She's 3!!!!

I am not ready for our sweet Zoe Jane to be one day older so forget another year older.  She brings so much joy, laughter, sass, and pink to our lives.  She is stubborn like her mommy and determined like her daddy.  

Like her brother, she is quite the conversationalist.  She wakes up talking and goes to bed talking.  Sometimes I think she must talk in her sleep :)  She enjoys talking to her Koo Koo on the phone.  At the the end of the day she is the first to greet Sam at the door.  Most days she has spoken 3-4 sentences before he has had time to close the door is closed.  

Some funny things she says:

• Adults are "Badults"
• I love you berry, berry much.
• Her favorite dessert location is Yogurtology which she refers to as, "Yogurtogoly."  Of all the funny things she says this is my favorite.  
• She loves to be chased and often says, "You can't catch me!" 
• "Mommy/daddy, come in the bathroom with me.  Close the door so we can have pwivacy.  Make this face (which is a grunting face we have to make while she goes #2)."
• She often speaks about her brothers and sisters (imaginary, of course).  For example, today she said, "My brothers and sisters went fishing, but they didn't catch a hippopotamus."  
• Her imaginary brothers and sisters have silly names like "Boppee, Boopee,  and Pawpee."
• "God loves you and so do I," at bedtime.  
• "I have one more thing on my mind," delaying bedtime.

Her physical coordination and agility blow us away.  She loves to jump from the 3rd or 4th step down to the ground.  She climbs up the rock walls at the playground and has been doing it since she was barely 2 years old.  She practices standing on one foot, hopping, burpees, running in circles partially because she watches Sam work out and partially because she enjoys the challenges and wants to prove she can do it.  Watching her jump on the trampoline with the bigs kids and with daddy is more like watching a 5 year old instead of a 3 year old.  Honestly, it is hard for me to explain in words how coordinated she is for her age.  The Physical Therapist in me would give her an A+ for proprioception, core control, and balance.  

She is extremely social asking every day, "Where are we going today?"  She always wants to go swimming or to the park or to the Children's Museum or to the library or to anywhere but home.  Part of that is my fault, because we are on the go a lot and part of it is the way God has wired her.  She enjoys the change and the interaction different environments provide.  She enjoys going to Sunday school, BSF, preschool, and to Mrs. Betsy's house where she will get to play with her friends.  The opposite is true for her brother who prefers to stay home.

She likes to pretend she is taking her "friends" to school.  Pretend school is located under the love seat in our family room or on the first step of our staircase.  She lines up her Duplo people or her stuffed animals/baby dolls.  She packs them a lunch using pretend food from her kitchen and stuffs it under the couch.  She then gives them directions regarding lunch, potty time, etc. before beginning to sing songs or read to them.

She is very independent and becomes frustrated quickly when we try to help her put on her clothes or shoes. 

She loves lip gloss and princess shoes.  As a matter of fact, she just gave up her boppy (pacifier) two nights ago, so she could get princess shoes for her birthday.

She gives the best hugs in the world!!

She loves to sing songs and dance around the house.  She typically mixes the words of various songs together.  Her current favorites:

• He came from Heaven to Earth (with hand motions)
• Itsy Bitsy Spider
• Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
• Trust and Obey
• Wheels on the Bus
• Jingle Bells

Favorite TV shows/movies (throughout the year):

• Nemo
• Doc McStuffins
• Paw Patrol
• Curious George
• Mickey Mouse Clubhouse
• Petite Feet (children's instructional ballet DVD)
• Letter Factory

Favorite Books (throughout the year):

• Ladybug Girl
• Puff the Magic Dragon
• Curious George
• Karen Katz lift-the-flap books
• Brownie and Pearl Step Out
• Winners Never Quit
• Ducks Don't Wear Socks
• Olivia Ballerina, Dinner at Olivia's
• What Makes A Rainbow?
• Sandra Boynton books
• Dora's New Adventures: 4 mini books

