Want to buy a cow?

We were all down in Margaret River last weekend for a 3 day mini-break. I have to tell you about the SMOKIN' deal we got. We got a COW for only $36.50. She's lovely. A real looker. And, since she could actually "moo" the Twinkle-Twinkle-Little-Star tune, she and Zoe got along famously.

But, alas, we have to get rid of our precious bovine friend because Pasha and the new cow do not get along. This is odd because Pasha loves steak.

And, I guess, thinking about it, it's pretty hard to coordinate a cow and a dog and a baby in separate rooms. Give it a try.

The Zoe Chronicles - A year and a month

Dear Zoe,

You are the smartest 13 month old on the planet. In fact, and I am not saying this jokingly, I think you're a genius. You can do things that are way beyond your year! You can stack blocks upto 5 high, you can do up the buckle on your high chair (in fact, you love these buckles so much I went out and bought a dog collar that had one -- best 5 bucks I ever spent), you nod yes and shake your head no, and understand everything we say. Even when we are talking about quantum physics. You love imitating us, and this is such entertainment for us. You'll take a sip of water, open your mouth real wide and say "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh". Because it's so refreshing. If I stick out my tongue, you stick out your tongue, if I blink, you blink. If I guzzle my beer and burp, you guzzle your beer and burp.

I've certainly missed spending my days with you -- and I think you miss me too (took you long enough). Now when I am home, you want to make sure that I am around at all times. And, you're a little clingy. This is ok with me because I love hanging out with you too, and you give such nice hugs! Luckily Grandpa is good at distracting you, so I can still shower on the weekends. Thank goodness.

You are thoroughly enjoying games now. You love it when daddy or I chase you, and MAN, you think you're crawling fast. It's so cute. You love this one necklace of mine, and we'll hide it under the covers, and you'll go digging for it. You even started hiding it on yourself and go looking for it. You'll play goalie -- Daddy will shoot some wooden blocks at you when you're sitting and you'll knock 'em out with your feet. And, you LOVE kicking the ball. And, to Daddy's shegrin, it's ALWAYS with your right foot. I don't know if Daddy will have a fellow south paw, although we are trying to make sure we even things out (with handling spoons, etc).

You're sleeping habits have worked themself into a lovely schedule. You're up at 6.30, nap for 3 hours from 10 until 1, and then in bed for the night by 7. Let's see if this can last until you're 20.

A couple days ago, we tried blueberries for the first time. You loved them (no surprise, it's edible, right?) and so we (and by "we" I mean "me") gave you a huge helping the next day. Well, you can ask Daddy about it, but I think we're off blueberries now. He had to chuck you in the bath and throw out the onesie that you were in. Twice. Can you say "poo bomb"?

We'll end on that note.

We love you baby genius,
Mommy and Daddy

Milestone mania!

So, you know that I've been cycling to work. Well, not ALL days, but most days. If this is something that impresses you, it SHOULD. I've surprised myself. I've never considered myself the athletic type. Oh sure, I love going to the gym, but I love the classes, I'm not self motivated. I need someone yelling at me to enjoy working out.

But, today I hit TWO MAJOR milestones...

(1) There's a huge overpass that goes over the freeway and normally I'm pedalling like a madman (in a really low gear). But, today, I flew up it with ease in a normal gear. NORMAL GEAR! I was astounded. It must mean that I am getting better!

(2) Normally, when cycling to work, I end up passing a lot of people. Man, those walkers are slow. BUT today, I legitimately passed a fellow cyclist!!!!!!!!! My colleagues joked about whether I stopped to help him with his flat tire, but nothing could deflate my mood. I was pleased with myself. It must mean that I am getting better!

Now that I am a cycling enthusiast, I may tackle the Perth - Fremantle bike trip.