Bike to work

So, at work, they have a 6 week "bike to work" challenge. I don't know WHAT I was thinking when I let my colleagues talk me into signing up. I haven't been on a bike for over 20 years. And, I haven't really done any exercise for over a year (pregnancy, etc). I've lost my abs and don't know where to find them, who knows what other muscles I've lost and didn't even realize it.

On Saturday, my dad and I took an exploratory trip into the city to (a) check the route (b) see how long it would take (c) see if I would die or not. Well, I didn't die, but it was harder than I expected. I carried a backpack with me -- loaded with a bunch of stuff to emulate me actually carrying all my crap to work (clothes, shoes, makeup, lunch, etc).

My dad and I went to Borders bookstore. He was looking for a history book (he likes non fiction). He took pity on me and bought the SMALL world war II book. And by small, I mean about the size of the 6 Harry Potter books. Because I had the backpack, I ended up lugging it back. I didn't see that one coming.

Well, I didn't die, but MAN were my legs sore that night. Luckily I was sore just for that one night, so I may not baby out of this challenge yet.

I'll keep you posted.

The Zoe Chronicles - Are kids really this much fun?

I look at you in the bathtub, crawling around in the water, splashing and having a grand old time, and I think that it is just so much fun having a kid. Are all babies this much fun, or are we the lucky ones?

Today you were in your room and were taking out all the magnets from a puzzle, putting them in the toy box, then taking them out of the toy box and putting them back in the puzzle. You were on a mission. You had a job. I thought it was hilarious to watch.

You were holding your baby, Ruby, and feeding her a bottle. Well, I mean, first you had to test the bottle to see if anything came out, and since it didn't, it was safe to give it to Ruby. Had the bottle actually HAD something in it, I don't think you would have been so generous. You fed her for about 15 minutes. You took your job very seriously.

You are starting to immitate us. You sit cross legged just like mommy, if we do something, you'll try and do that same thing. And, you are usually successful.

Man, Zoe, you're cool.

This and that

I thought I'd give a quickie update on what's been going on with us...

My parents arrived three weeks ago, and are already full swing with watching Zoe. I went back to work the day after Zoe's first birthday, and it went better than I expected. I miss Zoe a lot (and miss my leisurely walks and coffee chats with other moms) but I slid right back into things at work. I know she's in the best of care, so I am totally at ease with leaving the house everyday. Now I just have to remember to bring my lunch.

RJ's work is going well, nothing really new there. He's still surfing almost every weekend despite the frigid waters. And, all this without a winter suit too. He's my hero.

And, Zoe had her first haircut about a week ago. Just gave her fringe a trim, as her hair was getting into her eyes. I spoke to my sister yesterday and she asked if I kept the locks to which I answered "Duh... no". I never even thought about it. What an idiot. I mean, omigod, I saved my dog's puppy teeth but forgot about my first born's lock of hair. Maybe I'll chop off a chunk at the back and pass it off as her first haircut.

The Zoe Chronicles - Does Mensa accept babies?

So, Zoe has a name for all of us. I'm mama. RJ is abba. Pasha is awwa. Grandpa and Grandma are guh. RJ doesn't acknowledge that her name for him is abba and not dada. He's actually pretty upset that she can say "banana" perfectly, but not dada.

"Abba" is hebrew for daddy. So, really, our one year old can speak three languages. I mean, I've always suspected her magnanimous brilliance, but THREE languages? It must be unheard of.

Mama is mommy in Italian (that's one)

Abba is daddy in Hebrew (that's two)

Banana (her favourite food) in perfect English (that's three!)

I see HUGE accomplishments in this child's future, I do.

He he... so, today, Zoe called me from another room. First she said (perfectly I might add) "Andrea!" then when I didn't respond said "Mama!". Grandma was astounded as well.

The Zoe Chronicles - You're one.

Dearest Zoe,

WARNING: This blog may contain copious amounts of gushy schmoozy text. Indigestion pills and vomit buckets are strongly recommended.

You're one. And, this has been the best year of my life. Every time I think back to your birth I get very sentimental. You were perfect from day one. You slept well (thank you), you ate well (very enthusiastic and still are), didn't cry much (again, thanks), are the cutest thing ever, and you are so smart! I have enjoyed my year long vacation, and have enjoyed getting to know you. I can see that you are going to have an electric personality with sharp wit. You are always so calm in assessing each situation and then gauge your reaction accordingly. I think you would win SURVIVOR if you were on the show. (well, except that everyone would get mad at you for eating all their food)

We are enjoying chasing after you more than ever. You are a very fast crawler now and cruise the furniture like a pro. Your favourite is the coffee table in the family room, you like to do laps.

You LOVE your music. This you get from your dad. Every time there is music on, you start dancing. You have a couple of toys that play music, and you'll just hit the button continuously and get jiggy with it. Yes, we are sick of the teapot song and I've even caught your Grandpa on video singing along to the "one little two little three little numbers" song. I'll distribute the video.

We are very lucky that Grandma and Grandpa are here to watch you now that I am back at work. It sucks that I can no longer hang out with you all day long and meet up for leisurely coffees or walks with the moms from the mother's group, but going back to work was easier than I expected. I think it has a lot to do with not worrying if you are in good hands, so again, we are lucky. I'll miss our afternoon walks in the sunshine and our morning sing alongs, but maybe I could sing "Head and Shoulders" with some colleagues, I'm sure they know the words.

You are loving your time with the grandparents. On my first day of work, I handed you to Grandpa and said goodbye to you. You were all "Ok, see ya mom… So Grandpa, tell me all about this golf thing".

We heart you Zoe, thanks for enriching our existence!
Mommy and Daddy