more teeth for me

...and then I started cutting two top teeth!

Last week I started cutting my two top teeth (well more than just swollen lumps on my gums). And two days ago Mommy saw the left top one! Yesterday she thinks that the right one was following right behind!

It seems like the Crombez sisters are my good luck charms. Both times I was cutting a tooth it finally popped through the night after they came to piano lessons! Pretty crazy, huh?

after christmas

...but the charity continues.

Mommy & I packed up some old clothes and toys and took them to the Salvation Army today. We actually spent some time yesterday "boxing" up the items because it was Boxing Day. It's not a holiday traditionally celebrated in the United States, but Mommy says that it is a charitable day. A day that most don't really understand. But Mommy says that it is a day to give to the less fortunate. Mommy has decided to institute the Boxing Day tradition to our family Christmas celebration. Sometimes it's the small things in life that leave the biggest impact. Mommy says that giving to others less fortunate - even what seems like a small amount to us - can make a big difference to someone else.

have yourself a merry little christmas

...let your heart be light.

Mommy's favorite Christmas song is "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." She likes it because of the fact that is talks about friendship, family and the hope that next year our current problems will be long forgotten.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Let your heart be light.
Next year all our troubles will be out of sight.

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Make the yuletide gay.
Next year all our troubles will be miles away.

Once again as in olden days
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Will be near to us once more.

Through the years we all will be together
If the fates allow
Until then we'll have to muddle through somehow.
And Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas now.

christmas is coming

...the goose it getting fat!

Anyway, Mommy dressed me in holiday clothing last week. Mostly to get pictures, but to also wear these outfits more than once! Gramma Brown bought them for me. Aren't they cute?

caught!

...yesterday Mommy caught me climbing up the stairs!

I'm getting really good at the crawling thing. For the last few days I've been following Misty up the stairs. I don't get real far, but today Daddy has to make sure that he gets the gate up by the stairs...because it's just a matter of time that I get all the way up!

little successes

...and this week I am successfully taking naps in my crib!

Mommy has been reluctant to have me sleep in my crib - for many reasons. I share a bed with Mommy & Daddy at night. But this week Mommy decided to have me take my two naps in my crib. It's been a success. I'm proud of Mommy and she's proud of me! Of course Mommy still reads or does computer work on the rocking chair next to my crib. But it's all about transition - for both of us :)

dada and other words

...so I finally said, "dada"!

On Sunday Daddy spent a long time saying "dada". Finally I said it. Then I wouldn't stop saying it. Of course I've also incorporated boo, bo, ga, gee, do and dee into my reperatoire. So here's the list of what I can say, of course don't ask me what it all means!

ba
bo
boo
bum
da
dee
do
ga
gee
ma
moo
pa

Mommy swears that I say "baba" when reaching for my bell and "moo" when I'm playing with the Fisher Price Little People Farm, so you never know!!!

bye bye mobile & changing table

...it's official: I'm growing up!

Daddy & Mommy took away my mobile from my crib and the pads from the changing table. Mommy put some of my favorite stuffed toys on the table, after taking off the pads. I will be changed on the floor or in my crib. I was just too much of a mover and shaker to continue to use the table for changing. I was getting too scary to even try and change me up there!

The mobile is one of my very favorite things. So Mommy & Daddy are going to find a nice place to let me still enjoy it. But I'm too smart to keep it in my crib. I hit my head on the thing that held it onto the crib - 2 times today! So Mommy had Daddy remove it. I was sad, but hopefully they will put it in a different place so I can enjoy it for more time.

new places & snow

...so yesterday I visited the Compass Cafe.

It is this indoor place with a jungle gym and a cafe to have coffee or tea and food. Mommy & I met Miss Jessica and Miss Lily. Before they came I met a cute little girl, Emma - a couple years older than me - and I just loved watching her climb over all the obstacles! I also learned how to shriek just like the older kids and I keep practicing it at home. I think Mommy really enjoys hearing it. She usually says, "good gracious!"

Today Mommy taught lessons for her students and my friends - the Crombez sisters. How fun to play with them! I got to show them all my new tricks: walking, talking, and raising my hands when asked, "how big is Zoe?" I'm "so big" you know!? It's just so much fun to try new things...

This week has been full of exciting new things...I'm even cutting another tooth. It keeps coming in and then going away! It's really made things rough...

Tomorrow we are supposed to get 4-7 inches of snow! Mommy & Daddy don't seem excited for it, but I sure am!

visits with Santa

Santa at Bronners


Santa at Henry Ford Museum

...I have now visited Santa two times!

Once at Bronners last week and once at Henry Ford Museum today.

a week of firsts

me with the bell I got from Santa

...wow another week went by and so much has happened!

On Monday night I crawled - my first time!
On Tuesday we left for Frankenmuth - my first vacation!
On Wednesday and I visited Santa at Bronners- my first visit!
On Friday (yesterday) I fell while crawling and hurt the inside of my mouth - my first bloody booboo!

Today I am going to Kindermusik with Mommy (because she doesn't have to teach) and Grandma Martin! I'm going to have SO much fun!

monday, monday

...and then another week starts.

Today Mommy & I are taking care of chores around the house. We have a few things to complete before we get to go on vacation.

Mommy, Daddy, and I are going on my first vacation! We are going to Frankenmuth tomorrow, and coming home Thursday. Even though I spent a night in Bay City for my Great Grandma's funeral and a night at a hotel in Detroit, we have never been on a real vacation! I am really looking forward to spending time with them in a new place.

I'm sure I'll write you about my new adventures real soon!

my first thanksgiving

...and yesterday I celebrated my very first Thanksgiving.

While Mommy & Daddy enjoyed a Turkey dinner with all the trimmings, I ate sweet potatoes and cranberries with apples. It was really yummy. I had a good time watching others eat their dinner too!

Today we are getting family pictures taken at Sears. It's that time of year to get Christmas pictures, and Mommy & Daddy say that today is a perfect day. Hopefully I smile :)

8 months old

...and today I am 8 months old!

I went to the pediatrician on Monday for my 8 month check up. The stats are as follows:

16 pounds 12 ounces
26 1/2 inches long

I can wave and clap my hands. I also got my first tooth a few weeks ago, and there are more coming in. I say "baba", "papa" "nana" (to Mommy's breast), and "mama". I am able to get on my hands and knees and scoot backwards. I can transfer from a seated position to a crawling/scooting position and back again. In fact, I scoot and roll all over the floor. Pretty soon all be crawling, and then WATCH OUT!

Every day is another adventure, and it's so great to share them with you!

Tomorrow is my 1st Thanksgiving. Daddy bought me a jar of cranberries and apples so that I could participate in the eating festivities. I can't wait to see my Gramma (since I call Mommy's breasts "nana" we've changed her name) and Papa tomorrow. Aunt Kelly, Uncle Ed, and Emma will also be there. It should be really fun.

