Adventures of Miss Zoe

Ingrid Update

2010-04-02T09:17:00.001-07:00

Ingrid is growing like a weed! She's 3 weeks old and getting big (well, big for being under 10 pounds).

Zoe's 2nd Birthday!

2010-04-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe that it's been 2 years since we had the surprise of our life and welcomed Zoe and Sawyer into the world 3 1/2 months before they were due. We remember every day how lucky we are that Zoe is doing as well as she is doing, but especially on important moments like her birthday. And we also take time to remember Sawyer, who will always be an important part of our family. We think about him and miss him every day.

We had a very happy celebration from Zoe where she was surrounded by her friends and family and lots of cupcakes.

And now....

2010-03-16T14:30:00.000-07:00

Zoe's new baby sister Ingrid is making her debut appearance on Zoe's blog! We are very happy to report that after a very uneventful pregnancy, Zoe has a new baby sister, Ingrid Kathryn, born on Wednesday, March 10th at 11:06pm. We think it's a bit ironic that after having a preemie, our next kiddo would be born exactly on her due date. How often does that happen?

She is a beautiful little girl who has brought us more love and happiness than either of us could have imagined. Just when you think you cannot possibly have more love to give...

Neil always chooses the perfect moments to grow out his mustache. Just so Ingrid can remember her first days...

Ice Skating? Really?

2010-02-06T17:59:00.001-08:00

Who knew that a toddler could go ice skating? I was a little bit leery when my brother-in-law suggested this for my 2 nephew's birthday party, but it turned out to be really fun. They skates were a little big for Zoe's teeny feet, but with Dad's help, she had a good time. These are her cousins - Maclaren, Gabe, Mason, and Lincoln.

Holidays

2010-01-09T14:56:00.000-08:00

We had a great holiday season - very busy, but fun. Zoe got a lot of use out of her Christmas dress. Top picture is with her friends Eloise and Caoimhe.

Tree Adventure

2009-12-08T21:44:00.001-08:00

We had a great time going to get our tree with some friends. It was an adventure on the roads, but successful. Zoe had a great time decorating the tree this year. We only have one broken ornament...so far.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-01T19:48:00.001-08:00

Here are some photos from our recent trip to Jackson Hole. Zoe had a great time with her cousin Charlotte.

Finally Walking!

2009-09-22T20:54:00.001-07:00

Over the past couple of weeks, Zoe has gone from barely walking (see 1st video) to totally cruisin'.

Finally, a new post!

2009-08-25T21:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been so long since the last post. We've had a very busy and fun summer, hence the lack of posts on the blog. Here are a few pictures of the last few months.

Zoe and Cousin Charlotte hangin' out at the beach.

We spent 2 straight weeks at Dabob this summer. It was an excellent vacation!

Alright, don't report me.

2009-08-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

Zoe and Cousin Charlotte playing in the sand.

Zoe with her big cousin Maclaren.

The crew: Zoe, Eloise, Silas, Gin, and Caoimhe

And more

2009-08-25T21:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Neil

2009-06-24T19:34:00.000-07:00

1st Backpack Trip

2009-05-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

We are taking advantage of this unusually beautiful weather. Hiked Granite Mountain yesterday with Abby, Dan, Gin, and Silas. We had a great time and Zoe loved the backpack!

New Adventures

2009-05-11T16:18:00.000-07:00

Crab Crawl

2009-04-17T08:27:00.000-07:00

Easy bein' One

2009-03-31T22:32:00.001-07:00

Ahhh, Baby's First Birthday

2009-03-29T19:48:00.000-07:00

I think like all first time moms, I wanted Zoe's first birthday to be a hit, to be special, to be a Kodak moment. I had the vision of the first cake-eating, first taste of something sugary, first lots of things, right? Normal, right? Now one thing I have never been accused of is being a good cook. I am not a terrible cook - I actually like it a lot and can make some pretty yummy things. But I am very good at following recipes which is why baking is especially safe! So the Baby's First Birthday Carrot Cake recipe I made for Zoe's first birthday seemed like a safe bet. I mean, how hard is it to screw up a carrot cake, right?

We had a lovely, small, barbeque for Zoe today at a park to celebrate her first birthday which passed on Friday. It was great to celebrate with a sampling of the folks who have supported us over the past year. You can't choose everything that happens to you in life, but you can choose the people you surround yourself with, and man, we chose well. I am constantly in awe with the generosity, love, and strength shown by our friends and family. We consider ourselves extremely fortunate.

Anyway, back to the cake. So, we get to the birthday song and candle blowing-out part. After singing a lovely rendition of the birthday song to Zoe (if I do say so myself), Zoe nearly burns her fingers on the candle while trying to grab the flame to put it out. Then, to my horror, I realize that her cake isn't even cooked all the way through! Ha! I mean, raw, uncooked, not good carrot cake. You'd think the cream cheese frosting would make up for it, but it didn't. It was Nasty. So, I apologize to the guests who had to go to a birthday party without cake. I apologize to my daughter for totally blowing her first birthday cake.

But, I have to admit, it was pretty funny. And thank goodness she won't remember!!

Happy First Birthday Zoe!

