We Saw the Goods!

Monday was my second trimester screening. Everything looked GREAT with Baby D2. The heart had four chambers, the brain looked wonderful and all organs were present and accounted for. The doctor gave us a very high degree of reassurance that there's no concern for Do.wn Syn.dro.me or spi.na bif.ida. (Each of these are of high risk in an over age 35 pregnancy) Praise the Lord for a great report!!!

After the important stuff, we went on to the fun stuff. The goods! Girl or boy?! Well, we are excited to know we're expecting a baby boy! A son! Admittedly, I feel clueless about what to do with a boy after raising a girl for nearly two years, but I know we'll figure it all out. I'm thrilled to have "one of each" and to experience the joys of having a daughter and a son! We feel very fortunate and so very blessed!

Time to Potty Train?

Zoe has recently been showing an interest in using the toilet. We haven't purchased her a potty chair just yet, and I'm not certain we will. We may just transition her from her diaper to the toilet to make potty training a one-step process, rather than a two-step process (i.e., training first on a potty chair and later moving up to the toilet). Anyway, I digress. The first indication that Zoe may be ready to potty train is that she started grabbing at her diaper frequently after peeing and at times seemed bothered by her wet diaper. Zoe has never been bothered by a wet diaper; she never even cried when wet when she was an infant. Trevor bought her a book about potty training, which I read to her one night. Immediately after reading the book, she pulled down her pants, started tugging at her diaper and was saying "paw pee" (her version of "pee pee", which is so cute). I took her diaper off and sat her on the toilet, but she didn't do anything. I cheered for her nonetheless and SHE flushed the toilet (lol). For several days after this (and even still today), Zoe became obsessed with removing her diaper and wanting to sit on the toilet. She also started removing her diaper while in her crib. She went poo poo (or "paw poo") in her crib once, which required us to start placing her diaper on backwards during naps and bedtime. Trevor also bought Zoe a video about potty training, which we watched last night. Again, Zoe wanted to use the toilet after watching the video. Well, today Zoe said she had to "paw pee" and started pulling at her pants and diaper. We sat her on the toilet and.....SHE PEED!!!! After she peed she said "wipe?" and after we wiped her, she again flushed the toilet. She peed on the toilet a total of four times this evening, each time by her request!!! We don't want to rush her, but she's definitely starting to show signs of readiness. I guess we'll follow her lead.

Breastfeeding While Pregnant

When I was pregnant with Zoe, I knew I would attempt to breastfeed my baby. There was no question about it. Breastfeeding didn't start as a magical experience for us. Well, I guess it was magical the first night of Zoe's life, but before we even left the hospital the trouble set in and continued for the first 4.5 weeks of Zoe's life. Once we got nursing fully established, there was no looking back. Initially I wanted to make it to the six month mark. Made it. Then I decided I'd nurse Zoe for a year. No sweat! As I started contemplating weaning her, I realized I couldn't do it, and I didn't want to do it. We had a good thing going, she still really enjoyed it, so why end it. I decided I would nurse Zoe until she turned 18-months and if she hadn't started showing signs of weaning, I'd start the weaning process. Neither happened. My new timeline became 2 years or when I got pregnant. Well, I got pregnant and continued to nurse Zoe. After doing extensive online research, I found plenty to support our continued nursing relationship. While nursing while pregnant is ill-advised for women with a history of pre-term labor, that isn't my story. After my first prenatal appointment, I received Dr. S's blessing to continue nursing Zoe, particularly because we weren't nursing very frequently (at the time, 2-3 times per day). She just urged me to take a calcium supplement to compensate for the extra demand on my calcium stores. So, 20-months later, Zoe is still nursing. Unfortunately, nursing became extremely painful once breast tenderness set in around week 6 of my pregnancy. After two weeks of enduring horrendous pain, I decided to try to wean Zoe down to morning nursings only to manage the discomfort. She cooperated quite well. Now it seems she's ready to wean entirely. The past two mornings she has shown very little interest in nursing. She nurses briefly on one side and then she's "all done." I don't know if the weaning process is because Zoe is ready or if my milk supply has diminished to the point of making nursing pointless. Honestly, I think it's the latter. Regardless of the reason, I'm a little conflicted about the possible shift in our relationship. I'm so pleased that I was able to nurse this long, especially as a 1st generation nursing (and working) mother and given all the issues we had in the beginning. I'm also happy that Zoe is doing the weaning instead of the other way around. I really didn't want to "take" this away from her. I know I'll miss the extra cuddling that nursing provides, but I believe that nursing created an impenetrable bond between Zoe and me, for which I'll be eternally grateful. I'm also happy I've been able to give Zoe such a wonderful gift and lots of good antibodies! Assuming Zoe is in fact weaning, I guess this means I won't be tandem nursing once Baby D2 is born. Trust me, I was fully prepared and willing to do so if necessary. (I'm sure someone would've called Nati.onal Ge.ogra.phic on me!)

