Getting Mail (In the eyes of a 3 yr old)

Getting mail for Zoe is a HUGE thing. She walks with me to the mailbox daily in hopes to have a letter from someone. I can’t get through the mail fast enough before I hear her scream, “Mom, anything for me?”

As most of you know, Zoe is obsessed with fire trucks. Her Aunt Jenny (my sister-in-law) is a fire fighter as is her Great Uncle, Eddie. Today, Zoe not only got a letter, but inside were fire fighting stickers from Uncle Eddie who lives in Georgia. Zoe thought that was super cool and immediately plastered the stickers on her t-shirt. The stickers read, “Junior EMT”, “Junior Paramedic”, and “Junior Firefighter”. Once she was able to sit still and ‘read’ the letter that came along with it she said, “I gonna be a firegirl!”.

Thanks Uncle Eddie and Aunt Pam for the stickers, they were a HUGE hit.

Day Care Saga

From the day Zoe was born, either Shelli or myself have been home with her. I worked the first year and a half of her life while Shelli stayed with her. But since we moved, I’ve been home with her. Leaving the corporate world was not an easy decision for me and it was something I struggled with for many months. I don’t regret leaving the work world but I do miss it. I’m very thankful I have the opportunity to stay home and raise my child but at the same time, a part of me misses getting up in the morning, getting dressed, grabbing my ‘to go’ coffee that Shelli used to make for me and attending meetings and enjoying good ‘water-cooler’ conversation. Call me crazy – ha!

This week, as any week is when Shelli is gone on business, has been hectic. This is Zoe’s 2nd week at day care and dropping her off is always a fight. Every time I leave the center, I have to call Shelli or my mom and get reassurance that what I’m doing is the right thing. I think Zoe goes through separation anxiety. Her teacher says, as soon as I leave (with in 10 minuets), Zoe is fine. I know without a doubt, Zoe needs to be there for several reasons but as a mother, it kills me to hear my child scream, “Mommy, don’t leave me!”

Today is African American discussion day at school. Zoe is probably one of two African American children at the center. On the way to school, we were talking about all the African American people she knew. First to mind, Rakeyah! Then she said, “Mom, where is Kyle & Owen from?” I told her they were born in Haiti. She says, “Oh, they adopted too!” I said, “Yes, they are adopted too!” So much goes on in her little head and she has questions about EVERYTHING, which I enjoy!

We are looking forward to Mimi getting home tomorrow. Every morning when Zoe eats her Kashi Cinnamon Harvest cereal with her vanilla soymilk she says, “Me & Mimi eat this cereal together in the mornings. Mommy, I miss Mimi!”

That is what it’s all about!

Easter

This week with Shelli being out of town for business, Zoe and I decided to pull out the Easter bins and start decorating. I never remember what we have in the Easter bins until I pull them out and start going through them. I’m famous for hitting the stores after holidays in search of that one, (or ten) things I just have to have ½ price.

This year, we will not be home for Easter. We are going to go on a mini getaway to enjoy some family time away from everyday life but it's still fun to decorate.

Here is one of many things Zoe found in the Easter bin…..

School Conversation

Every night when Zoe goes to bed before a ‘school night’, she tries to come up with a million reasons why she shouldn’t go.

Tonight, when I was putting her to bed, this is what she told me,

Zoe: “Mommy, I don’t wanna go to school tomorrow!"
Lori: “What do you mean? Why not?”
Zoe: “I don’t like my teacher.”
Lori: “Why? Ms. Darlene is a very nice teacher.”
Zoe: “She’s a monster and she has to watch her attitude, MOM!”
Lori: "That isn't a nice thing to say about someone."

Zoe: "It's not my fault Mom, you have an attitude some days too!"

Lori: [laughing] “Good night Zoe!”

Zoe: "Good Night Mom.... I LOVE YOU!"

I would of never imagined in a million years my daughter would be a spitting image of me. I can’t help but to laugh as I sit here and type this. I’m one lucky Mommy to have a daughter so special and so much like me. Shelli has her hands full with us, that is for sure!

My mom sent Zoe this shirt and I think it’s so cute!

