Good Night Moon

Today on their walk to the park, Zoe pointed out the moon in the sky (it was early-ish morning) to her Daddy. It wasn't a 'bubble' or a 'ball' this time, but the moon and she knew it.

Tonight, reading our bedtime dose of "Goodnight Moon", she discovered one of the little aspects of that book that has always tickled my heart: the mouse that travels around the room. She'd recently picked up on there being a mouse in that book (though we learned 'mouse' via another), so I guess it was a matter of time. But her discovery, despite having read that book literally hundreds of times, was fantastic. It truly bolstered both my love of that book and the love I have of our little bedtime rituals.


Zoe reading 'nuh-nights' for her baby

Milk with a 'k'

I feel it worthy of mentioning the fact that Zoe has started using the last consonant in a few of her words, namely, 'book' and 'milk'.

She's so deliberate about it now that I can't help but crack a smile when I hear it.

Gone are the days of 'milh'...

Guess who's coming for dinner?

Week before last, we were happy to host our good old friend, Andrea.

It had been a while since we'd seen her, and even longer since she'd seen Zoe, so there was lots of catching up to do!



A few nights later, Zoe's uncle Chris came over for a visit, too. After a little bit of shyness, she and Chris were quick to get cozy.




That must be a St. Pierre face they are making...

So yes, should you come for dinner, you will likely spend time on our kitchen floor surrounded by little books, but we usually have good food! ;)

Little swimmer

Sunday, we finally pulled our acts together enough to get over to the Shoreline pool and give Zoe her first shot at the water.


Ready for my dip!

It went great!

I was determined to get there early so that the pool would be somewhat calm for Zoe's first exposure. It seems to have paid off. While Dave was changing into his suit, Zoe and I sat out on the pool deck and watched the few other swimmers already in the water. She was captivated by the huge pool and by the little boy in it with the beach ball. She was definitely interested. So, Dave climbed in to show her that we were going to be part of the fun. Still interested. So, I handed her off and Z & her daddy took their first dip together.


Sussing out the situation

I won't say there wasn't any apprehension, because there was - she hasn't held on to us that tightly maybe ever! - but the interest and awe prevailed.


Hrmmm....

As long as Dave kept moving and didn't get to close to me on the sidelines (taking pix, of course!), she wouldn't fuss and throw her arms out for me to hold her.


You! In the water! Now!

After a bit, I climbed in and joined them. Strangely, Zoe was looking to me to be her rock, a privilege usually reserved for her daddy. However, he was the one to put her in the pool...

All in all, dunks and all (twice!), she did great. I'm so glad we didn't wait a moment longer to get her started. Swimming as a family was a LOT of fun.

A great weekend

I would be remiss if I didn't recount to some extent the weekend before last. It was a nice mix of fun and family...and some cute pix, to-boot.

It all started on Friday when Zoe's Nana and Pepere came up to spend the day with her. All had fun and I think everyone did a great job of tuckering each other out. Dave and I gave Nana and Pepere an extra long stint at the babysitting by knocking off work and heading downtown (whoo hoo!) for dinner and a movie. That this was the first date we'd actually had alone in a long time, it actually felt a little like celebrating. Dinner (sushi!) was yummy and the movie (Batman) was great. Smug and riteous mommy moment aside (just who takes a 5 & 6 year old to see The Dark Knight??), it was a perfect evening. Thanks, Nana and Pepere!

The next morning, we got packed up for a little road trip down Olympia way to get in a visit with Dave's side of the family. Grandparents Alonzo were in town from AZ, so we headed to Dave's dad's for a nice little BBQ. It was a great time and Zoe certainly enjoyed being the baby of the group.


Flirting with a nap before hitting the road


Grandma Kathy, Grandpa Gary, Cousin Cameron and Auntie Tammy


Goofing around with uncle Brian


Quality time with Grandma Marge and Grandpa Tony


And a little cat-toy fun @ Auntie Tammy & Uncle Brian's