Life with Zoe

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DADDY!!!

2011-06-19T20:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy my daughter could ask for and my partner in crime!

This morning, Zoe went upstairs to wake up her Daddy, so we could start our very busy day...

"Happy Father's Day, DADDY!!!!!!!!!! Can I tickle your boobies?"

Ah, yes...life with a 3 year old. It's certainly comical!

What's inside?

2011-06-18T11:01:00.000-04:00

There are short little shows between the shows on Nick Jr, and one is a kids' singer, Rachel Coleman who sings a song "Feelings". One of the lines to her song is to tell her what's inside.

Zoe says, "FOOD!" every time. :)

You spin me right round....

2011-06-17T21:35:00.000-04:00

We're getting ready to take Zoe's first trip to Disney World (and Z doesn't know, SHHHH!). We've been giving her little hints and asking her questions about things for awhile now. Today, driving home, I asked her if she'd go on the tea cups if we went to a carnival. Yes, I'm fully aware that there are no tea cups at a carnival, but that's besides the point. And, I'm fully aware that soon, Zoe is going to catch onto this line of questioning. But, I'll use it until I can't anymore! :)

Anyway, so, I ask her that. She said she'd go on that (but not a roller coaster because THOSE go up to the moon, apparently). I said, well, they spin in circles, like the Chipmunks do here. She immediately starts singing, "You spin me round round BABY round round like a RAH-KAH baby." She repeated that a number of times...getting sillier and sillier. Oh, how I wish I had a video camera with me at that moment and wasn't driving. :)

Ask her to sing that song to you. It's quite humorous!

Is there a pause button??

2011-06-17T21:19:00.000-04:00

The other day, I had to make a cake for my 8th graders who were moving onto the high school. It's a special thing I've done the last couple of years, since I've had these guys for 3 years...

Anyway, I had Zoe help me out. As we're doing this, the Electric Company is on tv in the background...she loves this show. But she was VERY focused on stirring. She told me that the show was on but she couldn't turn to look because she was busy.

Then....
'mommy, we'remakingacakeforyourstudentsatschool.Igettostiritall.Iwanttogotoyourschooltoseeyourkids,butIcan'trightnowbecausetherearenokidsandnoteacherstheresotheschoolisclosedrightnow.we'remakingthecakeinstead."

Oh. My. Goodness. I'm not sure she took a breath.

THAT is how it's like with Zoe when she's excited for something. Today, walking into Target, there was something similar. I couldn't pick up nearly as many words, but somehow she was talking about dinosaurs, Father's Day gifts, and her friend Mason's birthday gift. Woah..

Zoe-Speak

2011-05-25T22:33:00.003-04:00

Zoe's got a great vocabulary, and knows how to say a lot of things--as you all know. However, there are times when she wants to say something but just doesn't know quite how to say it...

"Mommy, can you mark with me?" (she wants me to color with her using her dry erase markers)
"Mommy, can you art with me?" (She wanted me to make art projects with her with her stamps)
"I'm gonna beat you up!" (She really means she is going to beat us running up the stairs).

Zoe the Artiste...

2011-05-23T22:03:00.002-04:00

Zoe wants to DESPERATELY learn to write her letters. So, today, at her art table, we got started. She wanted me to show her how to make an A--I did, and she traced it. Then, she wanted me to make others, and she was able to do it herself. Unprompted, and without a model, Zoe then wrote a T (she asked me to make a B, but decided SHE would write the T)....As Zoe says, "Check it out!"

Then, she had enough, and decided she wanted to draw people. Up until today, that meant WE would do the drawing and she would just scribble. I asked if she wanted me to show her how....I showed her a simple smiley face, and gave her the language "Draw a circle, make the eyes, nose, and mouth." Here's the proof...

This is me, apparently.

This is Peanut on the left, and "Peanut Daddy". If you look, you can see Peanut's ears on either side, and a tail. :)

This is the best...This is a picture of "A" at daycare. Anyone who knows her knows that she has a MOP of black hair--seriously, the most hair I've ever seen on an infant. I reminded Zoe to remember A's hair, and she said, as she was drawing, "I can't forget her ponytail". It's not too far off from the real kid. :)

2011-05-20T18:21:00.001-04:00

So, Peanut's going nutty and crying and making all kinds of racket. (I personally think she needs her litter box changed--this is usually what it means). Anyway, Zoe's all concerned and can't get past it. I tell her she has to ignore it, and it'll stop soon. Then she stops and says, "You know, I think she's asking me to read to her. I can't do it now because I'm eating. When I'm done eating my dinner, I can read to her. Is that okay, mommy?"

Yes, Zoe, it sure is.

Mother's Day and other stuff...Last backtrack post.

2011-05-15T10:04:00.002-04:00

For Mother's Day, I got flowers...My first dandelion bouquet. Zoe said that the flowers are for each of us, in order from left to right, Noah, Zoe, and me...her words, not mine.

rare shot of Momma and Zoe :)

Zoe and Daddy fooling around :)

Phew, and that should be it!

Backtracking Post #7, big girl bed!

2011-05-15T10:00:00.002-04:00

Zoe is officially in a big girl bed. We converted her crib into a toddler bed, and she LOVES it. We've had no issues of her getting out of bed when she's not supposed to. In fact, in the morning, she's allowed to get out of bed and get a book/toys from her room and play quietly. But, she won't. She insists on hanging in her bed until we tell her it's okay! :)

Backtracking Post #6, Easter

2011-05-15T09:50:00.002-04:00

All dressed up and ready to go...

This is my personal favorite. :)

hunting for eggs...

The only pic where both Zoe and Brody were facing the same direction..:)

Zoe dyed more eggs with Auntie Darcy while Brody...

stole Zoe's hat. :)

Backtracking Post #5, Just like Daddy...

2011-05-15T09:48:00.001-04:00

Backtracking Post #4, Artist in Residence

2011-05-15T09:45:00.002-04:00

(BTW, those oil crayons are terrible...they get all over every.thing.you.touch.and.then.some. So, we replaced them with dry erase markers)...

Contemplating her next creation. :)

Backtracking Post #3, princess Zoe

2011-05-15T09:41:00.005-04:00

We all know Zoe loves to dance and pretend to be a princess....what a better thing to do than combine the two??

That's actually not, "wait a second", she's counting to start her dancing with the ballerina DVD.

Ah yes..such a polite princess. So discreet.

Doing her own thing...

Backtracking Post #2, playing around

2011-05-15T09:34:00.002-04:00

How we spend a vacation day...Taking care of babies.

Very serious stuff...

Noah fooling with my remote for the camera...it works. :)

Love this girl!

Backtracking Post #1, Zoe's birthday...

2011-05-15T09:20:00.003-04:00

Okay, I stink, I know. It's May 14, 3 months after Zoe's birthday, and I'm just NOW posting pics. Whatever. :P

The festivities started when Gaga, Papa, and Uncle G came over to deliver Zoe's doll house, something Auntie Darcy played with as a kid. This was also so that Uncle G could spend time with Z for her birthday, since he had to work on the actual day of the party...

Think she likes it??

Love this pic!

This was the cake for our little princess this year....

Then it was time for some fun at Imajine That with friends and family...

Zoe with Morgan, our neighbor.

cousin Brody

cousin Emma

Mason patiently waiting for juice and pizza

cousin Jacob--he was a bit pooped from all that playing.

Zoe's friend Logan from daycare

Opening gifts, with a little help from Morgan and Victoria

Friend hugs with Victoria

Opening gifts ON her birthday from Mommy and Daddy

Apparently Tinker Bell had enough and was hitting the wine bottles...I just had to post this because it's so funny.

So, as you can see, Zoe had a VERY nice birthday, and a very belated THANK YOU to all who came. :)

drive by...

2011-05-13T15:59:00.001-04:00

Z: I don't want this pop anymore...I want another.

me: That's the only pop you get. If you don't like it, put it on the counter.

Z: I'll keep licking it to be sure.

**Yes, I know I'm long overdue. Big post coming with lots of pics and updates. :)

Anyone have an application to Harvard??

2011-03-03T18:09:00.003-05:00

So, this morning, Zoe was in the kitchen with Noah getting something from the fridge. On the floor next to it, we have some bottles of soda and juice.

Zoe: Look, there is a LOT of drinks! 1, 2, 3, 4 drinks!!

Us: yes, Z, very good!

Zoe: Aaaaand, if you take one away, you have THREE!!!

Um, wow.

Zoe Philosophy 101

2011-02-21T16:27:00.001-05:00

"If something itchy itches you, it's itchy."

What a sneak...

2011-02-14T20:28:00.002-05:00

Today, being Valentine's Day, Zoe got a small gift bag for the day (yes, in addition to her birthday gifts). Inside was about 10 chocolates, and of course, she wanted some...at 6am. Noah told her no, because it was too early. He apparently dozed off on the couch for a few minutes, and the next thing he knows, he wakes up and sees *5* wrappers on the floor.

Zoe told me, later in the afternoon, when she saw the remaining chocolates way up on the counter, "Daddy wouldn't let me eat my chocolates," while hanging her head with a pout that said, 'I'm going to look cute and maybe Mommy will give me them!!'. I saw that there had been some missing, but didn't know why.

And no, I didn't give them to her. :) She still needed to eat dinner!

Happy 3rd Birthday!!!

2011-02-14T20:21:00.003-05:00

Happy 3rd birthday to the happiest, most energetic, lovable, empathic, fun-loving, smart, beautiful little girl I know. She has brought us more joy than we could imagine. She taught us love that we never knew existed. We love you Zoe...you're the best thing that's happened to your Mommy and Daddy.

Party day!

2011-02-13T21:54:00.002-05:00

Pictures will be posted tomorrow...after we get the little birthday celebration with Mommy and Daddy.

