RSP

Win Charlie Soffe

2011-12-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

The Birth Story.

Born August 31st at 5:19AM. 8 Pounds even.

I'll start off by telling you why we were in such a hurry to get Win out into the world. Reyn had a big shoot in LA for a week 4 days after my due date. As you can imagine, I was in panic mode. Picturing him off in LA while I went into labor with no family here. Giving birth alone. Having the midwife as my only support. I know I was only being dramatic in my head. Of course Reyn would've never left me alone past my due date but when you're 9 months preggers and about to attempt a natural birth, there is some craziness going on in the brain.

For the majority of my pregnancy we had been practicing HypnoBirthing. I had an epidural with Poppy and just wanted a totally new experience. Don't get me wrong, the drugs with Poppy were AWESOME but I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it and wanted to know what it was like to feel EVERYTHING. I also have some back issues and didn't want to give birth on my back. I wanted to be as prepared as possible so I would read and listen to these relaxation CD's almost every night before I went to bed. One of the first things I thought of after I popped out this little guy, "SO glad I don't have to listen to those freakin CD's anymore." If you've done HypnoBirthing you know exactly what I'm talking about.

My past birthing experience with Poppy was pretty easy. I was in Labor for 9 hours total and pushed her out in about 3-4 pushes. I was basically banking on the fact that I was going to have an even shorter labor this time around. So I thought, Why not? I'll give it a try.

6 days before my due date I started feeling very minor contractions about 10 minutes apart but only for an hour and then they went away. I thought maybe they were just braxton hicks because I was running around all day and my body was super tired. The next day I was running around even harder. It's almost impossible in this city to, "take it easy." I was at the park with Poppy all morning, took her out to lunch, road the bus home, ran some last minute errands, etc. We decided that night around 10PM to try pressing on some pressure points on my feet and hands. Suppose to help induce labor. At 2AM I had to PEE and what do you know, Yes...I saw it. Don't need to say anything further about that.

I immediately started having contracting about 4-5 minutes apart about semi intensity. I woke up Reyn and said, "lets do this!" I got in the tub, put on my headphones with the hypno on, and lit a candle. Thinking I would do a majority of my laboring at home and then head to the hospital when they were super close. We live about 15-20 minute cab ride to hospital. Reyn was trying to get a hold of some friends to come over and stay with Poppy but everyone had their phone off. Of course, it was now around 2:30AM. Nobody was awake. Luckily The Fords answered (they had a newborn at home) and were going to head over. I kept telling Reyn, "don't have them come over yet. We're going to be here a while and I don't want them to be here while I'm laboring around the house. Call them right before we leave...Oh, another contraction." They started getting more intense and a little closer together. I tried relaxing my body and breathing through them with as little noise as possible. I was thinking at this point, "Ok, I can do this. They are intense but manageable."

I was in the tub for about an hour and wanted to switch things up. I thought maybe I could lay on the couch and try and sleep between contractions. They were about 4 minutes apart and I honestly thought I could sleep for 3 minutes and then wake up for 1 and then sleep for 3...you get it. Yeah right. I was on the couch trying to find a comfortable position because they were getting super intense at this point. That part about being manageable, not so much anymore. I literally start making animal noises because that's the only thing that made the contractions bareble. Now they were about 2 minutes apart. All of a sudden, my water breaks all over the couch. Ewwwww! Luckily there was a foam pad Reyn had put down for me. Phew. Because it was EVERYWHERE. Sorry not to gross you out but I was drenched.

Right when my water broke my contractions took on a whole new level of intensity. I was in transition and didn' even know it. I can't really explain the feeling but at one point I thought, "I'm not sure if I'm going to make it." I couldn't move for a few seconds because of the intensity and was curled up in a ball saying to Reyn, "I'm going to have this baby right now. We NEED to leave. WE need to leave." right after I got up I start getting the urge to push while I'm now sounding like a cow mooing. Crazy how those primal instincts take over your body. I couldn't control it. Yelling like a cow took some of that pain away. I ripped off all my wet clothes because I am now dripping sweat. So freakin hot. I stand in front of the AC unit and blast the air yelling at Reyn who is trying to get me new clothes, "COME RUB MY BACK! I NEED YOU, I NEED YOU!!" He's running back and forth trying to get me clothes that I keep turning away because they look too hot to wear at this point. He's also trying to call a car service, make sure Poppy is covered with a sitter, and rub my now never ending contraction. I really didn't care if I left in my bra and underwear I just wanted to be at the hospital. I thought if we waited any longer I was going to push the baby out at home. Reyn was preparing himself for an accidental home birth!

Finally I put on some black leggings and a shirt that didn't fit over my huge belly so I'm wearing a "crop top." Awesome white trash prego couple. I really don't know how long the car took to get to our apartment but it felt like 2 minutes. We jump in the cab, leaving Poppy at home to fend for herself. Just kidding, our friends were right around the corner heading over but Reyn did have to tell them how to break into our apartment. She slept through this entire thing by the way. It took a little bit to actually get into the cab because I kept having contractions and the only thing that helped me get through each one was standing hugging Reyn. I felt safe holding onto him and he was coaching me through each one. I kept saying, "I don't think I can do this!" And he would say, "BREATH, RELAX." I would take big wiffs of his neck smell ( I know I'm crazy) but somehow that made me feel like I could do it. His smell calms me. I know it's weird.

The cab driver didn't know what he was getting himself into because when I finally got in, I was mooing like a crazy person and yelling at him saying, "GO, GO, GO!" I rolled down the window because I was drenched in sweat and stuck one hand out to get some fresh air while my head was down trying to concentrate on getting through these contractions. I kept yelling, "PLEASE HURRY!" I was still trying to hold back the urge to push but pushing releaved so much pressure. During one of my "pushing" moments, It honestly felt like his head was about to come out. AAHHHH! I totally understand if you stop reading at his point. Thanks goodness it was now 5AM because there was no traffic and he was speeding through red lights like nobodies business. We got the the hospital in 5 minutes. I think he was just scared I was going to have a cab baby and wanted none of that.

Finally we pull into the hospital and as I'm getting out of the cab I realize that the entire back seat of the cab is drenched in fluid. Sorry cabbie. He then proceeds to get out some rags in his trunk to wipe it down. EWWW. I yell out to him while in the middle of a contraction, "SOOORRY!" Finally we had made it and I new I wasn't going to have a accidental home birth or a cab baby but maybe a hospital waiting room baby? I wasn't sure when this baby was going to make its debut. We get up to the check in area and the front dest lady is taking her sweet time thinking, "Oh, I've seen this before. This lady has a while before this baby comes." I'm pacing, holding onto Reyn, Yelling like a cow, pushing but trying not to. It was crazy. Right before the Midwife came over I thought, "If this baby doesn't come out soon I'm for sure getting an epidural!" I wanted it to be over. I was in transition and had been since my water broke. You think some crazy thoughts when your about to have a baby. Something takes over your body and mind.

In Hypno Birthing they teach you to stay as calm and relaxed as possible so your body isn't tense during a contraction. They also teach you to have a super quiet birth. Yeah right. I know it happens because I've watched them on You Tube but mooing and breathing really loud was the only thing that got me through it. Reyn would tell me to relax my body and that helped out a ton. Don't think I could've done it without him. He was awesome.

