I’m big on dates and anniversaries – as readers have probably already figured out – and I was excited to discover today that it’s been exactly a year since Zoe and I began hanging out with Polly and Miles and Susan and Zander. I actually met Polly at a childbirth prep class before Zoe was born; we began spending time together after our babies were born, and we met Susan and Zander at a sing-along at the library last March. We were so excited that our babies were born within days of each other (Zoe is the youngest by a hair), and we quickly launched our Friday get-togethers. It’s been so fun watching all of them grow together.

Today’s get-together was at a park not far from my house. It was a cloudy, cool morning, but that didn’t stop the three from swinging, running around and digging in the sand. The latter was actually Zoe’s favorite part, and I figured I had to post a few pics.

-M

I stumbled upon this video from several weeks back and thought I would (finally) post it. The quality isn’t great (it’s a little grainy for some reason), but it provides a glimpse of what Zoe often does when she’s supposed to be napping – namely, bounce up and down, chatter and even “roar.” Enjoy.

-M

Pop Pop isn’t the only word in Zoe’s vocabulary; she’s been doing lots of chattering and word-repeating this week. The other day I asked her if she wanted a grilled cheese sandwich, to which she replied, “cheese;” later I pointed out the color of her toy and she said back to me, “blue.” This morning she said “nose” (while pointing to hers) for the first time, and she continues to say “dog” (or “daw”) all the time.

Zoe’s a big talker and (still) a big eater. Hm… Maybe she takes after her mom, after all!

-M

Pop Pop! Yesterday morning she was playing with her little phone, and I asked her who she was talking to. “Is it Safta or Grandma?” I asked. “Or maybe it’s Grandpa or Pop Pop.” She looked up at me and said “Pop Pop” and then repeated it. Later, I had her say it for her dad so we knew it was legit.

Pop Pop, you’ll have to visit soon so you can hear this for yourself!

-M

I had a real treat waiting for me at Elena’s today: Zoe in pigtails! Ms. Drama Queen Mom literally squealed in excitement when she saw her; Zoe looked like SUCH a little kid and such like, well, a little girl. Pigtails might not sound like a big deal to the average reader, but Q and I have been trying for some time now to put Zoe’s hair in clips or bows or something that tells the world that she’s a girl (the head-to-toe pink isn’t a good enough indicator for some) – and we haven’t had any luck. (Zoe normally rips everything off her head.) Elena did a great job of styling her hair, and the end result made my day. Seriously. I think I smiled the entire ride home. Wouldn’t you?? (See below.)

-M

The weather was gorgeous yesterday, so the three of us grabbed a late brunch and drinks at this fun outdoor restaurant near the ocean. The sun was warm, a band was playing, and plenty of dogs and kids were running around – plus we ran into our friend Tonja – so there was a little something for all of us. After we got home, Zoe, who looked a little like a green apple in her cute lounging outfit, spent some time frolicking around the house and then snuggling with her dad. It was a great way to cap a fun weekend…

-M

Zoe spends a lot of quiet time by herself, and it recently occurred to me that we have very little video of this. I managed to get close to a minute of her playtime yesterday morning, and I captured a few classic Zoe moments in the process: a little talking (:08), a little thumb-sucking (:23) and a little dancing (:25). Oh, yeah, and the video also captures her use of a random object (in this case a cloth letter) as a necklace (:15). (She loves putting things around her neck.) This video isn’t action-packed, but it provides a nice taste of Everday Zoe.

-M

Last week at this time, I was in LA – spending my first night (ever) away from Zoe. It was the first time since BZ (before-Zoe) that I flew alone, and the entire travel experience was so mellow and easy compared to my recent flying experiences. I didn’t have to worry about schlepping and getting through security a carseat, stroller, diaper bag and oodles of other important items, and I didn’t have to worry about watching or entertaining or caring for anyone in the airport. I could just sit and *be*; I actually read a magazine and just sat there, doing nothing. It was nice… but it was also a little lonely.

I surprised myself by missing my little travel companion (and the big one, too, of course) as much as I did. I couldn’t help but watch the little babies around me in the airport and think of Zoe; I spent a long time watching one father struggle with his very young, very unhappy baby in the airport – and instead of feeling relieved that I wasn’t in his shoes, I actually felt a little envious. I even felt that way on the plane, when the baby wouldn’t stop screaming. Old Michelle would have been extremely annoyed, but on this trip, I just smiled at the thought of comforting my own little (well, big) baby. (I also made sure to give the dad a few “I-know-what-you’re-going-through/don’t-worry-about-it” looks. I really felt for him!)

I’m fond of saying that motherhood hasn’t changed me *that* much, but experiences like this tell me otherwise. I know traveling will never be quite the same again, and I know I will forever feel a bit of loss when I’m away from Zoe. But I also know that’s okay – I just feel pretty lucky to be able to feel like this!

-M

Zoe’s had another good week, and she’s been in a particularly playful and happy mood. She showed her more mellow side this morning, though, when she grabbed her tiny yellow pillow (one of her favorite playthings) and used it to take a little rest. She bounced up just a few seconds after this picture was snapped (you can’t keep her down for long) – but at least she had a few quiet moments.

-M

Zoe has been a Brett Favre fan since she was very little (see below), so – like her mom – she’s feeling pretty blue right now. Brett just announced that he’s retiring, and Zoe just can’t imagine what football season will be like without him. It’s a very sad day for her (and lots of our relatives and friends in Wisconsin), but at least she can tell her kids someday that she was around to see him play!!

-M

Well, Mommy made it back safe last night, so Daddy weekend is officially over. Thought I’d throw up some more “Daddy fun” pictures and Mommy’s reaction…

Jon Q

Fun at the computer (“You left her alone!”)

Fun in the bath (“She’ll get soap in her eyes!”)

Fun on slide (“By herself!”)

Zoe wanted to give a BIG shout out to her GREAT Grandma (otherwise known as GG-ma!) Don’t tell anyone, but today she is 35! Zoe can’t wait to see you next month so that you can see all her knew tricks!

Jon Q

Here is what we did the rest of the day (yes, I know she shouldn’t be doing that, Mommy). For those of you who are not Mommy, enjoy!

Jon Q

Having a nice glass of OJ (I know, not on the table!)

Eating pancakes at IHOP (I know, one hand at a time!)

Having coffee at Jenny’s (I know, she shouldn’t be playing with keys!)

Flying through the air (I know, not in the parking lot!)

Having fun at the Dog Park (I know, not so close to the dogs!)

Playing drums at Dan’s (I know, no drumsticks!)

This weekend marks a first for Zoe…tomorrow will be the first morning she wakes up without Mommy! Yes, Mommy actually got a weekend off and flew down to LA to party with Angela, so Zoe is all alone with Daddy this weekend. Of course, that can be a fun thing. Let’s just say that Mommy doesn’t let Zoe do as much as Daddy does. I’ll keep everyone posted (especially Mommy) as to our adventures the next 48 hours. Check us out so far:

Zoe sitting on the counter eating (a real no-no in Mommy’s book):

Zoe playing with her food:

Zoe eating sloppy food all on her own:

More to come…

Jon Q