2 Months Old!

Dear Zoe- You are two months old today!  You have changed so much this month!  You are much more aware.  You stay up longer during the day.  You focus on things (your activity mat, your mobile, mom and dad).  You smile!  And just recently (fingers crossed) you have been sleeping longer at night.  We can't wait to see what this month brings.



Here is the difference between one month old and two months old-

Look at those arms!

xoxo, the mama

6 hours...we are getting there!

Dear Zoe, This morning you woke up at 4am and quickly checked the bean timer to see how long it was since you were last up...6 hours!  Thats the longest stretch yet, baby girl.  You will be 2 months old tomorrow, lets try for a little longer, maybe even through the night? 

Love, the mama

Christmas Whispers

"Psst, Dad, who are all those presents for?!"

Zoe's First Christmas

Dear Zoe- Happy First Christmas, little girl!  We had a great day yesterday and you were spoiled by Santa!  We spent the morning at home, eating French Toast Casserole and opening presents.  Then, Grandma and Grandpa and Danny and Jen came over for dinner and MORE presents! 

You got a lot of very cute outfits, a lot of books, a lovie from Nana and Da and lots of ornaments.  You were so excited by everyone here, you did not want to go down for a nap or to bed at the end of the night.  You were up until 11pm and did not go to sleep until the last person left, you didn't want to miss out.

Danny made you an adorable video.  I didn't even know that he was filming it.  You and him did a great job surprising me and Dad.  I am sure that this is just the beginning of many great films with you as the star.

To try and remember the days events, I wrote a little song to be sung to the tune of the 12 days of Christmas. 

12 Corn Tortillas
11 Veggie fajitas
10 Unsuccessful naps
9 Glasses of wine
8 Family pictures
7 Baby books
6 Babys first ornament
5 Hours of cooking!
4 Hot Tamales
3 Stockings full
2 Missing presents
1 Misbehaving puppy dog

xoxo, the mama

Baked French Toast for Breakfast - hopefully you can have some next year!

 

 

Santa came!

 

Family Picture

 

Thanks for the movie, Danny!

Fading....

Fading....

AND...finally asleep.  You didn't want to miss a thing.

Your First Playdate (sort of...)

Dear Zoe -

Today you had some friends over for a visit.  One of my best friends from high school, Andrea, came over with her husband and her three kids- Ruby, Henry and Roxy.  They came and brought you some books for Christmas.

We played while Ruby and Henry colored.  Roxy really liked you, she kept smiling at you.  She is only 3 months older than you so it is so fun to see what you will be like soon!  I am so happy that you got to meet them.   I can't wait until you are a little older and you guys can all play together!

Zoe and Andrea

 Little Miss Ruby with her sassy headband

Cute Henry

xoxo, the mama

Downtown Shopping

Dear Zoe - Today was our first trip downtown!  Dad and I took you down to Michigan Avenue to do some Christmas shopping today and we had lunch at the Grand Lux. 

It was so festive downtown- all the Christmas lights were up and everyone was out finishing up their shopping.  We only had one more person on our list and now we are all done!  I can't wait until you are old enough to visit Santa and really appreciate all the lights. 

Lunch was fun, Dad and I ate while you took a little nap, and then you woke up and ate your lunch.  You were a very good little girl on our trip. 

xoxo, the mama

Zoe and Mom eating lunch at the Grand Lux

Big Sunday Night

Dear Zoe,
Last night (Dec 19) was a big night for you.  Not only was it your first trip out to Schaumburg to go to Grandma and Grandpa's house, but you got to meet your Great-Great Aunt Nan (Grandma's Aunt!) AND you went to your first FTX party with Mom and Dad's friends! 

FTX is a tradition that your mom and her friend Paul (Jacob and Camden's dad) came up with 10 years ago.  All of our friends from high school get together and have fun each Christmas.  This year, all the kids (you, Jacob and Camden and Scott and Tori's boys Luke and Ty) came at the beginning.  We then brought you over to Grandma and Grandpa's house to play with them (or just sleep...)

This is officially Christmas week!  This is going to be a big week for you.  Today, we are going to take you downtown to go shopping.  There are a lot more visitors coming to meet you this week, and then at the end of the week, Santa will come and bring you lots of presents!!

You and Nan

Mom and Dad and all their friends

Happy Christmas week!  xoxo, the mama

Sleep...

