On Monday we attended a thrilling and emotional event.  David's deployment (400 days in Okalahoma, then Kuwait and then Iraq) finally arrived.  The Guard threw a very cool ceremony at the Hanger with great speaches, all you can eat BBQ (with pineapple upside down cake!), FIVE helicopters you could sit in and then watch depart in formation, a Chanook huge helicopter, everyone in uniform, lots of friends and family and free stuff.  It was really nice time to be able to show support and start to prepare for time apart.  We are so proud of Dave and it was great to see him in his element.  He is really happy and is focused on his mission of helping others.  It was very cool. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have been without our furniture in the apartment for a while.  It's been a little tough on Zach as there is not much for him to do inside.  And there are my any things that he's to remember not to do...like start the gas stove, climb up on the windowsill, stand on the table, jump on the airmattress alone, flush the toilet, discover the toilet paper, pull the cat's tail, bang on the walls, let himself out of the apartment and call the elevator, and so many more fun things.  Very frustrating.  One day Zach was going after the cat pretty hard and Matt was worried Daniella would snap at him as Zach went for her tail.  Matt quickly yelled "No! No Zachie! don't pull the kitty's tail.  She doesn't like it."  Ever since he's been screaming NO! to us, to the wall, to other kids.  Sigh. 

 

But our furniture finally arrived.  A little worse for the wear but mostly whole.  Zach's got all of his toys, his super (he went without it for 2 weeks and squeeked with delight when he got it back yesterday), his weed whacker, his green cart, his crib.  And we have our familiar couches and chairs and a real bed.  And our first weekend in new york with a car.  Hmm.  what to do?!!

 

Matt and Zach have met many other kids at the park.  There will be much to share in the coming days - so far he's been bitten by a blonde girl, slapped in the face by a much older boy, and pushed down by many.  He's done his share as well.  But he mostly likes to watch the other kids - they don't seem to understand that he's still a baby because he's taller than most of them.  He loves the water maze at central park.  He was definitely the youngest kid in there as it's for "big kids" - mostly 6-13 year olds.  Didn't phase our Zachie though.  He ran me to a nub and then wore out Matt as we chased him around the maze filled iwht 1" of water.  Great fun.  We all slept well that night!

 

On to the weekend!

Matt took Zach to get a haircut yesterday.  There is a great kids place down on Amsterdam near our apartment.  We will post pictures later but Zach was thrilled.  And a very good patient.  He loved sitting in the racing car, watching Thomas Train videos and being fawned over by a pretty blonde.  He looks very cute and is still sporting his darling curls. 

 

He is going through an aggressive thing right now. Fairly mild but he likes to grit his teeth and bang things, he chases the cat and grabs her tail repeatedly and he is a very determined stroller pusher.  Perhaps he's just had too much change and this is how he's venting.  Still a very sweet boy but it's interesting to watch him changing.  What is not interesting is his 4:30 wakeup last night.  He did not go back to sleep until 9:30 this morning.  Tired mommy and daddy.

 

Meeting the boys for sushi lunch today.  How great will that be?!

 

Haircut pictures to be posted soon.  Check out our flickr page for pics and videos as well http://www.flickr.com/photos/holusbolus1/  

 

 

So it's been a while.  But Mommy Blogger is back and much more wise in the ways of blog law.  We got barred from the site for posting a picture of Zach in the warmer when he was :02 old.  Oops.  I totally understand that there are some sick puppies out there.  Sadly, it's come to this.  In any case, through the help of my godsend friend Eric Picard at Microsoft I was able to get the site back.  Whew! 

 

What's new with the Zacher? 

 

Well, for one we now live in NYC! 

He has four upper teeth and two lower. 

He says funny things like calling coffee "hot dirt"

He takes your hand when he wants to show you something or have you get something down for him

He kisses boys and girls on the playground

He hugs the kitty and puts his face down on her softly

He says "I do it" and "I go nigh nigh" and "i want"

He still uses the bottle but did figure out how to use a straw and how to blow bubbles over July 4th while Dad/Grandpa Reker was visiting

He loves the splash park and playing at the beach

He still has his fabulous head of curls, long lashes and shoulder dimples. Now he's golden brown (in spite of sunscreen)

 

I will post pictures from the past two months in the next post. 

Glad to be back!

Aimee/Mom

 

 

Zach has his 15-month check up yesterday (5/6/08). 