13 Weeks

Baby D2 is 13 weeks in utero today. Morning sickness continues to be the theme of this pregnancy, although it is dissipating. I'm no longer sick all day long. My morning sickness is now primarily late afternoon through the evening. I'm so anxious for this phase to end! Since this is my last week in my 1st trimester, I'm hoping good things are on the horizon. I've also started dealing with heartburn already and it seems that I have sciatica this time around, which I didn't have with Zoe. This pregnancy is starting out much different than Zoe's! I'm hopeful, though, that this pregnancy will be as great and easy as Zoe's.

This week Baby D2 is forming teeth and vocal cords. The baby has formed its fingerprints and veins are visible through his/her see-through skin. The baby's body is becoming more proportional with the head now making up one-third of the body instead of one-half. If Baby D2 is a girl, she already has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. 2 million eggs?! That stat amazed me when I was pregnant with Zoe, and it still amazes me now. The human body is simply amazing!

This week Baby D2 is the size of a peach:

Week 8 (and first prenatal appointment)

Baby D2 is 8 weeks inutero today. My morning sickness is still in full force and effect. Today was my first prenatal appointment. It was so great seeing Dr. S again. Seeing her today reminded me of how much I like her. I'm so excited she'll be delivering Baby D2. She seemed excited to see us. She greeted me with a hug, which was endearing. It was also her first time seeing Zoe since she was 6 weeks (and fast asleep in her car seat). After my 6 week postpartum check-up with Zoe, I decided to return to my old gynecologist, whom I love (she doesn't deliver babies). I'm quite certain my time with Dr. S will be limited to the delivery of Baby D2, but it's nice being back with her even if for a short few months.

Dr. S prescribed me a new prenatal vitamin with extra vitamin B6, which may help with my morning sickness. I have to take three pills a day, which concerns me because I'm a horrible pill taker! She also wrote me a prescription for an anti-nausea medicine (Zo.fran) if the vitamins don't work. I'm hoping the vitamins do the trick. We'll see.

Baby D2 looked great on ultrasound. We took Zoe to this appointment to include her in the excitement. She whined and was reaching out for me most of the appointment. I think she was a bit afraid by all that was going on. (Dark room, trans vaginal ultrasound, a new person talking to her, Mommy lying back on a table, etc) She quieted down and listened intently, though, when we heard the baby's heartbeat. It was cute. Baby D2 had a nice strong heartbeat. 161 bpm, and s/he was measuring 8 weeks on the dot. My official due date is April 20. I'm curious to see what happens with this little one's birth since Zoe came at 38 weeks.

Baby D2 is growing like made. Over a millimeter per day. Although it's too early to feel it, the baby has started moving his/her tiny little legs and arms, although its toes and fingers are still webbed. Eyelids almost cover the baby's eyes (I wonder if s/he will have blue eyes like Zoe, although they are now turning grayish/greenish in color). Breathing tubes extend from Baby D2's throat to the branches of his/her lungs. The baby's brain continues to develop as nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another. Despite all this development, the baby's external genitalia still haven't formed enough for us to know if it's a boy or a girl. The gender doesn't matter. We just want our little one to be healthy (but who doesn't, right?!).

