Ballerina...(she looks like she's dressed for ballet class!)
Piano maestro...
Electrician or Computer technician...
Housekeeper or Tiler...
Carpet installer or cat whisperer...
Construction work, specializing in door installs...
What do you think??
Monday, November 24, 2008
Possible Future Careers for Our Miss Z??
Fashion model...
Ballerina...(she looks like she's dressed for ballet class!)
Piano maestro...
Electrician or Computer technician...
Housekeeper or Tiler...
Carpet installer or cat whisperer...
Construction work, specializing in door installs...
What do you think??
Ballerina...(she looks like she's dressed for ballet class!)
Piano maestro...
Electrician or Computer technician...
Housekeeper or Tiler...
Carpet installer or cat whisperer...
Construction work, specializing in door installs...
What do you think??
"Walk with the animals..."
Sunday, Noah and Zoe went to visit with some family. As much as I would have liked to have been there, I was home sick with the flu (still am!). Noah's Aunt Susan and Cousin Jenna have come up to visit colleges in the area, so Grandma, Grandpa and Unka G got together with Susan and Jenna, and invited us along. Apparently, Unka G got some nice pictures and video, and as soon as he posts them, I'm going to add some to the blog.
First, there was the trip to the Hard Rock Cafe. Zoe did her normal restaurant routine of charming the pants off of everyone and playing her favorite game "let's see how many times I can get Daddy to pick up my rattle".
Then it was off to the Boston Aquarium. Apparently, Z liked the sharks the best. Noah said she had a blast hanging by the big tank and looking at all of the animals swimming by, and when something was particularly exciting, would say so with a "Woooo". She ended the day with some nice new toys from Aunt Susan and Cousin Jenna (bath toys and a "clacker" book in the shape of a fish, which she LOVES), and a towel to keep her legs warm (someone will have to clarify who gave her that) because we forgot to pack a blanket for her, and a stuffed shark finger puppet from Unka G.
The trip exhausted her, but she seemed to have a great time, and shared all her goodies with me when she came home. She wouldn't stop jabbering away about her fun!!
First, there was the trip to the Hard Rock Cafe. Zoe did her normal restaurant routine of charming the pants off of everyone and playing her favorite game "let's see how many times I can get Daddy to pick up my rattle".
Then it was off to the Boston Aquarium. Apparently, Z liked the sharks the best. Noah said she had a blast hanging by the big tank and looking at all of the animals swimming by, and when something was particularly exciting, would say so with a "Woooo". She ended the day with some nice new toys from Aunt Susan and Cousin Jenna (bath toys and a "clacker" book in the shape of a fish, which she LOVES), and a towel to keep her legs warm (someone will have to clarify who gave her that) because we forgot to pack a blanket for her, and a stuffed shark finger puppet from Unka G.
The trip exhausted her, but she seemed to have a great time, and shared all her goodies with me when she came home. She wouldn't stop jabbering away about her fun!!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Another Baby Carrier Contest
Win a Free Organic Embroidered Ergo Baby Carrier Hands Free System from Along for the Ride This time you could win a free Ergo baby carrier.
I've entered, and putting this link on the blog supposedly gets us another entry. Even if you don't have kids, or do the baby wearing, you could enter...if you win, I'll take it off your hands! :)
I've entered, and putting this link on the blog supposedly gets us another entry. Even if you don't have kids, or do the baby wearing, you could enter...if you win, I'll take it off your hands! :)
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Decisions, Decisions...
As a lot of people know, Zoe has been eating her morning cereal made with Neocate, a hypoallergenic formula that is broken down to the amino acids (building blocks of protein, if you didn't know). This is the smallest part a protein that the formula can be broken down, the most specialized form of formula. You can't even get it in the store...so needless to say, what we are about to announce is something that has taken a lot of time and energy for us to think about.
We've decided to wean Zoe from breastmilk to the Neocate. This was not an easy decision to make. I was having a hard time pumping to just keep up with Zoe. So, we kept trying to get her to take the formula in a bottle (not a simple feat because it's just not the same as what she's used to). Then, a couple of weeks ago, she just took it. Maybe Zoe just got used to it, or maybe she was hungry enough to take it. Regardless, she finally started taking it in a bottle, not just in her cereal. Trust me when I say how difficult this was to GET her to take it (at first we wanted her to be able to take it just in case I wouldn't be able to keep up with her). We flavored it different ways, had Noah try to give it to her, have me try to give it to her, had her daycare provider, Laura, try to give it to her. We tried different bottles, sippy cups, and even on a spoon, with and without a little cereal. She just WOULDN'T take it for the longest time.
Needless to say, taking the Neocate has made our life a little easier. It eased the stress I was feeling about not being able to keep up with Zoe (I'd been able to pump enough for one bottle for Zoe in one session at work, and while I was there, she'd take 2 bottles....do the math!). As she took to it more, we came to the decision that to ease my stress at work from not having enough time to do my work and to pump, not being able to get enough for Zoe, all of it. So, we started transitioning Zoe so that she takes 2 bottles of formula while at day care, and then I nurse still morning and night.
Instead of it alleviating my stress, it actually got more stressful. I won't go into details about how, but I was having a difficult time with it. So, after doing this for a couple of weeks, we, I, came to the decision to completely wean Zoe to the formula. Know the saying, "if momma ain't happy..." well, this is a sad decision to make, a difficult one, but I kept stressing about the half and half situation we had...this takes the guess work out of it. I was constantly guessing about the foods I couldn't eat, and if what I was eating was okay for Zoe, and it killed me whenever we'd go back to the doctor's office and wonder if there is blood in her stool or not.
We've also been told, because this is such a specialized formula, it can help her stomach heal so tha it can eventually take those proteins eventually (dairy, soy, and possibly egg). So, that's made this decision a lot easier to handle. And, with everything I've read about the formula, it can help reduce the spit up too. So, let's hope that it does what it is supposed to.
Unfortunately, there are not any over the counter alternatives. There is one other amino acid based formula, but that's it.
Fortunately, we have been able to get a few free cans from some generous people. I was pointed to a website where you fill out a short survey, and then they send you a free can of Neocate. They've filled out the survey and have sent us the can. It's definitely made this easier. Zoe is going to be on Neocate at LEAST until she's a year, and probably longer. And, if it's not Neocate, then there are toddler versions, if she's not on milk, at that point. (if anyone is interested in the survey to help out, go to www.testforallergy.com. It's easy and you won't get stuck getting 202384 emails after!)
This has not been an easy decision for me, but to have a happy baby, you must have a happy mommy. Stressing out is not going to make a happy mommy. So, this past week, we've dropped the night feeding, and this weekend, we'll be dropping the morning feeding so that she's on Neocate 100% of the time. It makes me sad to know that I won't be nursing Zoe for the year that I had planned, and I also think that if we hadn't had the health issues develop and having get rid of the milk stash I did have, I'd be feeling much differently, and we probably wouldn't be weaning at this stage.
While this is a difficult decision and does not come without some "what ifs" and sadness, I have a lot of solace in the things that the neocate can do for Z. I really hope it lowers the amount of spit up even more and help her stomach heal faster. Never did I think we'd be here at this point, but then again, we never thought we'd be dealing with an allergy, either!
We've decided to wean Zoe from breastmilk to the Neocate. This was not an easy decision to make. I was having a hard time pumping to just keep up with Zoe. So, we kept trying to get her to take the formula in a bottle (not a simple feat because it's just not the same as what she's used to). Then, a couple of weeks ago, she just took it. Maybe Zoe just got used to it, or maybe she was hungry enough to take it. Regardless, she finally started taking it in a bottle, not just in her cereal. Trust me when I say how difficult this was to GET her to take it (at first we wanted her to be able to take it just in case I wouldn't be able to keep up with her). We flavored it different ways, had Noah try to give it to her, have me try to give it to her, had her daycare provider, Laura, try to give it to her. We tried different bottles, sippy cups, and even on a spoon, with and without a little cereal. She just WOULDN'T take it for the longest time.
Needless to say, taking the Neocate has made our life a little easier. It eased the stress I was feeling about not being able to keep up with Zoe (I'd been able to pump enough for one bottle for Zoe in one session at work, and while I was there, she'd take 2 bottles....do the math!). As she took to it more, we came to the decision that to ease my stress at work from not having enough time to do my work and to pump, not being able to get enough for Zoe, all of it. So, we started transitioning Zoe so that she takes 2 bottles of formula while at day care, and then I nurse still morning and night.
Instead of it alleviating my stress, it actually got more stressful. I won't go into details about how, but I was having a difficult time with it. So, after doing this for a couple of weeks, we, I, came to the decision to completely wean Zoe to the formula. Know the saying, "if momma ain't happy..." well, this is a sad decision to make, a difficult one, but I kept stressing about the half and half situation we had...this takes the guess work out of it. I was constantly guessing about the foods I couldn't eat, and if what I was eating was okay for Zoe, and it killed me whenever we'd go back to the doctor's office and wonder if there is blood in her stool or not.
We've also been told, because this is such a specialized formula, it can help her stomach heal so tha it can eventually take those proteins eventually (dairy, soy, and possibly egg). So, that's made this decision a lot easier to handle. And, with everything I've read about the formula, it can help reduce the spit up too. So, let's hope that it does what it is supposed to.
