Pam's Little Pigs

New BLOG!

2009-08-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

Hello, my lovely readers! I am moving shop! I started Pam's Little Pigs while pregnant with Zoe and boy, oh boy has a lot changed in a year!

As many of you know, I've really taken a liking to sewing, crafting, renovating, design, etc. My creative spirit was reborn with the birth of Zoe I feel. Don't roll your eyes at me!! Anyhoo. My new blog is:

www.lovemetwicetoday.blogspot.com

Love Me Twice Today will be the name of my new etsy shop. Oh, boy there it is. I just wrote it. And now I have to live up to it. Etsy is a place for buying and selling all things handmade/vintage and supplies. The name for the shop came from the fact that most of the items I make are either of vintage fabric or reversible. Also, that Doors song is quite catchy!

I hope to sell some dresses and other baby items. Who knows maybe I'll sell some of the cool things I happen upon in my thrifting jaunts!? I really appreciate any support in this endeavor and hope that you'll check out my new blog and shop, once its up and running!

GONE FISHING

2009-08-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Oh, right....I was supposed to write that, hmmm, about 3 months ago!!! So... if you've been wondering just where exactly we've been lately, I'll tell you: VACATION! Yes, both Mike and I have off all summer and we spend it sipping margaritas, getting massages, and traveling the world! Ok, not quite. But it's nice to not have to wake up at 5:30am everyday or get talked back to by teenagers or have to rush rush rush to get everything done.

Believe me, we've been busy busy. Let's see, the kitchen was redone (almost completely), Zoe had her first real trip to the beach, she got to go to the zoo and see all the wild animals she loves! and we took lots of day trips here and there to pass the days. We cleaned house, we ate breakfast late, we finger-painted, planted flowers, got rid of a VW bus (tear, sniff), ate strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, drank lots of coffee (well, Mike and I that is), played with friends, went crabbing, fishing, bike riding, you name it!

Also, in the midst of all this summertime-goodtime I became an Aunt! Zoe a cousin and Mike an Uncle. My brother and sister-in-law had their baby girl in July and she is just the most precious little, teeny-tiny, peanut I've ever seen!! I just love her so much and was the first relative at the hospital to get to hold her! Yay, me.

Anyway, it's back to work for me.... which means less time with my little wunderkind. Sad face. But I've got lots of new ideas and have been really creative this summer. I hope it all pays off soon! Check out my creativity here.

This is why I love him...

2009-06-17T20:35:00.001-07:00

.....everything good about him shows through her.....

Happy Father's Day to you.

What a difference a year makes!

2009-05-26T07:33:00.000-07:00

My oh, my.... what a difference indeed! This past Saturday Zoe turned 1. It truly was a bittersweet day. The weather was perfect and it was as if Zoe knew that the family gathering we had was in her honor. She was so happy and playful. Running around, babbling away, waving at her bouquet of balloons, schmoozing with the grandparents!

I know everyone says it, but a year truly flew by. Zoe grew and changed so fast it was hard to keep up with all of the milestones. And speaking of milestones.... One of the reasons I waited until after her birthday to post was because I knew we would be going to her 12month check-up today. She weighed in at a lean 20lbs 14oz and is 31" long. She also has a nice proportionate head, which is a plus I guess. Her stats are great and she is healthy as can be, minus the little virus that crept in over the weekend, too much partying I guess!

*A ZOE cup!? How did you know I wanted one of these?*

*Having a Ball!*

But the milestones! As the doctor rattled off a list of "should-be-doing-soon"s I nodded at each one. He asked if she was pulling up and I mentioned that she had been walking since 9 months. If she was talking, and as if on cue Zoe perked up looked directly at Mike and said "DADA". Now I realize most babies are saying DADA by 12 months and she does call many things DADA but when she looks at Mike and says it, it's with a purpose for sure. She also picks up shoes and says "sheww" or a stuffed banana and says "na-na". When I said these things to the Dr. again, Zoe perked up and started babbling away.

*ONE!*

*Sliding on her own... almost.*

He then told us a few things she should be able to do at her 18 month check-up, since she's already doing the things most 15 month olds are doing. Like, stepping up on a step, which she does on her own. Taking out the trash, folding laundry, doing dishes, etc.... oh, wait. He didn't say that, damn.

*Zoe and Maddie*

*Getting ready to dive into her first cupcake... not too thrilled considering she just listened to a bunch of monotoned adults sing Happy Birthday!*

*MOM! DAD! How embarassing!*

The doc was certainly impressed, as was I, at how much she had changed and progressed in a year. Just imagine if we continued learning and growing at that rate our whole lives! GIGANTIC GENIUSES we'd all be!

*She can have her cake AND eat it too!*

We love you Zoe!

Update!

2009-05-07T07:08:00.000-07:00

So, here's a little glimpse of the nest.... well, one room anyway! Of course because I was so ecstatic I forgot to take a before picture. So you only get the AFTER!

*No, I'm not OCD, I just like my books organized by color...what?*

*Creating mini vingettes..."

*that white cabinet holds the future of my Empire!*

*Sweet little reading corner*

*Pick a color...any color.... well not any... one for the curtains please!*

I think I'm going for the one on the left...

Nesting: The Sequel

2009-05-01T20:22:00.000-07:00

Yes. I am nesting again. And NO, for all of you wondering if that means that I'm pregnant again! You see, when we moved into our new house it was last March and I was 8 months pregnant... I was seriously not up for any kind of moving, painting, planning, etc. Yes, I was scatterbrained and yes, I was furiously washing and folding millions of baby items, but at the time it felt as though the house was just fine the way it was.... I was also anti-nursery/nesting... if you'll remember.

*looking for sticks for our nest*

Well those days are faaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrr behind me it seems. I'm not sure what's come over me, but I know I am desperate to simplify, design, create, and make my environment a home. And I love doing it. I love going through the hardware store and finding the little gadgets that I need. Buying paint. Looking for fabrics to make curtains for the downstairs. It's all become so fun and I am obsessed with design blogs lately. Forget people talking about kids and relationships!! I want to read all about how you before and after'd your new favorite room or heck maybe even a whole house!

*mom, can we move back in the house yet?*

All this design searching has made me wonder if my ancestors weren't Swedish or possibly Danish. I LOVE everything Scandanavian! The sweet style of their blogs, the amazing ability to make a room look so simple yet contain so much detail! Seriously I'm totally in love.... if you are interested in seeing some of the things I've been browsing you can check them out here, here and here....

I'll keep you posted with pictures of the house.... that is if anything gets finished!! In the mean time, I've stopped washing clothes because I'm too busy fidgeting with things around the house... luckily it's getting warmer....

EXHIBIT A:

EXHIBIT B:

*I made this bag with leftover canvas I had lying around....anyone know what it says?*

Oh, and I totally ripped the idea from this talented woman

Flying 101

2009-04-18T20:24:00.000-07:00

Zoe and I recently took a trip to Colorado to support a friend of mine and her family for an amazing event in honor of her brother Cody St. John. Check out their website http://www.whatwouldcodydo.net/ for more information and what you can do to support the non-profit foundation in his name. Overall the trip was hella worth it and I'm glad I took a chance and did it. I learned A LOT from the experience and overcame a huge fear: flying with baby. Dun Dun Duuuuunnnn...

