Zoe's Photos

Zoe loves loves loves to take pictures. I’m guessing it’s because she has been in front of the camera her whole life. It’s almost like a ‘staple’ in our family. (I don’t leave home without my camera!)

This morning while I was picking up around the house, Zoe found the camera and asked me if she could take “some pictures”.

Here they are...

Pretty profefssional huh??

Sad World...

Today in the grocery store, Zoe and I were minding our business getting stuff to make bean burritos for dinner (in the taco aisle) when this older white couple leaned over as I was asking Zoe which beans we should get and started telling me all about his views on “Mexicans”, the food they eat, and how we need them around for ‘cheap labor’. I (who has a mouth and WILL USE IT), couldn’t believe my ears or the fact this man had the audacity to say something so FOOLISH to me (or anyone else for that matter) I didn’t ask for his opinion! I couldn’t help but to ask why he felt that way. He was clearly wanting a reaction by saying what he did. He had no qualms about telling me the reasons he/they felt that way and believed everyone should know too. I not only found them to be uneducated by the way they were speaking but very hypocritical. As we were walking away (leaving the man in mid-sentence), I told him that I’m sorry he had those views but I didn’t want to hear about them. Zoe turns to me and says, “What is that man talking about Mommy?” I said, “He clearly had no idea what he is talking about Baby!”

I often think some people believe Shelli and I live in denial about what life is going to be like for us in the future raising an African-American child. Make no mistake, we are painfully aware that life isn’t always easy, and yes, Zoe may possibly have a harder time than most by having two white Moms’. Everyone goes through some kind of teasing in his or her lives no matter how good of a life or family structure you have. Heck, if you wore glasses or had braces in Elementary/Middle School, you were a target! I can only hope that Zoe grows up with a strong and confident personality (like her Mommy - - ha!) No one knows what the future holds but I do know Shelli and I are both committed to stand strong and get through anything that comes our way.

I know this world is what it is but, I want nothing more than this world to change for the better. It’s time we all get along as one and everyone stop judging people because of the place they were born or the color of their skin. It’s just ridiculous, we’re in the 21st century for heavens sake.

And this is why I blog...... To VENT and share my experiences (good and bad) with the world!!

Me -- Update

It’s been a couple days since we’ve been back from the beach/Emergency room. My throat is still hurting pretty bad but the meds seem to be helping. It seems like nights are the worst. I don’t have energy to do much of anything. Zoe is missing daycare and isn’t very happy about that! It’s been awful being stuck in the house for her. We usually do something everyday after daycare. (run errands, library, park, etc.) I don’t want to even talk because it just makes my throat hurt more. I can't wait till all of this is behind me. I don't have time to be sick -- ha!

Shelli is ‘out on business’ but, it’s been great to be able to take advantage of some snuggle time with Zoe. She knows I’m not feeling well and has been a very good girl. She will always asks me, “Are you okay Mommy?”, “Do you have a fever?”, “Need to go to the Doctor?".

Each and everyday I feel a little better. Thanks for all the sweet emails!

No Day At The Beach!

Wow what a weekend! It all started out great, a nice morning spent playing in the sand looking for shells, and then kicking back on the 'lazy river' at the hotel pool. Zoe even practiced her swim moves that Pop Pop taught her in Naples. We even managed to get in a stroll on the Boardwalk and dinner. But then, it was all downhill from there. Lori woke up with her throat almost swollen shut and in severe pain. We ended up spending the late afternoon and early evening in the ER. After a blood panel, two bags of IV, a visit from the resident ENT, Lori passing out from the pain of the procedure, we finally got to leave the ER around 9pm. Turns out it was a ulcer that was just in a bad spot (very back left side of her tongue) that got infected and ran amok through her system. Lori said (after she woke up from fainting) that the pain of the procedure was worth it because the pain that she was in was unbearable. At least now there was relief. So we left the hospital armed with a prednisone pack, uber strong antibiotics and several other pills and rinses to make sure she stays on the healing course.

