Bedtime Story
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Zoey Had A Great Birthday Party Too!
To add to Zoey's already wonderful birthday we threw a party for all of our friends to celebrate Zoey turning two. She had a wonderful time! It is at times like these that I am reminded of all the wonderful friends we have made while living here. There were several people who came and all had big smiles and hugs for Zoey. There were friends I used to work with, friends Stephen works with and many friends we consider family. It was a lovely evening. Zoey was able to play with the adult friends, but also two little friends of her own that came (that doubles the kids at her first year party, which I found sort of funny.) We had burgers, hot dogs, potato salad and chips that I thought was the perfect dinner. I'm glad Zoey had such a great time, it was a wonderful birthday party!
Zoey was so excited to have all of her friends at her party. She was just dancing and singing for the longest time. She had a great time interacting with everyone, she is such a little social butterfly.
Zoey also had a great time playing with the two little kids. They are both one this year, so Zoey had fun being the big girl of the bunch. Though, she plays with them very well, they make quite the little trio. They seemed to really enjoy playing blocks together. I am glad Zoey has playmates to learn with and from.
I made Zoey a Minnie Mouse Cupcake cake! I thought it turned out well, not perfect, but it was tasty. Zoey really liked it, which is all that matters to me. She looked at it and said "Minn-me, Minn-me!" My heart soared. Zoey loves her Minnie and this was perfect for this party.
Zoey LOVED blowing out the candles. She was pretty good at it too, which impressed me. She would blow them out and then ask to light them again. She blew them out about 3 times while we sang happy birthday. It was really cute to see her so excited.
"Yay" she said when we got done singing. She loved her cupcake cake, which she did help make. She is such a light herself, she was so cute eating her own cupcake. Then she wanted to hand them out to all of her friends, that was super cute.
Zoey got all kinds of really cool toys from all of her friends. She played with them all that day and each and every one several times since then. The one she wanted set up that evening was her new lady bug tent. She was playing with the lady bug head while a friend started setting it up. She was singing to herself in this picture and making the cutest face of "please." Of course, she wanted to help set it up too. So they got it all set up together.
Once it was all set up, she pulled me into test it out with her. She loves it! She will take her other toys in there and have her own little hid out. The best part is that she will take books in there and all I will hear is sounds of reading from outside it. I'm glad she likes all of her toys, they will get very much use.
It seems no birthday is complete without a jam session, so Zoey jams out with Daddy. A couple other friends play too and they had a great time. When Zoey wasn't drumming for her little audience, she would dance and sing while the others played. She is so musical.
Zoey had a great party and I thank everyone who came and sent wishes for her. We have some very special family and friends in our lives and I am grateful for every one of them! Now it is time to enjoy the 2's, I am really excited to see my little girl continue to grow!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Zoey Had A Great Birthday!
Zoey had a great birthday! She turned two this year. It was mostly a normal day with presents and a cupcake after Daddy got home, but it was special. And it was especially wonderful to me.
Zoey loves to be in the kitchen helping me so it was natural for her to help me make her birthday cupcakes. We had a great time mixing, pouring and well eating the batter too. She is really good at cracking the eggs and I think that is her favorite part. In fact, our egg intake has increased since she has discovered this skill.
Zoey was so excited to see her presents. Now that she is older she is starting to anticipate. It makes it exciting and we've been having a countdown and birthday crafts all week to lead up to her special day. I also love that Zoey will tear into presents now, it makes them a lot more fun.
Zoey loved her tea set. She immediately invited me and Daddy for tea. We each got our own cups, plates and bowls with unlimited refills! I love watching her imagination come alive.
Zoey talked to both of her grandmothers on her birthday. My parents even called her up on Skype. It was so precious when she offered my mom tea over the computer. She even tried to spoon her some food to go with it. I am so glad Zoey has a great relationship with both of her grandparents.
Zoey eating her birthday cupcake! She was very excited about her special day. I'm glad she had a good time, even if it was just a lazy day with Mommy and Daddy.
After some final playtime with her new Lego Duplos, it was time for bed. What a great day! And now we have all kinds of fun things to play with. And then we will set up her party so all of her friends can celebrate her birthday too.
This is one of those days where I just can' help but love life!
