Part II: Sweet

Here are the pictures of me looking sweet. When mommy took the pictures she told me to look like I was a princess. (P.S. I picked-out this outfit myself!)

Here is another story for you. In two of the pictures above, I am sitting in a plastic bin filled with about 30 stuffed animals. I adore these stuffed animals and often call them my "friends" or my "pets." The bin is quite heavy, but I can drag it around the house. Yesterday, mommy was nursing Juliet on one end of the couch and Kiwi (our cat) was sleeping at the other end of the couch. I dragged the bin of stuffed animals over to the couch and asked mommy to help my get it onto the couch. Mommy pulled it onto the couch. I looked at Kiwi and said "Get ready, kitty cat!" and started to tip the bin of stuffed animals onto the cat. At this point, mommy realized my intention to dump the entire bin of animals on Kiwi and stopped me from doing it. I was really disappointed. Mommy was laughing so hard that I finally had to tell her "stop laughing!" Yet another brilliant plan thwarted by mommy.

Part I: Silly

I wanted to take a bunch of silly pictures today. Mommy said that she would take some pictures of me being silly only if I would look like a princess in some other pictures. I obliged. This blog entry is of the pictures of me being silly. Also, I included another picture of Bunny-Bun, who I photographed myself.

I have a story for you. Yesterday, Mommy came into my bedroom in the morning and she was wearing a new headband. I looked at mommy and the first thing that I said was, "I do not like that thing in your hair. I do not like it." The next thing I said was, "I want it. I want to wear it." Mommy let me try it on later and I bugged her about it for the rest of the day!

A few more Easter pictures

I could not resist putting these last few Easter pictures on the blog taken by Auntie Lindsay.

Today we went to the Minnesota zoo. Here is a tip for anyone planning on going to the Minnesota zoo: Do not take the Monorail ride around the zoo. It is mind-numbingly boring. Mommy and daddy asked if I wanted to take a "train ride." That sounded fantastic to me---I was picturing something along the lines of a rollar-coaster. As it turns out, the Monorail never went faster than 5 miles per hour, often came to a complete stop, and went past animals that we could barely see out of our windows. I kept on saying, "Go faster! Go faster!" When that did not work, I said "Get me off of this train!" That had to have been the most boring 25 minutes of my life!

At the zoo, I was lucky enough to see a baby bunny and pet it! I keep telling mommy and daddy that I want a bunny "for a pet." It is not looking promising. We have Kiwi the cat for a pet, but she does not count. I want a cute, fluffy little bunny for my pet.

My baby sister continues to be super cute. I have nick-named her "Juliettie." Mommy and daddy wanted to nick-name her "Jewel," but I would have none of that. Everytime they say "Jewel" I say, "NO! Juli-ET." However, everyone may call her Juliettie, if they so choose.

Finger Painting

Today we did finger painting, which turned into hand painting, which turned into table painting, which turned into clothes painting. Mommy was nursing Juliet, so there was nothing she could do about it (hee hee).

I had kind of a rough night tonight. I woke up screaming and screaming. Mommy rushed-in and asked what was wrong. Mommy had forgotten to turn on the night light! I woke up and it was so dark and I got so scared! Even Bunny Bun was scared. I did not want to go back to sleep, even after mommy turned on the night light. So, daddy came into my room and talked to me for a little while. We talked about all of my favorite things. Here is what he asked me and here is how I answered:

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite animal: Bunny Bun

Favorite food: Meatballs.

Favorite song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

Favorite tv show: The Koala Brothers

Favorite mommy: Mommy

I am definitely going to have to remind mommy to turn on that night light!

Juliet in the sling

Mommy wears Juliet in the sling a lot during the day. It keeps Juliet from getting fussy and allows mommy's hands to be free to play fun games with me!

On Monday, Juliet had her 2 month doctor's appointment with Dr. Mackey. Juliet weighs 11 pounds 2 ounces, and is 22.5 inches. The nurse weighed me for fun and I weigh 32 pounds! Juliet is a lot littler than me (or "little dittle" as I have been saying lately). I played with a lot of the doctor's equipment. I checked mommy's eyes and her ears. And, I watched Dr. Mackey very carefully as she checked-out Juliet. Juliet cried a lot when the nurse gave her three shots in the leg for her vaccinations. I felt pretty sad for her. After the doctor's appointment we went to McDonalds, which I call "Old MacDonalds," as a special treat.

Green Bay Grandma and Grandpa

Green Bay Grandma and Grandpa were in Minneapolis for the earlier part of this week. We had a lot of fun going to the Mall of America, seeing the flowers at Macy's downtown and playing with all of my toys! However, there is one thing that Grandpa did that I will certainly remember.