This week the baby is the size of raspberry (wish I wanted to eat one...):

Week 7

Baby D2 is 7 weeks inutero today. Similar to Zoe's pregnancy, this first trimester is creeping along. Perhaps the persistent morning sickness I'm experiencing is to blame. My morning sickness has worsened. Thankfully (or not?), I'm not vomiting, but I'm very nauseous. So very nauseous. I'm really anxious for this to pass so I can begin really enjoying my pregnancy. I determined a couple of weeks ago that I was going to exercise regularly with this pregnancy. That worked well until my morning sickness struck. Now all I want to do is lay down every chance I get.

This week we'll call Baby D2 a brainiac because his/her brain is generating at an astonishing one hundred new cells per minute. Wow! Arm and leg joints are starting to form and Baby D2's permanent set of kidneys are forming. The baby's liver is hard at work already, and the pancreas and appendix, which are already formed, will soon begin doing their job as well. I'm truly amazed, even with a second pregnancy, at the work of God. I still do not know how people deny He lives and that we are indeed wonderfully and fearfully made.

This week the baby is the size of a blueberry (I wish I could stomach the idea of eat a blueberry right about now....blah):

Week 6

Baby D2 is 6 weeks inutero today. This week kicked off my morning sickness. This is different than Zoe's pregnancy. My morning sickness with Zoe started at 10 weeks and ended by week 12. This is only week 6!! Oh Lord, help me!! I'm sick all. day. long. Blah. And I'm soooo tired. Beyond tired. I'm praying this all passes soon, but definitely by the end of my first trimester.

This week, Baby D2's eyes, ears, nose, cheeks and chin are forming. The baby's hands and feet are webbed like paddles and his/her heart is beating up a storm. Blood is starting to circulate as well. The baby's intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will become lungs is taking shape. Additionally, the pituitary gland, brain, muscles and brain are starting to form.

This week the baby is the size of a sweet pea:

Week 5

Baby D2 is 5 weeks in utero today! (According to my calculation) Baby D2 and I are at the start of our special journey together. These updates will get longer as we go along because the baby will be growing like crazy and I will have various symptoms to report.

I'm feeling good so far. I'm starting to feel more tired than usual, but that's normal at this stage of pregnancy. I've also been experiencing a lot of abdominal cramps, but that's normal as well as my uterus begin to stretch and expand to host Baby D2 for the next 8+ months.

This week some fun stuff is going on with the baby! All the books say the baby resembles more of a tadpole than a human being. In that case, I'd say this baby is the cutest tadpole ever! :) S/he is made up of three layers--ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm. Each of these layers will form his/her organs and tissues. Notably, this week the neural tube, which will form the baby's spinal cord, brain, nerves and backbone, is forming. Also, the baby's heart and circulatory system are starting to form.

This week the baby is the size of an apple seed:

Letter to Our New Addition

Baby D2,

Hello, my sweet little one. I'm your Mommy. Well, Daddy, Zoe and I learned today that you'll soon be joining our family. We now eagerly anticipate your arrival. You're the luckiest baby ever. You have a Mommy and Daddy waiting to shower you with love, and you have the most amazing big sister to show you the ropes. We can't wait to find out if you're a boy or a girl. Regardless, we already love you and can't wait to see your sweet little face.

Grow nice and strong for us, sweetie. We all love you!

Love always,
Mommy

Zoe Is....

...going to be a big sister! Although we were trying for this baby, it's still surreal to think that our little family of three will soon be a family of four. We know Zoe is going to be a wonderful big sister. She's such a sweet and loving little girl. The next eight months will be consumed with showering Zoe will the love she's already accustomed to receiving and preparing her for the arrival of her baby brother or sister.

