Zoey Lou

Let me tell you about this little angel. She didn't start out as an angel. But by her seven month birthday, she's proved she can officially be called an angel.

She's a petite little thing (except for her head), and at seven months is still hovering right around 14 pounds. She's not interested in moving whatsoever. When placed on her belly, she's content for a minute or two, and then squeals and squawks and screams and flails until we flip her over. She figured out the whole rolling thing a month or two ago, but refuses to do it now. She's just barely getting the hang of sitting up on her own, but certainly enjoys the view from that vantage point.

Zoey gives more smiles than cries, and entertains people with her wide open smiles and her signature wiggle dance. She will give anyone a smile as long as mom (or someone familiar) is in her sights.

Zoey loves to be held, but she can also entertain herself fairly well with Ducky McYellow and her other fabulous stuffed friends.

She likes bouncing in her Johnny Jumper and chilling in her bumbo. She adores watching Savy and Dex giggle and play, and wiggles her body in anticipation of the day she can join in their play.

She loves bathtime, and has since she was a wee one. Zoey recently switched to sitting up in the tub and loves splashing around with her big sister and big brother. She's not a fan of getting dressed and protests when things are put over her head, but she puts up with all the cute headbands and bows mom puts on her head (even when they fall down over her eyes).

Zoey used to be a fantastic sleeper and fabulous napper, but she's beginning to throw some serious fits after only sleeping for 45 minutes. She still only sleeps for a five to six hour stretch at night and throws the biggest fit if I try to trick her with the

binkie instead of what she really wants.

She loves to eat, and loves to eat baby food and table food. She intently watches me when I eat, hoping for a chance to try what I'm eating. I've yet to find something she doesn't like.

And like any baby at this age, she puts everything in her mouth.

Zoey Lou is one beautiful baby I simply can't get enough of. She caught the flu last week, which was awful, but I secretly enjoyed the chance I had to snuggle with her for hours on end. She's already growing up too fast and I wish she'd stop.

I sure love you, Zoey Lou.

Seeing Santa

I know...Christmas posts still? Actually...pre-Chrismtas posts still? Well...these are memories I want to remember. And since I don't have the drive to go do the gazillion things I should be doing, I'm going to take a break and blog about two month old pictures!

River Heights has this Christmas Tree Lighting tradition, and each year we gather outside in below freezing temperatures to sing a couple of off-key Christmas songs, turn on the lights on the Christmas Tree, and visit with Santa. It's one of those things that's always a bit crazy, and kids always end up crying because they're freezing cold, but we have to do it because who doesn't want to see Santa? And plus, it happens right across the street from us. One of the perks of living across from a freaking awesome park!

This year, I had to do it with three kids, and no hubby. Sam was off teaching, so I bundled up the three kids, threw them in the stroller with a ton of blankets, and traveled across the street. Luckily, my friend was there with her three kids and no hubby, so we could chill together. AND one of my fabulous young woman kept track of one of my kids the whole time, so it went over pretty well.

Well...it started out pretty well.

We commenced to sing our songs, watch the tree light up, and headed over to wait in line for Santa. Savy was glad her friend Lydia was there to keep her entertained. These two can be serious goofballs when they're together. They're also lucky enough to be in nursery AND preschool together. (Their poor teacher!)

Savana was actually excited to sit on Santa's lap this year, no tears and no hesitation. She knew exactly what she was going to ask him for Christmas...a dollhouse for her Barbies. Santa was a good listener, because that's exactly what he brought.

Zoey thought Santa was totally awesome (can't you tell by her facial expression), and she whispered in his ear that all she wanted for Christmas was world peace....

and her mom to get spoiled.

And this kid? Well...he refused to keep his gloves on. Consequently, he slipped and fell in the snow, catching himself with his bare hands, and began screaming because his hands were cold. (Yeah, that's why mom told you to keep your gloves on!)

He then had no desire to see Santa, eat donuts, or drink the scalding-hot hot chocolate. He just wanted to get his hands warm, which was impossible to do outside, so I loaded up the kids again, bundled them up, and hurried across the park to our nice warm home

(spilling hot chocolate all over our stroller and listening to both Zoey and Dexter protest against the frigid cold weather at the top of their lungs).

And this...is the angel of a young woman who helped me stay partially sane that evening. My kids absolutely adore her, and I completely admire her for her patience and kindness. Without her, I may have ditched out even earlier.

Although it was a slightly chaotic evening, we got one thing checked off our

list of Christmas to-dos. And all for free!