YayZachy!

YayZachy! He took his FIRST Steps today. Whoot-Whoot! Six days shy of fifteen months.

I wish I could package the look of pure joy and pride on Zachy's face as he took those steps! Priceless. Absolutely Priceless. I'm Smiling just thinking about it.

Here's how it went down. Zachy was 'brushing' his teeth for the first time. Yes, two firsts in like two minutes. Overachiever! He was soooo excited when I gave him his toothbrush. He knew EXACTLY what it was for and started brushing away. We were sitting down. He decided to stand up. Multitasking. Just like his Momma. Then he almost took a step. I thought to myself, I think he's still a couple of weeks away. Well, I think he has Extrasensory Perception (ESP) because right then he took a step. WOW! He did it. He took a step! Yippppeeee! With his left foot. His right foot tried to follow and he almost fell into a center split, but then caught his balance and, ByGosh, he stepped with his right foot and then his left foot and took about six to seven more steps! All with a toothbrush in his mouth (Bad Momma I know, but I was not about to ruin his excellent moment over a silly technicality!). He was so PROUD of himself. The Look. I LOVELOVELOVE that Look! It's the BEST! Mackenzie got the same Look when she took her first steps. Come to think of it, they were both about the same place in the living room.

He took a couple more steps, but was too excited to focus at that point. So, he took my hand and then Mackenzie's and we walked with him. That pleased him.

I suppose this means he is officially a Totboy. Some say it is when they turn One; Others say it is when they Walk; I say it is when they do Both. I don't know if I would say he is actually walking just yet, but he's far enough into being One that I think that along with Steps counts. So, yah. He's a Totboy.

In other Zachy news:

•  I have mentioned before how he LOVES to be outside. He now brings his shoes to me as a way of 'asking.'
• I think he is almost saying 'Mommy' in addition to 'Momma!'
• Have I already mentioned that he says 'Up' when he wants Up?
• He competes with Mackenzie for my attention. If she is trying to sit on my lap, he will start saying 'Momma' and then starts to push her off.
• Nobody makes him laugh harder than Mackenzie. When they are in a zone together, they are in The Zone!
• Oh, and he only pooped three times today. His poor bum is covered with diaper rash, but this is an improvement. Praying it is even better for him tomorrow!

Not new news, but I Love Him. I Love watching all the New and Exciting things he is learning to do and watching his Personality evolve. I Love his Humor and his Sweetness. I Love His Being. Gosh, I am Lucky! Incredibly Lucky.

CatchUp

Before I move forward...here's Tuesday's TwoGoodThings...

1. In the morning, totgirl said she didn't want to go to school for the day. Her plans? To stay home alone, walk to Walmart barefoot, and invite all the Walmart friends over for steak. She also wanted to invite neighbor Rich over. (Big problem, though. Walmart is an hour's drive, not sure how long it'll take to walk, but best of luck to ya!)
2. They said Zachy had a Good Day in Toddler A at Totbabycollege! Yay! Is he finally adjusting to being with The Todds? I sure hope so!

I think this last week has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. We have had some really good days, some in-between days and one really bad day.

I worked Monday and Tuesday, so I was really looking forward to Wednesday. Unfortunately, Wednesday ended up being our really bad day.  I don't know why, it just was. We started out by painting, which was a lot of fun. It was Zachy's first painting and he loved it; Mackenzie always enjoys showing off her artistic side.

Then Zachy started to have his diarrhea, which he has been having on and off it seems for awhile. I decided, rather than assume it is teething (which I have been doing), to take him to the doctor. I have been concerned that maybe he has had an ear infection, since evolution has a sense of humor and has made the two look identical (teething and ear infections). I'd been putting it off because: 1. I did not really think he had an ear infection (and he did not); and 2. The drive. I try not to subject the kids to the drive unless I have to or unless it's for fun. However, I figured it was time to make sure.

Doctor went fine, but then we went to Walmart on the way home. That ended up setting the chaotic tone, which then dominated the remainder of the day. The first half of the 'trip' was fine, but the by the back end, they were both tired (and probably hungry too) and screaming. Fun. Despite the hour long drive home, neither got in much of a nap, so the day went from bad to worse. Three people melting down by bedtime. I have to say, it's really hard on me when we have really yucky days. And, I'm sorry kids. I really am. More than either of you will ever know.

Despite the really yuck day we had, there were a FewGoodThings...

1. Painting, both of them enjoying it.
2. Mackenzie was really good at the Doctor's office, very sweet and engaging.
3. Zachy completely charmed the folks in Walmart early in the trip, very adorable.