Unlike with Zoe's pregnancy, I didn't test alone today. I purposely waited to test at a time we could be together as a family. Before leaving for work, I told Trevor that it was time to take a test. I took the home pregnancy test and promptly delivered it to Trevor to keep an eye on it. I asked if the window said anything yet and Trevor said "no, it's still thinking." About 5 seconds later his eyes got slightly big and he said "it's done thinking." He then handed the test to Zoe and told her to "take this to Mommy." Zoe, being the eager little helper she is, promptly complied and came to me with a huge smile on her face as she delivered the test into my hands. In my heart I already knew what the result was. I peered down and saw the word "PREGNANT." Trevor, Zoe and I had a family hug and then Trevor and I began telling Zoe she was going to be a big sister, to which she replied "huh?" LOL.

I'd be less than honest if I didn't share that shortly after rejoicing at the news, a bit of panic suddenly hit me. I began to cry as I explained to Trevor that I was worried about what this pregnancy means to my relationship with Zoe. I also want my love for this new baby to match the love I have for Zoe. I've heard countless times that God has a way of expanding parents' hearts to fully love all of their children. While I know this to be true, I can't wrap my head around that right now. Zoe and I are so bonded, and I don't want that to change. Of course, I want to share the same bond with Baby D2. I guess the fear of the unknown is consuming me, but I trust the Lord, and I know it will all work out.

We're pregnant!!! Wow!!!

Hide-and-Seek, Zoe Style

Zoe has long been fascinated with cabinets, drawers, etc, but recently she's discovered the art of sitting inside cabinets. She has a favorite cabinet in the kitchen that she likes to use to play hide-and-seek. When she goes "in" the cabinet (her feet are still hanging out...lol) she says "bye" and when she pops out she says "hi." Of course, we act shocked every time she pops out. She's a hoot! We love this girl to pieces!!! She is so much fun!

Where's Zoe?!

There She Is!

Zoe's "One Year" Photos

It seems somewhat silly to post Zoe's "one year" photos now that she's 18-months, but we just received our photo disk from the photographer a couple of weeks ago. Memories are extremely important me, as is capturing major milestones (and simple moments) via pictures. For that reason, we've had quarterly professional pictures taken of Zoe starting with her newborn photos. Unfortunately, we hit some bumps in the road with Zoe's one year photos because of inclement weather in February and March (we did an outdoor session) and then a mystery rash that covered Zoe's face, neck, chest and back for over a month (poor baby!). We finally took pictures at the end of April, just before Zoe turned 15-months old. Better late than never, right? The remaining delay was on the photographer's end. Anyway, we're happy to have the photos in hand, and we are so pleased with the way they turned out. Without further ado, here are some of our favorites:

17 Months!

Dear Zoe,

You're 17 months old, pumpkin! My, how time flies. You have become so much fun. Although it's sad thinking about how fast you're growing, I can honestly say that every new stage is more fun than the stage before. You are doing so many new and exciting things.

First, in terms of physical development, you're getting your 5th tooth. You've handled teething really well. Besides drooling like crazy and chewing on your fingers, occasionally, you wake up at an odd time in the middle of the night or you'll be a little clingy, which I attribute to teething, but you have not experienced any extreme discomfort...at least not that we're aware of. You're becoming very skilled at going up and down the stairs. In fact, you literally try to walk up and down the stairs now. Mommy and Daddy watch you very closely. You've pretty much mastered crawling up and scooting down the stairs. You can point to 15 body parts (hair, ears, eyes, face, nose, teeth, belly, belly button, hands, arms, fingers, legs, knees, toes and feet), and you can point to the same body parts on Mommy and Daddy.

Your speech is really starting to explode. You have added "down, sit down, sit (sounds like an expletive), more (along with sign), "nah" (no), hi and bye (instead of simply waving), up, hot (which sounds like "ha ha hot" as you fan your hand), chicken, "tay" (okay), jeans, spoon, shirt, shoes (also sounds like an expletive), book and bow." Also, when we ask you questions, you respond with "mmm hmmm" (which is your "yes"). It's so cute! Sometimes you also respond to questions or directions you don't understand by responding "hmm" (huh?) until you figure it out. You can understand and complete quite a few multi-step directions. You've mastered five animals sounds--cow, sheep, bird, duck and dog. ("Tweet tweet" is Mommy's favorite....you sound so cute saying it (sounds more like "teet teet"). You're such a fast learner and you're so observant. You amaze us, Zoe.