It's also snowing today. I was born on a snowy day. My Aunt Sarah called me "snowy Zoe". Funny huh? But I don't remember the snow then. It's really fun to look at now!

busy baby

...I am such a busy baby!

Wednesday we met Miss Jessica and Miss Lily at the Coffee Bean again! Such fun. We had such a great time :)

Thursday I saw my 3 favorite girls: Mary Rose, Emily and Katie! But Daddy was also quite sick. Poor Daddy!

Friday I visited the Secretary of State with Nana and Mommy. Then we went back and I got to play with Nana for a couple hours.

Yesterday and today were also so busy, but the best is that I was able to spend it with my Mommy & Daddy!

This week is a special one - my first Thanksgiving. I can't wait!

mama

...today I said, "ma ma"!
My Mommy was really excited to hear me say it. And it wasn't completely babble either. I was mad at her for taking a toy away so I cried, "MA MA"! Then Mommy encouraged me to continue to say it. It was really fun!

I even said it to Aunt Kelly and Daddy over the phone. Hopefully this is a start to many more words with meaning!

busy weekend

...another busy weekend full of adventures!

Friday Mommy & I spent time with Miss Monica & Asher. We went to Target and to Bath & Body Works. Asher has really grown since we saw him last. He fell asleep and Mommy and Miss Monica talked for awhile. Then on Friday night Uncle Joey came over. He brought me a blue ZOE cup and I love it!

Saturday I went to Kindermusik with Daddy while Mommy taught lessons. Then the three of us went to Whole Foods. After not taking an afternoon nap, we went to Nana & Papa Brown's house for Aunt Kelly's birthday party. I never did take a nap. But I was in good spirits, even though we had to leave a bit early.

Yesterday we went to the Martin Seasonal Soiree at Grandma & Grandpa Martin's house. There were people I knew (Aunt Sarah, Uncle John, Teri and Tim) and many people I had never met. It was really a fun time - and I fell asleep on our way home!

Uncle John Grandpa Daddy

Aunt Sarah Grandma Mommy & Me

This week is a bit less busy for us. This morning Mommy cleaned house. Daddy stayed home from work because he is sick. He's going to the doctors soon - but he's still working from home. After my nap Uncle Joey is coming over to hang with me. He has the day off of work - Veterans Day observed or something. We'll probably go to Starbucks - my favorite place. Then this afternoon Nana comes over to babysit while Mommy teaches.

The only other thing besides Mommy teaching this week is Wednesday. We are seeing Miss Jessica and Lily at the Coffee Bean again! I can't wait!!

silly mommy

...my Mommy is a silly woman.

She never buckled me into the bouncy seat - so that's why I could roll over! How silly is she?!

Today Mommy teaches three piano lessons and Grandma & Grandpa Martin are coming over for dinner!

the coffee bean

...yesterday we met our friends Miss Jessica and Miss Lily at the Coffee Bean in Plymouth.

Mommy & Miss Jessica had coffee drinks and Lily & I shared our toys and babbled with each other. Mommy & Miss Jessica have already scheduled another meeting next week at the same place. I can't wait!

Monday Mommy worked and Nana babysat. Today my Mommy is getting her hair fixed, so Nana is coming to visit again. Since Mommy is growing it out from a crazy short style, she goes once in awhile to get it fixed.

Tomorrow my Grandma & Grandpa Martin are coming to visit! What a busy week!

hello first tooth

...and then I started to get my first tooth!

Friday, during bathtime, Daddy discovered a point of a tooth coming in! Today it is a full ridge! Yes, I am finally getting my first tooth. Mommy says I'm getting the Lower Right Central Incisor.

This is a busy week for Mommy & I. I can't wait to share all my adventures!

bubye bouncy seat

...and then I had to say goodbye to my bouncy seat.

Mommy always puts me in the seat when she takes a shower. I usually play with some toys and we sing songs. But yesterday I noticed I could roll over in the seat. I've been rolling over for quite some time now, but I thought I'd try and see what happened if I rolled over in my seat. I got stuck, but it was possible to roll over! I cried, so Mommy helped me sit right again. Mommy thought I got caught because of the bar that holds a hanging hippo, mirror and elephant. So today I sat in the chair without the bar. Once again I decided to roll over in the seat, and once again I was stuck and crying. So Mommy decided that we need to retire my friend, the bouncy seat. I feel bad to say "goodbye," and Mommy does too. This means I'll have to play in my walker during her showertime. Sorry Mommy!

Happy Halloween

...and then I enjoyed my 1st Halloween!

Yesterday was Halloween! I was a kitty! My Daddy took these pictures with me and Mommy!

We carved a pumpkin and it was really scary!

I enjoyed passing out candy with Mommy & Daddy, but this year I didn't go door to door trick-or-treating. Mommy & Daddy say that next year I'll be able to do that too!

the end of a week

...and just like that another week is over!

This one has been really busy. Monday was my pediatrician appointment, Tuesday Mommy got our basement piano tuned (yes we have two pianos) and we went to Target, Wednesday we met with Jessica and Lily (our new friends), Thursday (yesterday) Mommy had to go to the dentist but her tooth is fine now and then we went to Babys R Us, and today we went to lunch with Papa Ray. Phew! A lot of stuff happened!

On Tuesday Mommy's best friend, Keli, had a baby! His name is Naythan David. He was 10 pounds 10 ounces and 22 inches long! Mommy and Keli always wanted to have a baby in the same year, and 10 years later they did just that!

Other than that, the week has been quite calm - haha!

Mommy says the time changes this weekend - we "fall back" on Saturday night. This means we get an extra hour on Sunday - 25 hours in the day! Of course Mommy is worried that my sleep/nap schedule will be screwed up. But I assured her that everything will be just fine.

7 months old

...yesterday I turned 7 months!

I went to the pediatrician today. Dr. Ajay said that I'm really doing well, meeting all my milestones and I was a very healthy little girl. My stats were as follows:

26 1/2 inches long (50th percentile)
16 lbs 5 ozs (50th percentile)
17 inch head

I gained 5 ounces and a 1/4 inch in my head during the last month. Of course between 5 and 6 months I grew 2 pounds and 2 inches. Dr. Ajay said that growth starts to slow down at 7 months, so I'm right on target!

I can sit up alone for minutes on end, transfer objects from one hand to the other, do the beginnings of a downward dog (butt in the air), scoot/roll all around, do push ups (where I love to faceplant into the floor, say Ba Ba and Pa Pa, do raspberries when I poop (followed by a Pa sound), and laugh at the baby in the mirror (me).

I eat veggies for lunch - usually 1/2 to 1 First Foods jar; and cereal (2 TBS of oatmeal or rice mixed with breast milk) and fruit for dinner - usually 1/2 to 1 First Foods jar. I get two naps a day and get lots of breast milk still from my Mommy.

hallowe'en nights

...and last night Mommy & I went to Greenfield Village.