I flip-flopped with whether or not I should take her on the trip with me. Would people be upset that there was a baby in the house? Would she freak out on the flight and scream and cry??? Would I have a car seat? How would I snowboard with a baby in tow? What about a crib? How would I feed her? What are the policies on taking babies on planes? I had so many questions and I'm sure if you're reading this, and happen to have a baby that you have not yet traveled with, you do too!

*Taking in the sights*

So I have compiled a list of dos and don'ts as well as a summary of our trip below. Again, I'm no professional, but I play one in a High School! Also, every baby is different, so needs may vary. But a healthy dose of common sense goes a looooong way...

DO

Pack as many diapers as you can into a carry on, you never know when a flight might be canceled for *mechanical* problems....
If formula feeding, use drop-in bottles. I know they seem wasteful, but trust me you do NOT want to be washing a bottle in an airplane! If you're breastfeeding, don't be shy and well, you know what else you need to do.
Take a few books, toys are useless. Books (in Zoe's case) are a relaxing thing. She usually sits back and takes them in, which was great during take off and mid flight.
If you are a babywearing type I highly recomend using a sling to get through the airport. No need to wait for elevators, check strollers and the baby is close to you at all times. *Bonus, your arms are free to drink a smoothie!
Pack Snacks. Crackers, Cheerios, left over Annie's Pasta (try it if you haven't!). Dry snacks are best for obvious mess reasons.
Pacifiers are your friend. Baby's have sensitive ears and the pressure in the cabin can be alleviated by encouraging them to chill out and suck on a paci. If you don't use one, well... good luck.
Walk your baby around (if they are walking) as much as you can. Squirminess is inevitable. If your baby is walking and the seat belt sign is off, by all means strut your stuff up and down that aisle until the baby falls asleep!

DON'T

BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP! Especially if you are alone with the baby (like I was). People are generally willing and by people I don't mean airport staff (they sucked a big one especially in the security dept).
Wear shoes that are hard to get on and off (I made this mistake)
Pack tons of toys
Expect for things to go exactly as planned (5 flight changes later...)
Forget to remove your baby's shoes too when going through security! (I mean seriously?? Yes.)
Expect people to be helpful just because you have a baby, especially flight attendants. I had one extremely helpful one on the last flight, but the others could care less that I had a baby in tow.
Forget to pack your sanity!! Good times ahead!

So, you may be wondering how the trip went. Well, it was GREAT! Even with all the snafus. Sanfu, you say? Yes, we arrived in Dallas right on time and having stopped here many-a-times on my travels to Latin America, it was like seeing an old friend so I knew exactly where to go. I nonchalantly strolled to the terminal where my next flight to Steamboat Springs would be and when I arrived at the gate a small Lepruchan like man was waiting. This little man proceeded to tell me with NO emotion what so ever that my flight was cancelled and oh, by the way, it's the ONLY ONE to Steamboat today. I literally laughed outloud and said, "you're kidding right?". "NO" was all he said and then walked away!! Panic was starting to set in and I thought.... no way is this happening. I mean NO WAY!

I looked at Zoe who was happily perched in her sling and thought, no big deal. I'll figure it out. I mean, we're not going to be stuck here forever.... right? So, I went to ticketing and they booked me on a flight to Denver then Steamboat and I was scheduled to arrive around 730pm their time. Meaning, 1030pm our time. Whatever, no big deal, at least we're on a flight and going to get there tonight, right? Wrong. After waiting for two hours for our flight to Denver, which was spent eating and playing in the Dallas airport's awesome kid area, we made our way to the gate. As I was walking to the gate and happy to be getting on our way finally, a Texas twang came over the PA. Flight 484884303(whatever) to Denver has been... wait for it... CANCELLED! Are you Fing kidding me I thought. NO WAY! Yes way. And they then proceeded to get everyone on the flight in a single file line with ONE ticket agent to rebook everyone.

Then there is an anouncement that we can go back to ticketing for "faster" service. Well, I've had a ten month old, in serious need of a nap, slung around my neck and she was starting to get restless so I ran to the ticketing line, not even thinking I'd have to go BACK through security (3rd time).

*I told her not to over pack!*

*Smarter than a fifth grader*

The 'kind' gentelmen at the ticketing counter seemed concerned and helpful, but in actuality he was a dick. Ooops, did I just say that, sorry Grandma! Yes and this dick proceeded to tell me and my now napping (thank GOD!) 10 month old, that the only way we were going to get to Denver is if we went to TULSA first!! So our new flight was: Tulsa>Denver>Steamboat. See what I mean about the diapers... you just NEVER know. So we get to the counter for Tulsa, where I was officially frustrated and I see the sign: FLIGHT DELAYED 2 HOURS; TORNADOES. And OMG I almost fell over and died. I went to the gate agent and with the *nicest* tone told her that I needed to be in Denver within the next hour or else! And wouldn't you know it... there was a flight to Denver with room for Zoe and I. Amazing, how that works out, eh?

Wheeewwwwwww. So in the end we made it to Steamboat. Zoe cried only once and slept a little each flight. She was perfect. American Airlines on the other hand, well they can kiss it, if you know what I mean! The moral of the story is: Don't be afraid to travel with your baby. Be patient and flexible and all will work out. Oh, and when I finally arrived in Steamboat (a tiny little airport) a nice man who happened to have an "extra" carseat, gave it to me to use for Zoe! For free! Karma... ahhh.

Hippity Hoppity

2009-04-12T19:28:00.000-07:00

Hello there! It's me again here to tell you all about how freaking adorable, wonderful, cute, funny, awesome, amazing, etc... Zoe is. Oh, and to tell you all about the Easter Bonanza leading up to today. The big day when the Easter Bunny comes and drops off chocolate treats and goes hopping on his merry way.

Ok, so not quite. Yes, yes the amazing adorableness is all true, but let's get real people, 10 month olds do not know what the hell the Easter Bunny is. So instead of running downstairs to find eggs and dig in to her chocolate bunny, I put little Zoe in her jogging stroller and off we went. Which is probably a good thing, considering all the candy I ate.

Since I can not describe in words the experience we had while visiting with the Easter Bunny at the local mall, I will let you enjoy the following images. Let them tell the story for you...

*Getting psyched at Target*

*Practicing for the 'hunt'

*Rejoicing after finding the Golden Egg!

*Making a wish...*

*Patiently waiting in line to see the Easter Bunny*

*Finally! The moment we've all been waiting for!*

*Giving the Easter Bunny an ear full!

*Over it!*

TEN MONTHS!!! WHAT?

2009-03-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Zoe has been walking for about a month now and everyday her tiny legs seem to grow longer and stronger. Her favorite afternoon activity is to find a toy and walk around the living room in circles. This seems to entertain her and can be a nice break for me since she's in my view from the kitchen or the couch or where ever I've plopped myself to take a break.