Today, we celebrated Zoe's birthday at Imajine That. She.had.a.blast. Oh my. She ran and ran and ran. It was SO hard to keep track of her in that place because she RAN everywhere, but it was great. They were so helpful there, so we were able to relax and enjoy (?) the kids running around. We had good pizza, watched Zoe open up LOTS of gifts (she has a LOT of things for dressup now...thanks everyone!), and ate cake and ice cream.

On the way home, we told Zoe that we had more celebrating to do tomorrow, on her birthday, with us. She was excited, and got even more excited when I told her she would be able to choose her meal. She said, "Oh BOY! We can eat POPSICLES!" Um, I don't know about that. We later decided she may not have that option THIS year. ;) We'll get our special Valentine's Day meal while she gets whatever she wants--eating "as a family" as she puts it (whenever we're all together, we're doing whatever it is "as a family").

My little baby is not so little anymore. She's turning into quite the little lady!

Questions...

2011-02-09T17:39:00.002-05:00

My friend Elizabeth posted these questions on her blog. Maybe if we both remember, we can do this each year....it's kinda funny what she said...

What is your favorite color?
green

What is your favorite book?
a polka dot one

What is your favorite t.v. show?
Calliou

Who is your best friend?
Ella

What is your favorite food?
popcorn

What is your favorite drink?
milk

What are special things you like to do with Daddy?
playing games

What are special things you like to do with Mommy?
read stories

What is your favorite song?
There's a Party in my Tummy...

Who do you like to sing to?
Papa

What do you want to be when you grow up?
a station master

What is your favorite toy?
my doll house

What is Mommy's job?
school

What is Daddy's job?
goes into work

3 Little Pigs

2011-02-05T23:04:00.002-05:00

All day today...Zoe's wanted to reenact the 3 Little Pigs. She has to be the Big Bad Wolf, and we get to be a pig who says, "not by the hair of my chinny chin chin."

Apparently the rule is that we switch off but Noah and I didn't know until she tells us "nonono, Daddy's turn!!!"

Alllllll daaaaaaay loooonng.....

"Little pig, little pig, let me in!"

"Not by the hair of my chinny chin chin!"

"Then, I'll HUFF, and I'll PUFF, and I'll BLOW your house down!" (complete with the ffffffffff of the blow)

and we squeal, "oooh nooo!!! Ahhh!!"

repeat. Again, and again, and again...

I think she may have a future as an actress. She *is* a drama queen already!

Dining out...

2011-02-05T22:48:00.003-05:00

...with Zoe is usually an adventure. Now that she's potty trained, if it's a new restaurant, she needs to see the bathroom 234203498 times, and otherwise, she's moving from seat to seat, plays with sugar packets, wants to say hi to EVERYone who walks by, but is generally good.

This is an improvement from when she was younger and wouldn't sit still...someone would be walking the restaurant with her the entire time.

Needless to say, we didn't go to restaurants often (still don't) and would often only go with other people. It just made life easier and would offer a distraction for Zoe (heck, us too!).

Anyway, today, we went to the 99 for lunch. We like it, and the kids' menu has a couple of things we KNOW Zoe will eat (always a plus when you have a kid who won't eat pizza or hot dogs regularly, doesn't like burgers, and tires of chicken and fries). Zoe ordered the macaroni and cheese, with applesauce, and munched on popcorn while she waited. When her meal came, she was patient while I stirred it around (checking to see if it was cool enough). Now, you must understand, Zoe is not a kid who will eat ANY mac and cheese. It must be that cheap Kraft mac and cheese--you know the kind made with powdered cheese product. Skinnier noodles, orange, the whole nine yards. And some restaurants have *that* for kids. But not the 99. I fully expected Zoe to turn her nose at it and ONLY eat the applesauce. Yes, I have a mac and cheese snob. She won't even eat MY homemade stuff!

Anyway, she chowed down on it like there was nothing left in the world to eat. When she said she was done and wanted that applesauce, I asked her if she had a few more bites left...without a bit of argument, she said yes, picked up her fork, and kept eating. Noah and I stopped our conversation and just stared at each other. She *never* does that without a fight. NEVER.

Oh, and she told us it was "the best macaroni and cheese EVER!".

And, on top of all that, she used a napkin appropriately, and independently, as her face would get messy with the cheese.

Woah...she's getting so big!

Amazing...

2011-02-04T18:19:00.003-05:00

I find it absolutely amazing when I can take just a peek at what is going inside my daughter's brain...

Today, we were watching Yo Gabba Gabba. The episode was about a circus, and there was a ring master. They mentioned the circus ring, and Zoe found that to be pretty funny. Since she's pretty much figured out all her letter sounds (crazy, right?), I asked her if she knew what ring started with...she said "e". Apparently, we have a bit to work on there. :) Anyway, when I said the sound, and asked her what letter said that, Zoe repeated the sound and said, "rrrrrrat....Ring and rat start with the same letter!" Wow.

Then, we're watching else, and it shows an apple tree. She turns to me, "Mommy, that apple tree is just like the ones I saw before. I went apple picking!" I said, "Yes, you did! Do you remember who went with you?" "Grammy and Grampy, Jacob, and Emma was there! She was a baby!"

I find it amazing the things she remembers at this point. It's like her memory is really starting to kick into gear. :)

Amazing stuff, I tell you, watching this little lady growing up. :)

I'm Zoe Beautiful...

2011-01-29T11:34:00.006-05:00

Zoe is running around the kitchen shouting, "oh yeah!! oh yeah!! Everyone clap" while wearing her cinderella dressup shoes, socks, animal print sweat pants, strings of dark green, blue, purple, and light green pearls, a white pearl bracelet, and a pink jammy shirt with santa and reindeer on it....my stylin' daughter.

Noah says, "Zoe, you're a fashion plate." Zoe replies, "I'm not a fashion plate, I'm Zoe Beautiful!".

...and is back to running around like before.

I couldn't be more proud

2011-01-29T09:32:00.002-05:00

This morning Zoe decided that she would like to watch a movie. When I asked her which one she wanted to see, she started to look through every DVD we have out. As she got into the Blu-Ray movies, she noticed that one of them was still unopened, so she pulled it out to ask me about it.

So which movie was it? Army of Darkness, one of my favorite movies, and one that is definitely not appropriate for her. I said, "Zoe, you won't like that one because it is scary." Of course, that got her really interested.

"What movie is it, Daddy?"

"It's called Army of Darkness."

"Army of Darkness? I love that movie! I want to watch it right now!"

Do you think Zoe has enough stuffed animals???

2011-01-28T19:37:00.002-05:00

This isn't even a fraction of what she really has.....

Please, no more stuffed animals. Please...

more quotes from Zoe...

2011-01-27T12:32:00.005-05:00

Today is a snow day...

taken with my cell phone...forgive the quality!!

Zoe is in her jammies, jamming out on her drum. She stops, holds up her stick, and says, "laaaadies and geeeentlemen, booooyyyys and giiiiiiirrrrrlllls...Presentiiiiiiiing, ME!!!!" then she starts to bow from her seat and says, "thank you, thank you, thank you very much." and goes on drumming.

Then, she is standing on the chair in the living room (not supposed to, but she was...bear with me). She turns to me and asks, "Is it fun being high?"

I'm *pretty* sure she meant, high up off the ground.

Yeah, that's it. We'll go with it.

And, for the record. I have no idea if it's fun being high.

hmmmm...

2011-01-25T19:56:00.002-05:00

As I was asking Zoe what she wanted to eat for dinner, since she didn't the delicious homemade mac and cheese I was making (she's nuts...if it's not the box stuff, she won't touch it), she tells me, "My udder mudder, Andi, lets me eat cookies for dinner."

oooohhhhh-kay...

Well, THIS mother only lets her have cookies AFTER her dinner if she's eaten what we feel is an appropriate dinner. :)

Oh, and yes, she did eat enough of her pasta with butter and cheese to get a cookie.

Where does she get this stuff??

2011-01-23T07:40:00.001-05:00

I was putting on a dress on one of her dolls. I told her to come and get it, adding "young lady" to the end of it. She tells me, "I'm not a young lady!" I said, "yes, yes you are!!" Then she stops, turns to me and says...

"I doubt it!"

Just Now...

2011-01-23T07:06:00.002-05:00

Zoe looked out the window of our house....

Zoe: "Mommy, there's no more snow on the street!"
me: "I know, honey!"
Zoe: "My people did a good job shoveling!!"

Okay then...

Zoe's Newest Craze

2011-01-16T10:48:00.002-05:00

...it would be peach yogurt.

*I* am not a fan, but her great-grandmother, my Memere, looooooved all things peach. She'd be so proud her namesake shared her love of peach. :)

Zoe Logic 101

2011-01-16T09:27:00.003-05:00

Zoe just came to me and said in a pitifully sad voice, "Mommy, I need hot chocolate so I will stop coughing." And she coughs the quietest forced cough she could muster up.

How do you say no to that?? Her hot cocoa is currently cooling down so she'll be able to sip it.

Color Creations...

2011-01-15T18:30:00.001-05:00

So, Zoe thought it'd be fun to color (with crayons) on the ceramic tile in the kitchen. Of course, no artwork would be complete without coloring IN the grout.

Thankfully, a baby wipe pretty much got it all up.

And, no, there's no picture of the evidence. I was too focused on figuring out how to get it off the grout to think to get a picture.

Celebrations!

2011-01-14T21:13:00.003-05:00

Right after Christmas, we had some celebrations. First, it was Grammy's birthday (she was 29 again!)...

Isn't this the cutest picture of Zoe and Jacob? They were walking back to Grammy and Grampy's place after lunch.

Emma just smirked at us...

Then, we went down to celebrate Gaga and Papa's anniversary (34 years!) with a fun dinner.

Brody *loved* chasing Zoe around...

Zoe had many heart to hearts with Auntie Darcy...

