Christmas Morning

This is a video of Zoe finding her stocking on Christmas morning. I shot a video of her coming upstairs and finding everything Santa left for her, but it was too long and YouTube wouldn't let me upload it. I hate that because it is a great video. Anyway, you get the idea of how excited she was...and Mark and I loved every minute of it! What a gift from God she is!

The Lawrence Family Christmas 2007

Another JibJab Greeting

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Dancin' with Papa

Zoe loves dancin' with her Papa! Enjoy!

JibJab Greeting

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Playin' with Papa

I was able to catch Zoe playing with Papa. She LOVES her Papa. As you can see, he plays and plays and plays with her and she gets to laughing so hard she can't catch her breath. Of course, I wish I had had my camera on sooner so I could've caught more of them playing, but you get the idea. Enjoy! I absolutely love it that my parents are so close with Zoe.

My New Hat

I just had to post a pic of Zoe wearing her new hat. Of course, she didn't need it. I just saw it and had to buy it. Cute, huh? She's going to hate me later!

Christmas with Nana & Papa!

Zoe's Class Christmas Party

Happy...Happy...Happy

It's NO secret that my child is an Elmo FANATIC. Last year a girlfriend of mine, Nikki, sent these slippers to Zoe because, obviously, they have her name on them and are the Sesame Street character, Zoe Monster. Anyway, they now fit Zoe and she LOVES wearing them. I was able to get some pics of her strutting her stuff in her "Happy" slippers. There is an Elmo's World episode where Zoe does her "Happy Dance." So...sometimes our Zoe calls Zoe Monster "Happy" or by her name. It's too cute! Anyway, thanks Nikki and hope you enjoy the pics of our girl wearing her slippers! They were a huge hit!

Hey there Zoe Appleseed!

So…I’m a guest Blogger today on the Lawrence’s site. I’m Courtney’s friend Shelley. Courtney called me with a story she somehow thought I could tell better than her. She may regret that decision.

My friend Courtney is a lot like me – yes, gorgeous…yes, intelligent…yes, witty…yes, anal…yes, paranoid…

Ok – not all of those are positive characteristics, but the gorgeousness, intelligence and wittiness definitely make up for any faults others may find in us (and those who may find fault in us may find themselves in a bad situation if you know what I mean – wink, wink, nudge, nudge).

Anyway, Courtney called me today to tell me a lovely story about her angel, Zoe. I know for a fact this child is an angel. I have seen her halo and wings. Angel Zoe apparently went on some sort of fancy Hollywood Diva apple diet recently. I commend her for her commitment to her health and keeping that girlish figure, but the outcome (pardon the pun) may not be exactly what she was planning. Let’s just say nobody is going to be inviting her to an Oscar event after this story is on the internet.

So Miss Zoe devoured a whole orchard of apples – literally. I’m talking the whole freakin’ orchard. Apples made every way possible – applesauce, whole apples, apple tar-tar, apple turnover, apple cobbler, apple kabob (I may have taken some literary liberties with this story). The girl had herself some apples.

Not sure if you are aware of this or not, but apples are nature’s little body flushers. Hmmm…something to consider the next time Courtney & Mark decide to feed this child a carton of apples.

Well, yesterday evening (I think) Courtney was talking on the phone with a work colleague while Zoe was sitting in her booster seat eating. Courtney noticed Zoe reaching into her lap for something. Then Courtney noticed Zoe had a little something on her face. Thought it might be peas. Nope – not peas. Yep – those apples Miss Zoe ate earlier? They were ALL making a quick exit out of Miss Zoe’s body. And I’m not talking about a nice couple pieces of luggage with bows on top of them. I’m talking log flume exit!

Needless to say, Courtney – the Superhero Mother that she is – jumped into action. She whisked Zoe out of the booster seat (but not before Zoe could put a big footprint right into the mess) knowing she would have to get her cleaned up quickly. Then she realized Zoe could have very possible eaten some of her own – well, how do I put this delicately…nope…can’t be done – poop! In the process of Courtney freaking out over whatever sort of freakish disease Zoe will get from her own poop, Zoe’s poop ended up on a variety of Lawrence household items, including the wall. I have no doubt the Lysol Company is going “cha-ching” over the amount of sanitizer that has now been purchased by the Lawrence family.

