9 Months Old!

So I turned 9 months old Friday! (If it wasn't a leap year, would I only be 8 months old still?) The week has been pretty good. It started with meeting Zayde for dinner on Monday. He was up in our area teaching a class for a couple days so we met for dinner. He fed me some sweet potatoes, you know I love those!

The weather has been shaping up for us around here, so this week has been fun at school. We go outside to the playground! Our class has a special playground, complete with a sun shade. We have rocking horses and outdoor toys and all kinds of fun stuff out there.

I had my 9-month check up with my doctor Thursday. I'm up to 19 lbs 1 oz, 27-3/4" long, and my head is 18" around. Here are my charts:

That puts me in the 56th percentile for height and weight, and 91st percentile for my head. My doctor is super happy with everything, said I'm right on target for a healthy girl! And guess what? He said I can move on to try all kinds of new foods. So this week Mommy bought my some yogurt, I heard it's good stuff!

So to enjoy the great weather, we all headed to the San Francisco Zoo. It was me, Mommy, and Daddy, Beepers, Uncle Stephane, Marie, and Olivier, Aunty Ginny, Uncle Jason, Abby, and Logan, and Aunty Kathrin, Kristopher, and Ella. We had a blast! We saw all kinds of animals. The zoo just opened a new exhibit, the Grizzly Gulch. It was crazy, you stand on one side of the glass and the grizzly bear is right on the other side. Then we had some lunch, and rode the train. Afterwards we went over to Marie & Olivier's house and played all evening. It was a perfect day!

Here's the picture of us, the stroller brigade at the zoo:

Today we have just been taking it easy. We slept in, and then played all morning. Daddy and I took a nap after lunch. We went out to run a few errands, and then met Kristopher & Ella (and Aunty Kathrin & Uncle Jim) for dinner. It was a great weekend!

Here's How We're Doing...

So as you can see from our last post, our family lost a great member, our dog Sophie. Since losing Sophie to cancer, we have been doing our best to remember the good times, and know that she is in a better place now. Our friends have been doing a really great job of taking care of us during this really difficult time.

Our friends Shawn, Michelle, and Connor had us over for dinner. Then Beepers and Uncle Stephane brought Marie & Olivier and food for the entire weekend over. It was nice, Mommy & Daddy had not been up for cooking and everyone was tired of take out. So they came over Saturday morning and we went to the Jungle. (The Jungle is a giant indoor playground and pizza place near our house.) Then we went to get frozen yogurt (well, they got frozen yogurt) and I took a nap in my stroller. All of that playing was exhausting! Then Beepers made dinner and Uncle Stephane made drinks at home. Daddy and Uncle Stephane set up a tent in our living room and we played and had fun!

Sunday we got up and went to the Oakland Zoo. Aunty Ginny, Uncle Jason, Abby, and Logan met us there. We had a really great day! Then afterwards everyone came back to the house and Beepers made dinner again. Monday we all went out to breakfast and then we got ready for the week.

This weekend we went to another wedding! Charity and Robert got married at the Officer's club in Alameda (finally, a wedding within driving distance of my crib!). I had a good time, and hung out with another kid my age (or close), Aurora.




Dad had a bottle of something, so I thought I would take a sip. He tricked me though, and wouldn't actually let me have any. Must be that special "grown-up milk" I've been hearing about. Mom says it tastes terrible anyway. Maybe I'll try it again, in about 20 years.



It seems like I end up sleeping through part of each wedding, it sure was comfy in Mommy's arms:)

Sunday we went to Connor's birthday party. He turned two. I had a great time, playing with all the kids! Guess what else I did - climbed a whole flight of stairs! Daddy said going up is a whole lot easier than coming down, so he followed right behind me.

Overall, we're just trying to return to "life as normal," or some sort of new normal life. Sophie was such a huge part of our life that it won't ever be the same. But someday I hope Mommy and Daddy will tell me some great stories about Sophie, so we never forget her.

We Lost Someone Very Special

The past few weeks have been very tough for our family. I'll let Mommy and Daddy tell you about it...

Just over a month ago, Sophie seemed to have lost her appetite. We took her to the vet, and they ran some tests. After a few tests, the vets suggested that Sophie might have early renal disease. We learned that was something we could manage, switched up her food, and went on. She didn't seem to recover her appetite, so we went back in for more tests. The vet suspected Addison's disease, tested for that, and it came back negative.

