Look out...she's climbing!

We have entered a new era of Ziva-inspired danger. She is now able to climb onto the couch and ottomans by herself! Just when I think I can't take my eyes off her, I realize there's another level of can't-take-my-eyes-off-ness. Keeps us on our toes! I have been sorely lacking in the picture department lately, but I'll try to remedy that soon. We had a great day at the park this weekend and I was so sad I forgot the camera because Ziva happily launched herself down the slide over and over again, loving it. Next time!

Little Things

Ziva really has an eye for little details, we're noticing. Today I took her out for a little walk around our apartments, and here's a list of some of the things she noticed while we were out:

• the bumps and ridges on the yellow pedestrian crossing part of the sidewalk
• half a leaf blowing around the parking lot
• a tiny red dot of paint on the edge of the curb
• a dried up piece of gum on the edge of a flower bed (gross!)
• grass growing in the crack of the sidewalk
• a tiny piece of blue paper, probably from a candy wrapper
• the fact that every parking space had a parking curb, evenly spread out

All that reminds me of a story from school a few weeks ago. Angie and Stephanie saw her staggering around on the carpet, which isn't really that strange, except she was doing it more than usual and cracking up. They finally realized she was chasing an ant, which is pretty hard to see on that speckled school carpet!

Tia Daneli

We had a very special guest over Easter weekend--Daneli!! We hadn't seen Daneli since before Ziva was born, so it was great for Ziva to finally get to meet her and to show her a little bit of Oklahoma. We had lunch one day at a Chinese buffet...Ziva enjoyed it!

Ziva with Tia

Of course, Ziva loved Daneli, and you never would have known that they were strangers until now! We had a relaxed, laid-back time, and it was so much fun. We tried a new recipe while Daneli was here, Grilled Bean Burgers, and they were AMAZING. Click here for the recipe if you want to try it. We put lettuce, tomato and avocado on top instead of the salsa. Yum yum!

Speaking Ziva-ese

Ziva's vocabulary is starting to grow, and she's added some new words recently. For fun, here's a list of the words she says.

Daddy
Mama
duh-ty (ducky)
no
no (nose)
Noah (friend at school)
Jo (teacher at school)
uh-oh
boo
boo (blue)
Zia (Ziva)

And I think the other day she said "dirty" but it sounded a lot like Daddy or ducky. However, she said it after carefully examining her messy hands at dinner. Sounds pretty smart to me. :)

Ziva's First Easter

Last Thursday Ziva's class had an Easter party and egg hunt. Vince and I both got to go for a little bit, and it was fun to watch the kids at their party. This was the best shot we got with all three of us looking at the camera, but Ziva threw a piece of macaroni at me. Look closely...you'll see it.

Getting ready for the egg hunt.

WIFE OF THE YEAR

April 5th was my 33rd birthday, and those who know me know that 3 is my favorite number. My Honey, known to most as Rita, decided to make this a very memorable birthday for me so two months or more before my birthday she decided to send out a letter to family and friends asking them to think of a favorite memory that included me. She asked them to write some encouraging words for me and to send photos as well. Rita then gathered everything together and created a scrap book for me to enjoy. Now of course this was supposed to be a surprise and of course I found out about it, as I always do, but I did not know what anyone wrote until my birthday and it was still incredibly thoughtful and romantic of Rita to do. Words of encouragement is my love language and my honey knows that more than anyone, as she daily encourages me as her husband, as Ziva's dad, and in all things. I greatly enjoyed each word of encouragement from everyone and the photos that accompanied the words. There was much laughter and some tears as I read through and remembered memories of each of you. Although I enjoyed what each of you wrote, I enjoyed my dad's letter most. I learned the my grandfather was adopted into the Ramirez family just like I was, which adds fuel to my desire to adopt one day. I was also touched to know he remebered a goal I had in a soccer game many years ago. To close I just want to say thanks to all, especially my honey the wife of the year.

From this day forward

Talking with Ziva

Here's a fun video of a little conversation we got to have with Ziva. You'll enjoy her talking for sure, but if you listen to me and Vince in the background, I think you'll get a good laugh too. We love each other. :)