One month old!

Dear Phoebe- Happy one month birthday baby girl!  Can't believe that a little over a month ago, we didn't know you - we didn't even know if you were a boy or a girl!  We couldn't imagine our lives without you in it- you complete our little family perfectly.  

xoxo, the mama

Monday Convos

Dear Zoe,

Usually on Mondays, after a weekend home with Daddy, you look for him first thing in the morning.  This morning was no exception.  I came in to get you ready for the day and here is how our conversation went-

Mama - "Goodmorning Zoe!"
Zoe- "Daddy??"
Mama- "He had to go to work today, but he'll be back later because (singing) grownups come back (from one of your favorite shows, Daniel Tiger).
Zoe- "He go to work? He makin money?"
Mama- "Yes, Zoe, he is making money because he has three girls to support now and we aren't cheap."
Zoe- "Mama go to work too?"
Mama- "Then who is going to take care of Zozo?"
Zoe- "Gaga do it.  Mama go work with Daddy."

Okay then.

xoxo, the mama

Little stinker.  :)

Chunka Chunka

Dear Phoebe, 

I took you to the doctor this morning because you have been having a hard time during feedings.  Turns out, you have reflux but your doctor gave us some medicine so we are going to fix you right up!  While we were there, you weighed in at a whopping 10lbs 5 oz!  So at least we know you are getting food!

Pretty sure you are carrying most of your weight in your cheeks

Seriously, mama?

xoxo, the mama

St. Nicholas Day

Dear Zoe and Phoebe,

Yesterday was St. Nicholas day.  This day was a tradition that Mama and D shared when we were kids- we would put our boots outside and St. Nick would bring us a small treat overnight.  It was sort of a prelude to Christmas.

Zoe, you have been VERY into Santa Claus this holiday season, so we figured that this tradition would go over well with you.  You put your pink sparkly shoes outside on Wednesday night and the next morning- you exclaimed with glee "Santa came for Zozo!!".  If you are even half as excited when the real things happen, this Christmas is going to be so fun.

Phoebe, you aren't quite old enough to really understand what is going on, but Zoe made sure to show you all the goodies that she got.  Next year you can really participate.

Zoe checking out all of her goodies!

xoxo, the mama

I'm a BIG SISTER!!

Dear Zoe and Phoebe,

On November 18th, 2012 a new friendship began.  Phoebe Elise Teich was born at 12:04 am weighing in at 8lbs 3 oz and 21 inches long.  She looked just like her big sister when she was born.  We didn't know whether Zoe would be getting a baby sister or baby brother, but were happily surprised to find out Phoebe was a girl.

Zoe, we tried to prepare you as much as we could - we talked about the new baby, you helped us set up the baby's room, and we got you all sorts of books about being a big sister.  But I don't think anything could really get you ready for having a new baby in the house.  Here is the last picture that we took of you as an only child-

Zoe, right before becoming a BIG SISTER!!

Phoebe, you came into this world exactly how I wanted you to.  You came four days after your due date, I had a short labor and it was as peaceful as childbirth can be.  You were very healthy, with the exception of being a bit jaundice due to me and you having different blood types.  We are so happy to have you in our little family. 

Mama and Phoebe, moments after birth

Phoebe "sunbathing" in the phototherapy booth in the hospital

Zoe, Gaga stayed for the week to look after you and bring you to the hospital.  You guys had lots of fun!  When you first came to visit, you weren't quite sure what to make of this little thing that kept Mama out of the house for so long, but soon enough, you were wanted to hold her and tickle her.  

Classic Zoe face, not impressed with her baby sister right away

Soon after coming home from the hospital, best of friends

 

Daddy and his ladies (minus mama)

It has been almost three weeks now that we have been home from the hospital.  Zoe, you have been a wonderful big sister- you are very gentle with Phoebe and a great helper to mama.  Phoebe, you are quite a ferocious eater (hopefully means you won't be as picky as your big sister!) and such a snugglebug.  Daddy went back to work earlier this week and we have been managing at home.  Sometimes it is hard when I can't give both of you my full attention, but we are figuring things out.  Soon enough, you two will be playing together and won't want me around!  I am so happy to have such beautiful, happy and healthy daughters in my life.  

xoxo, the mama

Smartypants

Dear Zoe - We had your 2 year checkup earlier this week - you are 24 lbs and 34 inches long - less than 25% for weight and 75% for height.  Tall and skinny.  Not too much a surprise given your finicky eating habits, but the doctor did not seem too worried about it.  You were such a good girl in your appointment- we brought your doctor kit and your baby doll and you were very prepared by the time your doctor came in- she commented on what a brave girl you were!

