Soleil is baptised!

The diva, the parents and the grandparents enjoyed Soleil's very special day.

Are you serious with that camera, AGAIN?

Let me meditate on it for a little while....

Papi came for the baptism, too.

Holding our breaths, hoping the outburst would be subtle!

The show is over and Soleil is officially off the clock.

Introducing Soleil to the congregation.

Our friends Tim, Kelly and Micah. He weighs the same as Soleil and is 5 months younger!!! He must be in the 146 percentile!!

Soleil's boyfriend came....they even disrupted the service in unison!

All Darrin!

Is this negotiable? I really don't like the look of that food!

Soleil was baptised today at First Presbyterian Church of Brandon. We were very nervous about her behaviour...but, she proved us wrong. She has been suffering from stranger anxiety and she was hours overdue for a nap. A fantastic combination!!!! She only whimpered slightly when Pastor Tim messed up her fancy hair do! Just kidding. It was truly a beautiful ceremony and we feel lucky on many counts. Firstly, that all of Soleil's grandparents and her very best friend was there to witness it. Secondly, that she has become a member of a fabulous church family.

Candid camera!

Caught red-handed stealing bows off the gifts....and PROUD of it!

Do I have any spinach in my teeth?

Do you think Soleil will be proud of her parents when she is 14?

Let's pray, Daddy!

A Day at Anna Maria Island

A true island gal! Heading straight for the water!

Phew! I thought we were going in for a minute there.

This walking thing is a piece of cake!

And we're off...... again!

That's what they call sand, Mummy? They've never been to Abaco!

Drinking from a sippy cup has turned into a cardiovascular exercise!

Weekend fun

This weekend was Ricky's first birthday party! It was so much fun and all of the kids wore baseball themed onesies to the party. Soleil decided to catnap island-style as the party went on around her! Despite music, screaming and laughing, she managed to squeeze in 25 mins!

1-2-3! Everyone cry at the same time!

Girl, where do you get your hair done? I love those curls!! This is Michaela (Titi Diamar's niece from NY)

Ever the drama queen! Once again, Ricky and Jovanni wonder what all the fuss is about!

Unsuccessful attempt to put Soleil to sleep!

A rare smile at Ricky's party!

Standing in the crib. "Come on, people! Let's get this show on the road!"

And in the left corner, Hamish Neill (7lb Shih-tzu). In the right corner, Soleil Gates......No this fight was not over the heavyweight title. Rather, it was over a sliver of banana. Hamish won by default...Soleil ate the banana and Hamish decided to eat Soleil. She is fine! Broken skin and bruising. Hamish on the other hand...well, he's complaining of a painful rear end.

A rare, but much needed siesta!

The Soleil Collection!

These boots were made for walking...

Soleil inspected each light to make sure it was working! Such a great helper!

Wait, I think I found the end!

If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!

Dancing to spanish music!

Practicing standing! Nobody breathe!

Who knew duck tasted so good?

Eat your heart out, Frank Sinatra!

Practicing walking!

The many faces of Soleil

You crack me up!

Are you for real with that camera again?

Heeeeyyyy, I know you!

You can't make me smile!

I'm done with this camera already!

I know that I have been updating this thing obsessively lately, but I have a good excuse. I got a new camera for my bday! :)

Papi just spent a week with us and we had a blast. Soleil visited many new places including: Ice! in Orlando, Tarpon Springs Craft Festival, a greek restaurant, Walmart on Black Friday (day after Thanksgiving), Bradenton (Amish restaurant) and Anna Maria Island.

Soleil just learned how to clap her hands and it is so cute. Her Granny made up a song and she loves it! She is also seriously trying to crawl and wants to be on the go! It won't be long now!

Thanksgiving Day

Checking out Ice! at Gaylord Palms in Orlando.

No, we aren't firefighters...we HAD to wear these stylish jackets.

One of the ice sculptures...right up my alley.

Soleil froze in the 9 degree temperature....her eyes were huge. True Bahamian gal!

Love the penguins in the background

Little Drummer Girl

Is this for me?

Papi and Soleil