Brody enjoyed his cake AND Zoe's...

And we took a break for Yo Gabba Gabba.

Snow day!

2011-01-14T21:07:00.002-05:00

This is what WE do on a snow day!

We dress up as a princess over our jammies...complete with the shoes, purse (filled with her earrings), magic wand, jewels, and her magic crown.

We get ready to....

...roll in the snow.

We eat the snow...

Show people how it's done...

And refuel with chicken and fries...

Night Time Troubles

2011-01-13T21:10:00.002-05:00

For awhile now, we've had a tough time going to sleep. They would get slightly better, but then went down hill again. I think it started the night she got sick in her crib. I'll spare you the details. Trust me when I say, it'd probably freak me out from going in my bed, if I were in her situation.

When it was on an upswing, we had figured we'd try Operation Binky Removal. Zoe only uses her bink at night and in her crib. We had talked it up for a couple of weeks....talk about how the Binky Fairy would come, take her binky to new babies who needed them, and then would leave a gift. At first, Zoe wasn't buying it. In true Zoe fashion, she would tell us, "Only SANTA leaves toys!" After we explained that the Fairy could also leave toys, and even asked her what she would want, she requested a Rapunzel doll. You see, she saw the movie (her first) over Christmas break, and LOVED it! At that point, we thought she was okay with it. Zoe was a bit hesitant with the whole losing the binky situation, but she went with it...until push came to shove.

We set up a nice container to put the binky in...she wanted to cover it with a cloth, and as she did that, I asked her to say bye-bye to it, and to tell it to be good to the new babies it'd help. We thought that'd work...the Potty Fairy worked, so why not the Binky Fairy??

That night was rough. There was lots of crying, saying she was scared of the dark, etc. The next day, a Saturday night, she was so tired from falling asleep in the car, she just went right down without fighting with us. We thought we were on our way to success. The following night, Sunday....yeah, that was bad. Back to a similar MO as Friday. She asked for multiple stories, asked for us to sit with her, keep the door open, etc.

Monday night was so rough that she had a tough time sleeping, and then woke up at around midnight. Nearly inconsolable. I stayed up with her until 4am..at least I think it was 4am. That's when I finally made her shut her light and *I* fell asleep on her floor.

Tuesday night, we gave in. We gave it back. We need our sleep more than we needed her to NOT have the binky. Concessions were made...she had to send Rapunzel back to the Binky Fairy. She can ONLY have the bink IN the crib (not running around upstairs like before), and she doesn't get it at daycare anymore. She knows, when she wants her Rapunzel doll again, she just has to give back the binky. I have a feeling we'll be hiding the doll for awhile!

Even with the binky back, we still have had tough nights. She doesn't want to sleep by herself and insists that we need to be with her. Last night, we just let her cry until she fell asleep. It didn't get to the puking stage, thankfully, but it was still hard to listen too.

Tonight there was no fight.

And, yes, she's still in a crib. She loves that thing. We've talked about big girl beds, but she's not really interested. She did tell us that OUR bed is her big girl bed. Um, no, but we'll convert her crib to a bed when she's ready. Like, when she goes off to college at this point. ;)

Quotes from Zoe

2011-01-13T18:47:00.002-05:00

Zoe: You know, Mommy, I don't like mud. Mud is dirty.
me: Yes, it is, honey.
Zoe: Someone needs to put something in it to clean it up!

Alrighty then...

later...we made corn muffins. First she tells me:

Mommy, I like corn muffins...I just don't like corn.

Then when it's time to eat one...

Mommy, I don't like corn muffins, but I do like muffins.

And she ate an entire corn muffin....

STITCHES!

2011-01-04T21:29:00.004-05:00

Zoe had Noah and me in stitches tonight...unintentionally, I think.

She was on the potty, just before bed tonight, and she saw her stacking cups on the floor (for the tub). She wanted them, and we had said no, because we were trying to speed up the process to get onto the rest of our bedtime routine. She gets very indignant about it and starts to pout. She makes her voice deeper, bends her head down, looking at Noah (as if she were looking over glasses), points to her face and says, "Look at this face. I have a BIG FROWN."

Oh, my goodness....I about died. I started to laugh SO hard and had to walk away (I didn't want her to think I was laughing AT her!). Noah basically mirrored what she did until Zoe was also laughing, and by that time, we were ALL laughing together.

My goodness, she's got quite the flair for the dramatic!

Zoe "Reading"

2011-01-04T20:10:00.003-05:00

Well, sorta. The other night and then again tonight, instead one of us reading to her, she chose to 'read' to us. She knows the story of Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss. What she did was follow the pictures, and tell us the story, picture by picture. Favorite phrases, "I do not like green eggs and ham, I do not like them in a box, I do not like them with a fox, I do not like them with a mouse, I do not like them in a house...Try them, you'll like it!" This repeats for awhile, as you can imagine, until....

"I like it! I like green eggs and ham. I like green eggs and ham. I like green eggs and ham. And they lived happily ever after. The end."

:) I love this girl!

12 Pics of Zoe...

2010-12-29T21:51:00.003-05:00

Someone I know stole this from a friend of hers, and I figured I'd just 'borrow' from her. Borrow because I don't know if I could do one a day...but I can put 12 pics of Z from each month of the year for this past year together in a post. You see, the original idea was to post a picture a day for each month of the past year--one a day. Given my posting of late, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to keep up with it...so here's one post of all 12 pics! :)

January 2010...

February 2010...

March 2010...

April 2010...

May 2010...

June 2010...

July 2010...

August 2010...

September 2010...

October 2010...

November 2010...

December 2010...

Soo...what'd you think?? She's definitely not a little baby anymore. :(

So, Zoe has a boyfriend...

2010-12-29T18:31:00.003-05:00

Or so she says.

She told Noah today that she has a boyfriend James, who she met at her birthday party. He's 4 years old, she says, and supposedly, he bought her the jeans she has on today. She specifically said he got her the heart button on her waist.

And no, she knows no one named James...that we know of!

festivities!!

2010-12-28T19:11:00.003-05:00

First we...

saw Santa.

Then we...

decorated the tree.

Next we...

decorated a gingerbread house.

Zoe's finished product!

We made mustaches with...

ice cream! (see, just give Zoe ice cream with M&Ms and she'll eat it!!)

We took a break to watch some TV...

with Dora (by the time the camera came out, Z was long gone, unfortunately!)

For some gifts, we made...

COOKIES!! (we made some for Santa, too!)

We set out cookies and chocolate milk for Santa because that IS his favorite (sorry, forgot pics for that) on Christmas Eve. That night, Zoe went to bed as quickly as she's ever done. You see, she loves loves loves Santa, thinks he's the greatest thing out there (who doesn't??). Anyway, we told her that he can't come until we're ALL in bed and sleeping, and that to know that he's in the right house, he's even going to check on her in her bedroom. She thought that was THE COOLEST.

After that, Noah and I shared our Christmas gifts. *I* tested out my new camera lens on Noah...

And, he tested it on me...

The next morning, Zoe woke up, as she normally does, bear-like...

SO excited to see what Santa brought!!

Zoe was a very good girl this year!

Her stocking!

It's blurry, buuut....

Can you see how thrilled she was!!??

At Auntie Darcy's house, Cousin Brody...

had a great time with everyone.

Zoe got...

Dress up clothes,

Worked it on a...

sit and spin.

and we all gave Gaga and Papa...

a gift to remember.

There were even MORE gifts from Santa at Grammy and Grampy's...

Another blurry one, but I can't resist this pic...

Jacob is holding an ornament of Buzz Lightyear and Woody from Toy Story. He played with that until it had to be repaired. He would have been content with JUST that....

...until...

he opened his Buzz and Woody jammies. He insisted on putting the shirt for both sets on (Woody is under Buzz). Apparently, he didn't take them off until bath the NEXT DAY. And, you see the car toy under him? According to Auntie Jill, he "squealed like a little pig" playing with it....guess we scored on the gifts for Jacob this year, huh??

Emma...

just chilled in her Kenneth Cole outfit (every 3.5 month old needs that, right??).

Believe it or not, there are more pictures up on the flickr site. :) I hope everyone had a great Christmas. I know we sure did!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2010-12-25T21:17:00.005-05:00

I will post again soon, with pictures and more of an update, but I wanted to just say from our house to yours,

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Zoe was very very into Christmas this year, from Santa to the gifts to spending time with everyone. She was patient and just took it all in, in her whirl-wind sort of way. :)

I'll share more when we are finished with our festivities and can post some of the 21432492049823 pics!

Photo update...

2010-12-07T20:41:00.003-05:00

We took in a couple of parades...

Zoe got to hold Emma on Thanksgiving (can you tell she thinks it's QUITE a chore!:P)

Zoe waited for a meal she wouldn't eat...

But Daddy did.

Emma cheered the Patriots to a win!

Zoe asked me specifically for a picture with her Daddy...

A couple of weeks after Thanksgiving, we got together at Auntie Jill's for a visit from Santa...

The kids anxiously looking for the big guy!

Zoe was SO excited!!

Here he IS!!

The kids all sat near Santa to listen to him read a story...

Jacob preferred the couch...he still isn't a fan of the big guy, apparently!

Zoe was in awe!

Santa reading "Twas The Night Before Christmas"

Emma was up first...she asked for lots of girlie toys.

Because the little boy before Zoe asked a truck and a gas station...that is what ZOE asked Santa for. We had even talked about what she was going to ask him. She had told us she was asking Santa for a doll and Mickey Mouse.

This picture warms my soul.

They eventually got Jacob this close to Santa...

Emma and Uncle Noah having a very serious conversation.

We think Zoe had too many donut holes...she wasn't feeling well and just wanted to cuddle with Auntie Jill.

This weekend, we put the tree up...

