No Fair

                         Poor little Sophia ... please, just one more cookie before nap ...

No fair ... even the puppies got a cookie

Fun with the Boys

The whole Barker clang, Uncle Chip, Aunt Judy, Ryan, Kevin, Eric and even Teddy (the dog) drove in from Charlotte to celebrate a late Christmas.  Both girls really enjoyed spending time with their cousins and can't wait to see everyone again soon : )  

Christmas Morning

I don't think Santa's little helpers were quite sure what to expect Christmas morning but once Sophia opened her first present, she began to understand what all those things were under the tree.  To be honest though, I'm not sure why we even bothered with anything but books.  Yes, Sophia was happy to see all the fun toys but what got her attention and kept it was the books.   We can only hope this trend continues as both girls get older : )

Spoiled

Abu and Tio spoiled the girls during their visit.  Alexandra got lots of hugs and kisses while Sophia enjoyed Tio's favorite treat ... oreo cookies.  

Santa

Well, I thought Abu and Tio would enjoy taking Sophia and Alexandra to get their picture taken with Santa.  I should have known it was going to be a zoo, but after 4 hours it was finally our turn.  I must say I was expecting to see two sleepy girls but as you can see Sophia was thrilled!  No tears or signs of being scared she just kept asking Santa where he left his reindeer ... that made the wait all worth it!

Tio!

Sophia just loves her Tio and thank goodness cause he was the official babysitter while visiting over Christmas.  He even helped with Alexandra!  Thanks Bro!!!!!!

CRAZY

Who knows what got into Sophia this night but we all thought she had gone mad.  First she was using the kitchen table leg as a strip pole and then she found a "helmet" and was running around the kitchen like a crazy women with it on her head.  She was having a great time but who knows how poor little Alexandra slept through it all.

Christmas Cookies

Grandma stopped by on her way to Charlotte and she introduced Sophia to an old Micca tradition, Christmas cookie decorating.  

2 peas in a pod

Jack and Sophia both got new reindeer shirts for the Christmas season.  Of course Paula and I couldn't wait to take their picture but getting two toddlers to sit still is like herding cats,  so sorry for the bad pics, but you get the point.  Don't they look cute!

Little Feet

My grandmother, Tita, knit these little booties for Sophia but she never got the chance to wear them.  Alexandra now gets to break them in!   

Pretty in Pink

While Alexandra was busy posing for her newborn pictures, Sophia played dress up and caught up on some reading!

Alexandra Has Arrived!!!!

Alexandra Isabel has arrived!!!! ... 3 days late and in a hurry!  I actually almost delivered in the car... no joke, Joe had 911 on speed dial and he was ready to pull over at any point!  This is what happened ... At 5:15 am on Tuesday December 2, I started feeling a little tingling down my legs, no big deal, (I felt the same thing with Sophia and didn't have her until 12 hours later).  So I thought I'd get in the shower and start getting ready to head to the hospital.  Well, what I thought was going to be a leisure morning turned out to be super hectic.  By the time I got out of the shower my contractions were 6 min.  apart and pretty strong.  I quickly told Joe to get out of bed and take a super fast shower if he wanted.  Well, maybe that wasn't such a good idea, cause once he was done (only about 10 min later) contractions were down to every 4 min and I was really starting to feel some pain.  Thank goodness, Tia aka Auntie A, my sister was still in town (Thanks sis!).  We quickly woke her up, rushed to the car, and called the doctor on the way to the hospital.  Now in active labor, Joe flew down Johnson Ferry at about 70 mph and ran a couple red lights.  It was 6:22 when we pulled into the hospital and I delivered Alexandra at 6:36 am.  Needless to say, there was no time for anything, including a much wanted epidural.  I was TERRIFIED! (and that's when my OCD kicked in).  I had planned on an epidural all along, I had to have one ... what did they mean there's no time?!?! ... of course there was!  I kept telling Joe and all 10 + people in the delivery room there's no way I could have this baby on my own but they patiently coached me threw it and a few pushes later there she was, weighing 7 lbs 11 oz measuring  20 inches long and absolutely perfect!  An all natural birth was not in the plan AT ALL but I must say, Alexandra was worth it!  I hope you enjoy some of these pictures of our new baby girl.  She can't wait to meet you!