Favorite Toys:  

• Doc McStuffins Doctor Kit
• Baby Stella
• Friend's Lego Set with Mia
• Melissa and Doug Birthday Cake and Cupcake Set
• Purse stuffed with plastic jewelry or plastic food
• Duplo people
• Minnie Mouse Figurine (she can change her dress, shoes, and head piece)
• Bedtime friends:  Ariel, Pooh Bear, Baby Emma, Praying Baby, Minnie Mouse and a Pink Lovie

Favorite Foods:

• Eggs
• Yogurt
• Juice
• Veggie Straws
• Turkey
• Lollipops
• Applesauce

She currently wears 3/4t.  She is potty trained, but still wears pull ups for nap and bedtime.  She wakes up between 6:30 and 7 a.m.  Thank God she still naps for 1-2 hours each day with bedtime between 7:30 and 8 p.m.  She and Bennett are sharing a room now, so she does well with staying in their room until their clock turns green at 7 a.m.  We went through a season where she was waking up very early ready to start the day, but we trained her to stay in her room until 7 looking at books or playing with her stuffed animals.

To my dearest Zoe,

You are simply delightful!  God truly blessed our family with a sweet gift when He knitted you together in my womb.  I love your determination, your independence and even your stubbornness because I know God is going to use your full personality to serve Him all of your life.  Your hugs, your hug smile, and your LAUGH is something I will always cherish.  I pray God continues to gives you godly wisdom and confidence to know He is where beauty, strength, love, joy and contentment abide.  I pray you give your life to Him at a young age and never turn back.  I pray you always know God loves you and so do I.

Love,

Your momma

A 3 Year Old Interview: Zoe

When B turned 3 a few years ago I began asking him the series of questions below.  It has been a joy to read through his answers each year, so I am continuing the trend completing Zoe's first birthday interview.

1. Favorite Color: Pink and Purple
2. Favorite Toy:  My "Doc" doctor stuff
3. Favorite Fruit:  Peach
4. Favorite TV Show or Movie:  Paw Patrol
5. Favorite thing to eat for lunch:  Turkey
6. Favorite Game: Spot It (she watches her brother play)
7. Favorite Snack:  Rabbit Crackers (like Goldfish)
8. Favorite Animal:  Cat
9. Favorite song:  Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
10. Favorite book: What Makes A Rainbow?
11. Who is your best friend: Amelia
12. Favorite thing to do outside: Play with bubbles
13. Favorite Drink: Milk
14. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  Pooh Bear
15. Favorite thing to eat for breakfast:  Cereal 
16. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?  Mac n' Cheese
17. What do you want to be when you grow up?  Halloween (???)
18. Imagine you can become invisible, what would you do?  Hide
19. I am very proud because boo boo.
20. I am afraid to fly, because I can't fly like this (said while flapping her arms).
21. Name one thing you do really well?  Jump
22. Describe what it means to be a good friend?  Kyrie (her cousin)
23. Favorite time of day?  When we eat dinner
24. Describe your best day ever? Eating dinner (???)
25. Describe your favorite hobby: play with Minnie
26. Climbing is up the stairs.
27. I wish there were a law that said boo.
28. What makes you feel sad?  Somebody making me sad
29. What makes you feel happy?  Somebody making me feel happy
30. Pretend you can fly.  Where would you go?  Outside
31. Where do you want to go on vacation?  Ntucky (aka. Kentucky)
32. If you could choose a different name what would you choose?  Boobah
33. What is your favorite thing to do with mom and dad?  Build Legos
34. What would you say about Jesus?  Him made me.

Baby #3: Boy or Girl?

At 19 weeks, we had our ultrasound to determine the gender of baby #3.  We have had the same ultrasound tech for all 3 children, so we trusted her first guess at 12 weeks, but it is during this ultrasound that the gender is very obvious.  So, what is your guess?