By defalt (Aunt Kelly was sick) Mommy & I got to go with Nana to Greenfield Village for the Hallowe'en Nights! It was really fun. Mommy and Nana thought it was a bit scary, but I really had a great time seeing all the people in costume!

We've had a really fun time! I'm dressed as a black cat - just like my kitty, Mia!

another week ahead

...at least today is a sunny day!
Today begins another week and Mommy seems to have our schedules planned again! It looks like we have plenty to get done around the house as well as a few errands outside of the home. On Wednesday we are getting together with Miss Monica and Asher, Saturday we are seeing Grandma & Grandpa Martin and Aunt Sarah & Uncle John for Aunt Sarah's Birthday, and Sunday Mommy has her Halloween piano recital. Lots of stuff to do...hopefully I'll stay awake for most of it!

busy day

...once again Mommy & Daddy plan so much to do that I get too tired to continue with them.

I am so tired right now, and no thanks to Mommy & Daddy. They love to plan a ton to do over the weekend! I think they forget how quickly I can get tired...but I was eager to let them know my distress an hour ago.

This is me, yesterday, playing with the pumpkins that Mommy & Daddy bought last Sunday. I sure love the fall - so do Mommy & Daddy. I know that I'm too small to really enjoy Halloween this year, but I will still get dressed up and help Mommy and Daddy pass out the candy/pretzels to the neighborhood children. But year I'll have fun going out and begging (as Papa Ray calls it) for myself.

another cloudy day

...yes, another cloudy day for us in Michigan.

Mommy and I went on a few errands this morning and yesterday afternoon, but mostly we are staying inside because the weather has been so crummy! Of course Mommy says that this is what fall is like in Michigan - cloudy and dark. Since I was born at the end of March, I was lucky enough to enjoy spring and summer for most of my life. I love being able to take walks and play outside. Mommy is worried that we'll be bored this winter. I think we'll be fine! We'll just have to shop more!

yogurt

...and then Mommy made homemade yogurt.

Mommy decided to incorporate yogurt into my diet. She made me Organic Whole Milk Yogurt in a machine. It was really yummy! I could eat yogurt all the time!

We also got our pumpkins over the weekend, and Mommy put up the rest of our Halloween decorations on Sunday. Since Halloween is Mommy's favorite holiday, she really enjoys having the house all spooky and fun.

no blueberries for me

...apparently I'm not ready for blueberries or Stage 2 foods yet!

When I went to the doctors for my 6th month check up Dr. Marcus told Mommy I could start Stage 2 foods. Stage 2 foods are the next step up from the most simple fruits and veggies. Anyway, Mommy and Daddy bought two fruit combinations that contained blueberries: Bananas and Blueberries & Apples and Blueberries. I ate a combination of blueberries 3 nights in a row. Then on Wednesday I started with the loose stools and gas. Needless to say, when Mommy talked to Dr. Ajay (her favorite Dr.) he said that we should wait until I'm 8 months old to try the Stage 2 foods.

I still love peas, so bring on the Stage 1 foods!

refining the routine

...so I helped Mommy refine my new routine.

I think it works much better. Uncle Joe said that Mommy sounds like our house is a business with how she has me on a schedule. He said it sounded like it came from upper management. Even though Mommy is the COO and Daddy is the CEO, they empower their employees - me! In business school, Mommy learned MBO - Management By Objective - and this helps employees set realistic goals and such. So I refined the routine based on my desires.

7:30 - 8:00am - Wake Up
10:30 - 11:00am - Settle Down for Morning Nap
12:00 - 1:00pm - Lunch
2:30 - 3:00pm - Settle Down for Afternoon Nap
5:00 - 6:00pm - Dinner
7:00 - 7:30pm - Bath Time
7:30 - 8:00pm - Bedtime

Since I helped Mommy create this refined new schedule, I'm able to better meet the benchmarks of my day:)

another fun day

So today Mommy and I went to the new JoAnn Fabrics by Nana Brown. There is a new shopping center getting built over there, and soon there will be a lot of stores to shop at. Anyway, we bought two new frames for my pictures. They are both sage green material and they match our living room perfectly. The pictures also go real well in them!

We also wrote notes to a few people and we are sending them pictures of me. Mommy wants to make sure our friends and family get at least one nice picture of me!

Hope there are more adventures this week!

amy's babies

...and then Mommy posted her story about my breastfeeding adventures on a website called: Amy's Babies.

If you click on my picture, you can read what she wrote. Mommy noticed that my thumbnail picture doesn't load correctly. However, only the little boy - Theo - has one that works. Oh well. People make mistakes.

Mommy changed my routine today - she feels confident about the change too! We shall see.

8:00 - 8:30am Wake Up
10:30 - 11:00am Settle down for morning nap
12:00 - 1:00pm Lunchtime
2:00 - 2:30pm Settle down for afternoon nap
5:00 - 6:00pm Dinnertime
7:00 - 7:30pm Bathtime
8:00 - 8:30pm Bedtime

stuffy nose

...and I am finally starting to feel like myself.

It's never fun to get your nose probed by an big aspirator. But that's what Mommy has been using on my stuffy nose. Apparently when I get older I'll be able to blow my nose, but for now I have to have the snot sucked out! My fever broke on Wednesday morning, but Mommy & Daddy really think the fever was from the DTaP vaccine on Monday. They think my cold was a coincidence with my normal feverish reaction to the shot. Whatever the case might be, I'm just glad that Mommy only sticks the aspirator in my nose twice a day. It was happening a lot more than that a few days ago.

I had to miss Kindermusik too! So Tuesday Mommy is taking me to class. I'm glad I get to make it up.

Today Mommy is taking me to visit my cousin Emma and Aunt Kelly. Aunt Kelly is making dinner, but Daddy doesn't feel good so he's staying home.

I just hope this week is much better than last!

not feeling well

...my Mommy put this picture of me up because she'd like to think this is how I should always be. Today I'm suffering from a very plugged nose. Is is teething? Is it a cold? Is it from the vaccine? Only time will tell...

the stats are in

...and for those of you wondering my current statistics:
Weight: 16 lbs
Height: 261/2 inches
Head: 163/4 inches

I'm in the 50th percentile for weight and 75th for height. Just a thin little girl. The doctor says I'm doing well!

happy 6 months to me!

...and today I turned 6 months.

I have had so many great adventures this past month - I can't believe how the time has flown by! Mommy & Daddy are surprised too! I have hit many milestones, and I love showing my Mommy & Daddy my new tricks.

Well, here's to another great 6 months!

walking girl

...of course it's in a walker - but still, how fun!

Mommy says soon I'll be able to walk on my own!

teething is hard to do

...and last night I didn't seem to sleep through the night.