 

Height:  32-3/4" (92%)

Weight:  24lbs 13 oz (56%)

Head:  18-1/4" (28%)

 

He very bravely received 3 shots:  DTap, Prevnar, HepA#1

 

Update on teeth: only the front four "pincers" have really come in.  The rest are perculating and probably making chewing quite uncomfortable.  Took Zach in to the docs last Friday and confirmed that his left ear infection had not quite cleared up.  Super dose amoxy now.  I hate to have him on that but it seems to have licked it already and he's not even half way thru. 

 

at 15 mos zach"

Not sure if I wrote about this already but his first day at Toddler group they brought out this string of trains that parents could put the kids on and hold them up while it went around in circle.  While the LaTrece was telling the parents about it, Zach ran around behind her, hopped on and took off on the train by himself screeching with delight. 

 

That's my guy.  ;)

 

 

 

 

 

Last week Zach decided that it was time to get serious about teeth.  He has 8 coming through all at once now!  None of them are in very far but he's got little nubs he likes to show off.  He's such a sport and hasn't been fussy about it at all. In fact, he's also not been fussy about a double ear infection!  Last Friday he was walking around like a drunk sailor (off balance) but no crying, ear tugging, etc.  Just took it all in stride.  He's been on antibiotics for the first time and doesn't seem to mind that either.  Such a sport. 

 

He speaks in Zach which I think only Matt and I understand but he seems to say "I do" often.  And "arff" for dog.  He likes to play his musical instruments and bounce or dance to the beat.  Kids got rhythm.  Zach is loving Spring and enjoys being able to go ouside and inside and outside and inside while playing with pine cones, sticks, trucks and beach balls out on the deck.  He likes to point to the squirrels and rabbits and dogs and cars and say "eeew".  He spent a few days with favorite nanny Gretchen last week and made Daddy Matt two coffee mugs for Matt's birthday!  They're awesome!

 

Loving being mommy. 

 

 

This past week GodFather Matt was in Bosotn attending the Fitzpatrick twins' christening.  Aunties Alexandra, Marilee and Victoria came into town and Zach was quickly swooped up and delivered to Super Grandma's house for sleepover party!  He had a blast and absolutely adores his Aunties.  He also learned how to feed Gretl dog bisquits.  They are really sweet together. 

 

In other news, Zach had a little hair cut.  Nothing to grown-up looking.  Just a few snips to weed out the weediness.  Cute as ever now. 

Zach also cut his second tooth.  He now has his upper right and his lower left.  Just little white moons poking through but TEETH nonetheless!

 

 

Zach has a head cold.  he's miserable.  Had him to the docs for a check up and at 14 mos he now weighs 25lbs 12oz! 

Zach cut his first tooth today.  One day short of his 14-month mark.  Quite late to start teeting but that's how it's done on my side of the family.  Surprisingly, it's his upper tooth.  We were so focused on the slow progresssion of the bottom set that we didn't even notice tha the top chompers had leapfrogged their way through. 

 

With the teething and his second illness (a little head cold), Zach's a drooly goo ball.  And he's got some crazy Einstein hair.  I need to let go of the soft baby curls and get him a proper haircut this week. 

 

But he's still the cutest, cuddliest guy ever. 

 

In other news: 

walks, runs and walks down stairs standing upright

a few words and lots of chatter

sleeps 11 hours (7:30-6:30) every night

a short morning nap (not always) and a longer nap around 2pm each day

Size 3 diaper

Size 6 shoe!!!!  holy flippers.

he flirts and bats his eyes at you if you say "blink, blink"

he waves hello and goodbye

he pats the cat, the dad, the mom as a sign of affection (started from our saying "nice touch" when he wanted to pet the cat)

he loves animals, music, dancing and making noise

he loves to flip on the lights, vacuum, wash his hands and wipe things off with a towel

he loves balloons, bubbles and water. 

 

Today, I think he'll make an excellent hydro-electric engineer.  Or a darn good janitor. 

 

We are almost done with the new bathrooms and painting the house.  I so don't want to leave this house, our neighborhood and our friends here.  But Manhattan calls.  Matt and I are looking forward to a smaller place where we don't have so much "stuff" nor any home repair.  Where I can go to work for normal hours and not travel so much.  Where Matt can relaunch his career and where Zach can start to navigate life outside of the house.  He is so social.  And we look forward to being back here someday. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last week Zach tackled climbing the ladder to the stairs and going down the slide on his own.