Zoe has wanted a sister from the beginning.  Bennett initially wanted a brother and in true Bennett fashion switched to, "When this baby comes home you won't care for us anymore."  

The first thing Cathy said when the ultrasound began was....

I was hoping to share of the ultrasound photos and a short video, but I can't get the CD to open on my computer.  Everything from the heartbeat to the bladder to the long bones to the brain looked good during the ultrasound, which is always a relief.   

Glory to God that He creates and knits babes in our wombs and through all of the ups and downs His purpose in fulfilled and He is glorified! 

And for an outtake....

Now on to choosing a name, putting Bennett and Zoe in the same room, surviving pregnancy in the summer heat, getting rid of all Zoe's clothes (BOO HOO!), preparing the nursery.......

Happy 2nd Birthday Z-Bear

Two!  How is it here already?  Year two of our sweet Z-bear's life has flown by.  I do love ages 15 months to around 2.5 years old, so I am sure that contributes to the feeling of speeding time.  

I hope I always remember the way you come running as fast as your legs can carry you when you hear the door open at the end of the day yelling, "Daddee, Daddee, Daddee!"

I hope I always remember that you called your blanket 'Meme" and dragged it around the house by it's corner.

I hope I always remember the way you hold up your hand while saying, "Stop it!"

I hope I always remember how you learned to swim short distances (on your own) around 21 months.

I hope I always remember your petitions to your dad to take you for a ride or a walk around the block.  

I hope I always remember the first time you climbed out of your crib, walked down the stairs with shoes in your hand, looked at me and said, "Wake!"

I hope I always remember how you used to hug your babies and push them in the stroller.

I hope I always remember how you say, "Me-mouse" for Mickey Mouse.

I hope I always remember at 18 months you could climb up and down the stairs independently.

I hope I always remember the way you loved shoes from the time you began wearing them.  You always wanted to put them on by yourself and would let us know by yelling "Do it myself!"  One day you put on your Gap blue slip ons, walked into the kitchen, looked at me while pointing at your shoes and said, "CUTE."

I hope I always remember you asking to watch "Bible" (What's In the Bible) and "Me-mouse Cubhouse."

I hope I always remember the way you and Bennett sit in the back seat singing Agency D3.  Discover. Decide. Defend. (our 2014 VBS theme song)

I hope I always remember how you rarely wanted to be rocked to sleep, but instead reached for the crib.

I hope I always remember your gorgeous blonde hair and the little curly cue that hangs down in the back.

I hope I always remember your sweet smile, the gap between your teeth and the way you used to put your hands on your cheeks when I would ask you to take a pretty picture.

I hope I always remember the way you blow your dad away with your sweet personality and love for him.

I hope I always remember the way you pucker your lips when giving us a kiss and the way you say, "Nih, Nih, Uov You."  (Night, Night, Love You)

I hope I always remember the way you want to stand on the kitchen stool to eat your meals despite us  repetitively telling you to sit down.  Your respond with "Knees," as you proceed to kneel on the stool.

I hope I always remember your love of eggs and how you will eat any vegetable if your dad has included it in an omelet.

I hope I always remember how you used to love to go outside and sit on our back deck....alone.

I hope I always remember the days you fell asleep during BSF in the jump a roo, on the floor, or in someone's arms.  

I hope I always remember the feeling I get when you sit on my lap, hug my neck, and say, "Momma."

I hope I always remember the way your hair smells.

I hope I always remember the way you love to squat to the ground, then jump as high as you can.

I hope I always remember no matter where we were people commented on your cuteness and your sweet personality.  You are pure joy!

I hope I always remember the way you push your hair out of your eyes.

I hope I always remember the way you say, "Jesus" when we are rocking you.  That is how you ask us to sing Jesus Loves You again.

Zoe you are one of the best, most precious, gracious gifts God has given me in this life.  I thank Him for you.  Happy 2nd Birthday sweet baby girl!!!

