March Madness in Zogland

Oh how we love this time of year in Zogland! March Madness has taken over our household (as we joyfully embrace any excuse to stay inside and away from the yellow dust that coats our bodies the minute we step outdoors.) This is our first March Madness away from Chapel Hill. Away from the state where Basketball is beloved, enjoyed, and discussed with genuine enthusiasm 12 months of the year, and worshiped in the holy month of March. It's a little strange to be in a foreign land during March Madness. I went out to lunch today and overheard NOT ONE conversation about the tournament. What's wrong with these people?!?! Must make mental note to find more basketball loving, most-likely-transplanted-from-the-East-Coast friends in the next 11 months.

Anyway, in our house, it's GAME TIME. Brackets are filled out, all blue clothing is ready for extended wear and not-so-great-sportsmanship chants are being recited to the children. Now that we have two children I've noticed that March Madness is marked by some pretty obvious changed to the household dynamic:

• Bedtime? What's that? Kids go to bed during halftime or when the game is over. Nuff said.
• Baths? Unless they stink from several feet away, there just isn't time.
• Dinner? Usually enjoyed by the entire family simultaneously while sitting around a table. Soft music plays in the background as we discuss our day and things we are grateful for. This month? Four-year-old gets fed when he starts to complain about hunger pains. Dinner consists of whatever Daddy can put on the plate during a commercial break and is enjoyed while said four-year-old sits at his coloring table in the living room. Mom and dad inhale food when they can find the time, sitting on the sofa, yelling at the t.v. Really, the whole scene is barbaric.

But really, the biggest indicator that March Madness has settled into Zogland is the change in conversation and the way judgement calls are made. For example, I fell down a hill while out for a walk with the baby this morning and banged up my knee pretty good. (Don't worry, the baby was unaffected by my act of gracefulness.) About an hour later I remarked that my knee still hurt pretty badly. To which my inquiring husband replied: "How bad is it? I mean, are you John Henson hurt or Kendall Marshall hurt?" (Do a Google search for injured Tar Heel players if you need further explanation here.)

Happy Basketball Everyone!

Baby Girl Zog

Baby Girl Zog had her first check up on Friday. Our first month with her was so much more relaxed and enjoyable than our first month with Big Boy Zog. More on this later when I have time to properly share my thoughts, but one thing is certain...I would never wish first time parenthood on anyone and yet, it makes us stronger somehow I think.

Anyway, BGZ's one month check up went well. She is up to 9 lbs, 12 oz (up from 7 lbs, 15 oz at birth and a lowest weight of 7 lbs, 1 oz). I forget her exact length and head circumference (ha! can you tell she's the second kid?) but I know that since the day she was born all of her sizes are exactly average. She's a 50th percentile baby. We enjoy her chubby cheeks and legs, but she's certainly not the hefty baby her 95th percentile brother was. I'm sure this has something to do with the fact that she was born 16 days earlier than he was. He had longer to "cook" as they say and he just grew and grew. She came eight days early and started on Mommy's good side, so I say. Anyway, to me, she is just right. She eats a LOT and the doctor says she looks great and we're doing everything just right. Hmm..I think I like this doctor.

BGZ is a very sweet baby. I'm sure our relaxed state has something to do with our perception of her, but she honestly seems to be pretty easy going. As long as her needs are met, she's content. She has a bit of a fussy time in the evening, but even then, it's just not that bad. I mean, you know a baby is calm and enjoyable when you hear her daddy cooing at her at 2 a.m. and saying to her - even though she just woke him up in the middle of the night - "you're such a good baby.Yes, you are. A good baby."

Being a family of four fits us. It just seems like we were meant to be this way. She fit right in and we loved her immediately. BBZ treats her like she was born to be his best friend. I hope and pray that she always will be. The other day, she was crying in the car and I heard him say to her, "Don't cry baby sister. I'm here with you. Don't cry. I'll always be here with you." Doesn't get much better than that.

All is well in Zogland. The photo album called January - April 2012 has been updated. Enjoy!