Onto developmental stats- the average two year old should be able to string together 2 word sentences.  Not to brag or anything- but you are speaking in 5+ word sentences!  The average two year old should recognize at least 3 numbers or letters - not only do you recognize them- but you know the ABC's and can count to 12 (sometimes skipping the number 6, but we are working on that).

Your memory and conversation skills astonish me sometimes- here are some examples of the gems that come out of your mouth that I need to remember!

Gaga- "Zoe, where did you get those slippers?"
Z- "From Target"

Looking at the baby swing downstairs that Jenny brought over for the baby-

Z-"Did Jenny left it here?  She come get it?'
Mama- "Jenny left it for the baby to use."
Z- "Zozo will use."

At the post office yesterday after a clerk named Cindy walked away to get our package-

Z- "Where did Cindy go?  Did she go night night?  Did she eat lunch?  Did she have grilled cheese?"
Mama- "She just went to get our package, Zoe, she'll be right back."

This morning when you got up for the day-

Mama- "What would you like to do today, Zoe?"
Z- "Go to target.  Get more teacups.  Mama pay for it."  Gotta love a girl with a plan.

xoxo, the mama

Happy Birthday! I TWO!

Dear Zoe, HAPPY HAPPY Birthday!!  Yesterday, you turned 2 years old.  We started the day with singing happy birthday with a candle in your waffles (which you loved and wanted to "blow candles" again and again).  Then we went to art class (where the class serenaded you again) and to lunch with Gaga to Cheesecake Factory (where you got an ice cream Sunday and they sang to you AGAIN!).  Daddy taught you how to say "I'm Two" (sounds more like I two!) when anyone asks how old you are.

We have your two year appointment next week where we find out how much you weigh and how tall you are- but I am guessing that you are pretty average for weight and still average to above average on height.  You are still not a very good eater- you HATE to try new things and don't like things that are "messy".  We can really only get you to eat grilled cheese, black beans & cheese, fish sticks and nuggets.  Not a very complicated food pallet, my dear.  You love fruit and LOVE "snackies", but aren't very adventurous when it comes to vegetables (except carrots!  you LOVE carrots).  

You are quite the talker- you speak in full sentences (5 words or more!), ask questions and your memory is impeccable (for a 2 year old).  Your favorite songs are "Happy and I know it", "Happy Birthday" (obvie), "Wheels on the bus", and "Chicken Dance" (thank you Dora).  You LOVE the color purple and your favorite book is "Purpleicious".  You love to color and your art class that we are in together.  

In the past year- you have turned into such a fun, happy and beautiful toddler (with quite the personality!)  Here is a picture from last year and one from this year- you look so grown up!!

Happy birthday to 1 year old Zoe

"I two!"

Here are some pictures of you playing with some of your favorite toys from your birthday!  Luckily today is Halloween, so the fun doesn't have to end!!

Party girl!

Playing with your new baby doll

 

Dr. Zoe

My little Picasso with her new easel

Happy birthday, sweet girl!!

xoxo, the mama

Little Miss Manners

Dear Zoe, It has been a week since your birthday party and tomorrow is your actual birthday, so....we have pretty much been celebrating you turning 2 years old all week long.  Since we didn't get through all your presents at your party (way too many!), we have been opening them gradually.  You have received so many nice things - you are so lucky!

After each present you open, you are very concerned about your manners.  You always ask "Did I say 'Thank You'?"  And then "Did they say 'You're Welcome'?" just to make sure the proper pleasantries were exchanged.

So far, some of your favorites are your baby dolls, your Minnie Mouse hair dryer & other accessories and your Zoe and Abby dolls.  But tomorrow will bring even more!

"Cheese!"

xoxo, the mama

Can you tell me how to get...

Dear Zoe,

This past weekend was your second birthday party.  I cannot.  BELIEVE.  it.  How are you going to be 2 years old?  We had a Seseme Street Costume party- what can be more fun than that?  Mama was Cookie Monster and Daddy was Elmo- and YOU were Zoe Monster!!  You had such a fun time - all of your friends came over and we had cake, cupcakes and goodie bags!

Decorations

Cookie Monster and Zoe Monster

Zoe and her friends

Blowing out candles

Zoe and more friends!