Monday, August 22, 2011
Zoey Well Well 2 Year Check-Up
We actually went to the Doctor last Friday for Zoey's 2 year well checkup, but it's been a busy weekend and I'm just now writing about it. However, it was cute enough I want to share. Even if I am the only one laughing...
Now that Zoey is two and listening to directions well she is allowed to walk beside me most of the time. This was the case on the way into the doctor's office from the car. She was just sort of skipping along and then she heard the "toot toot" of a car locking and stopped in her tracks turning around. To my surprise there was our doctor strolling toward the office as well. Zoey waves fairly enthusiastically to the man she hasn't seen for 6 months. Once he turns to go into the back of the office Zoey continues toward the door.
She sat very still in the waiting room. She climbed right up into a car and nibbled on the rest of her apple breakfast. I was given a form to fill out that is basically an autism watch and I read the questions to Zoey..."Do you answer me when I speak to you?" She answers, "Mama, akldjgpoihgawnefjSdovijasm." I check yes.
It didn't take long to get called. I am thankful we try to get the earliest appointment in the day because there is hardly ever much waiting. We go to the room, Zoey followed the nurse all by herself with my trailing behind her. She was measured and weighted and she grew a lot in the past 6 months. She now weighs 26lbs and 9oz and is 35" tall. Her weight gain is right on par with her 50 percentile, but her height shot up to almost the 75 percentile. I figured she just had a growth spurt though.
Then the doctor came in. I love our pediatrician, he is so nice. Not only is he a great guy, but he has a very good way of relating to people. I like that. It makes Zoey feel very comfortable too. While we were waiting she was coloring in a book I brought for her. The doctor and I talked. He said it sounded like she was doing very well and that he could see from her coloring and her interactions with him that she was right where she needed to be.
I was also really excited that when Zoey drew an "O" and named it correctly the doctor looked a little surprised. "That's a Third Year milestone," he said. I was cheering inside.
The doctor said she checked out great. He said that Zoey is growing really well physically and intelligently.
Although there were no shots this day, she did have to have a finger prick to check her lead levels for any possible lead poisonings. I cringed a little, because though there are no lasting effects like fevers, etc, a finger prick can sometimes her more than a shot. Especially since they have to squeeze the finger to get the right amount of blood. So I prepared Zoey as best I could while we were waiting for the nurse. We have been working on the term "sharp." I told her how the nurse was going to come in a poke her finger.
Zoey is a tough kid. Even though I knew this she surprised me. She came right over to sit in front of the nurse and held out her hand. The nurse took her finger and counted, "1, 2, 3" and then poke. I was waiting for the tears, I expected her face to turn read and fill with tears. What did Zoey do? Nothing. She barely even winced. Even when the nurse pushed on her finger to get more blood she never made a peep. She had her furred eyebrows going meaning she was trying to figure out what the nurse was doing. I don't know if it was the object or her own blood that fascinated her, but she was intrigued. The nurse even asked her if she was going to be a nurse or a doctor when she grew up.
The best part is that when the nurse was done and put a bandaid on her finger she held out her other hand for the nurse to do that one too. The nurse and I both laughed.
The nurse said it would be less than five minutes to run the test so Zoey and I used our crayons to trace our hands and feet on the paper covering the bed while we waited. The test came back negative so our dirt and toys are safe with no lead and then it was time to go. Zoey picked out a Minnie sticker, which I though was perfect for her birthday weekend. Then we were off.
Zoey had a great well checkup. We (hopefully) won't be back to see the doctor for Zoey until she is three. However, I am enjoying two.
 |
| Zoey with her Minnie sticker after her appointment |
Now that Zoey is two and listening to directions well she is allowed to walk beside me most of the time. This was the case on the way into the doctor's office from the car. She was just sort of skipping along and then she heard the "toot toot" of a car locking and stopped in her tracks turning around. To my surprise there was our doctor strolling toward the office as well. Zoey waves fairly enthusiastically to the man she hasn't seen for 6 months. Once he turns to go into the back of the office Zoey continues toward the door.
She sat very still in the waiting room. She climbed right up into a car and nibbled on the rest of her apple breakfast. I was given a form to fill out that is basically an autism watch and I read the questions to Zoey..."Do you answer me when I speak to you?" She answers, "Mama, akldjgpoihgawnefjSdovijasm." I check yes.
