Zoe, almost 1.5 years old (18 months)

I've been negligent about this post. Zoe will be 1.5 on 10/24. Time does fly.

She is running around and says "hot" and "ball" and a bunch of other things that I don't really understand!

The poor girl is sick. I've been sick all month and she's been having high fevers. She is asleep right now, but still wakes up and gives kisses. She loves to give big hugs now and says, "eh" when she wants something. She'll point and go, "eh" or lift her arms for me to pick her up and say, "eh."

I gave her a trim the other day. I couldn't stand her mullet anymore. It was never racking, but at least it's shorter.

Still no word from Ellis. I really think he's out of the picture. I wrote him a letter and I said basically: this is for Zoe, so she will know I tried to do everything in my power to keep a friendly relationship with you. We have not heard from you and I don't have the energy to keep trying, only to get no reply. You have my contact info, you're always welcome in our lives and it's never too late to do the right thing.

The response: more silence. I know, shocking! Recently, I was surprised to get an economic stimulus check from Texas. I was so confused, until I remembered what the child support people told me - as long as he owes back child support (he still does) they will garnish he taxes.

Since mom works so hard to help take care of Zoe, I decided it was time for mom and dad to go to Mexico. I put the check toward a flight for their long deserved vacation! They leave on the 24th and get back on November 7th. I hope they have a wonderful time.

Photo: 17 months old with her fingers through the numbers 9 and 6.