Happy Birthday to ME!

We still have MORE birthday celebrations coming up with your actual birthday AND Halloween this week - what a fun time of year!

xoxo, the mama

Time for School!

Dear Zoe- Last week was your first day at "school".  It is a program for kids that are too young for the 2 year old preschool (like you) but that are ready for some interaction with other kids without moms there.  I was VERY apprehensive about dropping you off.  I worried that you would miss me too much and knew that I would miss you too!

You couldn't have been more excited, wearing your Minnie backpack like such a big girl.  I left you there for the two hour program and with the exception of panicking just a little, the teacher said that you were great!  You were so excited to see me when I picked you up- you grabbed my hand and showed me all the toys you played with and the art project that you did.  I was so proud of you!

Such a BIG girl!!

Literally running into school, so excited!!

This week, however, you remembered where we were going.  As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, you said "No paint picture! No paint picture".  I was a bit worried about leaving you but knew that it would be good for the both of us.  The teacher had to pull you away from me (heartbreaking) and after standing outside the room crying tears of my own, I left.  When I came to pick you up, you were just fine- you had a great day in class with your teacher and your new friends and even ate some of the snack this week!!

This is hard for both of us, but it is good for you to gain some independence, especially with your little brother or sister joining us next month.  You are becoming such a big brave girl and I am so proud of you!

Love, the mama.

Goebberts 2012!

Dear Zoe, Today was our second annual trip to Goebberts.  This year, one year older, you were very into sliding down the big slide by the giraffes, riding the horses, sitting in the "big chair" and picking out pumpkins.  You were very interested in the animals in the petting zoo, but not when they got too close.  We went with your bud Reecey and her little sister Claire.  Such a fun day!!

"I RIDE HORSE!" - Zoe

Riding the horsies take 2 (with Daddy this time, Mama needed a break)

Hanging out with the pumpkins

Zoe and Claire bear sitting on the big chair

Family shot - Mama, Daddy, Zozo and baby makes 4!

Now that it is the start of fall- we have so many fun activities to do!!  

xoxo, the mama

My big girl

Dear Zoe, 

Your Daddy and I were commenting this weekend how, just in the past month, your vocabulary and how much you really understand has grown so much.  I can't even count how many words you can say because you are saying more each day.  You repeat EVERYTHING you hear and you speak in (almost) full sentences.  You mimic mom and dad daily and it is so much fun to see your little mind work.  

Just this morning after having daddy home for a long weekend, you asked "Momma, where daddy is?" I told you he was at work and then when we got downstairs you say "Da-ddy, wha ARE chu?  Choo choo!"  Since you know we pick daddy up from the train everyday, you made the connection that he takes it to work - such a smart cookie.  

In just a few short months, you are going to be a big sister.  Somedays I think you are still so little and feel sad that I won't be able to give you my undivided attention like I do now.  And then other times I look at you (like I did today in this picture) and realize that you are turning into SUCH a big girl and you are going to be such a wonderful big sister.  

Zozo's "Packpack" and purse- off to berk with daddy!

xoxo, the mama

Stopping to smell the roses.

Dear Zoe, I hope that you never outgrow some things.  Others (the tantrums, not wanting to try new foods for example), I won't miss quite as much.  

However, the fact that you ALWAYS stop and smell the flowers wherever we are is so sweet and innocent, I hope you will do this forever.  Today, it was just starting to rain and we were rushing from inside of a store to the car before the rain started, but you pulled me aside (Mama- hands!) and smelled some of the potted plants on the side of the street.  It reminded me that we don't always need to be in a rush and we need to stop and smell the flowers once in a while.  The face that you make when you are "smelling" - scrunched up little nose and puffing air out your nose is pretty hilarious too.  :)

"Mmmm!"

Wanting to get beyond the bar- you don't want to leave any flower left un-smelt!

xoxo, the mama

Finally.

Dear Zoe - Since you have learned the word "No", it has been a staple in your everyday vocabulary.

Mama- "Do you want to eat lunch, Zoe?"
Zoe- "NO."

M- "Do you want to put your shoes on?"
Z- "NO."

M- "Will you please TRY this macaroni & cheese?"
Z- "NO."

See?  Always NO.  Although I am proud of the fact that you know what you want and do not have a problem expressing yourself, it can be a bit exasperating at times for a Mama.

Until today...

Zoe- "More Dora, mama?"  "Pleasthe?"
Mama- "Okay, we will watch a little more while you finish your lunch and then we will go night night, okay?"
Zoe- "Yesth, mama, yesth".