That weekend Sophie was sick, and ended up at the emergency vet. She was running a fever so they put her on an IV and antibiotics, and she spent the night. The next morning we picked her up and took her to her regular vet for more tests. They decided that she wasn't "rallying" like they hoped. They could not figure out why she was running a fever and was not eating. They told us to take Sophie to the specialists.

The specialists saw us immediately, and during an ultrasound, discovered a growth in Sophie's bladder. The growth was beginning to block the exit to Sophie's bladder, causing the contents of the bladder to back up into her kidneys and dilate them. (This was what triggered the initial diagnosis of early renal disease.) That night they biopsied the growth and sent it out for pathology. The next day we got the news that Sophie had Transitional Cell Carcinoma, cancer. We started chemotherapy and medication that day to work to shrink the tumor. We were able to bring Sophie home for the night, but she still was not eating.

After being home for a day, the vet was concerned that Sophie had not started eating. We were leaving for Florida, for Iliana's wedding. (Amelia will post about that later.) We had to take Sophie back to the specialists for more fluids and hospitalization, as she still was not eating. While we were in Florida, the vet saw a spike in Sophie's kidney values. The medication she was taking to shrink the tumor was damaging her already-compromised kidneys. The vet elected to stop giving that medication, as it may lead to kidney failure.

When we returned from Florida, Sophie had to spend an additional two nights hospitalized. She still was not eating much, and they were concerned about her kidney function. We brought her home Tuesday night and she was happy to be home. The oncologist hoped that by bringing her home she would start eating and we would see some improvement in her system. We had a nice week, just spending time together.

Friday we went back to the specialists for more tests, and received bad news. Sophie's kidney values were back up again, indicating that her kidneys were not able to remove the toxins from her system. They did another ultrasound, and the oncologist believed that Sophie's kidneys were no longer functioning. He suggested that we discontinue all treatment and just enjoy the time we had left. As you can imagine, this was incredibly saddening news, as Sophie is a dear member of our family.

We had a nice weekend together. Saturday we took a family trip to Stinson and Muir beaches. Sophie had a great day, barking at other dogs, smelling everything she could, basking in the sun. It was a great day, but Sophie had a rough night. She was sick, as the oncologist said would happen with the buildup of toxins in her system. She ate a little bit during the day, but not much.

Sunday we decided to take it easy in the morning, since Sophie had a rough night. She ate a couple treats, but refused all other food. (We were cooking anything we could think of to offer her.) We had an easier day, just visiting Sophie's favorite park across the street. It was an exciting trip to the park though - a gopher stuck its head out of a hole right in front of Sophie! She loved sticking her nose as far into the hole as she could. And when she couldn't get her nose in far enough, she dug a little to expand the hole! We came home and relaxed. But Sophie had another rough night.

Monday, she refused all food, even her treats. Sophie got sick a bunch in the morning, and spent much of the day falling in and out of sleep. The oncologist warned us that she would move from being sick to developing ulcers and eventually just become very sick. We made the hardest decision of our lives, and elected to end Sophie's suffering. So Monday, February 11, 2008, Sophie lost her battle with cancer, and we lost a dearly beloved member of our family.

Sophie was an amazing spirit. When we moved in together in June 2001, Sophie was there. She was there for Lori when she made the move across the country, keeping her company and giving love nonstop. She was there when we got engaged, and flew across the country to be a flower girl in our wedding. She was a well traveled dog. She went with us everywhere - Corona, Medocino, Yosemite, Santa Cruz, Lake Tahoe, and plenty others. She was full of unending love. She was there when we discovered we were pregnant, and loved Amelia like no other. Sophie loved many things - barking at doggies, "wanna go?", Magilla Gorilla, bonies, red bell peppers, hanging her head out the window of the car, the park, chasing the squirrel along the fence. She was an amazing person, with the best personality imaginable. She will be so dearly missed.

Thanks to Ann Marie for this saying, which is really comforting right now...

Everybody is born so that they can learn how to live a good life and love others - dogs already know how to do that so they don't have to stay as long.

8 Months Old Already!

So today I am 8 months old! Mommy and Daddy say they can't believe it. We had a very busy weekend again. Saturday was Marie's birthday party at Pump It Up. That place was something else! It's like a giant indoor bounce house! At first I was a little overwhelmed...there was lots of music, kids running around, my friend Kristopher was seriously bouncing off the walls! Hahaha! But after I had a chance to warm up to it, I really enjoyed watching everyone! Daddy even took me down a slide! Then there was pizza and cupcakes. (I didn't try those, I ate some puffs instead.) here are a couple videos from the party:




Then we went back to Aunt Beepers & Uncle Stephane's house to celebrate Aunt Beepers birthday. That was a late night...

