My baby is one...and has been for almost a month.

Dear Phoebe,

On November 18th, you turned one years old.  You continue to be the sweetest little munchkin- you love blowing kisses and giving hugs.  You are still a great eater - dad can't wait until you are old enough to go get wings and watch football (he's realized that he has no chance with your sister).  You stood up for the first time a couple days after your birthday and have been doing it ever since.  In fact, when we went to the doc for your 1 year checkup, she said that if you aren't standing in a few months, we would have to followup.  You took that as your cue, and the very next day, you pulled yourself up! You say a few words - mama, nono, uh oh, and you have said ball (just not consistently).  You love the Christmas tree and our elf, named Hart and love pointing them out everyday.  You love dolls, jewelry and books.  You LOVE your daddy- you are so excited when he gets home from work and you are not very happy when he is out of your sight.


We had pictures of you and your sis taken a couple of weeks ago- I couldn't be happier with the result - you look so sweet and perfect, just as you are.

Happy FIRST birthday baby girl.  

xoxo, the mama

Zoe's List to Santa

Dear Zoe,

I am not good at doing the blog so much these days.  Lifes got me busy.  However, I am eavesdropping on you at the moment writing a note to Santa and I have to get this written because it is so cute.
Christmas is right around the corner- pictures and commercials of Santa are everywhere and you have the Christmas spirit!  Your favorite thing at the moment is princesses, as seen in your note.

Here is your note (pretty verbatim).  It is pretty random and all over the place, which makes it all the more awesome.   I love how your 3 year old mind works.  I love that you include your sister, and your dad and I (you clearly know what mama needs better than your dad).

Dear Santa,

This is a note about what I need for Christmas.  I need some instraments so I can play pretty music.  I need all the different kinds.   I am really good at playing pretty music.  I need some more costumes like Tinkerbell and Jasmine and Mulan.  I need some makeup so I can play makeup with my mom.  I like doing that.

I want some more jammies too- I want Mulan jammies and Belle jammies and Rapunzul too.  I love beautiful jammies.

My sister wants a Nemo ball.  She needs a dark black pony.  She needs more stinky piggies.  She loves her piggies.  She was a good girl, Santa.  I love my sister.  Phoebe wants her own blocks for Christmas, Santa.  My mom can think about more things for her.

Back to me- I would like some more jammies.  I need some Amber (from Sofia) jammies and Sofia's mommy jammies.  I need some more princess movies.  I need Mulan, Belle & the Beauty Beast, Rapunzel and Jasmin.

Santa, mommy needs a new pair of shoes.  (ain't that the truth, baby girl) and I need some more slippers.  

And my Daddy wants some more clothes, Santa.  He needs a Grover shirt, Santa.  And one more thing- a Grover hairband.  He really needs it.

I want more Hello Kitty toys.  Daddy can buy them for you.

Love,
Zoe Ryan Teich

Princess Zoe

xoxo, the mama

Happy 3rd birthday Zoe!!!

Dear Zoe- Happy THIRD Birthday!!!  Yesterday was the big day and you had a blast.  You started the day with having chocolate chip pancakes with Daddy- just the two of you.  Then we opened some presents and talked to Patrick & Shannon, D and Nanu.  Then, we did our annual Cheesecake Factory lunch with Gaga.  You wore your birthday princess sash and got TONS of birthday wishes! You had cake and ice cream (after eating ALL your lunch!) and got even more presents.  

Your favorite things at the moment are princesses, ponies and your dress up dolls.  You love to play and have such a creative imagination.  You can be such a sweet big sister when you want to be, and your baby sister absolutely adores you.  

At 3, you have your own sense of style and already try and negotiate with me - "No mama, pants are for when winter is here.  I want to wear a dress".  We are struggling with naps, you are ready to give them up but mama is not.  Dance class is a big hit - you love going and are really into it!  I can't wait to see what else this year brings.  

This is you this year vs last year- what a difference a year makes

xoxo, the mama

Birthday Parties and Halloween!

Dear Zoe and Phoebe- 

I have been a slacker at writing you on this blog.  Life is getting so busy - Zoe, you are in dance classes, school twice a week and you have lots of friends that we try and meet up with.  Phoebe- you keep mama on her toes now that you are on the move.  

This past weekend, we had our annual costume birthday party- this years theme was the Royal Ball. Zoe was Princess Sofia and Pheebs was Snow White.  Mama was Sleeping Beauty and Dad was Prince Charming of course!  We had such a fun time playing with our friends, eating cake and playing with new toys!

