The Nutcracker

Zach and I enjoyed a special date at a local production of the Nutcracker. If was an abbreviated version and was perfect for us.  He enjoyed the dancing, recognized the music and especially liked the fighting. 

Zach snow boarding

https://youtu.be/S3Q2etF2wHo

Bike Rider

Teaching Zach to ride a bike without training wheels was surprisingly easy.
We're very proud of our big boy. ♡

Zach riding bike solo: http://youtu.be/0DBkNmkg0LU

Boys

My Zachary

Be still my heart. Be still.

Mommy date with Zach

We went to Costco after church. He loves the samples of food, the grocery cart ride and (I admit this freely and without shame) the "treat" of a hot dog and lemonade afterwards.

P.S. He has a scab on his forehead where Andrew hit him with a train.. Picked it at church and ended up with yet lovely bandaid.

Zach's birthday

We had an early start to Zach's birthday but had a great day.

He helped make pancakes with Daddy, sang 2 songs in "loud church" before going to Sunday School, rested quietly, helped clean the cars, opened some *more* great gifts and by dinner he was hanging on to consciousness by a thread.

Crashed by 6:30 tonight.

♡ What a love. ♡

Happy birthday breakfast cupcakes

Zach's 3rd birthday party

We had a great time this morning celebrating our Zachary with friends and family. We went to an indoor place that had all sorts of outdoor play equipment. It was the perfect place for toddler boys and girls.
Zach had a wonderful time eating and running around and jumping on the trampoline. There was even basketball hoops and a golf put-put area.
We gave donuts as party favors and Zach received some very thoughtful gifts. So far, the monster trucks have been his favorite. :) Boys sure are fun!

Matching day!!

Three years ago today, we were matched with Zachary's birth mom. What a privilege and blessing it has been to be this boy's mommy. ♡♡♡

stories I won't soon forget. .

oh this boy.

Tube of desitin= lotion? Shaving cream?

From the moment he awakes, he's talking. Asking questions, making comments, requesting food (inevitably).
He's a blur of motion- running, jumping, bouncing, moving chairs to climb higher, moving chairs to investigate, throwing balls, kicking balls, hitting balls, zooming trucks, crashing cars, pulling on the blinds, opening drawers, doors, running the water in the sink, pulling towels off the rack, jumping, running circles and grabbing for off-limit items.
You get the idea.

Here are some memories our first born has given us.

Zach is a dinosaur.
I was getting the boys ready for bed.  Zach was naked from the waist down- we call this air time and he loves it.  He ran out of the room and returned seconds later.
There was a long strand of toilet paper hanging from his cheeks.
What happened? Did you potty and try to wipe??
Z: No, Mom. I'm a dinosaur.  That's my tail. (pointing)

God loves poop.
Z: God loves me Mama.
Yes, God loves you.

(during a diaper change)
Z: God made me.
Yes, God made you.

Z: God made my poop.
Yes, I suppose he did.

Z: God loves me.
Absolutely darling.

Z: God loves my poop.
Ummmm. Yes?

I've written more in our family book, but these are some priceless ones I wanted to share.

Zachary's Prayer

Be still my heart.

Dear God,

Thank you for my friends.

Thank you anama..

Thank you for mommy.

Thank you for daddy.

Thank you for Andrew.

Thank you anama anama anama anama.

Thank you for daddy.

Anama

Anama

Amen.

God bless this precious child.

Pool

We had an afternoon at the pool last week with a friend and her baby boy. James was born one ay before Andrew and has shared some of his mommy milk with him.  A budding friendship is what it is. :)

Here are some pics.

Zachary loved the pool and was very brave, going into the deep end and even jumping in!  He didn't tell me he was jumping in, just did it and I found out when he splashed behind me.  Crazy boy.

P.S. he deep end is 1 1/2 feet.

These sweeties are happy and both love to eat.  Andrew is more mobile and James has more rolls.  Aren't they cute?

Brothers!

So handsome

:D his smile is contagious!

Sweet big brother hugs and oops- I see a belly Andrew!!

 

Andrea's moving along the wall. And yes, he's missing a sock. :):):)

Notice Zach outside the window chatting it up with a girl. :/

Just kidding!

Both hands in his pockets.

What.EVER!!!! 

Zach is 2 1/2 years old!

how have 7 months passed since this day?  

Sweet Zachary John,

What a big boy you are these days!  You're changing and growing and learning every day.  It's hard to keep up with you!

When you're awake, you're talking, asking questions, making comments and interacting with your world.  You're a bit of a parrot, thought you certainly speak you rmind!  Just the other day, you asked me, 'where's Jesus?' and soon after, when greeting Grumpy, you inquired, 'baby?' while patting his belly.

Grumpy and Zach

You continue to have a wonderful appetite for food and are willing to try anything we serve you!  You love to help me prepare meals and do much of your sampling then.  Fun foods that you've loved recently include: ribs, pizza, frozen yogurt, funnel cake and ice cream!

There are moments of sweetness between you and your 'budder' and we pray one day [soon] you will see him as a friend.

monsta tuck

You are a born athlete, sweet Zach, and have loved every sport we've introduced to you.  Basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, baseball and golf are all sports you enjoy.  I'm sure you'd love anything, honestly.  You're a natural, fluid in your movements and excellent hand/eye coordination.  It's possible I'm biased. But only slightly.  ;)

Books and music continue to be a source of enjoyment.  You learn so much through reading and your favorite books (at the moment) are ones about Airplanes, our much beloved 'Pajama Time', Goodnight Moon, Skip to My Lou and The Letter Factory.

too-too tain!

one of your all-time favorite books

If I didn't mention how much you LOVE to be around other kids, then I'd be skipping such a big part of who you are!  It seems you are an extrovert!  You are certainly energized by being with others your own age or slightly older than you.  You are not shy at all!  You win everyone over with that big smile of yours.

Did I mention you rarely sit down?  You are almost in constant motion.  Your Aunt Joy noticed that while you were with your cousins, you either ran or hopped everywhere.  You are so much like your Uncle Brian, it's crazy!


We love you so, so, SO, SO, SO much sweet boy!

you are a miracle!

snuggly when you're sick

you made this car transporter (gaga buh-bow)

you made this train out of batteries!

fire truck! (sy-ah-suck)