Prayers Please

Update: My Pop Pop passed away yesterday afternoon, May 24th. Thank you all for your prayers! Please continue to pray for our family as we travel to New York today for the funeral.

I ask all of you to lift up my Pop Pop in your prayers today! He is extrtemely ill...getting worse, it seems, by the day. I know God has him in His hands and is going to do with him what He wants, but I can't help but beg to keep Pop Pop here.

Please pray for him and for us!

I would do anything for this girl!

I mean anything....even COOK!

Homemade food vs. Store bought food is another one of those topics that every Mom is different on. Making Zoe’s food works best for me and here is why:

• Even though I hate cooking (well unless we are entertaining), I love doing things for Zoe. Whether it be taking Zoe for a walk, soothing her in the middle of the night, reading her a book, giving her a bath, or feeding her….I love it all! So making her food was just one more thing that I was so excited to do for her.

• It is so Cost Effective….and I am always looking for ways to save money. 1 bag of frozen vegetables is $.88 and makes about 6 servings. 1 sweet potato is less than $1 and makes about 7 servings. One Banana ($.39 for a whole 1lb of bananas) is 2 feedings. A little bit of money can go a really long way.

• It is SO EASY! All you need is a blender or food processor, hand mixer or chopper, which we all have in the kitchen already. For veggies, I steam them in the microwave or on the stove top or cook in the oven first and then chop or blend. For fruits, I use a fork to smash or a knife to cut the fruit up and blend, add water to make it the consistency you want it….and that is it! Freeze any leftovers and you can make a whole week worth of feedings in only minutes!

• It allows us to have a greater variety of food. I love that I can go grocery shopping and don’t even have to have a different list for Zoe…things we already eat and are within our budget…we feed her. I always have veggies, bananas, apples, pears, and so on. There is no difference. And there are so many more options when you make things yourself, which will help Zoe be able to taste so many more foods early on. I can’t wait to feed her parsnips or mangoes or pineapple, maybe some asparagus or grapes! The possibilities are endless. And I have tasted some of those baby foods….blah…so if I think they are disgusting then why would I want Zoe eating it!

• It lets Zoe get used to different textures. One thing I read is that some Moms don’t do purees at all and go straight to table foods. I am in between purees and table food. I still chop or blend the food, but I don’t worry about the food being perfectly smooth, like jar foods. This way Zoe can get used to the actual texture of the food and learn what to do with clumps. Right now it is so funny. She makes this awkward face, chews on the clump a little while and then spits it out. I believe this will make the transition to actual table foods a little bit easier for us.

• It lets me know EXACTLY what Zoe is eating….all the nutrients and no added preservatives! And she LOVES IT!

More Fairhope

On our trip, we spent two afternoons at the pool. Zoe is such a little fish....just like her Mommy. I can't wait for the pools to open where we live and we can venture to the pool every week!

These Daddies sure do love their baby girls! I can't wait for them to trade in their sunglasses for goggles, like the Dad in the background!
While we were playing in the pool, Zoe got a little water in her mouth. And to feel better, she, of course, started coughing. I kept saying "Your Okay, Your Okay." and I guess she liked the attention because she coughed a lot even after she was fine. The picture above is her coughing....still so cute!

Couldn't tell she loved it by that smile!

But all the fun really wore her out. This is Zoe's new thing....sucking her thumb and cuddling to us. To say that I LOVE IT...is quite the understatement.
Zoe and Anna Riley played so well together. And they loved the floor gym!

Friday night, we went out to eat and Zoe is such a grabber now....especially anything food! She couldn't stop starring.

We all enjoyed walking around Downtown Fairhope for the Art Walk. And Zoe loved it when we stopped to listen to the bands....She loves music!

And we finished the weekend celebrating our 1st Mother's Day! What a wonderful vacation!

6 Month Check Up

Zach, Zoe, and I met with Dr. Evans yesterday and had a bittersweet appointment. Developmentally, Zoe Jane is doing phenomenal. She is sitting up all by herself, no support needed, she is rolling both directions, using her arms for support on her tummy, talking a ton, teething……but her size was some concern for the doctor.

We have a little skinny minny on our hands! Zoe is 12 lbs 13.5 oz….up only 3 oz from her last appointment and placing her in 3% of babies her age. Not so good. Her height is 25” and 14% and her head circumference is 16 ¼” and 17%. Zoe has always been more petite, but not really having a weight gain in 2 months is a flag.

We were instructed to load her up! The Dr. thinks that either I am not producing enough milk due to weight loss and my increased amount of activity in the last couple months or there are not enough calories in the milk I am producing. I can definitely tell a difference in my supply…but I never thought it wasn’t enough. Zoe doesn’t really cry for more or show signs of wanting more….but she was getting hungry sooner than a typical 4 hour stretch for her age. So we are changing things up….Zoe is still going to be breastfed every feeding (unless I am working) and we will be supplementing after the feeding if necessary. I was already spoon feeding her 2 times a day, but didn’t worry if we missed a feeding here or there…not happening now. I am getting Zoe in more of a routine.