Zoe putting the first ornament on the tree. She had a blast decorating.

Proud of her accomplishment! She kept telling us "the tree is soooo preeeeetty! It's beauuuuuuutiful!"

A rare photo of Mommy and Zoe.

Love this girl!!

2010-12-01T22:16:00.001-05:00

039
Originally uploaded by KingdoK

What a beautiful smile...too bad the balloon string was in the way!

Today...

2010-11-14T20:50:00.003-05:00

Zoe told me "gesundheit" when I sneezed, multiple times.

Zoe told me to "trade" with her (and then we successfully did so!).

Zoe introduced herself and then us to a perfect stranger, and told her that Santa was going to bring her lots of toys.

Zoe told us she loved us every chance she got.

Zoe ate her weight in Goldfish crackers.

Zoe told us, "mommy, you're a mudder. Daddy, you're a father, and I'm a daughter." But don't you dare interupt this dialogue (that she said more times than I can count!)....she gets mad, pouts and won't finish it.

Zoe told us emphatically that she didn't want to watch the football Noah wanted to watch.

And, Zoe insisted on going to BJ's holding her blue beaded necklace, a candy necklace, and a toy tambourine.

Yes, this is a typical day.

Roles...and other stuff...

2010-11-12T20:21:00.003-05:00

Zoe has discovered that we play roles. Our *names* are Mommy, Daddy, and Zoe. However, she tells us, OFTEN, "Mommy, you're a mudder." "Daddy, you're a farter." I get a chuckle out of that one. Unfortunately, she's now started saying 'father'. She does look at me like I'm a nut-job when I say, "Zoe, you're a daughter."

Zoe favorites:

"Canky Doodle Dandy"
"One Two, Buckle My Shoe"
dancing
saying "boo" to just about anyone near her
reading
being a princess (wearing her tutu and holding her magic wand--she has 3 or 4)
chasing Peanut
helping me cook
her Bunny, Lambie, and Blankie
chocolate chip cookies (think chips ahoy, not ooey gooey homemade ones)
"yo-gret"
baths
TALKING

There are more, and I'm sure we'll say more over time....

In potty news--Zoe managed to stay dry every day for 12 days IN A ROW. We had had issues with about an accident a day...we made sticker charts for her, and when she earned 5 stickers for staying dry ALL day, she would get a toy. After a couple of days, Zoe quickly responded. We did 2 rounds of 5 stickers each. The next time, we upped it to 7 days, and now, she's currently working on a chart to get 10 stickers! Go Zoe!!

"I Wanna Get That!!!"

2010-11-07T10:30:00.003-05:00

So it begins....

It doesn't matter what we're watching, a favorite DVD, a tv show, the news, whatever. If Zoe sees a commercial for anything these days...we will hear "I wanna get that!!"

So for those of you who are asking what Zoe wants for Christmas? Everything.

And yes, I know I'm long overdue for a post, and need to get back into the swing of things. Thanks for being patient and not giving up on me....Life took over briefly.

ROAR!

2010-10-28T22:33:00.002-04:00

This year Zoe was old enough to pick out her own costume. Mommy and Daddy had a lot of guesses as to what she would choose: Tinkerbell, a princess, Kai-lan, Dora the Explorer, all manner of girly things.

How did we do?

Terribly. Our sweet little girl wanted to be a dragon so she could ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAR!

Long overdue picture overload

2010-10-18T18:16:00.006-04:00

Fun with Mommy!

Mommy and Daddy on a rare night out!

"Ladybug?? I'm a butterfly!"

Having fun with Mommy at "The Butterfly Place"

A young Marilyn Monroe

Waffles are yummy

Having fun at the fair

"I'm two!"

Zoe learned that rides are fun!

Uncle G introduced Zoe to the concept of gambling

Zoe's first concert! (Steve Songs)

Bike riding on Martha's Vineyard

Relaxing on the couch

Having fun at the Labor Day parade with cousin Jacob!

Welcoming new cousin Emma!

Picking Apples

A glimpse into the mind of a 2-year-old

2010-10-18T18:14:00.001-04:00

Daddy: Why are you so full of beans today?

Zoe: I'm not full of beans!

Daddy: What are you full of then?

Zoe: I'm full of yogurt!

(Very true, she had yogurt as part of her dinner)

Where has Zoe been???

2010-07-27T21:27:00.002-04:00

She's been BUSY.

We went to the Stone Zoo, and while it was too hot to get any good shots of animals, Zoe had fun on the rides. She, um, tolerated the merry go round.

She preferred the horse much much more instead!

We got all gussied up...

...for Jacob's 2nd birthday!!

But, MOST importantly, guess what WE'VE been doing!??!?!

Yep, that's right, we've been potty training. We've been talking it up to Z0e, and then earlier in the week, she and I went to the store to pick out her very own big girl panties. She was SO excited about this, she told *every* person she saw that she got 'big girl panties' and was showing them off! We kept talking it up, and so did Laura at daycare. Then, Friday...it happened. Zoe woke up, and we took her diaper off, and haven't looked back. She put on a pair of panties, and was VERY excited! I'm not sure she understood the point, or what was to happen, but she quickly figured it out.

I'm not going to lie. That first morning? I was a mess, Zoe was a mess...I felt like I smelled like pee, and felt like I was covered in it. We had a LOT of accidents--I think 8? But, then Zoe had a nap (in a pull-up, which we call sleepy time panties). I put her back in a pair of panties after, and we had NO MORE ACCIDENTS that day.

Saturday, Z had about 4 accidents early in the morning...but then nothing until just before bed. WOOHOO!

Then, Sunday...Sunday, Zoe had NO accidents until the end of the day, and for that, I blame Tinkerbell. Zoe was so engrossed in the movie.

Monday, Zoe went to daycare. She had NO accidents there. NONE. She had one at home...

Today, same thing. Buuuuut, here's the kicker. She didn't do it until we were GOING up the stairs, and was able to stop herself to make it to the potty.

How cool is that??

Go Zoe Go! Go Zoe GO!!!!! She gets m&m's for a successful trip to the potty, and then the Potty Fairy comes to visit before bedtime. She LOVES it. She's VERY proud of herself. She laughs, claps, and cheers for herself when she's going potty. AND, she's starting to tell us she has to go. She's not consistent, but we've figured out her cues. I'm SO proud of her!! WE are so proud of her!!

GO ZOE GO!!!!

Little Miss Friendly...

2010-07-15T13:37:00.002-04:00

Today, Z and I were running errands. Most of the time, when we're at the cashier, if they ask her what her name is, I have had to prompt her to tell them. Same with her age.

Today, she didn't even wait for a cashier to do that. We stroll up to pay for our things, and she says, "Hi Lady! My name is Zoe. This is Mommy!" She calls all female cashiers "lady" and when she said that, she pointed her thumb to herself, and the pointed to me." I was buying different colored pieces of felt, and as the cashier was ringing them in, she was spouting off the different colors, getting them all right. The cashier was very impressed, and asked Zoe her age. She didn't hesitate, and said, "I'm 2!!" and held up 2 fingers (well, with her thumb sticking out, since she hasn't figured out how to hold it in yet!). The cashier was even MORE impressed to know that she was 2 and knew all that. Then, Z wanted to count how many pieces I had bought. I told her she could, and she starts just counting, 1-15, 17, 19, 100. :)

Love this little smarty pants!!

Bossy Bossy

2010-07-14T16:25:00.001-04:00

uhoh....Zoe is bossing around her "little man" toy. She says "get on the train, LITTLE MAN, NOW. STAY on the little train" (btw, the "train" is a wooden hook on a tow truck). Then she started "counting" the man for not staying where she put him. oh boy. We're in for it.

Busy Busy...

2010-07-13T21:38:00.005-04:00

We've been pretty busy the last couple of days...

I met up with my friend Joy as she was passing through town. We had lunch, shopped, and then picked up Zoe from daycare. Zoe and Joy have a great time together...

Joy taught Zoe how to scroll through pictures on her phone...

Then, she left and we had dinner with Daddy. Zoe finished early, so we let her go play. We cleaned up the kitchen and headed back into the living room to find this...

I'm very thankful for the changing pad underneath. Who knows what could happen! Oh, and just so you know, the monkey IS watching TV.

Zoe went to daycare today like this...

She's getting WAY too big!

View from the back.

Zoe insisted on moving her play food from her kitchen to the living room. Why???

Because she was thirsty. Very, very thirsty.
(Psst....that's a cola and ketchup, isn't that what YOU drink when you're thirsty??)

Some catching up to do...part 2

2010-07-12T21:00:00.004-04:00

Part of the reason for the extended time between posts was because we were on Martha's Vineyard for the week of July 4th again. :) We had fun trying to stay cool in unseasonably HOT weather there (90s, and one day getting near 100). We visited with friends and family, and just hung out together as a family of three most of the time. :)

Zoe had to cook us "soup" on the porch. She loved this little kitchen set. The soup had different things in it from french fries to cookies to chocolate to chicken. This varied when you asked her. :)

Cuddling with Daddy...

CHEESE!!!!!

We attempted to ride the trike. I say "attempted" because while it LOOKS like she was happy, she really wasn't. She was miserable and alternating from crying to whining because it was so hard for her. She would start peddling, but then stop and try to push both peddles at the same time. No matter what we tried, she just wouldn't listen to what we had to say (it starts so young!). She's been working on this at daycare, so hopefully the frustrations will be LESS the next time we get to MV.

Tried to patiently wait with Cousin Brody for the parade to start on July 4th...

Zoe preferred to keep a running commentary of the parade for Auntie Darcy!

