Wiggleworms Halloween Bash!

Dear Zoe, Happy Halloween!  We had a costume party in today's Wiggleworms class and for an extra special treat, the class sang Happy Birthday to you!  You immediately recognized the tune and were all smiles.  

Little Red Riding Hood & Mike Ditka

"I KNOW this song!"

xoxo, the mama

Look Whoooo's One!

Dear Zoe, Yesterday we had an owl themed costume party with friends and family to celebrate your first birthday.  Having a birthday so close to Halloween will make for many fun traditions!  You dressed up as Little Red Riding hood and Dad and I went as the big bad wolf & grandma.  I will try and do as many family themed costumes for as long as you let me.  

You were quite the hostess- even without a nap, you were so happy and wanted to give EVERYONE a hug.  You really enjoyed the party- you got lots of great books to read!  

Here are some of my favorite pics from the party.  Thanks to Danny for being such a great photographer.  

It was such a fabulous birthday weekend.  I hope that you enjoyed it and even though you probably won't remember, I can't wait to have many more like these in the future.

xoxo, the mama

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Dear Zoe, Happy Birthday!  I cannot believe you are ONE YEAR OLD.  

In 365 days, you have gone from this....

to this...

You are more fun, beautiful, smart, hilarious, and loving than I could have EVER imagined.  You are such a sweet girl.  You love to share, you LOVE to give hugs and kisses, and you are so friendly.  You are a speedy little crawler, but not quite yet a walker.  You are standing on your own now, and walking along the couch (very wobbly).  Your first words were Dada, Mama and book.  We figure you are (obviously) going to be a genius!  Your favorite things to do are read books, pull everything out of the bathroom drawer and give to mama, go to the park, and give hugs. Your best friends are Emma, Christopher, Cole, and Reese.  You love music and love to dance.  

Dad and I have been singing happy birthday to you all day today.  You love it and clap and smile when we get to the part where we say your name and then sign "more" when we are done.  I have a feeling we will be doing this all day!

"Happy Birthday to Meeee!"

Happy Birthday baby girl.

xoxo, the mama

Mamamamama!

Dear Zoe, Last week, you started doing my favorite thing ever...saying MAMA!!  You have the sweetest little voice and hearing you say my name melts my heart.

In addition to mama (and dada), you are trying to say books (coming out more like buh...but you are getting there) and this (using this when you are trying to figure out what something is).

I know your vocabulary is just going to grow and grow and I love watching your little mind work.

hi mama!

xoxo, the mama

To Nana's house we went...

Dear Zoe, This past weekend was packed with activities!  Daddy had to go to Durham, NC for a conference so you and I tagged along.  We visited UNC where Dad went to college and he showed us around.  Then we stayed the night in a hotel and the next morning we went to Greensboro to visit Nana and Da!  Patrick and Shannon were there too, stopping by before they leave for Mexico.

Your old aunt Riley gave you a bit of a scare at first...you haven't really been around too many cats in your little life.  But by the end of the trip, you were waving and enjoying her company.

We were able to celebrate your first birthday with them (a little early).  We sang, had cupcakes and opened presents!  You weren't that into the cupcake or the presents...but you kind of liked the attention.  :)

Mama, Daddy and Zoe at the well (UNC)

Candy Corn Cupcakes made by Nana!

"All this for ME?"

Lovin your mama

"Got some milk to wash this down, ma?"

New books!

"You guys, come check this out!!"

xoxo, the mama

Dear Zoe, This weekend, we went to Goebberts Pumpkin Patch for you to pick out your first Halloween pumpkin (last year didn't count since you were one day old and all...).  It was a gorgeous day and there were lots of kids out- you had a blast. There were pony rides (next year), a petting zoo, and of course...pumpkins!!

Which one to choose??!

Found one!

Posing with Daddy & her pumpkin

Zoe & mama

xoxo, the mama

11 Months (and two days) old!!

Dear Zoe- This will be the last month birthday post until you are ONE YEAR OLD!  I can't believe how fast this past 11 months has gone, but at the same time, I don't remember what life was like without you.  You are the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to your dad and I and we are so lucky to have you! 

11 months has marked even more milestones!

• You have finally picked up sign language, indicating "all done" and "more" when eating your meals.  It makes communicating SO much easier. 
• You now have SEVEN teeth!
• Hugging is one of your favorite things - mom, dad, Crock Crystal, grandma's credit cards...all get hugs from Zoe. 
• YOU PULLED YOURSELF UP!  On Sept 30, your 11 month birthday, you pulled yourself up to standing on the couch.  Walking is right around the corner....eek!
• You love reading books.  You point at the books when they are put away and love sitting and hearing the stories- you fav's are Pat the Bunny, Colors, Lets dance Little Pookie, and All the Hippos Go Berserk!
• You love "talking" on the phone.  You know how to hold the phone to your ear like mom, and you wave to say hello to whoever you are talking to.  You also think its daddy every time the phone rings and you get excited and yell "Da da da da!"
• You have mastered the art of drinking out of a straw.  You love water out of your sippy cup, but milk....not so much.  We need to work on that. 
• You are quite the dancer....everytime we hear music, you sway your arms from side to side- you got moves!
• You are becoming a very good helper to mommy- you hand me clothes when doing the laundry or putting it away...someday you will be able to do it all by yourself...

"Hooray for 11 months...1 more to go til I am 1!!"

Lets watch you grow...

xoxo, the mama