Today, we started with her first milk feeding at 5:30….back to sleep we went. We were up by 7:30 and I fed her breakfast…about 3-4 tbsp of cereal mixed with half of a pureed green apple. By 9:30, she was ready for another breastfeeding and off to nap time she went. She laid right down without a peep….I love that because it makes me feel like it is just perfect timing! Up and playing and she had her lunch at around Noon….Bananas are her favorite right now. Zach was home at this time so we played and at the first yawn, we laid her down….right to sleep again! There must be something about eating enough, paying attention to the signs the baby shows you and reacting accordingly that works…go figure! A well rested and fed baby = a happy baby! Zoe woke up from her nap around 2:30...breastfed and played. She took another cat nap and ate dinner around 4:45 and is well on her way to night night.....I would say 5 ounce bottle and bed by 6:30! Great day!

The doctor wants us to be supplementing her with formula for at least 15 ounces a day. She said that a baby Zoe’s age that is strictly formula fed should be eating about 24 ounces a day, in addition to 2-3 spoon feedings….there was no way Zoe was getting that much from me alone. So, I am perfectly fine with formula, as long as I still get to breastfeed…I am not ready for that to be over quite yet.

Zoe also got 2 shots and one oral vaccination at her appointment. She did really well…barely cried…but I did give her Motrin before the appointment…off brand of course. We got home at about 4:30 and she fell right asleep until about 9:00….poor baby was worn out.

We go back on June 10th to get Zoe’s weight checked to make sure she is growing.

#4 on the 101 in 1001

Take a Family Vacation to the Beach.....well....we went to the Fairhope and went to the Pool more than the Beach.....but it still counts! Here are some of the pictures from our trip....more to come.....

I cannot even express how lucky I am to have such a wonderful and loving best friend....who completely accepts me for who I am....all of me....good and bad. Who I can express everything to...and ANYTHING...and listen to it all. A friend who I get to share the experience of motherhood with. I am so excited that our little girls get to grow up together and be "best friends" too. I love you Crystal! I can't wait to vacay with you every year and for all the moments in between! You are the best friend and girl could ask for!

My Baby is 1/2 a Year OLD!

I could cry.....time goes way too fast...but I am loving every minute of My Little Zoe's Life! She is such a joy....and changed more this month than any prior to.

• Zoe is wearing 3-6 and 6 month clothes and Size 2 diapers.
• Zoe is nursing every 3 1/2 - 4 hours and eating oatmeal or rice cereal twice a day....about 3 tbsp a feeding.
• Zoe tried real food this month.....sweet potatoes, pears, cantaloupe.
• Zoe can remove her pacie from her mouth and put it back in.
• Zoe loves to look at her hands and turn them front to back and back to front.

• Zoe was quite the traveler this month going to Nashville, TN and Fairhope, AL.
• Zoe is sitting up by herself!
• Zoe is rolling tummy to back and back to tummy.
• Zoe has grown to love her thumb more and more.
• Zoe has started to really hate her pacie....I think she knows we are trying to shut her up with it or that it is bedtime...and she will have none of that.

• Zoe went swimming for the first time this month.....and LOVED IT! My little fish!
• Zoe is feisty!
• Zoe is definitely heavier...not sure exact weight until next week at her check up.
• Zoe loves any toy that has lights and plays music.
• Zoe eats her feet constantly.

• Zoe sleeps but randomly. I try to let her set her on schedule day by day....and I watch her signs of sleepiness. But typically...she goes to sleep around 7pm, sleeps until 5:30am, feeds, and then sleeps until 7:00am. Naps are usually between 45min and 1 1/2 hours 2 or 3 times a day.
• Zoe is obsessed with watching us eat and tries to grab for our food, drinks, utensils. cups, napkins....for anything really.
• Zoe is REALLY teething....hope to see a tooth soon!

• Zoe has beautiful blue eyes.
• Zoe totally cheeses it for the camera. She has a fake smile she does right when she sees the camera and hears the flash go up.....
• Zoe is learning to use her sippy cup, when I remember.
• Zoe has a million facial expressions....and I love every one of them.


• Zoe has about 3 or 4 bottles of formula a week and still likes them.
• Zoe loves when I dance for her and is quite the fan of Miley Cyrus and The Jonas Brothers....I had no influence on this.
• Zoe chews on EVERYTHING!
• Zoe has a fake cough and if you cough at her, she will do it back. Hilarious!
• Zoe loves any noise you can make with your month.