Unfortunately, there are not any over the counter alternatives. There is one other amino acid based formula, but that's it.
Fortunately, we have been able to get a few free cans from some generous people. I was pointed to a website where you fill out a short survey, and then they send you a free can of Neocate. They've filled out the survey and have sent us the can. It's definitely made this easier. Zoe is going to be on Neocate at LEAST until she's a year, and probably longer. And, if it's not Neocate, then there are toddler versions, if she's not on milk, at that point. (if anyone is interested in the survey to help out, go to www.testforallergy.com. It's easy and you won't get stuck getting 202384 emails after!)
This has not been an easy decision for me, but to have a happy baby, you must have a happy mommy. Stressing out is not going to make a happy mommy. So, this past week, we've dropped the night feeding, and this weekend, we'll be dropping the morning feeding so that she's on Neocate 100% of the time. It makes me sad to know that I won't be nursing Zoe for the year that I had planned, and I also think that if we hadn't had the health issues develop and having get rid of the milk stash I did have, I'd be feeling much differently, and we probably wouldn't be weaning at this stage.
While this is a difficult decision and does not come without some "what ifs" and sadness, I have a lot of solace in the things that the neocate can do for Z. I really hope it lowers the amount of spit up even more and help her stomach heal faster. Never did I think we'd be here at this point, but then again, we never thought we'd be dealing with an allergy, either!
Friday, November 14, 2008
Happy 9 Months!
Can you believe it's been NINE months since our baby entered the world on that cold day in February?? She's informed us she will be spending her day playing with her friends at day care, playing with her toys, crawling, getting into the cat food, eating her food, drinking her bottles, screaming (happy screams), and talking everyone's head off. :)
For everyone's information, the good results of the drs visit the other day mean a LOT of things: 1. Zoe is in the 25th percentile in her weight (and height). This is up from the 3rd percentile when she started seeing the GI dr! 2. I've been given the okay to have soy lecithin and soybean oil (read your packages, those are in a LOT of foods). 3. Zoe is now proportionate. While her weight has increased, her length growth has slowed a bit, so she's now in the 25th percentile in each. She's still on the little side, but she doesn't look nearly as long or as thin as she did.
Zoe has enjoyed showing off for her Uncle Nick and our financial dude who both came up to visit on separate occasions this week. She's showing off all of her new skills--talking, clapping, crawling, dancing, and tormenting the cat! She even scored a cool stuffed turkey named "Gobble" from Uncle Nick.
That's all, folks. Have a great weekend!
For everyone's information, the good results of the drs visit the other day mean a LOT of things: 1. Zoe is in the 25th percentile in her weight (and height). This is up from the 3rd percentile when she started seeing the GI dr! 2. I've been given the okay to have soy lecithin and soybean oil (read your packages, those are in a LOT of foods). 3. Zoe is now proportionate. While her weight has increased, her length growth has slowed a bit, so she's now in the 25th percentile in each. She's still on the little side, but she doesn't look nearly as long or as thin as she did.
Zoe has enjoyed showing off for her Uncle Nick and our financial dude who both came up to visit on separate occasions this week. She's showing off all of her new skills--talking, clapping, crawling, dancing, and tormenting the cat! She even scored a cool stuffed turkey named "Gobble" from Uncle Nick.
That's all, folks. Have a great weekend!
Monday, November 10, 2008
... and the results are in
In the pink corner, wearing pink trunks and pink gloves, weighing in at 17 lbs, 0.3 oz and measuring 26 3/4 inches long..... Zoe!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
New Tricks!
Z is a crawling machine! She is everywhere...she just does NOT sit still. It's amazing the energy that kid has. She's crawling, scooting, rolling, sit up, lay down, slide over, pick up a toy and wave it around, tell us something, scream something at us, and do it all over again.
Today, she managed to crawl THROUGH her exersaucer.
She also has spent a good chunk of the day "clicking" her tongue. She loves it when you repeat it.
She also has a "mean face". She will scrunch up her face like she's all mad at you and then breath really fast in and out through her teeth. Again, repeat it, and she is all smiles. She loves it! :) She's not mad; it's just a new trick!
Z also is playing so hard she'll 'pant'. I don't think she's really out of breath, but it's cute to see her work so hard.
She's getting faster, and has gotten close to getting that FUN new toy, the cat's tail!! Peanut has NOT been amused. Z is also focused completely on trying to catch Peanut. So far, Peanut is still faster. :)
Zoe is starting to push onto just her knees to try to play...that's a problem because she's not too sturdy like that yet! I have seen her push onto her feet, but she usually collapses right away. Hands stay on the ground the entire time.
We've discovered a couple of favorite commercials of Z's...The Friendly's commercial with the soccer mom singing with the soccer team in the back. Whatever she's doing, she STOPS and just watches it. Then, when it's over? Back to playing. That one and a Ford truck commercial. Both have a lot of singing and music in them...what a freak we have for a daughter!
Oh, and Z has this dancing pig. You press its snout and it vibrates and plays some music. She starts to dance to it. We'll try to get it on video. This has been able to get Z to smile when she doesn't feel like it (I know, amazing, but she DOES have times when that's true!!).
Today, she managed to crawl THROUGH her exersaucer.
She also has spent a good chunk of the day "clicking" her tongue. She loves it when you repeat it.
She also has a "mean face". She will scrunch up her face like she's all mad at you and then breath really fast in and out through her teeth. Again, repeat it, and she is all smiles. She loves it! :) She's not mad; it's just a new trick!
Z also is playing so hard she'll 'pant'. I don't think she's really out of breath, but it's cute to see her work so hard.
She's getting faster, and has gotten close to getting that FUN new toy, the cat's tail!! Peanut has NOT been amused. Z is also focused completely on trying to catch Peanut. So far, Peanut is still faster. :)
Zoe is starting to push onto just her knees to try to play...that's a problem because she's not too sturdy like that yet! I have seen her push onto her feet, but she usually collapses right away. Hands stay on the ground the entire time.
We've discovered a couple of favorite commercials of Z's...The Friendly's commercial with the soccer mom singing with the soccer team in the back. Whatever she's doing, she STOPS and just watches it. Then, when it's over? Back to playing. That one and a Ford truck commercial. Both have a lot of singing and music in them...what a freak we have for a daughter!
Oh, and Z has this dancing pig. You press its snout and it vibrates and plays some music. She starts to dance to it. We'll try to get it on video. This has been able to get Z to smile when she doesn't feel like it (I know, amazing, but she DOES have times when that's true!!).
Friday, November 7, 2008
Care to wager a little bet??
Z is heading back to the GI dr for a little check up on Monday. At her last appointment with him, she weighed in at 16lbs 1oz and 26 3/8 inches long.
I think she's going to be 17lbs 8oz. Noah thinks she'll be 18lbs. If you care to wage in on this little bet, place a comment in the blog.
Winners will receive the glory of winning. :)
I think she's going to be 17lbs 8oz. Noah thinks she'll be 18lbs. If you care to wage in on this little bet, place a comment in the blog.
Winners will receive the glory of winning. :)
Kick it to the Curb!
Whatever Z might have been battling, getting used to daylight savings time, an upset stomach (she'd been spitting up a lot), who knows what...but it appears to be gone. She's spitting up MUCH less lately, her fussies have gone away, and she's a happy-go-lucky Z again.
Maybe it had something to do with sleeping almost fourteen hours last night. That's right...14 hours. She was SO tired last night, I put her to bed (hoping it was a nap, but knew it probably wasn't) at 4:30. She was OUT like a light and didn't wake up until 5am. However, she babbled away for a little bit and fell back to sleep until I woke her up at 6:15...I wonder how long she would have slept without me waking her up??? I hate doing it, but I have to do it to feed her before I go to work.
Hopefully, this is the start of improved napping at daycare (her napping's been all out of whack, too, poor baby)...hopefully, she'll sleep just as long tomorrow morning! :)
Maybe it had something to do with sleeping almost fourteen hours last night. That's right...14 hours. She was SO tired last night, I put her to bed (hoping it was a nap, but knew it probably wasn't) at 4:30. She was OUT like a light and didn't wake up until 5am. However, she babbled away for a little bit and fell back to sleep until I woke her up at 6:15...I wonder how long she would have slept without me waking her up??? I hate doing it, but I have to do it to feed her before I go to work.
Hopefully, this is the start of improved napping at daycare (her napping's been all out of whack, too, poor baby)...hopefully, she'll sleep just as long tomorrow morning! :)
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Check out our Z...
Zoe's playing...check out her "toy", the package of rings to put toys on things for her. Seriously, why do we spend money on REAL toys?? She likes these things so much better! DOn't forget, she still likes water bottles and wet face cloths, too...
Sleepy Z...When she's tired, she'll pull on her ear and yawn like crazy. When she's really tired, she rubs her eyes so hard, you swear she's going to rub them right out!
Zoe particularly proud of a meal...I THINK what we have here is chicken and avocados, with a side of cheerios.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Daylight Savings Time..
...has not been good for Z. Poor thing doesn't know what's up or down at this point. Her naps are all out of whack, she's been tired, a bit fussy (can you even believe it??), and getting up at 4am....