Mommy & Daddy are quite tired today, as I didn't care to sleep through the night. I was awfully tired, but I just didn't want to sleep. Mommy says that I'm teething, and that happens sometimes. Of course, I spoil them...I usually sleep 12 hours each night! So I think Mommy & Daddy are a bit sad that I didn't live up to their expectations!

Tomorrow is the wedding anniversary of my Mommy & Daddy - 3 years! They were married in the Gazebo at Heritage Park; it was a very sunny day.

happy unbirthday party

...Friday I'll turn 6 months!
My Mommy & Daddy thought it would be cool to throw an Unbirthday Party for me. They've invited Nana & Papa Brown and Grandma and Grandpa Martin. Daddy is making dinner - chicken with a creamy barley side and Mommy is making dessert - an apple pie.

The apples came from apple picking yesterday. We went to Apple Charlie's to pick them. My Mommy & Daddy seem to enjoy picking fruit. First it was blueberries...now it is apples. How fun!

pacifiers

...yesterday Mommy bought me a two-pack of my favorite car toy: the Soothie Pacifier.

Mommy & Daddy tried many different pacifiers when I was first born. I was NOT happy with any of the pacifiers. However, Miss Monica gave my Mommy a Soothie Pacifier awhile back, and I immediately loved it! I use it to chew on and to sooth my gums. It's become a staple in the car, especially on rides that I'm unhappy.

another wednesday

...25 weeks old today...
Such adventures this week. Mommy and I spent some of Sunday at a family reunion. My Papa Brown's family were those in attendance. Daddy stayed home to get some housework done - but I got to visit with family I never met before!

Monday Mommy and I spent the day doing laundry, playing and relaxing from such a busy weekend.

Tuesday (yesterday) Mommy and I went to the Mother & Baby Support Group at St. Mary Mercy Hospital. It's the second Tuesday of each month, and we got to see friends like Miss Monica & Asher, Miss Suzanne and Lily, and Miss Lisa and Brady. We also got to meet some new faces too!

pictures from sears

...well, Mommy is glad that is over!
Apparently I was supposed to smile when I was at the portrait studio. I was all smiles in the waiting area, Mommy said that I was not very interested in smiling once I got into the picture area. I guess I was too busy intently watching everything that was happening. I finally did smile, and the photographer was able to get some really good photos of me. We will pick them up on Monday the 19th. Mommy can't wait.

If you want to see the pictures goto:
www.searsportrait.com

Online Session ID: 41700a100068252
Password: VTGDYYSGY

picture friday

...today I get professional pictures taken at Sears Portrait Studios.
Mommy is nervous, you should see her! She ironed my clothes yesterday and even cut two long bang hairs that weren't very becoming (at least to her). I'm so photogenic, it really doesn't matter what I wear or what my hair looks like. I'm cute no matter what!

Say a little prayer for my Mommy!

happy tuesday!

...what a busy weekend!
On Saturday my Mommy & Daddy had a party and a lot of fun people came over. My friend (and cousin), Emma was here and so was Reaghan! I was a really lucky girl. Sunday we spent the afternoon with my Nana and Papa. Then yesterday I went to my Grandma and Grandpa Martin's house. Aunt Sarah and Uncle John were there too! We had a really good time - I even took an hour nap in my Daddy's old bedroom!

Today Mommy has lots of laundry to do. Tomorrow we are going to Heritage Park - where Mommy & Daddy got married 3 years ago. Miss Monica and Asher are meeting us there for lunch. So today Mommy wants to just relax and get some things done around the house - of course I always have fun!

play date

...and today I had a play date with Asher.
Asher is a friend I met at our Mother & Baby Support Group. Mommy talked with Asher's mommy, Monica, and they realized how close we lived. So a month ago we got together for our first play date, and today we saw each other again!

We had so much fun at the park -


We are the best of buddies!

happiness

...happiness is sleeping all night, sweet potatoes, seeing my Mommy!
"Happiness is everything, and anything at all, that's loved by you!" - You're A Good Man Charlie Brown.

origin of my name

...did you wonder where my name, Zoe Elizabeth, came from?
Mommy & Daddy had a hard time agreeing on names for me initially when Mommy was first pregnant, but completely agreed upon Zoe because it meant Life in Greek. Elizabeth was for my Mommy's Great Aunt Betty. However, the name Zoe dates back further than Mommy & Daddy had suspected:


The following is from www.Wikipedia.com

Zoe (in Greek Ζωή, meaning "life"), (c. 978 - 1050) was Empress of the Byzantine Empire with co-rulers November 15, 1028 - 1050, and reigning Empress from April 19 to June 11, 1042. By the time she first married, she had turned 50. Despite her advanced age, she married two times more, to supply Byzantium with capable emperors. It is said she was stunningly beautiful and one person even commented that, like a well baked chicken 'every part of her was firm and in good condition. She realized her charms and meant to keep and use them for as long as possible. With typical Byzantine ingenuity, she had many rooms in her chambers converted into laboratories for the preparation of arcane ointments. Thus, she was able to keep her face free of wrinkles till she was 60.

Zoe was one of the few Byzantine empresses born into the purple (that is, as the legitimate child of a reigning emperor). She was daughter of Constantine VIII of the Byzantine Empire, who had become co-emperor in 976, and sole emperor in 1025. He reigned for only three years between December 15, 1025 and November 15, 1028.

Before dying Constantine had married Zoe to his chosen heir Romanus III Argyrus, the eparch of Constantinople, on November 12, 1028. Constantine hoped that Romanus would help his daughter to control the government, but Romanus proved to be an unfaithful husband and an ineffective emperor. He was found murdered in his bath in 1034. Zoe immediately remarried, even before his body was removed from the bath. Zoe's second husband was Michael IV "the Paphlagonian", who reigned until his death in 1041.

Her next co-ruler was her adoptive son Michael V Calaphates, nephew of her second husband, whose short reign lasted only into the next year. For two months in 1042, Zoe shared the government with her sister, Theodora, until she could find yet another husband, her third and the last she was permitted according to the rules of the Orthodox Church. Her choice fell upon Constantine IX Monomachus (reigned 1042-1055) who outlived her by four years. Zoe died in 1050.

move over bananas!

...cuz Sweet Potato is where it's at!
I just love my Sweet Potato food - I even went "Mmmm" when I first tried it!

Mommy says that apples are next - but not until Saturday.

day four of schedule

...success again for me!
It seems this new schedule is working perfectly for me...and Mommy couldn't be happier. She's still getting used to the rigidness of it all (as she tries to schedule other activities around it), but she's still hopeful that it will work.

Today is a semi-relaxing day for Mommy. She teaches later this afternoon and the gutter guys from Empire are here making the gutters, but she is finally seeing things get done which makes her a happier Mommy. August has been a very busy month for us! By Wednesday things should really start to settle down for us.

nap time #2

...so today I took only one afternoon nap.
Mommy was surprised to see me sleep on Nana & Papa Brown's bed for 2 1/2 hours! Maybe somedays I'll take one afternoon nap, and somedays I'll take two. Now we'll see if I try to take another afternoon nap after my dinner and before bath time. I bet Mommy & Daddy keep me super occupied so that doesn't happen!