Being the paranoid Mom she is (just like me), Courtney called the pediatrician immediately to make sure Zoe was not going to become some sort of mutant “Poop Hero” over eating her own poop. I mean – shoot – dogs do it all the time right (I literally said that in my head as she was telling me the story and then she said it right after I thought it – hysterical). After the pediatrician stopped belly laughing in the phone she told Courtney all was fine.

So – the moral of this story boys & girls? An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but a whole carton of apples given to a 1 year old will put you knee deep in ----BEEP----!

Elf Yourself

Okay....so both my husband and my bud, Shelley, have sent me e-mails where they "elfed" themselves. So you know I had to do it, too! Check it out:

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1140976455

Prince

Before I met my husband, I had my little Dachshund, Prince. He was the sweetest thing and such a loving little dog. Approximately 20 days after Mark and I lost Taylor Grace on New Year's Eve 2004, Prince blew three discs in his back. The injury was pretty catastrophic, but Mark indulged me since I was already so devastated over the loss of the baby and agreed to let me have surgery on Prince to try and save him. He pulled through that surgery, but he never fully regained complete mobility in his hind quarters. He was happy scooting around the house and seemed to be doing well. I knew it was a possibility that things could get worse, but you truly hope that doesn't ever happen. Over the past several months it became apparent that Prince was losing bladder control. This morning when he got up he had blood and blood clots in his urine and I knew it was time. I was trying to avoid the inevitable and get through the holidays with him, but it was time. It was time to quit being so selfish and to allow Prince to rest in peace. So, I took him this morning and Dr. Bob at Battleground Hospital for Animals in Franklin, Tennessee told me this was a natural progression and that I had given that little dog more of a life than most people would have done. I know I did, but it still hurts like hell to have had to make that decision. I sure did love that little dog and am going to miss him like crazy. And Zoe really loved him, too. She called him "Bubba" and I'm sure she will ask about him a little, but she's definitely too small right now to really remember him. I just had to do a post in memory of my Prince Charming.

Sesame Street Live - Elmo Makes Music

Yesterday we took Zoe to see Sesame Street Live - Elmo Makes Music and she LOVED it. It really was a great show...a little pricey, but it was great. Of course, we had to have good seats (not the nosebleed section) and then we had to buy Zoe an Elmo t-shirt, as well as a HUGE Elmo balloon. She went to school today wearing her Elmo t-shirt and I'm only hoping she'll let us take it off tonight. She is an Elmo fanatic! I took pictures of her wearing her shirt and will post those later. We were going to take the camera, but ended up not because we thought they wouldn't let us take it into the show! Boy, we were wrong on that one!

Playing with Grandpa

Zoe's grandparents came down last weekend to stay with us and to see their baby. Mark and I left her with them and actually got to have some alone time. I'll admit, it was a little weird not having her out and about with us, but I sure did enjoy the time Mark and I spent together. And I know without question that Zoe's grandparents enjoyed having "their baby." I think Zoe and Papa kind of like each other....what do you think?

Zoe's Camo

As most of you know, Mark is an avid hunter and, obviously, wears A LOT of camo. Anyway, as soon as I saw this shirt in the store, I had to buy it for Zoe. She needed to have some camo like Daddy's to wear.....we just wanted her camo to be a little more girly! And the saying on the front of her shirt is all too true.

A Cartoon

I decided to have fun with one of my favorite pics of Zoe. Cool, huh?

Pumpkin Painting

I learned from Zoe's teacher at school that she wanted nothing to do with the pumpkin they carved at school. So, I thought maybe she would enjoy getting to "paint" a pumpkin with her Daddy using washable markers. I must say it was a good idea until we tried to take it all away from her to give her a bath. Can you say MELTDOWN?!? You would have thought we were taking her Elmo videos away! Anyway, here are some cute pics I was able to snap of Zoe and Daddy (obviously pre-meltdown)!