Sunday we went to Logan's baptism. It was really nice, he didn't even mind when they sprinkled water on his head! Then we went back to Aunty Ginny & Uncle Jason's house to have a party. I played with all of my friends, they were all there - Abby & Logan, Marie & Olivier, Kristopher & Ella. It was so much fun, we forgot our camera there!

Here is a video of me bugging Sophie...she's a good sport:)



This weekend will be another busy one...we are headed to Florida for Aunt Illy & Uncle Beav's wedding! We fly out tomorrow night, then come back on Sunday. I will definitely upload some pictures to share! Have a good week!

Me & My Door

So I recently discovered this FANTASTIC toy in the house! It's a door! It's got all these cool lights, switches, a window, even a radio! Here is a picture of me...




Auntie Beepers and Uncle Stephane gave it to me. It's great! Here's a video of me and Daddy playing with the porch light switch...

Sophie thought she was hiding behind the door, on the bean bag, but I saw her! She is a lot of fun, so soft and fuzzy:) She likes to give me kisses too! It's great!

Hope you are all having a great week!

A Great Weekend!

Man we had a great weekend! It all started off with a special visitor at school Friday afternoon! Mommy & Daddy brought my Great Auntie Chrissie to visit me and my buddies in my classroom! We headed home and our weekend began!

Friday night Daddy's poker buddies came over and they had a tournament. I hung out with my friends Abby & Logan and Kristopher & Ella, and with Auntie Chrissie! Here's a picture of us...


Hahaha...here's Ella playing in my entertainment center! I think she is a little too tall for it!!

Saturday Mommy went out with all the other mommies for "girls' night out." I'm sure they had a good time, but not as good as I did! I got to hang out with Daddy and play all evening! Then today we had a great day, played a lot, went to the Apple store (Daddy loved it, I took a nap), ate some lunch, came home, played some more. It doesn't get much better than that!

This crawling thing is great! I didn't realize how much more fun was to be had in my house! Mommy said I'm a four-wheel-drive, crawling over anything in my way! :) Here is a video of me racing Daddy...



I'm still trying new foods, lately I've been into Apples & Cherries! But better yet, I tried puffs! I even figured out how to get them all by myself! All I need is for someone to open the jar for me, then I can take care of the rest! Next up, figuring out how to use a spoon...

Road Trip!

This weekend we headed down to Corona to visit Aunt Lori & Uncle Chris. Mommy & Daddy said we were taking a bunch of my old stuff down to my cousin who is on the way, she is coming in March! So we left home in the afternoon and drove off! It was nice, Mommy and I played with toys and read books. I took a couple naps, Daddy drove. It wasn't too bad! Then we got down there and discovered my friends Kristopher and Ella were already there! So was Aunt Sher-bear! Everyone beat us! So when we got there we played for a while and then I was ready for bed!

Saturday morning we got up and had breakfast. Mommy went with the girls and had a pedicure and went shopping and ate lunch. I stayed home with Daddy and the boys (and Ella!) We went to the park, where I got to play in the swings! Here is a picture:

Then we went back home and ate. Man, that trip to the park was exhausting! Daddy fed me some peas, and I just couldn't stay awake! Look what happened...

When I woke up Mommy was back! So we played a bunch, and then Daddy and the guys left to go watch some comedian at some casino. The girls (and Kristopher!) had a cool night, we hung out and played. Kristopher and Ella are fun! But boy are they fast! I kept trying to follow them, but they just move way too fast! Daddy and the guys came home late, but Mommy was happy because Daddy didn't lose any money at the casino!


Sunday we got up and had breakfast, and Aunt Sher-bear had to leave to go to the airport. But before she left, I gave her a surprise - I waved at her! She was waving to me and I waved back! Then I waved at Aunt Lori and everyone! Here is a picture of me with Aunt Sher-bear:

I had a great time with Murphy and Riley! Riley really liked to talk to me, here is a video of him telling me all about what was going on:

All in all, it was a great weekend!

So Active...