Tomorrow my Grandma & Grandpa Martin are coming over to babysit me while Mommy teaches. I can't wait to spend some time with them!

new routine

...and then Mommy created a daily routine for me.
She was reluctant to create one during the first few months of my life. Since she is home with me every day and breastfeeds, she didn't care when I decided to feed or sleep. However, now I'm eating solid foods twice a day (I love bananas) and I started not going to sleep at night like before. So, Mommy decided Thursday night (at 3am) that I would have a daily routine - naps and all - hopefully making a more happy and content baby.

Here's the routine (start times only):

8:00am/8:30am = Wake up
10:00am/10:30am = Settle down morning nap
11:00am/12:00pm = Lunchtime w/solid food
1:00pm/1:30pm = Settle down afternoon nap
4:00pm/4:30pm = Settle down afternoon nap #2
5:00pm/5:30pm = Dinnertime w/solid food
7:00pm/7:30pm = Bath time
8:00pm/8:30pm = Bedtime

Mommy feels that she'll be able to feed me lunch & dinner even on music teaching days. The second afternoon nap is one she's hoping to delete at some point. My naptimes are usually 45 minutes long - sometimes a bit longer (1 hour) and sometimes a bit shorter (30 minutes). She's hoping to increase the 1 o'clock nap to 2 or 2 1/2 hours. Of course this will come with time.

How is the routine going you ask? Well I'm on my 3rd day of it - and I'm right on schedule! Afterall, Mommy made the routine to fit what I was already doing. It's just a much more focused day than before.

more new clothes for me!

...and once again I'm growing out of clothing!
Mommy says that I'm growing out of things quickly again. It seems that everything will fit one day and the next everything is too small! We went to Babys R Us on Tuesday to get a few items for feeding - I'm on cereal twice a day now (soon bananas). While we were there Mommy bought a few items that she said were so adorable. The only thing is - baby clothes are just like big people clothes. Just because they say 6/9 months doesn't mean that every brand fits the same way. I'm a thin - long bodied little girl. Many of the pants have too wide of a waist. It's a shame - since Mommy had to take some things back to the store. I even got a few new things in the mail today from Baby Gap. Mommy doesn't know if the jeans are going to work - a waist issue again. It's too bad more baby pants aren't drawstring. Those are the best! It's pretty cool that I'm growing though - and with all the hand-me-downs I can't wait to wear all of them.

5 months tomorrow

...but today I went to the pediatrician.
My stats are as follows:
14 pounds 15 ounces
25 1/2 inches long
16 1/2 head circumference

I'm still following the 50th percentile in both height and weight. Just perfect, I think!

I'm so excited. I get to eat cereal 2 times a day - for two weeks. Then, Mommy & Daddy get to add new foods to my diet. Like I said - can't wait for the sushi!

happy birthday papa ray!

...today my Papa Ray is 87 years old!
I'm not even a year old, so it will be something to live 87 years! Think of all the adventures...
However, by then I'm sure the world will be a much different place to live - afterall, Papa's life has been full of inventions, technological advances, and fashion changes. Personally it's hard to believe that the world could be different than it already is - but then again I've only been a part of it for 5 months!

oh happy days

...and just like that I have another happy day.
I hope everyone's summer has been as fun and adventurous as mine.

rolling over both ways

...and then I finally did it!
Yesterday I rolled from my back to my stomach 6 times! Mommy got to view the first 3 times, but when Daddy came home from work he got to see me perform my new little trick!

We had a great weekend. It was fun to just relax with Mommy & Daddy - and they enjoyed the time to themselves too. Saturday we went to a party at a friend's house - Shelly & Doug. They were so excited to see how I've grown. My best friend, Emma, came over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to see me! I am really lucky to have a great friend like Emma - and she is family too!

yellow outfit

...so Mommy made sure to take a picture of this cute yellow outfit!
It's getting small in the legs, so she made sure that this outfit from Nana was photographed before it was too late!

We spent time with Mommy's friend, Chris, yesterday. Miss Chris used to teach voice lessons at Mommy's studio. Mommy and Miss Chris shared stories of the past few months, and Miss Chris even changed my diaper! She's really talented ;)

I have so many clothes for fall and winter! Aunt Kelly gave Mommy more of Emma's old stuff on Wednesday. Mommy can't wait to see me in a few of the outfits - won't be long now. I was 14 lbs and 9 ozs at the Mother & Baby Support Group on Tuesday. This was also without a diaper - the pediatrician weighs me with the diaper. So I've definitely been gaining weight! Must be all that yummy breast milk - AND the rice cereal that I'm getting at 8pm every night.

orange teddy

...my friend, the orange teddy, I love him so!
I grab at him, suck on him, and love him every day. In fact, I roll over while looking at him. He is such a great friend, and soft & cuddly too!

I am smart

...research shows how smart I really am!
Take a look at this website:
Newsweek

mini vacation

...and then we went on a little vacation!
Saturday Mommy, Daddy, and me went to went to the Marriott at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit. Grandma & Grandpa Martin babysat me while Mommy & Daddy had a lovely dinner all by themselves. It was such a beautiful room with a wonderful view. There I am with my favorite teething ring on the King sized comfortable bed. Aren't I just the cutest!?

And this is our amazing view - or at least part of it...

What a great Saturday.

Then yesterday we visited with Lois, Jeremy and their son, Logan. Logan was in his mommy's tummy when I was in mine. Lois & Jeremy met my Mommy & Daddy at their Birth Preparation class. Logan is 4 days younger than me - but he is really tall! What a busy weekend!

zoe squared

...so there is another ZOE!
Yesterday Mommy & Daddy had some friends over - Jaime, Michele, and Zoe - from the West Coast. Actually all of our names are the same: James, Michelle, and Zoe! How silly is that?! The other Zoe is originally from China - and she came to America the same week I was born! It's just way TOO coincidental! She is older than me by 8 months, so she's walking already. I'd love to be able to crawl...not too much time left!

Anyway, today my Grandma & Grandpa Martin are babysitting while Mommy & Daddy have dinner - their 3rd time away from me (not counting the aborted date last Saturday). Mommy, Daddy and I are spending the night at a hotel! Of course this will be my second time spending the night at a hotel - but it's always exciting to have a mini-vacation.

first foods

Yesterday I tried my first bit of cereal. I had rice cereal from Earth's Best Organic. I was really excited to taste the new flavor - even though it was mostly breast milk (1 Tbs cereal/4 Tbs milk). It was also fun to sit in my high chair and get fed by Mommy & Daddy. Daddy was certain to take lots of video of me eating with a spoon! I'm getting closer to being just like Mommy & Daddy - soon sushi!

teeth, please come in

...and then I started cutting teeth.
I know it's part of life, but I wish the tooth wouldn't keep coming in and going back out. Two bad nights of sleep for Mommy & Daddy, but at least I'm feeling better today. We even had to miss the Martin Family Reunion yesterday because I was so cranky. I missed seeing Grandma and Grandpa Martin and cousins Tim and Teri. But I'm sure we'll get together again real soon.

