NOVEMBER 2002 - SOPHIA NICOLE HAS ARRIVED!
Sophia Nicole was delivered on November 4. Brandon is
puzzled by the hoopla but not at all unhappy.
Matt's "little man" will now be in the company of a "little
princess." As for Mommy, she said she's very happy.
As for me, Mommy's Mommy, I am excited to see what new experiences
await us all!
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| Sophia at Two weeks |
November was mentally chaotic as the Valentines coped with
the every-three-hour feedings and accompanying sleep deprivation
of having a newborn. Once fed and freshly diapered, Sophia
had no other demands. That was fortunate, because just as
she'd get settled, Brandon would charge forward for his dose of
one-on-one attention. My daily trips to visit their home
generally included time with Brandon so we could color or sit on
the floor and crash our cars into one another.
THANKSGIVING
In honor of Sophia's birth, Brett flew up from Orlando to
spend a long Thanksgiving weekend. Brandon immediately
took over his "entertainment" by suggesting that they play with
the cars (thank you, thank you!) or wrestle. Somehow
Brett also managed to spend a few moments holding our floppy-headed
baby.
CHRISTMAS 2002
Sophia spends most of her time sleeping, her preference being
on the shoulder of anyone willing and available. Brandon,
bless his heart, tolerates her demands quite well, even when they
intrude on his need and desire for
attention.
Who enjoyed the sharing of gifts more, Brandon or those watching
his eyes as he joyfully received his packages? He wanted
to be sure everyone had a gift to unwrap and would leave his own
task to assist if you were too slow about removing the ribbon and
paper.
Dinner, with the traditional turkey prepared by Matt on the kettle grill outdoors, was quiet. Brandon fidgeted through dinner and refused to eat. Thinking to encourage him by dangling enticement before him, Matt asked Brandon, "Do you want some of your Christmas candy?" Brandon replied, "No. I'm not hungry." Then he volunteered the information that he was tired, so without further pause, he was toted off to bed where he was still asleep (and apparently down for the night) at 9:30 PM.