Meal-time with Zoe is an occasional source of frustration for me. Now that she’s a bit older, she’s also a bit pickier – and she’s been known to turn up her nose at many food items placed before her. (Having her reject something I just spent time making is particularly irritating.) This afternoon, though, she did quite the opposite. I prepared a banana shake – something she hasn’t had before – and asked for her thoughts after her first sip. She was quiet for a second and I was convinced she didn’t like it (it had very little sugar, after all) – but then she broke into a big smile. “Dee-licious,” she declared happily – just about making my day.

-M

While Michelle was at her weekly Dr’s appointment leading up to Poppy, Zoe and I stayed home. This morning Zoe wanted to have a “hair day”, so of course I helped. Here she is with her hair all done up!

Jon Q

I had to smile when I saw the headline – “How can a man cope with his moody pregnant wife?” – on a favorite blog of mine. The blogger went on to discuss the challenges of dealing with a pregnant woman’s mood swings and told the story of a husband who said of his wife, “It’s like I don’t even know her anymore.” The writer also recalled how she once majorly flipped out when, during her third trimester, she couldn’t enjoy a twice-baked potato when she wanted one. (It was, of course her husband’s fault.)

I know more than anyone how moody/irrational/crazy/ pregnancy can make someone; sadly, I think I’m more susceptible to hormonal ups-and-downs than the average woman. Poor Q has dealt with his fair share of ranting and raving and even tantruming, and I thank my lucky stars that he has taken everything in stride – never losing his patience (or, at least, never showing it) and always accepting my later apologies and hugs. I’m not sure how he puts up with me – but I’m glad he has. And I look forward to the day when hormones don’t cause me to freak out over something as small as a twice-baked potato!

-M