Oh, you love talking on the phone. Your phone conversations go like this: "Hi! Mmm hmmm, mmm hmmmm, mmm hmmm, Bye!" It's hilarious! You think everything is a phone--remote control, your hand, and recently you used a computer mouse as a phone. LOL.

You continue to use your sign language, although Mommy and Daddy haven't done a good job of adding new words now that you're talking more. The funny thing is the sign for "all done" has become a universal sign for you. In addition to signing "all done" when you're finished eating, you also sign "all done" when a game is getting old to you, if Mommy kisses you one too many times, if you're tired of being chased (which you still love), etc. Sometimes you add "nah" to the "all done" sign....that's when we know you're *really* "all done". LOL.

You love to color. You started art class in June and since then you've wanted to doodle nonstop. Mommy and Daddy bought you an art easel for the house, which you love to stand at to doodle. (We hope this will save our walls...fingers crossed) The funny part is sometimes you try to color with your crayons and pens wrong side up. When Mommy and Daddy attempt to turn your writing tool around, you flip it right back over and try to continue with your doodling. It's pretty funny.

Zoe, you love to dance. You've got rhythm, girl! Recently you added twirling to your dancing. You're becoming such a big girl! You really love music, especially participatory songs. You love to hold Mommy's and Daddy's hands and twirl for "Ring-Around-the-Rosies" and you fall just before "we all fall down" and say "down" as you're falling. You can do all the hand movements for "Itsy Bitsy Spider", you point to the relevant body parts for "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" (although there's always a little delay) and you bark when you hear "B-I-N-G-O". You're hilarious!

You're still a little peanut (you weighed 20 lbs. and you measured 31 inches at a recent doctor's appointment). You're a picky eater, although you like to eat things that are good for you. Your favorite foods are broccoli, green beans, yogurt, rice, black beans, various types of fruit and pasta marinara. You're suspicious of meat, but occasionally you'll surprise us and down some chicken or fish.

I'm sure there are many things I missed, but these are the highlights I jotted down over the past month. Zoe, Mommy and Daddy are in awe of you and remain incredibly proud of you. I can never say it enough....you are the light of our lives. We love you so much, sweet girl. I can't wait to see what the next month holds in store!

My love always,
Mommy

Our Little Shopper

***To my family and friends (if you're still out there): I'm sorry this blog is so grossly outdated. Life is busier than ever for some reason. Rather than catching up, I'm going to "keep up" and work on Zoe's old monthly posts as time permits. Now, on to the post...***

Zoe enjoys pushing things. Chairs, her stroller, doors, whatever. If it can be pushed, she's pushing it! We recently visited a grocery store that has small grocery carts to be pushed by its smallest of patrons. Zoe had a blast pushing her grocery cart. She had a few crashes along the way (which she acknowledged by saying "boom"), but there was no stopping her....until we got to the bread and candy aisle. Zoe does not eat candy, but she was determined to place three bags of chocolate in her cart. When we removed said bags from her cart, she politely picked them back up and returned them to her cart. LOL. I think a toy shopping cart of her own will be added to our toy "wish list" for Zoe. (We're trying to pace ourselves so our home doesn't become a mini toy store, but it's hard to do with so many cute toys on the market) Zoe also enjoyed pushing the cart against the shelves. Price tags were flying off left and right, but Zoe, being the sweet heart that she is, made sure to stop and pick up the debris she was leaving behind. As a friend aptly pointed out, pushing the cart against the shelves probably helped her keep her cart going straight; good point. Zoe's one smart cookie!