Dear Zoe - You had been on a pretty good run sleeping 4-5 hours at a time at night.  It was really nice and I was bragging on what a good sleeper you were.  But occasionally, we have nights like last night.  Where you were up every single hour.  Sigh.  There really was nothing wrong - you had either broken out of your swaddle, needed a new diaper, or just missed mom.  :)  Either way, it was rough to get out of bed, but as soon as you just looked up at me with your beautiful blue eyes, it was worth it.

I really don't want to forget all of the cute little noises that you make.  The way you sigh in between gulps of your bottle and how you coo like a little dove when I rub your back.  It is just so sweet. 

xoxo, the mama

Cuteness

Dear Zoe, Yesterday, Danny came over and we did a photoshoot with you.  You were very happy to oblige and gave us a lot of cute pictures.  However, by the end of it all, you had enough and let us know. 

"Please, Mom, just stop, I've had enough"

xoxo, the mama

Ornaments

Dear Zoe - Ever since before Dad and I got married, we would buy a Christmas ornament from different places that we would visit.  It became something I would look forward to in each new city, to seek out a Christmas shop or a gift shop to buy an ornament.  Then every year while decorating the tree, we could remember that trip.  This is another tradition I can't wait to share with you. 

Here are a few samples from our trip to Asheville, NC, Jamaica (where Mom and Dad went for our honeymoon) and Washington, D.C.

xoxo, the mama

Twins!

Dear Zoe - Grandma brought over some pictures of mom when she was a little baby to see how much you looked like me.  This picture of me when I was 3 months old looks so much like you, we were even making the same face! 

xoxo, the mama

Traditions

Dear Zoe - Yesterday, Dad and I were talking about all the holiday traditions we would like to have with you- here are some that we came up with -

1.  Going shopping downtown and eating at the Grand Luxe- Dad and I have been doing this every year at Christmas time and think you'll like it too.

2.  Reading Twas the Night Before Christmas to you every year on Christmas Eve.

3.  Getting Christmas pajamas on Christmas Eve.

4.  Christmas Morning Breakfast!  Right now, we are thinking cinnamon rolls...(and bacon for dad).

5.  St. Nicholas Day - We missed it this year, but each year, you will put your boot outside the door and St. Nick will bring you some treats, like a preview to Christmas.  Danny and I did this every year when we were little.

6.  Having you wake Dad and I up on Christmas morning by singing Christmas carols - Dad and Patrick used to do this when they were little.

I am sure that there will be many more created along the way, and I can't wait!  Only 12 more days til Christmas...HEY, thats one of my favorite Christmas songs!!

xoxo, the mama

Weekends

Dear Zoe - We didn't leave the house this weekend.  It was really cold and snowy.  Soon enough, I will get brave enough to take you out on little adventures, but for now, we are content hanging out with you at home on the weekends.  I think you liked just hanging out too...


Can't stop smiling!

Dear Zoe - This week I am trying to get you on somewhat of a sleep schedule.  You have been a pretty good sleeper and everytime I come in and get you, you greet me with the biggest smile!  Almost like you are as happy to see me as I am to see you.  It has been difficult tracking your naps since everytime I put you in your swing or take you on a walk, you seem to fall back asleep.  We'll get there...

These are a few of our favorite things

Dear Zoe - A friend told me that the blog is going to be great to look back on someday when you get a new brother or sister (a very long time from now...) to remember all the things that make you...you.

There are a few gadgets that we both have found that we really like in the past six weeks- here they are.

1.  The Itzbeen- my friend Erin gave this to me and it has been so helpful!  It keeps track of the time between your diaper changes, feedings and naps.  When you wake us up at 4am, it is helpful to know how long its been since you last ate!  I will recommend this to all new mommies!

2.  The sleep sheep!  Your favorite noise is the rain.  I put it on each time you go down in your crib and you fall fast asleep...

3.  The glider- we got this chair and ottoman for your room and it is so comfortable and so nice to be able to rock you back to sleep.  Mom and Dad spend a LOT of time in this chair...and will continue to do so.

 I am sure we will continue to find other things that we both like (and don't like).  But that's it for right now.

xoxo, the mama

As if I needed another reason to love you...

My whole life people have usually cringed at my singing...but you either smile or gaze at me like I am singing like Whitney Houston (or at least on key...) Warms my heart, little girl.

xoxo, the mama

Smiley Baby

Dear Zoe- You love it when mom and grandma sing to you.  We were singing you some Christmas carols today and you found us hilarious.

You are such a great audience.  :)

love, the mama

Baby Faces

Dear Zoe- You are quite the expressive little lady.  When you are not happy, you let me know right away.  Whether it is through crying, grunting or wriggling your way into a position, you always let us know what you like.