THIS week he climbed UP the slide and then slid down.  He loves going to the MyGym with Daddy. And he loves Theresa and the crew at the gym.  We will have to take some pics and post those either this Saturday or next Wed.

 

We all had a great Easter today.  We lounged around the house for a while (Matt and I were tired as we went to the X punk rock show last night!) and then headed over to the Super Grandparents for the afternoon. 

 

Zach was a dapper fellow in his suit and tie.  Matt joked that he looked like he was home on break from Harvard.  I think he just looked adorable.  I realize he needs a haircut but just love those curls!  They start out really tight all over the back (stick straight in the front, just like me and Grandma Julie) and then soften over the course of the day into a freaky Einstein configuration.    

 

We had a great easter egg hunt.  Zach enjoyed the eggs filled with Goldfish crackers.  He did NOT enjoy the ones filled with a mini marshmallow.  He returned those. 

Lots of fun videos from today.  Will need to find a place to upload those.  And a barber. 

 

We missed the grandparents today but enjoyed spending time with the Great/Super Grandparents and Zach's FAVORITE person right now, Uncle Dave.  

 

Happy Easter!

 

   

 

 

 

Just called home and Matt told me that Zach had a big day over at the Eden Prairie Mall today. 

First, he climbed up the steps to the little play area they have there.  And slid down the slide all by himself!! most of the kids there are between 2-4. 

and he's wandered around there before and sat on rides but never ventured very far into the melei.

 

Last week he put his drum up to the toychest at home, stepped on that and pulled himself up on the toychest so he could flip the lights on, off, on, off.  Matt caught it on video.  Little dickens!

 

Ah, we're having fun.

Heard around town...

 

"That way" while in the car and at the mall with his Beloved Gretchen as he pointed out the window

"I want" near the bagels at Costco with Dad

"Bubbles!" while pointing at a poster of bubbles at Costco with mom

"Out" said often

"Oh S&!%" after dropping bottle of milk - with Dad ;)

 

We have not heard these since the first possible hearing...

"microwave" - he loves to open and close that thing

"Ruby" or Wooo bee  while playing with Ruby Weiner

 

Remind me to tell you about this trip later.  Had fun.  Zach made many friends including befriending a wonderful chef, Pino.  We came home and came down with a terrible stomach flu.  Still not 100%.  Which is why I have not posted anything on it.  ugh.  I'll just share that I'm officially a mom as I've been puked on in public without flinching several times now.  poor guy.  Will post pics when I'm back home.  Sorry Pino!  We thought we'd have them up before we headed back to the states!  Soon.  Soon.

 

Matt and I got a kick out of Zach's 12-month appointment on Tuesday.  Zach was crusing around the room with his diaper and socks on.  Babbling up a storm.  Looking under chairs.  Pulling open cabinets.  Inspecting the ear checker.  He didn't cry when he had his finger pricked (iron/lead check) and barely cried when he received three shots!  Such a brave fellow.  Mommy only cried once during the appointment so she's brave too! Dad/Matt holds us all the together.  We are so lucky.  :)

 

Excellent marks for physical and social development.  Pacing 3-6 months ahead in just about everything.  Dr Busch recommends moving to whole milk and weaning off the bottle PRONTO.  Concern he'll be able to climb out of his crib soon and we'll find him at our bedside at 2am seeking "a small bottle if you please.  Now".  Will work on getting him to a sippy cup by finding one with a straw.  Will move him to a coupe of half days of playgroup and/or nursery school as he's so social and thrives around people. 

 

Tall skinny guy.  but he's just thin because he's so tall. Not an issue.  Still has mom's little head. 

Height:  31.5 inches (91%-- note: another 1/2" is 100%)

Weight:  23lbs15oz (64%)

Head: 18.25 inches (46.8%)

BMI:  16.96 (61%)

Pulse: 90 bpm

Rate: 18 bpm

 

Hemoglobin 13.2 (great)

MMR shot, Hep, Varicella/chick pox, hep b

he has had:  DTaP #3, HepB-Hib #3, IPV Poliovirus #3, Prevnar and now these. 

High marks for:  using pincers, walking, climbing stairs/furniture, talking, pointing to what he wants, following simple instructions, object permanence, responding to name, eating solids well.  Cuteness points for ability to snuggle with the kitty and sharing of his favorite things with others. 

