4 1/2 months Already!!

Father's Day weekend...a happy moment!
Z's first Red Sox baseball cap. Mommy and Daddy brought it back for Z after their game on Saturday against the Cardinals!
A drool face picture that we just love. Z was hanging with Grandma B, Grandpa B, and Uncle G so Mommy and Daddy could go to that baseball game!
A fun shot of Mommy and Z.

So it's been a little while since I posted. We've been busy! Z stayed with Grandma and Grandpa B and Uncle G so we could go to a Red Sox game on Saturday. Before that, though, Z decided that it would be fun to wake up once an hour after a four hour stint EVERY night last week. Needless to say, we were walking around like zombies that week. In other words, she'd sleep for four, wake up, and then sleep and wake for an hour cycle until she'd be up for the day around 6am. As you know, we're not night owls OR morning people, so this was tough on Noah and me. However, she's gotten back to her regular sleeping routine this week!! She goes down between 7 and 8, sleeps until 3, gets fed, and then is sleeping until about 6 or 6:30. We'd love it if she'd sleep a little longer, but beggars can't be choosers here!!

Not only that, Z's been on a rolling CRAZE. We put her on her back, and she flips to her belly. For the most part, she's okay with it, but she WILL get upset if we don't cheer her on and congratulate her with lots of "yays", clapping and smiles! She's starting to realize that if she doesn't like being on her belly, she can complain about it, or just continue and flip back to her back! Yesterday, Z rolled back to belly to back FOUR times in a row and ended up five feet from where she started! She was so proud of herself! We are so proud of our "Zoe Bean".

Z had a doctor's appointment today, and got her 4 month shots. She reacted to them SO much better than she did two months ago. Then, she slept the entire first day, had a fever the second, and then was very cranky for a few days after. Today, she was a doll and VERY brave! She cried a little when she got the shots, but stopped very quickly. She got some Tylenol for the pain and then because she was doing so well, we went to visit my school and catch up on some things. Z was SO good, and everyone was impressed with how happy she was despite her morning at the drs.

Now for the stats everyone is looking for. Z is 11lbs 14.2oz (gained 1lb), 24.5inches (grew a half inch) and her head circumference is 40.5cms. These measurements have slowed in terms of percentiles on the growth chart, but the dr isn't too worried. We do have to go for a weight check in a month, though, to make sure there isn't anything wrong. She went from being in the 50th percentile to being in the 5-10th percentile in weight. For her height, she went from the 90th to the 50th...but the dr thinks that because he measured Zoe differently than the nurses do (they've done it the past times) his is more accurate than the nurses' were. The nurses just lay Z down, draw a line at her head and feet and measure the difference. That can be off, and an inch can be a LOT for a teeny kid! The dr used these arms that come out from the back of the scale and put one at her head and feet. Much more accurate. So, don't worry about Zoe's growth, or slowed growth. The dr had talked about introducing cereal to our Z, but NOT until 5 months (once we knew her weight, I did ask about this, but he was pretty adament about waiting until 5 months because she doesn't really NEED it at this point, but will). I'm sure, once we start that, she'll put on more weight. And, with if the doctor was worried, we'd be at the office next week, not next month! So, we're trying not to be worried!

Oh, I nearly forgot! Z's taken up piano playing. We have video of it, and as soon as we figure out how to upload it, it'll get posted!

Modeling New Things

Proof of teeth! This is what has been chomping on my fingers since week 14!!

Showing off a new outfit Mommy found for her. What a beauty!!

She rolled over and wasn't upset! I had to get proof....Zoe HATES being on her stomach.

Father's Day

I just wanted to drop in to thank my wife for the best Father's Day present a guy could ask for: the daughter without whom today would have been just another day. Zoe is a new surprise every day and I wouldn't change a thing.

**editted 6/19/08**

Here is a picture of Z on her way to begin the Father's Day weekend...she was ready for FUN!

Ribbit, Ribbit

This is one of Z's newest toys, and she's having a blast with it. It's actually a bath toy, but she likes to chew on its fingers, toes, and eyes, laugh at its "ribbits", and stare at it intently. She even has conversations with it. Thanks, Grandma C!

What a Week!

There are a lot of new pictures to share, and lots of news to share. First the pictures!

Chillin' on a hot day, just before....

a full blown tantrum. This is what happens when Z's schedule is messed up, she doesn't get her regular naps, AND gets to bed late. We don't mess with bedtime now if we can help it.

This is a much calmer Z, chillin' in her Thing 1 onesie. I love that thing! The butt reads "Dr Seuss".