Zoe also enjoys riding in the shopping carts that have little cars attached to the front. She's so proud to "drive" the basket around the store. If the car has two steering wheels, she takes great pleasure if driving with both steering wheels. That's what I call talent!

Zoe returning her chocolates to her cart:

Zoe "driving" through the store:

Our Budding Artist?

Zoe started her first "art" class on June 14. The class is called Dri.bbles and Scri.bbles and is offered at the children's mus.eum. The program theme for the summer is "Carnival of Animals." Each class starts with a quick story time and ends with music and instruments. The toddlers are exploring different animal shapes using different art media. Unfortunately we had to miss week #3 because Zoe wasn't feeling well, but in the first two weeks we've used finger paints, regular paint using brushes (at the art easel), paint dotters and painting with toilet paper rolls (who knew?). Each week Zoe creates a new piece of art and is supposed to add something to her personal canvas. At the end of the eight week session, she will have a canvas that contains a sample of each art medium used. Although this is supposed to be Zoe's art class, it feels like Mommy and Daddy are taking art classes because we're doing more art work than Zoe. Go figure! (But Zoe is personally adding to her canvas (except for a few dots from Daddy during week #2), so it'll be fun to display her art in her future play room) This class is confirming that Zoe, at least up to this point, is a girly girl because she does not like getting paint on her hands. It's pretty funny.

After each art class, we spend time playing in the children's mus.eum. I was able to convince my dear friend, Julie, to enroll her daughter, Kendall, in Zoe's art class. It's so fun watching Kendall and Zoe explore and play together.

Our Budding Artist

(Zoe loves spending time at the easel)

Week 1 Masterpiece (plus Zoe working on her canvas)

Scribbling with the "dotters"...Zoe wouldn't "dot" the paper.

Distressed by the paint on her hands.
Relieved to be washing her hands.

Week 2 Masterpieces

Playtime at the children's mus.eum

Zoe and Kendall...notice that Kendall actually looks like she's been to art class...I love it!

Zoe enjoyed squeezing the cow's teats at the museum's little farm

Standing at the silly mirrors....look at those legs

Zoe's First Birthday Party

Zoe's first birthday party is in the books! I always said I’d never throw a birthday party for a one-year-old, but I guess the old adage “never say never” really is true. As Zoe’s birthday started approaching, it only seemed appropriate to celebrate her big day in a special way, especially because our families are spread throughout the state and country. Rather than having an adult get-together, which is commonly what a first birthday party becomes, it was important to us to celebrate Zoe in a way that she could enjoy, so we hired Kin.dermu.sic to come to our home to conduct an age-appropriate music activity for all the kids to enjoy, and we tried to invite mostly babies. Initially, we were going to use a Baby E.inst.ein theme for Zoe's party, but as the decorations and party ware started arriving at our home, the theme suddenly felt too masculine for a girl's party. After some deliberation and searching around, the party morphed into a "cupcake" theme for the sweetest little girl on Earth! We had a blast!! The party was beyond perfect! Below are some pictures from the party. We hired a photographer to take pictures so we could focus on Zoe and be fully present for her party, which was well worth the money because we literally have hundreds of special pictures that we’ll treasure forever. I wish I could post them all here, but that's impossible.

The Birthday Girl

(I fell in love with this pettiskirt outfit, complete with a fluffy "cupcake" shirt)

Welcome Song - Everyone Sang Hello to Zoe

The Party Animals
(This picture cracks me up ~ a whole range of emotions going on and some of the babies refused to wear their hats...lol)

Our Little Family
Group Photo

Zoe's First Cake!!!
(She wasn't very impressed)

Zoe Loved Sharing Her Cake with Mommy and Daddy

Zoe was the First Baby to Leave her Party

(Zoe was pooped! She missed her nap due to all the excitement leading up to the party. It was hard for her to unwind in her crib, so she ended up napping on Mommy's chest as we said good-bye to our guests.)

