ZOEY'S FIRST CHRISTMAS

What a wonderful first Christmas for our darling Zoey! It was quite the success and went very smoothly. I was more at ease during Christmas than I was with Thanksgiving! I like that Christmas Eve is also considered a holiday-day so it gives more time for visiting and scheduling. With it being Zoey's first Christmas, I wanted her to see everyone.


On Christmas Eve we went over to Papa and JoJo's (my Dad and Joey) for prime rib dinner. It was absolutely delicious and Zoey kept busy in her new Jumper/Exersaucer while we all ate. I had full intentions of getting so many good pictures... but forgot the memory card to my camera. Luckily my brother got some with Zoey opening her very first present!

We then made our way over to Max's parents house. We decided it would be easier for us all to stay the night that way we wouldn't have to pack and get everything ready to head over in the morning - so Zoey experienced her first sleepover! I think Grandma was wayyyyy too excited about that fact and wouldn't let me put her to bed as early as I wanted too, but she ended up sleeping in! Since she was safely snuggled in to bed with the grandparents at home, Max and I went over to our friends to start a new Christmas Eve tradition over at their house. We have spent the last 5 Christmas Eve's together if not more so it's something we always look forward to! We definitely make it a point to be out later than Santa that's for sure.

I pawned Zoey off when she woke up to her Grandma and GREAT Grandma to get some extra snoozes in with Max and boy was it nice. We should stay the night at least once a week in that case... The whole day was spent in our pajamas. Coffee was sipped, cinnamon rolls were devoured, naps were taken throughout the entire house, and presents were opened! It was such a relaxing and special time. Zoey did such a good job with all of the attention and she still had one more house to go! 

We finally made our way over to my Mom's house. Zoey got another dose of her favorite Uncles (I think Uncle Jeremy is winning) he got us a baby sign language book and I can't wait to start practicing. She spent the remainder of the night in her elf diaper with her socks on her hands... let me tell you she was as happy as could be! Whatever works to keep the over-stimulation managed. 

I CANNOT GET OVER THESE POOP FACES!

















It truly turned out to be such a wonderful holiday and I am just sitting here on this relaxing Sunday evening looking back at how grateful I am to have Zoey and all of our family. I will never forget these moments and I can't wait to create even more special memories with this sweet girl.

A WISH LIST FOR ZOEY

With Black Friday approaching I thought it would be fun to think of some gifts for Zoey. Please note our BABY, I repeat - baby does not need anything for Christmas this year because, well she’s a baby! She is not going to remember it so I’m not too amped up on making a big deal of gifts and what not. Just having Zoey here with us for the holidays is the biggest blessing we could ever ask for, truly! She’s a spoiled little nut. I find myself researching about things that she will actually need in the future so I guess it wouldn’t hurt to pass this list on over to the grandparents, wink wink ;)

1. SOPHIE THE GIRAFFE // I can’t believe how expensive this toy is but I have a feeling Zoey is going to be a chewer. She already drools like crazy, I’m starting to call her Drooly which sounds like Julie. Julie shall be her new name. But really, I’ve heard the hype and I’m sure Zoey would love to carry a Sophie around everywhere.

2. CERTIFIED AMBER TEETHING NECKLACE // I think I am seriously petrified of having a fussy teether. I have heard nothing but praise for these necklaces and I would like to get one on her the sooner the better! The looks of them bothered me at first but now they are starting to wear on me, heh.

3. PAJAMAS // Zoey does not need anymore clothes, she has so many and I am not so sure what size she will actually stay and even out in, in the next few months but girlfriend definitely needs new and bigger pajamas. Size 3-6month would be an absolutely safe fit and heck, why not go for size 6month? It’s already so cold here and all I want her to feel this winter is coziness and warmth. 

4. HONEST DIAPERS AND ESSENTIALS BUNDLES // I’ve probably mentioned it like 9 times already that I am still on the fence about certain diapers but I have yet to try Honest Company. I’m somewhat frugal and although the cute designs of these diapers want to suck me in, I can’t justify the price. I’m about to venture to Target just to get a pack of these to test out because in the long run, the bundle program of these really prices out to be the same as any other diaper brand and they will get delivered to our door! I also want to throw out all of our chemicals and go the natural route and this greatly benefits Zoey!

This was all in good fun. Being her Momma I’ll probably end up getting these eventually if not more, c’mon now :)

ZOEY'S FIRST HALLOWEEN | 6 WEEKS

I HAD to get some fall photos of Zoey and it just wouldn't be right without some pumpkin gear! I crocheted the pumpkin hat just for her and I can't get enough of her head even though she totally looks like a little boy. My sister threw together an incredible gift(s) for the baby shower back in July. She had twelve boxes stacked high and Max and I opened them one by one to find out they were outfits for each holiday of the month. October was the first month on the list - Hello First Halloween! I love Halloween and I love my Pumpkin. I'm so excited to carry on the tradition of photographing each outfit as the months go by and to visually see her grow throughout the year. Oh my little heart.

This cutie patootie is 6 weeks! We have had to say goodbye to all of her adorable newborn outfits because she is now filling out size 3 month! We're also back on that growth spurt grind. Thank god I have a few bags of milk stashed in the freezer because one late night she completely emptied out my boobies and was not happy about it. I was shocked at how quickly frozen milk in the bags take to warm - 30 seconds! I was worried she wouldn't take the Avent bottles I had but I think she was just angry and hungry enough to suck. it. up. She loves her swing and looking up at the monkey mobile. I took her out of the newborn pose in the Solly Wrap and she seems much more content and comfortable.  She's so alert and aware and loves when daddy and I make funny noises. We're still trying to crack some smiles out! She sure does make us smile like crazy!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Max and I won't be announcing today, although I couldn't let a cute opportunity pass to create this chalkboard print! I'm still only 10 weeks and we'd really like to wait after 12 weeks, maybe even until my next Doctor visit. Gahhh I HATE keeping this from our family and friends, especially the ones that have little ones of their own, but soon! Today is an excuse for me to get ready, wear a pretty necklace, eat candy, watch netflix :: new season of House of Cards today! :: and give/get hugs & kisses.