Fun December

Well, what a month we've had!  So much fun!!!  We have been hitting the gym hard! Learning our ABC's! Formulating more complex sentences! Joining new congregations! Learning some more! Visiting with family and friends!  Wow, jam-packed month!!!

It's funny how much little ZoZo loves going to the gym.  Mostly because there are other little people there that she can hang with for an hour or so.  But she likes "working out", too. As the videos will show.

It's been really eye-popping to see how quickly she's taken hold of the alphabet, too.  She skips a few here and there, but she knows.  And now she's recognizing her own name when she sees it, too.  WOW!

Seriously?

Well, it's really nice that Zoe has so many kids (girls) around her same age in her new congregation.  Wow, she's really let down her walls here.  She loves the "Teendom Hall" as she calls it.  And it was SOOO stinking cute how she reacted at our last meeting with Spring Valley.  She said bye bye to everyone.  She also wanted to give kisses (unsolicited) to most everyone!  Not sure how much she understood, but she had never been like that before.

She was so excited ALL day today to go to the Teendom Hall and see her best buddy, Jade! Love, love, love!

Here's some activities that we've done this month:

Zoe's ABC's

Battle Ropes @ the Gym

Pull Ups @ the Gym

"Booty"

Zoe Spells Her Name

Fun times @ the Hayes'

Zoe had SO MUCH fun playing with Aunti NoNo and Elona! And all the fun games on their phones and iPad!

ABC's

As a first-time parent, EVERYTHING is new to us. We're learning right along with our little Zoe.   It's pretty amazing to watch her make connections, to grasp ideas, to soak up the world around her.

Right now, at age 27 months, she is reciting her ABC's. I had no idea kids pick up on this stuff so early.  We bought her a Fridge Phonics magnet set, which she wears out EVERY DAY.  But now, she sings along.  It's so fun to watch her push the button and sing along.  And she is recognizing the individual letters, too.  She grabs a "P" and says, "P". WHAT??!!!!

That little girl amazes me and Mommy.

And her full sentences are growing every day, too.  "Daddy's shirt is red." "I don't want to." "I want to go downstairs."  Just two months ago, those weren't sentences.

On a side note, we had a special moment tonight.  During our prayer before dinner, we were all standing in the kitchen, Mommy holding Zoe; me with my arms around them both.  Then Zoe un-snuggled herself from Mommy, and reached out so that she could wrap one arm around Mommy, and the other arm around Daddy.  PRECIOUS!

So love my little girl!

Video of Zoe Counting

Toddler Bed

So we converted Zoe's crib to a toddler bed.  Our little Houdini was always escaping her crib . . . by JUMPING OUT!!! In order to keep her from killing herself, we decided it was time.  

It was a little sad, since it's just another milestone that we're not quite ready for.  She is growing up just way too fast for us.  

Fortunately, I had the week off from work.  So, I was able to put Zoe to bed each night.  We got some really good bonding time, too.  But each night, Zoe would say, "Daddy sleep with Zoe." The bed was new to her, also.  She wanted that comfort of knowing we were near as she fell asleep.  It was very, very sweet.

So, I would "sleep" in the floor next to her bed, with my arm on her mattress.  She would hold my hand, or touch my arm to make sure I was sticking around.  When she would almost be asleep, I'd tell her I had to go.  What great moments!

But Zoe did very well her first week out of her crib.  It was definitely foreign to her, but she LOVES her new freedom.  She was jumping up on down on her "new" mattress.  Loving life, this little girl!!!

Turning 35

Yesterday, I turned 35 years old. And I feel great!  It may have been the most reflective year of my life, though.  Raising a daughter will do that for you, I suppose.  But it's also the timing.  I'm officially middle-aged.  That thought can't land softly on any mind, I wouldn't think.

But what I've been most reflective on is, what have I learned in my life? What have a observed?  What things (or people) have impacted me? And most importantly, probably, how can I help Miss Zoe to appreciate these things as she grows up?  

