toledo zoo and greenfield village

...in the last two days I've had two great adventures.

Yesterday Mommy & Daddy took me to the Toledo Zoo. It was my first trip to a zoo, and it was my first trip outside of Michigan. We saw lots of animals, but my favorite was the aquarium. We have fish, but none as colorful as the ones there.

That's me with Daddy on a turtle and me with Mommy by the fountain.

Today Mommy & I went with Aunt Kelly and Emma to Greenfield Village. I've been there many times before, but this time I had so much fun!

That's me with Emma in my new wagon. Gramma and Papa Brown gave me the wagon for my 1st Birthday. That's Emma and I eating lunch. Aren't we cute?

I'm looking forward to even more adventures tomorrow and Friday.

preparing for the MS walk

...today Mommy and I walked two miles around the neighborhood.

We are preparing to walk 3 miles in the Warren, MI MS Walk on May 6th. Mommy and Daddy are collecting money to help in the cause: CLICK HERE TO HELP

Pretty soon we'll have to walk 3 miles around the neighborhood. It was really a long walk today - it will be even more fun to see different houses, yards, and dogs.

walking and other stuff

...so it's been awhile since I was able to write.

Lots of things have happened in the past two weeks: I started walking more than a few steps; I had walking pneumonia and an ear infection; Mommy had a birthday (31); and I've tried lots of new foods!

Last Friday Mommy and Daddy watched as I walked across the livingroom floor, they were so excited! I still crawl, but I do enjoy walking from object to object - especially to the kitties, Mommy, and Daddy. Mommy thinks I'm just cautious, but that I totally could walk all over if I just had the confidence.

Yes, I had a pretty crazy illness. I was sick for two weeks! The first week was a fever and a cold. The cold went into my lungs and ears. So I ended up sicker the second week than the first! It was pretty crazy! I had to take medicine and the blue stuff was really yucky!

I also have started to wear spring clothes. I'm very lucky that my friends and family gave clothes to me for my Birthday!

New food is fun to eat. I especially enjoy meatballs and grilled cheese sandwiches.

Every day is a new adventure, and hopefully now that it is spring I'll have more exciting adventures to share with you!

the incredible edible egg

...this morning I tried my first egg...and loved it!

Daddy made me scrambled eggs, and I enjoyed putting the pieces into my mouth and saying, "yum, yum!"

Turning a year old opens up lots of yummy food. I've tried a bunch of new things in the last week like hummus, stuffing and eggs! I can't wait to try more interesting food!

let them eat cake!

Here are a couple cute pictures of me from my Birthday party last Saturday. I've been sick with a bad cold this week - the sickest I've ever been (the other two colds I had were nothing like this) - so Mommy hasn't been able to help me write to everyone. However, she wanted to share these cute pictures with you today.

Hopefully next week I'll be able to write more.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

...yesterday I turned 1 year old!!!!

Mommy & Daddy cannot believe it, but it's true...it's been a whole year since I came into this world. Of course the adventures never stop.

Today I went to the Dr's for my 1 year check-up. I had blood taken and they gave me a TB test. I have to go back again at 15-months to get a wellness check-up again...but I looked great! I've mastered the benchmarks for my age, and the Dr was surprised to hear me use quite a few of my favorite words (like baby, mama, dada, booboo, etc). Apparently two or three words are common at my age - I can say over 10. Recently I have stood from a seated position without the help of others or furniture. I have been taking a few steps here and there too! Nothing substantial, but the steps keep coming.

Mommy thought it was interesting to see my weight and height - two things that haven't been "officially" measured in 4 months. The numbers are as follows:

Weight - 18 pounds 12 ounces
Height - 30 inches

Apparently that puts me in the 20th percentile for weight and the 75th percentile for height. This is probably why all my clothes are loose around the waist. The doctor says I can eat eggs now, and suggests that I eat everything besides nuts. So let the eating begin!!! My two favorite things to eat are strawberries and bananas - I especially love to rub them into my hair and clothing!

Well another year full of adventures ahead! Maybe I'll be enjoying some of those adventures with you!

happy st. patrick's day!

...today is my 1st St. Patrick's Day (that is outside of Mommy's tummy)!

Mommy said there is an interesting story to the legend of St. Patrick - in case you are interested - click here.

Today I am going with Mommy to lunch with Gramma and Papa Ray. Then Mommy wants to look at a pair of shoes (hopefully buy them). We are finishing our day with Uncle Joe - eating corned beef and cabbage with Guinness and homemade Shamrock Shakes!

What a fun day!

purple heart

...there is this organization called The Purple Heart. They pick up clothing and household stuff that you no longer want.

Over the weekend and earlier today, Mommy got stuff ready for the Purple Heart. Mommy & Daddy donate to a few charitable organizations, and Mommy looks at the Purple Heart as a reminder to clean her closets out (especially this time of year).

Tomorrow we are meeting Miss Lily and Miss Jessica for coffee at the Coffee Bean. We haven't seen them in quite some time! Mommy and I are both looking forward to seeing them. Wednesday Mommy and I are going to lunch with Miss Shelly. Mommy is singing and playing the piano in Miss Shelly's wedding in September. Mommy and Miss Shelly are going over music and just visiting, which is something Mommy really needs to do.

