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.