Waiting for Mommy and Daddy to finish getting ready to go out to see Auntie and Uncle J's new condo and their new dog. Poor Z was just not feeling well with those teeth coming in.

Earlier that day before we left....or was it later that day. That momnesia is kicking in!

Hanging with Mommy. Z's showing how well she can sit up! Can you see how she's trying to lean forward even more?? My big girl is growing up!

And just before going to K and E's house for a Memorial Day barbeque. What's so funny about the outfit is that the dress fits perfect. The panties underneath to cover up her diapers are SOOO big on her they were falling off most of the day!

So there's a brief update as to some of the things Z has been doing. This past week, I've noticed Z lengthening her naps...she even got a 2 1/2 hour nap in one day! What has happened to this child of mine??? She usually is a 45 minute napper...that's it. I'm thrilled with the longer naps. It allows me to get more things done around the house (including catching the blog up!).

Also, this week has been a little difficult for the family. We got a phone call from my mother that my grandmother, Z's great-grandmother, who I talked about in a previous post, had died that morning. She had been very sick, slowly just giving up on her life with Parkinson's. She had suffered dementia with this terrible disease, and she was not able to recognize anyone for a long time. While we're all sad that she's is gone, we know that she's in a better place. It made Noah and I even happier to give Zoe her name as Z's middle name. Especially after telling my grandmother's brothers and other family and friends about Zoe...I think that those who figured it out were very touched.

At the wake, we left Z with her Grandma B, who was more than thrilled to help us out. Sounds like they had a great time together! Thursday, Z came with us to the funeral, and we were VERY proud of our young lady and how well she behaved in the church and at the cemetery. I think she understood how important it was to be so good, and she did the best she could! It was better than we ever expected from a 3 1/2 month old. Everyone was impressed with our little Z, and she even got a pinch on the cheek from the priest who did the ceremony! My grandmother would have been proud. Zoe was a hit with all of the little old men and ladies!

My grandma loved to wear an angel pin every day, and we made sure she had one then. I truly believe that she will become an angel for our Z, helping her as she gets older. I also know that we are going to make sure she knows how special my grandmother was. Someday, when I'm feeling a little better about things, I'll have to write more about her, our life with her, and how much she meant to a lot of people. While the turnout for the funeral was small, I do think she brought a lot of joy to the people who were there. It was evident how loved my grandmother was, and it was very touching to see that. We'll miss her.

Laughter...

...from a baby is a wonderful sound. :) Z laughed when I was making a funny noise today. Not just a big smile, but actually had noise and laughed. Of course, I tried all day to get her to repeat it, but, try as I might, it just wouldn't happen!! Oh well!!

"Roll over...Roll over"

If you can think of the old childhood song that THAT is from, you are good! Anway, at 11:20am today, Z rolled from belly to back! She did not cry, and I think she finally got upset enough just to DO it. She hates being on her belly, so you'd think she'd do it more. :) We're not going to be rolling across the room anytime soon, but it's coming!! Z is moving more and more, and it's so exciting to see her reach those milestones!

Teeth!

Yep, that's right, teeth. She got ahold of one of my fingers and chomped down, and there was something sharp in Z's mouth. So, I checked, and saw a couple of white buds on the bottom gums. WOW!! No wonder she was so droolly lately!!

PICTURES!

Z had her three month pictures taken last week Here's a preview...and if you'd like to order, click here. Then you can type in my first and last name and order pictures if you want. :)

This proud Mama is happy to report...

that at 11:15, completely unassisted (I was in the kitchen, Z in the living room), Z rolled from back to belly! Of course, she didn't know what to do after and started crying, but she did it! Isn't it supposed to be harder to do back o belly than belly to back? Since that one time with her arm wedged under, she hasn't rolled from belly to back! Figures she does the harder thing before the easier!

What a smart baby!

Happy Monday!!

My mind seems to just forget EVERYTHING lately. On May 8th, I think, Z went to her first concert. She went to see the Barenaked Ladies with me at Barnes & Noble in Framingham. They were having a free concert for the release of their new kids CD, Snacktime. It's really a cute CD. As for the concert, Z LOVED it. She got to listen to 4 or 5 of their songs from the CD, but LIT UP with a big smile when they sang "One Week." I was so proud!

Z has really begun to interact with her toys more..she's grabbing things when we put them in front of her. She particularly lights up with her froggy rattle and a stuffed horse her Grandpa C got her. She will mouth them and gum them. She's drooling up a storm and chewing on anything that comes close to her mouth!