 

I had to head to Ny this week nd won't be home until Friday! ack!  Missing the guys already!  But hoping to bring Zachie with me here next week.  Matt is being a hero and weaining Zach off formula and his night time feed/bottles while I'm here.  He's awesome.  Such a great Dad.  sigh.  miss them.  :(   And Alexandra is keeping me busy and letting me gabber on and on about the boys which helps too.  sniffle. 

 

Time to head out and get some sketty with Alex. 

 

 

 

 

It's official - he's walking.  For some reason throwing his arms over his head seems to help with the longer jaunts.  which makes him look a bit like a monkey.  but cute, cute, cute.  he's into carrying things around.  Climbing into the toybox and tossing out all of the toys.  Very industrious.  Still no teeth.  TONS of hair.  needing a haircut actually as the curls in back spill down to his shoulders.  Seems to have said microwave while opening and slamming the micro door.  he loves to do that.  Also likes to stand INSIDE the fridge with the door open.  I'm sure it's just the beginning of that.  He has his 1 yr appt on Tuesday.  We'll check weight and height then - but he's in 18mos clothing for the most part.  Tall kid.  And very giggley. 

So it's 10pm on the night before Zach's birthday.  so this is about when my water broke last year.  i can't believe how amazing this year has been.  i had no idea what it would be like.  how wonderful and how Zach would become our world.  We love him so much it hurts.  every night we go in and check on him and just stare at how beautiful he is.  Every day one of us will say to the other, "can you believe it?!"  we have been entrusted with the care of such a loving, happy and adorable little human. He seems to be such a giving person already.  he started to share before he was even 1 year old.  and he just has this wise calm about him. and the dickens.  he is into coyly smiling at you and shaking his head no when you tell him not to do something.  and then he giggles and it's really hard to hold your ground.  lord help us.  I think we're in for a bit of a ride with this little heartbreaker.   

 

Zach today:

no teeth but the bottom gums are starting to swell so any day!

Zach can take 4-5 steps unaided but usually walks holidng on to things. 

when he's really excited he bounces on his knees which can move him across a room!

words are not frequent but are momma, dada, dog and bread

zach loves dogs, cats, baths and anything that makes noise. 

he sings himself to sleep in my arms.  so cute

he loves his blue snuggle blankey when he's tired. but otherwise no pacifier (ever) or other comfort item

he likes chiken, avocado, cheese, bread and pears.  and formula.  still taking 6-8 bottles per day in addition to food.

he goes to bed at 7-8 each night.  wakes up once or twice on a bad night. wakes around 6pm on a good morning. 

he will willingly go anywhere with a family member, sitter or pizza chef - for a long time even - but doesn't like to spend time alone at all

he sleeps on his knees with his bum in the air and started to thrash around quite a bit.  but he sleeps more soundly if he's snuggled next to me.

he holds my hand and plays with my mouth while he has his bottle

he likes to turn the oven light on/o super grandma's

he's been in snow a couple of times

he has been to NY, SF, Tampa, Boston, Atlanta, London, Milan, and i'm sure a few places i'm forgetting.  he flies very well!

he has chunky little feet and hands, strong legs and skinny little ribs.  so cute

he loves his kitties and the dog

he likes to sleep in the car and also seems to like manicures.  he just puts his hand out to have his nails clipped and waits quietly. 

he wears a size three diaper. size 4 shoe.  12-18 mos clothes. 

he finally had his first illness - he and i got the puking flu after Milan.  you're officially a mom once you get the point of not flinching when you get puked upon.

he did have a flu shot as did matt. i did not.

his hair is down to his neck when wet. it is very curly (especially right after a nap) but only in the back. 

he talks so much and is usually smiling and laughing.  so happy

he is the light of our lives and blessedly like his father. so handsome and kind.

 

Tomorrow we will have a little birthday activity with a few friends at Michael's crafts.  And then cake! 

 

What a year.

Zach and Matt were at SGrandparent's (Great Grandpa and Grandma Klein) house.  Zach looooves their German Shepherd (Gretl).  Usually he makes his pirate noise/growl and then excitedly braces himself for a good face licking.  But THIS time he looked at Gretl, hey pointed at her (which he does with his wrist) and said "duwg".  Much to everyone's delight!  He kept saying it all night and now feels it's an appropriate term of affection for his two kitties as well. 

 

Zach with Super Grandpa & Gretl in November...

 

I'm headed to Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and won't see Zach and Matt until Saturday afternoon.  Terribly sad and lonely about it already.  :( 

We'll be using our webcam with Skype so i can at least "see" the guys each day.