Zoe's Outfit

This is what happens when you let your 2 year old pick out her own outfit.... Her Dad let her pick everything out, right down to the pink headband. Doesn't she look ready for her Jane Fonda workout?

Lettuce Anyone?

Noah has started being a little picky when it comes to eating. He says he doesn't like something that we know he usually eats. I think he kind of picked it up by spending time with his cousins around the holidays, or maybe it's just an age thing. We are trying to stop it before it gets out of hand, so he usually has to try at least one small bite. On this particular night he started complaining about lettuce, so his Dad played a trick on him.

Here's his lettuce burger...... Noah just staring at it....

Not sure he wants to take a bite....

After much convincing, he decided to give it a try....

He still isn't a big fan of it.....

Don't worry, we didn't force him to eat the lettuce, we were just trying to make a point. Right after pictures were taken we took all the lettuce off to reveal his yummy Cheese Burger.

Happy Birthday!!

For Zoe's 2nd Birthday we went with the theme of "Flowers and Butterflies." We had to postpone her party for a couple of days because Dan and I weren't feeling well. Dan had an upper respiratory infection (one small step away from pneumonia) and swimmers ear. I had a severe sore throat, earache, and sinus headache that I was told there was nothing they could do for me, I'd just have to wait it out. Since we didn't want to spread the germs we canceled our party with friends and did a family party a few days later when we felt up to it. Luckily the kids are still so young that they don't know the difference.

Here are a few pictures of her "Cupcake Tree":
Smiling while she is being sung to....

Trying to blow out the candle....

Enjoying her cupcake (this is her second, she got into them while I was decorating them)....

Noah was very happy she shared her cupcakes....

Her Birthday Gift. She assured everyone all day that it was her present, but she would share with us.....

A new baby that goes on the potty......

Noah helping to unwrap the baby. He's so excited that Zoe will be "potty train" like him (hopefully soon).....

Playing with her baby....

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.