*Walking 9 months*

*Walking 10 months: you can tell by the blur she's gotten faster*

I seriously CAN NOT believe Zoe is ten months old and in less than two months we will be celebrating her first Birthday. I mean seriously how did this happen!!! I know everyone tells you to just wait it flys by. But jeez ow! c'mon... Mommy needs a time out.

*still the cutest kid EVER!*

*yes, she brushes her teeth all by herself... and yes, my toilet is clean!*

Being a full-time working mother makes it even harder. There is so much guilt involved since you aren't with them all day, you feel as if you have to spend every moment not at work with them. And you want to of course but man is it tiring. When Zoe was immobile it wasn't so bad, but now I'm constantly running around the corner to make sure she hasn't fallen in the hole in our living room (yes. there is a hole in our living room...), climbing up the spiral metal staircase, or trying to steal the dog's bone!
*me and my little adventurer*

Trying to keep it all together has gotten more difficult. Luckily, both Mike and I have a break coming up. Which should give us just enough time to get our house back in some sort of living order and feel rested enough for the homestretch until summer VAY-CAY-SHUN!! uh huh! I can not wait to take this little rug rat to the beach. Take her for hikes in the woods. Hang out in the yard and fight off mosquitoes. Take her fishing. Oh, so much to do!

*take a hike!*

*sampling dirt at Thomas Point State Park*

She is a true flower child. I've had her working with me by my side all weekend in our front yard raking up dirt and prepping the flower beds for spring and summer blooms. She has curiously played with the daffodils and tested the mulch for it's unique flavor, which she seems to have taken a liking to. She even helped me pull a few weeds although I had to remind her that they too were not a snack, neither were the rocks or sticks she was trying to consume!

She walks, she sings, she points to things! This girl's on a roll and I'm loving every minute with her.

yea... i'm a walker

2009-03-13T07:47:00.001-07:00

IMG_1145
Originally uploaded by zooey mae

Walk this way

2009-02-23T10:44:00.000-08:00

Just shy of her 9 month Birthday(which happens to be today!), Zoe Mae decided to take her first actual steps. That’s right ladies and gents the lightening fast crawler has decided that crawling just isn’t fast enough. I’m sure she has noticed that the longer legged creatures have an advantage over her all-fours mode of transportation and has chosen to follow suit. She has been at it for a while now, moseying along behind her walker like an old woman lost in the grocery store. Bumping into various things along the way and picking up a few bumps and bruises as well. She moved on from her cart to cruising from the mismatched furniture strewn about our living room, which has been rearranged about a million times to fit our corralling needs.

She’s absolutely delighted with her new walking discovery and literally cracks up every time she takes more than a few steps. As if she has just discovered the key to her escape! Like, aha, now’s my chance to make a break for it! Catch me if you can! Which we do as she plops down onto her diapered bottom. Her fits of giggles and squeals are only intensified by our attempts to keep her up since we grab her under her ribs, i.e. her ticklish spot. When she is practicing on her own it’s as if her little body has been possessed. Her arms outstretched like a zombie and a wobbly walk… hmmm, if only it were Halloween. I could wrap her up in the toilet paper she pulled off the roll and send her out for candy!

Anyway, I know this is one small step for mankind and one giant step for me and in the big scheme of things not THAT exciting… but hey, who am I kidding? In my world right now IT IS the most exciting thing. It’s interesting how the most mundane ordinary tasks becoming acts of courage and triumph when watching your little babe grow exponentially.

i love you.

2009-02-13T18:10:00.000-08:00

Zoe Mae you are my heart.

I love you more than I could even start...

You make me smile when skies are gray.

Oh, how I love you my sweet Zoe Mae.

When I look at you I see my soul.

When you look at me you fill a hole.

We are part of one another and always will be.

It's one relationship I know was meant to be.

I hope you know how much you are loved.

A million, trillion times more than I've ever thought of.

Everyday my love grows and grows.

And in each laugh I'm sure it shows.

Your spirit is brighter than the stars above.

And your smile is more lovely than a silent dove.

I could go on forever talking this way...

A million kisses to you Zoe Mae!

Say it ain't SNOW!?

2009-01-25T18:49:00.000-08:00

Actually, scratch that PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE say it is snow. I am sitting here right now like a teenager praying that there will be snow tonight and that school will be cancelled!! Oh, how I wish wish wish it would snow! I would just like a few days where I can sit around the house and kind of do as I please, without having to cram ALL of my free time into two measly days on the weekend...

Also, even though Zoe got to see snow on her first ever ski trip (more about that in a minute...), I still want to pull her around the neighborhood in her sled! Especially since the sled did not make it on said ski trip. You may be wondering why I'm so amped for snow... well, it just so happens that in my profession, a few flakes is VERY dangerous and could endanger the lives of many! Batten down the hatches! Call the Fire Department! Load up the Salt Trucks! They're calling for Flurries!

Yes, the nice thing about living in Maryland, is that we are so NOT used to getting snow, that even if there is a hint of snow, the head honchos will call off school. If you are starting to realize, yes, I work in a school. And if you are a teenager reading this, yes, your teachers want it to snow more than you do!

Let's get back to the ski trip since we are on the topic of school. For the past three years I have helped organize and chaperon the annual ski trip up to Seven Springs. Generally about 50-80 teens ages 13-16 go on the trip and about 5 or 6 chaperons. For the most part the kids are great and the biggest perk? Free snowboarding for me! The first year was great... I rode for hours without stopping. Last year, well, at 6 months pregnant I didn't want to risk going moc 10 down a slippery slope with a little bebe inside, so I went snowshoeing instead. Not as exhilarating but still fun.

*best. conditions. ever.*

Well, this year I had BIG plans! The first ever family ski trip! I could see it now... Mike and I out all day taking turns hanging with Zoe, drinking some hot chocolate together in the afternoon, pulling Zoe in her sled through the woods... oh, it was all so damn wonderful in my head that I should have seen disappointment on the horizon.

*Planning her escape!*

*making a fast break for the ice machine!*

Zoe and I rode the bus up with 52 teenagers... honestly, she's the best baby ever on the road... not a tear was shed and not a diaper messed for the 4 1/2 hr drive (there or back). We got to the hotel and settled into the room. Of course it was the best conditions any of us had seen in the Poconos in a long time. And of course I could not go out, since I had Zoe and Mike was not to arrive until later that evening...

*wondering when I am going to take her back into the warmth...*

*wondering where she can pick up those things helping people walk around on this stuff!*

Fast forward to Friday night and then to Saturday morning... still no Mike. Let's just say he got "stuck" (in the eye, in the bathroom, in the car).... and could not make it. the. whole. weekend. I realized that weekend that single parents are Super Heroes in disguise and that ski trips with babies are no fun unless you have a 24hr babysitter. Thankfully Zoe is pleasant so no one minded watching her for a few hours while I made some turns for the next two days. And I was offering up extra credit to kids soon to have me this semester.

Still, we had a nice bonding weekend. And it was awesome to be with her alone. It would have been better if the plan in my head would have worked out. But we all know that plans usually don't go, well... as planned. So maybe if I don't plan on snow tomorrow, we'll get some! And I can stay home and hang with the coolestbabyonearth instead!

