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