only jelly beans can stop me now

Over Easter weekend we enjoyed

eating chalk eggs,

wearing bunny ears,

finding the Easter basket,

the pretty bluebonnets
(perhaps 'enjoyed' isn't the right word...),

hunting eggs,

and eating jelly beans.
We hope you had a wonderful weekend as well!

Bath time fun, reprised

It's been nearly three weeks since the last post, and we seem to be getting grumblings from many relatives about the lack of photos. So....

Bath time is still fun

There's a fair amount of splishing and splashing in our tub. Bathing of ducks and dogs. She's not a fan of water in her face and still tries to drink the water (a cry of 'ucky' from Mom and Dad only elicits a mischievous smile). Though, admittedly, she's not the most frequent of bathers; maybe three or four times a week? With the lack of long hair (though it is growing all you doubters out there; nearly 2" on top!) she just doesn't get that dirty, or at least not dirty enough that a wipe-down doesn't suffice. Unless, of course, she encounters sand.

Happy belated St. Patty's Day!

As we think back to last year around this time, it's amazing how much has changed! Maybe we should start celebrating halfy-birthdays and St. Patty's Day together?

What, you want to touch this belly?

Also, a photo of a daughter and her father, hanging out in the back yard.

Dad, what is Lola doing?

18 month stats

18 month stats

weight: 25 lbs, 2 oz - 60%
height: 31.5" - 50%
head circumference - 47.4 cm - 75%

As previously mentioned, I think at the last visit they incorrectly measured her height, so supposedly she hasn't grown any in that regard. Otherwise, we're right on track with our previous ranges.

Notice the pigtails - we work with what we have!

Verbally, Zoe is developing at a mind-boggling speed. On the refrigerator we have a word list, which we're about to retire; it's fast approaching 100. Some highlights include yogurt, step stool, turkey, outside, potty, buckle, piece, as well as family members' names, animals, and body parts. One night she even said 'I love you Daddy,' which just about melted our hearts. It hasn't yet been repeated, but we're looking forward to it. It is exciting and comforting that she is able to communicate with us for the most part, though at times we have to remind her to 'use her words' when she starts to get worked up or when she resorts to pointing and grunting. When asked a 'How many' question the answer is always 'two.' A 'What color' question always elicits a 'blue' response. She uses the article 'a' for almost everything. She continues to refer to a dog as 'a bark;' somehow we confused the naming of that animal (I think it's because we're always describing Lola as barking). She ends most requests with 'Zoe,' no matter who may be performing the action (i.e. 'Up please Zoe'). She's shown some interest in the potty, frequently accompanying me to the bathroom so she can sit on the small potty. At the end she receives one sheet of toilet paper which she throws in the big toilet. And, joy of all joys, she is then allowed to flush the toilet. A highlight in a toddler's world.

This past weekend we went to the Zilker Kite Festival - Z Bird thoroughly enjoyed having free range to run around such a wide open space. I heard quite a bit of "Zoe run" before chasing after her. With the boot now off, she's quite the runner!

And, a final picture of what Zoe decided to pack in her lunch bag one day:

at least she won't be thirsty

"Bye-bye, Bootie"