My midwife finally meets us to head into the triage room. Taking her time, looking for a clean room. What!? Then she realizes I'm pushing and speeds things up a bit. Phew. We walk into the room, I rip off all my clothes (think I scared everyone a bit), and lean over a little onto Reyn standing up so she can check to see how far along I am. "Oh, I see the head!" She askes me to bend over a little more so Reyn gets on his Knees so I can lean onto him even more and almost break his back (He loves telling this part of the story). I honestly don't remember even leaning on him.

About 3 pushes later, Win graced us with his presence. I gave birth standing up which is just what I wanted with my back issues. I stepped over the cord and laid him on my chest. I think everyone in the room was in shock. It was crazy.

We left our apartment around 5AM and I had him at 5:19AM. Crazy ride.

He is the sweetest little thing.

Reyn took photos with his polaroid camera so I'll add some photos once he scans them.

First Month of Baby Time

2011-11-30T10:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of Win's first month of life. We had tons of help the first few weeks which helped SO much. Mostly helped with entertaining Poppy. I'm so grateful for great family and friends who help out and make life a little easier!

A few days after he was born my sister Emily and her cutie little boy Ferris came out along with my sister Kim. Reyn was out of town for over a week when he was first born so that really came in handy. The day they left Reyns mom Jill flew in and helped out for a week. So much fun having her. A week later my mom came in for a week with a broken femur and all. She couldn't get out much so I just used her as a sitter so I could get out with just Poppy or go out with Reyn. Yes!

The first photo is of Win at 3 weeks old at the Bronx Zoo. You may be asking yourself why I would take a 3 week old baby to a crowded zoo? I was asking myself the same thing. He's still alive so that's a good sign right?

Grandma Jill Auntie MiMi and Ferris Our double decker stroller and me running on 3 hours of sleep Baby mamas

Halloween 2011

2011-11-30T09:59:00.000-08:00

This year for Halloween we stayed at a friends house in San Diego for the night. Poppy had picked out her costume a couple weeks before. She got a Woody costume. Picked it out all by herself. Walked down the isles of the Halloween store pointing at costumes saying, "Hmmm, No. Hmmm, N0." Then she saw Woody and said, "WOODY!"

The day of Halloween came and she had missed her nap because we were crossing the boarder. So, she was a little on edge to say the least. In the end, she didn' want to wear her costume so she became a bag lady. Pushing around a play grocery cart with all her junk in it. Couldn't have been better. She was pushing that thing around like a crazy person. Almost ramming people. The best part is she would "park" her cart at the end of the drive way and then walk up to the door, try and take about 4 or 5 candy bars and then strut her stuff back to her junk.

The only bummer part about halloween is the parents are the ones who end up eating all the candy. Well, I do anyway...

We ended up leaving half the candy and the plastic pumpkin at a hotel for the maid. Enjoy.

Disney Land

2011-11-29T19:13:00.001-08:00

Mexico 2011

2011-11-29T13:27:00.001-08:00

We took our annual Mexico trip to the Soffe's beach house in October. It was a much needed vacay since we couldn't really travel anywhere in the summer with baby coming. We had a blast and also blessed baby Win on the beach while there. My parents and brother and Girlfriend came to join in on the fun. We flew into LA, then rented a car and drove 3 hours down. Well, suppose to be 3 hours that turned into 6 hours with a few stops including trying to calm a screaming baby in a parking lot for an hour. The whole car seat thing is foreign to us. You mean you can't just pull the baby out while driving and sooth?? Darn.

We spent week and half in Mexico, Halloween in San Diego, and made a stop at Disney Land the day before we flew out. So fun. It was crazy seeing Disney Land as an adult and watching Poppy light up. The best. Having a new born at Disney Land with a cold, not sure if that was the best idea... but it all worked out. He did great. Here is a million photos of our trip. Sorry. I haven't even added the Disney Land photos yet. More to come. I'm bad at editing....

Uncle Bri Bri Our Friend Traci stopped in for a couple days.

iphone Pics

2011-11-26T11:19:00.000-08:00

I finally dumped all my iPhone pictures onto my computer. Here are a bunch from the past few months.

I took Poppy to the Zoo right before baby was born.

I Obviously was spoiling her because I was feeling guilty about having another baby We painted Poppy's room right before baby came This was taken of us at Shake Shack just hours before I went into Labor. Our last shot of just the two of us. That day we were running around all over the place. To the park, to lunch, grocery shopping, etc. Kicked Win right out of my belly. Day he was born. Just chillin. Poppy came to visit at the hospital. She did so great with the transition. Loves her brother so much. We lucked out. 1 week old First bath Missed her nap one day and this is what happened. At 5PM. Pretending to sleep in the Balls Heading to LA

Blogging maternity leave

2011-11-22T19:45:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how much catching up I have to do on this bloggy. I've been a little busy lately taking care of this now 3 month old chap. It has FLOWN by so fast. Almost too fast. This little guy has grown following in his big sisters foot steps. He has become a little sumo wrestler and I'm thrilled that he is going to be as chubby and a rolling bliss as Poppy was a baby. He is such a great little guy and has an amazing little spirit about him. Very calm and even tempered in nature and has become a great sleeper. The beginning was a little rough trying to get him comfortable but now that he's grown out of that faze it's a whole new baby. Finally giving me some balance.

I still am wanting to share my birth story. Only because it's a pretty crazy one. I'll get to that one soon. Don't worry though, No pictures of me pushing the baby out or in a tub or screaming my guts out. You guys know exactly what blogs I'm talking about...

Here are some photos of what was happening pre baby.

Cousin Mack These next 3 photos are in subsequential order of what Poppy's emotions go through on a regular basis. Notice on the last photo her toys thrown on the ground. Oh 2 year olds!

More to come soon!

Please don't end summer

2011-08-05T10:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's the last month of the summer. NO! I really really don't want to enter the fall. Not yet. I want to play outside in the sun a few more months with my Poppy. I think I'm getting a little sad that our alone time is coming to an end pretty soon. I'm super excited to meet this baby boy but also very sad that I won't have as much one on one time with this nugget. I'm sure every mom goes through this as some point. And I know I will adjust. Lots to do before the baby comes!

I better get going

Baby Soffe babyshower

2011-07-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

Jessica Hetherington knows how to throw awesome showers. How cute did she set up her little charming back patio? How nice would that be to have a patio like that in NYC? SO nice. Here are some photos from the shower. Thanks to everyone who came! Baby Soffe is well loved. He's coming soon!

Prego shoot

2011-07-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Wanted to take some shots of my big belly with Poppy and Reyn before this baby comes in 5 weeks. Sorry there are so many but I loved too many of them.

Poppy was behind the camera on these next shots. She was super into it shirtless and shoeless and all. Was even "pretending" to fix the camera when the shots were backed up.

My hand looks a little Freddy Kruegerish in this photo. Creepy. Looks like I'm in the beginning stages of transforming. Maybe that's why Reyn's face looks so spooked out.

OUtside Please

2011-07-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

We have been spending a majority of our time this summer outside in the heat. It's been awesome to get out, not so awesome for my swollen ankles. We got Poppy a new ride for the city and she is in heaven on this gem. Doesn't quite have the steering down but getting there. This little nugget rode it all the way home from the park about 15 blocks without stopping. I'm shocked she didn't get a heat stroke. Maybe all those Dora episodes she's been watching about determination are rubbing off on her? Thanks Dora.

