School Days

Today was Sophia's first day of preschool. She walked into school without any worries. I held back a tear or two.

Trying to find out about her day was a little challenging, but I can't wait to see how much she blossoms this year.

Pedal Boating

Now that Sophia is older and somewhat better at listening (at least when she wants to) we are trying to spend more time exploring the world around us and not just heading to a park to play at the playground.

I have been wanting to visit Sharon Woods for awhile and have heard good things about the park. We took Dave with us to try Pedal Boating. Although I wanted to join in, it is not exactly safe to take a six month old onto one of those little boats, so Emma snoozed in her stroller while Dave and Sophia enjoyed some time on the lake. 

I thought they were having fun, but at one of our meetups when I asked how it was going I learned otherwise. Apparently the phrase "Where's Mommy?" was on repeat. Sophia did better once she took the time to look in the lake and saw the turtles, fish, and birds that were around her. Her and Dave also collected some empty snail shells that were on the rocks near them. She wasn't quite tall enough to reach the pedals to help Dave move the boat so I am sure his legs felt like jelly when they were done.

We spent a little time at the playground and splash park before leaving. No pictures since I was feeding Emma most of the time Sophia was playing. I was glancing at the map for the park and saw what a small portion we visited while there. Once fall and the cooler temperatures arrive we will be headed back for some hiking.

Oh, and just because she is cute...a little bit of Emma.

COSI

Last month we planned a day trip to Columbus, which is about an hour and a half from where we live. I came up with a list of activities to keep us entertained, but we decided to start with COSI and ended up spending the day there.

We started at the Ocean Exhibit where Sophia went into a submarine and explored the controls. Her favorite part of the Ocean area was building with the k'nex and making creatures. I think she followed the directions to make three of them before we left to explore more of the museum.

Next stop was outdoors for the Big Science Park where the highlight was lifting up a car. Sophia liked that the car lifted her off the ground too!

We ventured upstairs to the Space exhibit. Sophia got to ride in a space capsule, test her armchair astronaut skills, and make a mini movie. Her favorite part was sitting on the toilet that is used on a shuttle. She has been potty trained for awhile, but I felt the need to keep reminding her that it was just a display toilet and not the real thing.

For convenience we ate lunch in the courtyard of the museum and spent a few minutes exploring part of a riverfront park. Sophia just wanted to run and didn't have much patience for a Mama who wanted to take a few pictures.

When we returned inside, we spent some time pretending in the Little Kidspace. I hope whenever our local children's museum gets freshened up it looks more like this. 

When we were able to drag Sophia away, Dave and Sophia headed to the Gadgets area. Emma and I took a milk break and I found Dave and Sophia in the crowds of summer camp kids making their contraptions fly in the wind tunnels. This exhibit was fun, but loud.

Progress was Sophia's least favorite exhibit. She was the three year old walking around saying "I don't like 1962." She did enjoy riding the 10 cent rocket and being a news broadcaster, but kept asking when we would be back at the museum. Ha!

We briefly visited the Life and Energy Explorers exhibits, but we did not take in any of the live shows this time around. I am looking forward to a return visit when the girls are a little older so they can both explore and enjoy the museum.

We were at the museum from open to close. After stopping for dinner at Cap City Fine Diner (which was so good!) we make our journey back home. 

What should we do next time we make the trip to Columbus?

32/52

"A portrait of my little loves, once a week, every week, in 2015."

The three year old keeps our days adventurous and I wouldn't have it any other way.

She melts my heart every chance she gets. So lucky to be her mom.

Thrilled to be linking up with Jodi for The 52 Project.

Emma Layne {six months}

Emma Layne, 

You are six months old today (August 6, 2015)!
{How are you already a half year old?!?}

Here are your stats:
Weight: 17lbs 14oz (81st percentile)
Length: 26in (56th percentile)
Head: 44.75cm (98th percentile)

You have dark hair and blue eyes (that are starting to look a little more blue-grey).

You finished up the last of your size two diapers and are wearing size three diapers all the time. You mostly wear twelve month clothing, but have a few nine month items that fit.

You nurse on demand, which usually ends up being every three to four hours during the day. You take about six ounces when you get a bottle, although we do not give you bottles often. You continue to drool and spit up regularly, but in smaller amounts.

You have just started to show an interest in food. I am not in a rush with solids and we are going to do more of a baby-led approach to eating, but you will have some pureed food too. You have started to join us at the table at meal times if you are not napping.

Sleeping is still very inconsistent. You have had several nights of eight straight hours of sleep, but usually have a six hour stretch. There are also the nights that you are awake every three hours to nurse. Unfortunately on the nights you sleep well, you want to start your day as the sun is just starting to rise. You fall asleep with your pacifier and bunny.

You continue to be fairly easy going during the day. You can be pretty fussy at bedtime, but it doesn't last too long. 

You love to talk and make noises. You have discovered how to make raspberries and constantly have your tongue out of your mouth. You smile and laugh all the time, especially when Sophia is entertaining you. No one can make you laugh quite like her.

Although you prefer to be on your back, you roll over to your side or belly as soon as you are put down. It has made diaper changes quite fun. You spend a lot of time on your belly, but have only rolled a few times from your belly to back.

We both can't wait for you to be able to sit independently. You are so close! You fuss to be put in a sitting position, but need a pillow to keep you upright. You love your fingers and toes, toys, spoons - really anything you can get your hands on. Hair pulling has reached a new level and Sophia and I keep your fingers at bay with ponytails.

You smile all the time when we are out. People love your rolls and you love to give them your toothless grin while they are talking to you. You love the dogs and smile as soon as you see them. Now that your highchair is out, Hunter has started taking an interest in you. Kona loves to smother you with kisses whenever he can.

Sophia continues her obsession with you. She would prefer that you lay on your back all day so that she can entertain you. She has started to get a little rougher with you now that you are a bit more mobile and I have to constantly remind her to give you space and be gentle. 

Baby Sunshine, thank you for being a little ray of light. We love you right up to the moon and back.

Read about Sophia's sixth month here.

A comparison with Sophia.

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