My Eldest

Sophie changed my life. Since June 25th, when those two little lines popped up on that test, I've been a different person. She came into this world with a huge amount of DRAMA. That really should have tipped me off. Here are a few Sophie stories.

SOPHIE STORY #1
Last week, Gideon was already bathed and in bed and Milly was asleep in her crib. I plunked Sophie into the tub and she started to play while I tried to wet her hair without her freaking out. (Hair washing is a big Freak Out right now.) All of the sudden, she looked up at me very seriously.

"Poop."

"Beg your pardon?"

"Poop. Yep. Poop."

She always sounds like Rainman. Sure enough, there was a floater in the tub. I hauled her out and stood her on a towel while I drained and cleaned the tub. She wrapped her arms around her and shivered while she watched.

"Sowwy!"

"It's OK, baby! You just had to go poop. We're just going to clean the tub and let you get back in."

"IS COLD!"

"I know. It's just going to take a little bit."

*peer into the tub* "Poop."

"I know, baby."

"SOWWY!"

*REPEAT 8,245 TIMES UNTIL I GET HER BACK IN THE TUB*

This is the most meaningful conversation I've had with my daughter. She pooped in the tub, she was sorry and now she was cold. Over and over until we were both giggling. I've never had so much fun in my life.

SOPHIE STORY #2
This is from Ben. He just remembered to tell me about it tonight and we both laughed until we cried. Sophie is still in her crib. We're waiting until we move to get her a big girl bed. On Sunday morning he went to get her out of bed and realized that she had gotten a hold of the box of Milly's clothes next to her crib. Sophie is also learning how to put her own clothes on and decided to give it a shot. She decided to try on her infant sister's sweater.

As pants.

That's Mommy's little genius.

SOPHIE STORY #3
Sophie has basically given up her nap but sometimes will still need to just lie down for some quiet time. She does better if I let her back in my bed and I lie down next to her. We laid down today and she snuggled down into her daddy's pillows. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep thinking it might make her be quiet and stop twirling her doll around her head. (Not so much.) Finally I just let her lie there and be quiet even if she wouldn't sleep. I turned over and the sheet fell down my arm. Before I could reach it, Sophie reached over and pulled it up to my chin. A few minutes later, I turned again and the sheet fell again. Sophie pulled it up, patted my shoulder and said "Night-night, Mama." My heart nearly burst with love for my little girl. She may be strong willed and very silly but she is so tender hearted. That combination is going to be dynamite in God's hands.

And I have a front row seat.