Sophie discovers Shel Silverstein

Here's Sophie reading a poem from Shel Silverstein's book "Falling Up." She has discovered a love of poetry, just like her bubbe!

Sophie learns to skate

Here's Sophie learning to roller skate at a friend's birthday party: I wish I could describe the scene at the skating rink. There were two teenage girls in tight jeans, oversize T-shirts with the ends tied up in a knot and long, feathered blonde hair. I think the same two girls were at my childhood …

Sophie’s thoughts on God

Actual conversation with Sophie in the car yesterday: Sophie: How did God make the world? Me: Well, there are a lot of ideas about how the world was created. What do you think? Sophie: I think God made all the plants and now he's dead, but there are people to build everything else we need …

Sophie’s class dances on stage

Sophie's first-grade class at Tioga Hills Elementary School danced on stage during Morning Program this week. Look for her in a purple dress toward the right of your screen! (This is the first video I shot with my new Nikon; still can't beat the Flip for ease of use and simple editing.)

A kind-hearted girl

Last Wednesday, Sophie found a caterpillar. She immediately named her Pinky and drew a house for her on our front walk. (We were outside coloring with sidewalk chalk when the caterpillar made her grand entrance.) Later, Sophie made a home for her in a bug jar. On Thursday, Sophie went outside to get fresh grass …

A photography exhibit I’d like to see

Someday, I'm going to have a show of my photography. Not one of beautiful family photos or landscapes. One of my kids, to be titled "Do You Have to Take My Picture Again, Mom?" These two shots from the Jersey shore may be in it!

Six vs. SixTEEN

Sophie has lately been showing us two distinct attitudes. The 6-year-old is delightful. She enjoys craft projects, makes friends easily and loves to play dress-up with her sister. She recently learned to tie her shoes by herself and would probably name Silly Bandz and American Girl dolls among her favorite possessions. She wears her hair …

In the swim

Sophie and Charlotte wrapped up a six-week session of swim lessons yesterday at the Jewish Community Center in Vestal. The experience was a definite success for both of them. In the Starfish Level 1 class, Charlotte learned to blow bubbles, kick her legs, get her hair wet and paddle along on her own (with either …

Sophie’s turning 6

Six years ago this week, Sophie Jean Coker made her debut. She had her own ideas about the world right from the start, and she hasn’t ever had trouble expressing them. Our sweet baby girl – the one who hated to ride in the car, loved to nap in the swing and never missed a …

Thank you, Mrs. Waterman!

In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, Sophie and I talked about her teacher and about kindergarten for a little video (see below). Kelly Waterman, Sophie's teacher at Tioga Hills Elementary, has done a beautiful job with this class. It can't be easy to spend the entire day with a roomful of spirited, inquisitive 5- and …