Play Hard...Sleep Hard

The other day I left Zoë happily playing in her gym to go upstairs for something, then came quickly down when I heard some crying. But when I arrived, this was what I saw:

I think Zoë has inherited her father's sleeping talent (the ability to fall soundly asleep in a matter of seconds)! If only she used this gift when I try to put her to sleep...

Bumbo Baby

I was able to score a Bumbo seat and tray on Craigslist to help Zoë along with her sitting up and hand-eye coordination. She is enjoying it so far! It is so fun watching her grow!

Big Girl Sit Ups!

It all began with some grunting noises. We figured it was just another messy diaper in the works, but all of a sudden Zoë started to pull away from Daddy...

 ...using those strong legs and strong abs...

  ...to pull herself off of Daddy's tummy and sit forward
all by herself!

"Look at me! I'm such a big girl!!"

Now she likes to do it all the time, even in the
car seat and stroller!

Fun for All-Fours

 Recently, Zoë has been exploring the use of her hands - her favorites are grabbing onto her shirt and flashing mommy and daddy, pushing her lovey blankie into her mouth and touching mommy's nose or mouth while nursing. But today she finally realized how much fun her hands can be with all the cool toys in her jungle gym!

 She had a great time keeping both hands and feet entertained.

My Baby is Mobile!...Sort of

Since this was taken, Zoë rolled over twice. Now we're just waiting for her to put it all together and start crawling!! Well...maybe she can hold off on that for a little while. Once this girl starts walking, I will be running to keep up with her!

Rattle Battle

With a little help, Zoë grasped her fingers around the rattle handle, 

and then just went crazy!! Her motor skills are still a bit out of control. 

3 months old! Where does the time go?

 Zoë turns 3 months today! She is 12 lbs, 8 oz and 2 feet tall.

Smiles and giggles and all kinds of "talking" are very frequent now with our little one, as well as lots and lots of wiggling. She likes to sit propped up on the bed or in the highchair to look around, and when on her back on the floor enjoys the "backward butt scoot." Zoë is on the brink of discovering the use of her hands, but for now just likes to try and stick her fist in her mouth.

I love my girl.

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall...

 Zoë is apprehensive about this new baby in the mirror.

 Zoë overcomes her shyness and reaches out her fist...only to be surprised whenshe hits glass instead of another baby!

 Zoë recognizes mommy's face in the reflection and bursts into 

giggles - SHE is the other baby!

Zoë and mommy spend a half an hour dancing, touching the

 mirror and giggling together. What a wonderful life!

Jibber Jabber

Not yet 3 months and already cooing and babbling up a storm! 

She's going to be quite the little talker!! And I could listen

 to her go on forever. I love my girl!

Workin' Out In the Gym

Look what I can do! 

Home Videos, at long last!

We finally got our act together and began the process of uploading some movies of little Zoë. Enjoy!

(You can click the "YouTube" button on the window to watch it on YouTube at its full resolution.)

Make New Friends...and don't cry!

Zoë had the privilege of being one of the first babies to welcome little Graham Stanislav into the world at only 2 weeks old. What a cutie! Word on the street is that an arranged marriage was put into motion before either one of them was born :D

When Zoë and Bethany Haverdink first met, Zoë was a little shy. Bethany (5 months) reached out to touch her face in a friendly "hello!"and Zoë responded with a big frown followed by a wail. But I think they will put their differences behind them and become great friends someday!

The two girls had a fun time with the older man, Aidan Scheffert, and both were secretly jealous of his golden curls.

Looks like a dance party! 

Zoë's moves include a good head bobble.