Zoe's First Christmas

Aunt Rachael couldn't resist this reindeer outfit. Zoe was very snuggly in it in all the snow and cold.

Looks Good Enough to Eat

Mmmm, tastes good

But it's so cold!

Kids Learn So Fast

Dabob Work Party

We have an annual work party at our family property on Hood Canal the day after Thanksgiving. Zoe did great - hung out in the front-pack for about 2 hours while we hiked all over the property. She loves hangin' out in the front pack and I'm convinced Dabob is her favorite place already. The only bad thing is that she doesn't nap while she's there so it always makes for an interesting car ride home. Luckily, Uncle Sean is very understanding!

Peas

I wouldn't say that Zoe was thrilled with peas, but she didn't completely hate them either. She has now had squash and peas. As you can see, most of it winds up on her face and that's not our fault! She was actually spitting it out while she was eating it. A little bit ended up in her belly we think. Thanks Lisa for the very appropriate bib.

Plain and Simple

Plain and simple, I’m thankful for you, bug. I’m thankful for the gift of being your mom, for I know how easily it might not have been. I’m thankful for each breath you take, for I have watched machines breathe for you and longed for your lungs to mature. I’m thankful for each ounce you gain, for each ounce is a victory and one step stronger. I’m thankful for each hoarse cry, for I remember worrying that you might never speak. I’m thankful for each time I hold you, for I loved you through the glass for months. I’m thankful for your strength, courage, and resiliency, for I cannot imagine my life without you. And I’m thankful to you for reminding me that sorrow is an opportunity to experience tremendous joy. I have known no joy greater than being your mom. Thank you.

Oh, and I'm also thankful that Obama is going to be your President and that you sleep so well!

November Sun

That's my beer, not Zoe's.

Dabob Bay

Last weekend, we took a nice day trip to our family property on Hood Canal. Zoe loves being outside and we were blessed with amazing weather for November.

Good Friends

Well, we've officially started RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) season. RSV is the #1 cause of hospitalization in babies under one year of age and is especially dangerous to premature babies and babies with chronic lung disease like Zoe. Fortunately, there is a shot now that Zoe can get once a month that will provide RSV-fighting antibodies. A home health nurse comes to our house and gives it to her. It's never a good time watching your baby get a shot, but it's much better than having her rehospitalized. The shot will help, but we also have to be very careful until the end of RSV season (typically April in this area).

What does that mean to our friends and family? Well, fortunately, we have amazing friends who just tonight froze their butts off on a patio to have Zoe and I over for a beer (me, not Zoe drinking). We basically need to keep Zoe from getting sick, which includes keeping her away from sick people, crowds, and small children. We wash our hands all the time and have signs now on her car seat reminding people not to touch her.

Whenever I feel crazy for being so paranoid about this, I flash back to our time in the hospital and realize that nothing is more important than keeping her healthy this cold season. A few months of semi-isolation is minor compared to that prospect.

Thank you Greenwood/Phinlard crew for getting chilly for us. You guys are the best.

Enjoying Fall

Fall is a great time of year. It's always a difficult one because it is between summer and ski season, but it has it's own wonderful feeling. Zoe and I have a nice walk today at Carkeek Park in Seattle and played a little bit in the leaves. Thanks to Carmen for this beautiful sweater. It's perfect for the season and a gentle reminder at how fragile life is.

I'm a duck!

Happy Halloween!

Stylin'

Thanks so much to Dave and Mary for my stylin' new digs!  Notice Juniper in her usual stance watching Zoe in the background.  

Visit to the Fire Station

Zoe and I visited Neil at the station today. She really enjoyed pretending that she was a firefighter too.  Maybe some day she'll grow up to be a firefighter too.  The guys, of course, loved her!

Miss Zo-Bug!!