16 Months!

Zoey is 16 months old... where did my baby go??

Zoey can...
- sign please
- say more, open, play, ok, no no, 'op' - stop
- run

Zoey likes..
- playing - blocks, books, 'cooking', throwing anything
- eating - fish sticks, GRAPES!, fruit, graham crackers, chicken nuggets
- trying to do it herself
- going to school
- baths
- pushing buttons on anything!

Zoey doesn't like...
- us taking things away from her
- saying bye-bye to mommy - She definitely became a mom's girl while I was away
- being told no

You might be a redneck if....

you strap your child to a chair with a belt...


We were visiting friends for Kathy and Gary's (Zoey's Grandma and Pop-pop) 40th Anniversary party, and realized we didn't have a chair that zoey could sit it and still eat with everyone... so we improvised.... Congrats on 40 years!

My New Life...

Today marks the beginning of something that I have been dreaming about since I graduated college. I am working from home... (angels singing)! This is truly the BEST job EVER! This is my new 'office'...

I am working for Florida Virtual School as a Driver's Ed Teacher, so while I am not working in a traditional sense, I still have a lot to do throughout the day.. I just get to set my own schedule!

So today for instance..
I woke up, got Zoey ready and took her to 'school' (yes, zoey is still in school throughout the day.. have you ever tried working with a 16 month old running around.. and not to mention its good for her to get out..), went to wal-mart, worked, did yoga (part of the new life), ate lunch, worked, and now I am blogging.. and going to get zoey! Its awesome! I love it.. and I hope this continues!

Zoey's new ride...

While we were gone to Tampa, Gary decided 16 years was far too long to wait for Zoey to get her wheels... So when we got home waiting in the garage was a PINK barbie mustang PowerWheels... So we put her in for a test drive ...




...and her feet were about six inches to short.. what can I say? She is my kid. But for now Zoey has a blast playing with all the buttons... Gary is happy, Zoey is happy.. which of course makes me happy...

Visit to Tampa....

Zoey and I packed our bags and headed to Tampa to visit EVERYONE! our schedule was crazy but in the end we had fun and were DEFINITELY glad to be home again... Originally we were only going to be there for a week, but after i got called for an interview in Orlando we extended our trip until the 12th... It was long but of course worth it since i got the job! Here are some of the highlights of our trip.. be prepared for picture overload...

Eating with Nana... zoey was a champ at eating while we were there...


some quality time with Papa


Zoey, Papa, Nana, and Me at the park..




Visiting friends...
Baby Cole


Cousin Gavin



The Jews



Some more quality Papa time



Quality Uncle time...


Visiting the Saba's


One more time at the park with Papa, Nana, and Brett...



Bath with Abuela


Finally on our way home... yes my child is on a leash.. it worked great!

Happy days are here again!

For two reasons:
#1- Zoey and I just got home from a worldwind tour of Tampa, visiting family and friends.. and both of us are SOOO happy to be home with Gary! We missed him tons!

#2- For those who didn't know... Gary and I both lost our jobs at the beginning of the summer due to budget cuts in the county we were in... and after two months of looking and waiting till the last minute..

BOTH Gary and I are now employed! WOOHOO! Gary was hired TWICE, actually, he received two offers and accepted an Alternative Education position at Escambia High School, which is the same thing he was doing in Tampa and he will still be able to coach soccer! I was offered a position with Florida Virtual School teaching Driver's Ed. I know, I know, it makes no sense but it is just the rules portion of the class. I will get to stay-at-home and work during the day through emails, messaging, and calls... my new uniform will be yoga pants!

So in the end things worked out BETTER than before! and both of us are EXCITED to be starting new positions! Thanks for all the support from friends and family over the past couple of months... it really means a lot!

ps- Tampa pictures will be coming..

Visiting, Visiting, Visiting...

Zoey and I have been in Tampa/New Port Richey since Friday, visiting family and friends... and while we haven't had much time to settle down and relax, we are enjoying seeing everybody. We have been bouncing back and forth between Tampa and New Port Richey spending about 24 hours (literally) in each place... yes this is crazy but its what we are doing to see everyone...

Zoey has been AMAZING! she has been generally happy wherever she is (mostly because she is the center of attention wherever she goes!) but even today when she went shopping and visiting for 6 hours without a nap.. she was still as happy as can be..

Zoey in the buff... after her bath.. she ran out thrilled to be naked!


A rare happy moment with uncle steve... unless he has a ball.. she is scared of him...


needless to say we are exhausted.. but happy to see everyone!


We (mainly me) are missing home and gary! but we still have one more week here.. so hopefully we will enjoy our time and be home soon! WE MISS AND LOVE YOU DADDY!