2009-03-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

Friday was Zoe's first birthday. Whoo-hoo! We spent a lot of time thinking back to a year ago - the fear, uncertainty, and the shock at immediately becoming the parents of premature infants. We had no knowledge or experience with preemies and, like most, never thought we would be in that situation. And now, a year down the road, it's hard to believe that was our life. Zoe is beautiful, curious, energetic, brave, and happy. When I look at her, I can only see a glimpse of the 1 1/2 pounder that entered our life on March 27, 2008. She is the greatest miracle. Happy Birthday Miss Zoe.

Naked Time

2009-03-19T18:20:00.000-07:00

Nana and Zoe

2009-03-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

Cover Girls

2009-03-17T09:08:00.001-07:00

Should they be models for Patagonia or what? Zoe and Virginia Ronco

The Girls

2009-03-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Princess Posse as we like to refer to them- Zoe, Virginia, Eloise, and Caoimhe.

Cold Update

2009-03-17T09:04:00.001-07:00

Alright, sorry I never updated about Zoe's cold. She handled it really well. She never had any trouble breathing even though it was in her chest. February and March are the sickest months usually so we will be really excited to make it to the end of this one. Zoe's lungs are still catching up so we'll continue to have to try hard to keep her healthy, but the bigger and stronger she gets the better.

First Cold

2009-02-18T21:31:00.000-08:00

Well, we thought we would escape, but turns out we are vulnerable to germs too! Zoe's got her first cold - doesn't seem to be too bad so far- mainly stuffed up and irritable. We are hoping it stays mild. We've obviously been trying to avoid this all winter because of the danger of RSV or other respiratory ailments. We will keep you all posted. Hopefully she will be on the mend in no time.

Isn't it sad though when kids get sick and they want their pacifier, but then can't breathe out of their nose so they can't have it? She can't figure out what is more important - pacifier or breathing. Hopefully breathing wins.

Driving Lesson

2009-02-16T20:46:00.000-08:00

More Skiing

2009-02-10T20:20:00.000-08:00

Blue Bird Day

2009-02-08T09:41:00.001-08:00

What a great day. We took Zoe skiing for the first time. She was definitely a natural. Although she slept a good portion of the way up the mountain, she was awake for the most important part - the downhill. We toured up Hyak on Snoqualmie Pass and played around on some of the cross country trails. We got a few turns in on the way down too. The first of MANY ski trips we hope.

Zoe's Got a New Cousin!

2009-01-30T08:28:00.000-08:00

Lincoln Andrew Young was born on January 27th at 9:20pm. Sylvia, Jay, Gabe, and Lincoln are doing great. Congrats to them!

Always Smiling

2009-01-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

Zoe's Health Update - Good News!

2009-01-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

On Thursday, Zoe had an appointment with one of her neonatologists from Swedish, Dr. Stolz. He runs a high-risk infant follow up clinic. He spent a ton of time with Zoe assessing her development, muscle tone, reflexes, eyes, ears, etc... He checked her out head to toe. And the verdict? She's doing amazingly well. He was very impressed with her progress and energy. Her development is right on target and she shows no signs of any deficiencies at all. The only slight concern is her size. She is definitely a little peanut, although her head is a good size, so she's got a good brain on her. She's pretty short, but Dr. Stolz says she'll have a couple of opportunities to catch up during growth spurts. So, we will wait and see what happens.

We also went to see the lung doctor and are happy to say that we get to get rid of the oxygen tanks in Zoe's closet finally! Making room for more clothes for....Mom. Just kidding. It'll be great to get those out and never need them again. The doctors were thrilled that she has not had any illnesses from being home from the hospital. That's a huge thanks to many of you who let us know when you're not feeling well and stay away. We all appreciate it! The lung doctor also said she's got much better reserves now so is able to handle illness a little bit better. So, we've got a couple more months of RSV and cold season, and then we'll be breathing a little easier (pun intended).

First Ski Trip

2009-01-09T20:42:00.000-08:00

We took Zoe up to Alpental for a quick few runs. Well, we went skiing and she stayed in the lodge with one of us. I did ski down from the upper parking lot to the lodge with her in the front pack. I got some funny looks, but I think she really liked it. It actually worked out really well to have her in the lodge so we can't wait to head up again. Our friend Aaron taught Zoe a new trick in the parking lot too. He has three kids so we felt pretty confident that he would not drop her.

Zoe is doing so well. She is hilarious right now. Her personality is really starting to show. She's got tons of spunk and energy and is overall a super happy baby. We've got a big appointment with her neonatologist next week so we'll report to you all after that with an update.

Happy, Hopeful New Year!

Zoe's First Christmas

2008-12-31T16:58:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-21T20:20:00.001-08:00

Mmmm, tastes good

2008-12-21T20:19:00.002-08:00

But it's so cold!

2008-12-21T20:19:00.001-08:00

Kids Learn So Fast

2008-12-21T19:13:00.001-08:00

Dabob Work Party

2008-12-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-07T09:57:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-27T11:07:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-23T14:15:00.000-08:00

That's my beer, not Zoe's.

Dabob Bay

2008-11-23T14:13:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-14T19:57:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-10-31T20:36:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

Stylin'

2008-10-17T20:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-17T20:28:00.000-07:00

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!!

2008-10-13T11:13:00.001-07:00