Thursday was a definite improvement. Ironically, I was supposed to have a Momma day, since it was a holiday and the daycare center was open, but because of Zachy's diarrhea, he stayed home. Mackenzie wanted to stay too, so I let her. We had a nice day. Naptime was a bit rough, but both finally fell asleep and got a decent rest.

Thurdays's TwoGoodThings...

1. Mackenzie and Zachy crawling and 'jumping' on the bed together. Cracking each other up. I love when they play together and enjoy one another, but I swear it always seems to involve some element of danger.
2. Holding a sleeping Zachy before I put him in the crib. I might have already referenced this at some point, but it's one of those things I have to cherish, because it won't be possible much longer. Gosh, his face looks so sweet it hurts, in a good way. I'm gonna miss snuggling him to sleep.
3. Mackenzie talking about whether she'll take just a taste, a half or a whole serving at mealtime. Love the totbabycollege influence. Really, it helps open her up to trying things. Before she would say something was 'Yucky' or 'Poopy' before even tasting it, but now she does pretty good...most of the time! Yesterday I had asked her if something was 'Delicious,' and she said, 'No, IT GOOD!'

Today was our best day of the week. We were all in sync and the vibe was mellow but fun. We played outside this morning, Mackenzie threw leaves, Zachy stood at the fence and looked at EmmyDog from next door and crawled around the yard. We took a walk down the street. Mackenzie rode her trike-ish thing and Zachy pushed his walker. I think they both enjoyed being outside. Cool fall day, no wind. Just perfect.

Mackenzie is into playing house now. It's adorable. She pretends the playroom is her house. And, if I do so say so myself, it is pretty well set up for that. She kept inviting me over. Once when I 'got there' she was folding up blankets. A lot of them. Very well I must say. Her baby was sleeping in the 'baby room.' She had 'her room' blocked off with pretend walls. Her imagination rocks! I love seeing it evolve and lately it seems to grow daily.

Today Mackenzie also drew her first person. It had a head with a smile and two eyes along with a body of sorts with some stick arms and legs! Woo-hoo. That's HUGE! It seems to have happened overnight. I think just a few days ago I tried with her. Then today she just did it herself. All by herself!

Zachy continues to develop his jokester persona. He is too funny. I have already mentioned how he loves to pester his sister, but really in a good natured way, although she definitely does not think so. But he comes up with all sorts of games. He loves when he captures your attention and will do what he needs to do to keep it. He has a flare for the using the element of surprise. Today I was feeding him yogurt (I don't normally feed him, but he has medication mixed in, so I want to make sure he gets it) and he got that mischievous look in his eyes and then held onto the spoon in his mouth and just started shaking his head back and forth and laughing. Now he loves that game and does it every chance he gets.

Zachy's STILL not walking! So mobile though. I'm not sure he sees any advantage to walking, so just is not in a hurry. He does great when he practices either with the walker or by holding hands. I guess he's not quite ready to take those first steps on his own. In time. In Zachy time! Tonight I had gone to the back room to get more diapers and he came and found me. I gave him two diapers to hold and held his other hand and we walked to his room to put them away. He had an excited smile on his face. I think he knew he was being my 'helper.' It was really cool.

I feel like I missed things that I wanted to talk about. I have to get better about writing things down. My brain definitely forgets!

Although this was not our best week overall, I think it ended on a High Note. We're family. And, we are going to have our bad days too. Just have to move on and forward and learn from them and try to do things different next time! No matter what, I love my kids and I will wake up each day and try to do my best.

Lastly, here's today's TwoGoodThings...

1. Waking up snuggled between Mackenzie and two cats. She is so lovable in the morning. It's a great way to start the day.
2. Zachy said, Bye Bye! He is really starting to pick up language. Fun to watch!

FotoFriday11.12.10

This week was strange. I should have some great fotos. We had a playdate last Friday and went to a birthday party on Saturday. But, no pictures from either event. Mostly due to dear Mackenzie's (not too good) mood. I worked Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday was not our best day at all, and Thursday was a catch up day. So, a slow week in fotos! But here are a 'few.'

The birthday party was football themed. Zachy wore a Longhorns jersey.

(Mackenzie had a CUTE cheerleading outfit and refused, thus...no pic!)

Could he be any cuter?

Painting...

Zachy's first painting!

Playing together...well, sort of.

Mackenzie playing cars and Zachy playing Princess castle.

GenderAppropriateOrder has been restored...

Zachy playing cars...

...and Mackenzie playing Princess castle.

(Expression would pretty much sum up the mood of the week, unfortunately.)

Awww....