So we've had a fun week! After we recovered from all the partying on New Year's Eve, we had a nice, short week. I went to school, played with friends (though a lot of them were still on vacation!), ate, slept. Then Saturday Mommy and I had a fun morning while Daddy played basketball. Saturday Daddy and I went shopping at this big blue and yellow store that Daddy loves (something about lots of electronics, I loved all the lights and sounds!), and I had a really runny nose. Well Daddy went to get tissues out of the diaper bag, and realized, oops! He forgot the diaper bag! So he let me use his sleeve instead:) Saturday night Aunt Beepers and Uncle Stephane brought Marie and Olivier over to play. The grown ups all played that Guitar Hero game again. (I don't really get it, but it sure is pretty to watch!) They all spent the night, then we had breakfast together in the morning. Sunday evening Aunt Kathrin and Uncle Jim brought Kristopher and Ella over, I saw lots of friends this weekend! We went to dinner and they came over to play that guitar game too! Then it was back to school Monday.



Here is a picture of me at my music table from Santa...

It's been a good week at school, I'm learning all sorts of new things! I can crawl at high speed, I can pull myself up, I can get into sitting position - all by myself!

Tuesday after school we went over to Aunt Ginny & Uncle Jason's house to see Abigail and Logan. We hung out, played, it was great!

Here's some video of me practicing a bunch of my new skills.

I'm also trying all sorts of new foods! I like peaches and carrots, but sweet potatoes are my absolute favorite. I've also started looking into eating some finger foods (like puffs or cheerios), to give my two teeth a go at something called "chewing." I will you know how that goes soon.

Happy New Year!

Well we are back at home, and mostly unpacked! It was a great trip, I saw lots of friends and family. And I got a ton of presents! We arrived Friday morning, and went out to Aunty Katy's and Grandpa's jobs to surprise them! Aunty Katy's coworkers tricked her, they said she had to come to the office to get a package, and the package was me! She was really happy:) Then we drove to Grandpa's job to see it and say hi to him.

Saturday Mommy threw a bridal shower for Aunty Illy, she is getting married in February. We had a lot of fun, played a lot of games. I hung out with my friend Alexa, she is a lot bigger than me but she is really funny!

Sunday we went to see Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede! It was really cool! Lots of bright lights, horses, singing...they even had racing pigs and ostriches! Our pigs won the race, we sat on the "Northpole" side of the crowd. Here is a picture of one of the pretty horses from the show...




Monday was Christmas Eve, and we went over to Uncle Pat and Aunt Mimi's house. I saw a bunch of my family that I haven't seen in a while, and Aunty Katy and Uncle Eddie took me to look at some really cool lights nearby. Then we headed back to Grandma & Grandpa's house to get to sleep before the big guy came by to visit!

Christmas morning Mommy & I were up first, so we went room to room and woke everyone up! During the night Santa had come to visit, and the there were a ton of presents under the tree!! Most of them were for me too:) Speaking of the tree, Grandma & Aunty Katy decorated it especially for me! It had lots of pink ornaments and pictures of me on it! Way to flatter a girl! :)



I got lots of great stuff, a Radio Flyer wagon, a music table, lots of ducky stuff (since you know I love the duckies!). Here I am with my new Christmas bear, surrounded by presents and wrapping paper!

Then we took it easy for a few days. Mommy got sick and Daddy played lots of Guitar Hero with Uncle Eddie and Aunty Katy. I played with my toys, ate, slept...it was a nice vacation!

Friday night everyone was feeling better and we went out to celebrate Grandma's, Uncle Eddie's, and Mommy's birthdays at Buca Di Beppo. I had squash, bet you didn't know that was on the menu? Everyone else had pasta and stuff.

Saturday morning we got up way early and flew home. Then we each took turns sleeping, and getting better the rest of the weekend. Monday I went to school, Mommy and Daddy went to work. But Monday night we went to a party!

Aunt Kathrin & Uncle Jim had a sleep over at their house! We went over and I hung out with my friends Kristopher & Ella, Marie & Olivier, and Abby (Logan wasn't feeling up to coming). So we stayed up late, and then supposedly the grown ups had a party after we went to bed! I heard they played lots of video games and drank something called "bubbly"? Then we took it easy the next morning, ate some breakfast, watched some football. Then today it was back to the normal routine!

Guess what! I've got my second tooth! It's on the bottom, next to my first tooth. This cutting tooth business is not fun! I'm also crawling, up to 6 "steps" at a time. It's really all the further I need to go to get a toy:) I've been eating lots of stuff too, today I just tried carrots for the first time! Though I heard if you eat too many carrots it turns your nose orange!