We're doing our best to help her get adjusted to this one hour change. Who would have thought ONE hour would be such a big deal?!?!
We're doing our best to help her get adjusted to this one hour change. Who would have thought ONE hour would be such a big deal?!?!
Friday, October 31, 2008
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
From our Ladybug to you....
Z had a Halloween party at day care today...she was one of *2* ladybugs there (there were only 4 kids in all!). When I picked her up, she was in a great mood...apparently she really liked hanging out in her costume and playing around in it. After, we went to Noah's office to show off, and that she did! She played with all of Noah's friends, let people hold her, and showed off how well she can sit, scoot, roll, and one other NEW SKILL.....
Z has CRAWLED. She crawled a couple of steps, twice. THEN, she crawled at home again, without the costume on. Apparently, having a padded belly made it easier to try this new skill!
We'll try to get more costume shots tomorrow, maybe even outside if the weather is as nice as we hope for. Our baby is growing up!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Then...
8lbs 3oz..
And now....
probably close to 17lbs.
Z has finally doubled her weight. She's also about 6-7 inches longer.
It's so hard to believe she's grown SO much in over 8 1/2 months!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Recent pictures
Z's enjoying a snack of cheerios...don't get between her and those things...she might slobber on you!
The girls look a lot alike, but Z is trying to share her Cheerio cell phone (and other toys) with baby Emma, who is just 5 days younger than Z...this was at a recent birthday party!
Now that Z is more mobile, she is EVERYwhere....she's recently discovered all those toys UNDER her exersaucer that she keeps dropping!
This lasted a good 20 minutes before she decided to come visit me doing dishes!Now, for some seriousness :). Unless I hear an objection, I'm going to start just using people's first names, instead of initials. If you do NOT want your name to be used, then please let us know. Otherwise, we're going to use your name...it's just getting too confusing and it makes it hard to read. There haven't been many complaints, but the complaints are the same--too hard to read with the initials. And, if no one has objections, AND I have time, I may go back to previous posts and edit WITH names.
Please let me know if you DO have a problem...otherwise I'm considering it okay. No last names will be used, though!!
Daddy's So Proud!
I was supposed to be changing Z into her pjs tonight, but she wiggled away from me, and before I could even blink, she had rolled over, sat up and scooted herself to the tv cabinet. Somehow she saw the Nintendo Gamecube controllers that were HIDDEN away under something, and got one out. Apparently, she wanted to know what all the fuss was about when Daddy plays!
Monday, October 27, 2008
HI!
Z waved "Hi" for the first time today. As we were waking up her Daddy this morning, we were at the foot of the bed and he reached up and waved to Z, saying good morning...she put her right arm out, hand outstretched, and slowly brought her fingers closed toward her and then opened. She's done it a couple of times since then, too...TOO CUTE!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
New Firsts!
Today, Z had a couple of firsts--
First time in her "big-girl" bath tub....a blow up tub shaped like a duck that fits inside our regular sized tub. She wasn't so happy about the change, but when she realized that it still means she can splash in the water, she was ALL for it! We'll get pictures the next time she's in it!
First time eating chicken....the other night, I made chicken in the crock pot with some apples and a little apple juice. It was REALLY good, so I pureed the extra breast I had cooked up, and Z gobbled it up and wanted more!! I'll up her chicken amount when we know it doesn't bother her!
First time in her "big-girl" bath tub....a blow up tub shaped like a duck that fits inside our regular sized tub. She wasn't so happy about the change, but when she realized that it still means she can splash in the water, she was ALL for it! We'll get pictures the next time she's in it!
First time eating chicken....the other night, I made chicken in the crock pot with some apples and a little apple juice. It was REALLY good, so I pureed the extra breast I had cooked up, and Z gobbled it up and wanted more!! I'll up her chicken amount when we know it doesn't bother her!
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Just checking in!
Just wanted to check in on what our little Z is doing. She has gotten FAST with the army crawl. This morning, I was getting ready to leave for work, and I was in the kitchen. She was in the living room. The next thing I know, she's at my feet. Then, this evening, I'm in the kitchen cleaning up, and we hear Z squawking from the living room. We both look over, and where is she? UNDER the coffee table and on her way out on the side near the kitchen! What a silly girl!
Well, we never made it to Plymouth Plantation..the weather was just too gross for it. Another time! It's not going anywhere, and I'm SURE we'll be able to get there soon enough!!
Sleep has gotten better and better. Now, when we put her down for a nap or bed time, as long as she's sleepy enough, she'll go right down, with hardly a peep. Sometimes, if she isn't tired enough, she'll let us know as clearly as she can...but normally, that isn't a problem!
She continues to love going to and being at day care with Miss Laura and the other kids. I got to see what it was like to drop her off and her Daddy got to pick her up on Wednesday (I had training to go to). When I pick her up, most days, there are 2 other kiddos there....lately, they've been giving her kisses good-bye and even hugs. It's very cute to watch. They're very excited to see her come, yelling out her name, and just laughing and jumping up and down. Don't worry, Miss Laura is VERY good about keeping Z safe from these over-excited 18 month old and 2-3 year old kids...sometimes they just don't understand that Z is so much smaller and younger than they are. She, on the other hand, LOVES seeing them. She laughs, has a HUGE smile on her face, and even will reach out their faces when they get close to give her kisses (on her cheek). They don't mind. And, she can PINCH when she wants to.
What else? Zoe is getting more and more talkative...babababa, dadadada, mamamammamama, and any combination is almost always coming out of her mouth! That and the sounds that make her sound like Howard Dean making those "Yeeaaaahhhh" sound...yeah, Z's a little nutty. We'll keep her though. She's developing quite the personality!
Well, we never made it to Plymouth Plantation..the weather was just too gross for it. Another time! It's not going anywhere, and I'm SURE we'll be able to get there soon enough!!
Sleep has gotten better and better. Now, when we put her down for a nap or bed time, as long as she's sleepy enough, she'll go right down, with hardly a peep. Sometimes, if she isn't tired enough, she'll let us know as clearly as she can...but normally, that isn't a problem!
She continues to love going to and being at day care with Miss Laura and the other kids. I got to see what it was like to drop her off and her Daddy got to pick her up on Wednesday (I had training to go to). When I pick her up, most days, there are 2 other kiddos there....lately, they've been giving her kisses good-bye and even hugs. It's very cute to watch. They're very excited to see her come, yelling out her name, and just laughing and jumping up and down. Don't worry, Miss Laura is VERY good about keeping Z safe from these over-excited 18 month old and 2-3 year old kids...sometimes they just don't understand that Z is so much smaller and younger than they are. She, on the other hand, LOVES seeing them. She laughs, has a HUGE smile on her face, and even will reach out their faces when they get close to give her kisses (on her cheek). They don't mind. And, she can PINCH when she wants to.
What else? Zoe is getting more and more talkative...babababa, dadadada, mamamammamama, and any combination is almost always coming out of her mouth! That and the sounds that make her sound like Howard Dean making those "Yeeaaaahhhh" sound...yeah, Z's a little nutty. We'll keep her though. She's developing quite the personality!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Birthday Parties and New Skills!
Today, Zoe had her first birthday party to go to, outside of family. My friend C's youngest daughter, A, turned 4, and we were invited as Zoe B___ and family. And so it has begun...we are no longer known as Amy and Noah but as Zoe's parents. That's okay. It's a nice label to have.
But, I digress. We got there, and Zoe took a little bit to get acclimated and meeting everyone. When she was comfortable, C wanted to hold Zoe, and then G (A's older sister) got to hold her, too! I wish we had gotten a picture of that, but we forgot the camera was with us. Ah well. That just means we have to get together with them more often to get more pictures!
Zoe spent some time creeping and rolling around on the floor, playing and chomping on her new favorite snack, Cheerios, and telling everyone all our secrets! At one point, she was on the floor with a little girl who was 5 days younger than her...they played very well together and shared their toys with each other. This little girl is already crawling, but we're sure Z is not far behind that!
The newest thing that Z can do is go from laying on her belly to SITTING UP. She's done this a few times today, and has just been moving all over the place. WOW! What a big girl we have!
Right now, Z is sleeping in the spare bedroom in her Grandma and Grandpa B's house. We're here so she can show off all her new skills, and possibly get a visit to the Plymouth Plantation. It's a big busy weekend with lots still to do!
But, I digress. We got there, and Zoe took a little bit to get acclimated and meeting everyone. When she was comfortable, C wanted to hold Zoe, and then G (A's older sister) got to hold her, too! I wish we had gotten a picture of that, but we forgot the camera was with us. Ah well. That just means we have to get together with them more often to get more pictures!
Zoe spent some time creeping and rolling around on the floor, playing and chomping on her new favorite snack, Cheerios, and telling everyone all our secrets! At one point, she was on the floor with a little girl who was 5 days younger than her...they played very well together and shared their toys with each other. This little girl is already crawling, but we're sure Z is not far behind that!
The newest thing that Z can do is go from laying on her belly to SITTING UP. She's done this a few times today, and has just been moving all over the place. WOW! What a big girl we have!