The thing about life, that I've learned, anyway is, you can learn from education.  Or you can learn from experience.  Human nature leans more toward the experience learning curve.  And it can be a teacher.  But a very harsh one.  One that leaves many a scar.  But even still, if you learn from your experiences, chalk it up as a victory.  

There are a few things from my life, so far, that I have learned and hope to teach Zoe.  

• You have the power to make someone's day or break their spirit
• Never be afraid to apologize
• Forgiveness is a low cost investment in your life
• Being kind is always an option
• Lifetime isn't as long as you think
• You cannot make everyone happy
• Be your harshest critic, but also the most forgiving one
• Be the change you want to see in others
• Giving up NEVER accomplishes anything
• You have to laugh at yourself
• Have your OWN opinions
• Don't let others or circumstances define who you are
• You are where you are today because of decisions you made yesterday

To me, these are truths. And I will work SO hard to make sure I remember them, and that Zoe does, too. 

Chocolate Chip Tookies

Our little two year old LOVES chocolate.  Just like Daddy! And she loves when Mommy makes chocolate chip "tookies". Yep, tookies.  It's the cutest thing ever.  If anyone corrects her, I'll hurt them! LOL. She'll only say it that way for so long, and I want to savor each time.  

Time is just moving way too fast.  

Zoe's vocabulary is growing each and every day.  I can't even keep up with all the things she's learning!!! 

Trying to go over her "ABC's" today.  When she would mispronounce a letter, I would repeat it.  But she would just say it the same way again.  After doing this a couple of times, she said "No" indicating she wanted me to go on to the next letter.  So stinking smart! 

LOVE her!!!

Learning so fast!

It's just so amazing sitting back and watching this little girl, our little girl learn, and loving to learn.  I know that Janai and I are constantly teaching, and that her teachers at daycare are constantly teaching.  But it's so much more than that.  I don't feel like we're responsible for her learning.  She just catches on despite us! I don't know.  She mimics what we do, all the while we're unaware.  She watches EVERYTHING we do.  That's pretty scary! But pretty cool.  How does she know to watch and learn? 

There's so many amazing things that go on in our time together, that small bit of time that we have together.  I have so many thoughts, but so few words to express them.  How many ways can you say "amaze"? 

So last month, we're at some friends' house, and out of nowhere, little ZoZo starts counting to ten.  WHAT???!!!! We had no idea she could.  Sure, we work with her on that.  But she had NEVER repeated it before.  But the stubborn little girl wouldn't do it on camera until today! Yeah, she's stubborn as a mule sometimes, but I love it!  Love the personality she has.  

Her favorite phrases right now that are adorable are "right there", "OK", and "I fall down." So stinking cute! Her little voice just cracks me up!

Zoe's fast counting!

Full of Life

It's SO much fun being Zoe's Daddy. Sometimes, I just look at her in wonderment. So amazed by her zest for life.  She has no worries, no concerns. She just drinks in life (mostly from a sippy cup) and loves every drop.  

She is learning SO much right now.  Counting to 10, reciting her colors.  New words almost every day.  She's definitely a little sponge:  Soaking up EVERYTHING! 

And she loves her family.  Loves spending time with us.  I just can't get enough of her!  Daddy's little sweetheart.

It looks like she had fun at her first visit to Boyd's Orchard, too!!!

Difficulties

It's a hard thing when a friend decides that they no longer need Jehovah.  When they leave their God, they leave their friends, too.  It's heartbreaking.  Every part of the process.  Everyone deals with that sucker punch a little differently, I think.  Who's to say who's way is right, who's way is wrong?  It's one of those, 'It is what it is' moments.  Besides losing someone in death, I'm not sure what life event is more difficult to swallow.  

