Grrrrr....

This has been one of those mornings. I woke up with my daughter already awake, which always leads to an interesting morning. I got ready, dressed, got Zach up, prepared breakfast for Zach and fed him, prepared breakfast for Taylor, changed Zach & got him dressed, coaxed Taylor into getting dressed, answered 365 questions, did Taylor's hair, packed the bags for daycare, making multiple trips upstairs to get various clothing items, wrote the check for daycare, got coats & shoes on the kids, grabbed my purse, the diaper bag, & Zach... and we were out the door. Once out the door, I realized my pants were too long for the shoes I was wearing, so I buckeled the kids in their seats and ran back in the house to get a different pair of shoes. Once I had the new shoes on I ran back outside, locked and shut the door only to realize I had left my keys somewhere in the house. I looked in the car, and sure enough.. no keys. Crap! So, I called my husband and I told him he would need to drive the 3 minutes back to our house to let me in. He arrived on the scene grumbling about a grown adult losing keys. I went in the house to find my keys, briefly scanned the counter, ran upstairs to where the shoes were and could not find them.. so I ran back outside to take another look in the car... and told my husband.. I can't find them. My husband then went in the house, and came out a minute later with my keys saying... You can't find them? They were only right on the counter! Seriously, what is wrong with you? Then he stops and looks down at my pants... and says what is wrong with your pants? To which I responded, are you serious? He replied... it doesn't look right. Thanks.

1 year update....

Well, Mr. Zachary had his 1 year visit to the Dr. yesterday and he is still a total peanut. He weighed in at a whopping 18 pounds 14 ounces, and he is 29" long! So, that would be about 5% for weight, and 25th% for height. He is about 10 ounces lighter than his sister was at this age & a 1/2" shorter. I am attributing it to a fast metabolism.... and who are we kidding- parents who were tiny as babies and as kids & aren't super large now! Anyway, Zach had a bit of a rough time at the Dr..., until Dr. Page walked in, and I have no idea what was going on but the kid starting grinning from ear to ear, shaking his head No at the Dr., and then cracking up. I think he thought Dr. Page looked like Papa, because he has never in his life acted to happy and friendly with a stranger. They had to poke his finger twice to measure his hemoglobin, and sure enough Zach is still on the low side- so we have to continue with the liquid vitamin, and we will retest at the next visit. He screamed during his shots, and looked at me like I was allowing him to endure some kind of torcher. I hate that. Zach is pretty much right where he should be physically, and I have a feeling this next month is going to be a big one for him verbally.. or a Mommy can hope right?

12 facts about Zach at 12 months (bare with me or skip over if you want- this is my form of a baby book):

1. He is walking like a pro, can get to a stand on his own from the middle of the room, and can turn around while walking and head back in the other direction.

2. He can clap, wave, blow kisses, give kisses & do the sign for more (which looks more like a clap), do the sign for all done, play peak-a-boo (covering his eyes with his hands about 50% of the time, the other part he covers his forehead, ears, etc), do so big, and sometimes bring something to you when asked.

3. He has said Hi, but doesn't do it all of the time. Mostly when Ben gets him out of his car seat he will say - "hi Da". It's pretty cute. We have him on tape on his birthday, doing all done with one hand, and saying aw dun. That was the one and only time he said it. He says Mama, and Dada, but it is mostly indiscriminately at this point. Most items he refers to as a Da. Sometimes it sounds like he says Tay-Tay... but who knows...

4. He is a great sleeper, and I never thought this was going to be the case but he is pretty similar to his sister as a baby. He goes to bed between 8:30 and 9, and doesn't cry for even a minute when he is laid down. He sleeps until 8 am, and if he wakes up before then he just lays in there. He sleeps about 3 hours during the day.. give or take a half hour, and again if he wakes up he will just play & talk until you come and get him. This is coming a long way from the boy who took 1/2 hour naps for the first 6 months of his life.

5. He is still a Mama's boy, but Daddy is a close 2nd. He will snuggle up with me, and it's just so cute... and I am starting to enjoy our bedtime routine where I can read to him, sing and rock him for a bit before I lay him down.

6. He likes to play on the floor with Daddy, and his favorite game is when they both go at each other with there heads and ram each other. He will just burrow his little head into Daddy.