Happy Birthday Zozo and Pheebs!!

xoxo, the mama

11 months old (little late, sorry)!

Dear Phoebe- 

Its been quite a busy month.  You turned 11 months (2 weeks ago), we had your 3rd eye treatment, Nana came to visit, you and your sis got sick, we had a big birthday bash, your sister turned 3 and now its Halloween.  Phew.  This mama is tired.  So, sorry this is late.  Getting you to take a pic this month was not easy- you are a girl on the move.  This was the best I could get.  

xoxo, 

the mama

10 months old!

Dear Phoebe,

Yesterday you turned 10 months.  You are such a fun age- you repeat things, you laugh (especially at Zoe), you are on the move.  You have a wicked case of the mama's at the moment- if I am in the room, I am who should be holding you.  But you are fine as long as you don't see me.

Cheese!

xoxo, the mama

Girls will be girls

Dear Zoe, 

You could not be more of a girl.  You will ONLY wear dresses (pants/shorts are for boys, duh.)  When I come and pick you up from school and I am in my workout clothes, you are mortified (Moooom, why are you wearing that??)  You love to play spa in moms bathroom (paint our toenails).  You only like to eat off your PINK plate now (your favorite color).  You absolutely LOVE to dress up in princess dresses and wear your tiwawa (tiara) and princess shoes.  You LOVE shoes.  And accessories.  And makeup.  ALL things girly all the time.  

Today, we had a bunch of cranes and trucks outside and I asked if you wanted to come check it out (all the boys in the neighborhood camped out watching).  We were outside for two minutes before you announced "Mom, its too woud and diwrty.  Lets go play shoes!!"

I tried to get you trains and cars for your birthday, but they are sitting downstairs gathering dust.  You are just a girl- through and through.  

Accessories!

xoxo, the mama

No, no, no

Dear Phoebe- 

Your first word was "Mmmmama".  Second word was "Daddda".  And third is "No".  Not just no, though.  More like "No, no, no."  With a hand wave.  And attitude.  

You are on the move and getting into EVERYTHING.  Wires, doors and stairs are your favorite thing.  You scare your mama.  

Pretend Play

Dear Zoe,

This month in the Baby Center update, it said that my almost 3 year old (wha?? when did that happen?) may be very into pretend play.  Boy were they spot on.  Your imagination is limitless.  You are always changing your name - when I come in the morning to get you for the day, I have no idea what name you will have - "Mama, today I am Jeanie!  And you are Fiona".

You also love to play "Reecey".  Your bff.  And I need to be Reecey's mommy and Dad needs to be Reecey's daddy and Phoebe needs to be Claire.  Of course.  And if I call you Zoe on accident, you make sure I am corrected.

Your imaginary friends are Tuti and Fuffa from Yo Gabba Gabba.  They come over a lot.  And my favorite (not really) is when you insist on me making them REAL dinner.  Like you.  Special Agent Oso also comes over quite a bit with a special assignment for you.  Are we letting you watch too much TV?  Methinks so.

It is pretty hysterical the stuff you dream up in that little head of yours.

"Jeanie" or maybe you were "Anna" here

xoxo, the mama

9 Months Old!

Dear Phoebe - 

Happy 9 month birthday!  We had a checkup today and you are weighing in just under 21 lbs and 28 inches long.  90th percentile for weight and 50-75th percentile for height.  Such a healthy girl.  I knew before even weighing you that you are outpacing your sister because a lot of her clothes she wore at this time don't quite fit you.  Makes sense because you love to eat!!

You still don't have much hair and you have boxy little feet- not many shoes fit you!  Thats okay because you aren't attempting to walk just yet.  You are pulling yourself up on your knees a little, but that is as brave as you get.  

You did not have shots today because tomorrow you are having some laser surgery to help reduce the redness around your eye and mouth, we need you in tip top shape!

xoxo, the mama

Zozo says

Dear Zoe, I don't want to forget the hilarious things that you say on a daily basis, so in order to remember, I am going to start writing posts called Zozo says...

Some of the funny remarks you make cannot fully be captured without actually hearing it, but hopefully this will help me at least remember.

"Mama, I have a tummywake!"

"When I grow up, I want to be a rockscotch!" (rockstar)

"So, mom...I want to talk about sumting"  What do you want to talk about Zozo?  "I dunno, will you help me think of sumting to talk bout?"

"What are you watching mama?"  The Today Show.  "BOOOORING."  (kind of your new catchphrase)

"I need sumting for my mouth!"  (aka, I am hungry)

Zozo, you are so cute.  "I am." Always so humble.