This picture was taken yesterday...I found bows that clip into Z's hair--so now, even though her car seat and stroller are PINK, no one can call her a boy! How adorable, huh?

After breakfast today, Z was just looking so sweet, we couldn't resist this shot. She's starting to really sit like a big girl! :)

And, she just fell asleep in the swing. Look at her with her friend!

Sleepy Z

This picture is a few weeks old, but it's the last one we took of Z sleeping. We started swaddling Z again at the suggestion of the ladies at the BBC message boards. Z went from sleeping 5-6 hours before waking up at the most to sleeping 7.5 the first night, 8 the next, and 9 the next two! Wow! She'll then go back to sleep for an hour and a half. I wonder if the alarm clock is what gets her up. And I've been able to get her to nap a little better too...at least 45 minute stretches 3 times a day. She might doze off here or there at other points, but it's only 10 minutes here, 15 there. We're getting a nice bedtime routine going on. Who wouldn't enjoy getting a fresh diaper, a massage with lotion, someone putting clean pjs on you, swaddling tight in a Swaddle Me, read two stories and then get rocked to sleep? C'mon, we all wish we could get that kind of pampering!

Littlest Member of Red Sox Nation

As you can see, Zoe's taken quite a liking to watching baseball...look carefully at the tv screen in the second picture, and you'll see the defensive positions being listed for the Orioles. I show this only to illustrate what I found when I came back from the bathroom. I'd been cuddling with Z on the couch but needed to put her down. She had been on the floor but next to the tv, parallel, with her feet facing the front door of our house. I come back to this. She had been a little fussy when I put her down but she was as calm as could be when I got back. What a good girl to know what to focus on! Now let's hope the team doesn't cause her as much frustration as it does every other Sox fan!! BTW, if you close enough, you can see her baseball rattle she had had next to her. In her travels, it ended up between her legs!

Mother's Day

So this is a little late. I wanted to do this one the big day but it was very busy. First, I need to mention something though. Blame it on momnesia! On Thursday, April 24th, Z took a trip with Mommy and Grandma C to see Grandpa C at his work. Grandpa was so excited to show off his new granddaughter to everyone he worked with. Z really enjoyed herself and wanted to thank everyone she met who said such great things about her. She loves the attention! After, Grandma, Grandpa, Mommy, and Zoe went to lunch. Grandma, Mommy and Z went shopping at the Mall of NH after and bought some really cool outfits! Z is decked out for summer now!!

Anyway, my first Mother's Day was a bit surreal. It was weird to know that I get to be celebrated. After all, for the last 31 Mother's Days, it was a day to honor MY mother and grandmother. Because it was going to be so busy on Sunday, Noah and I decided to celebrate on Saturday. Originally, I had wanted to go to the zoo, something low-key but family oriented. However, due to cicumstances beyond our control with our new hot water heater not working, we needed to stay home and wait for it to be fixed. That's okay. We hung out in our pjs all day and took it easy. Daddy made breakfast of french toast, sliced cantelope, biscuits, coffee, and OJ. Then I got some nice gifts. Before, I had roses from Grandma and Grandpa B and Uncle G. I also got cards from some people. Daddy gave me a mother's necklace--gold with diamond chips. Zoe gave me 2 books--Mommy's Hugs and The Grouchy Ladybug. I love reading the books to Zoe, and as she's gotten older, she's able to look at the pictures and listen to the rhythm more.

The next day started with a HOT shower with hot water from our new hot water heater! Then it was off to Grandma and Grandpa C's for brunch with Uncle J and Auntie J. I got more flowers that I can't wait to plant with Z. Auntie couldn't resist getting Z a new purple ladybug outfit. Then it was off to visit with Grandma and Grandpa B, Uncle G, Auntie D, and Uncle J. We went to a very nice restaurant. Z slept in her carseat for the beginning--on the floor because they just didn't have baby accommodations. Oh well. She did end up sitting like a big girl on Mommy's lap, then Grandma's, and then Auntie's. Dessert was at Uncle J and Auntie D's. It was a long day that unfortunately got longer because every highway we took home had night construction! Zoe was great though and slept through it. While she was a little out of sorts Monday, it wasn't like it was in past weekends when it's a long weekend. What a trooper!