My heart beams.

xoxo, the mama

Cheesthe!

Randomness...

Dear Zoe, My blog posts have become fewer with more days between.  That is because we are so very busy and your mama is so very tired and likes to take naps when you nap.  It is most certainly not because I am lacking ideas to write about.

You are so funny and sweet.  Some of my favorite things that you say/do these days now that you are almost 21 months old (how is this possible??) are when you hand something to either dad or me you say "'Ere you go, baby".

You constantly want to know where everyone of importance is- throughout the day, you will ask (multiple times)-
"Mama- Daddy?" (at work)  "Mama, Gaga?" (at home with Gracie)  "Mama, Nanu?" (at work) "Mama, Nana?" (at home with Da)  "Mama, D?" (at work)  And then it begins all over again...


When playing in your kitchen, you like to make Mama and Daddy "cossie" (coffee).  Sometimes you even blow on it first, you are just that considerate.

I love when, totally random, you turn to me and say "Hi, mama!"  So sweet.

Today we went to visit a parents day out program- not for now, but for next spring.  I had just finished telling the teacher that I was nervous about leaving you because I have never done that before and you were really attached to me, when I turned to you and said "Time to go, Zozo, Mama's leaving!"  You turned away from your coloring and said "See ya!".  Tear.  I think it is more ME that has the separation issues.

I realize that this blog post is all over the place, but that is very appropriate at this stage of toddlerhood.

xoxo, the mama

Pleasthe!

Dear Zoe - We have been working on your manners lately since you have become quite demanding on what it is that you want.  You have mastered please- although it comes out more like "Pleasthe" with your little lisp, and every time you say it, you bend down a bit and stick out your butt...it is beyond cute.  Thank you is a work in progress and comes out more like "Tak oo", but we get it.

Just this week, you have been using "pleasthe" without being prompted.  Each time the cuteness kills me just a little more.  Today, you were watching your bud Elmo on tv and when Elmo's world is over, you turn to me and say "More Ello Mama- Pleasthe" as you stick your butt out.  A four word phrase INCLUDING please- Yes ma'am- more Ello is it!!

"Pleasthe!"

xoxo, the mama

Party in the Bath!

Dear Zoe - I am sure that someday you and Christopher will be mortified that Jenny and I had you in the bath together - but you both didn't seem to mind at the time.  And we thought it was adorable.  In fact, we thought that these photos would be great as engagement announcements someday in the future.  No pressure.

A couple weeks ago, your bud Christopher came over with his parents for a bbq- you guys played in the yard, got a little (more than a little for C) dirty and needed a bath.   What is more fun than two babies in the bath??

xoxo, the mama

YUCK!

Dear Zoe - You are turning into a very particular little girl.  You like things YOUR way and you have not quite mastered the art of compromise.  One of the traits that you have developed (and possibly inherited from your mama) is your extreme dislike of being dirty.  Or eating things that are burnt.  Or broken.  Or doing anything remotely messy.

We had your friend Christopher over this weekend and he was happily playing in the dirt and eating mac and cheese (not at the same time, of course)- two things that you would NEVER consider doing.  The moment dirt or chalk or crumbs pollute your dainty little hands, you start waving them, telling me "Yuck! Yuck!". 

We were at the park behind our new house today and it is basically one giant sandbox, something that you are NOT fond of.  A few grains of sand got in your sandals and you stopped dead in your tracks, started flapping your arms, yelling "Mama, yuck!  UP!!!"  I thought this was the end of this park for us, until you discovered a water fountain that you could wash your hands in, one of your FAVORITE past times.  OCD, much, little girl?

"Don't you make me tell you again, mama- NO burnt chips!"

"Stop with the photos!"

xoxo, the mama

Poool!!!

Dear Zoe - Last week, we got a pool for you for our new backyard.  You had just gone in Emma's pool a couple of weeks ago and loved it, so we thought you would be excited when you got your own.  You. Were. ECSTATIC!!  You ran to the door and just screamed "Pool!  Pool!"  Every time we got a visitor at the house, you were sure to show them your latest obsession.

Your favorite things to do in the pool are splashing and pouring water into your cups.  You still haven't spent much time actually sitting in the pool, but you will get there.  Here are some pictures from the weekend-

"OMG!  There is a POOL out here ma, did you see this??"

Cups!

Testing out the water.

xoxo, the mama