Favorite Books: Z's 2nd Year

In 2011 I posted about Bennett's favorite books from his first year.  Then, I posted his favorite books from his second year.  Unfortunately, I didn't have any books to post from Zoe's first year, because she wasn't really interested in looking at books or listening to us read.  Twelve months later I am thankful to say she brings us books to read to her on a daily basis.

It brings back sweet memories to look back at Bennett's favorite books from year to year, so I am going to share Zoe's from her second year of life.

Every Sandra Boyton book we own:

1.)  Moo, Baa, La La La! was one of her first favorites.  It is interesting, this book was one of Bennett's favorites from his first year!  I'll say the same thing I said in his post 3 years ago,  Boyton's books are clever, colorful and they keep Zoe's attention.  This book moves through various animal sounds in a fun, interactive way.

 

2.)  Doggies is a counting book that has a different bark for each number 1 to 10.  While reading it drives me a little crazy Bennett and Zoe have loved this book.  I enjoy it most when Bennett reads it to Zoe.


3.)  Blue Hat, Green Hat  is a book that brings back so many wonderful memories when I open it.  Bennett LOVED and I mean LOVED this book and now Zoe throughly enjoys it.  It is a silly book about colors and proper donning of clothing that makes my kids stop and look at every page.  Each time the turkey donns a piece of clothing improperly it says, "Oops!"  Bennett used to laugh and laugh.  Now Zoe says, "Oops!"

 

4.)  The Going to Bed Book is again clever and silly and colorful and full of the same characters Boyton shares in all of her books.  This is one of the many books Sam reads to Zoe before bed.

 

5.)  Dear Zoo is a book she has recently began to pull off the book shelf and bring to me on a daily basis.  She received it for her 1st birthday and it is a great children's book.  Now that she enjoys opening flaps I am not surprised that she enjoys this book.

6.)  My Little Book About God was a gift for Bennett's 1st birthday from a dear friend, Mrs. Agee.  It was the first book Zoe showed interest in turning the pages.  It is wordy, but she really enjoyed the illustrations.  She still won't let us read all of it to her, but she is beginning to listen to more of it and still enjoys the illustrations.

 

7.) Where Is Baby's Birthday Cake? She has worn this book out.  While it is almost her birthday, we have read this book every day for the last 4 months (at least).  She enjoys reading it before bed.  Karen Katz is another author that she has began to enjoy her lift the flap books.



8.)  Dog by Matthew Van Fleet is not one of my favorites, but I think I am just tired of it.  Both, Bennett and Zoe have enjoyed it, so many of it's moving parts are no longer working.  The fact that the binding is torn, a dog's head is missing, and a dog's tongue is no longer sticky makes the part type A momma crazy, but I figure that means it is well loved.

9).  the Monster at the end of this Book is the one book I can remember from my early childhood.  I did not enjoy reading....AT ALL, so when I saw this a few years ago I bought it for Bennett.  He loved it and would laugh and laugh and laugh.  Zoe is no different.  She went through a season where she brought us this book to read several times a day.  She even asked Bennett to read it to her.  I have very sweet memories of them reading it together and laughing.

10).   I'll See You In The Morning is an old favorite of Bennett's that Sam just began reading to Zoe at night.  He said she enjoys it.



11.)  Good Night Elmo! is an interactive cloth book that has velcro stars, a tooth brush to brush Elmo's teeth, a blanket to cover Elmo, and a few other items.  While I would not consider it a story, it is well loved by my little girl.  She does not look at it as much as she did a few months ago, but this was one of the first books she began showing interest in at bedtime.



12.)  Rock-a-Bye Baby, Three Little Kittens, and Teddy Bear Teddy Bear are three very short books (4 pages each) that were given to us by my friend Rebecca.  She told me her daughter loved them, so I thought I would give them a try (Zoe was not into books when we acquired them).  She has  requested and listened to each one of them before bedtime every night since.

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