Hoosier Baby?

2009-01-02T20:35:00.001-08:00

On Friday after Christmas, my dad and I decided last minute that we should most definitely make the trek out to Indiana to see his side of the family especially my Grandpa Len, Zoe's Great-Grandpa. He hadn't met Zoe yet and I really wanted him to be able to spend some time with her. It is a long drive, 12 ½ hours to be exact, but well worth it. There are always lots of laughs, lots of stories and of course, LOTS OF FOOD! Geez ow!

*All set with her Zebra for the road*

I was really afraid that Zoe would be extremely restless in the car. Knowing how long of a drive it is and how restless I get, I could only imagine it being worse for an infant. Zoe has just graduated into a convertible car seat, meaning she faces backwards still, but has a bit more wiggle room and her seat is permanently locked in. I think this arrangement most definitely helped with comfort issues, because she was happy as a clam in her seat the whole ride… probably more comfortable than me and I'm sure more comfortable than my dad. She took naps at her normal times, I played with her in the seat when she was awake and fed her bottles and solid food. She was great. I honestly couldn't believe it. I thought surely any moment there was going to be a meltdown. If not me than her! But we all kept it together, even when 2 miles turned into 20, 40… and Koutz was the biggest "town" on the map…. Google it.

*Zoe + Jacob hanging with her Caterpillar*

*Learning to play the guitar with Grandpa and Fia*

*Nick rapping to Zoe while she "jumped! jumped!"*

We arrived to a full house and everyone was ready to meet Zoe. She was a bit off schedule, but was able to get back on with no problem. I feel like I learned a lot this trip. I was very patient with her, as I usually am and just kind of let her lead the way. Ready to fulfill any need she had. It was also helpful to be surrounded by so many great (experienced) people that were just as in love with little Zoe as I am. She was NOT attention starved to say the least. 8 out of 10 grandchildren were present and 2 of my dads' siblings were there. My favorite aunt in the whole world and my favorite uncle too! Aunt Patti has 4 awesome adults kids! And Uncle Scott has two beautiful kids that are always a ball to hang out with. I was so happy to be sharing Zoe with everyone. I never felt nervous leaving her with anyone knowing that she was well cared for. Everyone always pitches in and takes care of each other. From helping with dishes, to folding sheets, to setting the table there was always help! I love it. It's like a fine tuned machine, watching all of us in action. And the kitchen doesn't stop producing until the last eyes are shut.

*I think she may have done this before...?*

*Great-Grandpa 'Len'ding a hand*

*Aunt Pattie and Grandma Alice taking a break*

I managed to slip out for a morning jog to try and balance the 2lbs of cream cheese and sugar I consumed in my Cousin Julia's DELICIOUS cookies the night before. It was a feeble attempt but the brisk morning air and peaceful neighborhood made for a nice meditative moment. I love my family, I love laughing with them and listening to stories. I love telling stories and searching through my grandma's treasures (boy, does she have a lot of them). I love that we are all connected and part of one another. It's so real when we are together. Our mannerisms, personality's even voices are similar. Even though we all live far away from each other and don't see each other for years at a time, we all get in a room and it's as if nothing has changed… I like it that way. Nothing makes you feel better than walking into a room and feeling like "ahhh, now these are my people."! I can't wait to see them all again. And I know Zoe can't either!

'Tis the Season!

2008-12-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

"to be jorry fa ra ra ra ra, ra ra ra ra...."-A Christmas Story

I've totally been jonesing for some good ol' fashion Christmas movies. Nothing like Dennis Quaid in a dicky, drinking egg-nog from a moose head mug, to get you in the spirit! Or, "Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets its' wings." Charlie Brown and his sad little tree wrapped in Linus' blanket... OH, I could go on.

Today while fiestando early-Christmas with my brother and sister-in-law, I took Zoe downstairs to sit by the fire and rock in my parents nice overstuffed chair. As I scanned through the 59,696,493 channels, I was unable to find one whole Christmas movie! Talk about Bah-Humbug! The end of Miracle on 34th street was on, but it was the updated version... not even close to as good as the original.

*A sweater!? I asked for bunny-footed PJs!"

So as I settled on the last 25 minutes or so of mediocre yule-tide cheer. Zoe sat on my lap, rubbing her face in my scarf, gazing back and forth from the fire to the TV. It was a relaxing moment and made me excited to think about the memories yet to be made with her, especially around the holidays. She's still young to understand what's going on, I'm not sure I know what in the hell is going on sometimes. But she makes everyone smile and is always a nice get out of jail free card... not that I would ever need one... *cough cough*

*Making Uncle Phil smile*

*"Great-Grandma, how do I work this worm?"*

Anyway, if you're thinking of any last minute gift ideas, I'd love to start a collection of Holiday/Christmas videos for Zoe. So feel free to buy your favorites or any of the one's I listed (those are my favorites!). I promise she's been very good and definitely deserves them!

*I Heart Santa!*

It was the breast of times, it was the worst of times...

2008-12-06T18:36:00.000-08:00

it was a time of pumping, it was a time of nurturing. It was the epoch belief that I would be able to be Earth Mother Goddess of the Universe for the next 12 months..... errrrr! *record scratch*
2 years! seriously am I seriously supposed to nurse for 2 years? Call me crazy, call me selfish, but little miss zo is going to be weaned. I have plenty of reasons, most of them personal *obvs!*, but I feel that it's time.

*6 month check up, tearing paper and eating frogs... uh huh*

Zoe is now 6 months and 3 weeks old. She has been fed 98% mama's milk up until this point. And she is one healthy little girl. I took her to her 6 month check up the other day and the doctor commented on her demeanor and was impressed with her growth. She weighed in at a lean 17lbs. 4oz. and 27 1/2" long. Look out runways here she comes!

*Bish puh-lease!"

I am impressed with her growth and happy that she is healthy. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that for 6 whole months I nursed/pumped and fed this little babe all the nutrition she needed to thrive and be healthy. I planned to nurse for 6 months and have been slowly easing her off la leche materna. It hasn't been easy and the emotional roller coaster? well, let's just say... it hasn't been fun. As you go up the coaster you feel great, best decision ever and then you slowly creep around the corner and WHOOOOAAA! you fly down the other side, screaming... NOoooooo I shouldn't have stopped! tears sliding down your cheeks as the world whizzzes by. Yeah, that's about it... but luckily the ride is coming to an end and I'll slowly be pulling up to a stop and undoing my lap belt...wheew.

The worst part about the doctor visits are the shots! It's so wrong. I know they are for her and the rest of the populations' own good. But seriously, why? Why? She cries BIG tears and looks at me like, "I thought you loved me?? What the hell is going on!". It's awful.

The nurse came in to get her all ready and tells me to hold her arms so she doesn't swat the needle. So I do and I feel like I'm torturing her Guantanamo style. Once the nurse is done I feed her and then put her clothes back on. Then, there's a knock on the door... it's the NURSE! "So sorry." she says, "I forgot to give her the HEP B shot.".... and then Zoe gave her this look

*say what!? i don't think so lady..."