Being a mom is a wonderful experience. Yes it's the hardest thing I have ever done, but I love it. It's the one job I've always wanted. Z's smiles make it all worth it. Even a 3am, I can smile when she looks up at me with her beautiful blue eyes and gives me that big toothless grin, it's hard to resist! Like her Daddy says, those grins and eyes have such happiness in them. They have such innocence, love and joy. I love to hold Zoe, watch her sleep, listen to her breath, coo, and talk. Even when she's throwing a tantrum, when I can take a step back and not take it personally, there is some humor there. Zoe is something that no one can take from me. Her father and I brought her into this world full of love, and I know the two of us will do whatever it takes to keep her happy. I know we aren't the only ones either. I know Mother's Day is to honor mothers, but I feel honored to be Z's mom. She helps me to be a better person. I feel like I need to honor her in some way.

Thank you, Zoe, for helping me be a better person. Thank you for being my daughter and allowing me to be a mom. It's all I've ever wanted.

You like?

Ready for an outing with Mommy...The hat came from a student of Mommy's.

Can you believe this is first thing in the morning? Zoe's much more of a morning person than Mommy and Daddy!!
Playing after breakfast so Mommy can have hers.
Before Auntie J's baby shower...

Chillin' in Mommy's lap and suckin' her thumb... Just before going to meet Grandma and Grandpa B...Looking COOL in her ladybug shades, on her way to Mommy's school. Those middle schoolers have NOTHING on Z...

I hope you all like the video. I took a lot of time making it on www.onetruemedia.com. That's partly why there hasn't been a post from me in a week. I've been working on the video! Also, I was waiting for Noah to upload more pictures. :)

So, here are some more amusing pictures of our Zoe, if you haven't seen them on snapfish. Just let us know if you want a link to see them all.

Something Special

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We're all Good!

Zoe continues to make good progress. Tummy time is proving to be very beneficial. Every day, she can hold her head up more and more and when you hold her, she can sit more upright and less like a sack of potatoes.

Zoe has discovered the "baby in the mirror" as my Mom says. We play this game often and she smiles and coos. She also loves playing Peekaboo and just talking to you. Just listen and you can hear her say some truly inspiring stuff.

Most recently, Zoe has discovered her thumb. For awhile, she'd suck on her fist, suck on her thumb and first finger, or suck on her pinky. But, the other day, she discovered her thumb, left one to be exact, and hasn't looked back. She likes to suck her thumb with loud sloppy sucks, and keeping her fingers straight and open. Too cute. If I can catch it with the camera I will. :)

Yesterday, while doing tummy time, she was rolled onto her stomach, with one arm under her, and the other out. She rolled over onto her back! We haven't seen a repeat performance yet, but it's coming!!

Right now, we're working on Zoe becoming more independent when napping. She has started to develop a bedtime--around 8 0r 9pm. Takes awhile to get her down, but she's able to do it! Now to getting more quality naps in!

I'd like to point out.

that Zoe has been sleeping consistently at least 5-6 hours a night. Some nights have been 7+, but they are usually consisting of 5-6 hours. This is considered THROUGH THE NIGHT! The other night, she slept 8, but I think that was because of the vaccinations.

Speaking of which, she had a slight fever yesterday, but it's gone. She's back to her normal self--fighting me with naps, getting fussy when she doesn't get her way right away....and lots of smiles in between.

Before I go join her on the floor to watch the Red Sox beat the Angels, I'd like to direct you to the bottom of the page. There is a ticker to count up to her first birthday. How'd Mommy do??

2 Month Check Up--9 1/2 weeks old

We have a "string bean" as her Daddy called her today! She is 24 inches long and 10lbs 12oz for weight. I thought we had passed the 11lb mark, but I guess not! I guess she just wants to be in her 0-3month clothes throughout her 0-3month time! :) This is why Daddy called her a string bean--50th %ile in weight, but 90th %ile in length!!!! Oh my goodness!! Then, when the doctor looked at her head circumference numbers, she got concerned because it looked like her head shrunk (apparently, Zoe visited a witch doctor when we had our backs turned?), but the doctor re-measured, and she is still in the 75th %ile in that. I don't have the number written down, so I don't remember what it is, but I'm glad the number is still where it's supposed to be!

Zoe had her 2 month shots today. She got a vaccine for Rotavirus, DTaP, Hep B, and a few others I can't remember off the top of my head. One liquid and 3 shots. She cried so hard she turned bright red and tooted! Mommy cried a little with her, but after it was over, Mommy picked her up right away and she settled right down. When we got in the car, Zoe fell asleep before we were even out of the parking lot! She slept long enough for Mommy and Daddy to have lunch, then woke up long enough to get some baby Tylenol for the pain. She fell asleep, woke up an hour later for her lunch, and then fell asleep again. At almost 4pm, she is still sleeping. This is common when babies get their vaccinations. Mommy and Daddy are just there to keep Zoe comfortable. Mommy took her to Target, and she doesn't think Zoe even realized she was out!