Last week was really busy, and Mommy wasn't able to help me write on the computer like she normally does. So much was going on for Mommy - flat tire, door ajar light that wouldn't go out, broken "s" key, and other crazy things happening all week.

This should be a much more fun week. Tomorrow Mommy and I are visiting with friends of Mommy's from her old music studio. Jennie and her children TJ and Maggie are meeting us for lunch. Mommy and Jennie will be able to talk and Mommy can return some maternity clothes that she borrowed from Jennie. And on Friday we have a play-date with Monica and her son, Asher. Mommy and I met then at the Mommy & Baby Support Group at St. Mary's. Besides a few errands here and there, it should be a much better week.

blueberry picking

...and then I went blueberry picking!
Sunday I went blueberry picking with Mommy, Daddy, Grandma Martin, and Grandpa Martin. Grandpa is taking the picture! I had so much fun. Do you see me in my blueberry muffin outfit?! I helped Mommy pick the blueberries, in fact I also picked leaves and green (unripe) blueberries too! I tried to eat them, but Mommy didn't let me :)

4 month check-up

...and more vaccine shots too.
Today was my 4 month wellness visit at the doctors. I saw Dr. Ajay, and he was really nice. My stats were as follows:

14 pounds
23 1/2 inches
15 3/4 inch head

My Mommy was informed that I'm doing well - actually ahead of schedule on my ability to roll over. Wednesday night I rolled from my tummy to my back! I only did it once, and Mommy & Daddy were so excited. I showed them I could still roll from my back to my side and my tummy to my side. Dr. Ajay said this was really great! He also said I VERY attentive for this point in my life, and my health is great as well!

This was a MUCH better doctors visit than last month...at least for Mommy.

strawberry girl

...and then my Mommy dressed me as a strawberry girl!
My Grandma Martin and Aunt Sarah came over today. I told them all about my recent adventures, and I even sang them a song! I had such fun, but I know Grandpa Martin was very sad that he didn't get to see me today - oh well, there's always Sunday :)

zoe's game

...and Zoe Monster has a game!
My Mommy loves to play games where she finds the items that don't belong. You know, when there are two pictures and you have to find what is different about picture 2, while comparing it to picture 1. Well online, Zoe Monster has a similar game, and it's pretty cool! Mommy wanted to share it with all of you! Click here to play!

rolling over

...so I just haven't decided when I'm going to "really" roll over yet.
I'm really close. Today Mommy laid my on my back, but made sure I saw my friend, Elmo, was next to me. I went from my back to my side to my back again. Sure, it doesn't sound like much, but Mommy was excited. Then I did a bit of tummy time. Mommy has eliminated the rolled blanket or pillow from the mix. I am doing well with lifting my head all on my own. I decided to roll to my side and then back to my stomach. Of course it's not rolling OVER, but it's making progress. I love the Elmo toy that my Aunt Kelly let me have. It's an original Tickle Me Elmo - from years ago. I think he's funny, and he definitely makes me laugh. The real Elmo has a show and website called, Elmo's World. He also has a friend named, Zoe. We have SO much in common :)

thoughts from mommy

...this is a poem my Papa sent my Mommy.
She thought it was appropriate, because she's been so down lately. Mostly because of her weight gain from pregnancy. She's down 30 of the 60 pounds, so I'm really proud of her. Anyway, she wanted to share the poem with everyone.

Today, upon a bus, I saw a girl with golden hair.
I looked at her and sighed and wished I was as fair.
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle.
She had one leg and used a crutch
But as she passed, she passed a smile.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine
I have 2 legs, the world is mine.

I stopped to buy some candy
The lad who sold it had such charm
I talked with him a while, he seemed so very glad
If I were late, it'd do no harm.
And as I left, he said to me,
"I thank you, you've been so kind."
It's nice to talk with folks like you.
You see," he said, "I'm blind."
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 eyes, the world is mine.

Later while walking down the street,
I saw a child with eyes of blue
He stood and watched the others play
He did not know what to do.
I stopped a moment and then I said,
"Why don't you join the others, dear?"
He looked ahead without a word.
And then I knew, he couldn't hear.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I have 2 ears, the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go.
With eyes to see the sunset's glow.
With ears to hear what I would know.
Oh, God, forgive me when I whine.
I've been blessed indeed, The world is mine.

sesame street

...a new fun 15 minutes of my day :)
A new activity I do at 8am every week day is to watch Sesame Street. My Mommy is careful to only let me watch a little bit a TV, and we only watch 15 minutes each morning while she prepares and eats breakfast. Zoe is also the name of a monster on the show, but Mommy tells me that is not the reason they gave me the name. Zoe is a Greek name meaning LIFE.

support for mommy

...yeah for my Mommy!
Today Mommy and I went to a Mother & Baby Support Group at St. Mary Mercy Hospital. It was really cool to visit my first memory! Yes, I was born at St. Mary Mercy, and it was our first trip back there since we left on Friday, March 25th. Mommy was in the hospital 2 days after my birth.

The support group meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. This was the 4th time she could have attended, and finally she decided to try it. She's been suffering from a bit of postpartum depression the last few weeks, so it's good for her to meet new people - especially new mommies! We saw lots of babies there, and I got to talk and giggle and Mommy got to talk with other mommies. It looks like we'll be starting a play group with a few of the mommies there. How exciting!

Mommy weighed me there - they had a scale in the classroom for weighing babies. I weighed 13lbs 6oz! I've really done some growing!

my family

...and what a great family it is!
My Mommy & Daddy have never appeared on my blog, but they thought it was time for me to include a picture of them for all of you to see.

We included this picture in our letter to Abubakar - our African sponsor child. He is a 17 year-old orphaned, high school junior that needs financial help attending school. So we are helping him with his pursuits. His mommy and daddy passed away from AIDS (a terrible disease)! My Mommy & Daddy are also sending him school supplies for him. We hope that our little contribution will make a huge difference in Abubakar's life.

read to me

...the written word, my favorite!
Mommy reads to me all the time...and I really love it! Today while she was reading me my Baby Faces book I started to turn the pages for her. My favorite pages are the "where's baby?" and "peek-a-boo!" Mommy and I play peek-a-boo all the time. Today I held my dress over my face while Mommy said, "where's Zoe!" Then I pulled it down and Mommy said "peek-a-boo! I was so good at it! Such an exciting play time for me! We always have so much fun, Mommy & me!

more, more, more!