Right now, Z is sleeping in the spare bedroom in her Grandma and Grandpa B's house. We're here so she can show off all her new skills, and possibly get a visit to the Plymouth Plantation. It's a big busy weekend with lots still to do!
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Playtime Pose
Noah caught this picture of Z when she was playing yesterday. It's one of my favorites in recent time! Look at the big girl sitting up all by herself!
Monday, October 13, 2008
I knew I'd come up with some more developments!
Zoe can clap and make sound when she claps...she gets better EVERY day.
Zoe LOVES to stick out her tongue and shake her head (not at the same time, though) and get you to do it....she'll also repeat it when you do one of those things.
I told you yesterday that Zoe has figured out how to pick up her gerber puffs....well, today, she has figured out how to SHOVEL them in her mouth like some eat popcorn. We're going to have to watch her. I thought most would be in her lap when I picked her up, but I only found 3 wayward puffs! What a piggy!
Zoe LOVES to stick out her tongue and shake her head (not at the same time, though) and get you to do it....she'll also repeat it when you do one of those things.
I told you yesterday that Zoe has figured out how to pick up her gerber puffs....well, today, she has figured out how to SHOVEL them in her mouth like some eat popcorn. We're going to have to watch her. I thought most would be in her lap when I picked her up, but I only found 3 wayward puffs! What a piggy!
So, do you think it's time for the Big-girl Bath??
We think it's FINALLY time to get Zoe out of her baby bathtub and into the big-girl bathtub. Yes, we know lots of babies don't make it this far in their baby bathtubs, but our Z is not like lots of babies, if you haven't figured that out yet!
Oh, and to keep from getting indecent pictures, I DID cover Z with a face cloth...Gotta keep things decent!
This is what she looked like on that FIRST bath in the tub...my how things have changed!!
Oh, and to keep from getting indecent pictures, I DID cover Z with a face cloth...Gotta keep things decent!
This is what she looked like on that FIRST bath in the tub...my how things have changed!!
Ever wonder what an 8 month old with 2 ear infections looks like???
Here she is. She has a fever of 101.5 at the last temp check, 2 ear infections, a SUPER runny nose, and a little fussy...but she's still our happy Z. The nurse practitioner at the doctor's office couldn't get over how happy she was (until she checked Zoe's ears!).We went to the store to get a few things, came home and gave Z Motrin and amoxycillin and she played in her exersaucer for a few minutes so I could put away some groceries. Then it was off to a nap...normally she goes down very quickly. This time, she PLAYED for 10 minutes and THEN went down. Again, this girl is sick, and AGAIN, other than a temperature and a little fussiness, she's been great! No one even GUESSED she was sick in the store today!
We're so amazed at how happy and easy going Zoe is! We truly lucked out!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
New Developments
In the land of Z, I realized that she's doing ALL kinds of new things, but I haven't listed what lately.
- Zoe sleeps 12-12 1/2 hours a night, pretty much straight through now (YAY!)
- Zoe is putting herSELF to sleep now...we put get her ready for bed, rock and read her a couple of stories, and then put her down with (usually) very little protesting...she's usually sleeping by the time we get downstairs!
- Zoe gets up on all fours for a few seconds...today she was lifting a knee like she knew what she was supposed to do next, but didn't quite know how to get all the parts moving!
- Zoe is just about able to sit up on her own...but she will get distracted and fall back (her Daddy would say that is just like Mommy)
- She likes to push herself backwards (I keep trying to get video of it, but when I pull out the camera, she just stops to smile pretty)
- She has had butternut squash, sweet potatoes, avocadoes, apples, applesauce, bananas, carrots, and green beans. The only thing she REALLY has had an issue with has been the carrots. All of the food is homemade. Her favorite, I must say, are the apples and applesauce.
- She's figured out how to eat those Gerber Puffs (sweet potato flavored ones are the only ones lil Miss Sensitive Stomach can eat), and LOVES them. Go pinscher grasp!
- Favorite toys at this point? Her hair brush, water bottle, nesting cups, and anything she can throw off her exersaucer!
- She's discovered the wonderful crinkle of plastic (including bags, so those have to be kept out of her reach).
- Zoe loves to play on her Daddy's computer...she loves to do what HE does (pound on the key board)
- She continues to be mesmerized by her friend in the mirror. Today, in a feverish fussy time, her friend was the only thing that got her to stop crying!!
- Zoe loves to tell us about her day, her dreams from nap time and bed time...it's usually VERY fun stuff she shares!
- And, I think we're close to dropping that third nap (much to my chagrin!)
- FINALLY--She has, with the most recent weight gain, officially outgrown the bassinet portion of her pack 'n' play!
I'm sure there's more things that she's doing on a regular basis. I'll try to remember to update this as soon as I know more!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Giving to others...
Today, even as I sit here sick with a cold, Zoe has a cold, and Noah is getting over one, we were able to give to another Mommy and baby something very special, and it made us all feel very good afterward.
In July, when we found out that Z had her allergies, one of my first thoughts had been, "Oh my goodness, I have a ton of pumped milk in my freezer...and she can't have any of it!" I was devastated, to say the least. If anyone has ever pumped, you know how long and how much work it is to build up a good stash. By good, I mean I had 261.5oz pumped. That's a HUGE amount, and would have had, if I didn't have to start over, over 300oz by the time school started, which was a goal of mine. This way, Zoe would have had plenty of milk if I couldn't keep up at work (it's hard to be able to find the time to pump more than 1 time at work), and she'd have plenty of milk for her cereal. But, that wasn't the case, and here we are doing what we ARE doing today (that's a different post for a different day).
So, I was pretty emotional about the whole thing with my milk. There was no way I could give it to Zoe, as it was making her sick. But, there was no way I could just DUMP it down the sink. Like I said, if you have ever pumped, you know how much that is, and how hard it is to build that much. It took up probably about half of our freezer. I stumbled upon MilkShare.org (thanks Becky) and posted that I had a one time donation for the Boston area. I had a few people email me requesting the milk (including people from out of state, which I politely declined). I wanted to see the person I was donating the milk to, and I also didn't want to go through the hassle of packing up frozen milk to mail across the country, if there was a need here in the area.
The person we went with, after much deliberation, was a woman who is in the process of adopting a little girl who is just a month older than Zoe. This little girl came from a very troubled background, and suffice it to say, needed the nutrients and magic of breastmilk. I won't go into the details, but it was heartbreaking to hear about. It was also great to meet the little girl and see how much she has been thriving in this new environment. She and Zoe seemed to click and "talk" to each other. We talked to the mother for a little bit and then emptied out the freezer with the breastmilk that Zoe can't have to give to this mom for her little girl. It was tough to see it go, knowing that my little girl can't use that milk...but looking at it every day wasn't making it any easier to keep it there, waiting for this woman to come and take the milk away. What made it easy to give to her was that she wanted the best for her daughter. It made it easy to hear about how hard of a time she had on the formula, but how HARD her mommy was working to make sure that this baby was having breastmilk, and for the length of time she wants her daughter to have it (18-24 months). That's going to be a lot of work, and I'm very happy to have been able to help that family out.
It's sad to see all of that milk gone, but it's good to know that it is going to help this little girl out and get her to be as healthy as she can be, given her circumstances. I don't know how much it'll last for her, but for Zoe, that was about a month's worth of milk (for day care only). I know the mother was grateful, and told me she'd put us on her email list for updates on her daughter.
In July, when we found out that Z had her allergies, one of my first thoughts had been, "Oh my goodness, I have a ton of pumped milk in my freezer...and she can't have any of it!" I was devastated, to say the least. If anyone has ever pumped, you know how long and how much work it is to build up a good stash. By good, I mean I had 261.5oz pumped. That's a HUGE amount, and would have had, if I didn't have to start over, over 300oz by the time school started, which was a goal of mine. This way, Zoe would have had plenty of milk if I couldn't keep up at work (it's hard to be able to find the time to pump more than 1 time at work), and she'd have plenty of milk for her cereal. But, that wasn't the case, and here we are doing what we ARE doing today (that's a different post for a different day).
So, I was pretty emotional about the whole thing with my milk. There was no way I could give it to Zoe, as it was making her sick. But, there was no way I could just DUMP it down the sink. Like I said, if you have ever pumped, you know how much that is, and how hard it is to build that much. It took up probably about half of our freezer. I stumbled upon MilkShare.org (thanks Becky) and posted that I had a one time donation for the Boston area. I had a few people email me requesting the milk (including people from out of state, which I politely declined). I wanted to see the person I was donating the milk to, and I also didn't want to go through the hassle of packing up frozen milk to mail across the country, if there was a need here in the area.
The person we went with, after much deliberation, was a woman who is in the process of adopting a little girl who is just a month older than Zoe. This little girl came from a very troubled background, and suffice it to say, needed the nutrients and magic of breastmilk. I won't go into the details, but it was heartbreaking to hear about. It was also great to meet the little girl and see how much she has been thriving in this new environment. She and Zoe seemed to click and "talk" to each other. We talked to the mother for a little bit and then emptied out the freezer with the breastmilk that Zoe can't have to give to this mom for her little girl. It was tough to see it go, knowing that my little girl can't use that milk...but looking at it every day wasn't making it any easier to keep it there, waiting for this woman to come and take the milk away. What made it easy to give to her was that she wanted the best for her daughter. It made it easy to hear about how hard of a time she had on the formula, but how HARD her mommy was working to make sure that this baby was having breastmilk, and for the length of time she wants her daughter to have it (18-24 months). That's going to be a lot of work, and I'm very happy to have been able to help that family out.
