Dear Zoo

Last weekend we visited the Cincinnati Zoo. We enjoyed spending time with our family and the weather was absolutely perfect. One of Emilia’s all-time favorite books is Dear Zoo. We got a closer look at the animals mentioned in the book. Emilia loves animals and her grandparents, so it’s safe to say, she had the best day ever! Here are a few photo’s of our day.

Bye, Bye Brace

Today is a very happy day in the Howes household. We got some great news. Emilia no longer has to wear her brace - Halleluiah! I have been looking forward to this day for a while now, but somehow it seems bittersweet.

Emilia has Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip (DDH), and was diagnosed as a newborn. This means that her hips are not aligned correctly. She has worn some type of harness or brace on her hips, since we brought her home from the hospital.

 
Those first days of her wearing the full body harness, made everyday things like changing a diaper and riding in a car seat, just a little more challenging. She wore the first brace or Pavlic Harness, 24 hours a day for the first two months of her life.



She has been wearing the Hip Abduction Brace only during sleep hours, since she was two months old. We worried that she would be uncomfortable or unhappy with them, but it was just the opposite, she was content.



We have been so thankful that she didn’t need surgery. And now even more thankful that she no longer needs to wear a brace. We will be going back for follow up visits with her doctor at Shriner’s Hospital for Children.



We are blessed to have a healthy, smart, energetic, sweet daughter who’s almost two. Yes, it’s hard to believe. She is growing so fast.

PB & J Concert

We attended one of  The Lexington Philharmonic’s PB & J Concerts, Saturday. They have a series of concerts throughout the year where you can explore children's stories through music. Each concert features an ensemble from a different instrument family of the orchestra. The Remarkable Farkle McBride was the read and the orchestra played along. It was presented by J. M. Smucker Company, and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were served. This just happens to be one of Emilia’s favorite things to eat, so she was happy. They had an instrument petting zoo, as well. The children were invited to explore each instrument. Emilia’s favorite was the violin. She came straight home and played her xylophone, too. Mommy’s little musician!  

Elephant Brunch

The circus is in town!



Yesterday, Emilia and I went downtown to watch the famous elephants have their “lavish Opening Day Brunch” before their first performance just outside of Rupp Arena. We got a close up view of the animals as they chowed on loaves of bread (which seemed to be their favorite), apples, carrots, celery stalks, bunches of bananas, and whole ears of corn. They were hungry! They devoured it all in a matter of minutes. Emilia seemed to enjoy watching them. She too, loves to eat. The highlight moment for her was seeing one of the elephants pee. She talked about it the whole way home. Maybe she is ready for potty training, but I won’t hold my breath.

The Joy of Finger Painting

I decided to break out the finger paint for Emilia, this morning. I saw the idea on Pinterest, of course. I took painter’s tape and wrote Emilia’s name on a piece of paper. Then she went to work. She dove in slowly at first, but all was well and the project turned out great! I used paper that was made for finger painting, however I don’t think it was intended for tape. It stuck a little when I was pulling it off. Thanks to Bob Ross, “We don’t have mistakes here, we have happy accidents.” I would love to try this with canvas next time.



Emilia enjoyed a little water play, this evening. She actually plays with her water table every evening after dinner.




Summer has been fun, but Autumn is right around the corner. I. Love. Fall. I anticipate it’s arrival every year. Maybe we will paint some colorful “happy little trees” soon.

Super Saturday

We went to KET’s Super Saturday event. We love KET and PBS too. We went last year and really enjoyed it. It’s free to the public and full of fun. The Cat in the Hat was there as well as Mr. Steve. He sings on PBS KIDS. He appears to be a big hit with preschoolers. Emilia enjoyed dancing to his tunes. However, much like our recent visit with the clown, she did not want to talk to The Cat. Maybe next year.. The event provided hands-on science and music activities. As well as face paintings, balloon characters, and Kentucky Reptile Zoo’s animals. Snacks were provided and kids left smiling. It was a perfect family fun day! 



Here is Emilia at last year’s Super Saturday. Look how much she has grown!