Oh, no, I said. That will most definitely have to wait. So we have to go back in a month for that and a follow up flu shot. AY yae yae. Alas, we made it out alive. Poor thing has had a fever ever since, but she's a trooper... like her mama.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T16:54:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for so many wonderful things that culminate to make my life what it is...

*Zoe and her friend Topsy

I'm happy that I was able to spend today with people I love and share the joy that Zoe brings me with all of them. I hope everyone's family had a great day! Even if this is some sort of crazy western gluttonous holiday, it's still nice to have an excuse to see the one's you love, that often times you spend so little time with. Happy (family) Day everyone!

*morning stroll, Thanksgiving 2008

Teeth, Boobs and Poop

2008-11-20T17:53:00.001-08:00

Hmmmm…. Something tells me that seeing those three words together is not going to make many of you very comfortable. And believe me they haven't been making me very comfortable lately either… Besides having the whole double-vowel thing in common, these words have also become an extremely common part of my vocabulary. As you may have seen in my last post Zoe has gotten her first tooth teeth! She now has TWO teeth on her bottom jaw. This is all very exciting and very scary at the same time. These little teeth feel exactly like puppy teeth at first, very small and razor sharp. The sharp feeling disappears after a day or so, but the first time I felt one with my finger all I could think about was how much this was going to hurt my boobs! (see… you're starting to see the connection aren't you?)

Anyway, admist all the exciting teeth-breaking news, and let me tell you Zoe has been handling it like a champ!, there have been some other not so exciting things happening in the home. For one, our dog Ziggy is very sick and, well, can not stop pooping everywhere! So not only am I greeted with a teething baby, laundry, trash duty, general cleaning, getting my stuff ready for the next day, etc. etc... but also with random piles of POO everywhere! BARF. Luckily it's the only poo I really encounter all day, since I've trained Zoe only to go when she's with one of her grandmas (mwa hahahaha!), but still. It's soooo not something you want to come home too. If you notice Ziggy (our poo-poo puppy) is in the background eating what I am sure tomorrow's surprise will be...ugh.

Enough about poo... I know all you really want are baby pictures! Lots and lots of cute chubby bubbly baby pictures. So here are some recent ones. She is now using her high chair! and sooo getting ready to crawl. She still can't get enough of mama's milk, but has started pureed fruits and veggies... yum! I'm such a freakin' mom I love it! Feeding her is the highlight of my day. Seriously.

Zoe is 6 months on Sunday....tear. It's her half-birthday....double tear. Don't grow up. Pretty puhlease!

Let the Tooth Be Told!

2008-11-11T07:35:00.000-08:00

Hear ye, hear ye! Let it be known that on the 21st hour of the 10th day of November, year 2008, Zoe Mae has received her first tooth! *loud obnoxious roar*...

PICTURES WILL BE POSTED SOON!

The Farmer and Her Chicken

2008-11-02T04:22:00.001-08:00

I l-o-v-e Halloween and was so excited to dress Zoe up. I never thought I would be one of those mom's that make their kids costume, but that is totally what ended up happening... I sewed a white feather boa to a onesie and made a little red felt top for her hat and voila! chicken little she was! Notice my "costume" was not very creative... I was supposed to be a chicken farmer and if I didn't have to work on Halloween I would have had more time and energy to put into my own costume... womp womp... Regardless! We had so much fun. Check out the pictures below!

*Chicken Dance*

*bawk bawk?*

* First Halloween!*

*Chicken Butt*

*In her Pumpkin outfit with Grandma*

Birth Day

2008-10-25T21:48:00.000-07:00

Monday was my Birthday. I am now 27 years old. I am indifferent about my age, but have totally changed on how I feel about Birthdays in general. When you become a mother it makes you think very strongly about your own presence and how and why you are here. Your whole perspective changes. You appreciate so much more all the things you have been given in life. When you care for a child day in and day out, you realize, "someone did this for me too and without that person I wouldn't be here right now." Which seems like a very obvious statement, but I think it is one we most definitely overlook and take for granted. I also think that when you are young it's hard to stop and say to yourself, "hey mom and dad, thanks for bringing me into this world and making sure that I was taken care of the first few years of life, I mean without you where would I be now!?".

I've tried to always be thankful for everything I have. I've always tried to give back as much as I can and create an independence for myself so that I would be able to take care of myself when/if needed. I remember going to college and feeling a huge sense of freedom and relief. I was very insistent on making my own decisions and choices and rules. I stayed the course, I wasn't as diligent as most but I always tried hard. One thing my parents instilled in both my brother and I (and I'm not sure how...) was self discipline. My brother has always been extremely self-motivated and disciplined and I have to a certain degree as well. I'm not sure where that comes from or how they did it, but I'm grateful for that. And it's something I hope to pass on to Zoe one day.

Being born is an amazing thing. I think it is also a very scary thing. You as the parent don't have control over the situation, nor do you as the child. You don't ask to be brought into whichever scenario you were handed and on occasion the parent does not receive everything they hoped and dreamed of. I have been lucky to have both a loving family and a child that I am completely in love with. She saved me from myself and made me see more purpose to who I am and why I am here.

Thanks mom and dad for taking good care of me. And Happy Birthday to Me.

Time After Time…

2008-10-05T20:55:00.001-07:00

"Lying in my bed again I hear you crying the clock tick, I think of you…"

We're "sleep training" so she's been crying a little lately… sooooo unlike our little Zoe. Dr's orders though. The Doc told me that if I keep feeding her to sleep she'll never learn to fall asleep on her own. So, I'm trying something new. I feed her then change her diaper to wake her up a bit, read her a story, relax her, put her in her crib and let her try and figure it out from there. This is all in attempt to get her to sleep through the night without waking up for her usual 2am feeding… not so fun. So far the past two nights she has slept a solid ten hours! Whoa, either the Dr. was right or I've just been getting lucky. We'll see tonight. 3^rd times a charm right? So on to why I really used a quote from a favorite 80s song for the title of this post….

I think Cyndi Lauper was on to something when she wrote this song. I was at an event last night that conjured up SO many memories from when I was a kid that I've had this song in my head all day. I saw a bunch of people that I spent about 90% of my childhood/adolescence with. I could vividly remember scenarios with certain people in class or on the field, things I haven't thought about in YEARS! Travelling with my soccer team all over the place. First boyfriends. The 8^th grade dance. My REALLY awkward days, of chubby cheeks, hairsprayed bangs, braces, Addidas sneakers and plaid shorts, rugby shirts (because for some reason they were so cool at one point), sleepovers, "girls-only-night" Wednesdays… so many memories. I couldn't help but think that one day Zoe is going to have tons of memories. I'm hoping I make her "awkward" stage a bit easier… no offense mom I know you tried, but seriously how did you let me walk out of the house like that!?
It makes me sad to think she's going to grow up, but also excited. With each day I see her gain a little more independence, falling asleep on her own, discovering the world without my shoving objects into her face assistance. I can even see her starting to push with her back legs, crawling here we come! She's got the roll mastered and she can even put her Nuk back in her mouth unassisted. Agh! Don't grow up… ok, I'm being dramatic. This is actually a cool stage. And I'm pretty sure I'm going to enjoy them all (I'll probably eat those words later oh, say potty training time…).