As a father, this difficult time is hard to even express.  Because it makes me question so many things.  How would I react if one day Zoe makes a similar decision? Will I be strong enough? Will I love Jehovah enough? Will I love Zoe enough to make the right choices?  I honestly don't know.  It's easy to say the right thing.  But the honest answer is, I can only hope to do the right thing.  

This decision by our friends makes me question how I will guide and help Zoe if one day she, too, has a friend make that determination. How will I support her, guide her to make the right choices, also? How will I console her without demonizing her friend?  It's quite a balancing act.  Fear and hurt cloud so much of our thinking abilities.  

I just pray that we'll continue to lead Zoe the way we're meant to.  

2013 Circuit Assembly

Little Miss Zoe did really well this weekend at our Assembly. I was so proud how well she sat there, reading her books, drawing, eating her snacks, etc.  It's so difficult for little ones to sit all day in any setting.  So, for her to be able to do so for the most part, we were very proud parents!

We're realizing, too, that Zoe isn't a big fan of big crowds.  She kinda clams up and gets needy when we walk around.  Every child is different.  Ours isn't buying into the concept of saying hi to every soul that walks her way! I guess it doesn't help when there's so many people that get really close, are touchy/feely, try to grab you, and get in your face.  I know that's normal, but it just obviously makes our little girl uncomfortable.  That's just who she is.  

Zoe also wasn't liking getting her picture taken this weekend!  She kept saying, "No picture, no picture" every time the camera came out.  LOL.  She definitely has her personality.  Her likes.  And her dislikes.  At the top of her dislike list this weekend: pictures and walking!  

I love it, though.  I love that she expresses herself so well.  Even if I'm not in agreement with her opinion.  Even if I'm not asking for her views.  I still love that she expresses herself!  That's my girl!!!

Little Milestones

It seems like every day, Zoe is learning new things.  New words, new thoughts.  She's putting things together.  She recognizes smells to what they are.  It's amazing!  I sit there sometimes and just wonder.  In wonder!  

And then there was last Friday at daycare.  We're working with Zoe with her potty training at home, and daycare is, also.  But it was at daycare that Zoe went potty for the first time.  It was an exciting moment for Mommy and me, but also kinda sad that we didn't witness it firsthand.  But then again, we get to witness so much growth on a daily basis.  We can't complain.  

We love our little Baby Girl, and all the milestones she's achieving!  

Two Years Old

Today, Zoe turned two years old.  I have a two year old.  It's been the FASTEST two years of my life.  It's really hard to believe it's already been two years.  But it's been the most rewarding two years of my life, too.

Where have I come in two years?  I remember bringing Zoe home that first day.  We were full of excitement, but overflowing with anxiety.  Who were WE to take care of this little human? This little baby was going to depend on us for her very survival!  OMG!  Are you serious? 

The sleepless weeks that followed were incredibly stressful.  As a father, I had no idea what I was doing.  That word: father.  What did that mean? Was it just a title? What was my role? What that word represented was daunting, even intimidating! 

Fast forward to today.  I think I'm settling into what it means to be a father.  Not that I know what I'm doing at all times.  I don't.  But I'm learning.  And not that I'm thriving in fatherhood, but I'm in love with being Zoe's dad.  It's the most rewarding commitment I've ever accepted.  

It's amazing watching Zoe discover her world.  She seems to learn new words, new things every day.  You can literally watch her discovering, learning new things on a daily basis.  She is a little person now.  Her personality shines bright!

But as much as she's learned, as much as she's grown in her first two years, I've grown more, I've learned more.  I truly know what it means to love now.  What true pride is.  She is teaching me how to be a really good daddy.  I hope that I continue to grow, and never take for granted this great gift that Jehovah has entrusted to us.

We are truly blessed to be Zoe's parents!

Video of Zoe's growth from her 2nd year of life.

Funny Girl

On Thursday at Zoe's Daycare, the teachers take the kiddos outside to play in a "pool". The pool is just a tub of water that they can reach inside and splash around. 

