I YUV CHRISSMAS!!

Dear Zoe & Phoebe- 

Merry Christmas!  Last week was the most wonderful time of the year.  We kicked off the weekend by visiting the man himself, SANTA CLAUS!  Zoe, you were SO excited- every time we talk about Santa, you tell us that he says "HohohoMerryCissmas!" (all one word).  You know that he brings presents and he comes down the chimney.  We weren't too sure if you would be scared to see him, but we waited in line and you were such a good girl.  By the time it was our turn, you were a little nervous, but so brave!  You told Santa you wanted Dora and a toothbrush.  Phoebe- you are not going to remember this at all, in fact you slept the whole time, but you were a good girl too!  This may be one of my all time Christmas pictures-

On Christmas Eve, D and Gaga and Nanu came over.  We opened just one present (Minnie Christmas Jammies!) which you both looked adorable in.  Thanks Gaga!

Daddy and his girls

The next morning, SANTA came!!  And he did not disappoint.  There were SO. MANY. PRESENTS.  Looks like you two were very good girls this year.  Zoe- you had a little bit of a hard time accepting that all the presents weren't for you (even though most of them were) but you did your best.  

Gaga and Nanu came over later in the day after naps (D stayed the night) and we had even MORE presents.  Daddy made a delicious dinner for all of us.  Zoe- by the end of the night, you got it.  You were hamming it up (with some prompting from mom) saying "I YUV CHISSMAS!" and "DANK YOU GAGA AND NANU!"  You were riding your new Dora bike around the house and playing with your Minnie and Mickey house from Gaga.  It was a great night.  

Santa's Haul

"For me??"

My new bike!

Playing with her magnadoodle

Glitter Crayons

Princess outfit from Aunt Mary Ruth!

The next morning, the first thing you said was "More Presents?  I a good girl!"  Yes, you are my sweet girl, but we have 364 more days until we do this again.

xoxo, the mama

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