Latest Update

My time at home with the family has expired and I am now back at work; next week summer school begins, so this week I am gearing up. It was great to have more time to spend with Zoa and devote some time to working on the house as well. We are now officially done with Zoa’s room; although, we are still awaiting the arrival of some furniture and we need to do some decorating.

Besides almost having her own room, Zoa has been busy on the walking front. She took 6 steps on her own the other day and continues to enjoy being vertical. We expect that she will progress little by little, but that she will officially reach the toddler stage soon.

Last night we tested out Zoa’s artistic abilities. I had heard that some daycare/preschools will have kids finger-paint with pudding, since it is not only non-toxic but also edible. So, last night we stripped Zoa down and strapped her into the highchair for an “artistic” experience. However, Zoa much preferred eating the pudding rather than painting with it. Here is photographic evidence of her artistic process and her first piece of art. Later that night, after a bath, we switched to crayons and paper, and Zoa demonstrated a unique ability to properly hold a writing utensil and draw with it. She actually produced a piece of paper with many red scribbles on it before she tried to eat the crayon.

In final Zoa news, we have secured daycare for Zoa for the fall when Brian returns to school. She will be at a home daycare very close to campus with a woman who is completely fabulous, based on her references, interview and seeing her in “action” with the kids. We feel very confident leaving her there; although, we are completely devastated that she will no longer be with one of us. Brian is feeling especially depressed knowing that his time with Zoa is coming to a close. I feel sad about it too because although I have not been the parent at home, I know that Zoa is completely cared for, more like doted upon, 24-7. In August she will just be one of 7 or 8 babies/children instead of receiving all that one-on-one attention. Basically, we have mixed feelings about having her at daycare because we know she will enjoy being with the other kids and with Angie, but we feel as if we are abandoning her at the same time. It will be a hard transition for all of us to make.