Grandma and Grandpa came over first thing Tuesday morning. Grandpa handed mommy a cup of coffee and told her that they picked up a cup of her favorite hazelnut coffee at Brueggers Bagels. I looked at Grandpa and said, "I want a Bruegger's Bagel, too." I must have looked oh-so-sweet because Grandpa immediately left and drove to Bruegger's to get me my bagel! I told mommy and Grandma that I was going to wait right by the door until Grandpa came back, and I did! I was so happy to get my bagel and gave Grandpa a big hug and kiss when he returned.

Sleepy Baby

Baby Juliet sleep a lot. However, she mostly sleeps in grown-ups arms. She does not like to be set down very much when she is sleeping. Most of the time that is fine, but it can get a little annoying and I will say to mommy, "Set Juliet down!" This week, Green Bay Grandma and Grandpa came into town and they helped to hold Juliet while she slept. Mommy took pictures of Juliet sleeping in every one's arms: Daddy, Mommy, Grandma and Grandpa. Mommy often puts Juliet in her sling and carries her that way. Even Grandma gave the sling a try!

Easter Party

Juliet sure looks cute! I was not in the mood to have my picture taken on Easter, so you will not see any pictures of me in my blue Easter dress. I just wanted to party! We went to White Bear Lake Grandma and Grandpa's for Easter dinner. It was quite the party. All of my uncles and my aunt were there along with great aunties and uncles and many of daddy's cousins. I ate lots of candy and had a great time. Everyone had fun holding Juliet and admiring her bunny slippers and bunny hat.

New Look

It is a new look for a new era in the Adventures of Sophia blog. I had to make the difficult decision whether to continue the web address of the blog even though the blog is going to now be the adventures of both myself and Juliet. I decided to keep the blog address, because I would not want to confuse my loyal readers. However, as Juliet grows she will be appearing as a blogger on the site as well. I would ask Juliet to blog now, but her thoughts right now are so simple:

Juliet: sleep. sleep. sleep. cry. cry. cry. eat. eat. eat. poop. poop. poop. happy. happy. happy.

As Juliet grows I am sure her thoughts will become much more exciting. I hope you enjoy the adventures of both of the Heffelbower sisters.

Easter Bunny

Last week we were at the mall and guess who I saw? The Easter Bunny! He started to wave to me and I said, "He wants to talk to me! He wants to talk to me!" So, I got to talk to the Easter Bunny. I felt very happy about that.

Happy Easter!

We had an Easter egg hunt in the living room when I woke up. I found a peep in one of my eggs. Yummy!

I LOVED the Easter egg hunt. I had mommy and daddy hide some eggs again because I had so much fun finding them.

Here we are playing with the fun things I got in my Easter basket. I got stickers, books, a work book, and a kite!

Since I have been born, we have gone to church for Easter. This year, however, we did not go. Mommy said that it is too hard go to a crowded, long mass with an infant during a snow storm. We typically do not go to church on Sunday. However, mommy and daddy have started doing prayers with me, which I call "Bless" (i.e., "It's time to do the bless."). At night time, we bless all of the people and things that I love ("God bless mommy, daddy & Juliet; God bless bunny bun; God bless my new stickers..."). At dinner time we do another bless. It goes like this:

Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the friends we meet.
Thank you for the birds that sing.
Thank you, God, for everything.
Amen.

I say "Amen" very loudly and passionately. If we accidentally start dinner without saying the "bless" I remind everyone to say it. Often, I ask to say it a few times. I am enjoying this new tradition.

Mommy, however, has a request for all of you blog readers out there. Does anyone know of a good kid's night-time prayer that does not involve the phrase "If I should die before I wake...?" Let me know and I will pass it along to mommy!

Snow

Lots of snow in March! Daddy and I made this great snowman today. By the end of the day his head fell off because it had gotten so warm. I had so much fun making the snowman.

A day in the life of Juliet

It is strange living with a little baby. When people ask me how I like having a baby sister I tell them that "she cries a lot."

Juliet is usually awake by the time that I get up, which is around 8:00. If she is not awake, Juliet is often snuggled in mommy and daddy's bed. Apparently, Juliet does not particularly enjoy sleeping alone in her crib, so mommy brings her into bed during the night. We then go downstairs and have breakfast. Mommy manages to make breakfast while holding Juliet and I sit at the table waiting (not always patiently) for my food. Mommy often nurses Juliet and eats at the same time! Juliet is then usually tired and mommy either puts Juliet in the swing or wears Juliet in her sling. Often times, we go out for a morning activity (a walk outside to Java Jacks, play date with friends, children's museum, gymnastics, etc.). Juliet usually sleeps contentedly in the sling during this activity, however she hates her car seat and often cries along the way in the car.

In the afternoon, I take my "non-nap" and Juliet often sleeps again. However, Juliet has a super fussy period starting around dinner time and lasting until her bedtime, which is pretty late (11:00 pm). I get a little annoyed that Juliet is so fussy and that mommy and daddy cannot always play the super fun games that I want them to play.