A Masterpiece Takes Time Mommy!

Maybe I Should Paint Myself Instead?

Pumpkin Painting with Daddy

The Best Babysitters Part II

The Best Babysitters Part I

One of my best buds, Shelley, and her husband, Chris, were invited to attend a Halloween party this past Saturday. Mark and I got to keep their twin girls, Anna and Ashlyn, while they were gone. I have to say that they are the best behaved children (I know Shelley is about to fall over after reading this) and we absolutely LOVED having them. Honestly, we can't wait to do it again. The funny thing is they thought they were coming over to "help Ms. Courtney watch Baby Zoe." Reverse psychology is a funny thing, isn't it? Anyway, I hope you enjoy this video. I can tell you that Zoe had the best time with those girls!

Hi Papa

The title says it all....

Talking Zoe

I finally managed to capture Zoe chatting on video! Enjoy!

I Left My Princess Costume at Home

That's what Zoe's shirt says. She wore this to McKendree on Friday and she was definitely a hit at school. I had no less than four teachers come up to me and tell me how much they loved this shirt and how cute Zoe looked for school! Of course she does....if I do say so myself!

Meow and My First Boo Boo...

Pretty odd title, huh? I bought these PJs for Zoe for Halloween and she LOVES them. Of course, I had to take a picture to show everyone. They have black cats and say Meow all over. And the word Meow glows in the dark! Too cool! And, as you can tell by looking at Zoe's chin in these pics, she got her first boo boo at McKendree. Zoe is trying to run now and she slid while holding toys in her hands. My little monkey wouldn't think of dropping the toys to catch herself (remember.....that's mine) so she slid safe on her chin. Poor baby! I was going to have her picture made this weekend, but decided to wait until the chin heals. I know it would be cute and all, but if I'm going to pay for pictures, I don't want any chin burns! Enjoy!

All Dressed for School....

Our little Zoe is getting so big. I dressed her up for school the other day and thought she looked too cute. I was able to take a few pictures, but Zoe is too busy to stand still and let you snap many. So...here is what I was actually able to take. Isn't she a doll?

Can You Say Too Small?

Zoe's Papa and Mawmaw got this for her when they went to Alaska on a cruise. Anyway, it says, "that's it...I'm calling Grandpa!" I still had it in her closet and as I was changing out her clothes, I decided to put it on her again just to see how much she had grown. It was pretty hysterical. Daddy and I couldn't stop laughing.

Go Dawgs!

As most of you know, I graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. From the time I was seven years old, my father has been a season ticket holder and has taken me to their games. I LOVED having those times with my Dad and still do. I'm praying my baby will stay well enough to be able to go this year so we can pass that tradition along to her. By the way Papa, Zoe needs a new SIU outfit. Her cheerleading uniform is now too small! GO DAWGS!

Zoe's Christmas Wish List

One of my best buds, Shelley, has shown me something pretty awesome that I had to add to the Blog. (A big thank you to Shelley for taking time away from her family to walk me through this!) If you look to the left at the bottom of the page, you will see Zoe's Christmas Wish List. I've added items she would like for Christmas (hint hint wink wink Papa, Mama, Uncle Poopy, Aunt Patty). How cool is it? I'm loving this and it makes it so easy to tell everyone what Zoe would like for Christmas!

That's Mine.....

Yup. It's official. Zoe's has said the ultimate phrase......That's Mine! Sunday night, Mark and I were playing with Zoe when she took her stuffed animal (a little monkey I bought her at the Zoo) from her Daddy and said, "that's mine." She didn't snatch the toy from her Daddy or take it hatefully, etc., she simply said the ultimate phrase. Mark looked at me and said, "did she just say what I think she said?" I was like, "yup." So, the next morning I took Zoe to school and was telling her teacher about it and she said that they actually teach them to say it there. She said they want them to use their words to identify things rather than kicking, biting, screaming, scratching, fighting, etc., over toys and other possessions. I think it's pretty clever, but it's still hysterical. I know I bragged in my last post about McKendree, but the place is amazing. Zoe is actually doing sign language, too. They teach the signs for more, thank you, please and help to all infants in the nursey. Zoe has had to pick them up while in the Young Toddlers class, but she is doing it. She does them with us and it's so great. I love that my child is learning to communicate rather than screaming and crying. Anyway, just wanted to share and gush a little.