Growing up is just bittersweet. Seeing old friends made me think of how few friends I have these days. And even when I was young, although I knew all these people, I still only had one or two really close friends. I think that helped me though as I grew up. I was never afraid to go off on my own and knew that no matter where I went I could meet friends and no matter how long I would be gone for or out of touch I would be, there would still be those one or two good friends that would always be there no matter what. I cherish people like that. But I also cherish the fact that I never got caught in one group or stayed in one place with the same people too long. I feel that as I got older, it made me more aware of me. I want Zoe to be aware of her self and know what she is capable of. I never want to hold her back from discovering all that she can do. I want her to know no matter how many or how few friends she has she will always have herself, me, her dad… and that if she needs a little push to spread her wings I'll be willing to give it to her.

"if your lost you can look and you will find me… time after time."

Yea. I like that. Thanks Ms. Lauper.

shower

2008-09-21T19:21:00.001-07:00

shower
Originally uploaded by pam's little pigs

To: Girlsgonechild From: Pamslittlepigs

2008-09-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to the woman that got me started on this whole blogging kick and her soon to be baby girl! I found Rebbecca Woolf's blog the day I found out I was pregnant with Zoe and after reading her blog I didn't feel afraid about being a young mother.... We are celebrating her newest addition, as well as another supermom-blogger's addition, in an online reminiscent posting about those beautiful first days of motherhood. You know, the moment you realized you really had grown up... So, here's to you ladies! I hope that your babies are happy and healthy!

AHHHHhhhh, yes. It seems like only yesterday.... well, actually four months to the day! when little Zoe entered the world. It was absolutely incredible. I had no idea how overwhelmed and happy I would be. On that day everything was wrong it felt... I was induced which I thought was so unnatural and horrible (it's not), Mike and I fought on the way to the hospital, I cried when the nurse came in, I sneered at the people behind the desks... and then, at 1:15, a screaming 8lb 8oz BEAUTIFUL baby girl came into the world and all the stars were once again aligned.

I smiled at the nurses, cracked jokes with the people emptying the trash, Mike and I hugged and made up.... and I was in tears as they laid Zoe on my chest and she began to nurse as if she knew how all along. We were so in sync the moment she was in my arms. Her eyes were wide open and she stared right at me. Her tiny red fists opened and clasped my finger with all their might! I had never felt more real and alive than I did in that moment. Even if half my body was numb...

Happiness was something that I thought I knew, that I thought I had a firm understanding of. It all changed in an instant... or 4 hours (whatever, motherhood amnesia). I spent weeks packing and unpacking a bag for her and one for me. Waiting anxiously, pacing in her room, talking to her at night, wondering what she would be like... Never thinking that she would redefine my world in the most positive way.

The first days were spent feeding and swaddling her, holding her in my arms as if someone just handed me the best present in the world. I never felt nervous or like I didn't know what I was doing. I felt good. The weather was beautiful the week she was born and I was happy to have her in the fresh spring air for the first time. We put her in her car seat and took her home... I remember sitting in the back with her, so nervous, as if it were the first time she had ridden in the car. Then remembering that she had been with me for the past nine months cruising around and it was really no different.

She made the best noises. A cross between a purr and a sigh... I loved putting her little hats on and smelling her sweet little head. I loved the face she made when she started to wake up and stretch... I loved waking up to feed her and change her, knowing that I was the reason she was content. I remember when her cord stump fell off and how excited I was to give her a bath. I remember being so proud that she didn't have to go to her second week check up after birth because at one week she was thriving! I remember thinking, now this is happiness! and I was right.

It really is the most extraordinary, ordinary thing and I hope it is for you too. I hope you girls have a wonderful experience, minus the obvious labor pains, and that your memories stay with you forever and ever... you know, even if the Internet crashes some day.

"Hey Big Girl!"

2008-08-23T10:15:00.000-07:00

Zoe is getting so big! People can't believe she's 3 months old when they see her. She has gotten long and is filling out all over. Now that she can be held without too much support for her head, you still have to be careful though, I don't have to use the stroller every time I go in the store. This has of course led to many new people gawking over her cherub cuteness. Don't get me wrong, I love the attention as much as she does. I mean who wouldn't want to show off this cute little person.
Zoe has gotten big enough to sleep in her own crib now and has moved out of the bassinet in our room. Below is a picture of her taking her first nap in the new crib... *collective sigh*

The dogs seem to have taken a liking to our newest addition as well. Barron certainly enjoys hanging out with her during tummy time...

And last but not least! Zoe is going to be splitting her time between our mom's houses... there go my nanny blues (at least now I know for sure she's in good hands, I mean Mike and I turned out ok, right?). Here she is at G'ma W's house hammin' it up!

Back to....

2008-08-10T12:37:00.000-07:00

I can think of a lot of things I would like to write after that... i.e. the beach, basics, fun, hanging out with Zoe, etc. The word SCHOOL however is not a word I want to attach to that statement for the life of me. No, Zoe has not advanced so rapidly that she is going to be headed to school this fall.... it's us. We teach. And if there is one thing a teacher HATES to hear, probably more than their students, it's the statement Back to School.

I knew that this day would come quickly and 3 months has really flown by. But the love that I have for her is just so intense it's hard to leave her alone. Don't get me wrong, a break here and there is great, but as a parent there is just so much that happens in a day, it's almost as if when they are out of your site for a minute you just might miss something spectacular! "Holy crap, did she just move an INCH!?", "No seriously, I'm pretty sure she just said 'I love you'!" Those are the moments you live for when you have a baby. I realize that leaving her for a while, and you better believe I will be rushing home to her everyday, will make the time I spend with her even more precious. But nothing beats an afternoon nap with that little bean in my arms.

*Learning to crawl.....*

It's a weird feeling to know that you are going to be leaving your child in the care of someone else for the majority of your day. You just get so used to being there with them and knowing their every wiggle and grunt. Oh, and have I mentioned, she's the best baby on EARTH?? Yeah, yeah, I'm sure everyone says that but in my case it's true... So as you can imagine this whole back to work/back to school/leave Zoe alone thing is digging at me.
*Taking a break for a photo*

That said, I don't mind having to go to work, I just want the best for my little babe! Since I haven't done this before I went to my sources for help: Babycenter.com. They have an interview sheet for potential nannies with questions this girl would have never thought of and printable logs for the caregiver to fill out. All good stuff, but now the hard part... who to choose. Do you do in home care, daycare, family...? We are doing a combo. Grandma R and Grandma S are each taking one day a week, which is awesome... now for the other 3 days...

*Perfect Form!*
No worries though, everything always works out.... right?

Gone Fishing!

2008-07-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

I guess I should have posted that before we left for vacation! I realize that blogs aren't that much fun unless they are updated weekly if not bi-weekly! So... again... we have some catching up to do!

