Zoe Sofia McDonald

Here's a quick look back at our little girl's life so far:

Birth:

One of her first pictures; all 7 lbs. 1 oz. of her.....

Leaving the University of Utah Hospital.....

The "six-pack" l to r: Adia, Layla, Chandra, Ella, Maddie, and Zoe (Superbowl 2007).....

6 Months:

Loving her Jumperoo....

With Big Brother Noah......

1 Year Old:

Sitting Pretty.....

Dreaming of Disneyland.....
18 Months Old:

Hot August Nights 2008....

Eagle's Nest at the Portland Zoo.....

2 Years Old:

So big......

I can't believe how fast the time has gone and how much she has grown.

She's Growing!

Zoe had her 2 year old well check up today. I am very happy to report she is on the growth chart. I think that is a first for my kids.

She now weighs 23 lbs (10th percentile) and is 32 1/2 inches tall (20th percentile). Yes, for those of you who wonder her head is still completely off the charts 50 1/4 cm. Since it was our first visit with Dr. Remington (we had a change of insurance at the beginning of the year) her first concern was to make sure that Zoe's head has always been large. I assured her it has always been off the charts, so there is no concern. However, they will be getting copies of her growth charts just to make sure.

We were current on immunizations which meant no shots today! Zoe even stood on the big kids scale (something I still have trouble getting Noah to do) and answered the Doctor's questions. So, we got a clean bill of health today. I even think the Doctor was impressed with Zoe's abilities.

It was a very good appointment.

What's wrong with these pictures?

Most people would say nothing. At least your kid likes to brush his teeth. That's an understatement, both of my kids love toothbrushes and have a nice collection of them.

However, this is not his toothbrush. It is his Dad's. Dan now wonders how many times this has happened. As of last night Noah has his own brush for Daddy's fancy toothbrush.

Don't worry, Zoe got in on the action too - I just didn't get any pictures.

Next step is to take them to the Dentist.

Girls Night Out

Last week I had the opportunity to hang out with some really great women that I am privileged to call friends. I've been here in Fernley about 18 months now and I finally feel like it is becoming home and that I have friends. It's taken me awhile but I can honestly say, I feel like I belong. Now I just wish life wasn't so hectic so we could get together on a more regular basis.

The first event was a Baby Shower. Let me just say, I think the soon to be arrival of little Abby McGowan was just an excuse to get together, as it was unlike any Baby Shower I've ever attended. We had the standard food, conversation, and even helped tie a baby quilt, but we didn't play your typical shower games...instead we played Mafia. The villagers killed me all three or was it four rounds? As they suspected that I was the Mafia and was unable to convince them otherwise - I'm either too quiet or it was my nervous laughter. All in all in was a great night and I stayed out way past my bedtime. Upon leaving I couldn't remember the last time I had laughed as hard. Thanks for the great night! (here is a group shot of us doing our best Charlie's Angels imitation)

Later that same week I had the opportunity to attend my first "Book Club." January's selection was: "Beloved Emma: The Illustrated Life Story of Emma Smith" by Lori E. Woodland.I have gained such a respect and admiration for Emma Smith. I was amazed at the faith and determination she showed through her many trials. The love and respect she had for her husband. And how she was always willing to serve. What an amazing woman she was.

It was also nice to sit around a talk about the book as well as other Life Happenings with such a great group of women. It was so refreshing to learn that others face the same day to day challenges as I do and I gained a new perspective on life. I can't wait for next month.

Thanks Dan for being so willing to take on the "night time and bed time" duties with the kids twice in one week -- I know it's not our easy time of the day.

Pigtails!!

Look what I can finally do!!

I know they aren't very long - but keep in mind this is progress for Zoe. She'll be 2 on Saturday (1/24) and she finally has enough hair to do something with. Granted we are still limited as it's not growing in very evenly. But I'm so excited that she finally has hair. I she loves having me do something with it so she can be pretty like a princess.

I Enjoy Being a Girl!

My little girls is growing up so fast - I can't believe she'll be 2 in a couple of days. She loves all girly things these days: princesses, babies, and of course dress up. Take a look at some of our recent creations........

Tinkerbell? Fairy? Mom? You decide....

Here she is dressed as her favorite Sleeping Beauty....

Or should she be Ariel?

Look at Snow White's earrings.....

Don't forget Cinderella's jewels....

Thanks for the box of fun Grandma Sandi! I can't wait to take her to Disneyland again to see all the princesses - now that she is in love with all of them. She is even sporting Princess Pull-Ups these days. She is so excited to be "Big" like Noah.

When princesses aren't an option she doesn't mind sporting a police helmet with her brother....

Happy New Year!

I know I'm a week late, but I have finally taken the time to update our blog and record some of our Christmas and New Year's Day memories.

Over all 2008 was a great year for our family.

I can't wait to see what 2009 brings our way.