Before our trip to Texas for the West Family Summer Christmas and Grandma Thomas' 80th Birthday party; Jeremy and I took Zoe to the park to play. It was hot and sunny but we still had a fun time. I held Zoe in my lap while we swung back and forth. Each time we would swing forward, Zoe would laugh and giggle. I guess from the air rushing past her. I have a video but I'm having all kinds of problems getting it to load on youtube. Here are some pictures and you'll have to imagine her laughing.
And the last one makes me laugh. The expression on her face is so funny!
We then put her in the baby swings (which are still a bit big for her) and she enjoyed swinging in those as well.
Then I decided we had to try the slide. Zoe was so not impressed with the slide. It could've been that she was getting sleepy but the slide was a non-event to her.
I realize I'm too big for the slides now.
I then wanted to get some cute Mommy and Baby shots but she wasn't having it. And the trees all had "T" painted on them for some reason. I'm guessing it stands for Tree but no idea why it would need to be painted?
I have no idea what was going on in this picture but at least both of us have strange expressions.
I really wish Zoe was looking at the camera in this picture because the lighting is great and for once my camera shot a clear picture.
And the T Tree picture
I was able to finally get one video to load. (Before you read this please ignore the mess in the background. This was taken the day Zoe and I got back to Oklahoma and everything exploded in the living room. You've been warned. Back to the video...) Zoe's Greatgrandmother West got Zoe her first baby doll for her summer Christmas present. After Zoe's lunch, I took the doll out of the box and showed it to her. Her reaction to the doll is too cute...
Dear Zoe,
Thank you for being such a blessing in our lives. We had such an ordinary day today but you made it special and wonderful just by being there. You slept through the night and had a normal wake-up routine. Our car ride to drop your Daddy off at work was normal also. When we were at Ms. Rita's to drop you off for daycare, you reached out for me for the first time. Usually you go to Ms. Rita and are excited to see her. Today when I handed you to her, you immediately leaned back towards me with both arms reaching out for me.
Daddy and I both had long frustrating days at work. The impending launch of the iPhone 3G means lots of work for Mommy and many confused, frustrated customers for Daddy. Daddy went to pick you up from Ms. Rita's and said that you were in a good mood the entire ride back to work to pick me up. It took me about 10 minutes after you and Daddy got there for me to wrap things up and go out to the car. Daddy said you were happy and playful while you were waiting. You were a joy in the car; smiling and flirting with me.
Once we got home, all three of us laid down in the bed to nap and you were insistant that you were going to play and roll around on the bed before you napped. You and I played hide and seek. You were snuggled up in my arms next to me and I covered our heads with a sheet and whispered to you, "Shhh. We're hiding, be quiet and don't move." You would stop what you were doing and just look at me. I would pull the sheet off our heads and say, "Here we are! No more hiding" and you would squeal with delight. You finally fell asleep nursing and I let you nap for about 30 minutes.
I gently woke you up and went into the kitchen to get your dinner ready. I went back in the bedroom to check on you and Daddy. Both of you were snuggled together with your eyes closed. I laughed and said there was no doubt that you are your Daddy's daughter. Daddy said it best, you and I bonded with breastfeeding; you and Daddy bonded by napping together! I was playing chase with Bella while I was waiting on you and Daddy to roll out of bed. You and Daddy came in the kitchen during the middle of the chase game. Bella barked at me and it startled you. You laughed out loud. It wasn't a normal chuckle, it was a deep Ha, ha, ha laugh. Thinking about it now, it sounded just like your Aunt Sharon laughing. It was such a surprise to hear it come out of your little body.
I ran to the store to get some ingredients for dinner and you stayed at home with Daddy. While I was gone, Daddy said he fed you and then took you into your room to read a book to you. He said you enjoyed looking at the pictures and listening Daddy make the animal noises. When I came home, as soon as you heard me, you clapped and squealed. When I came around the corner, you started your jazz hand motion (I thought this was you practicing waving but we've decided now it means you want to be picked up) and started your excited breathing (sounds like you are going to hyperventilate). It was wonderful to see you so happy to see me even though it had only been half an hour.
After dinner we played for a while in the den while Daddy was chopping jalepeno for the nachos. You were having so much fun playing with the ball. You figured out how to hold the ball in one hand and bang it with the other. It was bathtime next and it was a short bath since I got water in your face while I was washing your hair. (I don't think there's as difficult a task as washing your hair and keeping water out of your face!) You were very upset with me for getting water in your face and you wanted out of the tub now.
Daddy took you out of the bathroom to dry you off and put lotion on your skin. While he was rubbing the lotion on your feet and legs, you 'told him off'. While chomping your mouth up and down and showing your gum, you spouted nonsense at him in a very loud demanding tone. It was so funny and you immediately laughed with us. While Daddy was dressing you in your PJs, I played peek-a-boo with you. I think you've got this game figured out. You now know that I'm still behind the towel when I hide my face. But, if I change how I peek out at you (above instead of from the right side) you giggle and laugh since I surprised you.
Then it was bedtime. You nursed in my lap in our glider while Daddy read a chapter from To Kill A Mockingbird. You were almost asleep when you suddenly opened your eyes and did your excited breathing and jazz hands at the fan. After about 20 seconds of excitement at the ceiling fan, you snuggled next to me and closed your eyes to go to sleep.
Your Daddy and I talked after we put you in the crib. We are so lucky and blessed that you came to us. After a long day at work, we both felt refreshed and happy to spend so much great time with you. Every day we look forward to seeing your beautiful face and spending a few moments with you. Your growth each day amazes us and we can't wait to see what comes next.
We love you Zoe.
Mommy and Daddy
And the last one makes me laugh. The expression on her face is so funny!
We then put her in the baby swings (which are still a bit big for her) and she enjoyed swinging in those as well.
Then I decided we had to try the slide. Zoe was so not impressed with the slide. It could've been that she was getting sleepy but the slide was a non-event to her.
I realize I'm too big for the slides now.
I then wanted to get some cute Mommy and Baby shots but she wasn't having it. And the trees all had "T" painted on them for some reason. I'm guessing it stands for Tree but no idea why it would need to be painted?
I have no idea what was going on in this picture but at least both of us have strange expressions.
I really wish Zoe was looking at the camera in this picture because the lighting is great and for once my camera shot a clear picture.
And the T Tree picture
I was able to finally get one video to load. (Before you read this please ignore the mess in the background. This was taken the day Zoe and I got back to Oklahoma and everything exploded in the living room. You've been warned. Back to the video...) Zoe's Greatgrandmother West got Zoe her first baby doll for her summer Christmas present. After Zoe's lunch, I took the doll out of the box and showed it to her. Her reaction to the doll is too cute...