Generally, having a baby sister has been fun. I am really helpful to mommy. I get diapers and wipes when we change Juliet's diaper; I can get my own slippy cup and yogurt out of the refrigerator; and I can play nicely next to mommy with my sticker book while mommy nurses. And, when Juliet cries, I am learning to cope---I usually just put my fingers in my ears!

Bubble Bath

A few weeks ago I went on a bathing strike. I absolutely refused to take baths. Luckily, mommy let me take "baby baths," like Juliet used to take. A "baby bath" is when you simply wipe yourself down with a wet wash cloth. However, I started taking baths again when I realized that I could take bubble baths. Mommy's friend Monica gave me little bath soaps shaped like farm animals---you can see them resting on the ledge of the bath in the picture. The soap makes the greatest bubbles! I had so much fun in the bubble bath, and my bathing strike is officially over.

Nursing Bunny Bun

Mommy nurses Juliet a lot. Who knew that babies liked to eat so much??? Whenever Juliet cries, I look at mommy and say, "I think she needs to nurse."

As it turns out, Bunny Bun likes to nurse, too!

Here I am nursing Bunny Bun

I am now burping Bunny Bun and rocking him in my arms so that he will not fuss.

Here is a picture of super content (and well fed) Bunny Bun that I took all by myself!

Sk8ter Daddy

Daddy has been teaching me a lot about skateboards lately. He has a skateboarding book with a lot of colorful pictures in it that we look at together. Apparently, daddy used to be a skater when he was younger. Recently, daddy has begun selling some of his mint-condition vintage '80's skateboards on ebay. To the surprise of everyone, they are valuable! Daddy told me that the two skateboards pictured above sold for several thousand dollars each! Can you believe it! I see a shopping trip at the toy store for me in the near future!

Quilt from the Grandmas

Green Bay Grandma and Great Grandma made Juliet this beautiful quilt. We love to snuggle under it!

Tired Mommy. Cute Juliet.

My Daily "Rest" Time

I no longer take "naps." Instead, I "rest." Every afternoon at about 1:00 mommy reads me stories in my room until about 1:30. Then, she puts me in my crib with a bunch of books and a bunch of my animal friends. I stay in my crib and rest for any where between a half hour to 2 hours, depending on my mood. I really enjoy this quiet time to play. But, mommy learned a while ago that I can be a bit destructive in my crib. I am only allowed to have non-rippable books in my crib. I will destroy books that rip. Today, mommy thought that she put only "board" books in my crib, but she was mistaken. You can see the results below:

When mommy saw the destruction, mommy said, "Oh, no! Sophia you ripped-up a really good book!" I said, "You can fix it with tape!" Mommy sighed. Then she laughed.

I am a little chef

One of the things that mommy and I like to do in the afternoon is bake. We LOVE to bake sweets, but mommy says that we may have to switch to healthier things so that she can fit into her pre-Juliet clothes by summertime. I mostly like to lick the bowl. I take little licks until I think that mommy is not looking; then, I will stick my whole hand in the dough and take a big hand-full. Yummy! I also like to pretend to cook at my little kitchen. Mommy's friend Monica gave me this wonderful chef outfit to make cooking even more fun!

Tea Party!

The Wilenskys gave me this wonderful tea set. Here I am having a fabulous tea party with my stuffed animal friends.

Here is another picture of one of my tea parties. However, notice Bunny-Bun snuggled in Baby Juliet's swing. I put him in there, strapped him in, and turned on the swing and the music on the swing. Bunny-Bun loved it. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter Mommy told me that she needed to put Juliet in the swing (it is one of her favorite napping spots). At first I told Mommy that, no that it was Bunny-Bun's turn. Finally I relented, but told Mommy that Juliet would have to share the swing with Bunny-Bun. See the picture below.

More of Baby Juliet!

Just a week or two ago baby Juliet could barely fit into this cute little newborn outfit from Green Bay Grandma and Grandpa because she was so little. Now, she can barely fit into it because she has gotten so big! In fact, when Juliet was first born she was so little that Daddy had to buy a few extra-small newborn outfits that would fit Juliet!

Here is a picture of Baby Juliet in one of her favorite spots---snuggled in Daddy's arms.

A House Full of Girls

Here are some pictures of all of the "girls" in the house. Next time, I will post a picture of Kiwi the cat, who is also a girl! Poor daddy!

A Few More Pictures

Here are a few more pictures of Baby Juliet. Isn't she cute? Mommy just gave her a bath and Juliet's hair started to stick-up in the air!

I am enjoying my days with daddy. He is home from work for a month. Last night, daddy was giving me a bath and daddy asked,"Who is your favorite 'guy?' " I have a bunch of small plastic superheros that I call "guys" that I play with in the bath. Daddy went one by one and asked, "Superman? Hulk? Storm? Collossus?" Each time I said, "No." Finally daddy asked, "Well...then who is your favorite guy?" I pointed at daddy and said, "That's my favorite guy." I do not think that he was expecting that for an answer!