The End of an Era

Yes, I've been sulking.  It's been a rough couple of days knowing that the end was going to come.  I logged on to the Kidney Foundation site last week after years of contemplating what to do with "Cereza".  If any of you have known me beyond 10 years, you know that Cereza means "Cherry" and this cherry red ride was my college car, my first "real" car and something extremely sentimental because my Dad bought it for me.  My parents once told me that if I graduated highschool with good grades, they would buy me a car.  Somehow a 3.75 GPA didn't do the trick and off to college I went with the same promise..."Get good grades and we'll buy you a car."

In the Fall of 1996 around my birthday, my Dad and I went for a drive to run a couple errands and we ended up at the home of the previous owner.  I didn't know where we were at, but one thing lead to another and my Dad had me go in the house with him.  That's where the keys were handed to me and I jumped in place!  Up until that point, I was driving my Grandma's Zephyr (with quilted velour blue seats) and the cream Chevy S-10.  I was usually content just having a car (with air conditioning) to drive, but the Audi was special to me.  It was all mine and it ran like a dream.  It took me to Vegas, to Boise for the first time when I accepted my job with Micron, to Logan and back (a million times) and Travis even drove it for years as the commuter car up to the University of Utah.  Ok, I will stop.  But you get the point, right?

Say goodbye to the end of an era. *sniff sniff*

"Babies Cry A Lot"

Such a fun comment to hear from Mia today..."Babies Cry A Lot!"  The part that she doesn't understand is that it really could be a lot worse.  :)  We've been trying to take some pictures, but honestly, it's like pulling teeth every time.  We're lucky enough to find a time when we can get everyone in order so we can step aside to take a couple snapshots and then when you shove the little one into a wicker bowl...you get something like this (see below).  This is also about the time when Mia says, "What's wrong, Peanut?"  She learned that one from her Dad.

One Doctor, Two Doctor, Three Doctor, FOUR

So, everyone had to partake in the doctor visits this past month...I think Travis was beginning to feel a little left out.  He's also a smart man and asked me about Lasik for him about the time that we were having the baby.  I agreed, not thinking much about it and next thing you know, Travis had the surgery scheduled within 2 weeks.  Hmmm....so I got to wake up to this today.

Hush, Little Baby

Love the little feet! One even popped out of the blanket in the side profile photo below. :)

Travis made the comment yesterday that he can tell Zoe is getting bigger. I think we are more coherent the second time around and are actually noticing the little things...like the day to day changes. She's started gazing back at us, almost examining our faces so I can tell that she's starting to see better.  I even got a couple smiles and grins this past week...it's amazing.

During Zoe's first doctor appointment at the end of July, she weighed in at almost 8 lbs (she's gained 1/2 a pound which is great news).  On the other hand, Mia had her 3 year appointment today and got her shots which was NOT great news.  Oh my goodness...no wonder why Travis sent me off with her and offered to take care of the baby!  He had to do the 2 year old appointment all by himself and I think he was going to avoid this one at all costs!  It's horrible and of course, Mom didn't hold her hands down tight enough (I NEVER can do the straight jacket hold...I'm the worst at it!!) and so Mia got scratched by the needle as the nurse was pulling it out and as Mia went to grab it.  *Sigh*  Bad, bad mommy.  :(  I realize there's a place for doctor's appointments and check ups, but with modern medicine, there's got to be a better way!!

Big Sisters Rule!

This girl turns 3 in a couple weeks!  She's been getting ready for the big day and unlike previous years, we've decided to throw a real birthday party with invitations and a couple neighborhood kids.  We're doing a butterfly theme with butterfly catchers and a butterfly scavenger hunt.  I know, shocker that we're not doing ladybugs!  But I promise there will be ladybugs if Grandma Cheryl is able to live up to her promise with the ladybug "Pillow Pet".  Shhhh...!  (Mia has been singing the commercial for weeks now.  "It's a Pillow...it's a Pet.  It's a Pillow Pet!")

I think Mia has been just as spoiled as Zoe with gifts and treats.  Her Grandma Mam-Mam & Grandpa Earl back in South Carolina spoiled her with a ladybug kickball - it was such a fun treat to get in the mail.  Maybe Mam-Mam will notice the beauuuutiful blanket she knitted in the photo above. :)  All blankets that we've received have been loved by both girls.

Overall, I look at the calendar and can't believe we're already one month down on the maternity leave.  :(  Yes, we all  knew it would go by fast.  The good news is that I'm feeling really well and Mia has started turning the corner and is getting used to Mom and our new addition being home.  We had about 3 weeks of torture, but hopefully we're on the uphill.  She even asked me today, "Mom, are you fragile?"  Hmmmmm.  I sighed and took a moment to assess my mental state before responding. The answer was YES.  Even if it's really no, I always want her to treat me like a delicate flower - or at least consider it before she jumps up into my lap and wants to climb up my legs (which are not good activities post c-section).  :)