Toddlerhood has arrived!

It's a new dawn, it's a new day, and we're feelin' tired!  In the past month we have both been working frantically at our jobs due to short-staffing on my end and the desire to pay for daycare on Liz's end. Among the wrenches that have been thrown into the mix include the fact that two weeks ago our daycare kicked us out with less than 24 hours notice to find new childcare due to them having too many kids and not enough staff. Not our fault, but definitely our problem. So, we have been scrambling to make it all work in the midst of trying to keep it all together. 

But we DID experience our first Mother's Day, and the bright light is that we have a beautiful healthy boy who is funny, snuggly, and seems to be resilient enough to withstand our craziness😊

Happy MOM Day, Liz!

On May 15th, Anzel turned ONE!  The plan was to have a picnic in Prospect Park, but the day was weirdly windy with possible thunderstorms, so we found an alternative space at a local ice cream and coffee shop. We had the whole backyard to ourselves, both grandmas came for the weekend, lots of friends came out to celebrate with us, and we had an amazing musician play a show for all the kids (and adults liked it too).  Aunt Mary made some delicious banana cupcakes and a special smash cake just for our boy.  While he didn't really smash it, he did manage to get icing all over and has enjoyed eating it all week long!

And just as quickly as he has turned ONE, he has entered toddlerhood. He's taking about 8-10 steps at a time now, shaking his head NO when he doesn't want something, and is starting to show signs of separation anxiety (screaming when a mama puts him down or leaves the room).  And in between those moments, he's dancing, chasing Lola and Dharma, playing endless games of Peek-a-Boo, and laughing hysterically at our antics. 

These past few months have been a roller coaster ride, and we couldn't have done it without all of the support from our family and chosen family.  So, thank you to everyone for keeping us from losing our minds!

Zelbot is turning ONE

Countdown to the year marker of being moms is soon to be marked by our first Mother's Day followed a week later by Anzel's birthday. It seems so unreal that this little dude is ours, but I guess he's chosen to stay with us after getting to know us a bit. Honestly, I think much of his decision was based on his love for Lola (which is one of his first words ... WOWA). 

Over the past year, we have gotten to see Anzel's first loves develop and thought we would share his top 10 list:

Music - especially when he can dance or bang out a sick drum beat with hands or chopsticks

Peekaboo - this guy belly laughs when you disappear and reappear, and now he does the hiding and expects you to laugh - admittedly, most people can't help themselves

Nature - all things outdoors seem to fascinate, energize, and calm him all at the same time. Watching him explore nature is awe-inspiring. 

Swinging - park swings make him smile from ear to ear and squeal with delight

Puppets - weather it's Clifford the Big Red Dog, a sock duck, or his little human-like puppet friends, he starts "conversations" with them and finds them endlessly amusing

Other kids - our dude gets right in there and introduces himself by playing, touching, and grabbing other kids immediately. Making new friends everywhere he goes!

Lola's bowls - it's like Lola's food and water bowls have Anzel magnets in them and he can't resist the powerful force. And now when he gets close, he hears us say his name and he does a little finger wag at himself. 

FOOD - I cannot overstate this guy's love for food. Hummus, jumbalaya, yogurt, beans and rice, sweet potatoes ... you name it, he eats it.

Animals - dogs, cats, goats, and other furry mobile creatures make him giggle and screech. He just wants to touch, play, and snuggle with them, which most animals haven't been that into honestly. 

FAMILY - the joy on his face when we spend time with grandparents, cousins, aunties, uncles, and friends is unsurpassed. Clarke's beard, Mary's snuggles, Tamika's dreads, Mamere's songs, Grumpus's cane, Granny G's pigs, Mason's cuddles, Aunt Catherine's kisses, and his mamas' crazy singing and dancing. He's loving it all, and we are so grateful to have so much family surrounding us. We couldn't have made it through this year without all of your love and support, and Anzel is going to be an amazingly lucky human to know each and every one of you!

I'm turning ONE in two weeks... Can you believe it???