Decorations
(I had fun with the decorations (and I had some made). My dear friends from Houston and San Antonio, and my sweet husband, helped me decorate into the wee hours of the morning)

Each baby received a favor bag with a cupcake shaped magnetic picture frame (duck frame for the boys), mini maracas, a Kin.der.mus.ic CD, and bubbles). Each family took home a box of gourmet cupcake mix.

This door tag greeted our guests. It says "Zoe's Cupcake Factory."

12 Months Old

Dear Zoe,

You're one?!?! Although this is such an exciting milestone, it's also a little sad for Mommy. I guess the appropriate phrase to use is "bittersweet." It amazes me that you've been with us in the flesh for a year. I can't believe that one year ago today I held you in my arms for the first time. I'll never forget that moment or when our eyes first met. What a special time, what an amazing day! This morning, before busying myself with preparing for your birthday party, you and I had some quiet time in bed. (Daddy was at work for the morning) Of course, you had no idea what today was, so you were just playing and doing your own thing. I talked to you and told you how special you are and how very much I love you. As I expressed my love to (and for) you, I could only cry. I must have cried for at least 15-20 minutes as I reflected over our first year together. Being your Mommy has been amazing and such an honor. You are such a blessing, Zoe!

You're doing so many fun things now. The most exciting to report is that two days ago you started....WALKING!!! Yay Zoe!!! Mommy was working from home the day you started walking because you had your first little cold. I was in the office working and daddy called me out to watch what you were doing. I was amazed as I watched you take those first steps. I'm so thankful that I didn't miss this milestone! Although you're definitely walking, you are still getting steady on your feet, and you still have to learn to stand back up when you fall. Mommy and Daddy just marvel at you, Zoe!

You now have two bottom teeth, and you're quite efficient at using them. You can now wave "hi", and you love squealing as loud as you possibly can for no apparent reason. You say "Dada" like crazy, but you're still working on "Mama". You have started eating a lot of finger foods as you gain independence, but one of your favorite foods of all time, which requires spoon feeding, is plain yogurt (sometimes we mix in a fruit puree). You'd eat yogurt all day, every day, if we let you. Speaking of food, you absolutely love sharing your food with Mommy and Daddy. You even shared your birthday cake with us! :-) You are super busy exploring the world around you, and with each new discovery or accomplishment, you stand and clap for yourself. Of course, Mommy and Daddy clap, too. Your favorite game is quickly becoming "peek-a-boo". You've started to learn how to cover your own eyes (sometimes you get close to your eyes, other times you don't, but you don't know or care...lol). You also love pulling Mommy's or Daddy's hands off our faces for the "boo" part of "peek-a-boo". You love climbing over things and people (mostly Daddy) to get from one item (or side of the room) to another. You're so playful and light-hearted. You're truly a sweet little girl.

What an amazing first year, Zoe! Mommy and Daddy love you so very much! You're an amazing little girl. You're beautiful inside and out. You're affectionate, happy, funny, loveable, kind and so much more. You're just perfect. Happy Birthday, Zoe!!!

My love ALWAYS,
Mommy

The Birthday Girl!

Happy Birthday, Zoe!

Our sweet Zoe is one! I cannot believe it has been a year since we first held her. Where has the time gone?! We celebrated Zoe's first year with a super fun cupcake-themed party. Pictures and a first year post to come soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ZOE!!! Mommy and Daddy love you!

Zoe's First Cold

Today Zoe started showing symptoms of a cold. Runny nose, watery eyes and a slight cough. I breaks my heart to know she's feeling a little crummy. I wish I could just wish the cold away. Trevor and I prayed over Zoe, and we hope this cold will run it's cold very quickly. Feel better soon, baby girl. :-(

Our Little Helper

Zoe loves helping Trevor and I do things around the house. Whether it be loading (or unloading) the dishwasher, putting clothes in the washer or dryer, or putting laundry away, Zoe is right there eager to help. I hope Zoe's this eager to help out when she's a teenager. Here's our sweet Zoe in action:

Is this what you need Mommy?

Helping Daddy load dishes

Putting away groceries

Helping put laundry...away?

Putting clothes in the dryer