When I was younger a local news channel partnered with McDonald's for a color the weather contest. Each time we ate at McDonald's, I would color the weather in hopes that weatherman Steve Mumm would show my masterpiece during the news and I could win a free Happy Meal.
When I was 8, my dream came true. A terrible drawing of some thunderstorms got me my 15 minutes of fame. And a Happy Meal.
Fast forward 22 years.
Sometime before Thanksgiving Zoe's grandma went to the credit union. In her trip there she learned they were hosting a coloring contest. This wasn't just any contest, they had a toddler section. In hopes of Zoe finding the same satisfaction of winning, my mom brought home a picture of a black and white turkey.
Each day for a week, she would put it before Zoe during their many coloring sessions. Because Zoe likes to usually only use one color per session, it took the entire week for her to complete the masterpiece. Really, can you rush art?
Apparently the answer is no. Because Zoe won 1st place amongst the toddler crowd.
She is playing with her farm animal prize as we speak.
I couldn't be more proud of her. Maybe tonight we should cash in my free Happy Meal and celebrate.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Cleaning makes you sweat
Zoe has been learning so many things this last month. It's like all the stuff she's been trying to figure out suddenly makes sense. What's the most fun is seeing how her mind works.
Here's the scene.
We're in the living room, I'm trying to find some amazing deals on-line for her Christmas present and N is sitting on the couch watching Zoe. She is playing on her bean bag chair, watching some Tigger & Pooh.
Suddenly N says to me, "Kel, check her out. You have to watch this. Do you see what she's doing?"
Because of her position on the bean bag chair it was a bit hard to see, but as soon as I saw her bare tummy and one bare arm I knew. She was taking her shirt off.
Sure enough, within a few seconds the girl was without clothes on the top half of her body. She grabbed her broom, went to the kitchen and started sweeping.
Apparently sweeping makes her a little sweaty and she didn't want to soil her shirt.
Or she just likes watching that baby in the oven window and wondered if she'd be naked too.
Wouldn't you know, she was naked and sweeping too.
Life is full of so many mysteries.
Here's the scene.
We're in the living room, I'm trying to find some amazing deals on-line for her Christmas present and N is sitting on the couch watching Zoe. She is playing on her bean bag chair, watching some Tigger & Pooh.
Suddenly N says to me, "Kel, check her out. You have to watch this. Do you see what she's doing?"
Because of her position on the bean bag chair it was a bit hard to see, but as soon as I saw her bare tummy and one bare arm I knew. She was taking her shirt off.
Sure enough, within a few seconds the girl was without clothes on the top half of her body. She grabbed her broom, went to the kitchen and started sweeping.
Apparently sweeping makes her a little sweaty and she didn't want to soil her shirt.
Or she just likes watching that baby in the oven window and wondered if she'd be naked too.
Wouldn't you know, she was naked and sweeping too.
Life is full of so many mysteries.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Friday Five Faves - vol. 18 or 19
So I was looking at past FFF posts and I realized that I have two #17 editions. Apparently counting and Fridays don't really mix for me.
Or it could be that I was getting an early start on the festivities that are in store for me tonight. My friend Amber's bachelorette party is tonight. We all have to wear something leopard print. Since I'm not so great at face-painting on leopard spots (which I thought would totally be a stand-out idea for a night on the town), I found a delightful headband to wear. I think my inner tigress is ready for some girl's night out!
Without further ado, FFF volume 18 or 19. Depending if you believe in new math or not.
1) My new plum, suede pumps from Kenneth Cole Reaction (sorry no picture, I was working on my counting and face painting). I found these beauties for my friend Amber's wedding this December, but I love them so much I've already worn them. What's even better, I found them at Macy's and they were half off. Can you beat that?
2) iTunes. Since entering the 21 century, I've started loading up my iPod with music. I downloaded some singles that I love and even the new Nickleback CD. I will admit, I even downloaded Britney's Circus. I'm a bit of a Britney fan, head shaving and all. She did have some trouble there for awhile, but I love a good comeback story like I love me some leftover cheesecake from Thanksgiving.
3) Toddler talk. Zoe is starting to say more and more things. She will answer questions too, even though I have absolutely no idea what she's saying. This was our conversation as I mopped the floors with Pine Sol this week:
Me: mopping, enjoying my little helper
Zoe: sweeping the floors with her broom when she said Mom!