Are you okay Zozo?  "I fink so."

When you are older and can pronounce words perfectly, I will remind you of how cute you were at age 2.  (For the most part...)

xoxo, the mama

8 months old!

Dear Phoebe,

Since I was late last month, it has only been 2 weeks since our last photoshoot, so not a lot is new. Whoops, mom.  But I am back on track this month and actually got the photos taken AND the blog post up ON your 8 month birthday.

You continue to be an absolute joy- we all love you so much.  My favorite part of the day is when you wake up in the morning, most often saying "mmmmmama, mmmmmmama" and you are so excited to see me.  Sometimes you roll straight across your crib to get to me as fast as you can.  The sweetest.

xoxo, the mama

7 Months Old!

Dear Phoebe- Happy 7 month birthday!  (2 weeks late this time, sorry baby girl).  You seem to grow every time I get you up from a nap!  Pictures this month were a bit more difficult than months past, because you do NOT like to stay still.  Such a little wiggleworm!

Here's my favorite outtake from our photoshoot- showing off your chompers!

xoxo, the mama

This face...

Must be hereditary because both of you girls do it.   

 


xoxo, the mama

Giggles and smiles and all things happy

Dear Phoebe (aka Pheebs, aka Pheebadoo, aka Goosey, aka Honkers), You are The. Smiliest. Baby. Ever.  Seriously, I come in to get you in the morning - all smiles.  We eat breakfast- giggles galore.  Changing the diaper- laughing all the while.  I hope this is a glimpse into your future disposition, because this mama can't get enough of you.  

I take dozens of pictures of you everyday, and when I go back to edit the ones where you aren't happy- there are hardly any to be deleted.  My favorite is when you start to giggle hysterically and you arms and legs flail around.   

Mama and Pheebs, smiling of course

Loving kisses on those cheekys!

Eating spinach for lunch and happy as can be

xoxo, the mama

Hair cut!

Dear Zoe, this week I took you to get your very first haircut.  I have been resisting the urge to get it cut for months now but not sure why I was, it was long overdue.  You were such a big girl at the salon.  You got to pick out a movie to watch, you sat very patiently while the lady cut (and blow dried!) your hair.  You walked away with a new toy and a balloon.  Pretty nice deal.

Pretty girl getting her hair done

Zoe's new do

I think part of the reason why I didn't want to get it cut was because I felt the need to preserve some of your babyhood.  These days, with your strong opinions and wild imagination, it seems like you are growing up leaps beyond your 2 years.  But then there are little glimpses into how little you are like how you call elevators "alligators" and how you ask me to make you a scooby (smoothie) but call your scooby doo toothpaste "smoothie doo" that remind me that you are still my little baby girl, and always will be.  

xoxo, the mama

Confession

Dear Zoe,

I have a confession.  Sometimes if we can't go to the park or somewhere you really want to go, I tell a little lie and say "It's closed, we'll have to go later" or "It's busy now, maybe tomorrow".  It is just easier than having you cry or have a meltdown at me just saying No.  When you are older, you will understand.

HOWEVER, lately, you are playing me at my own game.

Mama- "We are going to go to lunch at Cheesecake Factory and then to the park!"
Zoe- "Cheese Factowy kwosed wight now, we go waiter...Pawk First!"

Mama- "Lets call Daddy on the phone and then we'll go play downstairs!"
Zoe- "Daddy is too busy wight now, he at werk.  We pway in the basement then call him waiter."

See my dear, you get it.  Maybe you know all along that the park isn't really closed when I tell you and you just go along with it.  Sometimes I feel like you are 2 going on 16 and it scares me a little.

xoxo, the mama

6 Months Old!!

Dear Phoebe- 

Happy 6 month birthday (a week late, but we've been busy)!  You are now half a year old, and while that doesn't seem that long, I don't remember our lives without you.  You are the happiest, smiliest, most joyful little baby.  Every time I bring you somewhere, you brighten people's day with your high wattage grin.  You laugh is contagious.  And your cheeks- we could kiss them all day.  

xoxo, the mama

Poor little 6 month punkin

Dear Phoebe, today was your 6 month doctor appointment.  You weighed in at 17lbs 8oz and 26 inches long.  75th percentile for both.  Go tubs!  The doctor was super impressed with your eating skills and your sleeping abilities.  She also said that we can start weaning you off your reflux meds.  Yay!

After your checkup, the doc told us that instead of the usual 2 shots, they are going to break up one of the shot into FOUR shots (total of 5!) because the drug company had a shortage.  Boo.  I had to hold you while the nurse poked your tubby little leg.  You are sleeping now, hopefully you will feel better when you wake up.