It's sad to see all of that milk gone, but it's good to know that it is going to help this little girl out and get her to be as healthy as she can be, given her circumstances. I don't know how much it'll last for her, but for Zoe, that was about a month's worth of milk (for day care only). I know the mother was grateful, and told me she'd put us on her email list for updates on her daughter.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Not Eggs-actly what we wanted to hear...
Yeah, yeah, corny joke...I know. I'm trying here!
I talked to Dr. S, the GI specialist who's seeing Zoe. The bloodwork came back, and while they aren't BAD, they aren't great. It turns out she is slightly anemic. A normal number is 33 (what I don't what the numbers mean) and she's 32.5. Does that mean we are going to be freaking out here? No, but that doesn't mean we can just take a wait and see approach. From what I've been able to gather, reading sources online and talking to the dr/nurse at the pediatrician's office....if you don't treat it, it could become something serious, so we are. The normal course of action is 3 months of iron, with a hemogram check in a month. This is a test to check her iron levels in her blood. We also need to see the GI dr in one month instead of 2. THis is because the dr wants me to go off of eggs as well. So, I'm off of eggs until further notice, we go back in a month, and hopefully no more blood in the stool.
We really hope this takes care of things...the blood in the stool, the slight anemia, the spit up even. Keep your fingers crossed!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Look at the changes!
These are some things I had made up that I've used as signatures on a mommy message board I'm on. The first was done shortly after Zoe was born, the second one was this summer, and then this third is the most recent. I go to a website and submit the pictures, then this is what I get. When I get my new computer, I'm going to learn how to do it myself...they just use photoshop, and we have a copy of photoshop elements...I can't wait to play!
Update from the Doctor
Z's growing, growing, growing.....
26 3/8 inches
16lbs 1oz
The dr was VERY VERY happy to see how much she's grown. We needed to get some bloodwork done to rule out anemia because there was some possible trace amounts of blood in her stool sample. HE doesn't think that there is anything to worry about, but he wants to rule it out all the same. He was most pleased with the growth and how healthy she looks (she was showing off those pearly whites to him the whole time), and really doesn't think there's anything to be worried about with anemia...we just need to verify that. We'll be sure to update you as SOON as we know those results! Otherwise, we go back in 2 months to see the dr and I can experiment with some soy just before we go see him (provided things are normal with this bloodwork!)...YAY!
26 3/8 inches
16lbs 1oz
The dr was VERY VERY happy to see how much she's grown. We needed to get some bloodwork done to rule out anemia because there was some possible trace amounts of blood in her stool sample. HE doesn't think that there is anything to worry about, but he wants to rule it out all the same. He was most pleased with the growth and how healthy she looks (she was showing off those pearly whites to him the whole time), and really doesn't think there's anything to be worried about with anemia...we just need to verify that. We'll be sure to update you as SOON as we know those results! Otherwise, we go back in 2 months to see the dr and I can experiment with some soy just before we go see him (provided things are normal with this bloodwork!)...YAY!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
As promised...
Pictures from apple picking, courtesy of Grandma C...
Apparently, we weren't too excited to get pictures taken before picking apples...
Cousin Jacob was SUPER excited, as you can tell.
Z was too busy munching on her apple to pose with Mommy and Auntie J...
LOOOOOVING those avocadoes!
Saying bye! It was a lot of fun, and we'll have to do it again next year when the babies are running around!!Saturday, October 4, 2008
Anyone for some apple pie??
Or at least apples in a mesh feeder?
Zoe has something that we picked up. You can put pieces of food in it, and because it's just mesh, she can chew on it all she wants and get the taste of it, but we don't have to worry about her choking. Her first taste of something in it was a piece of apple..fresh off the tree. She loves apple sauce and apple juice, so I was sure she'd love this, and I was right. She sucked on it so much that it shrunk to half its size!!
Zoe decided that it'd be fun to take her Grandma and Grandpa C, Auntie and Uncle J, Cousin Jacob, and us apple picking today. We went to the Nashoba Valley Winery (where we got married last July) and had fun trying to find the PERFECT apple. That was particularly difficult to do this year because the apples had a run-in with some hail earlier, so a lot of them got damaged....but I think we found some winners. After, the adults enjoyed hunting around the wine shop, and we even got to see a wedding underway too! Zoe did a great job supervising us in her overalls and chewing on a piece of apple.
This morning, before we took off, we discovered that Z has 2 more teeth...not the ones I THOUGHT she'd get, but two more on the bottom. That makes 4 on top (with the eye-teeth threatening to pop through) and 4 on the bottom....she's not even 8 months old and she already has 8 teeth! I know kids who don't have any teeth yet and they're Z's age!!! Craziness!! Other than a little more drool and not really taking much from a bottle last week, we really had no idea she was getting teeth...they don't seem to be bothering her as much as some babies (thank goodness!!).
I'd like to point you to the right side of the screen, under the section "Blogs and Stuff". I added a link to Noah's Flickr site where he's uploaded all of the pictures and videos. Please take a look there! And, if you want to order any pictures, you're welcome to do so.
More pictures to come....we didn't manage to take any pictures of Z picking apples...but Grandma C is never without her camera, so she managed to get a LOT. Maybe she'll be kind enough to share them with us so we can post them!
Oh, and an update on the week?? Z still loves day care, gets excited when Noah drops her off, and just has a ball. She's sleeping much much better, including putting HERSELF to sleep (without us rocking her). The last few nights, she's slept a MINIMUM of 12 hours and WE have even had to wake her up before I go to work to nurse her! WOW! She's growing up before our eyes...when you look at those pictures on flickr, you'll see a huge difference!
What else? She's scooting everywhere, rolling where she can't scoot, and has begun to get onto all 4's. We saw it today...all fours and starting to rock for a few minutes and then slips back down onto her belly. Soon enough, I'll be making dinner in the kitchen, and she'll be playing in the living room, and I'll find her near me, I'm sure!!
Zoe has something that we picked up. You can put pieces of food in it, and because it's just mesh, she can chew on it all she wants and get the taste of it, but we don't have to worry about her choking. Her first taste of something in it was a piece of apple..fresh off the tree. She loves apple sauce and apple juice, so I was sure she'd love this, and I was right. She sucked on it so much that it shrunk to half its size!!
Zoe decided that it'd be fun to take her Grandma and Grandpa C, Auntie and Uncle J, Cousin Jacob, and us apple picking today. We went to the Nashoba Valley Winery (where we got married last July) and had fun trying to find the PERFECT apple. That was particularly difficult to do this year because the apples had a run-in with some hail earlier, so a lot of them got damaged....but I think we found some winners. After, the adults enjoyed hunting around the wine shop, and we even got to see a wedding underway too! Zoe did a great job supervising us in her overalls and chewing on a piece of apple.
This morning, before we took off, we discovered that Z has 2 more teeth...not the ones I THOUGHT she'd get, but two more on the bottom. That makes 4 on top (with the eye-teeth threatening to pop through) and 4 on the bottom....she's not even 8 months old and she already has 8 teeth! I know kids who don't have any teeth yet and they're Z's age!!! Craziness!! Other than a little more drool and not really taking much from a bottle last week, we really had no idea she was getting teeth...they don't seem to be bothering her as much as some babies (thank goodness!!).
I'd like to point you to the right side of the screen, under the section "Blogs and Stuff". I added a link to Noah's Flickr site where he's uploaded all of the pictures and videos. Please take a look there! And, if you want to order any pictures, you're welcome to do so.
More pictures to come....we didn't manage to take any pictures of Z picking apples...but Grandma C is never without her camera, so she managed to get a LOT. Maybe she'll be kind enough to share them with us so we can post them!
Oh, and an update on the week?? Z still loves day care, gets excited when Noah drops her off, and just has a ball. She's sleeping much much better, including putting HERSELF to sleep (without us rocking her). The last few nights, she's slept a MINIMUM of 12 hours and WE have even had to wake her up before I go to work to nurse her! WOW! She's growing up before our eyes...when you look at those pictures on flickr, you'll see a huge difference!
What else? She's scooting everywhere, rolling where she can't scoot, and has begun to get onto all 4's. We saw it today...all fours and starting to rock for a few minutes and then slips back down onto her belly. Soon enough, I'll be making dinner in the kitchen, and she'll be playing in the living room, and I'll find her near me, I'm sure!!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Happy Sunday!
So, I looked back and realized that we have some 'peats and repeats of pictures. But that's because they're SO good! :) AND, I was experimenting with loading them from Flickr rather than directly from the computer or the camera.
So, Z has started to lift her body OFF the ground. Ahh! She was up on all fours for about a second and then slipped down. I think, if she hadn't had cloth on her knees and been on the carpet instead of the hardwood floor, then she might not have slipped. She's working SO hard to do this. So hard, she ends up pushing herself backwards and moving that way. She'll try to go forward, but it's SO much easier to scoot back!
