he sang. I really think music is what reaches him the most. Songs calm him down when he's feisty or help him focus when he's mischievous. Too bad he says "no Mommy singing" half the time. He does enjoy singing the bumblebee song with me. Oh, and another cute thing: When I want him to quiet down (he's a loud child), I'll do the "shh" thing, and he'll holler, "No Mommy blowing!" I'm so proud of him. Nathan is full of surprises.