We made a big switch this weekend: we took down Zoe’s crib and moved her into a “big girl” bed (for now, a twin mattress on the floor with princess-themed sheets and comforter). The move was long overdue (I was the one who dragged my feet), and Zoe took the change like a pro. Although she loved her crib, she wasn’t at all upset as she watched her dad disassemble it – and she now seems equally fond of her new bed.

As Q said to me after the switch was complete: “It’s official. She’s no longer a baby.”

-M

Another Saturday morning at the zoo for Zoe and her dad. The theme of this week’s Little Learners class was giraffes, and Zoe spent her time learning all about the animals and then playing/jumping around with the other kids. Here are some pics.

-M

Making giraffes:

Feeding the giraffes:

Dancing time:

Petting a chinchilla:

Yesterday I received a chipper little e-mail from BabyCenter.com. “You’re at the halfway mark,” it read, referring to the 20-weeks of my pregnancy. “Congratulations!” I stared at my computer screen for a few minutes before doing quick math in my head. Halfway mark? Already? Really??

I’ve had some (pretty typical) low points during this pregnancy, and I’m still tired and somewhat grumpy most of the time, but the weeks have really slipped by. Let’s hope the next 20 (or fewer, hopefully) weeks go as well!

-M

Our friends Russell, Ellen and Anona are in town from Texas, and we got to spend some time with them last night. As it turns out, Anona (who is a few months older than Z) shares with Zoe a love for the “bouncy house” and all things pink – and the two of them became fast friends. They’re pretty cute together, huh??

-M

I never thought I was a baby-talk type of person, but I’ve developed a post-Zoe habit of tacking on a “s” or “ers” to certain words – “nappers,” “yuckers,” etc. – when talking to Zoe. (Poor Q! I’m sure he gets a little tired of my toddlerese.) And ever since Zoe was quite small, I’ve always commented on her big “yawners.”

As we were getting ready for bed the other night, Zoe yawned and then – before I could even say anything – said with a smile, “Big yawners, Mommy!” It was the first time she’s said this, and she had a really proud look on her face. It was such a good (and satisfying) feeling to hear her repeat something I’ve been saying for months and months, and I couldn’t help but smile myself.

-M

As Q mentioned below, Zoe has had a busy past few days – starting with a trip to the playground with friends on Fri., a visit to the zoo (and a peek at the week-old baby giraffe) on Sat., and a football party on Sun. Here are some pics.

-M

Fun with Zander:

Just hanging around:

A new pet for Zoe:

Up close with the lions:

“Baby” giraffe:

Ready for some football (and cheerleading):

Well, Zoe had a very exciting weekend. First on Saturday we went to Little Learners at the Zoo and learned about alligators. Zoe even got to touch a lizard! Then on Sunday it was our annual Super Bowl party. This year Zoe dressed up as a little cheerleader and had a ton of fun eating, drinking, and running around with friends all day (not much different than her mom and dad). Then today Zoe got to see Phil, the groundhog, emerge from his burrow and see his shadow, which according to legend signals six more weeks of winter. All very exciting, and pictures to come soon…But the most exciting is that her Uncle Dan has a birthday today. Happy Birthday Uncle Dan!

Jon Q (and Zoe)