Me: What sweetie?
Zoe: pinches her nose, p.u.!
Apparently the scent of fresh pine doesn't quite meet her expectations of a good smell.
4) The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I tend to read an author's entire body of work if I like their writing. I was a little skeptical about this book because I didn't know if it could live up to the Twilight series and it's kinda sci-fi. When I say kinda sci-fi I mean completely, 100% sci-fi. I have to admit that I loved it. It's a hard story to explain, but her website says it's "science fiction for people who don't like science fiction." I have to agree.
5) Three Legged Red by Dunham Cellars. I've had several of their wines and this is a great, affordable bottle of red table wine. What's even better is this winery is located in Walla Walla, so you're supporting local!
Have a great week all!
Or it could be that I was getting an early start on the festivities that are in store for me tonight. My friend Amber's bachelorette party is tonight. We all have to wear something leopard print. Since I'm not so great at face-painting on leopard spots (which I thought would totally be a stand-out idea for a night on the town), I found a delightful headband to wear. I think my inner tigress is ready for some girl's night out!
Without further ado, FFF volume 18 or 19. Depending if you believe in new math or not.
1) My new plum, suede pumps from Kenneth Cole Reaction (sorry no picture, I was working on my counting and face painting). I found these beauties for my friend Amber's wedding this December, but I love them so much I've already worn them. What's even better, I found them at Macy's and they were half off. Can you beat that?
2) iTunes. Since entering the 21 century, I've started loading up my iPod with music. I downloaded some singles that I love and even the new Nickleback CD. I will admit, I even downloaded Britney's Circus. I'm a bit of a Britney fan, head shaving and all. She did have some trouble there for awhile, but I love a good comeback story like I love me some leftover cheesecake from Thanksgiving.
3) Toddler talk. Zoe is starting to say more and more things. She will answer questions too, even though I have absolutely no idea what she's saying. This was our conversation as I mopped the floors with Pine Sol this week:
Me: mopping, enjoying my little helper
Zoe: sweeping the floors with her broom when she said Mom!
Me: What sweetie?
Zoe: pinches her nose, p.u.!
Apparently the scent of fresh pine doesn't quite meet her expectations of a good smell.
4) The Host by Stephenie Meyer. I tend to read an author's entire body of work if I like their writing. I was a little skeptical about this book because I didn't know if it could live up to the Twilight series and it's kinda sci-fi. When I say kinda sci-fi I mean completely, 100% sci-fi. I have to admit that I loved it. It's a hard story to explain, but her website says it's "science fiction for people who don't like science fiction." I have to agree.
5) Three Legged Red by Dunham Cellars. I've had several of their wines and this is a great, affordable bottle of red table wine. What's even better is this winery is located in Walla Walla, so you're supporting local!
Have a great week all!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Sleep Deprivation
This past week and a half has been a trying week for me. Zoe has been sick. It started out as a cough at night. Zoe's a gagger. She would cough. Gag from the cough. Puke from the gag.
It was a lovely routine to add to bedtime. We took her to the doctor because I was running out of shirts and pajama pants without puke stains.
She has a sinus infection. The doctor's exact diagnosis was, "yep, green river of goop running down her throat." Nothing instills confidence in your doctor as much as when they use highly technical, medical school terminology.
Poor kid. We got antibiotics. Because it doesn't taste like olives or chocolate pudding, the gagging starts all over. Fortunately I can stop that cycle before it continues with a drink of water. Which is good because I didn't want to resort to covering us both in plastic pre-dosage.
She seems to be doing better. So much better that she doesn't think sleep is important. She refused a nap this week only to fall asleep right before dinner. Then if she does nap, she thinks 5 am is a good wake-up time.
It's safe to say this mamma is a wee bit tired.
Last night I discovered the culprit. As she was talking to herself in the bathroom mirror, post-bath, I noticed she has two new teeth. Because of her preemie status, her teeth have been a little behind her age. These should've come in sometime around July. Better late than never. She's getting two eye teeth on top. The bottoms looks a little bit swollen. We may have two more in no time.
Maybe mamma will have some sleep then too.
