Look Mom, no hands!

Sophie has been making so much progress in her development – it’s amazing! But the title of this post is really for me. I survived my first week of truly being by myself in caring for my daughter! That’s one big, fat milestone for Mommy. Sheldon returned to the road this week – he was gone three days and two nights and I lived! It sounds like a simple task to feed baby and change baby’s diapers when they're dirty, but while each individual duty is easy, all of them together 24/7 for one person is challenging. Not to mention keeping the house in running order like washing dishes and bottles, doing laundry so clean burp cloths are available when needed, and cooking for yourself. On top of all that, Sophie made it to daycare on time and I made it to work on time! Go me! I salute all single parents out there. How do you do it?

While I was so happy that I was able to hold it together while Sheldon was gone, I was also so relieved when he came home Wednesday night. I knew I’d finally be able to get a night of uninterrupted sleep. He so kindly took the night feeding for Sophie-bean so I could catch up on my rest.

Speaking of Sophie-bean…she is such a great baby! Of course all parents know their baby is the greatest! I love watching her discover new things almost on a daily basis. In the past month she has discovered her hands and her feet. She can sit up with some assistance and coos all the time. And those little eyes just watch whatever you may be doing. You can tell she’s thinking about something…which raises the question, how do they think? If they don’t have a language yet, do they think in visual images or sounds? Hmmm….

This morning was fun because Sophie was in such a playful mood. We “talked” for an hour or so while she sat up. She coo’d and ga-ga’d just like she was saying real words. This is my new favorite picture of the little one. She was having a ball on her activity mat.



Yesterday was her two-month well visit to the pediatrician. It was scheduled a little late due to our travel during Christmas. Sophie is in the 15th percentile for weight (9 lbs. 14.6 oz.), 10th percentile for height (22.25 in.), and 50th percentile for head. No wonder everyone thinks she looks so little! But the doctor said that she’s grown at an average rate from her birth weight. She’s healthy, just a petite healthy.

The only concern is the hemangioma on her bottom. However, we have an appointment with a pediatric dermatologist in Dallas next week. Hopefully he’ll have a solution to get rid of it faster. If not treated, hemangiomas generally disappear on their own after several years. Since Sophie’s sore is in a sensitive area, they may be able to treat it so it goes away faster. Fingers crossed! I can’t stand to hear my little girl scream.

Well, I don’t want to end on that note. So I’ll add another really cute picture!