We either have more teeth or growing or both coming shortly. I've seen the bumps for her eye-teeth, she's been drooling up a storm, AND she's been chewing and sucking on her fingers like crazy. And, she's been sleeping like crazy this weekend. She might be getting up early (*yawn*) but can only manage to stay awake for about an hour before falling sleep again!!
Yesterday, Z got to experience the Rainforest Cafe for the first time. We weren't sure how much she'd like it with the noise and the lights, but she was okay with it. She just looked around, and as long as someone was holding her, she was fine! Then it was off to shop with Mommy, Daddy, Grandma B, Grandpa B, and Unka G...of course she got some new things!
Today was a lazy Sunday...perfect for the wet yucky day that it is!
So, Z has started to lift her body OFF the ground. Ahh! She was up on all fours for about a second and then slipped down. I think, if she hadn't had cloth on her knees and been on the carpet instead of the hardwood floor, then she might not have slipped. She's working SO hard to do this. So hard, she ends up pushing herself backwards and moving that way. She'll try to go forward, but it's SO much easier to scoot back!
We either have more teeth or growing or both coming shortly. I've seen the bumps for her eye-teeth, she's been drooling up a storm, AND she's been chewing and sucking on her fingers like crazy. And, she's been sleeping like crazy this weekend. She might be getting up early (*yawn*) but can only manage to stay awake for about an hour before falling sleep again!!
Yesterday, Z got to experience the Rainforest Cafe for the first time. We weren't sure how much she'd like it with the noise and the lights, but she was okay with it. She just looked around, and as long as someone was holding her, she was fine! Then it was off to shop with Mommy, Daddy, Grandma B, Grandpa B, and Unka G...of course she got some new things!
Today was a lazy Sunday...perfect for the wet yucky day that it is!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Happy times!
Here's our happy Z...she's such a good baby. We're so lucky to have such a happy baby. We noticed with the change in diet for ME, Z's attitude and mood has gotten even BETTER, if that's possible. Rarely does she have a tough day, and when she does, it's usually because of something, like teeth, gas, or a bonk on the floor when she takes a header scooting.
Flashing a new 'do!
I was having a lot of fun during bath time....since she gets to splash around, I gotta have my fun. Look how long the top of her hair is getting!!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
picture overload!
These have been a long time coming! Here's Z fooling around with her Daddy. What a goof!!
At her first Red Sox game (it was the Futures at Fenway games where we saw the Lowell Spinners and the Pawtucket Red Sox!).
Swimming with Auntie D in Z's pool AT the beach...the water was perfect! The ocean? Not so much!
Z's reading "It Looked Like Spilled Milk". She loves the book! It's captivating and has lots of action! ;)
Her new spiked 'do. She loves her bath time!
She scooted herself over to the cat toys...apparently, they're more fun than hers??
At her first Red Sox game (it was the Futures at Fenway games where we saw the Lowell Spinners and the Pawtucket Red Sox!).
Swimming with Auntie D in Z's pool AT the beach...the water was perfect! The ocean? Not so much!
Z's reading "It Looked Like Spilled Milk". She loves the book! It's captivating and has lots of action! ;)
Her new spiked 'do. She loves her bath time!
She scooted herself over to the cat toys...apparently, they're more fun than hers??Oh, how fun a wet paper towel is!
In her newest toy--an exersaucer! It converts to a walker that she can push around later! It doesn't look it, but she LOVES it!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
And so it begins...
Very shortly, our life with a largely immobile daughter will be ending. Even with rolling and rocking and what she HAD been doing, she would only go around in a small area. However, today, while playing on her belly, I caught her starting to push up on her hands from her elbows...lifting her chest with it. THEN, I pushed her "Smile" book (the one she got from the doctor at her six month visit) a little out of her reach. She got one foot planted, lifted up her butt and straightened that leg. She pulled a little with her arms, and scooted forward. It's kinda funny to watch, but MAN, I'm SO not ready for a mobile, crawling baby!! Time to babyproof!! She kept doing this, and I kept moving the book away from her. She must have gone a good 3-4 feet before she gave up and got a frustrated!
Monday, September 15, 2008
New Things!
Yes, yes, it's been awhile since the last post other than the video. Thanks to Noah for getting those videos out. I've been trying to juggle going back to work, and it's been trickier to find time to keep up with the blog than I thought!
Zoe's been up to all good things. She is VERY close to sitting up on her own. She lasts a couple of minutes and then looks up and falls back. Today, at day care, she was able to sit for a reported 10 minutes with nothing but Miss Laura just holding onto the back of her sundress to keep her from face planting into the plastic piano and guitar she was banging on.
Z continues to talk to us all the time, sharing her singing and new-found voice with anyone who will listen. She thinks the funny noises we share are the best, and laughs...not a big squeally laugh, but a "ha ha ha" type.
Z has NO interest in crawling, hasn't even pushed up on all fours, and that's okay with us! However, she IS starting to scoot just a little bit forward. Usually, though, she ends up pushing herself backwards and gets upset when she can't reach the toy she wants.
As you've been able to see in the video, she likes to chew on and play with a plastic water bottle. She also likes to chew on wet paper towels, but tolerates it when we trade it out for a face cloth instead.
Z is starting to get very upset when you take something away from her when she wants to play with it. She's starting to voice her very strong opinions! I think we might be in trouble with that!
What else has she been up to? She loves laying on her changing table and dances "like Stevie Wonder" (is that P.C. to say? Probably not, but it works, and everyone knows what I'm talking about). She LOVES to play with her friend in the mirror, and LOVES to try to walk with us, dance, and play with this toy pig she has. You push on its snout, and it vibrates and sings a song. Z just cracks up!
Z's been visiting with her cousin Jacob (who's as big as she is, already!) and with her Auntie and Uncle J, Grandma and Grandpa C, and spending lots of fun time with Mommy and Daddy when she can stay awake from a full day at daycare!
Zoe's been up to all good things. She is VERY close to sitting up on her own. She lasts a couple of minutes and then looks up and falls back. Today, at day care, she was able to sit for a reported 10 minutes with nothing but Miss Laura just holding onto the back of her sundress to keep her from face planting into the plastic piano and guitar she was banging on.
Z continues to talk to us all the time, sharing her singing and new-found voice with anyone who will listen. She thinks the funny noises we share are the best, and laughs...not a big squeally laugh, but a "ha ha ha" type.
Z has NO interest in crawling, hasn't even pushed up on all fours, and that's okay with us! However, she IS starting to scoot just a little bit forward. Usually, though, she ends up pushing herself backwards and gets upset when she can't reach the toy she wants.
As you've been able to see in the video, she likes to chew on and play with a plastic water bottle. She also likes to chew on wet paper towels, but tolerates it when we trade it out for a face cloth instead.
Z is starting to get very upset when you take something away from her when she wants to play with it. She's starting to voice her very strong opinions! I think we might be in trouble with that!
What else has she been up to? She loves laying on her changing table and dances "like Stevie Wonder" (is that P.C. to say? Probably not, but it works, and everyone knows what I'm talking about). She LOVES to play with her friend in the mirror, and LOVES to try to walk with us, dance, and play with this toy pig she has. You push on its snout, and it vibrates and sings a song. Z just cracks up!
Z's been visiting with her cousin Jacob (who's as big as she is, already!) and with her Auntie and Uncle J, Grandma and Grandpa C, and spending lots of fun time with Mommy and Daddy when she can stay awake from a full day at daycare!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
It's been awhile!
Sorry about that! We've been busy! I started back at work teaching, and Z started daycare...so we're trying to get used to a new schedule. Z had a tough time starting up at daycare, crying a bit, not eating much, and just having a hard time being away from mommy and daddy but with Miss Laura and the kids. The kids were in her face a lot because they were so excited to have a new friend, but Z wasn't so excited by that. Slowly though, she's gotten much more comfortable, and has started to eat and play more and more, and gets excited when she sees Miss Laura and the kids. The only thing we wish would get more regular is her sleep. She's managing 2-30 to 45 minute naps a day, which is not close to enough for our Little Z. The poor thing is so tired when I pick her up at 3:30 that she gets herself SO worked up when she sees me (happy, squealing, laughing, kicking her legs and waving her arms around) that when she gets home, I feed her and she just crashes by 5pm. Last night and tonight, I've put Zoe down for a *quick* nap at 5ish, and she just crashes! Last night, she went down then and didn't get up until 1am to eat!!! She went back down until 3am, Daddy put her back down, and then got up at 5:30 for the day, and to see Mommy off to work. Poor thing just needs to get used to sleeping at daycare with all the kids there!
Lots of other things going on...Z is SOOO close to sitting up. I can put her between my legs and she will just teeter back and forth from one leg to the other, but she won't sit independently yet. Any day now!!
Z will try to scoot, but instead of going forward like she tries...she'll push herself backward!
She has been getting better and better about rolling from one place to another. She isn't getting stuck places as much...she's moving toward things she wants.
She is reaching for toys and getting exactly what she wants.
Z's babbling is getting more complex. She's putting more syllables together, and putting facial expressions together as she "talks". It's cute to see her really try to tell us what's going on in her day!
We have *6* teeth...YIKES.