She may look like she's in pain, but Zoe is really singing and "making a band" as she puts it. She was banging the tops of those pots from that kitchen set (see, I told you she liked them!!) like cymbals and having a grand old time. At one point, she insisted I help her and have a "drum" (turn a pot upside down and hit it with a spatula, of course). Sorry for the lack of pics on that--Noah was busy and I couldn't manage drumming AND singing AND picture taking. I wonder what the people walking by the cottage were thinking?? ;)

Pausing for a "drink" from the instruments. :)

Waiting for a pop!!

ohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboyohboy!!!!

Ahhhh....dis iz da betht pop, Mommy!!!

We looked for Dora in her "noclurs" (if she says it too fast, it's one of those words you HOPE Zoe doesn't say in a large group...Can you imagine, "Mommy, I need my____!")

We went to Ocean Park to blow bubbles...

Daddy blew the best ones!

Time for a rest...

Just love this shot of Zoe:)

Burning off some of her endless energy...

One last one before leaving...At this point, there was a meltdown, and almost nearly literally!

After naptime, we filled the water table for some water fun!

I think she just squirted herself in the face here...she loved it!

One of the few times Mommy and Zoe are on the same side of the camera!

We planted flowers...

picked up sticks...

And did a lot of reading...

We also ran through the sprinkler at a playground on a playdate with Cousin Taylor.

Things we don't have pictures for?
We spent a day with our friends Kate and Eric (and their kids Mikey and Andrew)...or as Zoe said, "Cake and Eric" and their son "Nick". (this might be from a recent visit with Daddy's friend Nick before we left!).

We had lots of family time with Gaga, Papa, Uncle G, Auntie Darcy, Uncle Jeff, and Cousin Brody.

We took lots of walks into town, dancing and singing at the cottage, "cooking", playing with her necklaces, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse figures, and being the campground greeter. Zoe said hi to just about every single person who walked by. :) Most of the time, people were great and waved, said hi, and responded to the many things she told them. One of the passers-by even remembered Zoe from last year. She had a puppy that Zoe had gone CRAZY for last year...the woman didn't have the puppy, but she sure remembered Zoe. :) Fun times!

This is from a post dated July 6, 2009...
In addition to this, she squealed and shouted and screeched to every puppy and baby that she passed. It was hysterical. I think she thought she was the welcoming committee for the campground!! She also liked to say "hi" when people walked by and say "bye bye" while waving to the cars and trucks walking by.

Sounds a little familiar, huh??

Some catching up to do...part 1

2010-07-12T20:29:00.003-04:00

We have been busy...

We went to Boston and went on a duck tour with Grammy, Grampy, Uncle Jill, Uncle Jason, and Cousin Jacob. While we were waiting, we saw:

... sea otter. Zoe was THRILLED to see this sea otter, and acted as if it were the biggest movie star. I mean, really, who WOULDN'T be thrilled to see a sea otter in front of the New England Aquarium?!?

...Zoe hammed it up for the camera.

...Jacob got absolutely hysterically crazy excited to see the horses pulling carriages. This picture doesn't show the absolute crazed toddler he became, how he nearly came out of his skin, how he really just went nutty for these horses. And, unless we were characters in Harry Potter, you won't be able to hear the *screeching* and noises coming out of his body. Oh, how I wish we'd been able to capture that. Of course, when he wouldn't get *close* to the horses, but whatever. The excitement of them from afar was more than enough for Jacob!!

From the beginning of the ride, Zoe was not so thrilled with...

Super Size, our tour guide...Sorry for only getting a pic of his foot. We were in the front row, and with the lens on my camera, I couldn't get far enough away. Let's just say, the costume matched the shoe VERY well. (side note: I met someone who actually is friends with him at a training the next day--she said he dressed like that in his band!).

We saw many sites in Boston, including:

...the Capitol building,

...a teapot that actually blows steam,

...and a piece of the Berlin Wall (no, really, it is!).

We hit the water...

and saw:

...a state penitentiary,

...a draw bridge,

...The Prudential Center,

...the salt and pepper shaker bridge (there's a more formal name, but Auntie Jill reminded me of their more 'fun' name),

and...

...Fenway Park, or at least the Citgo sign!

And, on the way out, we met a joker...

Zoe ended up having a really good time, but we weren't sure in the beginning. Now that we told her that the bus turns into a boat, whenever we talk about either a bus or a boat, she thinks that one turns into the other. :)

Goodnight Moon

2010-06-30T19:51:00.006-04:00

Zoe has had Goodnight Moon memorized for awhile...she has heard it nearly every night of her life, so it makes sense. We finally remembered to get the Flip upstairs tonight to get her saying it. Since there are SOME people who can't understand what she's saying, I've provided a transcript.

Please note...Zoe's taken some liberties. She decided her version is MUCH better!

In the great green room there was a telephone, and a red balloon...and a cow jumping, and a cow jumping ovah da moon!

Three bears, goodnight chairs, sitting on chairs, and two little kittens and a pair of mittens.

Goodnight clocks, goodnight socks. Goodnight coma, goodnight comb, goodnight brush. Goodnight nobody whispering hush shhhh.

Goodnight stahs, goodnight aiha, goodnight noises (whispering) everywhere.

In the great green room, there's a telephone and a red balloon...and a cow jumping ovah da moon...

This is where Zoe faded off, and Noah was whispering the next lines. Then she says, “I sittin' on dat” and points to the top of the crib she was sitting on.

"I Runnin' Like a Chicken!!!"

2010-06-24T18:02:00.003-04:00

While I'm cooking Zoe dinner (cheese ravioli with butter and cheese, no tomato sauce thankyouverymuch), she's running around without a shirt on, and holding onto the bottom of her shorts...she has them hiked up from the bottom as far as they'll go, and her little elbows are sticking out...

"I runnin' like a chicken!!!!!" she yells.

Of course you are. DUH

For the Unjust..

2010-06-24T09:59:00.003-04:00

This morning, Zoe has decided that the quote of the day is "That's not very nice. Is it?"

This is in reference to just about ANYthing that isn't fair (oh, and she says that, too) or right or just so. She sat on her small Mickey Mouse toys--"that's not very nice, is it?" She sees something on TV when someone gets hurt, "that's not very nice, is it?" Peanut looks at her weird, "that's not very nice, is it?"

'Tude Time...

2010-06-23T19:40:00.001-04:00

has come to our house.

"Leave me aLONE" has become something Zoe has started saying...about 24234092502482039482309 times, too. We do NOT like this, and am trying to discourage its use.

Perhaps some time in timeout if it continues??

Father's Day Fun

2010-06-22T20:02:00.005-04:00

Chillin' for a brief moment in time...very brief.

Kicking the ball back and forth...they weren't too bad at moving the ball back and forth between them for a 2+ and almost 2 year old!

Pouring muddy water on her cousin...

And hugs to him...they love each other a LOT. :)

Stopping for a drink...

Laughing together and trying to catch water in their mouths!!

Check out those french braids!

Beach beauty!

Handsome Jacob...

Jacob was all about getting water in those buckets to drink!

Z was just trying to figure it out!

taking a breather..

RUN RUN RUN!

What's New??

2010-06-22T19:58:00.004-04:00

hanging with ALL of Z's buddies (she was "trapped" --her words!)

Singing...

Or yodeling--you decide.

having dinner with the prince and princess of the castle...

Zoe says...

2010-06-19T17:37:00.003-04:00

We were out shopping yesterday. I was looking at a cute dress, and said, "Oh that looks cute." Zoe says to me, "you're RIGHT, that DOES look cute." Then a few minutes later, we're looking at t-shirts...every time I pulled a new one out to look at, she says to me, "You like that, huh???" crazy kid!!

Currently, she's reading her new "Wonder Pets" book to Noah...she has the intro song memorized and THAT is what she is "reading". :)

Yeeeee-haw!

2010-06-13T15:32:00.000-04:00

Do you see Zoe here??

2010-06-10T18:11:00.002-04:00

Guess who?

I think this proves that Zoe looks like a perfect blend of Noah and me. I see Zoe in my picture, and think, "she looks just like me". But then, I look at that scowl on Noah's face, and have to giggle. Zoe has the same look!

And, can't forget about that forehead. :)

Z's favorite new song...

2010-06-10T17:13:00.001-04:00

"Mary had a little lamp
Mary had a little lamp
Mary had a little lamp
Who's weese is white aaaaaas SNOW"

I'll work on getting it on video. :)

I caaaaaaaaan't....

2010-06-09T20:54:00.003-04:00

is a common phrase we hear these days.

It can mean any number of things:

I don't want to eat what you're trying to get me to eat
I don't want to pick that up
I don't want to go to bed
I don't like whatever it is you like
I'm not going to do what you want me to do/say/want.

This is intermingled with things like singing "Mary Had a Little Lamb" (new song she's learned). She also picked up "Uhn Uh" when she wants to say "no".

She has also discovered a new favorite show Team Umi Zoomi on Nick, Jr. It's actually a pretty cute show that has a LOT of math in it for a toddler. Lots of counting (forward and back), geometry, patterns, and other things that she is just loving. The songs are great. We've been trying to get her to do the "Umi Shake" to get on video...trust me, you'll want to see this. It's hysterical! Zoe LOVES this show, sings the songs, and can even recite some of the standard lines that get repeated for each show. Check it out!

Zoe has also discovered The Backyardigans and Wonder Pets (also on Nick Jr.). Cute shows...and yes, we have the songs perpetually stuck in our heads.

Zoe has gotten a new chair for the beach and LOVES it. She loves to just sit in it and chill. We had to get her a new shopping cart (her other one broke). She loves loves loves that this one has a seat for her babies. :)

Zoe loves loves loves to climb into her own booster seat for a meal, has rediscovered Trix yogurt (it's a shade of unrealistic food colors that is ridiculously sweet, but she likes it), and will ONLY let us help her eat when she's at the bottom that she can't get to. She also loves pepperoni sticks, blueberries (she'll finally eat fresh ones!), grapes, and apple juice (watered WAY down). She particularly loves drinking from juice boxes...Thanks, Grammy for that juice box holder. She does really well NOT squeezing the box and getting juice everywhere!