"What happens in preschool, stays in preschool"

Blog Break

It's been a hectic couple weeks around here. Shelli is getting ready for yet ANOTHER work trip so we are going to take a little break from the blog and enjoy some quality time together.

I'll be back next week.

I hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Sassy Feline

Tonight when we went out to dinner it happened to be kids night. They had lots of 'kid stuff' going on. When Zoe saw all the kids getting their faces painted, she wanted to get hers done too!

Photos of the day...

Zoe enjoying her Starbucks hot chocolate this morning in her new Starbucks Valentine cup.

And for lunch, we went to our FAVORITE Japanese restaurant for a Bento box.

Can it get any better?

1st day of 'school'

This morning, we ALL woke up ready for ‘school’. The first thing Zoe asked this morning was, “Am I going to school today?” Because it was so early, she wasn’t in the best mood but, by the time she got dressed and came downstairs, she was in a better mood. For breakfast we had a peanut butter and jelly wrap cut like a ‘pizza’. I put the peanut butter as the ‘sauce’ and the jelly as the ‘crust’. Anything fun as a meal, Zoe is all for! She also had some pears and some chocolate milk. She was ready to start her first day of ‘school’.

As most of you know, I’ve been to what feels like a hundred daycare centers. I wanted to find the one that I liked the best and was the best fit for our family dynamic. Since I was the one doing ‘recon’, Shelli told me that as long as I felt comfortable she would support my decision on a center. Today, Shelli came with me to meet Zoe’s teacher, Ms. Darlene when we dropped Zoe off for her first day. Everyone at the center was very warm and welcoming, and by the time we were ready to leave, Zoe was sitting at the class computer playing games with another child in her class. We both gave her a kiss and off we went.

About 11am, I called the center to see how she was doing. They said she was doing great and had just got out of her “Tumble Tots” class in which she enjoyed very much. About 12:30, Shelli asked me if I wanted to go to lunch and then pick Zoe up together. I, of course said, “YES!”

When we went to pick up Zoe, she was sitting with the teacher. All the other kids were laying down taking naps but Zoe was at the teacher’s desk waiting for us to get there. They give daily report cards and thankfully, Zoe’s was good. She had one meltdown while they were in circle time saying the alphabets. Apparently, she didn’t want to play that game and starting crying for her Mimi! Other than that, she did very well.

I had a few reservations about leaving her but after I saw how much fun she was having, my reservations subsided and I knew it was best. It’s hard to leave your baby in the care of someone else, not that they don’t know what they are doing but, simply because it’s not me talking care of her! She will attend daycare two days a week for now. Zoe said she had a really good time and she cannot wait to go back next week.

Zoe relaxing after a full day of playing!

Perfect Valentine's

This morning my Valentine’s started off by coming downstairs to a beautiful bouquet of fresh roses.

Shortly after, Sam came over to make Valentine cupcakes with Zoe. I set out a few different color icings and several different Valentine decorations for them to decorate with. All the cupcakes came out beautiful. After Sam left, Zoe took a nap and I cleaned up the kitchen.

Shelli finished up work early, which was a huge surprise. She was done about 3:30pm, went upstairs to change, and started getting prepared for her Valentine feast she was making for her favorite Valentine’s.

Dinner was FABULOUS. Shelli made pork chops with a pear, blue cheese and pecan salsa along with balsamic and brown sugar glazed fresh carrots, and some quinoa pilaf. All accompanied with a nice white wine, what could be better you ask? Well, let me tell you, for dessert, we had a Coldstone ice cream cake. Everything was simply perfect!!!

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Tomorrow Zoe will start Daycare so, stay tuned for how that will play out.

We hope everyone had a wonderful Valentine’s Day as we did!

Photos of the day....

It snowed ALL day!

Home

After a seven hour drive and hearing Zoe ask every hour on the hour, "Are we there yet?", we made it home safe and sound after a fantastic week visiting friends and family!

Week at Nana's

This morning we woke up, packed up the car and drove (and danced, see video below) to SC to meet up with Shelli’s dad, stepmother Jane, & Jane's granddaughter, Katie. We all had lunch at Panera (Shelli’s favorite place) and enjoyed the rest of the day at strolling through the Zoo. It was a beautiful day for being outside and the Zoo visit was perfect. The kids had a great time!

