Sophie's Clan

Here is the zany crew of Sophie's cousins (on my side) that she has been lucky enough to be born into. They have so much fun together. It seems like just yesterday that Sierra, who is now ten was Sophie's age. Sophie's cousins adore her, and love to play/feed/dress/poke her. This photo was taken on the front porch of my mom's house, where we had a surprise birthday party for her last week.

Carson (in green) has especially taken a shining to Sophie, and will spend hours with Sophie on her blankey offering her toys and laughing with her. He has helped give her baths (by hopping in with her!), even changing diapers (which is quite impressive for a kidlet). His gentleness and love for her is so touching.

Sierra is excited about the prospect of babysitting Sophie in two years when she turns 12 (believe me, we are too!!!!) She told me all the courses that she is going to take in order to be a safe and well-trained babysitter for Sophie.

Jake laughs a lot when he's with Sophie. And he has the sweetest little laugh. He likes to hold Sophie, and I think his quote was that "he'd sit there all day with her on his lap if he could".

Jonah (holding S) loves to get his hands on S and squeeze, shake, and rattle her (I can relate to this!!) Over the past 9 months he has really learned so much about how rough/gentle he needs to be with her. In this picture Jonah is pleased as punch that he was able to hold her all by himself.

Gracie (spunky blonde in tie-die) loves 'all things Sophie'. She makes a hilarious face and goofy sound that cracks a smile out of Sophie each and every time. She is so eager to help and/or watch everything that Sophie does.

Annie (in pink on top step) is 2 1/2 and always wants to know what Sophie is up to... "Baby Sofffiiie seepin'??" She has been so kind in passing on all of her outgrown everything to Sophie. When something is too small for her, she gets excited and says "give to baby Sofffie?" The crib was the hardest for Annie to part with, but on her own time she decided it was time to give it to "the Soph-a-loaf" (direct quote!).

These 6 little monkeys have added an immense amount of joy to my life over the past 10 years. They are all such amazing little people. Sophie is one lucky kid to be surrounded by so much love.