Mommy (and I) hope this is a much less stressful week. Mommy had so much going on last week that she didn't get to relax at all. Yesterday and today it was sunny and the weather was spring-like, so it really helped boost Mommy's mood.

a whole week

...a whole week has gone by and I haven't shared my adventures!

Last Friday my Uncle Joe came over to watch a movie with my parents. Saturday and Sunday I was at Gramma and Papa Brown's house. Daddy was painting their bedroom, so Mommy and I were on a little vacation. Monday Daddy had Jury Duty, but didn't get selected to be on a jury. So he got home early and spent a couple hours with me while Mommy taught lessons. Tuesday Grampa Martin came over to fix the electricity and Mommy and I deposited money into my bank account. Yesterday Gramma Brown came over so Mommy could continue painting in her bedroom. Gramma even stayed over for lunch and after so Mommy could get her hair cut. Today Mommy and I might go to the bank again to deposit some money for her...but one thing we know for sure is Gramma and Grampa Martin are stopping by to see me before they go to Hilton Head for a vacation. Grampa figures the next time they'll see me is on my Birthday!

Well...it's been a very busy week...hopefully I'll have more time to share my adventures this next week :)

my cats

...I love my cats, Mia, Misty and Milo.

Sometimes they let me play with them, and that's really fun! Misty was sick last week, she had a bladder infection. Mommy has to give her medicine twice a day - and Misty really doesn't like it. I like to get medicine, because it tastes sweet, so I really don't know why Misty gets upset. Oh well. I love all three of them!

8 teeth!

...and today Mommy found that I had cut my 8th tooth...finally!

Yesterday was my Papa's birthday. We celebrated with Papa, Gramma, GG, Papa Roy, Papa Ray, Aunt Kelly, Uncle Ed, and Emma.

Today I'm going to help Mommy clean the house...I enjoy making a mess, even though she wants to clean it up. It should really be fun!

my uncle joe

...my Uncle Joe came over to visit me yesterday.

He's not really my Uncle Joe, but Mommy and Daddy call him that. He has known my Mommy for 17 years! That's a really long time. I sure loved trying to feed him my yummy dinner!

My Gramma and Grampa Martin came to visit me today too! We had such a great time playing with all my toys.

I had so much fun with my visitors today!

my friend, Lily

...I got to play with my friend, Lily on Saturday.

We had so much fun as our Mommies and Daddies visited with one another. I can't wait to spend more time with her again.

papa ray

...today the week ended by hanging out with Papa Ray.

Papa Ray, Papa Ray, oh how I love my Papa Ray.

It ended up becoming a busy week, full of adventures. Monday was spent with Gramma Brown, as Mommy teaches every Monday. Tuesday was spent with Mommy - we played and I was able to say "eye" when touching my baby doll's eye. Wednesday we hung out with Miss Jessica and Miss Lily at the Coffee Bean. I even gave Miss Jessica a big hug and gave her a couple pats on the back - the new thing I do to comfort those that comfort me. Then yesterday Mommy taught the Crombez sisters, which are now my friends too! And today - we hung out with Papa Ray.

We are planning for a fun weekend. Miss Jessica and Miss Lily are coming over tomorrow with Lily's Daddy for dinner. Sunday we have no plans at all. Mommy says that Daddy is going to start redoing their bedroom. Mommy is having Daddy paint and install a new closet in their bedroom for her birthday. Daddy plans on starting with the closet this weekend.

Well - that's the scoop!

big girl

I'm getting SO BIG! New size for me! On Saturday Mommy realized that my shirts were showing a lot of arm and my pants were getting very short. So I am in 12-18 month clothes now. Even though they are a bit big - Daddy says it's better to have something a bit big than too small. So Mommy has to roll my pants up, but I definitely enjoy the bigger size (and the new clothes).

petting farm pictures

Here are some pictures from my trip to the Heritage Park Petting Farm last week.

another tooth

...yes, I have 7 teeth now...and another is trying to come in.

Last week was a very busy week. We had so much to do, Mommy and I. However, she is hoping that next week is a little less busy and a little more relaxing. This should be the case.

We spent today with Gramma. We had fun in Plymouth, and she even bought me my Birthday dress. Yesterday we spent time with Miss Jessica and Miss Lilly at the Coffee Bean - we just love it there! And we had a nice time visiting the petting farm and Miss Monica and Mr. Asher on Tuesday.

Like I said, wow, what a busy week we had.

playing through the day

...yes, that's me playing the piano!

I love to play the piano...sometimes I let Mommy help me play.

Today Mommy & I are meeting Miss Monica and Mr. Asher at the Petting Farm in Taylor. I have never seen animals like that before, so I'm excited to visit. We also haven't seen Miss Monica and Mr. Asher in a LONG time...so it will be great to visit with them too.