Thank goodness her daddy was there to coach because my big fat belly was just fine sitting and watching

WE had a pic nic at Battery Park last Sunday with some friends. Such good weather and great company. Needs to happen every week

4th of July weekend

2011-07-10T12:45:00.000-07:00

We had a great 4th weekend here in the city. Photos from the weekend:

Poppy saw her first Movie in the theatre CAR's 2. Wasn't really sure what to do with herself. Ended up walking up and down the stairs in the isles and making a best friend. Chasing each other around the theatre holding hands. I didn't really mind since the movie kind of sucked, I had candy and a shake shack shake, and I was sitting in the AC. Life was good.

On the way home from the movies. Poppy decided to strip down and play in a fountain. She is the biggest water kid. She would live in the water if she could.

4th day we road our bikes up to a park in Chelsea so Poppy could get out some energy. Passed out on the way home with her head bobbing and slept until 6PM. Thanks goodness because we kept her up until 11PM that night. She rocked it.

On the way to see fireworks

We got majorly hooked up this year to watch the fireworks. Our friend Russ gave us some tickets into Chelsea Pier to watch them. We ended up getting onto the golf course which was an exclusive event for employees only right under the fireworks. If you live in NYC, you know how lucky that is to not have to fight with crowds. The Macy's fireworks are pretty incredible.

My BIG 8 month prego bod. 7 more weeks!

MIAMI girls trip 2011

2011-06-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

I head down to Miami with 3 of my girls last weekend. It was just what my prego belly needed. Slept in, Laid by the pool all morning, ate good food, shopped, saw Brides Maids. It was perfect. I left Reyn and Poppy at home and they had a blast as well. She is such a daddy's girl. Loved every minute of it.

Summer time

2011-06-26T18:47:00.000-07:00

I LOVE summer time in NYC. It's one of my favorite times. So much to do with kids and the city just comes alive. The past few weeks I have been loving spending them with Poppy. I'm trying to do as much as I can with her before this baby comes in the next few weeks. We've been going to the park, playing in the water, swimming, etc. Her little pre school that she was going to twice a week ended a couple weeks ago. So sad. She had such a blast there and made such great little nugget friends. Here are a few pics.

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-06-02T18:08:00.000-07:00

Had a great busy Memorial Day weekend. Saturday woke up and had a Crepe breakfast with all our NY friends. Can't go wrong with that. Then head out to the Hester Street Fair and Park with everyone. Ended the night eating Italian at a great restaurant in the Lower East Side called Bacaro.

Sunday we took a long bike ride over to a park off the West Side Highway

Monday we woke up and head out to the Salvation Army...50% off everything. Found some gems. Then met our dear friend Jessica at Central Park for a picnic, merry go round, bubble watching, music listening, creepy turtle watching, and feeding a horse. Success.

My big belly was sooooo tired by the time we got home.

29th Birthday

2011-06-02T14:40:00.000-07:00

One year older and one more year in my 20's. This is going to be the best year yet.

I had a really good birthday this year. I have to say, Reyn really pulled through this year. The morning started off with breakfast in bed made by Reyn and Poppy, presents, and Poppy even slept in until 9. She totally had that one planned. Then I took off with Poppy to watch the Navy ships come in for Fleet Week. There was a little field of grass that was filled with toys and dress up clothes for kids so Poppy partied. Summers here are so fun.

After her nap we went to Imagination Park by our apartment. They have water there, hence the no wearing pants. It rocked.

That night Reyn threw me a "surprise" birthday bike ride: Tour De Taco.

We made two stops at two different taco joints. The first was this Korean Taco place in the Lower East Side. Super good.

The second was a place called Oaxaca in Soho area. Super good Mexican tacos and Horchata.

This year is going to be awesome!

Spring came and went

2011-06-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

NY didn't really have a spring this year. We had a few nice days along with a lot of crappy days and then all of a sudden, summer hit. Yesterday I thought I was going to die hanging out at the park with Pops. Being almost 7 months prego in this heat is no joke. I just signed up at a pool so I can start swimming/floating in the water. I need a break from this heat...and it's only June.

Here are some random pictures from "spring" in NY. We've been having so much fun lately. I'm trying to spend as much time as I can with Poppy before this new little nugget arrives. She is at such a great age. I tell her all the time to stop growing, please.

Mom, I finally got a photo of her wearing the bunny ears

Randoms

2011-05-08T12:09:00.000-07:00

We got some film developed from the last few weeks. Here are some randoms.

Poppy's BFF Frankie

High Line Park

Charlie

Ferris and Poppy enjoying some cousin love

Family Photo-May 2011

2011-05-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Reyn had a shoot last week so we just threw ourselves in at the end for some family photos. I've been wanting to get a shot of us three before this baby comes in a few months. I put up WAY too many, sorry. I just loved them all! I can't believe how big Poppy is getting. Please slow down.

Easter 2011

2011-05-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

This year we celebrated Easter with our New York family. Which included feasting at our friends the Stotens. We are very lucky to have such great friends here that we can count on since we don't have any immediate family here. It also helps that 3 of us are preggers at the moment and due within a month or two of each other. Yay for babies!

Had a check up today and moving right along. I'm now 22 weeks and am hoping it stops going so fast! I need more time!

Feeling a bit overwhelmed at the thought of having two little kiddies to take care of in this city but am super excited to meet this little nugget. I'm just taking it one day at a time.

Poppy ready for church on Easter Sunday. Decided to put on my shoes (she does this constantly) and carry around her half easter egg and new neckless. She loves holding onto little treasures. Actually she death grips onto little objects and can rarely get them from her.

The New York Family feasting

Arizona

2011-03-31T10:13:00.000-07:00

Beginning of Spring...not yet?

2011-03-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

I have millions of swing photos. Sorry, had to post some more.

It's a...

2011-03-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

BOY!!!

We finally found out the sex of our new little muffin addition due on September 4th. What a relief to finally know. I think we were both in a little shock when they told us it's a boy because all we know is a girl and...a boy? But after it sunk in, we are super excited! I have been secretly looking up boy clothes on Etsy this past month (Reyn doesn't know that) just incase it was in fact a little nugget boy. I'm glad to know there is hope in the little boy clothes department!

These past few months have been a little rough for me with nausea, throwing up, scared to leave my apartment for fear of barfing on street (repeat of last pregnancy), and tiredness. It's a lot different having to take care of a kid while feeling like you can't get out of bed. But, the worst is over and I'm feeling much better and have much to look forward to.

All of these items were found on Etsy

I'm here

2011-03-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

I've been the worst blogger lately. I do have a good excuse, we were out of town for a month. Flew with Poppy to Arizona for 10 days to enjoy some warm weather and meet up with family. It was the first time all my siblings have been together in years. Had a great time. Poppy was in absolute heaven having all the freedom she could dream of going from a tiny NY apartment in the middle of a crappy winter to tons of space, walks outside, cousins to play with, and alone time. She was a champ on the plane ride. I was terrified flying solo with her on a 5 hour flight at her age. The lady next to me thought I was crazy because every time she would start to fuss I would just shove candy in her mouth. Worked like a charm. She was on a major sugar high on the flight but when we started to land she had a melt down. Perfect timing though since we were landing. The people on the plane got lucky. Suckers.

