Milestones....

What a week! My little girl is transforming into a toddler before our eyes! This past week has held some very big changes for her and she has handle them like a champ.

Last week we made the big decision to wean Zoey entirely. We had already weaned the day time nursing and I was only nursing at night for about ten minutes. It was working well for us, but on Wednesday she was playing with Henry before we read her story. She was jumping, giggling, and squealing on our bed as she played. Suddenly I burst into tears. Henry was a little taken a back (understandably). I told him that in that moment I knew Zoey was ready to stop nursing all together. I wrestled with deciding to make that transition that night but decided I wasn't completely ready yet. So we made the plan that we would wait until Friday night when Henry would be able to be home to put her in bed. I cried a lot on Wednesday night. I felt a little silly but I realized it was okay. For nearly 16 months Zoey and I have had that quiet and special time for just the two of us, and even with the challenges in the beginning, it was precious to me. I loved being able to comfort her and help her calm quietly and sleep. But my sweet girl is growing up and that brings me more joy than I could have imagined. So Thursday night I quietly read her Bible story, prayed with her, and she nursed for a few minutes. I brought her down to bed and she curled up and snuggled up with her Boots. Friday night my sister in law took me out for a drink and we chatted and just enjoyed the time together. Henry put her to bed, and for the first time in her little life, I wasn't there....and I was okay. I've been doing just fine since my tears on Wednesday. I still absolutely want to be here when she goes to bed but it's amazing seeing her grow up and learn these new skills. I couldn't be more proud of her.

As if that milestone wasn't enough, she is also WALKING now! Full tilt! She took a few tentative steps early in the week and by Thursday she was really going, and now, she almost never crawls and she toddles everywhere! On Friday, Henry got home from work and she ran to him. I got a little misty, it was beautiful. He has been so excited for the day when she ran to him when he gets home and it's one of the best parts of our day.



Zoey has been also eating a lot more which is huge! She is a little picky, or I should actually say, she knows what she likes. She will try almost anything, but to actually consume a lot, she has to like it. I think that's fair, most people would go by that rule. She loves Vegetable Thin crackers and could eat 5 nectarines a day if I let her! She adores any fruit and yogurt, and banana bread. She'll try the pasta we have or some of the meats but we are still trying to find more things she enjoys. But it's truly a joy seeing her nibble away at new foods and gobble them up. Again, we are so incredibly proud. Henry and I regularly look at her and just become overcome with how excited we are for her.



So Summer continues to be busy and filled with excitement and activities but I am loving every minute!

Summer - Day One

Well Summer is here! And we had a fantastic family kick off!

Last week I finished my school year and office hour requirements and now I'm trying to cram my days with fun activities for me and my girlie. This weekend we had a lot of fun things to do while Daddy was home for the long weekend. On Friday we went to Calgary to go to the Zoo and see some awesome friends we hadn't seen in far too long. The kiddos had a blast! It was busy but their little guy and Zoey got a long great (as well as a 3 1/2 and 1 year old can :). Zoey was so excited to see the animals this time! It was a stark contrast to the previous visit. She saw the Elephants and squealed and pointed. Henry put her on his shoulders and then got a good look at them. We saw some monkeys, a baby Gorilla, Giraffes, Hippos, and Lions! She was mesmerized by all of them. It was fantastic. After that we parted ways with our friends and headed to IKEA. We grabbed some grub there and managed to find Zoey a really cute Art Easel. She already loves it and talks and colors and 'Oohs and Aahs' at her creations.

This was the first trip we made with her since last October when we made the long trip to Saskatchewan. We fully admit we were scarred by that experience. It was a tough tough go but we have a new carseat and Zoey is a lot older now. She did great! I don't know how much longer she really would have wanted to go but it was a good trial run. In the fall we are heading back to Saskatchewan for my students Grad but I think we will be a little more prepared. Plus with her being older, I think she can be bribed and distracted much more easily than a 6 month old :)



Something exciting things have begun happening over the weekend. Zoey is weaning! We got back from Calgary and we realized she hadn't nursed all day! It was shocking, and she did fine. So we are in day four of no daytime feedings and only at night. Those will go away soon too but for now I'm trying to prepare myself for having this stage finish for us. I'm thrilled and devastated all at the same time. A very strange emotion, but I know that this is the perfect way for it to happen and it's time. She is doing so much better with eating solids. As I sit and write this, she is working on some toast, eggs and cheese. And with my being on holidays I can let her sit and work on her plate as long as she needs.

The rest of the weekend we spent outside. It was awesome! We did yardwork, cleaned windows, Zoey played on a blanket on the grass, on the deck with her new easel, and just enjoyed being around us and playing. We went for a few walks and ran some errands, honestly, one of the best weekends I can remember. On Sunday we went for another walk, played in her little pool outside and then capped the day off with a viewing of Tangled. She plunked down with Henry and the two of them nearly fell asleep. It was precious. Henry and I both agree we can get behind the idea of family movie night on Sundays. It would be a fun way to end the weekends. Just a thought.




Today Zoey and I have been keeping busy already. We headed to the library that's just across the way for us. When we got there we found out they were having a Toddler time so we stayed and sang some songs and looked at some more books. She did well. She really is a shy little girl but that's just who she is. Once she felt a little more at ease she crawled over to the book bin and pulled a bunch out, she smiled at the teacher, and made a couple friends (smiles mostly). It was a good thing to see, I think we will make that a semi regular activity. It's a pretty quiet and relaxed environment so she responds well to that.




We are so looking forward to having more adventures and quality time together this summer! So far so good :)