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

Benny

Dear Zoe- They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, and I think that this one is a great example.  For the last few weeks, your big brother Benny has been quite jealous of your arrival.  He has been trying to get your mom and dad's attention (and grandma and grandpa's) as much as possible.  Anytime he can stick his nose into the situation, he does.  Grandma and I were trying to get you to pose for this picture, and Benny just wanted to be a part of the action. 

I am sure that this will continue for a while until you learn to chase him around the house, then he probably won't want much to do with you anymore.  Until then...

xoxo, the mama

So many visitors...

Dear Zoe - Such a busy week you have been having!  In addition to Nana and Da, your aunt Jenny & Becky (and Mikey and Jack) came over tonight to hang out and order pizza! 

Everyone just loves you!  We hung out eating dinner, then Jenny, Becky, you and I went back to your room and we had some girl talk...we were trying to get you to fall asleep, but you were way too excited to hang out with us that you stayed up until everyone left (then passed right out!).

I know that you won't remember your first Thanksgiving, but it is so fun for your dad and I to have you here with us.  We are cooking at home, having all the grandparents (and Danny) over for the holiday and hope to start many traditions with you...

xoxo, the mama

Nana is here!

Dear Zoe- Your Nana and Da are here!  They came on Tuesday to meet you for the first time and they think you are just wonderful.  You spent most of Tuesday snuggled up just like in this picture and both you and your Nana were perfectly content-

They are here for the rest of the week, and we have your first Thanksgiving on Thursday.  Quite an exciting week for you!

xoxo, the mama

First "Big Girl" Bath

In anticipation for your visitors, Dad and I gave you your first big girl bath in your tub (since your umbilical cord fell off last week, what a big girl!).  The expression on your face was priceless...you weren't really sure what was going on.  I don't think you really hated it since there weren't any tears right away, but you weren't too sure what to make of it. 

xoxo, the mama

3 weeks!

Dear Zoe -

I can't believe it, you will be three weeks old tomorrow!!  There is so much to look forward to in the upcoming weeks! 

Next week is your first Thanksgiving.  We will be spending it at home with both sets of grandparents and Danny.  Then, next month is your first Christmas!  I know you won't remember much, but we are very excited to spend the holidays with you this year.

As much as I want you to grow up and learn your little personality, I love your perfect little size right now. 

xoxo, the mama

Our first week without Dad!

Dear Zoe - Your dad went back to work this week and we missed him very much.  Grandma came over for the first three days to help mom out, and today is Thursday and it is our first day home alone together!  I think things are going pretty well.

You slept until about 8, you ate, we did some tummy time and then you went back down for a nap.  I love being able to be home with you!

Next week, your dad will be off work again (yay!) and your Nana and Da (dad's parents) are coming out to visit and meet you for the first time!

xoxo, the mama

Here is a picture of you hanging out with grandma!

Fun with hats!

The Littlest Tarheel

Dear Zoe - Your Daddy went to University of North Carolina and loves the Tarheels!  Our good friend Carly bought you this UNC onesie, and Dad loves seeing you in it.  I am sure that you will be watching lots of basketball games with him in your future.  :) 

Happy Anniversary!

Dear Zoe - Yesterday was Mom and Dad's three year anniversary.  You were definitely the best present that either one of us could have asked for.  Dad is still home from work, so we just hung out in the house during the day and did some cleaning.  Then for dinner, Dad went out to get sushi (mom's favorite)! and we had some wine.  That was my most missed meal when I was pregnant with you, but totally worth the wait. 

You woke up halfway through the meal, so we spent most of the meal holding you and eating sushi with one hand.  :)  A big change from 3 years ago, but the best change we could have asked for.  Love you!

xoxo, the mama

Moby Wrap

Dear Zoe -

We have been putting you in your Moby Wrap this week and you love it!  You just snuggle up and fall asleep, which is great, because then I have two free hands to get on the computer or do other things (like send texts to all my friends)!  You look so cute all bundled up on me, I hope you like this for a long time!  :)

xoxo, the mama

Sleepy Girl

Dear Zoe - Today you are 9 days old.  Our days have consisted of sleeping, cuddling, eating, changing diapers, the occasional visitor, and more sleeping. 

One of your favorite (and Dad and Mom's too!) position is laying on our chest.  You just snuggle up and are a little hot pocket on us.  It is so sweet.  I will never forget snuggling with you. 

Today we went on a field trip to BeByBaby to pick up some things and then out for lunch with Dad.  You were great!  You don't mind the carseat, as long as the car is moving!  :)  Then we came home and you took a long nap.

Love you baby girl.

xoxo, the mama

Zoe's First Bath

Dear Zoe - Yesterday, Dad and I gave you your first bath! At first, you seemed to like it, but as soon as Dad poured that water on your head, you weren't so sure. But we got you nice and clean and wrapped you in your towel and you were nice and comfy.

Zoe's First Week

Happy 1 week birthday, baby girl!

It has been quite a week. We came home from the hospital on Monday (November 1). You didn't like being in the carseat for the first time, but you were fine once we started walking and had you in the car. I sat in the backseat with you while Dad drove us home. We took a walk to pick up your brother, Benny, from daycare, where you guys met for the first time.

We have learned a lot about you this week -

1. You get the hiccups all the time. You always had them in my belly, they don't really seem to bother you, but Dad and I feel so bad everytime you get them.

2. You make very funny faces. My favorite is your furrowed brow, serious look that looks JUST like your daddy. Its adorable.

3. You love to be swaddled and rocked. You really don't go to sleep at night without being tighly swaddled and you look like a teeny little burrito.

4. And finally...both Dad and I love you SO much. I didn't realize how much I could love you until you were here!

xoxo, the mama