I ate myself to death with mexican food. Every time I go home I can't help myself with it. We also blessed my new nephew and had a birthday party for Poppy. I can't believe she's 2!!

After having a great time in AZ we flew to UTah to meet up with Reyn and his family for 2 weeks. Had an amazing time catching up with friends and family. Since we don't live near either of our families, we can never get over how easy life is with all the help. And having a car...oh how nice that was. Poppy had some fun with more cousins and enjoyed looking at people other than us. It was good to be back in NY after a month away.

We came back at the perfect time because it's finally warming up. I've been taking Poppy to the park, enjoying getting out, and threw Reyn a birthday party last night for his big 37th. Old man.

I'm still getting a few rolls of film developed so don't have any pictures of our vacay yet but have some gems coming. Here is the only pic I have from my phone of us at the park last week when it was wicked warm. It looks like Poppy has a bird on her head. haha

More to come

Got some film developed

2011-01-27T19:10:00.000-08:00

Picked up some rolls of film and here are some of my favorites.

South Beach, Miami December

SNOW!

This is our backyard

Poppy was having a blast running through some dripping water from the Brooklyn Bridge and some guy told us to leave because the water is dirty and not safe. Woops

Christmas and New Year in NYC

2011-01-04T16:04:00.000-08:00

This year we decided to spend the holidays in New York at home. We did the same last year and it's been fun just our little family on Christmas morning starting new traditions with Poppy. The week leading up the Christmas was insane trying to wrap and ship off all the family presents and get Poppy's gifts together and wrapped and have a busy week with work. We also had a thief in our building who stole 2 boxes sent from family with Poppy presents. Tear. We went and saw Santa at Macy's and Poppy had a holiday party and met Santa once again. Yeah, she's pretty happening.

Here are some pictures from the week.

Our living room view from the kitchen. Instead of buying christmas decorations this year to save money, I decided to make some. These are just different colors of felt cut into circles and used a hole punch in middle of circles to put string through. That easy. Got the idea Here

I had a few ornaments from last year but needed to add something extra so I decided to cut out these little birds and hang them on the tree. Added a ton. Got them HERE. Thanks Shuana!

These were my Friend/Neighbor gifts. I made some peppermint hot chocolate mixes using mason jars. Got recipe HERE.

Christmas Eve we spent visiting the Rockefeller Tree, bumping into a person dressed as Elmo on the street which made Poppy's night, went on a horse carriage ride in Central Park, and had desert at our friends house that night. We also froze our butts off.

Christmas morning. Poppy opening her first present with a morning muffin in hand. Shortly after realized she needed both hands to tear that wrapping paper off so I ended up finishing the muffin. That's what always happens...

So stoked about her new hair clips from her cousins that she insisted on putting all of them in at once. The girl knows what's up.

After presents we had a crepe party at our apartment with some friends (new tradition) and then headed over to our friends in Brooklyn to celebrate. This is Poppy after her first taste of peppermint and her sweet Nike two piece. Thanks Grandma!

The day after Christmas there was a huge blizzard which left all of this

New Years Eve...you're a little limited when you have a toddler that goes to sleep at 7PM and nobody is around to babysit so we ended up just taking a ferry ride to Staten Island and back. It was perfect for Pops, she could just run up and down the ferry and get out all the energy she needed.

That night to celebrate the new year we did some of this

And some of this

We rocked it. We stayed awake long enough to see the ball drop on TV. I got mad at Reyn for falling asleep on me at 10PM. Forced him awake to sit and watch TV with me. Awesome.

My Christmas present from Reyn

2011-01-02T20:52:00.000-08:00

What a great gift.

Christmas Party

2010-12-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

Our friends through a Christmas party last week which included: Christmas Caroling, treats, and 5 man towers. We've been blessed with such great friends in this city and don't know what we would do without them. We really consider these people our family.

WE got a little crazy

Park day

2010-12-16T17:14:00.000-08:00

We just got some film developed from a few weeks ago and wanted to share. We head to Washington Square Park on a unusually warm day in NOV. Keep those coming.

South Beach, MIAMI

2010-12-16T16:51:00.000-08:00

We head to South Beach to visit my sister and new baby the first week in Dec. It was good to get out and spend some quality time with Poppy girl and family. I got to spend two days babysitting that new little muffin and had a blast/realized how easy it is with just one kid. I had Ferris in the baby bjorn and Poppy in the stroller carting them around and even managed to make it to a playground about 15 blocks away. I was a pro at multi tasking by the end of those two days.

Poppy was IN love with that little baby and had to be by his side the entire time. When Reyn got there that was a different story. When he was holding baby she would say, "NO, my dadda." Ok, maybe Poppy's obsessed with him a little more than me. It hurts my feeling...just a lil bit...but not really.

My mom came in as well and Poppy loved all the Macy's clothing that gwwama was buying her.

I planned the trip so I would be in SB during Art Basel. We could only make it to one event because of timing but it was amazing to see.

Here are some pics of the trip

Watching the NY Marathon with glistening snot

2010-11-26T17:51:00.000-08:00

Poppy adores Reyn

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving was a great one. I really felt like I got into the holiday spirit more than ever...maybe more than I should've. This past year I've really made a transformation that is scaring both myself and Reyn. Not that it's a bad thing but it's just not the typical "me". I've become a cook/craft maker. And I actually enjoy it. Maybe I just have too much time on my hands.

We started off the eve of Thanksgiving heading up to watch the Macy's Day Parade balloons be blown up. It was amazing to be that close to these massive balloons.

We went to the Macy's Day Parade the next morning. Lasted about 30 minutes.

We ate our Thanksgiving feast over at the Stotens. Our good friends from Australia.

Turkey made by Lars

Poppy decided she didn't want to sport her skirt anymore after a diaper change.

These personal pumpkin pies that I made. Great way to avoid having to ruin a pretty pie.

Stuffed

Indian headbands that I made for all the ladies. I told you, really got in the spirit.

Steven and the lads. Poppy, Leif, and Frankie

Poppy just told a great joke

I want to build this bed for Poppy

2010-11-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

Found this be on www.ohdeedoh.com

me want

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T09:11:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken at Central Park right before we hit up our Church Halloween Chili cook off. You heard me right.

The colors of the trees were amazing. We let Poppy just do her thing walking around checking things out. We even stopped to listen to a band playing in the park...and they were so good we dropped 10 bones on their CD.

Halloween night we trick of treated with some friends around the city. I have to say, it was a totally different experience from my upbringing in Mesa, AZ. Stores and Restaurants gave out candy instead of homes and we even hit up our friends apartment complex for candy. By the end Poppy was dragging her bag of candy with one hand and sucking on her 10th sucker with the other. She even caught on to knocking on the door, saying "twick aur tweeeet," and grabbing some candy. Good times. I have never seen her so tired by the end of the night. I had to force her to stay awake for a little longer bribing her with more candy and Yo Gabba Gabba because we had locked ourselves out of our apartment. Yikes! Overall, we had an awesome weekend.

Past month

2010-11-03T08:54:00.000-07:00

Here are a bunch of moments the past couple months. There are many more but I didn't want to overwhelm with photos. We've had a blast the past couple months.

Looking up at a tree with Poppy at the park.

Morning sun

Poppy started Preschool in September 1 day a week. She loves it and is learning a ton. She's so big! Stop growing!