As of yesterday Zoe is officially 2 months old. Say what!? 2 months have flown by. But then again as so many mothers, and I'm sure fathers too, can attest to, you aren't really on normal time.... you're on BABY TIME! That's right. "I want to eat now dammit...", "dude, change me!...", "Um, I know this is usually my nap time, but, um, I'm not sleepy. Let's play instead!". Where do the days go! Yes, she is already bossing me around at 2 months, but hey, it's all worth it when she looks you right in the eye and smiles with that HUGE toothless grin!

So, where have I (we) been? We took a nice vacation with my parents to Bethany Beach. Good times all around. Zoe was awesome on the beach, sleeping mostly, but also getting her feet wet with a little help from Mama. We stayed for 10 days and got a good dose of sun and lots of baby compliments. I did some surfing and Mike got to spear-fish off the jetty at Indian River Inlet. It's one of our favorite spots in Delmarva, besides Assateauge, and gives us the best of both worlds... fishing and surfing.

*Fin*

Not Sew Easy

2008-07-04T19:07:00.000-07:00

It's Burda easy! Which by the way means... "Not Easy At All" in Swedish I'm pretty sure.

Seeing that I have Soooo much free-time with a six-week old, I've decided, like Mike, to take on as many projects as I can.... So, that when it is 3am this is what I'm working on:

I've been inspired by all of the adorable hand-made things I've been seeing on Etsy lately, like the onesie Zoe had on for the 4th. Also, because most of the baby stuff out there I'm either not impressed with or it's too freakin expensive. I bought a pattern cut out the pieces and this is what have together so far.

Granted, this is my first attempt at sewing clothing.... I've sewn cushions, curtains and countless other unfinished projects, but clothing is a little different. You can get away with a crooked stitch on curtains or pillows but not on the neck of a dress. I'm trying not to beat myself up over imperfections, especially since it's my first time... But it is for Zoe, so I do want it to be great! I'll post the finished project, well, as soon as it's finished! Patience people, sheesh!

The Stars and Stripes

2008-07-04T18:41:00.000-07:00

....are Big and Bright! Deep in the heart of Maryland! Ok, so Zoe's first Independence Day wasn't that eventful, seeing as she can only really see about 12 inches in front of her face and shouldn't really be exposed to explosive noises or explosives in general. We did walk down to a nearby pier where Mike proceeded to look for crabs on his hand-lines and Zoe decided she was hungry so I nursed her while holding her in her Baby Bjorn.... (nice to know that that can be done).

Although she has no idea what is going on around her I none-the-less chose to dress her up in all her 4th of July glory! The adorable onesie is from Lou and Lee on the Etsy website.

*"OOOOHhhhh, say can you see!"

*Shaking her fist thinking, "I'll get you for putting me in this outfit!"

*Happy 4th of July Everyone!*

Catching up with an old...er, not so old friend!

2008-06-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally found my camera so I'm all set to keep you pleasantly fulfilled with pictures of our little Zo-bot. My camera wasn't far and let's just say that I wasn't surprised when Mike "found" it in his closet... i.e. used it and then forgot where he put it. Anyhoo... let's catch up shall we.

Zoe's newest favorite activity is bath time! We've gotten into a pretty fun routine of bathing before bed and she just loves it. It's funny to think that our parents show embarrassing bath time pictures of us in the bath tub in big old albums and here I am posting it online. Such are the times I guess. She'll get me back for this one day I'm sure.... but she's just so damn cute, eh?

*ahhh.... the life.*

*slippery lil devil*

She's a Mover and a Shaker

2008-06-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Not to brag, and hopefully not to jinx myself, but Zoe is a Wunderkind! She has been the most amazing baby for the first 4 weeks of her life. Rarely cries, already smiles, holds her head up for like 5 seconds!, and is Uber-cute... ok, ok, I'm biased but seriously, everywhere we go people can't get over what a good baby she is. And boy do we go.

As I mentioned before we have had her out and about since day 4. She's a great little traveler. Favorite modes of transportation: her awesome pink Bugaboo Bee, Mico-Cosi Infant car seat (thanks Ms. Jean!), and her baby sling (ok, my favorite...she always looks a tad uncomfortable, but still sleeps)

*"Um, Ma.... where are we going now?"

*Her Bugaboo Bee*

Of course our outings have been limited to her "schedule". That is I have not braved the happening of public nursing and have only changed her outside of the home once after a doctor's appointment. I'm still a little nervous about our first public nursing adventure. I mean most of the time, it's messy and can take up to 30-45minutes.... we are getting more efficient though. For example, I'm feeding her now and typing one-handed! ...TMI?

A beach trip for mom and dad is definitely in order however. So bring out the pump and call Grammy!! Cause baby's still a little young for that just yet. Plus I need a good long day at the beach! I mean summer vacay is totally one of the reasons I (we) started teaching, duh. Ok, teachers shouldn't say duh...
*We LOVE the beach!!!!!!!!*

*Looking forward to it...*

Alright I'm done ramblin'... and don't worry I'm on the prowl for a new camera, so more baby Zoe pics coming right up. (My other camera is MIA!)

Blissin' Out

2008-06-14T19:51:00.000-07:00

Oh, how sweet it is....

Happy Father's Day!

Anyone know a good Manicurist?

2008-06-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

Because apparently I have no talent in the area whatsoever. After two weeks home and feeling pretty confident with my little babe, I decided it was again time to trim her teeny-tiny fingernails. I had already made two successful attempts at trimming her razor sharp baby claws and proceeded to give her another manicure after her bedtime feeding... Two words: not successful.

*Mommy....

I started with her little left hand and made it all the way to the thumb without a problem.... then as I clipped into the thumb, shear terror ran through her and me! OH, NO! I had done it! I clipped her skin along with a little nail. It was awful. She was crying big tears and just wailing. Because Zoe cries so little the dogs even ran upstairs to find out what in the hell was going on. Needless to say I did not continue on to the right hand. Which is now twice as long as her left hand.
*"Safety" Clippers... suuuuuure....

People have told me to just bite them off and I actually did that in the hospital when she was born, but now her nails are a little bit tougher to bite off. Maybe I will soak her hand in a little warm water first, like they do at the local nail joint. I'll try anything to never have that happen again. I felt like such a bad moma and couldn't believe I had blemished my perfect little baby's hand. Sigh...

Well, hopefully the next post will be all about how wonderful of a mother I am and how wonderful Zoe is...

*Also, I really want to change the spelling of her name back to Zooey... I let other people influence me in the hospital... what to do!?

The Most Extraordinary Ordinary Thing!

2008-05-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

Dun-dun-duh-DA! Sheeeeeee's here!!!! Yay... Finally. And sorry for the delay at getting this announcement to you all. Zoe* Mae has officially entered the world and at full force I might add! She came in at 8lbs 8oz and 20" long. That's a whole lotta baby if you ask me. As you saw in one of my previous posts I was not excited about the idea of going past my due date and potentially having to be induced.... well, that's precisely what happened. Zoe had just gotten too comfortable in there and was officially served her walking papers May 22nd and I was induced at 7am the following day.

