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!

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.

Brett, Dawn, Sophia, Brandon and Matt

CHRISTMAS

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.