Central Park

She now demands to walk on the streets of New York

Brooklyn Bridge

Carving at the Stotens

Walking Central Park

Photo Shoot

Mad at me because I wouldn't give her another cookie

Pancake dog park

Cheese

2010-10-18T09:54:00.000-07:00

Poppy's new thing to say, "Cheese!"

Arizona

2010-09-29T20:25:00.000-07:00

WE head out to AZ a couple weeks ago to visit my family. I flew solo with Pops and hung out the first few days and Reyn met up with us for the weekend. For some reason we only took photos while swimming (we did that a lot) but I promise there was more than that.

For example:

Mexican Food 3-4 times

High School reunion

Grandpa Speck

caught up with old friends

Cafe Rio

Long walks....at 5AM

Gym daycare...who knew?

Family time

Poppy jet lag

Had a blast

SLC Zoo

2010-09-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

We finally got these photos developed from back in May! A little behind (I feel like I say that every post). These were taken with our Cannon. I love how the black and white turned out. So much detail. I feel like Poppy is a completely different little person now from when these pictures were taken. She is talking up a storm lately. She loves to tell me "NO" and apparently everything is "Hers" these days. I scared. She now refers to Yo Gabba Gabba as "YO" and is super obsessed with me these days. I love.

Cannon AE1 film camera

2010-09-04T17:58:00.000-07:00

We just got some film developed from the past month. This camera is amazing. If you have the right light, the pictures pop hard core. This past month has been exciting and exhausting. We moved into our new apartment which is one block away from our old so it made things a little smoother being so close. Well, we did talk 5 of our guy friends into forming an ant line moving boxes and bags and stroller and majority of our apartment. They busted it out in 2 hours. Incredible. Especially since we moved into a 2 floor walk up. I gave up my elevator for an enormous kitchen, washer/dryer, and private room for my business. If you live or have visited NYC, you will understand. Those two things are hard to come by. I've got a little system down now with the stairs and it seems to be working out well. We'll see when I'm 9 months prego trying to carry groceries and Poppy up all at once. I'm NOT prego by the way just saying...when it happens.

I've been pretty busy with work but have been enjoying taking Pops to the park and soaking in as much summer as I can. I can feel fall coming and am excited but that just means that Winter is around the corner and, I'm terrified. Trying to figure out how to keep a toddler busy in the winter months is a task of its own. I have to start thinking about it in August. What? Thank goodness they offer indoor playgrounds (for a pretty penny) in NYC. Regardless, we will have a blast snuggling up to hot chocolate, smelling cold air, and wearing cute winter clothes! That's me trying to stay positive.

This could be my all time fave photo of Poppy. Priceless

Experimenting with finger painting. She's not quite sure what to do at this point...

And then, this happens

My sister Emily's baby shower

Bike day! The past 3 August's Jay Z has sponsored a bike day in NYC. The city Closes down one of the largest streets in the city from Brooklyn Bridge all the way to Central Park just for bikes and walkers/runners. We made it all the way and even made a loop around Central Park all in 2 hours. My bum bum was hurts. P.S. I need a helmet.

Poppy trying to show off her shoe to two ladies

Governors Island

2010-08-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks back we headed over to Governors Island. This Island is a 5 minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan (just a 10 minute walk from our apartment). Can you believe this is just 5 minutes across the water from the cauous of the city? It was beautiful. We went over with a few friends and enjoyed a picnic on this huge lawn of grass under a tree.

Poppy's BFF Frankie. They heart each other. More pics to come of these two. Including photos from a one hour dance session that we had over at our friends apartment last weekend. Seriously, these girls have some moves.

Steven and Leif

Frankie

Blueberry and Cream Tarts

2010-08-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

This recipe is suprisingly pretty easy and the best part about it, there is no added sugar (well, a tiny bit of powdered sugar on top of blueberries but it's optional). If you're looking for a party desert or breakfast, these gems and awesome. I found this recipe here http://sproutedkitchen.com/?paged=2

Love of dogs

2010-08-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we were out all day. Started at 9AM heading out to Govenors Island with some friends for Civil War day. Governors Island is a quick ferry ride from Manhattan and was once a Naval base but has now turned into a biking Island where people can tour and take advantage of open space. We had a picnic on an open field. Glorious. Once we got back we were determined to just keep Poppy up instead of putting her down for a late nap so we could put her to sleep at a friends house and get a joint babysitter (I'm sure this is all very interesting). Anyway, here are some photos of what we did to try and keep her from conking out.

Dog Park (exciting)

Seaport Park

I'm pretty sure she made it to 8PM and then we formed a bike gang and road. Pretty sweet if you ask me.

I really need to start posting some more interesting topics. I'm really struggling with this whole blog thing. Help

New Port, Rhode Island

2010-08-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

We road tripped to Newport, RI last weekend to stay with a friend of Reyn's. That place is so dreamy. Green and lush, beautiful beaches (with 70 degree water), and mansions everywhere! Reyn had to work the first day we were there so I took Poppy out in the rain to tour the town. Then we drove and looked at all the mansions, incredible. Poppy was being such a good girl so I just kept driving and driving. I never get to drive in NY so I took advantage. Such a good escape. We hit the beach the second day. So sad this is the only photo I took the entire time. Poppy was partying in the waves. I highly recommend this place!

Sunday Picnic

2010-08-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

We spent the afternoon at Battery Park a few Sunday's ago. Not sure if it was a good decision being close to 100 degrees with 50% humidity (hence Poppy being shirtless and chugging her water). That white skin just soaking it in.

reyn blowing bubbles

I love this photo

Mexico!

2010-07-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

Oh, mexico. You rock my world. We spent 2 weeks at the Soffe beach house. It was heaven. A week just isn't enough. Coming from the craziness of NY, this was easy living. The beach house touches the sand so we spent everyday walking on the beach and enjoying fresh air. We also enjoyed some great food. Enjoyed it so much that I now have a food baby. There is just too much to share so I just put a butt load of photos up. Sorry. Hope you enjoy.

The entire Soffe family did some air moves that we captured on film. This by far is the best and most dangerous. Well done. I blamed my weak move on my thrown out back...I had a good excuse.

Hot tub

4th of July

2010-07-27T19:27:00.000-07:00

We spent our 4th in San Diego this year. Flew in on the 3rd after a long day of traveling and a 3 hour difference. Checked into our Days Inn in Encinitas (Reyn officially felt like a "dad" checking his family into a hotel late night while his family waited in the car). Put Poppy to sleep in the bathroom of the hotel. And enjoyed a free breakfast.

The 4th we drove around San Diego. Tried to find the seals in La Jolla and when we finally did, Poppy was conked out in the back. We found an amazing playground in Encinitas right on the beach and played there for a little. We then made our way to a country club with our friend...who's a member...and partied there for the rest of the night. I have to say, it was perfect with a kid. Plenty of room for her to run free and wild, they had a bouncy house that we all got in and acted like kids, a water balloon launch, and all the food you can think of. It was perfect.

I found out on this trip if you want Poppy to be your best friend, give her sugar. This is her with a huge peanut butter cookie. Would not give it up when I tried to break it into a smaller piece. I just kept telling myself, "she's on vacation, give her a break."

This is where she spent most of her time. Collecting the golf balls out of each hole and taking the poles out. Made a group of 8 year old golfers pretty upset. They even tried to through a ball to see if she would fetch it so she would leave.

