A Quiet Afternoon

While we were in Minnesota over the holidays, we made our home base in the cozy little bedroom with bath in my parents' basement. However, Zoe did have many great days at Andrea's parents' (Nana and Ata) house during the days when Andrea and I were running errands all over the Twin Cities. They spent time with LEGO, playing with Christmas decorations, cooking, and with Ata's painting lessons, which Zoe loved.

During our time home, Zoe only took one or two naps per week, which was frustrating for all, as she had been taking 5-6 naps per week before coming home. Every day we were in a place where nap time was possible, we tried to push a nap, but not always with luck.

One afternoon at Nana and Ata's, after a nice lunch, Ata brought Zoe to their bed, and read a few stories to her quietly. He told her that it was a good time for a nap. She denied she needed one. He lay with her quietly for awhile before she started to get a little antsy, then suggested that they take a nap together. No way. Finally, Ata thought he would appeal to her need for cuddling and closeness, as well as her need to take care of others. He told her, "Zoe, I need to take a nap; I'm really tired." They laid together silently for a few minutes, then she slowly and quietly snuck out of bed, left the room, and carefully closed the door, before going downstairs to play with Nana.

So Many Updates

Well, it's been more than a month since the last post, and what a month it's been. We went to Minnesota, saw a lot of people, celebrated both of Andrea's grandmother's lives, celebrated Christmas and New Year's Eve, had a side trip to New Orleans, and came back. Of course, this is the briefest summary possible. I'll try to fill in some gaps as time allows, but let me say for now that it's been a slightly difficult re-entry to normal life, and it may take awhile for things like a blog to catch up.

But I will say that I can honestly tell the difference in Zoe before and Zoe after the trip. I can honestly say I can see her more confident, funny, complicated in her play and in her use of English, and even perhaps a little taller. I've had some difficulties with our photo gathering and editing software on the Mac and so have not been able to post photos, but will when it's easier.

See you soon!