Well, yesterday, my little Zoe, in addition to splashing around, thought of a funner idea! She filled a plastic cup with the water from the tub, and systematically went to each child and promptly poured it over their heads! Laughing the whole time! And she would announce her accomplishment, too: "I got Sophie . . . I got Audrey . . . " The teachers said they couldn't tell her to stop because they were laughing so hard.

I don't know if I've had a prouder moment as a parent.  My baby girl definitely has my sense of humor! She is just so much funny.  She loves to smile, laugh, and make others laugh.  So many smiles on my heart from this silly story!

Helping Hand

I know it's not our great parenting, but I love how much Zoe wants to help us in whatever we are doing.  If we're doing yard work, she's getting dirty.  If we're doing laundry, she's in the pile of clothes.  If we're cleaning house, she wants to have the duster.  

The question is, how do we train her to CONTINUE to want to help us with these chores?  

As any parent, we want to raise our child to be a responsible adult.  Which means we have to help her be a responsible little person, too.  I'm sure the battles are coming, but right now, I'm enjoying our Little Helper.  I love seeing the pride in her eyes as she cleans up after eating a meal.  Or the look of accomplishment she has after she does her part in picking up her toys.  It's some of the most satisfying moments I have as a dad.  Truly love my little munchkin!

Zoe helping with laundry!

Learning Curve

I'm really diggin' this Daddy thing.  Don't get me wrong, that's not to say that I'm that great at it. Or that we don't have our moments.  But now, at this stage of the game (and this may change day to day, who knows?) I love ALL the moments, good and bad.

The good moments are priceless.  They are all smiles, laughs, and giggles.  They're filled with squinted eyes, grins that won't recede, and hearts filled to the brim with warmth and love.  

But I can honestly say that the bad moments (and with a 22-month-old, we do have them) are treasured.  No, not necessarily in the moment; but, oh so close. These are the tantrums, the faux crying, the dirty looks, the broken record of "No's".  It's the little pearl that appears after the struggle.  It's through the not-so-pleasant times that the true learning is cashed in.  It's like we can literally see her understanding what the fight was about.  It's at those times that she is learning about her world.  If the good times teach her that she is loved, cherished, and protected, then the ugly times teach her that despite her elevated sense of being, she doesn't rule the roost.  And she doesn't have to dig that.  And it's okay, because she is still loved and protected.

Sometimes, we can be having one of those knock down, drag out fights.  And it can drag on and on. Yes, this girl is persistent!  And I love that!!! I hope she never loses it.  Truthfully!  I hope she keeps her tenacity, her fight for what she wants in life.  But sometimes, after one of those fights, I'm so battle-worn, the aches and bruises so intense, I don't realize that . . . I've won!!!  I've won!!!  She, despite her youthful energy, gave in because she knew I would not.  

And that's when I feel the proudest. That's a life lesson. One that she'll be repeatedly quizzed on throughout her life.  And the lesson for me: I can make sure she aces those quizzes if I don't falter, if I consistently remind her of her protective boundaries. 

Blog Say What

Well I'm new to this.  Maybe I'll figure it out.  Maybe I won't. Who knows? As a new parent (well, Zoe is almost 2, but I still feel new to the game) so many things rush through your mind, through your heart.  You have so many questions.  So few answers. You have so many battles, within and without. And your mind never shuts off.  

That's why I thought doing a blog may help me sort things out a bit.  Maybe it will serve as a reminder to how far I've come as a dad, and not how far short I am. 

Either way, one day Zoe may be able to sit down and read her dad's mind.  Literally.  Not knowing what your parents think, or how they feel can be crushing to a child. Unfortunately it can also define the way they see themselves for many years.  My hope is that putting things down in writing will help me to make sure I say things out loud.  

One thing is for certain: Zoe will have lots of questions throughout the years.  But one question that she should never entertain is how her daddy feels about her.  She WILL know my affection and love for her.  She will know that she inspires me to be a better me.