Banana Bread

Today not a whole lot of anything went on. The weather was nasty so we took advantage and made some homemade banana bread . Zoe put on her apron and chef hat and went to work. She told me she was “Ratatouille” and knew just what she was doing. Once we got the ‘cake’ in the oven, Zoe sat and watched it to make sure it was ‘doing right’.

I love being in the kitchen with my baby! I remember growing up and spending lots of time in the kitchen with my mom. We would pretend we had our own cooking show. Mom was such a sport! There is something about being in the kitchen that is warm and fun. Add friends and family and it makes for a perfect recipe!

Pizza

We LOVE to make homemade pizza. In the summer, we make it all the time because we have access to so many fresh veggies. Zoe absolutely loves adding the toppings. We use everything and anything we have lying around that needs to be used. Last night we made a pesto pizza with fresh basil. It was delish!

Baby & Helicopter

Mimi's Perfect Day!

This morning I got a text from Henry saying he was driving over from CT, where he's working all week.

Lori, Zoe, & I were already planning to meet Wendy and her kids for a local college hoops game, so it was quickly shaping up to be a great evening. We all met around 6 for dinner at a local college hangout, enjoyed some great food conversation, and a couple of cocktails while the kids had fun too.

After dinner we headed to the game for some 1-A women's b-ball. When the game was over, Uncle Henry followed us home for some quality time with his best ladies. It was a perfect day spent with my family and two of my closest and dearest friends.

Morning Hike

Last night while I was at the airport waiting for my flight, Lori called and asked if I wanted to go for a hike in the morning, my answer: “YES!”

My flight came in around 12:45am, but by the time I got home it was around 1:30. Once I rolled out of bed, we all put our hiking clothes on and headed to the trails. The weather today is almost in the 50’s so we took full advantage. It was absolutely beautiful out there. The lake was complete frozen and covered with snow, the trails were partially melted, but still passable, and the air was cool and crisp. We saw several squirrels playing, birds fluttering about, and just when we thought it couldn’t get more perfect, I spotted a big beautiful doe. She was standing inches away from us and practically posing for me.

It was so refreshing to be outside, especially since it’s been too cold to do any kind of activity outdoors. We were all glad to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Nothing like some quality family time outside to start off the weekend.

Play-Doh

Play-Doh 101!

My Snow Angel

Today!

Words cannot describe the way I feel at this very moment. We, as Americans, have the first African American president. My daughter could one day be president if she so chose. I sat on the couch, holding my baby girl with tears rolling down my face. She has no idea just how big today was, and I long for the day she will.

It’s amazing. Simply amazing! I’m at a loss. I sat and watched millions of people in Washington watching history being made in front them. I saw hundreds of people cry and hope for the promise of a better tomorrow. I witnessed it all, and I too, cried. I have never been more proud to be an American, proud to live in the United States, and most of all, proud to be the mother of an African American child. Proud. Proud. Proud.

Goodbye

This afternoon my parents headed home and Zoe wasn’t too thrilled. Zoe is Mamaw & Pop Pop’s best girl and it’s never easy to say bye to either of them. This morning at 4am, my dad said Zoe was standing at the bedroom door with baby in hand, asking him if she could get into bed with them. Zoe was snug in the middle of them both when I went to get her up for school this morning.

Once everyone got up, Zoe wanted Mamaw & Pops to take her to school – Alone! Zoe wanted to make sure she gets as much time as possible with my parents today, and I can’t blame her. The visits always go way to fast.

It’s been absolutely fabulous having my folks here. It’s going to take Zoe a few days decompress and get back into our routine. We sure are looking forward to them moving here in the future!

Snow Day

It's snowed ALL DAY so as soon as Zoe got up from her nap, she went outside to PLAY until the sun went down... While Mamaw and Pop Pop watched from inside!

