Turning 2

On August 23rd, Zachie turned 2. We had a party with family, and Zach received many fun gifts- mostly train & car themed. We all went in on a train set for him, and he also received some fun mega blocks, a 6' tunnel, a fire truck, Elmo, books, clothes and a few other car/vehicle type toys. He inhaled his cake, and kept asking for more even after we let him have 2 big pieces. Quite the change from his 1st birthday where he would barely touch the stuff. In 9 short days, he will no longer be the baby of the family. I'm trying to savor these last few days.

To continue with tradition, here are a few fun facts about Zach at age 2.

1. Zach says about 50 words, but not necessarily the words you would think he would say. There are many sounds he cannot make, and he usually refused to repeat after you. He prefers to come out w/ a new word or 2 on his own every once in a while.

2. He's a picky eater. We've gone through many dinners with him refusing to eat, and more recently we've started making him sit in his chair until he at least takes a few bites. His rule seems to be, if he doesn't recognize it- he won't eat it. If you try to force him to eat it, he will gag and make himself puke. Fun times.

3. He is still attached to his thumb & Na-Na (blanket), and we've also started making him keep it in his crib during the day so he doesn't turn into a Linus.

4. He loves train, cars, trucks, balls & animals. He also loves "riding" his bike & running around outside. He has no fear, and can climb just about any playground and keep right up with his big sister. This is pretty much is goal at all times.

5. He's a tender heart mixed with some serious stubborn. So far, good with other kids. Sensitive, and seems very aware of when others are upset. He will give a hug, or a toy to someone to make them "feel" better. He will also throw a fit, and keep going long after he has been ignored, told to settle down, etc. Most of our previous tactics won't work with Zach. So, that's when Ben and I give each other the look, and say that's Zach for you.

6. He and Taylor have started fighting on a regular basis. This is usually prompted by one taking the others toy. She has taught him the word "mine"- which is just fabulous.

7. He's been a Momma's boy since birth, but I know my days are numbered. He LOVES playing rough with Daddy, and has a total LOVE for his Daddy which I love.

8. He is soon to be the middle child. Something I have never experienced. I can't wait to see if he is going to have a little brother for a life long buddy, or if he will be the only boy! Either way, I'm confident he's exactly who he was meant to be- even if it means stubborn mixed with sweet. Happy Birthday to my baby for 9 more days! I love you.




One of the few times I could actually get him to look at the camera. He started to enter the difficult picture stage.

The big kids at the party, Taylor, Jake & Cole. It was a fun treat to have Jim & Terri come down with Jake & Cole.

Truly a child after my own heart... LOVES his cake. Blowing out candles... or should I say attempting. Taylor swept in, and finished the job. Ahh.. the life of a younger child.

Opening his Choo-Choo.

Playing with his Choo-Choo. We've only had to put this back together like 10x so far! :)

Little Fish

Taylor had her 3rd go with swim lessons this summer, and so we decided to try something new. We chose Brittanies Swim School, after a recommendation from a few people. We were very happy with how it went, and while Taylor cried a little bit each day.. she finished the week jumping off the diving board, and swimming with the teacher in front of her in the deep end. My only regret is not signing her up sooner in the summer, so she could have had a few more lessons.

Picking out a prize on the last day... sorry these are kind of out of order. Practicing her back stroke.

Swimming in the "scary" deep end of the pool.

Jumping off the diving board, without swimmies.