End of the night after we kept her up a few hours past her bedtime. She had a blast.

Slidin

2010-07-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

Poppy tearing it up at the park. She was scraping the slide so hard with her bare chubby legs but loving every minute of it.

Poppy's new words: can-cake (Pancake), ah oooo (ah oh), hi, ooooo? (really?)

We are heading on a 2 week vacation starting tomorrow. Freak yaaaay. First stop is San Diego for the 4th. We're staying in Encinitas and then head down to Mexico to meet Reyn's family for the rest of time. Much much needed vacation. We have both been super busy so it will be heaven just to relax on the beach for a while. Just went and painted my toes blue and waxed almost half my body (OUCH). Not really, but it felt like half my body. I've been through labor and I think that takes the cake.

Elmo Loves You

2010-06-24T07:02:00.000-07:00

Constant companion

Playing off the river near Battery Park.

Lunch time

Summer days

2010-06-14T18:38:00.001-07:00

This is how we've been spending our days lately. Having a bike in NYC makes all the difference.

Miami Girls Trip

2010-06-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

Utah-May 2010

2010-06-14T17:15:00.000-07:00

We head out to Utah for Reyn's sister wedding back in May and I'm just getting to posting the photos...

I still have a roll of film to get developed so I'll post some more later.

Here we are on the way to the airport. I know what you're thinking but NY doesn't require car seats. Well, really just Manhattan. It's impossible to put a car seat in a taxi. I know it's horrible and totally unsafe. That's why I rarely take a taxi. Really the only time is when I'm on my way to the airport. Ok, I'll stop justifying.

Reyns grandma Mable. She rocks.

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2010-06-07T19:08:00.000-07:00

I love this little girl. I've been a slacker on the blogging lately but I do have some great photos to post. So I better get on it...hopefully tomorrow or the next day. We've been having an awesome summer and it's only getting better. I went on a 5 day Miami girls trip. Fantastic. Much needed. I had never been away from Poppy so leaving her for that long was a little rough but not as hard as I thought. Knowing she was with her dad building forts and staying up way past her bedtime made me feel safe. They had a blast. Such a blast that when I got home she was so attached to Reyn that I got my feeling hurt...just a little. I spent my days with the ladies soaking up as much sun as I could, sleeping in!, getting a facial, doing yoga, getting a keratin treatment, and eating. Oh, and had some of the best people watching of my life. And hung with my favorite ladies.

This past weekend we head to Hopewell, New Jersey and crashed with some of our friends for a neighborhood garage sale. We found some gems. I'll post some photos later. We got stuck on the train out to NJ for an hour with no AC. By the end Poppy looked like she had just gotten out of a Bikram Yoga class and had probably made a handful of friends. Isn't it interested how kids bring adults together? We never would've made friends with half those people if she wouldn't have gone up and grabbed them or waved at them while she walked by. Kids are amazing.

Idaho Wedding

2010-05-20T09:52:00.001-07:00

Reyn's sister Aydre was married in Blackfoot, Idaho this last weekend. It was so nice to spend the day outside right on the Snake River. So pretty. Here are some photos from the wedding.

Poppy is obsessed with water. She insisted on getting in this pond, stripped down to nothing, and was devastated when we took her out.

Then we put her in this to wash all the algae off.

The next day Pops swam at Best Western. She was loving life.

Found

2010-05-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

We just got some film developed and wanted to share a couple jem photos. The first shows Poppy and Pancakes love for each other. They have this bond that is secret. Poppy will sneak Pancake food and they totally understand each other.

The second photo was taken right after I screamed when I saw spilled paint all over our hardwood floors. I screamed so loud it made Poppy cry. Sorry!

blast! No time to blog

2010-05-12T21:07:00.000-07:00

I've been the worst blogger. I blame it on my schedule. We both have been SUPER busy. The past month we've had people staying with us every week, my eyelash business has exploded which is totally awesome but I'm still trying to juggle everything, and reyn's work has been super busy and he's been traveling quite a bit (I'm promise I'm not complaining, we feel very fortunate). We've also been updating our apartment with a few new items, will post later. So...I don't have much time to blog tonight (since it's almost 1AM and I work at 9AM tomorrow and then we leave to Utah at 1PM...and I still have a ton to do). I'm just going to leave you with some photos of the past couple weeks.

WORD

Battery Park

Hester Street Fair

Lounging

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Strawberry-Arugula Salad with Ricotta Topping

2010-04-21T15:31:00.000-07:00

Perfect spring salad

Serves 8-10

4 pints strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced into quarters 1 pint raspberries, washed and blotted dry 1-2 cups sliced almonds 1 small bunch baby arugula, sliced into thin ribbons Kosher salt 2 lemons, zested and juiced 1 1/2 cups fresh, drained ricotta cheese 2 tablespoons sugar (or more, to taste) 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Toss the strawberries, raspberries, almonds, and sliced arugula with a pinch of kosher salt and the zest of 1 lemon.

For the dressing: In a separate bowl, mix the lemon juice and remaining lemon zest with the ricotta, sugar, and nutmeg. Taste and sweeten to taste, if necessary.

Serve the salad with the dressing on the side.

Asparagus with Poached Egg, Tarragon and Chives

2010-04-21T15:27:00.000-07:00

This dish is AMAZING and super easy to make. It seriously tastes like candy.

Serves 4

1 bunch tarragon 1 bunch chives Juice of 1 lemon Extra virgin olive oil About 24 asparagus spears, blanched 4 eggs, poached

Whizz the tarragon, chives, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Add enough olive oil to achieve the consistency you like. Set aside while preparing the asparagus and eggs.

Divide the asparagus spears between four plates. Spoon the dressing over the spears and then top with the poached eggs.

Garnish with Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs, or freshly ground black pepper, if desired.

Spring is in the air

2010-04-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhh. Finally I can feel the warmth and feel my toes and fingers. I've actually worn just a T-shirt out side off and on the past couple weeks. These pictures are from Easter (a little behind). We've both been super busy with work and taking care of this little muffin.

Also, I have a new obsession lately for eating healthier. I've read Michael Pollan and Watched Jamie Oliver and have totally jumped on the eating fresh from scratch band wagon. Some people may call it "trendy" but I just call it common sense. Common sense that I never understood until I read the facts.

So, I'll be sharing some of my favorite recipes on the blog. Just so you know, I'm not a cook...AT ALL. All of the recipes are super easy....really, anyone could do it. I bought a bread machine and have been making all of our bread so I'll also post some great bread machine recipes.

Happy Spring!

Workin it

2010-04-14T10:17:00.000-07:00

It comes in handy having a photographer husband. Poppy worked it in front of the camera.

Happiness

2010-04-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

This is what makes Poppy happy these days. Our junk. Our random junk. No need to buy any new toys...pointless. She's also really into sitting in our window seal and checking things out. You know, making sure people are following the rules. She's jabbering like crazy. Kind of sounds like alien talk mixed with giggles. She's awesome.