I was so nervous when I found out I had to be induced. I had envisioned going into labor for 9 whole months and induction was never a thought in my mind. It wasn't so bad though. The nurses were great and my mom and Mike were there taking care of me the whole time. I got an epidural around 11am when the contractions really started picking up speed and intensity and after pushing for an hour and a half (yes, an hour and a half... ugh) Zoe finally came out! And she is absolutely perfect!

We've had a steady stream of visitors since her arrival and she has been absolutely wonderful. She sleeps at night, eats well, cries minimal and picked up 7 of the 8oz she lost after she was born in less than 5 days! The doctor was so happy with her progress that I didn't even have to bring her back in for the normal 2nd week check up! Which makes me happy, because honestly, who wants to take their kids to the doctor when they aren't sick?

We were out and about 4 days after her arrival and haven't slowed down yet! I really want to be able to feel comfortable taking her out in public at an early age, so I won't feel confined at home. And so far it's been going really well. She cruises right along in her stroller not making a sound and only fusses when hungry... Keep your fingers crossed! We love her sooooo much and hope that you will too when you meet her!

*We changed the spelling from Zooey to Zoe... In case you were wondering...

Nesting! and Projects! and Due Dates! Oh, My!

2008-05-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

So, I had my 39 week appointment on Thursday and everything is still right on schedule and things seem to be going well. My due date is tomorrow however so of course this is making me anxious. The doctor said that we would discuss inducing at the next appointment... if I have one. I'm trying not to be disappointed if she doesn't arrive this weekend, but am also really hoping that I don't have to be induced. I guess it isn't a bad thing if you are, but I just want her to come naturally.

"Nesting" is a term I have come to dislike very much, but am totally aware of why people call it that. I have seriously been running around the house like a crazy bird all day meddling here and there. Rolling my eyes at things that my former self could do but can't with a huge belly and an energy supply of an octogenarian. For example, gardening... I know, I know, don't worry about it right? Well, I can't help looking at the yard of our new house and wanting so badly to get out there and tear some weeds out, move some rocks, plant some flowers, rake holly leaves. It's ridiculous.

*Welcome to the jungle...*

*Feeble attempts at beautifying the joint*

I am also in the "process" of reupholstering a chair.... why you may ask well, feel free to call it part of my neurotic nesting but it's really just another creative project I must prove to myself I can do! I love the comfy chair, hate the dingy upholstery (no offense mom and dad, I know you guys were getting rid of it). I bought fun fabric from my budget supply store of choice, ah-hem, Ikea and have started the cushion. But every time I walk past the monster it stares at me like, "Go ahead! Try and reupholster me.". And I walk away defeated or plop down in it's comfiness and succumb to my mental lack of ability. My former self would never be so self-defeated by an inanimate object such as a chair, but as of right now everything seems to be defeating me. Typing this is giving me a burst of can-do spirit however, so we'll see how tonight goes...

*The Nasty Monster Chair*

*Soon to be new skin....keep your fingers crossed*

Last night I ventured out of the "nest" and into the world of people that know me, know when I'm due and know all kinds of info about how to get yourself in labor in order to reach that due date. I of course got plenty of advice on "things" I should do to speed up the process but of course we all know that most of that is crap and won't work anyway. I'll probably eat a bunch of spicy food, end up with indigestion and then be miserable until she arrives! Do walking lunges in the living room and just deplete the energy I could have used on my millions of projects! So, I'm trying not to think too hard about my due date. And I have been pulling myself away from the Internet all day, to stop reading every bit of information I can find, about every woman in the United States' experience with labor, birth, induction, etc. And believe me there is more information out there than you even want to know...

So, this is what I shall tell myself for the rest of the evening: "Self, you will not be disappointed if the baby does not arrive tomorrow. You will attempt to reupholster your chair. And self, step away from the Internet, it's not helping anything!" Ahhh.... much better.

To all the mamas: Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

*Drawing by Cody, whose life we celebrated this weekend*

It was a wonderful weekend, filled with wonderful friends and family. I got to hang out with some of my favorite moms, mine especially, and some of my friends that would prefer to leave motherhood up to the rest of us... for the time being that is. Hey to each her own, right?

*Corinne and I, she's smart and just wants to babysit*

Everyone always asks the same questions: "How do you feel?", "Tired of being pregnant?", "How much longer?", etc. etc. Funny thing is the answers always vary. You can't really tell someone how you are feeling when you are pregnant, because the answer is simply, well, pregnant. Unless you've been there it's hard to describe, and even then everyone is different so you can't always compare. Today I felt tired and cranky in the morning, mostly because I had such a fun day yesterday and had a hard time falling asleep when I got home... I guess I had one too many HI-Cs. Woo baby.

By the afternoon, my mother put me in a nice food induced comma (nothing pleases a mother more than to see her child stuffed and sleepy on a couch, especially when it's her doing) and now I'm wide awake again because of way too many iced-teas with my breakfast-lunch-dinner...

"Tired of being pregnant?" Well, yes and no. On one hand I'm looking out the window right now and thinking to myself "If I go into labor in this rain/wind storm tonight it's going to suck". And on the other hand I'm thinking "I can't wait any longer, bring on the baby! Bring on the storm!" or "Seriously, if I get any bigger, I'm going to burst!" and that of course, would be unpleasant.

This is the point where your pregnancy really turns into a waiting game. Possibly the most annoying thing about it. The anticipation alone is enough to drive you crazy. You want to make sure everything is just right, but then you think to yourself, well it doesn't really matter if everything is "perfect". You have no control over it anyway. I mean people have been doing this for a preeety long time, without the million options of baby bottles, onesies, lotions, breast pumps, cribs, the list goes on! And in way more primitive conditions sooo... I guess you just have to be patient.

And obviously the BEST moms are patient.... they wait patiently for their babies to grow, they wait patiently for them to learn to speak and then of course how to be quiet, they patiently await their childs' forgetfulness to call and patiently for their Mother's Day cards, etc. etc... And through all this patience, there they are, still loving you all the way. Even though you've worried them and so on. So here's to all the wonderful ladies out there that have taken on the patience to be a mom! And here's to Zooey... now hurry it up already!

Nursery Times...

2008-05-09T17:03:00.001-07:00

Here are some of Zooey's friends anxiously awaiting her arrival. HA! Still getting things together, but so far so good...

What do you think of the shades...

I made the roman shades for her room. They actually make it very dark, even though in this picture it doesn't seem that way! I think she'll like all the colors and shapes. Everyone keeps asking what my "theme" is for the nursery, my reply: Ikea.

Proto-Zooey!!

2008-05-09T15:40:00.000-07:00

So here she is at 21weeks! I decided to create this blog to let everyone know how the little one is progressing! By the movement in my belly I would say pretty well. She's a strong little bugger. Can't wait for you all to meet her.

And this is me taking a final farewell photo! I'm 39 weeks here. I must say it's been an enjoyable ride growing this little bean inside me. I've been very fortunate to have an "easy" pregnancy and can't wait to have this little girl in my arms... you know, cause it will be easier on my back. hehehe... I kid, I kid.