Zoe loves to brush her teeth. She loves to "get blue teeth". Her toothpaste is blue. :) Of course, she doesn't really appreciate us trying to get those areas in the back, but we keep trying!

Zoe loves to love on her babies, love on Peanut (much to her chagrin), loves it when her Daddy gets home from work (screaming to him from the kitchen window), and LOVES to hang with her "friends" (all of the stuffed animals and blankets she sleeps with in her crib are her "friends").

Weekend Update

2010-06-07T20:59:00.004-04:00

Rainy, muggy Saturday + determined Mommy + Ni Hao, Kai Lan = Zoe's first french braid

CHEESE!!!

What a beautiful little girl!

JUMP!!! Sunday, we had a birthday party for a friend who turned 3...it was at a jump house kind of place called Jump On In. Zoe didn't like the 27 foot slide or the blow up maze, but she LOVED the trampoline and bounce house!

Peek-a-boo!!

Running and jumping in a bounce house!

I brought home a new chair for Zoe for the beach this summer...She was so excited that she demanded her sunglasses and to sit down. Then she wanted to hit the beach! That's my girl!

Every time I asked her to say "cheese" she would lift up her sunglasses at me!

Pirate Ballerina...

All that jumping can sure tucker someone out!

Nicknames

2010-06-06T19:25:00.001-04:00

I was trying to remember all the nicknames we have for Zoe...

Zoe Bean
Bean
Stinky Butt
Stinkmeister
Sweetie
Sweets
Z
Jam-master Z
Stinker Bell

Can YOU think of any??

Peeee-you!

2010-06-06T18:40:00.002-04:00

Today, we were watching the end of the Red Sox game, and Zoe wanted to watch a different show. Noah and I really wanted to watch the end--it was tied! So, we told her she needed to wait. At the end, we had forgotten (she was busy playing with something). She asked, during the post game show, if she could watch Team Umizoomi which Zoe LOVES. Noah then says, "Yes, you can watch Team Umizoomi because the Red Sox game is over. They lost and they stink." Zoe says, "They have a big POOP!"

To her credit, her knowledge of the word "stink" pretty much has everything to do with what goes on in her diaper!!

I don't make this up, folks! :) I couldn't if I tried!!

You want pictures...you got pictures!

2010-06-01T21:13:00.002-04:00

Boxes are so much more fun than the 31230198013810924890218491234 toys!

Strutting her stuff with her new Curious George sateen jammies :)

playing, er, helping Mommy planting...

ooohhh...dirt!

"Yeah, you like it...you ALL want a hat like me!"

Children's Museum

2010-06-01T20:47:00.007-04:00

BUBBLES!!!!!

"I do it myseff!"

BIIIG BUBBLES!

Not too impressed by the turtles.

My daughter *hates* slides...can't you tell???

"I ridin' a bike!!!"

JUMPJUMPJUMP!!

Sand table at Peep's World!

Water table at Peep's World (Zoe's favorite room!)

PEEP!!!!!!!

CHIRP!!!!

QUACK!!!!! (this was like meeting celebrities!)

the spoon "ferris wheel"

Zoe LOVES D.W.

See, I told you she hates slides! :P

GEORGE!! (I wish this wasn't so washed out!)

Golfing...

So serious driving with her hands on 10 and 2. ;)

My little construction worker...

At the Children's Museum in Boston, there's been an exhibit I've been wanting to bring Zoe to, but never had an opportunity due to illness, family obligations, and other various things. Next weekend is the last weekend for the Curious George exhibit, so we made sure we got there for Memorial Day. Gaga, Papa, and Uncle G wanted to see Zoe, so we met them at a restaurant nearby for lunch, and then walked over to the museum. Zoe had a BLAST! We'll let the pictures speak for themselves!

I WILL say...I'm sure we'll be going back many times. We all had a great time!

you like??

2010-05-24T20:36:00.001-04:00

574edit
Originally uploaded by KingdoK

My Eyes are Orange!!

2010-05-24T20:13:00.002-04:00

We're driving home from the store today, and I hear that from the back seat...

What the heck??

I look in the rearview mirror. Zoe's eyes are scrunched up tight and the sun is in her eyes!

Of course your eyes are orange!!

Last few days in VA...

2010-05-23T09:32:00.004-04:00

At the Virginia Living Museum

Checking out a fake turtle shell...What IS in there??

Hi Mommy!

This is what a turtle looks like???

The best one we got from 6 different shots!! At the door to the Charley Harper exhibit...

Check out the seats they had for kids to sit on! I'd love to have one for Zoe!!

An example of Charley Harper's artwork...

The artist....Zoe has a number book with his artwork in it. :)

Busch Gardens

We're HERE!

the show at Sesame Place in Busch Gardens--you see Zoe Monster very well, Elmo, Cookie Monster is behind the red pole, and Abby is all the way to the left...

Meeting one of the big horses up close and personal. She was so nervous she wouldn't pet it!

Meeting Elmo for the first time! She LOVED it!! Grover was sad, so....

She had to give Grover a hug and kiss, too. Elmo was very touched that Zoe loved his friends so much!

Here is Zoe showing them her Abby doll and telling Elmo and Grover about the trip. This was her second time with those two!

On Bert and Ernie's Loch Ness ride....her first amusement park ride. What fun!

This was the highlight of the trip--have you EVER seen her happier!?

Zoe didn't want to give Abby her wand back!!

On the way home...this is the view *I* had of Zoe for the drive home. :)

What We've Been Doing....

2010-05-23T09:16:00.004-04:00

Drawing "rockets"...

Shopping around town...

Mommy's been experimenting with her new lens filters...check out my rose from my awards ceremony!

Z hung out with Uncle Jason at Grammy and Grampy's for Mother's Day...

Zoe and Jacob contemplated their escape...

There are no words for this one. :)

We played with our letter magnets...

Fun with stickers...

Hanging with "Max and Ruby" (Zoe named the bears Max and Ruby--ruby is the princess bear!)

"I do it myself!"

2010-05-23T08:59:00.004-04:00

Ack, seems like I don't follow through real well...sorry about that!

Well, in the last week or so, Zoe has become even *more* independent, if that's possible. She insists on walking by herself, but that can be problematic...she doesn't always like it when we tell her no. She's more likely to take grammy or grampy's hand than ours, but not always!

Yesterday, we had a very nice visit with Grammy and Grampy. Zoe had a fabulous time. She had a bath when we got home (after she had fallen asleep about a half mile from the park--it's only 2+ miles to the house). Anyway, after her bath, she's sitting on the couch, and without prompting, she said, "I had fun with Grampy and Grammy!" We asked her if she could tell us what she had done with you them (she hasn't been very good about doing this before). She said, "I had lunch with them, then we went to the park." We asked her if there was anything else, and she says, "I played the slides with Grampy, frow da ball with Grampy and Grammy, and walked." We asked her if she did anything else, and she says, "I swing to the sky with Grampy and Grammy!"

She talked about it again when we were putting her down for bed. She was so thrilled!

"pumping" all by herself!!

climbing the monkey bars

Who had more fun? Grampy or Zoe??

And, if you'd like to see MORE of Zoe at the park--check out Flickr.

Next up...more pics from our vacation in VA and things we've been doing since the trip!

yes, yes, yes...

2010-05-19T21:34:00.002-04:00

I know I'm overdue for a good post, pictures and all. I will, tomorrow..I promise!

quick update, though: Zoe was sick with croup, again, this weekend. In fact, she was fever free yesterday, and went back to daycare today. She was pretty sick, but not as bad as the first bout of croup we had earlier this year.

I have lots and lots of pictures to post. The school year is winding down (23 days left to go and counting), Zoe's daycare time will go to her summer hours, and we're going to go on lots of adventures this summer!!

'til tomorrow!

crise missies

2010-05-09T17:49:00.001-04:00

Bonus points to anyone who can figure out what Zoe asked for just now to snack on....

I'll be back later with a LONG awaited picture post. :)

flashlight fun

2010-05-02T12:22:00.002-04:00

Today...Z's been running around with with just a diaper on..and stickers on her belly (that's what she wanted to do with them when given some stickers today). But that's not the funny thing.

This morning, we were watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and I smelled something pretty funky. Knowing full well what it was, I asked Zoe, "Are you poopy?" Zoe replied, "I not poopy" and continues playing with her magnetic dolls and clothes. Then I said to her, "Did you have farts?" (she thinks this word is funny...normally we say "toots" referring to gas). She says to me, "No, I not having farts." Funny kid, but you still stink. :)

Now, onto the flashlight fun. We have a small, cheap, hardly working flashlight. Zoe discovered how much fun having one can be, and has been running around playing with it--light on, of course! She ALSO discovered that Peanut LOVES to play with the light. She'd point the light to the floor, and Peanut would try to catch it...causing hysterical laughter from Zoe. Then, Peanut got bored and walked off. Zoe would chase after her and say, "Catch it Peanut, catch it! It's GOOOOOD." What a funny kid.

"You Wearin' a Magic Crown!"

2010-04-30T13:39:00.002-04:00

I came out of the bathroom today after getting ready to work, and hear, "Mommy, you're BACK! I told you!" (this is a common phrase, and I have NO idea where she got that from). Then Zoe says, "You wearing a magic crown!" I had a headband in my hair. :)

Then, Zoe says, "I wanna wear a magic crown, TOO!" Okay...we went into the bathroom, and grabbed one of her headbands...a pink one with a bow on it. I put it on her, and then she wanted the other one, a green one with a bow on it, on Noah.

As much as he tried to say no, Zoe would not take "no" for an answer. I left the house with Noah wearing a green headband with a green bow. It really makes his eyes stand out. :)

Zoe and Abby

2010-04-27T18:39:00.001-04:00

Zoe and Abby
Originally uploaded by KingdoK

Zoe's favorite moment of our trip. Mommy and Daddy liked it too.