Fish Eye

2010-04-05T11:30:00.000-07:00

Old little girl

2010-03-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

Soffe Road Trip

2010-03-16T18:27:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we ventured out on a road trip with the Soffe's. A much needed road trip. We first arrived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania where we took a tour and learned about the Amish. Next we drove to Intercourse, Pennsylvania and you can only imagine the conversation that was happening. I just feel better now that I can say I've been to Intercourse. Ha, dumb. That night we slept at Laurens parents house in Baltimore. Tour of Gettysburg the next day, slept in Washington D.C. that night. Tour of D.C. the next day and back to Baltimore for baby Mack's baby blessing. I was shocked at how well Poppy did in her car seat. Living in NY we don't even own a car seat so I was a little worried but she champed it out. I think she was stoked to finally have some alone time. Just kept herself busy by playing peek a boo all by herself, sucked her thumb, played with her toes, looked at her books, and talked to herself. Highlights of the trip: Intercourse...Penn, Taco Bell, baby Mack, Poppy climbing stairs, Poppy becoming slap happy from missing a nap, smell of a rental car, having family around.

Poppy going bonkers with excitement sitting in the front seat of our car.

My awesome teen outfit that I put together on the streets of D.C. It was a little chilly, so I broke down and bought a tourist sweater and...it was glorious.

Alone time

During her slap happiness. She was going crazy with laughter on the bus in D.C. She was a wild Stallion.

Cousins

Vietnam Memorial

Central Park ZOO

2010-02-25T17:24:00.001-08:00

We went to the Central Park Zoo for Poppy's Birthday. I think she was a little confused by everything but still had a great time being out with everyone (I think). Well, I checked the weather before we left and it said it was 40 degrees which isn't too bad...so, we didn't put Poppy's snow suit on and it we FREEZING. The wind got us good. The poor little thing froze her buns off and I'm pretty sure got a fever as a result. Yes, still trying to figure this mom thing out. At least she won't remember this birthday. The photos are deceiving.

Poppy Turns One

2010-02-19T17:57:00.000-08:00

On February 18th 2009, Poppy Wallace Soffe was born in the New York Downtown Hospital at 2:59AM. She came into this world with long finger nails, a head full of blonde hair, and was ready to party (by party I mean keep us up all hours of the night). It took me a few hours to really soak in that she was actually ours and I had to take care of her, but once I had some time to bond with this little human, I fell in love. She is the sweetest little human I have ever known (I know cheesy...sorry) and makes us crack up constantly. She is the best sleeper ever, loves blue berries and Yo Gabba Gabba, and smells like the best treat ever...like milk chocolate or peanut butter ice cream. Happy Birthday Poppy!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY POPPY!

2010-02-18T08:18:00.001-08:00

Wildlife Prints by Jeff Friesen

2010-02-17T13:09:00.001-08:00

Love these prints for a little kids room. You can find the prints HERE

Reyn and Poppy on the news

2010-02-12T12:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning I was walking to a meeting with Reyn and Poppy and we saw this. Well, this is post the huge explosion that happened right before our eyes. It was super sad for the building and people who own the building...but it was pretty amazing to see something that movie set like in real life. The explosion was so big that the mail man just up and ditched his mail bag and ran away? We had to pick up his mail? We also saw an old man dressed in a woman's sparkly dress and makeup with a pink poodle who was getting dressed in its winter coat checking things out. It was crazy and awesome and the same time.

After the meeting we went back to check things out and this is what happened on the street. Check out this news clip of Reyn and Poppy. Just incase you were wondering, Poppy is now a 7 month old baby boy who likes to dress in little girl pink outfits. Oh, and I have gone missing. We were both buckled over cry laughing when we saw this. Laughing so hard that I now have a pinched nerve and I can barley move my neck and shoulder. Maybe when I disappeared my body was taken over and I now have lost all functionality. Darn.

Fish Eye

2010-02-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

2010-02-06T10:53:00.000-08:00

These photos were taken by our friend and photographer Trevor Owsley. He doesn't normally shoot little kids (as you can see on his site) but he was super nice and took some photos of this little munchkin.

Brilliant

2010-02-03T15:37:00.001-08:00

Those of you who live with no back yard, this is for you. I think this is a brilliant design. Would love to have one some day. Designed by Xavier Calluaud.

Find it at http://www.inhabitat.com

Peek a boo

2010-01-30T20:14:00.000-08:00

Blast you mirror!

2010-01-30T16:55:00.000-08:00

See that mirror down there? Well, that shattered right on Poppy's head last week. I was vacuuming, she crawled away, saw the mirror falling on her, it was too late. It was the saddest sight...Poppy sitting in shattered glass just shocked by the impact. Thanks goodness she didn't start crawling in it.

Reyn was home (he saved my life!) and ran and picked her up. She had a small cut on her head that I saw immediately but then Reyn said calmly, "so...she may have a cut on her back." I lost it...started crying. She had a deep cut on her lower back that was bleeding pretty bad. My heart sank and we ran over to the hospital (only a block away). I'm sure we were being overly protective being new parents but when the nurse asked my last name I could barley say it because I was crying so hard. Maybe I was just the crazy one. Thank goodness Reyn was with me. He kept me calm and hung with Pops while I ran around trying to figure out our insurance stuff. Isn't that sad that I couldn't even stay with Poppy but had to deal with insurance?

Long story short, my pediatrician (who is also a couple blocks away) ended up just gluing the wound shut.

Poppy was such an angel. She only cried for a couple minutes right after the mirror fell and then partied at the hospital. Climbing all over the hospital beds, smiling at the nurses. That made me feel even worse! Of course I felt like it was my fault. She survived though!! One emergency room visit down...let's hope that's our last!

Her gash one week after. And she's wearing the same blood stained T Shirt. Blood wouldn't come out...and I still had her wear it??

Home

2010-01-30T15:15:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of Poppy just being Poppy. She has been cracking us up lately. Dancing like crazy (her favorite song to dance to is ".6.6" by MILKY), she is constantly making funny faces or clicking her tongue as she crawls around, talks to herself, loves to be tortured by Reyn, enjoys "lap" time (especially during Yo Gabba Gabba), and she just laughs...sometimes for no reason. That's a good sign, right? Don't get me wrong, I could've done without her erasing all of my bookmarks on my computer today that I've been collecting for the past 6 months. It still hurts. I also could do without her trying to get into Pancakes food or rubbing her hair when she has avocado all over her hands. Somehow you end up just laughing at those things.

We have been spending a lot of time on Photo Booth

2010-01-30T15:06:00.001-08:00

Running

2010-01-29T06:44:00.000-08:00

Cannon AE1

2010-01-27T12:23:00.001-08:00

January

2010-01-22T15:56:00.000-08:00

Poppy was wowed by the football game. Reyn, not so much. Me, not so much.

Swing Baby

2010-01-22T15:06:00.001-08:00

Just so you know, I took a million photos of Poppy swinging on my fish eye camera but haven't gotten them developed yet...so you may be seeing her swing again in more style.

She LOVES to swing. I took her to Battery Park at the cutest little play ground right on the water. It's the fact that I think 40 degrees is warm now. It was super nice weather and to be right on the water made my day. Little things like that are HUGE to people who live in NYC. Fresh air.

It's fun now that Poppy is getting older and wiser. She is now (has been for a month or more) feeding herself. She refuses to let me spoon feed her anymore. Miss independent. She is almost walking. Is cruising like a champ wherever she can get ahold and holds on to our hands and takes little baby steps. That's exactly what it is...baby steps. She's now bonking her head and getting injured (minor)...except for that one time last week when I had to take her to the emergency room from a mirror falling on her and splitting her back open. Oh, that wasn't minor. She is really not scared of anything. For example, dropped something on the floor while sitting on the couch and almost face planting onto the ground from trying to grab it. Oh, and she is not shy in the slightest. Took her to story time tonight at this little bookstore and right when I put her down on the grown, darted over to the front row and center. Wanted in on ALL the action. Pretty funny.