It didn't take long to get called. I am thankful we try to get the earliest appointment in the day because there is hardly ever much waiting. We go to the room, Zoey followed the nurse all by herself with my trailing behind her. She was measured and weighted and she grew a lot in the past 6 months. She now weighs 26lbs and 9oz and is 35" tall. Her weight gain is right on par with her 50 percentile, but her height shot up to almost the 75 percentile. I figured she just had a growth spurt though.
Then the doctor came in. I love our pediatrician, he is so nice. Not only is he a great guy, but he has a very good way of relating to people. I like that. It makes Zoey feel very comfortable too. While we were waiting she was coloring in a book I brought for her. The doctor and I talked. He said it sounded like she was doing very well and that he could see from her coloring and her interactions with him that she was right where she needed to be.
I was also really excited that when Zoey drew an "O" and named it correctly the doctor looked a little surprised. "That's a Third Year milestone," he said. I was cheering inside.
The doctor said she checked out great. He said that Zoey is growing really well physically and intelligently.
Although there were no shots this day, she did have to have a finger prick to check her lead levels for any possible lead poisonings. I cringed a little, because though there are no lasting effects like fevers, etc, a finger prick can sometimes her more than a shot. Especially since they have to squeeze the finger to get the right amount of blood. So I prepared Zoey as best I could while we were waiting for the nurse. We have been working on the term "sharp." I told her how the nurse was going to come in a poke her finger.
Zoey is a tough kid. Even though I knew this she surprised me. She came right over to sit in front of the nurse and held out her hand. The nurse took her finger and counted, "1, 2, 3" and then poke. I was waiting for the tears, I expected her face to turn read and fill with tears. What did Zoey do? Nothing. She barely even winced. Even when the nurse pushed on her finger to get more blood she never made a peep. She had her furred eyebrows going meaning she was trying to figure out what the nurse was doing. I don't know if it was the object or her own blood that fascinated her, but she was intrigued. The nurse even asked her if she was going to be a nurse or a doctor when she grew up.
The best part is that when the nurse was done and put a bandaid on her finger she held out her other hand for the nurse to do that one too. The nurse and I both laughed.
The nurse said it would be less than five minutes to run the test so Zoey and I used our crayons to trace our hands and feet on the paper covering the bed while we waited. The test came back negative so our dirt and toys are safe with no lead and then it was time to go. Zoey picked out a Minnie sticker, which I though was perfect for her birthday weekend. Then we were off.
Zoey had a great well checkup. We (hopefully) won't be back to see the doctor for Zoey until she is three. However, I am enjoying two.
How a Great Day Goes Bad
Today was a great day. We had a busy weekend so it was nice to lay low today and mostly relax. Zoey had a great birthday party this weekend so we spent most of the day cleaning up and playing and replaying with all of her new toys. Add some meals, a movie and a nice day outside to play in and it really was a great day. And to top off the wonderful adventures of the day there weren't any meltdowns. I know right, I was very impressed with my two year old. She often acts so much older than her age, then again she sometimes acts very much her age. I'll take the good with the bad and enjoy awesome days like this one.
Today was great. This evening was...not so great.
If you live in the South Eastern part of the United States you are probably well aware of Hurricane Irene knocking on our coastline. I was aware as well, but I had no idea it had took a turn for the worst, or at least in our direction today. As Stephen got off work today he sent me a text along these lines..."You know the hurricane Irene coming? It is suppose to hit land on Saturday morning as a category 3. Maybe your parents shouldn't come visit this weekend. Perhaps we should go to the upstate just in case."
WHAT?!?
I know Stephen, I also know he doesn't suggest things like this unless he is concerned. So now I am concerned. No, I'm pretty much freaking out. And just to make it that much more comforting a loud roar of thunder echos in the background.
I call my mom and ask what she thinks about the hurricane. She told me that she thought it was still too soon to decide if they were still coming up or not. However, this verdict was through a broken reception conversation where neither one of us could really hear the other. So now I am just stressed out.