Virginia Living Museum

2010-04-22T20:50:00.002-04:00

Today, we headed here to see lots and lots of animals. Zoe LOVED it. I got a LOT of pictures--mostly of the animals, honestly. I'll post them tomorrow...

We think Zoe loved the vultures the most...she nearly jumped out of her seat when she saw them. She really liked looking for birdies in the mud (just normal birds, possibly blackbirds, looking for bugs in the water or mud as we walked from exhibit to exhibit), loved looking for turtles and duckies in the water, loved watching the otters, looking at fish, and checking out the wolves. She even wished them happy birthday, since today was the wolves' 3rd birthday!

*I* really enjoyed the exhibit they had on Charley Harper because his work is in one of Zoe's counting books. I enjoyed learning more about this artist who used screen printing to create his images, used humor and had an ecological message in a lot of his work. Very interesting stuff, but I'm sorry to say I can't afford his work!

As I said, pictures will come tomorrow...after our visit to Busch Gardens!

Colonial Williamsburg

2010-04-21T19:59:00.004-04:00

We spent the last two days at Colonial Williamsburg...what a wonderful place! There were houses and gardens to go through (we stuck to the gardens), animals to see and wave to (Z loved this!), people to talk to, and reenactments to watch. The first day, we tried to take the shuttle from the visitor center, not knowing there was a walkway. Weeeeelllllll, let's just say, it didn't make Z a happy camper. It was so rough on the bus that when we were leaving a restaurant, we overheard someone say, "there's the kid who didn't like the bus". Apparently, Z made quite a reputation for herself! Zoe loved watching the horses walking around, the puppies, and the kitties. She *loved* the drums, and ended up with one as a souvenir (thankfully, it's not that loud!).

Did you know that there were private residences in Colonial Williamsburg? I had no idea, and I'm not so sure I'd like that, as a resident...talk about intrusions!! But, hey, to be able to say, "I live in the middle of Colonial Williamsburg"? I guess to each his own, right?? We only discovered this because we saw some houses that had little placards on them that said "private residence" on them. Interesting!

Zoe decided that she was going to narrate pretty much the entire time we were there. I know, this is shocking news...shocking that she wouldn't be quiet. It was cute...until we heard "I see a green tree" for the 24028420934823th time! :)

Today, we hung close to home. We had the timeshare tour (which we've agreed, we will NOT attempt with Zoe again EVER), and then it was nap time. I'll tell you, being on vacation has done wonderful things for Zoe's nap schedule! She's been napping an average of 2.5-3 hours a day since we've been down here!! She did this when we were on MV in August too. Maybe it's the pack and play?? Who knows!

But, what everyone wants to see is PICTURES....so here they ARE!

The Palace..

Kinda dark, but one of the 1342103981 different horse drawn carriages we saw. Zoe LOVED the horses...said hi and wanted to touch them!

I want this in my yard...when I get one. ;)

Caught her in a funny pose :)

Seriously...could it get any more beautiful!?

A reenactment..

Watching the reenactment with Daddy..

8 shots before I got one where she was sorta smiling and looking at the camera...this is what taking pictures with a toddler is like!!

One of the private gardens we found...Zoe wanted to go and walk through it, but it was a private residence. We weren't sure if that was "kosher".

I love this shot of Z...we were "playin' cahs"

Momma and Z...Zoe was saying "cheese" in this shot, believe it or not.

Hanging with all her friends before bed tonight...watching Dora (what else?). She insisted on watching TV with all of them while having her snack.

The Legend of Zoe...

2010-04-21T19:54:00.003-04:00

We were in Ruby Tuesday tonight for dinner and Zoe was absolutely enamoured with our waitress, Janine. She was a young woman, probably in her early 20s, and Zoe just could NOT stop talking about her, to her, wondering where she was, and wanted to have her stay and color with her. If you've been out to eat with us, you know that Z tends to gravitate to the sugar packets and likes to sort them, empty them from their container and fill it back up....no big deal. She calls them 'dollars' and was sharing them with Noah and me, and then even gave a couple to Janine. At one point, Z called this woman honey, little girl, and mommy.

Then, on the way out the door, there was an old song playing...we could hear it quite well. I told Zoe to start dancing while we were walking, and she did. The waiters were quite impressed that she was bee-bopping out the door to the beat of the music!

Pictures pictures, and more pictures!

2010-04-19T07:54:00.003-04:00

This is what happens when you don't feel well and then don't nap well....you fall asleep on the couch, standing up.

Hanging with Aunt Susan, Cousin Emma, and Cousin Katie Rose...Zoe got one of those velvet like posters to color from Aunt Janet (thanks again, she loves the things you got her!!).

Finger painting with Daddy for the first time (color wonder finger paints...best.things.ever!!!)

one of the 24234920498240248230948 times Zoe walked up and down the basement stairs with Emma (and Bingo in this pic!). Thanks again, Emma!

Playing with the jumping bunnies toy with Aunt Janet...Fun fun!!

Saying bye-bye to Aunt Susan!

Zoe with Great-Grandma Rose and Cousin Emma....of all the pics we took, this is the ONLY one where they are all looking at the camera or have their eyes open! :)

Zoe and Lilli--fast friends!

Zoe and Lilli sharing juice and secrets...

"Come ON, Lilli!" Zoe and Lilli were so afraid to climb this rope ladder..but a nice young boy who wanted to get up (and Zoe was in the way) helped Zoe on her first climb up...from there she was unstoppable!!

On your mark....

...get set....

GOOOOOO!!!!

Zoe's modeling our view off the balcony. It is a little chilly in the morning, but that's okay. We made do!

Wild and CRA-Z. I've started calling her "Stinker Bell" as she's started to tell us "Don't touch me, I'm fine", which is a direct quote from her new Tinker Bell movie we got for the trip. Um, and most of the time? No one is touching her.

Check out the slide that's a short walk from the suite!

On your MARK. Get SET....GO!!!

Just a side note....Zoe had a blast going down the slide. That's not the point of this. She started going down the slide and purposely getting on her back while she'd go down...with her arms outstretched. She said at one point, "I'm SAVING THE WORLD!!!" I asked her, laughing, "Where did you learn that??" Zoe says, "The WORRRLD!" (of course!)

Zoe then asked to go on the swing. She's been afraid to go them before, and when we put her on, not too impressed. Of course, today, she LOVED it. Let's hope it's a new trend!

WEEEEEE!!!!

And, a few last pics...

And, as usual, there are 242094234823094803 more on Flickr already!

Hello from WIlliamsburg, VA!

2010-04-18T20:25:00.002-04:00

We're on our spring break vacation to Williamsburg, but I thought I'd take this opportunity to update the blog. I want to do this each night so I don't forget all the things we do!! :) After a very long drive and a night in Wilmington, we made our way to visit with some of Noah's family for a few hours. We got to catch up with Noah's aunts, Grandma Rose, and cousins...Emma certainly was on her toes chasing after Zoe and "babysitting" for us. :)

Then it was off to meet up with a mommy friend of mine from a mommy message board I belong to. Mary and her daughter Lilli were wonderful people. We met up at a local Burger King so that the kids could play in an enclosed play area. When they finally figured out how to climb up the net like ladder to go down the slide, they were in heaven!! The kids had such a good time, and Zoe hasn't stopped asking for Lilli! Too bad we don't live closer, I think the girls (and Mary and I) would have had fun getting together more often!

We pulled into our resort in Williamsburg. W.O.W. is all I can say. With our timeshare, we've been able to exchange it a number of times, but this is by far the best we've been in. It's quiet, very quiet, and you're hard up to see many other people walking around, even though the place is filled with cars. We're at a 2 bedroom suite with our own kitchen, a jetted tub, a gas fireplace, a private deck...so nice! Zoe has settled in quite nicely. She loves running down the hall into her "own room" and coming back out. We took it easy today..going to the grocery store, and just hanging in the suite. We took a walk down to a nearby play area with a single slide and 2 swings...just perfect for Zoe. She had a blast, and even went on the swing (and liked it). Tonight, Noah asked her if she had fun today, and with a giggly grin, Zoe said, "yeeeees". I asked her what her favorite part, and without missing a beat, she told us sliding down the slides. :)

Pics are coming as soon as Flickr finishes uploading!! There are a LOT!

This vacation has come at a perfect time. The last couple of weeks have been rough for us. Noah was sick, then Zoe got sick, and in that same time, my allergies just went into overdrive. Zoe had a high fever and was out of daycare for FOUR days because of the fever (no other real symptom...weird, because she was all over the place running around too!!). We took her to the dr, all the same, thinking it was an ear infection. He says to us that it was just a virus that had to work out of her system...just in time for the vacation! :)

Drive by post...

2010-04-15T12:43:00.004-04:00

http://www.philsdarkroom.com/Portraits/Zoe/11859061_hTHC6#838693463_2cjhm
(note: address has changed)

Check out the rest of the pics from Zoe's photo shoot....we just got the link for all of them.

There are way too many to post here. I will post a couple of our favorites when we figure out what they are!!

These are low-res and good for web (but not printing, necessarily). And there's a watermark on them. If you're interested in any, let me know what you want and what size. I'll let Phil know so we can get the right ones printed up! :)

Edited to add 4/17/10: Please note a new URL has been posted. In addition, there will be an option to purchase right from the site. I will be asking for password protection for this, so be sure to ask if you check back and can't see the pictures!

Words I never thought Zoe would say...

2010-04-11T22:51:00.002-04:00

at 2 years old.

"Mind your own business..." complete with a serious face and pointing at us.

"Stop talking, Mommy"

"Stop poking me!" (and no one is touching her)

Words I never thought I'd say...

