Rear View

This week hit another milestone for me (and Zo). I had to stop breast feeding completely, as I was into my second trimester and the Dr. said I needed to be able to have the nutrients for me and the new babe....and I pretty much waited to the last day (or maybe a few more). We were down to just our morning feedings and how I treasured the snuggle times when she just wanted me and we had yet to have to rush through the day. I know at 16 months, she was more than able to stop, and I would have thought it odd before becoming a mother myself to have gone this long, but there is something so precious and special about being able to nurse and give life to your child. I just tried to give her extra attention and love in other ways and she appeared fine with the transition.

So, heading to an event with my work downtown the next day, sitting in the quiet of the car, my mind finally was able to dwell on such. As my eyes filled I thought about how much I loved her, how this phase of our life was now over, how she was a "big girl" now and no longer a baby. As I looked in the rearview mirror, driving father away from her, I knew that I could not dwell of the times of the past as there was no going back (treasure=yes, dwell = no). She was not a baby, anymore, but it was time to prepare for the next one, and fully enjoy this new stage she is in.

Beaching it

The past few weeks have been hard, really hard on our family. With my baby sister really sick for a month and in the hospital for most of that time, my other sister under the weather and my parent's heart's heavy in caring for my sister we were ready for some time together as a family. However, the beach house that my mom booked was still to early for my sister to get out of the hospital, much to all of our grave disappointment. My sister, though, instead on my mom coming for part of the time. So after much nagging and her swallowing up some guilt, she was able to do so. Her "dream" of us all being able to go as a family didn't quit happen, but at least we got pieces of it.

Although the nausea ran strong for both my sister and I, much fun and relaxation was had by all. The only other time Zoe has been to the beach, was when she was 6 months and now that she can get around, boy did she! I was thankful have other hands because I think she only sat down once all the times we did go to the beach.

The boys enjoyed looking for sharks teeth.

I'm not sure who loved spending time together more, Zoe or her Poppy!

Zoe's love/fear relationship with the birds

Sadness that Beach's nice camera remained fogged up and that my cheap one proved all pictures to bright, that my youngest sister could not be there, or my parents the whole time, but over all an awesome experience.

My of my favorite times, during out last very overcast day, when Zoe was just so worn down by her Poppy, waves and fun, she let me hold and snuggle with her. We just watched the waves together and tears welled up in my eyes, as I felt the love of the Lord and his peace and blessing wash over me.

Thank you Lord!

Yummmm crayons!

Zoe loves crayons! To try to use them on the easel, walk around the house with them and her favorite....to eat them. Luckily for the walls and floors of our house, she hasn't quite figured out how to make them work. Part of the reason her old easel writing is still up, is so she can a least see what it would look like. Oh, she does try, will even try with her finger but that does not stop her love for the colorful creations.

To try to derail the consumption of a large amount of wax by my daughter (without taking away her beloved toy); I have discovered that she loves to chew on large carrots. Now, that has not taken away her desire completely for tasting of all the colors but at least it does cut it down, helps with the teething and gives her some nutrition. Awwweee the joys of discovery......for both of us.

Walk it out girl!

My baby really isn't so much of a baby now but with all her moving and shaking she really is a toddler....I can't believe it. So sad and so exciting all at once. Tonight she spent many, many, many laps around the kitchen, living room, dinning room area without really even stopping much. Very focused on her work and telling us about it with her babble. This pic was taken a little later but shows her love of walking!

Yet again, I think she is getting another trait of mine. I have a hard time stopping.....hard stopping many things that I'm doing, good and bad. Take working out....years ago I had to limit myself to just 2 hours at the gym at a time (I know that seems like a lot now) or I would just keep going. I would play tennis forever (did I mention I can hardly even hit the ball). The computer games of the past that I just won't start, minesweeper, hearts, beg for "just one more game". Oh, and don't get me started on food! The OC trait is very powerful!

At any rate, I hope that Zoe will be able to focus all that energy in a positive way. Perhaps even being a runner like both

parents were back in the day.

A Long Awaited (Birthday) Date

In that my man's birthday is rolling around again, we used it as a good excuse to go on a date and spend some long awaited time together. Love that so many places give out coupons for your birthday and we think we found one of the best yet!

We made a quick stop for treats and a great sale to spend a gift certificate at Miss Cockey! They have some oh so cute stuff (most of which I can't afford without such a grand deal). We walked away with many goodies and a goodie bag to match!

Our next stop was California Dreaming.....ummmm; haven't been there in years and their salad was just as good as I remember. Guess what, it was prom night for many of the dinners there. I couldn't help but beam as we walked to our table and I watched theses young creatures all made up for their evening. You see that was were my husband took me for our Junior year prom. How long ago was that, hun? Oh, wait 14 years....hummmm maybe I could still pass as prom goer. I couldn't help but wonder if I had known about this beforehand if I wouldn't have thrown on my prom dress from back in the day for dinner, just for kicks. Beach was probably glad that I did not have the opportunity to do so.

For laughs, I included a picture from our scrap book...Me with my hair falling down and Beach looking pretty excited! Prom '07!

By the way, Beach greatly enjoyed his filet mignon (yep they allow you to order WHATEVER you want for your free entire - just make sure you sign up online for their birthday VIP club beforehand). We managed to remember to take a pic before it was all demolished! As good as my salad was, getting towards the end, I found a large hair. Determined not to gag or let it ruin the night, I allowed the server just to send me home with another salad. Walking out, more smiles and glad that we could have two salads and steak for 10 bucks (plus tip).

We had to top it off with birthday ice cream...ummmmm. May I say it's been a long time for such a treat and oh so good! Can't Beach have a birthday more than once a year?!?!?

The Grand Visit

We had Beach's parents visit for a few days all the way from Michigan. Long journey, I know, as we have taken such a few times ourselves. We were thankful that they could come for Zoe's first birthday and see some of the extended family!

Zoe showed off some of her walking skills.

And Grandma, who always seems to have on a fresh coat of bright red lipstick, could not help but shower her in kisses (who could blame her). I like this pic as you can see how her face is in the process of almost getting covered in the red gunk.

We have not been out to eat much at all with Zoe, as she can be a challenge, at times. I hate to have MY screaming baby disturb other dinners. However, we found a trick that worked. Upon visiting the Villa (with some extra coupons from Restaurants.com), a special place to Beach and I as it was our first date, we found a trick that worked with Zoe!

She loves lemons!!! As long as she had one to eat and chew on she was one quiet happy baby!

We were thankful that Beach's mom and dad could make it here for some special time!

Lions and Tigers and....Walking?... oh my!

So we got an awesome gift from my mom of a zoo pass for Zoe's birthday. Zoe LOVES dogs so much that I knew it would be something our whole family could enjoy. With temps in the low 80s it was just perfect for our first trip while Beach's parents were down visiting from MI (where it had snow the day they left).

I loved seeing Zoe's reactions and joy to the day. She appeared to be studding much at these new creatures. I feel I got glimpses of her personality emerging at different points.

When a gorilla came charging down the hill to the window (which seemed to scare the couple of adults that were standing there), Zoe did not appear concerned but continued to want to get closer.

She, also, attempted to pick up the iguana, but luckily there was glass between them.

When in the barn area, Zoe loved watching the goats get feed. Laughing at how close they would get to her face. I think they were her favorite animal.

However, after being carried around for sometime, she demanded to get down. Walking was her greatest joy. She would only want to hold on to one person's finger at a time, two hands were to much and none were to scary. So she walked for well over an hour and I loved every second of it!

"You coming guys?"

A way we go until next time...