Then I talk to Stephen. Thankfully. He doesn't sound as worried on the phone as his text made him sound. Figures. However, the storm looks bad enough that his work is talking about closing on Friday so everyone who chooses to can leave the coast. Also, the city might call for an evacuation for all of Charleston. Okay, so Hurricane Irene is still pretty serious.
We talked more and agreed that we would wait until the middle of the week and then make a decision whether to stay or go. If we decide it is necessary to leave we want to get out before the rush starts. Basically, we want to play it safe, especially with Zoey.
Honestly, I don't know how to handle natural disasters. I've never really had much practice, at least as a mom. I hear this and I start making lists in my head of all the things we would need to prepare. And amidst the borderline chaos going on in my head I am on the phone trying to figure out what the best course of action/preperation is and I'm cooking dinner and I am just getting completely...
overwhelmed.
Then Stephen comes home after a long day of work and a cancelled football practice due to storms and I'm being confrontational with him because I am stressed. And I feel horrible for being confrontational and end up feeling more stressed. Isn't it amazing how these downward spirals work.
See this is how a great day goes bad.
Thankfully, there is an up side. One, I have a very understanding and patient husband. Two, we have at least two days to figure out and prepare for the incoming hurricane. Three, a delicious dinner and then Top Gear can cure some stressful situations..
So after freaking out, calming down and talking some more we have a plan. I'm going to prepare some tomorrow, just in case. And now I have some me time to get the dozens of things I want to do done. Thankfully, I put blogging on that list. There is nothing better than writing to get out my emotions and make me feel better.
Is this storm freaking anyone else out? They are comparing Irene to Hugo, which I definitely wouldn't want to be in town during. Do you handle situations like natural disasters differently now that you have kids?
Today was great. This evening was...not so great.
If you live in the South Eastern part of the United States you are probably well aware of Hurricane Irene knocking on our coastline. I was aware as well, but I had no idea it had took a turn for the worst, or at least in our direction today. As Stephen got off work today he sent me a text along these lines..."You know the hurricane Irene coming? It is suppose to hit land on Saturday morning as a category 3. Maybe your parents shouldn't come visit this weekend. Perhaps we should go to the upstate just in case."
WHAT?!?
I know Stephen, I also know he doesn't suggest things like this unless he is concerned. So now I am concerned. No, I'm pretty much freaking out. And just to make it that much more comforting a loud roar of thunder echos in the background.
I call my mom and ask what she thinks about the hurricane. She told me that she thought it was still too soon to decide if they were still coming up or not. However, this verdict was through a broken reception conversation where neither one of us could really hear the other. So now I am just stressed out.
Then I talk to Stephen. Thankfully. He doesn't sound as worried on the phone as his text made him sound. Figures. However, the storm looks bad enough that his work is talking about closing on Friday so everyone who chooses to can leave the coast. Also, the city might call for an evacuation for all of Charleston. Okay, so Hurricane Irene is still pretty serious.
We talked more and agreed that we would wait until the middle of the week and then make a decision whether to stay or go. If we decide it is necessary to leave we want to get out before the rush starts. Basically, we want to play it safe, especially with Zoey.
Honestly, I don't know how to handle natural disasters. I've never really had much practice, at least as a mom. I hear this and I start making lists in my head of all the things we would need to prepare. And amidst the borderline chaos going on in my head I am on the phone trying to figure out what the best course of action/preperation is and I'm cooking dinner and I am just getting completely...
overwhelmed.
Then Stephen comes home after a long day of work and a cancelled football practice due to storms and I'm being confrontational with him because I am stressed. And I feel horrible for being confrontational and end up feeling more stressed. Isn't it amazing how these downward spirals work.
See this is how a great day goes bad.
Thankfully, there is an up side. One, I have a very understanding and patient husband. Two, we have at least two days to figure out and prepare for the incoming hurricane. Three, a delicious dinner and then Top Gear can cure some stressful situations..
So after freaking out, calming down and talking some more we have a plan. I'm going to prepare some tomorrow, just in case. And now I have some me time to get the dozens of things I want to do done. Thankfully, I put blogging on that list. There is nothing better than writing to get out my emotions and make me feel better.
Is this storm freaking anyone else out? They are comparing Irene to Hugo, which I definitely wouldn't want to be in town during. Do you handle situations like natural disasters differently now that you have kids?
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