All in all, we actually did have a good time and were able to get some great pics of Zoe enjoying the beach. Hopefully next time we won't have to tour the hospital when we go!

Amanda, notice the "beach wagon?" --- She loves it!

Look at my shells...

Beach Talk

This afternoon before I put Zoe down for her nap, we were talking about all the things we had planned for this weekend. (Tomorrow we are headed to the beach for a LONG weekend.) Zoe has all her stuff all packed up by the front door. Including all her sand toys!

This was our conversation,

Lori: “Are you excited about going to the beach?”
Zoe: “Yes, I love the beach. Pop Pop & Mamaw take me, REMEMBER?”
L: “Yes, I remember, that was so much fun.”
Z: “Yeah, Hey Mommy, do you think a fish will bite my toes at the beach?”
L: “I don’t think so, why do you think that?”
Z: “Well, Mimi says the fish will bite my butt and my toes!”
L: “Mimi was being silly, a fish isn’t going to bite your toes or your butt - - I promise!”
Z: “Oh….Mimi is a silly goose….. I love her so much!”

We’ll be back Sunday afternoon. Have a fantastic weekend everyone!!!!

Daycare

Now I know why kids ALWAYS get sick in daycare. I have been dropping Zoe off at the “Daycare” at the gym we belong to for the past several weeks. Zoe has gone everyday for the most part with the exception of weekends. Every morning when we are packing her snacks and juice, she always asks, “Mommy, think there will be kids in daycare today?”. We never know how many kids are going to be in the ‘playroom’ until we get there. Zoe loves to go and asks me several times before we leave, if I’m ready yet?

Today, there were several kids in the playroom. (I’d say about 10) After I worked out, I went to get Miss Zoe and low and behold, she was drinking out of not only ONE child’s cup but, TWO! I asked her why she wasn’t drinking out of her own sippy cup and she said, “I don’t know?” as her mouth was filled with someone else’s chocolate cookies. I asked her where her snack was and she said, “I ate it!”. From the time Zoe was old enough to eat solid foods, we’ve always made sure that she ate healthy. She eats lots of soy, organic, and has mostly non-sugar snacks. Not to say that she doesn’t get to enjoy some junk food every now and again but for the most part, she’s a healthy eater.

When we got in the car, Zoe said, “Mommy, I share my drink and snack with all my friends today, I’m a good girl who shares, right?” What do you say to that? She is my sweet angle pie who likes to share.

Gone Fishing

This afternoon we took Zoe fishing with her new Barbie fishing pole.

Like Mother, Like Daughter...

Zoe seems to enjoy Starbucks as much as her Mommy does.

(Blueberries & Creme Frappuccino)

Day at the Park

Today I decided to wrap up the week early and spend the afternoon with my favorite ladies. I surprised Lori by coming home an hour early from work, and bearing gifts to boot. I know I don’t always say ‘Thank You’ enough to Lori for all the hard work she does as a stay at home mom. I will say, if it weren’t for her, our household would not run. The house is always spotless, my dinner is always ready when I get off of work, and our child receives the best care possible. So, I came home with not one, but two of the new Yankee Candles fall line scents in the BIG jar. Those are Lori’s faves and it was a nice little surprise for her.

After a wonderful dinner of Cuban style pork with all the fixen’s we took Zoe down to the park to run off some pent up energy. They have a really nice park here that is nicely positioned by a creek that runs through the town. It has a huge soccer field, basketball courts, picnic area, and a huge castle playground. Zoe made several friends and played for a while at the playground and then we went down creek side for a little wade through the water.

Overall, it was a very nice afternoon to kick off a much-anticipated weekend. I’ve been swamped with work lately so it was especially nice to start our weekend a little early and enjoy my family for a change. I some times get so wrapped up with work, I forget to relax and enjoy the REAL important things in life. Thank God for Lori to keep me grounded and pointed in the right direction. Mommy, this one is for you!

Love to my best girl!