Walking around the city. That's my serious face.

Studio Baby

2010-01-19T09:57:00.000-08:00

Working on a photo shoot with Russ and Reyn. Family working hard, Family playing hard.

Poppy hit it off with one of the models.

The Mouth

2010-01-12T18:31:00.000-08:00

Cannon AE1

2010-01-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

Looking back on 09

2010-01-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

January

February March April May June July August September October November December

Hello 2010

2010-01-02T07:28:00.000-08:00

Welcoming 2010. Celebrated on our roof top. That's what happens when you have a baby and no babysitter.

Christmas weekend

2009-12-29T07:23:00.000-08:00

Top 10 things that happened over the weekend.

1. Staying in NYC and enjoying the non traveling during all the snow storms

2. Eating at Freemans on Christmas Eve with some amigos

3. Seeing Poppy being passed around the restaurant to different tables. She was a hit.

4. Drinking Egg Nog

5. Making crepes on Christmas for brunch. New Soffe tradition

6. Seeing Poppy's reactions to her presents. Didn't really know what to do with all the excitement.

7. Completing day 25 and 26 of my 30 day challenge...I'm almost done!

8. Having friends over to celebrate

9. Walking in the rain to get our favorite tacos in the city at La Esquina.

10. Eating at the BEST sushi hole in the wall and going to the movies for our anniversary. Seriously, the sushi was like candy.

Reyn and Poppy wrestling. She loves to get tortured. Laughs her guts out. The freezing rain on the way to get tacos Giving her new doll a big wet opened mouth kiss.

Santa hats

2009-12-22T10:27:00.000-08:00

Both of Poppy's grandparents sent her a Santa hat to wear on Christmas. We tried to get a perfect shot with her sporting these hats but she would not have it. Here are some examples plus some extras.

Pancake went and stayed at a dog walkers house for the weekend and came back with this. The dog walker told me that Pancake and the other dog at her house just made out the entire time. She came back wiped. New sexy jammies

Sorry, more Santa

2009-12-17T11:05:00.001-08:00

Reyn got his film developed and I had to post some of the Santa photos. That first photo KILLS me. She is such a muffin.

We had to take the photo twice because the original that the photographer took didn't come out. By the second round she was totally over Santa.

Poppy, meet Santa

2009-12-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

Poppy about ready to back hand Santa. She was super funny because she just sat on his lap looking him up and down, checking out his hairy face. She's used to it now with all our bearded friends.

LOMO camera

2009-12-08T07:58:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Brent

Mexico

December so far

2009-12-08T07:36:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it's December. Where has time gone? Poppy is almost 10 months old! She will have her first birthday before we know it. INSANE.

Not much has happened the past couple weeks but here are a few pictures of the little miss. She is climbing up on everything and anything she can get her hands on that will hold her 20.5 pound weight. She had her check up last week and had only gained a pound in 3 months but has grown over 2 inches. She's in the 95% for height so we could have an amazon on our hands.

I've also been taking her to some music classes and play groups that she absolutely adores. She was in the middle of the circle at music class jumping up and down in lotus position dancing to the music. Wanted nothing to do with me. Every once in a while she would look over to make sure I was still around. Thank you for the independence! Don't worry, she still gives me snuggles when she's tired and I love those moments.

She discovered sliding on the hardwoods. This is her sliding with her new fancy pants. Did I mention that it's freezing in this city? Hence the huge oversized snow suite that Poppy is wearing. Gotta do what you gotta do when your fingers are numb.

spooky

2009-12-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

Fish Eye

2009-11-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge early in the morning.

Arizona

Miami

2009-11-24T09:49:00.001-08:00

Top 10 things I loved about Miami

1. Staying at the most amazing hotel for 6 nights and not having to clean a thing. It seriously was amazing.

2. Hiding all the Bliss product every day so they would leave more. I know, it's tacky.

3. Going swimming with Poppy every morning and afternoon.

4. People watching at the hotel pool.

5. Walking along the boardwalk with Poppy.

6. Staying right next door to my Sisters salon and being able to walk over and visit her.

7. Cutting baby bangs to hide my hair re-growth and having my sister make me a bright blonde.

8. Getting a tan...finally.

9. Playing tennis with Reyn.

10. Wearing a swim suite. All. Day. Long.

Key West

2009-11-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

Top five things from our visit to Key West

1. Staying across the street from Ernest Hemingway's house in the sweetest bed and breakfast.

2. Standing at the furthest southern point in the United States.

3. Poppy wearing the hippest sun hat to go along with her delicious thighs and owning it.

4. Eating Taco Bell in the car on a road trip...the best.

5. Stopping at a beach along the Keys where you could walk way out and the water was up to your ankles.

Poppy ate handfuls of sand and seaweed and loved it.

Sister Emily came along. She lives in Miami.

The Southern tip of the USA Hates the car seat. She's a city girl. Loved the ball I bought her at wallgreens on the way. She was flossing her teeth with it.

Standing up

2009-11-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

Poppy is officially pulling herself up to a standing position. Crazy! It's weird because we now feel like there are three people living here and not 2 1/2. She is becoming a real little human. Other mile stones: now eating yogurt, cottage cheese, and pureed meat, feeds herself Puffs, and made herself throw up by laughing so hard.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-03T14:00:00.001-08:00

This is what we did tonight

2009-10-29T20:03:00.000-07:00

Arizona

2009-10-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

This past week I set out on a plane to Arizona all alone...well with Poppy but no Reyn. I was terrified to be on a plane for 6 hours with a baby who is crawling and loves to be free. Luckily, this family on the plane took over and passed her around half the time. It gave me a chance to scarf some food down and get out the necessities. Even with everything I could think of right by my side if anything were to happen, I still managed to spill mashed banana all on her shirt. I made it.

Arizona was amazing. The weather was incredible and the space was much needed. It was hilarious watching Poppy check her new surrounding out.

5 highs and lows from the weekend:

1. Eating at Cafe Rio and Rosas Mexican...twice.

2. Stepping on Poppy's poo that my nieces dog Bailey had gotten out of her diaper.

3. Seeing my good friends at AJ's wedding.

4. waking up at 4AM every morning with Poppy because of Jet Lag.

5. Seeing my family and introducing Poppy to her only great grandparent.

These photos pretty much sum up the weekend minus the wedding I attended and seeing my best friends new baby boy at the hospital.

Learning how to eat with her hands. Sticking Puffs in her mouth. Lifesaver on a plane ride. Had the time of her life in the shopping cart. She also had the time of her life with the receipt.

Hello Word

2009-10-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

I'm Crawling

2009-10-15T11:56:00.000-07:00

Poppy started officially crawling a couple days ago. She's been practicing for about a month but now she's moving and exploring. It's been nice to be able to just put her on the floor and have her roam around and do her thing. Don't get me wrong, I have to watch her the entire time but she's becoming a lot more independent. On a sad note, she's totally loosing her thunder thighs. So sad. We can actually pull her out of her Bumbo without her getting stuck. Awesome.

Check out her tude in this photo

Broccoli face. Pancake licked it off. Practicing her yoga skills. Up dog down dog