When we need to get some work done on the computer, we often plunk Zoe down in her room (adjacent to the computer room) for a little playtime. She usually has no problem entertaining herself, and it doesn’t take long for her to find and fling every book, stuffed animal and toy in the room. I thought it would be fun to show a recent picture of the aftermath. (In case you can’t tell, that’s her next to the crib.)
-M
It’s only been a few days since we’ve last written, but Zoe is busy doing things we haven’t talked about here. She now says “hi” repeatedly, and she recently started singing/humming (“da da da da”) to herself. She also took a few (very) baby steps on Sat.; she still prefers to cruise, but I think she’s starting to realize that she doesn’t need furniture (or people) to get around.
We’ll keep you updated on other developments. For now, here are a few pics from this past weekend.
-M
Zoe had her one-year check-up with the doctor today, and all went well. She weighed in at 23.5 lbs and measured 30 inches – which puts her in the 75 percentile for both weight and height. (I had been wondering if Zoe is getting the right amount of food, milk, etc. – but obviously she is.) Her blood-work was also perfect: her platelets, as expected, are normal, and her iron levels are good. (She was slightly anemic the last time blood work was done.) Dr. Fernandez also reported that two more top teeth are on their way; they should be ready to pop out in a few weeks.
Q and I had been looking forward to this appointment for awhile. The one-year check-up is such a milestone, and we were both anxious to find out how much Zoe had grown and to hear what the doctor said about her development. I assumed she was doing well, but it’s always nice to hear it from a doctor.
-M
Here is a fun video of Zoe in action at her 1st Birthday Party. We all had lots of fun!
Jon Q
Today marks a full year that Zoe has been home with us. As you likely remember, she spent a few extra days in the hospital and wasn’t discharged until she was five days old. (The picture below was taken a few hours before we left the hospital.)
As I type this, I’ve got a sniffling, crying baby tugging at my jeans – and a back-room so filled with toys, books and ripped-up pieces of paper that the space could easily be declared a disaster zone. It’s safe to say, I think, that Zoe has taken over our house. And I can’t imagine what things were like before she got here!
-M
As promised, here are some more pictures from Zoe’s party on Sunday. I think she had a good time… What do you think?
-M
“Here’s the Birthday Girl!”
“Let’s party!”
“Hey, Uncle Dan, can you give me a hand?”
“When can we eat?”
“Mmmmmm…caaaaaake…”
“Is this what they call sugar rush?”
“Oh, let me play!”
“We made it to one year!”
“Oooh… this looks cool.”
When I was growing up, I used to celebrate each birthday with a Birthday Week. (Thanks, Dad!) Zoe seems to be following in my footsteps, as there were several mini-celebrations in her honor this week. Her official birthday was Fri. – but she opened a few presents and got sung to on Thanksgiving (since it felt more like her birthday), and she hosted a party (with lots of friends and presents, and a big chocolate cake) today. We have tons of pics to post, but here’s a little taste. (And speaking of taste, Zoe really liked her cake!)
-M
It’s been an exciting week for Zoe. She celebrated her first (full) Thanksgiving and turned one – and hung out with friends, ate turkey and pumpkin pie, and opened presents in the process. Tomorrow, the excitement continues with a birthday party at the park. (Zoe and her friends Zander and Miles, who also turned one this week, are the hosts.) I’m sure we’ll have tons of fun pictures from that event!
-M
One year! Can we even call Zoe a baby anymore – or has she officially entered toddler-dom? Whatever you call her, she’s at a super fun, super playful age.
“Active” is another good word for Zoe, who is constantly zipping around and exploring things. Like other kids her age, she loves pulling things out of their homes – books from shelves, clothes from drawers, etc. – and she is often attracted to things she really shouldn’t be. (She’s fascinated with the toilet and toilet paper, for example, and she loves pulling things out of wastepaper baskets.) We’re constantly picking up after her, but it’s nice to see her take an interest to the world around her.
Zoe doesn’t walk unassisted yet, but she loves to cruise (walking while holding to furniture) – and she can stand up without falling for long stretches of time now. (Her balance has definitely improved.) When she’s sitting on the floor, a favorite thing to do is twirl around in circles – which is also something new.
Zoe’s still a big talker; when she’s not saying “mama” or “dada,” she’s talking in her baby (er, toddler?) language or shouting out things like “ee-yo” or “ee-ya.” (Those are new favorites.) She also continues to imitate people, and not just with words but with facial expressions or actions. Q often “clicks” his tongue at her, and she has started to click right back; she also tries to imitate my “fishie” faces.
Zoe has maintained her sunny temperament; unless she’s tired or hungry, she’s smiling or laughing. She still loves peek-a-boo, jumping up and down (which we call “popcorn”), getting tickled, and turning book pages. (She spends long stretchs of times sitting in the corner of her room, gathering books from her book basket, and then “reading” the books – one by one.) When she sees something she likes, such as favorite toy, she makes an “o” face and sucks in her breath in excitement.
Now that Zoe’s a bit older, I’ve noticed she’s also more cuddly. Her preference is still to be on the move (instead of in someone’s arms), but she does often crawl over to me or Q and demand a hug. She also recently started giving kisses; if you ask for a “kissie” and present her with your cheek, you’ll likely receive a big, open-mouth kiss. I’m her mom and naturally biased, but I think it’s one of the cutest things ever!
As sentimental (read: sad) as I could get about Zoe’s birthday, I’m heartened by the fact that we have tons to look forward to. (I often remind myself that Q and I have enjoyed each stage better than the one before.) It’s a great privilege to watch someone grow up before your eyes, and I’m terribly grateful to Zoe for all the joy she has brought our families.
Happy Birthday, Zoe!
-M