And, last week, unfortunately, Z had her first virus. She had felt warm (and had a runny nose) when I picked her up from her trial time at day care on Friday...so I took her temp (100.7) and gave her tylenol. She needed a nap and slept long enough for the tylenol to take effect and the fever to come down. After a couple of hours, she had dinner and then promptly threw up the cereal allllll over me. Lovely. I took her temp again, and it was at 101. It was a little too early for Tylenol, so I kept Z in her diaper with nothing else, hoping that that might cool her down a little. No dice. After a little bit, I took her temp again, and it was 102. I couldn't give her tylenol yet (still had about a half hour before it was "safe" to do so) so i just got her dressed in her pjs and we sat on the floor and played quietly. She basically just sat and played with her Octivity Octopus. Noah came home, and he took her temp again...103. Tylenol was finally given and phone call was made to the dr at that point, and we were off to the Pediatric ER aftercare clinic. After a lot of tests, we learned it was just a virus and we had to just try to rest her (how do you rest an active 6.5 month old??!), give her fluids, and tylenol if the fever got high again.
Get this, throughout the entire ordeal...Z was as happy, smiley, and good as could be. The dr commented that Z was the most energetic 103 degree baby she'd ever seen! Honestly, if I hadn't felt Z and noticed she was warm and a little flushed, I'd never have guessed she wasn't feeling well!!
Fortunately, the fever broke that night, but the runny nose stuck around for a few days...nothing more than a cold but with a temp of 103, we don't mess around.
I recognize I have lots of pictures to post. We have a lot from our travels and other things going on. I'll do my best to get some up before the weekend is up!
Have a good weekend everyone!
Lots of other things going on...Z is SOOO close to sitting up. I can put her between my legs and she will just teeter back and forth from one leg to the other, but she won't sit independently yet. Any day now!!
Z will try to scoot, but instead of going forward like she tries...she'll push herself backward!
She has been getting better and better about rolling from one place to another. She isn't getting stuck places as much...she's moving toward things she wants.
She is reaching for toys and getting exactly what she wants.
Z's babbling is getting more complex. She's putting more syllables together, and putting facial expressions together as she "talks". It's cute to see her really try to tell us what's going on in her day!
We have *6* teeth...YIKES.
And, last week, unfortunately, Z had her first virus. She had felt warm (and had a runny nose) when I picked her up from her trial time at day care on Friday...so I took her temp (100.7) and gave her tylenol. She needed a nap and slept long enough for the tylenol to take effect and the fever to come down. After a couple of hours, she had dinner and then promptly threw up the cereal allllll over me. Lovely. I took her temp again, and it was at 101. It was a little too early for Tylenol, so I kept Z in her diaper with nothing else, hoping that that might cool her down a little. No dice. After a little bit, I took her temp again, and it was 102. I couldn't give her tylenol yet (still had about a half hour before it was "safe" to do so) so i just got her dressed in her pjs and we sat on the floor and played quietly. She basically just sat and played with her Octivity Octopus. Noah came home, and he took her temp again...103. Tylenol was finally given and phone call was made to the dr at that point, and we were off to the Pediatric ER aftercare clinic. After a lot of tests, we learned it was just a virus and we had to just try to rest her (how do you rest an active 6.5 month old??!), give her fluids, and tylenol if the fever got high again.
Get this, throughout the entire ordeal...Z was as happy, smiley, and good as could be. The dr commented that Z was the most energetic 103 degree baby she'd ever seen! Honestly, if I hadn't felt Z and noticed she was warm and a little flushed, I'd never have guessed she wasn't feeling well!!
Fortunately, the fever broke that night, but the runny nose stuck around for a few days...nothing more than a cold but with a temp of 103, we don't mess around.
I recognize I have lots of pictures to post. We have a lot from our travels and other things going on. I'll do my best to get some up before the weekend is up!
Have a good weekend everyone!
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
6 Month Drs Appointment!
Forgive me of any typos, for some reason, I can't seem to get the "n" to stick without hitting it really hard. So, if I don't have it, and don't think to go back and spell check, deal! :P
Anyway, Z had her 6 month appointment today....DRUM ROLL PLEASE!
It has been 2 weeks since she saw the pediatric GI dr...today she saw her pediatrician. In the 2 weeks, she's gained nearly a POUND. She is now 14lbs 3oz (up from 13lbs 3.5oz) and 25.75inches long! Talk about growth!!! WOW!!! We were very happy to see this growth. This puts her weight in the 10th percentile (up from the 7th) and her height continues to be in the 25-50th percentile! YIPPEE for our Z!!
She did VERY well with her shots today too! We're just SO proud of her today!!
Anyway, Z had her 6 month appointment today....DRUM ROLL PLEASE!
It has been 2 weeks since she saw the pediatric GI dr...today she saw her pediatrician. In the 2 weeks, she's gained nearly a POUND. She is now 14lbs 3oz (up from 13lbs 3.5oz) and 25.75inches long! Talk about growth!!! WOW!!! We were very happy to see this growth. This puts her weight in the 10th percentile (up from the 7th) and her height continues to be in the 25-50th percentile! YIPPEE for our Z!!
She did VERY well with her shots today too! We're just SO proud of her today!!
Monday, August 25, 2008
The Toofies are at it again!
That's right! Even MORE toofies. She now has the top two on the side from the front two...if that makes sense. She has 4 on top now and 2 on the bottom. Crazy to think that she is 6 months with 6 teeth!!
Friday, August 22, 2008
Visits from the Vineyard
Zoe would like to let everyone know how much fun she is having on the Vineyard. She has tried to put her feet in the ocean again, but it's still too cold for her. She's been in the hot tub and LOVED it. We did take a kiddie pool to the beach, filled it with ocean water, and Zoe liked it MUCH better.
Zoe has been to the Agricultural Fair....she got to see alpacas (getting a small stuffed one from Unka G), donkeys and mules, horses, bulls, oxen, geese, cows, pigs, bunnies, and llamas. She had fun trying to taste my humus (getting it on her fingers), watching Unka G play a quarter game in the carnival section, and was overcome with excitement watching the people riding the rides. She fell asleep in the front pack and slept for over 2 hours!!
Zoe has had fun shopping with Grandma B, Auntie D, and me, getting some cool things in the process.
She has gotten toys (including a ladybug that moos--yes, I said moo), books (a favorite has become a cloth book called "Where did it come from?"), and clothes. She made friends everywhere she went, including dogs!!
She had fun playing on Grandma's computer, getting up early, singing and telling everyone jokes, watching the dogs play catch, and dancing. Unka G's and Auntie D's birthday parties were especially fun times for Z.
Zoe also met her great-aunt M, who she hadn't been able to meet the first time she came to the island.
All in all, Z's had a great time, and we're not done yet. Tonight, if she gets up from her nap in time, we're going to venture out to a beach (away from the crowds) and watch the fireworks. Then, tomorrow it's a quiet day at the house, I think, and then off-island to meet up with Auntie D before heading home.
I promise pictures when I get home! I forgot the cord to my camera to upload pics to the blog...Grandma B and Unka G got some pics too...maybe I can snag some of those too!!
Zoe has been to the Agricultural Fair....she got to see alpacas (getting a small stuffed one from Unka G), donkeys and mules, horses, bulls, oxen, geese, cows, pigs, bunnies, and llamas. She had fun trying to taste my humus (getting it on her fingers), watching Unka G play a quarter game in the carnival section, and was overcome with excitement watching the people riding the rides. She fell asleep in the front pack and slept for over 2 hours!!
Zoe has had fun shopping with Grandma B, Auntie D, and me, getting some cool things in the process.
She has gotten toys (including a ladybug that moos--yes, I said moo), books (a favorite has become a cloth book called "Where did it come from?"), and clothes. She made friends everywhere she went, including dogs!!
She had fun playing on Grandma's computer, getting up early, singing and telling everyone jokes, watching the dogs play catch, and dancing. Unka G's and Auntie D's birthday parties were especially fun times for Z.
Zoe also met her great-aunt M, who she hadn't been able to meet the first time she came to the island.
All in all, Z's had a great time, and we're not done yet. Tonight, if she gets up from her nap in time, we're going to venture out to a beach (away from the crowds) and watch the fireworks. Then, tomorrow it's a quiet day at the house, I think, and then off-island to meet up with Auntie D before heading home.
I promise pictures when I get home! I forgot the cord to my camera to upload pics to the blog...Grandma B and Unka G got some pics too...maybe I can snag some of those too!!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The World Traveler is at it again!!
Z is spending the week, with us, of course, on the Vineyard. What fun! It's Unka G's 21st birthday, Auntie D's birthday (we'll be polite and not share which one!) too. It's also the Agricultural Fair, so we're going to be able to see cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, bulls, horses, and that's just the people (just kidding). It'll be exciting to see the different things at the fair, and see how Z reacts.
So far, we've done just a little bit of fun on the island (we've only been here for a day!). We've gone to Nancy's (a local hot spot) for dinner, the beach to watch Unka G and others kayak in his new kayaks, met a dog named Larry (a Portuguese water dog), went in the hot tub, and played with Grandma B, Unka G, and Grandma's friend, Auntie J.