Before the shots- Mama and Pheebs in coordinating stripes!

Cuddling with Mama

xoxo, the mama

Save the drama for your...oh wait, that's me.

Dear Zoe, aka my little drama queen, or drama princess- 

Today when I picked you up from school you told me you had an owie and then proceeded to "cry" and say "oh NO, mama, it huuuuts, it huuuts SO bad- my owie!"  I am expecting a huge gash or a scraped knee, but it is a teeny tiny blister on your foot where your "princess shoes" cut in.  You insisted on wearing your fancy shoes to school today with no socks and even though I warned you that this would happen, you insisted, in true girl style, "Is okay, mama, I wear dees shoes.  They my princess ones.  They so boootiful!"

Speaking of outfits- you are absolutely impossible to dress these days.  You insist on picking out your own outfits, usually have 3 or 4 outfit changes during the day if you get "durty" or your clothes get "messed" (messed up) or if "being a ballaweena is jus too hawrd".  Even though most days you look like a homeless orphan princess, it's cute and isn't hurting anyone so why not.  Also, I'm tired and pick my battles.  

Here are some jems from the past couple of weeks-

Bathing suit, baby hat and tutu- having a tea party

Jammie top, tutu, flower pants, "princess" shoes

Gloves and hat, stripey tights, tutu, magic wand

xoxo, the mama

Sisters on the Couch

Dear Zoe and Phoebe, 

I know there will be days where you fight and don't like each other very much.  But these are the moments that make mama love her job.  

sometimes i can't take the cuteness

xoxo, 

the mama

5 months old!!

Dear Phoebe- Happy 5 month birthday little peanut!  You continue to be such a smiley and happy little nugget, no matter what time of day.  We love that you are so amused by us and your sister.  We started sleep training this month and it is going really well, mama is very appreciative of that.  You weighed in at 15 1/2 lbs last month and you are growing fast & furious!  You eat about 30 ounces of milk a day plus a couple of solid meals.  Such a chunk.  :)

During our photoshoot- we were photobombed by your #1 fan!

xoxo, the mama

First tastes, Phoebe edition...nom nom

Dear Phoebe, 

I don't mean to do it, but I just can't help it.  I compare you to your sister sometimes.  And you guys couldn't be more different.  

This week, after your 4 month appointment where you weighed in at a whopping 15 and a half lbs (90% percentile), your doctor suggested that we start introducing some foods.  When we did this with Zoe, she couldn't have been less interested.  Hated everything about it.  But you, my dear, LOVED it.  Your first taste was an avocado and you gobbled it up!  Today, I tried bananas and that was a hit too!  

I am crossing my fingers that this is a sign to a healthy and ADVENTUROUS eater in months and years to come!

"Hmm, this is Delwicious mama!"

"C'mon, Mom, move that spoon a little faster!"

"What's next?"

xoxo, the mama

Easter Weekend!

Dear Zoe and Phoebe, 

This past weekend was Easter weekend- we were so busy with all sorts of fun!  Thursday was Nana's birthday- she came in and we helped her celebrate with a Pinkalicious cake.  Then we went to a neighborhood Easter Egg hunt, got a visit from the Easter Bunny, and had everyone over for Easter dinner!  Phew!  It was a great weekend!

Zoe, you were AMAZING at the Easter Egg hunt.  As soon as it started, you ran to a bench and swiped all the eggs in sight.  You weren't stopping for anyone.  We were very impressed with your skills.  

Don't bother me, I'm hunting eggs!

Heading off with her loot!

Zoe and Daddy, still wondering if there are more eggs to be found

Moooommm!!!

Easter morning, we all woke up to find the Easter Bunny had visited and left baskets for you both and left some more eggs in our yard.  We played all morning with our new toys until the rest of the family came over for dinner.  

Loving on her Elmo balloon- her personal request from the Bunny himself

Attempt at a sister shot in coordinating outfits

Sofia toys!

Smiley little nug

Overall, we probably ate a little too much sugar and stayed up past our bedtimes, but we had fun!

xoxo, the mama

4 months old!

Some days...

Dear Zoe,

Some days, Zozo.  I remember the days when you didn't talk, when you didn't have your own opinions about what you were going to wear or do.  As much as I love your personality and the fact that you have a mind of your own, sometimes it wears this mama out!  I know I need to cherish this time because it is all going to go by so fast, but sometimes I just want to take a nap.  :)

You were up for about 45 minutes when this all transpired.