One of my favorite things are your faces.  You have so many - your serious face (like your dad), your pouty face (like me), your getting ready to cry face (so sad)...but one of the most used is your scared baby face.  Often used when mom is taking pictures or if dad is singing you a new song, this one makes me laugh every time--

xoxo, the mama

It's December!

Dear Zoe - Happy Christmas month!  This weekend, your dad and I took you to the Christkindl fest over at Lincoln Square.  We had brats, pretzels, beer and hot chocolate (dad and i did anyway).  They had Christmas carolers and people selling ornaments. We even dressed you in your first Christmas outfit!

Such a sweet little face.  :)

xoxo, the mama

Big week!

Dear Zoe - Your fifth week has been a lot of fun!  You had a great time hanging out with your uncle Patrick and Shannon earlier this week.  I think they had a great time too.  :)

On Tuesday, the University of North Carolina (where dad went to school) played the University of Illinois (where mom went to school).  U of I won (sorry dad!).  We had you in your UNC onesie, but we are going to have to get you one from Illinois.  :)

Then, we got our Christmas tree for our first Christmas together.  You love staring at all the lights.  Dad did a great job putting them up and then I put ornaments up.

Yesterday was your big one month appointment and you did great!  You are 10lbs 14 oz and 23 1/2 inches, which puts you in the 90% percentile for weight and off the charts for height!  Such a big, healthy girl!

xoxo, the mama

ONE MONTH OLD!

Happy One Month Birthday, Little Girl!

For your shower, Jenny had everyone decorate a onesie with a number coordinating to how many months old you are to wear on your month birthdays.  The first one is from your uncle Danny, with your mom's favorite, Dylan McKay on the back.  I am sure that you will grow to love him as much as I do.  :)

xoxo, the mama

Getting SO big!

Dear Zoe - Tomorrow you are officially one month old, I can't believe it.  You are getting so big, you have officially grown out of your newborn clothes and have moved onto 0-3month outfits.  Everytime I see you, you seem to have gotten a little bigger.  You are now holding your head up for a few seconds all by yourself.  Also, during tummy time, you can completely move your head from one side to another.

Time is going by so fast, I hope I can remember all the little things you do.  You are a VERY loud eater, you make the loudest sighs as you gulp.  You also coo like a little dove when you are nice and relaxed.  When you are starting to get uncomfortable, you make a sound like a goat and it makes your dad and I laugh out loud.

Here you are on your changing pad this afternoon.

Little dancing feet

Mom, stop with the pictures! 

All Bundled Up

Dear Zoe - We went for a walk today and got you all bundled up.  You love going for walks, you always fall fast asleep. 

Tonight we are getting more visitors!  You uncle Patrick and aunt Shannon are in town to meet you.  They are very excited to hang out with you.  Jenny is also coming over tonight for dinner, she just can't stay away!

Carly & Becky's shower

Dear Zoe -

Today was a milestone for us.  This was the first time we were alone in the car together!  We drove out to Highland Park for Carly & Becky's shower.  I was a bit nervous, but you were perfect in the car.  I sang to you on the way out and you fell fast asleep.

You got to meet a bunch of new friends today and everyone thought you were just beautiful.  It was your first wedding AND baby shower. 

I love having our girl time together.  :)

xoxo, the mama

First date night!

Dear Zoe - Last night, your dad and I went out and left you home with Grandma!  We went to my good friend Ann's wedding.  You were in very good hands at home.  Dad and I ate good food, drank some wine, and danced.  We missed you very much and talked about how fun it is going to be when you are old enough to come with us and dance at weddings. 

We came home around 11pm and were very excited to see you.  You are very lucky to have a grandma that is so happy to come over and hang out with you!

xoxo, the mama

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy First Thanksgiving, little girl!  Mom and Dad hosted our first real Thanksgiving yesterday and had your Grandma and Grandpa, Nana and Da and Danny over for dinner.  Dad worked hard all day making the turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce and brussel sprouts.  Everything was delicious.  We even got cupcakes from mom's favorite bakery for dessert.

I took some pictures of the food. (one of my favorite things to do) When you are a bit older, you will even be able to taste some of it! 

Dad and I are starting all new traditions this year with you.   You watched the Macy's day parade this morning with your Nana and had mimosas (for her, not you).  We had a delicious dinner and went to bed early, which was fun for all three of us.  Next holiday- Christmas, we can't wait!!

xoxo, the mama