My Daughter

So today I realized something. Ever since Zoe was born , I have referred to her as "my baby". At the hospital, at the doctors office, talking to people in the store, it was always "this is my baby". But today I was listening to the radio as I rocked Zoe to sleep and I heard someone refer to their daughter. That was when it really hit me that I HAVE A DAUGHTER. My very own daughter - just like I am a daughter to someone else. Then I started thinking how big that daughter/parent relationship is, and how much I was loved my whole life as someone's daughter. Whether it's the parents who put their hearts and lives into raising me, or the step parents that got me by default - I am a daughter who is loved. I don't think I realized how powerful, amazing, yet heartbreaking that love can be until today. There isn't anything better. I am thankful.

Happy Baby

Zoe is now a whopping 6 1/2 pounds! Whoo Hoo! She now has grown out of the preemie clothes and is into newborn size! Well, almost - she's still kind of in that in between size - but we'll take it! Baby even has a booty now (must get that from Momma)!

Mommy and Zoe Conquer the World!

Well,maybe we didn't conquer the world (yet), but at least we made it through our first outing all alone! We went to Costco and Zoe even woke up and didn't cry - just looked a little confused!

Guess who weighs 6 pounds!

Zoe is finally out of the 5 pound range. After lots of breast milk and some supplements, she has started gaining weight like a champ. Daddy loves being able to feed her, and Mommy loves having 10 minutes to shower! I must admit, it was very hard for me to give up being the sole provider of nutrients, but in the end, it seemed to work out for all. Whatever it takes to keep the baby healthy and happy!

Zoe kisses

Zoe is learning to give kisses! Well, not exactly, she's just searching for lunch, but it feels like a kiss!

Daddy's Girl

The shirt says it all...I love Daddy!

Easter Baby

Ok, so I couldn't resist - c'mon she's my first baby and I can't help but dress her up in ridiculous outfits! I figure she won't really figure out she can protest until she is about ten or so, so I have lots of time for more cuteness!

Zoe's first "Big Boy" visit

Our friend Ian came over to see Zoe. He's a very big boy because he is for years old! When I was pregnant he would listen to my belly to see if he could hear the baby crying and he thought her name should be Batman. I'm hoping Zoe will prefer our name choice!

Baby and the Beach

OK, so it for a total of 30 seconds because it was windy, but Zoe went to the beach for the first time today. Hopefully she'll get a great sense of calm from the ocean like her Mommy and will love coming here as often as possible. (When I was pregnant, the few times I was able to come to the beach, I would rub ocean water on my belly for her- wonder if she recognized it!)

We did it!

Today was Mommy's birthday and we went out to lunch! First time since baby - very exciting! People oohed and awwed about how adorable she was and Zoe slept through the whole thing. Yummy food was had by the rest of us. Looking at other older babies in the restarunt, it was hard to imagine Zoe being that big someday...

Zoe's first social outing

Last week we braved the big, bad world and ventured to Nana and Gramps camper. It was fun and a great practice round for Mommy and Daddy. We're still not quite ready for anything with more people and their yucky germs!(OK, so Mommy has turned into a slight germaphobe since Zoe was born!)

First Family Photo

Here is the first Kellogg-Brodeur family photo. OK, two of us look a little ragged, but give us a break - we just went through 13 hours of labor!

These boots are made for walkin'

We've started walking Zoe around the neighborhood. Of course, in the country where we live, there are no leash laws, so we have to bring a big stick (see below stroller) to ward of any overly "friendly/curious/rabid" dogs that may come along. And we thought this would be safer than city living! Next stop - the beach!

Gnome Baby

Friends and family have been sending us packages filled with wonderful baby things! So far everything is too big for my tiny girl, but some of the preemie outfits fit. This is an adorable outfit from my friend Holly (who is a year ahead of me on the momma train and has already tested all that is baby and keeps me updated!). So far Daddy lets me dress her up - he secretly loves it! But he draws the line at headband bows....we'll see about that!

Snuggle Time

Mama loves cuddling with Zoe! She is so warm and soft...nothing beats it! At first she would only let me sit with her if I was feeding her, now she will let me sit and cuddle a bit - yay!

What a pretty girl!

Look at that adorable profile!

Baby's first Bath!

OK, it's not like we haven't washed her in two weeks, but those were just sponge baths. Today was her first official bathtub bath in her little baby bathtub. She didn't quite know what to think of it at first, but then she totally loved it when Daddy started pouring warm water on her belly!

Poppy and Gramma Joyce came to visit!

My Dad and Stepmom came up from SC to meet the baby. It was so great to see my Dad hold her and love her!

Gramps, Daddy, and Zoe

Three generations of Brodeurs. We're so happy that Nana and Gramps could come and visit the baby. They have been great support throughout this pregnancy and we are so thankful they are here!

Aunt Abby was here!

One of my best friends in the world was going to come and surprise me with a visit last weekend, but unbeknownst to her, I had a baby! Luckily she came to see the little princess anyway! Unfortunately there were so many things to figure out in the hospital (breast feeding, diaper changes, doctor visits, nurse interruptions, sleeping, crying babies, etc) that she was often ignored, but she still kept up great spirits and spoiled me with flowers, company, and special treats when she could! I am so glad she came and am so happy that Zoe was able to meet someone so special to me! Never could have imagined this day when we were in college togetehr!

Zoe was due today...

It's amazing that this little bundle of joy was due today! I can't believe she's been here for a week and has already become such a huge part of our lives and hearts. And who says infants don't smile- look at that evidence!

Lunch time

Mama and Zoe spend a lot of time in this chair trying to figure out a feeding schedule. Apparently Zoe is a night owl because she is happy sleeping most of the day and staying up from 1am to 4 or 5 am. Let's just say that Mama hasn't had that type of schedule since college, and is having an intersting time adjusting!

Gramma and Papa John

Gramma was here for the birth and has been wonderful about taking care of me for months while I was on bed rest! Thank you Mom for all you do for us and thank you John for being her rock! We love you both so much!

Daddy's Girl

How much in love can one father be??!!!!

Look how tiny!

Baby Zoe is so tiny! This is her in her baby rocker that is supposed to fit newborns through toddlers...she definitely has room to grow!

Day 5 and counting....

Here we are on day 5 with our baby and things are already changing. She is starting to sleep less (did you know newborns sleep about 2o hours a day??!!), so we are seeing more of her personality. She 's got some great facial expressions, but still looks so angelic when she sleeps!

Zoe Pearl is here!

What a whirlwind few days! Its 3 am and I was just up for a feeeding and wanted to share some pics...When my brain is working- hopefully during daylight hours, I'll post the whole story....

she has arrived

After a very laborious (pun intended) Friday night, little Zoe Pearl Kellogg-Brodeur was born Saturday, March 1 at 10:34 am. She weighed 5lbs 80z and was 17 1/2 inches. Mom, Baby and Dad are all fine. We'll be posting plenty of pictures in a couple days when we get all settled in at home.