This morning after telling you we have to get dressed for school-

"I no want wear pants.  Just my tutu.  Not my pink tutu.  It have rip.  Mama fix it?  Mama fix it wight now?  Pweeeeese, mama?"  (during this rant, I get some pants on you, now I am trying for a shirt Mama 1: Zozo 0) "I no yike dis shirt.  Dis shirt too smwall.  (It's not) I wear my cupcake shirt (which, ironically IS too small).  I wear my cupcake shirt to schoowal." (Mama 1: Zozo 1)

Now that we have you dressed, it is time to eat breakfast.

In the kitchen, deciding what to eat-

"Hmmm, what Zozo want?  Hmmm..."  How about some yogurt, I sugguest. "Okay, jus purple yogurt" (you only like to eat your yogurt out of the Dannon Light and Fit container, but you only like to EAT trader joes blueberry n cream yogurt...so I must sneak it in the "purple container" Mama 2: Zozo 1)

Watching Yo Gabba Gabba with breakfast-

"Where is Yo Dabba Dabba's Daddy?  Is he at verk?  Is he makin money?  Where his mommy go?  MOMMY SIT!  SIT wif ME!  Pweeeese mama, sit wif me?  Phoebe sit too?  I want Phoebe to sit.  Phoebe sit by hersef!  More bweakfast mama.  More bweakfast pweeeese!"  I get you to eat two pumpkin muffins, which I call cupcakes because why not?  (Mama 3: Zozo 1)

In the car on the way to school-

"Mama, who sing dis song?" Bruno Mars.  "Where brwuno maws go?  He at home?  He eating yunch?  He take a nap?  I want a sucker mama, PWEEEESE, mama, can I have a sucker?  A blue one?"   Yes, it is 9 am, but you get the sucker (Mama 3: Zozo 2)

So, I win this morning, sweetheart.  And thank goodness for school because mama needs a nap!

xoxo, the mama

My sweet little angel 

3 Months Old!

Dear Phoebe, Happy 3 month birthday!  Today you share your birthday with your uncle Patrick!  

xoxo, the mama

Funny Zoe Convos Second Edition

Dear Zoe, Sometimes the stuff that comes out of your mouth makes me laugh out loud.  You are so smart and funny and you have such a strong personality for such a little girl.  I wanted to record some of the jems that you come up with- I know that these are things I won't want to forget.

Zoe and Mama making pumpkin bread.  Mama spills flour on the floor and cleans it up.  Zozo-- "I so proud of you Mama, good job!"

Walking up the stairs after Zoe's bath.  Mama- "Your hair smells so good, Zoe".  Zozo- "It soft and beautiful!"

After a bad night of being sick where Daddy came to the rescue but had to go off to work.  Zozo- "I miss daddy.  He clean me.  He a good helper".

Zoe singing the theme song to Bananas in Pyjamas and mama laughs.  Zozo- "Me not funny.  Zozo smart!"

Listening to Umbrella in the car on the way to school.  Zoe- "Mama, who singing?"  Mama- "Its Rhianna" Zoe - "I no like Rhianna.  I like Gina!" (as in Regina Spektor).

Playing with your phone the other day.  Zoe - "Hi Gagie.  It Zozo.  Bring me presents.  Okay, bye".

Phoebe was crying the other night and you run downstairs "No crying Phoebers!  Be happy!"

Its hard to believe that less than a year ago you only had a few words in your vocabulary.  Now you are speaking in sentences, remembering conversations from days ago, using new words in context and developing a sense of humor!  Even though this age has its challenges (hello tantrums and stubbornness!)  it is one of my favorites because it is so fun to watch you learn!

Sisters having a chat

xoxo, the mama

We made it!

Dear Zoe and Phoebe- The past three weeks have been some of the hardest in my life.  Zoe, first you came down with a runny nose.  That turned into a cough.  That turned into the croup.  That turned into some kind of stomach flu.  At the same time, Phoebe got that runny nose and that cough.  That turned into RSV.  ALSO at the same time Mom and Dad got sick.  Our house was a giant den of germs.  One sick baby is bad.  Two sick babies is miserable.  Two sick babies and a sick mommy is THE. WORST.  Thank goodness for gaga- she came to the rescue.  Now we are FINALLY all on the mend and ready to get out and have some adventures!!

Mama and a sick little Zozo

Phoebe having her breathing treatments.  Sad.  

Zozo brushing her teeth in her big girl robe, feeling much better!

What the H mom, don't let that happen again!

Here's to a healthy February, ladies.

xoxo, the mama