2010-04-10T09:01:00.002-04:00

"That's yucky, Zoe. We don't lick people!"

Noah said the other day, "Zoe, don't stick your finger in your butt."

Ah, the life of a toddler.

I'm not a monkey...

2010-04-09T18:44:00.002-04:00

We were in the car today, listening to The Wiggles CD we have. More specifically, we were listening to the song, "The Monkey Dance". I asked her if she was a monkey. Zoe replied, "I'm not a monkey, I'm Zoe!"

Well, DUH, Momma, of course! ;)

Baby Suit

2010-04-07T21:14:00.002-04:00

It was rather warm today...so Z was dressed in a tank top and shorts to go to daycare.

Well, we get done dressing her, and what does she do? "look, momma, I wearing a baby suit!" She thought, and insisted no matter what we said, that she was wearing a bathing suit.

Silly girl! :)

Happy Eathter!!

2010-04-05T21:06:00.009-04:00

The Easter Bunny dropped off a new toy for Zoe...a day early. He knew how great the weather was going to be this past weekend, and wanted to make sure Z could get as much time in as possible with the toy!! Check it out!

Still playing! She LOVES her new trike! We forgot to bring her helmet, but trust me, she's made use of that already! :)

"Aww, dis iz bettah...watch out, Papa!"

Come ON, Uncle G! Come ON!!!

Gaga, WOOOO! Where's dat noize fwum?

All the pretty ladies...and Brody. :)

Daddy, chase me!! Chase me!!

Taking a milk break!

I think this grin says it all....she had a BLAST at the park on Saturday with Gaga, Papa, Uncle G, Darcy and Brody. If you haven't figured it out, keep looking!

She was so excited she turned herself around and walked backwards to the playground!

Weeeee!! Slides!!!!

Uncle G trying to teach Zoe how to use the ladder...

Daddy and Papa catching up on the latest news...

A true sign of a good time...she's FILTHY. :) She had an absolutely fabulous time with everyone!

After we got home, we had to get our eggs ready for the Easter Bunny!! This was Zoe's first time dying eggs, and she was thrilled to watch the eggs change from white to the different colors she chose. She was very particular about which eggs became which color. :) Check it out!

Z, dying eggs redneck style!

Plop!!

Her efforts were well-rewarded...the Easter Bunny hid those eggs well! Zoe really got into the egg hunt at home. She was very careful with the real eggs, and shook the plastic ones, intent on figuring out what was in each one (M&Ms and stickers).

And, the requisite chocolate for breakfast (but only on Easter). She actually wouldn't eat it after we unwrapped it. She had stepped on it, and when she realized it was broken, she wouldn't eat the egg! Silly girl!

At Grammy and Grampy's...Cousin Jacob and Zoe had a BLAST together. He was slow to warm up, but Zoe didn't seem to care...she just ran and ran and ran (can you tell from the picture??).

holding hands together. They really do love each other.

Can you tell??

Awwwww.....how sweet!! They would kiss each other anytime we asked!

Here's how she's used her helmet...Don't YOU eat your dinner with your bike helmet, knee pads, two drinks....

...Sesame characters....

...and Strawberry Shortcake looking on??

Zoe shared her dinner with her new friends.

And was contemplating her next move. :)

As you can see, we had a FULL weekend here. It all started with a trip to visit Grampy at his work, lunch with Grampy, a visit with the Easter Bunny (she loved him, hated waiting, and hated getting off!!), and a visit with Grammy. Saturday was spent at a beautiful park just south of Boston. We all had so much fun, as you can see!! Sunday was spent running around Grammy and Grampy's house, too busy to eat anything more than chocolate, falling off a ball and hitting her chin on the floor, and hitting her head against the corner of a table (see why we need that helmet??;) ). Busy weekend, but we wouldn't trade it for the world! Thank you to the family for such a fun time!

Crackers in a Red Bag and a Scary Snake

2010-04-01T21:37:00.003-04:00

We got home today, and Zoe wanted a snack. It was close to dinner, so I was trying hold her out, if I could. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

Zoe: I want crackers!

Me: Z, it's close to dinner, you know.

Zoe: I want crackers in a red bag! (that would be Ritz cheese and crackers)

Me: No, Z, it's almost dinner time.

Zoe: I want crackers in a red bag...because...because...I'm not crying!

Now, how can you argue that logic? She did get the crackers in a red bag, but only ate 1 or 2 before giving it back to me.

And, what's this about a snake?? We were in Target getting last minute supplies for Easter eggs...she sees a random rubber snake on a shelf and insists on carrying it around. I was all set to let her hold it, play with it and then give it to the cashier to put underneath her register instead of buying it. But, the more Z played with it, the more she got excited about this. She would grab the head, twist it in her fingers so it moved side to side saying, "sssssss". I would pretend to be scared, throw up my hands and give a quiet squeal. She LOVED it. We get to the register and Zoe is babbling to the cashier about what color the snake is (blue), that it said "sssss" and that it was scary. So, I had to get it for her...she wouldn't let it go at ALL until she went to bed.

When Noah came home, she showed him her snake, and in a low growl says, "ssssssss, SCARY SNAKE!"

Hysterical! I love this age!

I know...I know...

2010-03-28T13:06:00.003-04:00

it's been awhile. If anyone knows what I do for work...it's *portfolio* season. This means that I'm super crazy out of control busy. Add into the fact that grades are due (and I also need to do IEP progress reports)..well, I really haven't had much time to breath much less update! After this week, things WILL slow down and we can start our count down to our family vacation to Williamsburg, VA!

Anyway...let's see. What have we been up to in this past week and a half? Last weekend, we took advantage of the BEAUTIFUL 70 degree weather and made our way to the local park.

We walked, we went down the slide 242034239402290 times, walked up and down a ramp 823424242490842 times, tried the swing, and walked some more. Oh, and we played in some sand, and tested out the new shades (Dora ones, of course!). It was a BLAST and we all really enjoyed it. During the week, we just did our normal shtick....go to daycare (or work, depending on who you're thinking about), played at home, tormented the cat, and did a little cleaning.

We thought Friday night would be a nice relaxing night, like it is most nights. Instead, we spent it in the ER. Don't worry, everything's all right. Noah had picked up more food for Peanut, and we put it in a big tupperware style container so the dry stuff stays fresher (and the cat doesn't decide to go exploring and rip the bag apart). Zoe wanted to help. Noah filled the container and then turned to put the leftover food from the bag in Peanut's dish. The next thing we know, Zoe had lifted the nearly 8lbs of cat food (in the container) and dropped it...on her big toe. The good news? It's not broken. The bad news? It looks disgusting. I did NOT take a picture of it (you're WELCOME). It's 'puh-pull', and 'huuhts' a lot. Zoe will tell you exactly what happened if you ask her. She may lose the nail, but we're hoping she doesn't. Poor thing!!

Saturday continued to be just as eventful...we went out and came back with a (dora) potty ring (one that goes on the regular toilet seat). It wasn't our intention to get a potty, as we were out for something else. Zoe saw it, and HAD to have it. We did tell her when she gets home, we could try it out...she was SO excited, she couldn't stop talking about it on the drive home. At one point, the seat ended up on her head! (no, no pics...didn't even think of it!). We got her home, set it up, and SUCCESS!!! Zoe, with the help of her Elmo potty book, went potty for the FIRST TIME!

WOOOHOOO! We're not going to push it, but when she fights us with the diaper changes, we remind her that she could tell us to use the potty instead...she is VERY motivated to sit on her Dora ring!!

Picture OVERLOAD!

2010-03-17T20:44:00.005-04:00

Zoe discovered she liked the slide....

Going down, and landing on, Bunny (or Hop Hop, when you ask for its name) and George...

a picture with two of her cousins...Taylor and the newest member of the family--"Princess P"

Playing with her castle....

"Prince go upSTAIR"

Chef Zoe...

She wore that costume for about 45 minutes!

Visiting with Cousin Brody...she got to hold him. It's getting harder now that he's getting SO big!

See, Gaga, I GOT him!!

Zoe insisted that Brody sit NEXT to her. He has a look like, "um, Daddy, are you SURE it's okay??"

Brody: "well, um, if you say so!" Zoe: "*SQUEEEEEAAAAL* this is so fun!"

Then, she insisted the Puma join in on the action...Puma was actually kissing Zoe!

Princess Z!!

teeesth!!! (cheese)

Time to chill out...being a princess is hard work!

Lil Miss Opinionated...

2010-03-12T19:26:00.002-05:00

Z has gotten QUITE opinionated in the last week.

If we want her to sing, and she doesn't want to? "I don't WANT to sing." Or, "I don't LIKE that song" or "I don't LIKE that song anymore!"

If we want her to dance and she doesn't want to? insert dance instead....

If we are talking and it doesn't include Zoe? "STOP TALKING!"

If I would like her to do something, "No, Momma, I don't WANT to."

If I offer her something, it's "No, Momma, I don't WANT it."

She has recently been insisting on using a purple spoon for her meals. Unfortunately, said spoon is often in the dishwasher from the use.

She is getting more specific in what she wants...."I want the crackers in the red bag". That means she would like the Ritz cheese and crackers (the little sandwich crackers). Yes, and in their snack bag, too...because she had them in a snack bag once.

..."I want cheese-its in a brown bowl".

...you get the picture.

---------------------

Zoe's had a couple of new words and phrases that are kinda funny.

Lemnade and tryn-gale (lemonade and triangle), ball-rina

"My eyes are broken" (when she closes her eyes)

---------------------

Zoe has also figured out cool concepts...and comments on them often...

full/empty
light/dark
take away

I'm sure there's more...but I'm blanking. I'll try to post some pics this weekend. We've been lacking in the picture taking. I've been sick (again!) and, well, pics haven't been a top priority...

We'll have to fix that this weekend!!