We ended up not getting together with Miss Jessica and Miss Lily on Friday. Mommy said that Miss Jessica had to help her Daddy with a move - but we will see them this Thursday. We also have a day trip with Gramma Brown planned for Friday. And Mommy gets a tooth filled tomorrow...so...it's a VERY busy week. Every day a new adventure!

Hopefully yours is just as busy...and just as fun!

6 is a great number

...I now have 6 teeth.

February 1st brought a new month and my 6th tooth. It is my 4th bottom one - and it really has been painful. However, last night I slept 9 hours straight...then another 2 after that! I really am getting better at that sleep thing too.

On Wednesday I went with my Gramma Brown to the Detroit Institute of Arts, or as Mommy calls it, the DIA. We saw the Claudel and Rodin exhibit. It was really exciting, as it was my first time at an art museum.

Today we are meeting Miss Jessica and Miss Lily at the Coffee Bean in Plymouth. Mommy and I really look forward to Friday afternoons.

celebration of birthdays

...this weekend is a birthday weekend.

Today, when I wake from my afternoon nap, we are headed over to Gramma and Papa Brown's house for Papa Roy's Birthday. It'll be fun to see the Brown family.

Then, tomorrow, we are celebrating Grampa Martin's Birthday. We were supposed to celebrate his birthday last weekend, but because we were sick we changed the party date. Unfortunately it means that Aunt Sarah and Uncle John cannot be with us...but we'll see them soon I'm sure.

yeah Mommy!

...Mommy has been accepted to Wayne State's Grad School!

Mommy will be going back to school in the fall to study and hopefully achieve a Masters in Library and Information Science, with a certification in Archival Administration. Mommy is very goal oriented and determined to do something new now that she's in her 30's.

Go Mommy!

double digits

...yes, today I am 10 months old!
Actually I'm 306 days old (homage to Uncle John). Mommy says it's so hard to believe that I'm almost a year old. She says that these 10 months have really sped by...I can believe her. Every day is an adventure.

I'm still cruising everywhere and really want to walk. Of course I'm just not there yet. However, I have started to call things by their names:
*baby doll - baaba da
*my Mommy, and all three cats (Mia, Misty & Milo) - mama
*pictures of babies & myself or talking to myself in the mirror - baaba
*my Daddy - dada
*when I see new people, or people again - hiya

I've also cut more teeth, so the total # is 5. Mommy says the other 3 are just around the corner. I love music and I can dance and play a variety of rhythm instruments. I love to head-bang, as Daddy calls it, when I'm walking with my wagon.

Unfortunately I'm sick with my second cold. I had another one at 6 months. I had a fever for a couple days last week, but it wasn't until the weekend that I had a plugged nose. Then last night I had a hard time sleeping without coughing. Mommy & Daddy are taking good care of me though, but it's no fun to feel bad.

101.2

...the temperature I had at 2:30am this morning.

Yes, I have a fever...but Mommy and Daddy gave me some Tylenol and it seems to have helped a bit. I don't have any other visible problems to show Mommy that I have a cold or something else. But I have been crying very easily...I wish I could tell Mommy how I feel!

a new cousin

...yes, this summer will bring me a new cousin.

My Aunt Sarah (Daddy's sister) is expecting. The little one is expected in July. Mommy and Daddy think it will be a boy. Due to a communication misunderstanding, Mommy and Daddy continue to call the baby "Wicked". It seems appropriate if Aunt Sarah has a boy and he is wicked. Afterall, Daddy had a little girl that is so sweet and easy-going. Sarah will have to have the wicked boy baby.

Of course I'm just excited to have someone to play with when the Martin side gets together.

and one more makes five

...yes, I have 5 teeth now!

It seemed to take forever to get the first 2, but in two weeks I've got 3 more! Three teeth on the bottom and two on the top. Mommy says that there are 3 more teeth to go...but for now...I have lots of teeth!

Daddy has been home the last two days. He is working from home while his car gets fixed in the shop. Icecicles damaged the hood on Christmas Eve, and now Daddy is working from home while people fix it. I really want to spend time with him, and I get confused that he isn't home to play with me.

mirror mirror

...mirror mirror on the wall, who is the prettiest baby of all?

ZOE!

happy 2006

...happy New Year everyone!

Last night Mommy & Daddy had Aunt Kelly, Uncle Ed, Emma and Uncle Joe over to celebrate the end of 2005 and the beginning of a new year - 2006. They had appetizers and we all sang and dance. It was really fun. Of course everyone left by 8:30 and Mommy & Daddy were even asleep by 11pm. Mommy & Daddy were up most of the night on Friday (cutting teeth), so they were VERY tired by 11pm. Anyway, by midnight we were all up again because our street sounded like it was blowing up! Well, I enjoyed it...but Mommy & Daddy were not happy to hear the "sounds" of the new year.

Mommy says that people make resolutions to do things different in the new year. Like lose weight or find love, or even get a new job or go back to school. Mommy told me that she planned to make a resolution in 2006 that would have me taking naps in my crib by myself. However, a couple weeks ago that resolution was already achieved. So now I have no idea what Mommy will be hoping to achieve in 2006 -

But all I have to say is...

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

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.