We’ve had quite a busy week while visiting Nana. We got here late Monday night and from then on, it’s been non-stop. It was great seeing our friends Lisa and Ruthy while we were here. Wednesday night Shelli, Lisa, & I went to dinner for a ‘girls night out’ and Thursday, Zoe and I met Ruthy at the Mall where we goofed off. Ruthy and Zoe shared some ice cream and in Zoe’s eyes, nothing could be better! Later that night, (when Shelli finished working), we all met for wings.
Shelli, Me, Lisa

Ruthy, Me, Shelli

We are heading back home Monday. It was an action packed week but we had a blast. I know Zoe will miss her Nana before we even pull out of the driveway!

CAR RIDE

Biscuitville

Visiting Nana is always eventful for Zoe. She never wants to let Nana out of her sight! Zoe always struggles each and every time we ask her to go somewhere if Nana isn't going.

Today, Zoe and I ran to the farmers market to get a few things to take home with us and to look for some collard greens for Nana to cook us while we were here. After we left there, Zoe and I went to the Mall to meet up with my friend, Ruthy. We shopped around then stopped for some ice cream. It was fun!

The above picture was taken at one of our favorite breakfast places, Biscuitville. We were lucky enough to catch an up close view of them making biscuits. Zoe thought that was super cool.

It's been so much fun visiting Nana but boy do we eat (unhealthy) when we are here. Too much good food to eat, and Nana doesn't help with all the good food she fixes for us while we're here!

Super Tuesday

Tonight after dinner, Nana, Shelli, Zoe, & I all gathered in front of the TV to watch the Super Tuesday results. It was fun guessing who would take what state. The three of us always have something to talk about when it comes to politics. We always get in some kind of ‘heated’ debate and we like to ruffle each other’s feathers. (Dad, you were greatly missed!)

We’re starting Zoe young, in this family, we want to make sure when we have political discussions she can voice her opinion as soon as she’s old enough to have one!

Nana, Zoe, & Shelli

1st Dentist Appointment

Zoe went for her 1st Dentist appointment today and she did very well considering it was her first time. The Doctor was very slow and took his time explaining everything to her before he did it. The dental office was super nice, each chair had it’s own TV and the kids get to pick which movie they want to watch. Zoe got to watch “Finding Nemo”.

Zoe got a little freaked out when the Doctor put the ‘bib’ on her, and didn’t want any part of it. Other than that, she did well. He checked, brushed, and flossed her teeth and of course gave her a bubble gum fluoride treatment. He told her next time she came, she could pick any flavor she wanted. They have about a million kinds of fluorides to choose from.

All in all, everything went well. No cavities, a perfect (the Dentist’s words, ‘perfect’) bite. For being such a good girl, the Dentist told her she could pick TWO toys from the treasure chest!

Soccer Champ

We spent most of the day cleaning the house. The weather was PERFECT (in the 50's) so we opened the windows and did some pre-Spring cleaning.

When we finished cleaning, Zoe wanted to go to the park and play some soccer so, that is what we did! Watch out Pop Pop, you're going to have your hands full coaching this pee-wee! ha!

Photos of the day...

Making smoothies...

Mmmm.. Zoe enjoying a soy strawberry, peach, & banana smoothie

Paperwork… COMPLETE

I finally finished all the paperwork required by the state to start our journey into the foster/adoption world. It took me forever to get all the paperwork competed. There were tons of questions, dates, references, addresses, phone numbers, doctors, schools, police dept., etc. needed to complete the paperwork but I’m pleased to announce, it’s done and in the mail. The next step is to sign up for the mandatory classes given by the state.

We have been asked if we are requesting a particular “kind of child”, ie age, race, gender. The answer is yes, and no. The only thing we asked for was a girl and for her not to be much (if any)older than Zoe. We wanted them to be close in age. That was the only ‘requirement’ Shelli and I really cared about. Our main goal at this point is to open our home to a child who needs a soft place to fall in a not so safe world. We are not in a rush to adopt until we find the perfect match for everyone involved. We’ve spent numerous nights talking about expanding our family and when we ask Zoe what she thinks she says, “Yes! Let’s do it!”

We will keep everyone posted!