7. He LOVES his sister. Seriously, it's amazing and heart-warming as a parent to watch. I think I can relate because I was a younger sibling, and I remember very clearly how much I idolized my big sister while I was little. His face lites up when she is around, and he loves to play with her.

8. He is eating much better. We took him off of his bottle last Thursday, and he is now on the Nuby cup with a soft spout. He is doing well with this, and we are finally getting him to feed himself with the thing, but it has taken some work and if given the choice he will sit back and let you feed him for the rest of his life. I am thinking we will switch to Vitamin D, as soon as we are done with the last few containers of formula. He loves Meat! Seriously, so strange. Opposite of Taylor.. who still barely tolerates meat. He will eat burger, chicken, turkey, etc.. and he loves cheese.

9. Everyone still comments on his eyes all of the time. They say he has the bluest eyes they have ever seen, but I don't think they have taken a good look at his Daddy.. because they are the same eyes.

10. He likes to Sing & Dance. He sings a lot in the car, or when he and Taylor are playing the piano. It gets pretty loud sometimes...

11. Still a peanut. Almost 19 pounds, and just 29". He has little feet. He is still wearing 6-12 month clothes, and wearing 6-12 month Robeez with a lot of room to go.

12. He is shy, and doesn't really like strangers. In fact, he will pretty much cry if anyone trys to talk to him or pick him up, outside of Ben & I, my parents or Kim. We are working on it, but he is actually a lot like me as a baby- in this way. So, for those of you who might be taking it personally.. don't. He will come around. It may take a few years, but he knows what he wants... and for now this is how it's going to be.

Birthday Boy!

It's so hard for me to believe that 1 year ago this precious little boy became a part of our lives. Zachary has truly taught me a LOT about love. He has tried my patience, exhausted me... and needed me .. but he has made me a better Mommy... and I love him for it. 1 year ago I was terrified because he was struggling to breath in the NICU, and I was worried about when or if he was going ever going to come home. I remember night after night praying that God would heal my baby boy, and just allow us to take him home. Those were terrifying & emotional draining days- - and once we got home it continued as our world was rocked with learning how to juggle a very busy 2 year old and a very high maintenance baby. Boy, have we come a long way! Although he is still shy, Zach has really settled down in the last few months. He is very good at playing by himself, and he is generally a very happy boy. Ben and I both remarked that we were really impressed with Zach yesterday, and with how well he handled his birthday party, having so many people around. He is very sensitive, and has been since his start 1 year ago. We had a party with family last night, and Zach received many gifts and loved every minute of it. He spent most of the evening walking around, and of course playing with his sister! He wasn't so sure about his cake- but I would expect nothing else. He basically took a few bites, and the nodded his head NO- to tell me he wasn't interested. Happy 1st Birthday Zachie! I love you sweetie, and have loved watching you change and grow. It is so much fun to see your personality as it is really starting to show. I can't wait to see what God has in store for your life.

Our first glimpse of our baby boy!

8 pounds, 3 ounces! Such a big boy!

What a fighter! The nurses knew from the get go that this one was fiesty, and the remarked on it day after day.

Happy Birthday sweet boy- we love you!

Eating the cake Mommy made.

Not so sure. He picked at it, and threw bits and pieces on the floor.

Mommy holding Zach during the singing, so he wouldn't be overwhelmed by all of the people.

Family picture.

Cruising around under the table... where else? His favorite spot in the house.

Get this thing open Daddy! This was this Car ramp & Elevator he recieved from Mommy & Daddy!

Ride on Truck from Grandma Terry.

Zach loves his cars and trucks!

So excited!

Little Yankee Fans

Tuesday night we gave the kids the hats and shirts we had picked up for them at the Yankee game. Taylor was thrilled (go figure)- she has been wearing her hat non-stop. We went out for our usual evening walk with the kids in full Yankee gear, and Taylor pretty much yelled the whole way- Look at me- I'm Yankee Stadium! I think she might have been a little confused. It was still pretty cute.

