Words...and other updates

Last Saturday, we wrote down all of the words that Sonja could say and understand. I think there were about 30 words on the list, including names. By Wednesday, the number doubled and each day she adds a few more. Mama, Dada, Auntie, Papa, Emma, Amiee, Hannah, Missy (Marissa), Becky, Asher, Nell, Dee (Katie), baby, peas, cheese, agua, teeth, various commands and directions. Yesterday, Ryan heard her talking after nap. Sonja was holding one of her dolls and saying "baby, no shoes...baby, no shoes...baby, no shoes". All day, she talked about shoes and feet. Today, she talked about shoes and feet. I anticipate that tomorrow she will talk about shoes and feet.

She's grown up into quite the little girl this summer. She carries her little watering can across the parking lot to water the vegetables. She eats raw snap peas and tomatoes from the garden. She climbs on everything (linen closet shelves, pedestal sink, kitchen counter via the bar stool, the toilet to see out the window, playground equipment and rock climbing walls, etc.). She is aware of painted nails, jewelry, and teeth. She loves to dance and we regularly have dance parties in the living room, initiated after dinner by Sonja.

We have enjoyed many activities and visitors this summer; 2 trips to the mid west (car + plane), a few ferry rides, first swimming pool, a trip to a beach house with friends, and an early summer camping trip in the rain. We're hoping that Sonja will take round #2 of the camping this week in style. She thought it was time to party when Ryan and I zipped open the tent last time and refused to keep sleeping. We hope to post a picture of a well rested little lady later this weekend!

Granite Mountain

A couple of weeks ago, Sonja and I joined some friends and their son for a Sunday hike. I knew that it would be strenuous and I knew that I'd have at least 35 pounds on my back (Sonja plus the backpack and some snacks). I did not know how tired I would be only 1/3 of the way up. Early on, the weather was foggy and we couldn't see anything in the distance but clouds. A couple hours in, the trail opened up, the weather cleared and the work was more rewarding. Sonja had a good time pointing to the trees, the "agua", rocks, dogs, and "Ashoo" (aka Asher-our 10 month old hiking buddy). She is wearing his hat in this photo.

We also hiked across snow near the summit. Sonja didn't want to touch the snow until I made it into a snowball for her to throw. We enjoyed views of Mt Rainier and the mountains near Snoqualmie Pass. The old fire lookout was closed, but there were a few small chipmunks there to keep us company.

All in all, it was a great day for a hike. It was also Sonja's first day without a nap in her entire life. She did great, but we won't let that happen again unless we're hiking!

Heavy Sleeping

Sonja has been sleeping pretty heavy lately.

4th of July outfit

Hair

Waking Up

Sonja was REALLY sleepy this day. Normally if we go in to wake her up, she sits up when the door opens. This day we went in, turned off her fan, opened the blinds, rubbed her back, and then started putting stuffed animals in the crib with her. The shirts she and I are wearing were my father's day gifts from this year.

Hiking

Sorry for the lack of posting for the last while. We have been out having lots of fun, which means lots of good photos to post. I'll start with the most recent.

Yesteday Sonja and I and a friend of mine headed up to the Olympic National Park. We hiked a few miles up the Elwha River Valley, explored some old cabins, and enjoyed some great views of the river. Here are Sonja and I looking up the Elwha Grand Canyon.

Sonja was a little ham when we broke for lunch. She walked around using my hiking poles (I shortened them for her), had fun looking for bugs and telling them to get off the log she wanted to sit on, and pulling her shirt over her head.