Gum

Gum has been the only thing on Zoe’s mind for the past several weeks. She wakes up in the morning asking for “gum” and will ask for it ALL day until she goes to bed at night. I’m not fond of her chewing it for several reasons however we don’t give her enough that she can choke on it and when she does get some, it’s sugar-free.

While I was at Target the other day, I came across these vitamins called “Vitaball”. I came home and did a little research on them to see what was in them and decided to go ahead and get them for her. Zoe thinks I’m now the coolest thing since sliced bread ---- ha! I alternate the Vitaballs with her regular vitamins and she loves them. It’s the smallest things that can make her the happiest child in the world!

Our TWO year old

When I became a parent, I never ever though about what it was going to be like to go through ‘terrible two’s’. I guess I just couldn’t think that far ahead. I was too in love and just wanted to enjoy each and everyday, one day at a time with my precious daughter.

Zoe didn’t start her ‘terrible two’ stage until about a month or so ago. I thought Shelli and I were in the clear. Zoe has always been a sweet and calm baby for the most part. I don’t know what happened-- ha! This child of mine sure likes to PUSH the limits. Her favorite words consist of, “NO”, “I DON’T WANT TO”, “I CAN’T”, “LEAVE ME ALONE” and “COME ON” couple that with whining all the time, and fits of unprovoked crying, you’ve got the terrible two’s. She has remained very loving but her mouth has not!

I love to watch Zoe grow and I love going through all the different stages of parenthood however this has been a trying time for all of us. If she is off her schedule, she is out of control. Patience is key during this phase. Every parent has their days when they just want to close the door and scream as loud as they can. It’s just the way it is.

All in all, in my eyes, my child is perfect even on a bad day. I to this day feel I gave birth to her and the love I have for her is like no other. I feel that Zoe and I have a special bond. One that can never be broken! I hope I will have the same bond if and when we have a second child.

A not so happy Zoe... IN TIME OUT!

On a lighter note....

On a lighter note.....

I’ve booked a weekend cruise to the Bahamas with one of my good friends, Meredith. We are having a girl’s weekend out at sea in a couple of weeks. It’s going to be so much fun and I’m really looking forward to it. Shelli was invited to go but passed. She told me to go and have some fun, and a well deserved break. Shelli is going to stay home with Zoe while I have a little Mommy time. This will be the first time I leave them both behind. It won’t be for a long period of time but it’ll be nice to sit back and relax poolside without thinking about meals, diaper bags, baths, or making sure Zoe gets down for a nap. Shelli says her and Zoe are going to have a girl’s weekend of their own while I’m gone. If I know Shelli, I’m sure they will get into something fun.

Hair

It’s been a constant struggle in our home with me trying to get Shelli to do Zoe’s hair. (or even learn how to do her hair). It never fails that Shelli is dressed and ready to go before I’m even close to getting our daughter ready. Don’t get me wrong, Zoe’s hair is never done "fancy" but it still takes me time to get it done. Between the leave in conditioners, detangler, and trying to get her to sit still, takes a good 20-30 min. It’s to the point where I have to bribe my own daughter to sit still while I do her hair.

The other day, I was trying to get the kitchen cleaned up, pack the diaper bag with snacks, juice, pull-ups, etc. so I asked Shelli to PLEASE help me get Zoe’s hair done so we could get on the road. She didn’t want to but she decided to give it a try after I gave her a semi 'eveil eye'. HA! It was the funniest thing I’d ever seen…………….

Zoe looked more excited than Shelli did. Shelli and I laughed for a good 15 min. while she was doing Zoe's hair. One of the most fantastic parts of our relationship is we get good laughs out of each other!! At the end, I had to re-do Zoe's hair however, it was worth the laugh and Shelli needed the practice. GOOD TIMES!

Pancakes

Just when I thought I couldn’t get anymore creative, I come up with this…. (ha!)

Every Sunday, we make a HUGE breakfast and enjoy the day lounging around drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. Zoe loves pancakes.
(even dog looking pancakes with pink hair!)

Break

I'm going to take a little break from the blog this week. I will be back next week!