Feeding Myself

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Since Zoe has been attending McKendree, she is really starting to do a lot of things. At her previous day care, they were nothing more than glorified babysitters who did nothing to entice my child to learn things. At this place, there is a total difference. Before she went to McKendree, she couldn't feed herself with a spoon. We were trying at home, but you can't really reinforce things when they are only done at home and not where she spends a lot of her time. Now, we've been at McKendree five weeks and take a look at my beautiful baby girl. She just turned 16 months and is doing an amazing job! I'm so proud!

Mommy's Birthday

My birthday was on September 26th and I must confess it was wonderful. When my husband asked what I wanted for my birthday, I couldn't think of a single thing I needed. On this birthday, I am simply thankful to have a fabulous husband, a beautiful daughter and a pretty wonderful life. However, I did ask for everyone I hold near and dear to me to stay healthy. I've attached some pics from my birthday celebration with Daddy & Zoe. They are too cute not to share. Enjoy!

Mommy & Zoe Saying "Cheese!"

Notice Daddy's Candles.....The Number "3" Plus Two Individual Candles!

Temple & Jack

15 Month Checkup

On Monday, September 17, 2007, Zoe had her 15 month checkup with Dr. Beveridge. She weighed in at a whopping 26 lbs. 6 oz., measured 32 3/4 inches in length and her head measured 48 cm. She had gained almost 3 pounds since her 12 month checkup, had grown another inch in length and her head had gone from 47cm to 48 cm. She is now in the 92nd percentile for weight, 95th percentile for head size and is off the charts for height. I don't know where she gets the height from, but I hope she keeps on growing and keeps those long legs....we don't want her to have Mommy's nubs! Dr. Beveridge was pleased with her and we don't go back until she is 18 months old. We do go back sometime in October or November to get a flu shot and we pray she doesn't have any illnesses between now and then. At this point, we are having some allergy issues, but there hasn't been any wheezing. We feel so blessed to have gone three months without breathing treatments. Thank God!

Zoe is now climbing on everything. She wants to get up and then down, up and then down. And she is starting to try to throw her leg up on the side of her crib. Dr. Beveridge said we need to take her crib bumper out now because a lot of children use it as leverage to climb out of the crib. She said once she seems like she's getting ready to climb out, then we need to go ahead and put her in a toddler bed. She said we definitely don't want to wait until she hurts herself before we transfer her to a toddler bed. It amazes me how fast they grow up. It seems each day she says some other new word or does something else new. It's amazing! And her favorite word? "No!" Go figure....she should know it since she hears it often enough!

McKendree

Zoe began attending McKendree United Methodist Church's day care program. I'm loving this place. I can't say enough great things about it. Our child is finally in a preschool and is learning so much. Anyway, I picked her up on Wednesday and this is what she looked like. She had been drawing with markers and I think she drew more on herself. Thank God I don't send her in expensive clothes and thank God they were washable markers. Everything came right out. Isn't she a doll?!?

Brushing My Teeth

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Labor Day Weekend

Our Beautiful Zoe

Over Labor Day weekend, Mark and I took Zoe to Mark's home town to meet a lot of his family. I was nervous about the trip, but everything ended up being great. We spent the first night at Papa & Grandma's house (my parents) and had a WONDERFUL time. Zoe has REALLY taken to her Papa and Grandma. She says "Papa" now and you can tell it melts Papa's heart. We're working on Mawmaw for Grandma, but it's too close to Mama so she hasn't quite got that one down yet. I took a lot of great pictures at their house, but I managed to erase my memory card before we got to Aunt Patty & Uncle Poopy's house. Can you say dork?!? I was SO UPSET with myself. Papa taught Zoe a new way to dance and I had a video of them doing it together, along with several really cute pictures. I was SICK over it. Now Papa and Grandma have to get down here soon so I can get another video of them dancing together.