Mrs. Heintz

Today we had a visit from Taylor's soon to be Preschool teacher Mrs. Heintz. She came over to meet Taylor, bring Taylor her very own St. Mikes bag to bring to school every day, and also to help Taylor make hand prints on her bag. She was very sweet, and great with Taylor. Taylor was a bit hyper while Mrs. Heintz was here, and not quite acting like herself... but I am banking on the fact that Mrs. Heintz is familiar with that. I can't believe my baby is about to start pre-school! It's going to be an emotional first day for me.... Taylor couldn't be more excited. Some of you know how much we struggled with decision about which pre-school to go with, and so far I am feeling very good about our decision. I love the fact that St. Mikes sends the teacher out to your house prior to school starting. School starts September 4th! I'll make sure to post after the first day! Stay tuned.

On the go....

Zach has been walking for the past few weeks.. and when I say walking, you guys know that I mean really walking. I refuse to acknowledge it as walking unless he walking around the room on his own- prior to this point he had been taking steps. Yesterday, he actually started getting to a stand from the middle of the room by squating, pushing his butt up in the air with hands on the floor- and standing from there. He did that about 15 times today, and appears to have it down. He is still our little crash cup.. he loves to walk around underneath the dining room table.. and he is constantly banging his head on everything!

I'm sick of poop

Just need to vent this morning. I heard Zachary in his room around 7am wide awake, moving around and talking. I didn't get him up, because I wasn't ready (in fact- I was still in bed after staying up too late to watch the Olympics). So, by the time I was ready to get him up, after getting ready, having my daughter come in the bathroom about 15 times to ask me where her Yankee's hat is... asking me to turn on cartoons, etc... I pushed open the door to his room only to be assaulted by the most horrible odor I think I have encountered on one of my children to date. He had pooped - EVERYWHERE! Seriously, it was all over his crib, his hands his body, his bumper, blanket & sheets. He was standing up with a big grin on his face. So, began the major downfall of my morning. After bathing my child, cleaning his crib, his sheets, his clothes, making breakfast, and getting both of the kids dressed and out the door... I was stressed out, and ready to be done with my day before it had even begun. I have no patience for people who pass on germs. We are still recovering from our most recent bout with sickness... and Zach's stomach is still getting back to normal. Now I say this, after I passed on a virus to my friend Lesley and her kids a few weeks ago... but I honestly did that before I realized my daughter had it. I have no patience for people who know their children are blatantly sick- and I am not talking about a cold... and bring them around other children. One word- buck it up, and stay home like the rest of us do. Deal with it, yes your life will have to stop for a while but don't pass on the germs.

NYC 08'

We're back! We had a great time in NYC this past weekend, but we were both definitely ready to come back home. We missed the kids SO much! It's so funny how you crave a break, but as soon as you get away you wish you were right back home. We did so many things while in New York- the trip started with an great night out at an Italian restaurant and amazing seats for the Broadway play- Wicked. For those of you who didn't know, this is actually a story about what happened before the Wizard of Oz. There is nothing like Broadway! Friday night I came down with the flu (yes- from the kids), so I spent most of the night sick, and the rest of the trip without an appetite. I was forced to buck up and deal with my sickness on Saturday because we had to catch the Subway to the Yankee's game in the Bronx. The subway in itself was an experience, and combined with an already nauseous stomach... a struggle, but we made it. The Yankee game was incredible! Truly, it was probably one of the best parts our trip. We had great seats thanks to Ben, and we stayed for the entire 13 innings.. Ben even caught a foul ball hit by A-Rod! Met by pretty much a standing ovation from the crowd. Now, seriously does it get any more perfect than that? Saturday evening we went to dinner, and decided to visit the top of the Empire State Building at Midnight. It was beautiful. On Sunday we spent the day touring the city, doing a bit of shopping and strolling Central Park. All in all, a great visit... but we both remarked that it was a nice place to visit, but no where we would ever want to live. It was wonderful to come home to Kalamazoo, take a deep breath and enjoy the smell of flowers and fresh air.

Ben in Times Square. This place was insane. It was so busy- we pretty much avoided the area after the first few times.

Drinks in our hotel lobby before dinner & Wicked.

Ben just getting into the Stadium. Can you see the excitement?

Scoping it out.

Ben and I at the game.

The view from our seats.

The New Yankee Stadium! It looks amazing.