Helicopter

From the second Zoe got her ‘helicopter’, she’s been on it – NON STOP! The truth is, we’ve all been on it and love it. Zoe even got Mamaw & Pop Pop to get on and take a spin around the dining room table.

Too much fun...

This afternoon we had so much fun! The Johnson-McCormick family came over to hang out, and it was so good to see them. It seems like it had been months since we’ve seen them last.

Zoe was excited all day for everyone to get here, and I have to admit, I get excited too! I have to stock up on all the love time I can get while they are here so it will last me until the next time. While everyone was here, we cut into Zoe’s cake that she made last night with Mamaw and boy was it a hit. Owen even wanted to take some home it was so good. And just when Zoe didn't think the day could get any better, she GOT TO HOLD MEERA! She was so happy.

It was great catching up and playing with the kids. Zoe is always sad to see them go as she is chasing them to the car to get kisses from them both -- I don’t blame her!

For dinner, we went to grab a pizza. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day!

Date Night

I can’t remember the last time Shelli and I went out on a ‘date’. We are always together as a family and never really take time for us. With my parents in town, we were able to sneak out and have a little ‘grown up’ time. Shelli and I went to dinner at Cheesecake Factory. It’s nice to get out and enjoy some one on one time together. After almost 10 years together, we forgot what it was like to ‘date’. The food was delicious and the cheesecake was fantastic.

Meanwhile, back at the house, Pop Pop made Zoe her favorite meal – Shrimp! After dinner Mamaw and Zoe made a cake and played until it was time for bed. Zoe always enjoys her one on one time with my parents too.

"Special Week"

This week was Zoe’s ‘special week’ at school. Each child in the class has a special week where the parents come in and do an activity with the kids. When we got to school, we sat down and watched the kids sit in a circle with the teacher and go over what was on the agenda for the day. Zoe’s teacher asked, “Zoe, who did you bring with you today?" Zoe answers, “My Mommy and my Mamaw!” Zoe was so excited to have us in class with her. We were not sure how she was going to act with us there but, she did pretty well. She can’t get too much sass in with Mamaw AND Mom there!

Our activity was an art project making door hangers. Everyone sat around the table as we decorated the hangers with cute foam stickers and we even had letters to spell out each kid's name. We had so much fun getting to know all the kids in Zoe’s class. The majority of the kids in her class are boys, there are only two girls but that doesn’t phase Zoe at all. All her close friends are boys anyway, with the exception of one who isn’t old enough to play with her yet.

Overall, everything went very well. We had a good time and enjoyed spending time with Zoe and her friends. To my mom, after years as a primary school teacher's aide, it was second nature so she fit right in. After the craft, we ran home to pick up Pop Pop so we could all go to lunch together!

Mamaw & Pop Pop

Mamaw and Pop Pop are here!!!! We picked them up at the train station this morning with fresh pretzels in hand (Mamaw's favorite!). We are looking forward to spending the next several days together and trying to stay WARM!

Mommy's Helper

Zoe and I take on the coolest projects to keep us active in the winter. This morning, we woke up and painted. How cool is that? Ha! I have wanted to paint our bedroom for a few months now so with the ground covered with frozen snow and ice, today was the day. Not so much fun for me but Zoe thought it was way cool. Zoe is always game for helping out when it comes to any projects so she volunteered to take off all the switch plates while I got everything else ready. She will find any reason to use Mimi's tools, or sit on the ladder.

While I was painting, she was sitting on the bed and we were talking about Mamaw & Pop Pop coming in a few days to visit. She has lots of plans while they are here. After our chat, we sang a few songs, and talked about all her friends at school. When we were done, I was cleaning up and she says, “Mom, we had some girl talk and it was fun!”

I will have to agree. It was fun! We have such a tight bond and I’m so blessed to be able to talk to her and share what's going on with her and about ‘life’ (thru the eyes of a 4yr old). That is what it’s all about for me.

Cosi

S'mores at Cosi -- Life is good!

I'm not sure who likes them more, Shelli or Zoe.