England

Hi Zigz Fans,
It's been a while since I've checked in. In the meantime, I've been growing, scooting, pooping, smiling, and working out. No matter how many half-push-ups I do, though, I can't seem to shake this belly fat. Rest assured, I have lots of muscle under this buddha.

Mom and Dad decided celebrate my half birthday by bringing me to the London Fashion Week. Let me tell you, there's some high fashion goin' on out here. Have you seen the new Burberry Collection? Even Anna Wintour was excited. I tried to fit in by wearing my own Burberry black coat (thanks Ari and Deb). London is a really fun city, even for babies. Mom, Dad and I flew the red-eye from Newark on Monday night and we arrived Tuesday morning. This flight was a lot more restful than the one to Tampa (did I tell you I met Mickey and Minnie last week? Dad says I look like them). This time Mom got us bumped up to first class and I had my very own built-in bassinet for sleeping. It's a good thing I love corners, because this thing was tight. Maybe it's my rolls, but I just barely fit from head to toe and shoulder to shoulder. Nevertheless, I enjoyed about 3 hours of sleep while the flight attendants wined and dined Mom and Dad. Dad also watched Scream 4, which was good because he's been talking about seeing it since I was born; I'm glad he finally had the chance. Consider my nap and early birthday present. Meanwhile, Mom watched Arthur. Apparently there was an original that she thought was better. I have no concept of anything pre-conception.
Anyway, after my extended nap in my box of a bed, I woke up to play with Mom and Dad. The seats were nice and wide, so I danced and squirmed while Mom and Dad each tried to feed and entertain me. I also pooped twice, and I spaced them out just long enough to get two consecutive diaper changes. Diaper changes are still really fun; I used to pee all over Mom and Dad when they opened my diaper, and now I tumble over and over while they try to clean me and fix me up. It's so fun to hear them complain!! They say my name over and over in different ways. Sometimes they sing me songs or give me toys to distract me, but it rarely works. One time Dad strapped me to the changing pad, but I still turned over to show him my tush. Hahahahahaaa! But I digress.
After food/play/poop time, I was ready for more sleep, but I had no interest in settling back into my sardine can. I decided to cry to get what I wanted....which was Mommy's first class seat in the reclined position. Anything less was unacceptable!! After all, I needed my beauty rest for fashion week. Mom was kind enough to share her seat and snuggle with me for the rest of the night. It's always fun to snuggle with Mom.
Getting into London isn't easy. Is it because they hold the world's supply of baby toys? I wonder. We circled the city twice in the airplane before landing, then we walked about a mile to the "Fast Track" for customs. I thought fast meant that we wouldn't have to wait very long, but we waited almost an hour. No biggie though, I had fun with my toy octopus. After customs, we claimed our bag and headed for the train. After one stop we hurried to switch to another train. After a 20-minute ride we were finally in London! But we were still not close to our hotel. The taxi line was about 60 people deep, but Mom knew how to avoid the line. She said, "Follow me!" and we carried two bags, my diaper bag and a stroller up the hill and around the bend to hail a cab. Smart move, Mom. The cab driver was from London but was headed to New York for a "holiday" next week! Mom and I told him all the hot spots -- Times Square, Empire State Building, and FAO Schwarz.

Finally, we made it to the hotel at around 10am local time. Almost nap time! Mom and Dad ordered food, and I had a bottle. After our early lunch, Mom went to work and Dad and I slept...and slept....and slept. Before we knew it, Mom was back from her meeting and it was 330pm! Even though Mom was pooped (or that I pooped, I can't remember which), we hit the town. I haven't been to London since I was in Mom's belly; nothing against Mom's belly, but London is much nicer from the outside. I saw Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and St James Park. In the park I saw a woman feeding the squirrels, and the squirrels were jumping up on her lap for food! Our squirrels just dig holes in Dad's grass.

In the evening we went to Daddy's friends' house for dinner. Dad used to live with his friend Morgan in Hoboken before he lived with Mom. Morgan, his wife Danielle and their son Dylan moved to London earlier this year and they are now officially Londoners. I had fun banging my hands on their kitchen counter, and playing on the floor with Dylan for a little while. Eventually I had some yogurt and fell asleep -- that was a pretty good night. Thanks for having us, Daddy's friends!
On Wednesday, Mom woke up for an 830am meeting but Dad and I slept all the way until Noon. By then, Mom had just enough time to feed me before going to her next meeting, while Dad and I went shopping. Dad strapped me into the Snugli on his chest and we were on our way. Everywhere we went, people were saying hi to me. Dad would be jealous, except they also say I look like him. I made friends with the cashier at Tesco Supermarket, the pastry chef at Cafe Paul and the sandwich maker at Scott's on New Row. Mom came back to finish her work and then we all went into the city again together.

The evening was beautiful. We took a walk along Whitehall Street back towards Big Ben, and the streets were filled with commuters and tourists. Along the way, we came upon a peaceful demonstration where people had lots of signs and flags. One of the flags was very colorful and the other had a pretty star on it. As we approached the demonstration a big, tall policeman stopped me. Was I in trouble? If pooping in public is wrong then I don't want to be right! The officer said, "Stop...you are the cutest thing I have seen all day." He was so happy to see me...and I was so happy I was not under arrest for Public Display of Being Cute. Mom took a picture of me with the cop; I should start charging for those.
When we arrived at Big Ben we crossed the bridge over the River Thames. The sun was setting behind us and it was a beautiful, clear night. The bridge itself had lots of activity; I heard lots of languages, I saw a snake, a bagpiper, a photographer, a guy selling peanuts, and tons of Three Card Monte. Yes, people were gambling on the bridge! It looked like fun, but I spent all my British pounds on creamy porridge at Tesco.
On the other side of the bridge we bought tickets for the London Eye. This is a huge ferris wheel on the Thames overlooking all of London. I flashed my rosy gums at the security guard and she put us in the fast track line that was actually fast this time. We all climbed into our pod and spun our way slowly to the peak. Dad was afraid of heights but I held his hand and we had a good time.
I know we walked home after the Eye, but since I fell asleep on Dad in the Snugli, I can't say I remember much. I think Mom and Dad had fish and chips at the Clarence pub because I heard Dad say he dropped some cod on my head.
Mom and Dad loved their dinner, but I hated mine. Mom tried to feed me "HiPP Organic Vegetables with Rice & Chicken" from a jar. Let me tell you this: I have tasted remote controls, blue elephants, paper, carpet, and even my own feet. This was easily the grossest thing I have ever had in my mouth. I gagged before it even reached my tongue. The "Tender Carrots and Potatoes" that followed were no picnic either. I usually like carrots, but why do the Brits mess with a good thing by mixing in potatoes? Dad tried to feed me more and laughed in my face when I couldn't stomach it. I had the last laugh when I threw up on his side of the bed.
And now it's time for sleepytime again. I'm not ready to go to bed but Mom says it's just jet lag. I don't know what that means, but I know Sleep Sack Time means Sleepytime. Tomorrow is Dad's birthday, and Friday I'm off to Paree...but not before I pick up some 2012 Burberry.
Until next time,
Zoe.