I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Zoe -n- Nana

After a 12 hour drive, We made it back!!! Zoe was excited to sit Nana down and tell her all about her month at Mamaw's and Pop Pop's.

Heading Back

Well, we’ve been at my parent’s house for about a month and it’s been fantastic. We will be heading back home tomorrow morning. Zoe has been non-stop since we’ve gotten here. It was so much fun and we will miss everyone so much!

I don’t think Mamaw & Pop Pop are going to know what to do with themselves when we leave. I’m glad they have had all this quality time with Zoe. I know they have enjoyed every second of it. We are all counting the days until Pop Pop retires and they head up to our neck of the woods so they can spend the rest of their retired days with us!

Zoe has gotten used to Pop Pop’s schedule while she was here. When he gets home from work, he usually changes out of his work clothes while Zoe tries to patiently wait for him to sit down so they can share an afternoon snack together. (cheese and juice). She knows after her nap, he will almost be home from work and she waits for him to walk through the door. (Calling him several times on her ‘cell phone’) It’s so amazing to see the relationship she has with him. Yes, she loves us ALL but Pop Pop is the apple of her eye!

So from beaches, pools, slip -n- slides, pony rides, alligators, friends, and family we’ve had an amazing time. Everyone always says how blessed Zoe is but I feel it’s the other way around. Shelli and I are the blessed ones to have her in our life! To me, She’s PERFECT!

Zoe goes to work with Pop Pop

This afternoon, Shelli had to catch a flight for a business meeting so we dropped her off at her airline then drove down to find Pop Pop waiting for Zoe curbside a few airlines down from where we dropped off Mimi . (Pop Pop works for TSA in the Administrative offices at the airport.) When we pulled up and she saw Pop Pop waiting for her and waving, she could not wait to get out of the car and "go to work" with Pop Pop. My dad's boss, Laura is crazy about Zoe so this was the perfect opportunity for her and everyone else to see her. She had a great time and Pop Pop kept her busy as you can see!!!

While Zoe was with Pop Pop, my mom and I headed over to do a little shopping in Coral Gables and grab some lunch. It’s been a non-stop but fun week. We are all beat!

Look Pop Pop, it's Zoe!

Zoe & Laura

Laura & Zoe checking out the planes

Hello, Pop Pop's desk..

Break time!

Surprise BBQ

Last night, a childhood friend of mine Kim and her fiancé Jerry invited us over to their house for a BBQ. When we got there, she had a few ‘surprise guests’ (friends that we hadn’t seen in a long time.) It was an awesome surprise and we had a great night catching up and of course laughing the night away. I don’t think the all of us can ever get together and not bring up all the foolish things we have done in the past. It was a blast!!!

baby fever

Today I had lunch with a friend of mine, Jackie who just had a baby girl in June. This was the first time since she had the baby that I was able to see her because we live miles and miles apart. When I saw the baby, I fell in love all over again. All I could think about was Zoe at that age and how fast she’s growing each and everyday right before our very eyes. It was so great exchanging baby stories with Jackie. It brought back so many wonderful infant memories. It feels like just yesterday Zoe was that age. It must be baby-making/delivering season. Not only did my friend Jackie give birth to a beautiful baby girl but another friend of ours, Amanda gave birth to an adorable little boy too. (which we cannot wait to see) And for the icing on the cake, my cousin Michele is pregnant! The family is so excited for her and her husband. We look forward to the arrival of the newest member of the family in 8 months!!!

Shelli and I have talked about expanding our family when Zoe gets a little older. We would love for her to have a sibling. I don’t have any siblings and as much as I enjoyed my childhood, I would have loved to have a sibling to grow up with. I was blessed with two best friends, Christina & Ariel who were like my siblings growing up. We did EVERYTHING together and have been friends since 3rd grade. I don't think anything can break the bond the 3 of us share. Shelli has 2 siblings so she could never comprehend what it would have been like not to have siblings. I’ve always wanted a large family. Being a Mother is nothing short of AMAZING! It's been the best journey of my life. I wake up each and everyday looking forward to seeing what our daughter will do next. (the good and the bad!)