• Zoe loves to blow her lips.
• Zoe LOVES to swing at the park.
• Zoe fights sleep so much....she doesn't want to miss a thing!
• Zoe still favors her Daddy....and he will be the first to tell you.


• Zoe loves when you clap for her and really knows her name.
• Zoe loves to stand up and she is getting really strong.
• Zoe got to celebrate her 1/2 birthday with Grammy and Papa & Grandma and Grandaddy....such a treat!
• Zoe giggles a lot.
• Zoe loves to talk and has gotten really good at the "Da Da" sound.

• Zoe's hair is growing and hopefully the "rat tail" will be a distant memory soon.
• Zoe kicks her feet like crazy when trying to fit falling asleep....but when she finally gives in she rubs her face from her ear to her eye...back and forth.
• Zoe also scratches to calm herself to sleep, whether it be her sheets, her glow worm, my face or arms....
• Zoe got to meet her Great Aunt this month.
• Zoe traveled really well.
• Zoe is my pride and JOY! Love HER!

Things that helped me survive this month:

• I am making Zoe Jane's food.....so much easier for me and so much more cost effective. I cooked one sweet potato and got 7 servings! As a gift at one of my showers, I got this:

and These:

They have been the best thing right now! Great gift! The spoons are more flexible and the tray pops the servings right out!

• I also got Coppertone 70spf spray sunscreen and that worked great in Fairhope. We were outside for a long time and there was no sign of sun on Zoe. I also got a special face lotion.

• I had a couple rough times, emotionally, this past month. I think one thing that is really important for Moms is to be secure in their parenting. Zach and I are the 2 people that know Zoe Jane the BEST.....And this makes me so happy. I am so glad I get to experience everything that Zoe goes through! In my parenting, I know that what I do for Zoe Jane is what is best for her....despite other's advice or wants for her. I know what she needs, what each cry means, what makes her smile.....I do! And I need to stick up for this....I, unfortunately, let others effect me negatively because I wouldn't let my guard down on something that I know was best for my Zoe.....I learned that I need to stand firm....because ultimately I do everything for her!
  
  
• I got a pedicure for the 1st time since Zoe Jane has joined our family.....should be a law for mothers to get a mandatory monthly pedicure.

Busy, Busy

This past week we have been so busy vacationing, teething, celebrating and working that I haven't had a second to sit down....let alone blog! Can't wait to show you all how much Zoe Jane loved the pool and the cutest pictures of her with her best friend!!!! And my baby girl is 6 months old this week....time flies....breaks my heart!

Happy Mother's Day!

My life completely changed the day I became a Mother.....the most beautiful change ever! Not only do I love, love, love being a Mommy, but it has made me appreciate my Mom more and more! I am so blessed!

Happy Mother's Day to ALL Mommies!

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Proverbs 31:10-12 and 25-31

Show Us Your Life: Kid Names!

There is so much in a name!

Our little girl's name is

Zoe Jane

My husband loved the name Zoe....of course....from Sesame Street. He first heard it there and it just stuck....sounds silly. We definitely call her Zoe Monster as a nickname. Jane has always been one of my favorite names. I am finding more and more....I am very traditional....in many ways.

When choosing names for our future babies....I want one that is common but not on the top Baby name list. I don't want them to be 1 of 10 in school.

This morning on Fox and Friends they stated the top names of 2009.

Jacob, William, Ethan

Isabella, Sophia, Ava, Olivia

RYAN MACKENZIE

I love the name Ryan for a girl....I know....not traditional. But I love it! And I don't want to change the spelling to Ryann or something that might make it more feminine because I want her to be able to find her name places....you know on name plates and sippy cups...silly...but I think this way! And middle name is Mackenzie....I just think it is a beautiful name.

OLIVER JAMES

And for a boy....we chose Benjamin Thomas if our 1st was a boy. Very traditional....but just not meant to be. Zach was never really in love with it but he said I could name the boy because he would just be so excited if we had one! Haha.....But this time around....we both LOVE our boy name. We were watching tv and heard Oliver and we looked at each other and both were like...."we really like that name". And James is a family name from Zach's side.

#8

I joined the Library!

I love reading to Zoe Jane and lately she has been paying attention a lot more to the books!

So I thought it was time to complete #8 on my 101!

The newest addition to The Gwinnett County Libraries opened up last week....The Hamilton Mill Branch. It is right down the street from our house, which makes me SO excited! And to make it even better....it is walking distance from a brand new park as well....Duncan Creek!

This is the story time area....isn't it so cool. I love the big chair! I can't wait to take Zoe to story times every week! And they do craft days too....and we all know how much I love crafts!

If you live in the Dacula/Hamilton Mill area in Gwinnett, you have to check out this new library and park....they are wonderful! I love where I live!