After a couple of Lemon Ice- I actually started perking up and feeling better.Overlooking the city at the top of the Empire State Building. As always, I will be reminded of 2 of my all time favorite movies- An Affair to Remember, and Sleepless in Seattle.

NYC at night from the Empire State Building.

The Statue of Liberty.

Ground Zero. The entire area is still flattened and surrounded by a fence. It looks exactly the same way it did when I visited 5 years ago. Our tour bus guide made a comment about things being tied up in legal battles, and if we wanted to know why their was still no progress on the site we should ask the new Mayor.

Central Park... Seriously, Amazing and HUGE!

What's missing?

This would be what the inside of one's carry-on looks like without kids. I find myself constantly thinking I am missing something. Where are the diapers, formula, baby food, crackers, bottles, wipes, toys & extra outfits? Oh, that's right. This is what life was like before kids. Boy, am I going to miss their sweet little faces.

Poor thing....

But his color sure looks good, huh?

Less than 48 hours

So, Ben and I are due to leave in less than 48 hours for our much anticipated trip to New York. But, with my life being what it is.. and with the world working the way it does... both of our children somehow managed to pick up a Stomach virus yesterday afternoon. Yes, I am slightly panicked... because a) if they are super sick, how I am really going to leave them b) roto-virus, which we are suspecting this is can be dangerous for infants c) I have not packed, started laundry.. or prepared 1 single item for this trip 4) (that's for you Jen), I am thinking if we do actually make it to NYC, their is a high probability we will spend some time puking in our hotel room.

I have some good shots of Zach passed out on the living room rug last night, after hours of throwing up. I know, strange time to take a picture... but he looked so cute and actually peaceful. I'll post those later.

Random...

A few pictures from our weekend...
The house. Almost finished. The landscaping is in, but we have to add the rock.

Daddy & Zach playing in the front yard. Do you see the bruise right between Zach's eyes? Yes, crash-cup has done it again. He took a header right into the corner of a table, and I thought we were taking a trip to the hospital. Thankfully the swelling went down, and now we are just left with a nasty bruise.

Taylor & Bailey at Putters! We watched Bailey on Saturday afternoon, and we took the kids out for some minature golf.

Buddies!

Vamos a la playa!

Last week I spent a Thursday afternoon and evening in Holland with 2 of my best friends, Lesley & Jen. The day was a crazy one with 5 children and 2 adults, but it was worth every minute. Just to sum up the day, Taylor developed some intestinal bug while we were there which she managed to pass along to both of Lesley's kids. Zach screamed for the majority of the time, unless he was being held by yours truly. During dinner, Taylor pooped her pants & while I was trying to take care of that Lesley & Jen had to juggle my screaming child. On the way home, I was actually pulled over for speeding as icing on the cake! Yes, you read the correctly. Thankfully, I was able to get out of the ticket, but not without a million questions from 3 year old in the back seat. Why is the police behind us Mommy? Why is he coming to our car Mommy? Mommy were you naughty? Yes, honey I was.
The bunch of us at dinner!

3 babies at the beach! Can you believe it has been a year since they were born?

Taylor & Grant... such friends. It's adorable to watch them. Probably my favorite comment of the day was while we were walking up and down 8th street and they were holding hands. Taylor turns to Grant as says, wouldn't it be so much fun if we were wearing dresses right now? He looked back at her like, huh? Seriously, hilarious. I don't think she quite understands gender differences yet.

Heading out to some shops.

Belated 4th of July week.....

4th of July week was a vacation week for the Leonard house. We spent a lot of time swimming, took a trip to Binder Park Zoo, watched fireworks & enjoyed a campfire. Here are a few pictures from the week.
Taylor feeding giraffes.

What a cheese on the face! At least she is starting to learn how to smile on command.

Blue eyed boys!

Zachie & Momma at the zoo. He's kind of giving me the stiff arm.

The train ride to AFRICA!

This would be Zach's pool. He loves hangin out in here.

Taylor started jumping off the diving board with her swimmies on.

The new chairs Grammie & Papa picked up for the kids.

4th of July fireworks. Zach did amazingly well, and Taylor was so excited this year. In the end Zach fell asleep on Daddy's lap.