...I just love to bounce.
Mommy had piano lessons today, and I played with the Crombez sisters again. It was fun, as usual. I didn't want to take a nap when they left - I was just to excited. I also am cutting teeth, and it's not easy to be away from Mommy. She is so comfy, I want to lay on her all day!

I'm going to see my Uncle Joe tomorrow! He needs to have a carefree day, so Mommy said he could go to lunch with us and hang out to get his mind off of stuff.

bouncing away

...and how much fun it is!
Yesterday my Nana brought over a bouncy seat! It really is a great place to play and sleep. My papazon chair was my favorite thing for the first month of life, but then my Mommy was not able to carry it around the house as well (it got really heavy), and I was WAY TOO BIG for it! So now I have a new place to nap and play!

sock monkey girl

...and then I was a sock monkey!
Mommy grew up always wanting a sock monkey, so for her 29th Birthday she got Al - the sock monkey - from my Grandma & Grandpa Martin. Al has spent most of his life having really amazing adventures, so when he came to stay with Mommy & Daddy he continued to cause trouble. However, when Mommy found out she was pregnant Al changed his wicked behavior. To help him prepare for my birth, Al was given a baby sock monkey for Christmas. Then Easter brought the baby sock bunny - completing our sock family. My Nana & Papa bought me the sock monkey sweater for Christmas - even before I was born - so that I could be part of the cuddly family. Mommy & Daddy love dressing me up, as you can see, and I had a really good time posing with my sock friends.

I'm such a silly monkey! Don't you wish you could be a sock monkey too!?

happy independence day!

...what a special day for me!
Saturday we visited Tim & Teri. It was my first visit to Lansing (of course I did visit while in Mommy's tummy - but that doesn't count) and it was really not too bad of a drive. Yesterday Mommy & Daddy took me to a really wonderful store - Whole Foods! It was really fun there and so much to see. Mommy & Daddy bought me a set of vegetable people from Under the Nile to play with and suck on as well. I really like Mr. Green Bean.

Then Grandma & Grandpa Martin came to visit us yesterday. They brought Daddy some flowers to plant in the garden, and Grandpa helped him work on the yard. Grandma spent some very wonderful quality time with me and I really had a good time.

Today I get to visit over at my Aunt Kelly's and Uncle Ed's. That means I get to see my cousin and best friend, Emma! My Nana and Papa, and Papa Ray will be there too! Such a fun holiday. If I was older we would get to stay for fireworks. Oh well. I had a hard time falling asleep last night because of our neighbors setting off fireworks. I don't think I'll be missing much...

celebration weekend

...and my first Independence Day!
I'm a lucky baby, as my Daddy has a three-day weekend! Mommy told me we are visiting Cousin Teri & Tim tomorrow afternoon! I'm really looking forward to it! I'm sure Mommy & Daddy will plan other activities for me to do the rest of the weekend.

Yesterday I met Miss Karen, and her boys - Jacob and Zachary. Before they arrived a BIG storm came. Mommy & I were rocking on the front porch, and all of a sudden the wind blew really hard! Mommy could hardly open the door to get inside! When Karen and the boys finally arrived, we all went into the basement. I loved visiting with the boys! They have so much energy! I watched them talk and move and can't wait to be able to do that one day!

Today Mommy has errands to run. She's even picking up school supplies when she's at Staples. Mommy & Aunt Kelly are helping orphaned children in Kenya, Africa go to school. They are hoping to give this children a better life - and maybe a bit of hope. I'm sure I'll have fun running the errands with Mommy - and maybe we can visit Uncle Joe too!

chaos of life

...and the power kept going off.
Monday night we lost power again, at around 8pm. Mommy & Daddy were very upset, but they seemed to have things under control. We got to spend the night in the livingroom on a mattress from the spare bed. Mommy and Nana had to empty the food from our refrigerator. The power came back yesterday at 12pm, but unfortunately went off again before 4pm. I know this because Mommy came back home to turn on everything at 2pm and when we came home to put the food bad into the fridge at 4pm, the power was off! Luckily when Daddy came home to feed the cats the power came back on. It was 5:15. Almost an entire day without power.

Mommy & Daddy were told that the power outage on Saturday had to do with a transformer in Taylor, and Monday the power house in Dearborn was on fire!

Today Mommy and me are cleaning house, doing laundry, and washing dishes. Three things that were neglected since the power started going out!

go blue

...yes, and green too, Daddy :)
My Papa is a BIG (did I say BIG), yes, B-I-G U of M fan. When Emma was a baby he bought her the little onesie I'm wearing in the picture above. My Daddy went to MSU, which is U of M's big rival. So Daddy wasn't thrilled to put me in this outfit, but Papa and Mommy had fun posing me for pictures. Daddy will have to get me some MSU stuff to wear...if he wants to see me in their colors!

Another week has started, with lots of new adventures for me. I can't wait to share them with you!

thank you mr. edison

...yes, and you Mr. Franklin.
We lost our electricity a few times yesterday. At 1pm the power went off, came back, went off, came back, and went off. The third time proved to be final for awhile. We ended up eating dinner at Nana & Papa's house. However, Daddy came home at 7pm to find our power was back on! So Mommy & me came home and started preparing for bedtime. I had a bath and went to sleep around 9:30ish. Then at 11:30 the power went off again. Mommy & Daddy were awake, but I slept like a baby (hehe). Since Mommy & Daddy have interruptible air conditioning, the house wasn't even cooled back off since the power was off before. So the upstairs was incredibly HOT! Daddy took the mattress of the spare bed downstairs, and Mommy & Daddy tried to sleep. This really didn't prove successful for them...but I never woke. Then at 2am the power was back on. Daddy set up everything, and they came back upstairs to sleep again. I woke up this time - however, I was easily relaxed by having a liquid snack. The power is still on today - and Mommy & Daddy are VERY HAPPY that it is...

It is amazing how many things in life revolve around a discovery and invention over 100 years old!

3-month doctor visit

...and more shots, how fun.
Today was my 3-month doctor visit. I was 11lbs 9ozs and 23 3/4 inches. I'm still in the 50th percentile - average isn't bad. We saw a different doctor today - Dr. Kohn. Mommy & I didn't really like her all that much. She made Mommy feel inadequate. She seemed surprised that Mommy wasn't using a supplement besides breastmilk - but said I'm gaining enough weight so it isn't necessary. I think it was the way she asked the question that sounded condescending. She said I was healthy, and gave Mommy information for solid food feeding. Apparently she felt I should start solids next month. However, Mommy got upset because the information sheet stated:

WHEN IS BABY READY FOR SOLIDS?
- Doubles birth weight and weighs at least 13 pounds.
- Seems hungry after 8 - 10 breastfeedings a day or drinks 32 ounces of formula a day.
- Lifts and supports head.