Z's had a LOT of fun already, talking to everyone, and showing off what a comedienne she can be! We DID have to back off on sweet potatoes, unfortunately. Something, we think, didn't agree with Z, and she was spitting up more when we gave them to her. So...we're giving her body a couple of days to adjust, and then we'll try something else, probably squash.
We have lots of excitement coming this week! We'll get on when we can, and post pictures when we can!
So far, we've done just a little bit of fun on the island (we've only been here for a day!). We've gone to Nancy's (a local hot spot) for dinner, the beach to watch Unka G and others kayak in his new kayaks, met a dog named Larry (a Portuguese water dog), went in the hot tub, and played with Grandma B, Unka G, and Grandma's friend, Auntie J.
Z's had a LOT of fun already, talking to everyone, and showing off what a comedienne she can be! We DID have to back off on sweet potatoes, unfortunately. Something, we think, didn't agree with Z, and she was spitting up more when we gave them to her. So...we're giving her body a couple of days to adjust, and then we'll try something else, probably squash.
We have lots of excitement coming this week! We'll get on when we can, and post pictures when we can!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Reviews Ahead!
Today was an eventful day for our Z. She went to visit her new day care, and met 4 other young kiddos, as well as the boys of our new provider, Miss Laura. Everyone was VERY interested in spending time with Zoe, but she was less enthused, apparently. While Zoe had fun listening to the music the kids played, watched them play on the porch when everyone went outside, watched a little t.v. when some of the others napped, AND got a 1 hour nap herself in, she spent a good chunk of time crying and wouldn't take her bottle AT ALL! Good thing I only left her for about 4 hours, and had fed her before I dropped her off. I'm sure when she gets used to being there, she'll settle in nicely and eat for Miss Laura. We have more days that will get planned very soon, depending on Miss Laura's schedule (she can't have too many kiddos at a time right now because of the state restrictions). It wasn't all tears for Zoe, but she was certainly glad to see me when I came to pick her up! I was also very glad to see Zoe, too!
On a much more positive note, Zoe tried sweet potatoes for the first time today. She LOVED them. She didn't even scrunch up her face when she had her first taste....she opened her mouth RIGHT up for more. If all goes well in the next few days, we'll be introducing Z to something new soon! YAY!
On a much more positive note, Zoe tried sweet potatoes for the first time today. She LOVED them. She didn't even scrunch up her face when she had her first taste....she opened her mouth RIGHT up for more. If all goes well in the next few days, we'll be introducing Z to something new soon! YAY!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The count down is ON! :(
Unfortunately, we have had to start to worry about what'll happen in a couple of short weeks. We have a very, very nice woman, Miss Laura, who will be taking very good care of Z. I think this is going to be harder on Noah and me than it will be on Z! Tomorrow, we have a trial run, and will have more before school starts for me. Miss Laura is a very nice woman, who has 3 boys of her own, 16, 12, and 7, I think. She lives very close to us, and is very careful not to have too many kids, since she works out of her home and has strict rules to follow. She's opened her home and business to us, and we're very happy to have her. Z will be the youngest kiddo there, by about a year, but that's okay. :) I'm sure she'll get plenty of attention. Noah will do drop off; I'll pick up. While it's sad to know we have to do this, it'll be good for all around. Z will meet friends, spend time with people other than her Mommy and Daddy (it IS good, right?), and I get to go back to work, which is something I need to do. I would LOVE to spend the time home with Z, but it's just not practical for us.
We'll be back with an update from her "first day".
We'll be back with an update from her "first day".
Monday, August 11, 2008
Grow, Z, Grow!
We had a follow up with the pediatric GI dr today. Z is now 13lbs, 3.5oz....up 2.5oz from Wednesday. While the dr would have liked more weight gain, Z has stayed in the 7th percentile, so he was happy to see that. We're gonna keep on the same plan that we're on, and need to keep trying the formula...Z just doesn't like it! The dr gave us some ideas to flavor it, so we're going to try that.
Thanks for keeping up with everything!
Thanks for keeping up with everything!
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Batter Up!
Yesterday, we went to Fenway Park. Noah had gotten tickets to the Futures at Fenway games for Father's Day, and we couldn't have had a better day! First, we got to see the Lowell Spinners win in fine fashion, and then that was followed up by a great game by the Pawtucket Red Sox winning as well! Our little Zoe was there in fine fashion in a Red Sox onesie, her baseball cap, and a smile to light up the park. She thoroughly enjoyed it all, looking at the game (sorta), watching the people around us (lots), loved the clapping (lots), and danced to all the music played. She was wonderful! She napped a couple of times (can you believe that?) but just enough to recharge her for more baseball watching.
We couldn't have asked for better seats. When I ordered the tickets, I picked "best available". That gave me $20 seats....good deal, huh? I mean for 2 games, right? Well, it got even better when I looked up the face value for these tickets....$90! That's right! We were sitting 17 rows from the field on the left field side. We were SO close, it was amazing. We watched for foul balls, but only 2 came relatively close to us...I'm sure if this was a Boston Red Sox game, the balls would be flying even more! I don't think we'll ever get to sit that close for a game with the big leaguers!
We had so much fun, the day was perfect, our angel loved it, we've planned to return there again. Anyone want to join us next year?
We couldn't have asked for better seats. When I ordered the tickets, I picked "best available". That gave me $20 seats....good deal, huh? I mean for 2 games, right? Well, it got even better when I looked up the face value for these tickets....$90! That's right! We were sitting 17 rows from the field on the left field side. We were SO close, it was amazing. We watched for foul balls, but only 2 came relatively close to us...I'm sure if this was a Boston Red Sox game, the balls would be flying even more! I don't think we'll ever get to sit that close for a game with the big leaguers!
We had so much fun, the day was perfect, our angel loved it, we've planned to return there again. Anyone want to join us next year?
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Pediatrician Update
Good news! Yesterday we went to the pediatrician for a follow up appointment. Z is now a strapping 13lbs 1oz. The dr is pleased. We were pleased. This means that in the last week, she gained another 5 ounces. She's becoming a regular chunky monkey!
We've changed Z's rice cereal to Earth's Best (organic, non-soy--apparently, Gerber has soy. Who knew?), mixing it with formula the GI dr wants us to get her to take for added calories, and if this elimination diet doesn't resolve everything. However, she just DOES NOT like it. She'll take it in her cereal just fine, but won't take it otherwise. Ah well, we'll do our best! We've since added apple juice this morning (Mott's 100% juice) to her cereal, and she had a little in a sippy cup after she ate...we also have some oatmeal for her to try too. Always something new with Z!!
On other fronts...Z's been coming to work with me to help pack up my room (I have to change classrooms for next year). She's been just a doll and the kids there for summer school, the custodians, other teachers, and administrators just couldn't stop coming in to say hi, got lots of smiles from Z, and even some squeals. They were all very impressed with how good she was, watching me, playing with her key teether and other toys, hanging in the front pack, and sitting in the stroller when she wasn't in the front pack. She didn't sleep much, but she was SO good. In fact, she was so tired, she didn't fight me going down for a nap just now...this is a first for awhile now!
We still have plenty of summer left, and have lots of things planned. Can't it slow down just a LITTLE bit? I don't want to go back to work!!
We've changed Z's rice cereal to Earth's Best (organic, non-soy--apparently, Gerber has soy. Who knew?), mixing it with formula the GI dr wants us to get her to take for added calories, and if this elimination diet doesn't resolve everything. However, she just DOES NOT like it. She'll take it in her cereal just fine, but won't take it otherwise. Ah well, we'll do our best! We've since added apple juice this morning (Mott's 100% juice) to her cereal, and she had a little in a sippy cup after she ate...we also have some oatmeal for her to try too. Always something new with Z!!
On other fronts...Z's been coming to work with me to help pack up my room (I have to change classrooms for next year). She's been just a doll and the kids there for summer school, the custodians, other teachers, and administrators just couldn't stop coming in to say hi, got lots of smiles from Z, and even some squeals. They were all very impressed with how good she was, watching me, playing with her key teether and other toys, hanging in the front pack, and sitting in the stroller when she wasn't in the front pack. She didn't sleep much, but she was SO good. In fact, she was so tired, she didn't fight me going down for a nap just now...this is a first for awhile now!
We still have plenty of summer left, and have lots of things planned. Can't it slow down just a LITTLE bit? I don't want to go back to work!!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Weekend Update!
Yesterday, we went to Boston to meet up with Auntie D, Uncle J, and Grandma B. We walked around Faneuil Hall, had lunch, and went to Build A Bear, where Uncle J and Auntie D made Z a cute doggie. We had lots of fun and it was great to see them!
I was thinking about all the things that we've noticed Z being able to do...it's a LOT!
The princess calls!
I was thinking about all the things that we've noticed Z being able to do...it's a LOT!
- moving toys from one hand to another
- picking up things she wants when she sees them--out of a group
- smiling to see if others will smile back
- "talking" and saying "mamamamamama" and "yayaya" and other cool sounds
- she's moving on the floor like crazy--rolling and scooting around
- she reaches and grabs everything--our faces, noses, mouths, shirts, hair, glasses, Daddy's beard, you name it
- she has *4* teeth now
The princess calls!
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