Zoie’s first big day out was a drive to Jacksonville to pick up Nana and Papa. She did so great! On the way home we stopped at the beach and had a picnic. Zoie loved being outside and spread out on the blanket hiding in the shade of mom and enjoying Grandma loves. As for us ‘adults’ it was a fast picnic as mom and dad were really tired from traveling and ready for a nap as well as we didn’t want to spend too much time outside as it was Zoie’s first time out in the sun and mild wind.

Zoie enjoyed a week in Nana’s arms with a few big outings. We enjoyed the beach, a Dr’s appointment, a trip to St Augustine with a stop to see the dolphins and lots of lounge time of just enjoying each others company and Napa and Papa soaking up all they could get of Little Z… and of course Grady and me soaking up all we could get of mom and dad!


Dad got to do a little bit of fishing, though I am not sure they caught much other than a little shark.



He also got to enjoy a pirate shop that I think he could have stayed a lot longer at and wished he could buy all the treasures he found in there. Mom got to see the dolphins play (see video below) and the old fort on the oldest city in the US.

They got to tour Grady’s school and meet some of his friends and teachers. Tanya got to see the hospital where Zoie was born, only through the ER as she escorted me and my hives for a visit (wish I could figure out what I am allergic to!).

Little TJ was born the day before they left here - Congrats Denni and Tommy! Zoie is excited to meet her new cousin someday soon. Tanya got to spend a day with him in Vegas after flying in before heading home to go into surgery.

The week was great having them here and I think it was well worth moms anxiety of flying (but we might want to ask her!). Having them leave made us so home sick and having them here made us realize more how much we want to live around the family and raise Zoie with her cousins.

After lots of spit ups, milk spills and sweaty sleep curled up next to me or dad; Zoie I think was over due for her first sponge bath! Other than a little clean up here and there this was her first time getting wet all over and cleaned up. She was a bit fussy but not near as bad as many of her diaper changes have been (man does she have a temper!). We got her all snuggled up in her hooded towel (that drowns her) and dried off just in time to putty tutty all over herself and the new towel… bath #2 came very quick!

All in all it was a fun experience. It will be fun when we get to fill the tub with water and let her splash all over the place!

Zoie was born at 1:49pm after 8 hours of labor. She weighed 6 pounds, 4 ounces and was 20” in length. The labor was induced to get things going, however after a bad reaction to the meds from both Zoie and me – we were removed right away and did the rest on our own (with of course the help of an epidural!). When it was time to push – we did 3 pushes and here was little Zoie! Grady was a huge support through the whole process. He made everything easier and better. It was a great family experience!

We spent a couple of days in the hospital, which was nice to recover and also nice to leave. Grady was up as much, if not more than I was taking care of Zoie. He really jumped in and has taken on the ‘daddy role’ at full force. He also did his best to try and keep the family involved and informed. I think our biggest learning curve and thing that has had our full attention is learning to breast feed. I had no clue that something so natural could be so challenging. After days of it and all 3 of us being involved, I think we are finally getting the hang of it and Grady is not needed as much in this department!

Having Zoie at home is a bundle of joy. We have already had to make 2 big outings on the town. Yesterday was a filled day of learning more about nursing and getting through another hurdle. Unfortunately to do so we had to drive across town (40 minutes) and we learned that though we put all kinds of things in the diaper bag… the most important ones we missed it seemed! We tried out the wrap that Gina gave us (works great, thanks Aunt Gina!) and we found out that Zoie loves car rides! Today she had her first Doctors appointment and is all healthy. It was a little easier of an outing as her Dr is close by and though we still had to make a list of things we needed in the diaper bag again… we had other things that made it easier! Before we know it I think we will need a suitcase to carry instead of a diaper bag!

Zoie is fast asleep in her Moses basket from Mambie and she loves it. Grady is taking his first nap (had to practically force him as he thinks he can do it all and do it all on no sleep!) Thank you everyone for the phone calls and emails – sorry I have been a real slacker at returning them but I am getting them all and its so great to receive such love and excitement from all our friends and family!

Though we are tired, I think we are getting into the groove of things and before we know it will have a regular schedule that we can all function properly on! Graydon and I are so excited for this next chapter in our life and look forward to what every new day is going to bring.

Photos: Many of you have been anxiously awaiting some photos – here they are! I have just made a Zoie – newborn album as I will probably add photos every day. So to keep updated if you want to see new ones (you know like when she does something cute…. All the time!) Just check the website for updates as I will drive everyone nuts emailing them as often as I take them! We do have some video but I need to get it on the computer. Also just email us if you want a webcam date with Zoie (they have been fun for the family so far to see her, even though it’s usually with her sleeping…)

Grady Did it! He had a dream and has not only went after his dream to make it a reality - he did it with high achievements! I couldn’t be more proud of him. Yesterday he Graduated with the following Awards/Recognitions:

National Technical Honor Society: Outstanding student achievement in career and technical education; including skill development, honesty, responsibility, service, citizenship, and leadership.

Eagle Tech: Outstanding leadership, character and academics

Perfect Attendance: Perfect attendance in all courses

Honor Roll: GPA of 3.86 and above