I have to weigh 15 pounds before I double my birth weight, and I don't think I'll be gaining that much in one month. I'm never hungry after I breast feed. Mommy makes lots of milk. However, I can lift and support my head. But I've been able to do this for a month now (yay me). So Mommy is not too happy about starting solids. Unless she is convinced otherwise. She needs to talk to friends and ANOTHER doctor before making a decision.

Mommy asked if Dr. Kahn was a new doctor at the office, but thankfully she just fills in when others are on vacation. Phew! She didn't even know what vaccines I was supposed to have today - there is a chart...you'd think she'd know it. I gave her nasty looks (Daddy calls them surely) and said nasty things to her (but they came out as grunts)...and then she left the room. I had to get two shots - Polio (IPV) and Pnemococcal Conjugate (whatever). The first shot was really easy...I didn't even flinch. The second one hurt a bit...I cried...but not that long (maybe 30 seconds). Mommy has a fear of shots, and she is doing her best to have me grow up not having that same fear. GO MOMMY! We left after that and Mommy cried the whole way home. She really didn't like that doctor. I have to agree. Dr. Marcus and Dr. Jackie are really great. Mommy called the office back and found out that a new doctor is starting next month - Dr. AJ - and he wants to meet all the patients, so we'll meet him next time. So Mommy is going to give Dr. AJ a chance. If he doesn't meet her standards, then she is going to request we only see Dr. Marcus or Dr. Jackie. And if that isn't possible, she's going to go to another office.

My Mommy loves me very much :)

purple dress

...Mommy took this cute picture yesterday!
Daddy helped position me to look extra cute! I really loved the dress...especially the square of flowers by the neck. I liked sucking on that most of the day. My clothes are very interesting to me, and I love putting as much of them in my mouth as I can. Of course at least one fist accompanies it as well :)

We have a bird's nest in Mommy's hanging plant. Daddy bought the hanging plant for Mother's Day and not too long ago a mommy & daddy bird made a nest in it. My Mommy told my Daddy that she saw all the activity, but he figured birds wouldn't bother to lay eggs in a plant. But guess what?! They did! And then the eggs hatched and there were four baby birds. Daddy has been very careful watering the plant so that the babies would be ok. This morning my Daddy took a picture of one of the baby birds sitting in our evergreen bush. Isn't he (or she) so cute!

thirteen weeks

...almost three months.
That's right! I'll be three whole months tomorrow. I think my Mommy & Daddy are surprised how quickly the time has gone. This is really a busy week for Mommy & me. We had Mommy's chiropractic appointment on Monday, although her neck still is sore. She thinks it's because she favors the left side when she carries me. I'm getting heavy! Then yesterday was Kindermusik. I really love Kindermusik. Miss Amy taught the class yesterday. It doesn't seem to matter who teaches the class, I love it just the same. Today Mommy & I cleaned the house. My Mommy is really quite a clean freak. I don't think the house ever looks dirty...but Mommy keeps cleaning every week. Then Papa Ray came over to watch me while Mommy made copies of music at Kinkos. I'm pretty tired now. Tomorrow we are going to meet Mommy's cousin-in-law in Brighton for lunch at Panera. I love Panera! Mommy is excited to see her...me too :)

I'm wearing a purple dress my GG gave me. Hopefully Mommy will take a few pictures of me so everyone can see it. I love the dress so much!

my daddy is wonderful

...what a special weekend!
It was Father's Day weekend and it was great. Saturday we spent time with my Grandma & Grandpa Martin. It's always fun to be with them. We even went out to dinner! It was at a bar, but we left before the drunks came :)

Then yesterday I went to breakfast with my Daddy and met Nana & Papa and Papa Ray. My Daddy got to have a special breakfast. After breakfast we went to Greenfield Village. I slept the whole time we were there, but Mommy & Daddy enjoyed the walk and time to themselves. After Greenfield Village we went to Kohl's. Mommy needed two new pair of pants. She is losing weight and needed something that fit. After some quality Daddy time, and a visit by two of Mommy's old piano students - Emily & Katy Meade, we went to Nana & Papa's for Father's Day dinner. My GG & Papa Roy were there as well as Papa Ray, Aunt Kelly and Emma. What a party! I got really tired, and when we left I went to bed at 8pm! I always get real cranky after being around alot of people.

Today I was pretty tired and fussy. I slept most of the day, especially after Mommy went to the chiropractor. Hopefully I am happier and have more energy tomorrow. It's Kindermusik day!

lucky to have friends

...friends are wonderful things.
My Mommy is a very lucky person to have such great friends. I know it hasn't always been easy for Mommy to make friends. As she's gotten older her friends are few, but all the same they are strong. She got to visit with her friend, Gretchen on Wednesday, and yesterday we got to visit with Keli and her daughter Reghan. That's Reghan and I above...she's really pretty isn't she?

Wednesday night my Nana babysat for me again so Mommy could get a haircut. I have nice grandparents. My papa is babysitting today so that Mommy can focus on her teaching. Last week was a bit overwhelming. Mostly because the girls wanted to spend time with me, and weren't focused on the piano. So today should prove to be better for Mommy.

Mommy put me into a new outfit again yesterday. It was a cute pink onsie, pants, coat and blanket set from Steph & Olivia. Don't I look cute in it?!


Then Mommy put me in a cute headband one of my Nana's students gave me.

I love getting dressed in new clothes.
This weekend is Father's Day. I can't wait to spend time with my Daddy!

already 12 weeks

...and just yesterday Mommy wanted her pregnancy to be over.

Mommy & I went to the park to see her friend Gretchen, and Grethen's children, Leanie and Robbie. I slept the whole time, but Mommy pushed me in the stroller. It started pouring rain, but Mommy was smart and took an umbrella.


When we came home I played peek-a-boo with Mommy. Aren't I good at it!?

Then I played a bit with my favorite toy- Emma is letting me borrow it :)

tummy time

...I've never really liked tummy time.
Until today, Mommy & Daddy have been quite unsuccessful with introducing me to tummy time. The pediatrician says to do it, books say to do it, and friends say to do it...but they don't like to hear me cry as my face is smooshed into the carpet or blanket. Today Mommy and I were at Kindermusik class and Miss Mary wanted the babies to get back massages during intentional touch time. So Mommy turned me over and said that I didn't like tummy time. Miss Mary showed her a few tricks of the trade (Miss Mary is an early childhood expert). She rolled up my blanket and put it under my chest. I smiled and seemed to really enjoy the time I spent on my tummy! Mommy even started to cry, because I finally was accomplishing something that she and Daddy have had no success with. I think I surprised her a lot! Aren't a just the best!

When Mommy and I got home we were greeted by a surprise visit from her friend, Karen. Karen came by to visit and spent a bit of time with me. When they left I was really tired, and didn't stay awake much after that. In fact, I've been asleep so long that Mommy is going to have to wake me to change my diaper and feed me!