We spent the next three days at Uncle Poopy (Mark's brother Steve) and Aunt Pattys' house. Those of you who have read this Blog know that we are EXTREMELY close to them and love them dearly. I hate that we don't live closer to them. We all get along so good and have so much fun together. And they really love little Zoe. I can't say enough good things about them. We also got to see some of Mark's cousins during a BBQ Steve & Patty had for us on Saturday and I must say I learned A LOT about those Lawrence boys. It was hilarious. I literally thought I was going to pee my pants several times from laughing so hard. My cheeks hurt the next day! We also got to spend time with Zoe's other grandpa, Grandpa Herman (Mark's Dad) and that was good, too. He sure was excited about getting to see Zoe and spending time with her. Hopefully, we won't go so long before we get back to see everyone again. It was only two years ago in May since the last time we went up to visit, but who's counting!?! Enjoy a few of the pics I've attached.

I Gotta Wear Shades!

Daddy Actin' a Fool in the Car!

Daddy, Zoe & Grandpa Herman

Zoe & Uncle Poopy

More Cheese!

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Feeding Myself

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting Zoe has been learning to try to feed herself with utensils. It's pretty comical! Enjoy!

Singin', Sayin' Bye Bye & Blowin' Kisses

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Share Photos - Free Video Hosting The title says it all.....

Eatin' Black Beans with Prince

My little Zoe has become a VERY picky eater! She was NEVER like that before, but since she's reached the toddler stage, anything with a different texture is a definite struggle to get her to eat. She flat out refuses to eat meat so I have to come up with different ways to make sure she gets a little protein in her diet. I decided to try some black beans and she LOVED them. Of course, I didn't want to give her too many for fear of what it might actually do:0) Anyway, whenever Zoe is done eating, she begins to feed Prince. I try not to laugh and find myself having to turn my head quite a bit when I'm trying to scold her for doing it because poor Prince just loves it and she loves feeding him. Anytime she sits in her booster seat, he scoots it across the floor as quick as he can to be right beside her. He knows he's going to get something to eat! I managed to grab the camera and take a few pics of Zoe eating her black beans and of her feeding Prince! Enjoy!

I Love Cookies!

It's official.....Zoe LOVES chocolate chip cookies. She was having a "back to school" party at day care so I bought some chewy chocolate chip cookies for her class. Daddy opened them to try one out on Zoe and to make sure they were chewy enough for the kids in her class. Anyway, she LOVED it......so much so that she refused to put her cookie down to take a drink of apple juice. She had cookie literally from head to toe! She even got a piece stuck between her eyes (I honesly don't know how she managed that one ). Needless to say, we took a bath as soon as she finished!

Zoe Dancing

This is a video I shot of Zoe dancing to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. She LOVES the Disney Channel and LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Anyway, I had the Disney Channel on and put her in her "play yard" so I could do a few things and came across her dancing. Enjoy the video of my little angel dancing! She gets her skills from her grandpa (or so he says).

More Shyla Party Pics

These are more pics that were taken at Shyla's birthday party. These were taken by Shyla's Daddy and they are too cute not to add! Enjoy!

I'm still not too sure about this cake and ice cream stuff!

I love my Daddy!

Cheese!!!!!

Shyla's Birthday Party

Today we went to Shyla second birthday party! It was so much fun! There were lots of kids there and everyone had such a wonderful time. I'm sure you will agree from the pics that Julie did a wonderful job with the party and that Shyla looked like a beautiful princess. I really can't stress enough how much fun the children had playing with each other and eating cake and ice cream. Julie rented this huge birthday cake that you bounce in and that was a REAL big hit. Of course, our Zoe was a beautiful princess, too! Enjoy the pics!

Playing with Grandpa

This is a video I shot of Zoe playing with her Grandpa! She LOVES her Grandpa! Enjoy!

Visiting with Temple & Jack

On our way back from Grandpa & Grandma's, we stopped by Aunt Temple's house to visit with her and Jack. We only got to stay about two hours, but I'm just glad we got to see them! Enjoy the pics!