This weekend was a very busy weekend in many ways. Saturday, Uncle J had Passover dinner for us. Zoe thought that Uncle J and Auntie D's dining room was SUCH a fun place! She spent dinner in her car seat smiling and laughing at the walls and ceiling and Daddy. What a good little girl!! Sunday was her Auntie J's baby shower. She was just a great hostess!! Zoe helped keep all kinds of people occupied, from her Auntie P, Auntie D, to her Grandma B and Grandma C. Auntie D and Grandma C each got to feed her a bottle! Auntie J got lots and lots of toys for Cousin J...Zoe was eyeing them, but found a striped gift bag much more fun than the boy toys!!

Zoe just reminded me that last weekend, Grandma B came up and kicked Mommy and Daddy out so she could baby sit and Mommy and Daddy could go on a date. It was hard, but they left for two hours and went to dinner and did some shopping. We knew it'd be hard, but it was worth it. They needed to spend some time JUST them. There will be more dates, and I'm SURE more baby sitters will be needed! We've had plenty of offers!!

Best Smile Pic to Date

Caught this with my cell phone yesterday...beautiful!!

More pictures!

Mommy just loves this picture of Zoe and her!

Daddy caught Mommy and Zoe in a nap!

We caught another smile from Zoe. She smiles all the time, HONEST! We just can't seem to get it when the camera is going!

Zoe loves her ladybug mobile!

Posing after a diaper change. The onesie says "Princess"...it says it all.

Great-Grandma Doris with Zoe. We picked up her car to replace Mommy's car and visited with Great-Grandma for awhile! THANKS for the car!! :)

This was the day she left the hospital, and the next is the last time Zoe was able to wear the same outfit, two months later. What a difference! What a big girl!!

More Milestones to Report!

Zoe has made a couple of good milestones recently. Mommy has been bragging away to anyone who will listen!

• Zoe has grown out, completely, of her take home outfit. When Daddy uploads pictures, I'll be sure to put comparison pictures to show the difference! It's amazing when you look at that! That red jumper just looks so different on her now than she did that first day home from the hospital.
• Zoe has begun to notice more inanimate objects and showing pleasure from them. She's starting to smile at them. Specifically, she smiles at her ladybug mobile when she's in her crib. Zoe's really able to show us how happy of a baby she is. She smiles more and more every single day, with big grins, open mouth smiles, and just cute little devilish ones.
• The most fun accomplishment is that she LAUGHED for the first time this morning. Mommy said hello to her and she just laughed. :) Of course, we haven't heard it since, but I'm sure it was the first of MANY laughs for Zoe!

Today, Zoe went to work with Mommy. Mommy was asked to help with some work, as a consultant, for the teachers. Of course, Mommy couldn't leave Zoe for what would have been about 5 hours, start to finish, so Zoe came to school! She met more of Mommy's friends, more of her students, and was just a golden angel. She slept most of the time, and when she didn't, she would coo and smile at Mommy. She only cried when she was hungry!

Zoe's also discovered the idiot box known as the T.V. Mommy and she were playing on the floor in the living room, and she discovered the T.V. on with the Red Sox. She was mesmerized. Is this is a good thing? Well, it does help keep her distracted, but it probably isn't a good habit for her to develop now! Eh, we'll work on this!

A Week in Review

Zoe's had a fun week. It started with Grandma and Grandpa B coming up to take Mommy and Daddy out to lunch. We know the REAL reason they came up--to see little Miss Zoe. She, as always, attracted all kinds of attention.

There are more pictures to add...Daddy will get right on it. There are lots of cute things that Mommy and Daddy caught Zoe doing. Just wait for the pictures! :)

Zoe's been shopping and getting out more and more. She's also been talking up a storm, and letting us know just how much she likes or DOESN'T like something! She's becoming quite an opinionated little lady!!

Friday, Zoe finally met Mommy's cousin and his family, and Mommy's uncle and aunt. They loved her, and thought she was just great. Mommy's cousin's daughter wants HER parents to have another baby now! Then, it was off to Gramma and Grampa C's house for dinner and some baseball. She got to meet another neighbor of Gramma and Grampa's. She's just a hit at Colliston Yards!

Saturday, Zoe had lunch with some of Mommy's friends...they all thought she was a beautiful young lady, and were surprised at how good she was! She slept the entire time, and missed a good pizza from Flatbread Pizza Company.