It was a lovely routine to add to bedtime. We took her to the doctor because I was running out of shirts and pajama pants without puke stains.
She has a sinus infection. The doctor's exact diagnosis was, "yep, green river of goop running down her throat." Nothing instills confidence in your doctor as much as when they use highly technical, medical school terminology.
Poor kid. We got antibiotics. Because it doesn't taste like olives or chocolate pudding, the gagging starts all over. Fortunately I can stop that cycle before it continues with a drink of water. Which is good because I didn't want to resort to covering us both in plastic pre-dosage.
She seems to be doing better. So much better that she doesn't think sleep is important. She refused a nap this week only to fall asleep right before dinner. Then if she does nap, she thinks 5 am is a good wake-up time.
It's safe to say this mamma is a wee bit tired.
Last night I discovered the culprit. As she was talking to herself in the bathroom mirror, post-bath, I noticed she has two new teeth. Because of her preemie status, her teeth have been a little behind her age. These should've come in sometime around July. Better late than never. She's getting two eye teeth on top. The bottoms looks a little bit swollen. We may have two more in no time.
Maybe mamma will have some sleep then too.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Let the festivities begin
This weekend D came over to spend some time with us. E stayed home to be with her mom and new baby brother.
It was so much fun spending time with D and getting some one-on-one time with her. She helped me give Zoe a bath and she helped N & me get ready for Christmas.
She spent most of the morning outside with N helping him hang lights. Then she came in for some hot cocoa. With marshmallows. And whipped cream.
Between sips of cocoa, we made a paper garland for the tree.
That girl is a crafting machine!
Once it got dark, which is around 2:30 in the afternoon here. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration. 2:45 pm is more like it. N took a picture of his and D's handy work.
What is even sweeter than having garland for the tree and lights on the house? N set the lights on remote control. I don't even have to go outside to turn them on! He sure knows his wife is a danty flower that doesn't much care for wet and cold.
It was so much fun spending time with D and getting some one-on-one time with her. She helped me give Zoe a bath and she helped N & me get ready for Christmas.
She spent most of the morning outside with N helping him hang lights. Then she came in for some hot cocoa. With marshmallows. And whipped cream.
Between sips of cocoa, we made a paper garland for the tree.
That girl is a crafting machine! Once it got dark, which is around 2:30 in the afternoon here. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration. 2:45 pm is more like it. N took a picture of his and D's handy work.
What is even sweeter than having garland for the tree and lights on the house? N set the lights on remote control. I don't even have to go outside to turn them on! He sure knows his wife is a danty flower that doesn't much care for wet and cold.Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Hanging with Micah
This weekend we had Bev, Chris and Micah over for some dinner and fellowship. Micah is such a sweet baby. He's growing up so cute. He was telling Zoe and me stories and we got lots of smiles.
Zoe loved telling him all kinds of stories and blowing him kisses. I think she's pretty fond of her cousin.
Zoe loved telling him all kinds of stories and blowing him kisses. I think she's pretty fond of her cousin.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Leftovers
I think I've finally come out of my turkey and shopping coma. I thought I would post a few pictures from our Thanksgiving.
I have a very unique family. 99% of them are not blood related in any way. This year my sister's family came over to celebrate. Her grandma usually prepares dinner, but this year my mom offered and they accepted. We had 20 people at my mom's house. It was absolutely wonderful.
Zoe was a bit overwhelmed pre-dinner, pre-nap. However post-nap, she was ready to go. Here are some highlights.
Matthew, Roan, Grandpa Doug, Mark, Grandma Darlene, Harmony and Piper
Nicole, Connor, T-Dog, Jerry and Michael
Giving Zoe some love
I have a very unique family. 99% of them are not blood related in any way. This year my sister's family came over to celebrate. Her grandma usually prepares dinner, but this year my mom offered and they accepted. We had 20 people at my mom's house. It was absolutely wonderful.
Zoe was a bit overwhelmed pre-dinner, pre-nap. However post-nap, she was ready to go. Here are some highlights.
Playing hockey with Roan
Matthew, Roan, Grandpa Doug, Mark, Grandma Darlene, Harmony and Piper
Nicole, Connor, T-Dog, Jerry and Michael Giving Zoe some love
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