Holly's Family!

One of my best friends in the whole wide world brought her amazing family to come meet Zoe. Yay! Holly, Nate, and Theo (the cute one in the hat) came all the way from NY to spend a long weekend with us. We had so much fun - even though I spent most of the time locked away in the nursery breast feeding a certain someone (sorry again guys!). They were awesome - tolerated our awkward new-parentness, helped us get around, took us to dinner, hung out with us like old pals, and best of all fell in love with Zoe! I loved having friends like that in town. There' s something great about being around someone you've known for 18 years (wow)! You can just totally be yourself and it doesn't matter because they know you so well. That in itself was the best. They are both great parents and we definitely learned a thing or two from them! Can't wait to do it again, and since we've all decided they should move here (right guys?!?), it should be soon!

Happy Baby

Zoe is getting a great personality! She loves to laugh!

Family Time

Love family day out! It's so nice to do things as a family!Since Keith is working and schooling so hard, it's not that often that we get to do things together as a family. So when we can it is extra special!

Off Roading

Zoe likes to go on walks now. She loves the vibration of the stroller on the rocky street. If she starts fussing we just go off roading on the grass for a minute and she calms right down! The weather has been beautiful so we take her out everyday. Sometimes we are even coordinated enough to take a dog with us as well:)

Happy Earth Day!

Zoe planted her first tree today! She even dropped the pecan nut in the ground herself. My little future tree hugger - yay!

Playing

Zoe has begun playing. She tries to at least! She pulls soft blankets to her face, tries to grab rattles, and watches her mobile intently. By the way - this is the same hat she has on in the last pic on the blog from when she was a day old - look how baggy it was then, and how snug it is now!

Growing Up Already!

This picture was taken when Zoe was 1 day old. I can't believe she used to be this small! She's over two pounds bigger now and growing strong. When I look at older babies I can't even imagine someday she will be as big as they are!

Baby Love

How cute are these two?!

All smiles!

Told ya she smiles now!

Little Leopard Lady

The little tiny preemie sized baby is starting to look like a full fledged baby-baby now!

And then there was you...

We found this sign when we were at a local festival the other day. We couldn't resist getting it for her door- it says it all!!!!!!!!

Papa John was here!

Papa John came to visit Zoe this weekend. He is just sooo in love with her - and it shows! And you can tell she loves him right back! John is so great - he has put his heart into this whole family from the beginning and I shouldn't be surprised he did the same with Zoe. That's why we love ya Papa John! Thanks for being such a great Papa!

Zoe at the beach

Zoe has made a few trips to the beach since the weather has been so beautiful. The stroller Gramma and Papa John got us is practically 4 wheel drive and can handle even the soft sand at the beach. Zoe loves bouncing around, though she usually just falls asleep instantly. We even have a plastic cover to keep the wind away. Just one of the few useful gadgets we have from the world of babies!

The Kellogg-Brodeur Fam

An afternoon in the sun!

Look who's talking!

Zoe has finally begun talking, well , actually "cooing" when we talk to her - so adorable!!!!!!! She also has started smiling at us! So far she has smiled for Mommy, Daddy, and Gramma...and melted our hearts yet again.

Beautiful day

We dug out the umbrella, tested out the new chairs, and enjoyed some family time on the deck today - Zoe loved it!

Date for an Afternoon

Mom and Dad got to go on a date today! We took Gramma's convertible and drove to Topsail Island. We blasted the radio, meandered through the beach house lined streets, walked on the beach, and had some dinner with actual non -baby related conversation (some of it was non-baby related at least!). It was WONDERFUL - I hope we can make a habit out of it. Happy, connected parents make for a happy baby!

Must be a good dream!

Gramma Time

Zoe is loving having Gramma around (and so are we!). She talks to Zoe and tells her secrets and loves all over her! She also changes diapers and takes over early morning feedings which Momma and Daddy really appreciate! Most of all we love how much Gramma loves Zoe!

Just Chillin'

Uncle David and Brooke

Uncle David and Brooke came up this weekend. I've been so looking forward to my brother meeting Zoe! It definitely was love at first sight on both their parts! David was a little nervous at first with such a little package, but got into the groove soon enough! He was feeding, changing diapers, singing, and dancing with her like a champ in no time. Most of the time, though, he just seemed to want to lovingly gaze at her like the rest of us! Yay!

Nana and Gramps

Nana and Gramps headed north again the other day. We are sad to see them leave! They lavished Zoe with love and attention. It was so nice to have them nearby to see whenever we wanted to (they stayed at a local campground). Keith and his Dad are in a continuous heated golf competition, but I hear Nancy is going to be the rookie of the year and beat them both next time! It was SO nice to have family nearby, it just makes it that much harder when they leave...

Midnight Owl

This was Zoe from 4am through 6:30am this morning. She was also up at midnight and two am for at least an hour at a time. I must admit, I've been lucky compared to the lack of sleep horror stories I've heard from other mothers, but last night was rough. Gramma was in the guest room next to the nursery and came and kept us company for a little while somewhere in the middle of it all. I was secretly considering sneaking away to the garage when their backs were turned! When Zoe was ready to eat again at 8am I offered my Mom $1,000 to feed her a bottle - which she did, thank god. I guess she'll have to put it on my tab...

Baby Bear

This is the warm fuzzy outfit Zoe gets to wear on cold NC nights...ok it's only 50 degrees minimum, but that's cold for us!

When did she get so big??!!

Little baby is growing up fast! Happy One Month of Life Zoe!

Aunt Sandy and Marg visit

We are getting a great dose of family lately! My Aunt Sandy and her friend Marg came down from Canada to see Zoe - yay! Zoe totally took to both of them. She seemed mesmerized by Marg's voice and Aunt Sandy got her to cuddle up right away! It was nice to be able to spend some relaxed time with them - hope we can do it again soon. If I could only get those elusive Canadian cousins of mine to come down as well! :)