LittleBother

I had to work today. I work again tomorrow. It is a 'holiday' week, but sometimes being a half time employee doesn't quite work to my advantage when holidays happen on my scheduled workdays. So, I am working two days in a row. I felt a little sad because I won't see my kids tomorrow. And, actually they will be going to totbabycollege both their normal days. I am off Thursday, which is also the holiday, but since the 'school' is open, I'm sending them so I can hopefully get organised for Christmas. Living as far out as we do, I have found that if I don't start early, it doesn't happen. But, tonight, the whole thought of being away from them for three days..sad. The break will do us all good though!

Today they went to Carol's, our back up to the totbabycollege. I got to do the pick up and Carol said they had good days. They both came running/crawling over to me with big smiles when I got there. Hard not feel good about that.

They were adorable on the way home. A bit tired, but cutecutecute.

Zachy got a little mad when I put him in his carseat. I gave him his blanket to snuggle with and he pushed it aside, my little temper boy. Then I gave him a bottle and he was happy and picked up his blanket again.

Later on they both played peek-a-boo with their blankets. All I could see in the rearview mirror were their blanket heads. It was too funny. That and the giggles. And we sang songs.

Mackenzie did good tonight, especially since I know she was tired. She is REALLY into being injured these days. Yesterday she skinned her knee and we're still hearing about it today. She had to go poop and was in the bathroom for a looonnnnng time. I hear her yell from there, 'Poopus, I need my privacy!' About 10 minutes later I hear her yell, 'Zachy, I need my privacy.'

Zachy lights up now when she gets out her Princess Castle and Little People. He has developed this whole game that he thinks is going on. The one where he grabs something, takes off and she screams while he cracks up. He definitely is becoming her little 'bother.'

Two(More)GoodThings...

1. Today, there was another 'baby' at Carol's. I asked Mackenzie if she thought the other baby was cute and she said, Yes, and then I asked if the baby was cuter than Zachy and she said, No. Awwww....
2. Zachy came crawling in with a doll and said, Baby! Loud and clear. Yay!  A new word for Zachy. Let's list his words: Mama, Dada, Ut-oh, Ball, Nigh Nigh (meaning bottle), Roo (for Rufus), Nana (for banana) and now Baby! Yipee Zachy!

ToddlersAndBabies

I posted this on my MiaMommaMusings blog but since this blog is for my kids, I thought this might be something they might be able to enjoy someday...

Little Ones...ToddlersAndBabies...Everyone says to enjoy them, because it goes so fast. Yes, indeed it does. Very fast. Everyone says to enjoy them, because you will miss the ToddlerBaby stage when they are all grown up. Yes, I'm sure I will.

But, that said, there are a few things I won't miss about these days...

1. Constant crying, whining and/or screaming.
2. Doing everything with one hand, if I'm lucky. No free hands if I'm not.
3. Not being able to go to the bathroom or take a shower without having one to three people joining me and/or having a national crisis erupt while I'm 'gone,' which usually means even if I didn't start out with all those people there, they end up there.
4. Sleep issues...theirs and, as a result, mine.
5. Eating issues....theirs and my inability to eat as regularly and healthily as I would like.
6. Not being able to exercise, which used to be my stress release...now it's Diet Coke. Ick!
7. Not being able to finish anything from start to finish...dishes, brushing my teeth, going to the bathroom, eating...I'm talking basic stuff folks!
8. Losing everything, forgetting everything (This one started after I had my second. Before that, I was still able to be organised and knew where everything was and what was going on...now life is a bit like crisis management at a mental health clinic!).
9. Not being able to take a break when I need one and having no break in sight.
10. Working my butt off all day, cleaning and picking up toys and doing laundry and cooking and taking care of my two kids and then at the end of the day feeling mentally and physically exhausted, looking around and having the house look like a tornado hit.
11. The MommyMeltDown that happens when one too many of 1-10 happen all at once!

These days do have their challenges. I have come to realise that every stage of life with our children has it's challenges as well as it's blessings. Most important is that we are able to realise the blessings that we have.

Things I will miss about these days...

1. Yummy cuddles.
2. Sleeping toddlers and babies in their pajamas...divine sweetness.
3. How forgiving and accepting they are.
4. Being called Mommy by the most angelic voices I have ever heard.
5. I will miss the sound of their little people voices...yes, they are angelic.
6. The honesty in their laughter and their smiles.
7.  Being surrounded by their total innocence.
8. The magic that happens when they learn or discover something new.
9. The very amusing things that she (and eventually he) says.
10. After they accomplish something new, they get the most authentic look of pride on their faces, no humility, just total self satisfaction because they accomplished something awesome!  I LOVE this so much. I wish that wouldn't go away...the ability just feel good about yourself.
11. Falling more and more in love with them each and every day.
12. Seeing them laugh together and watching their relationship develop is heaven.
13. Their total ability to be in the moment.
14. Twinkling sparkly eyes!
15. Simplicity.
16. Living in their world and rediscovering life their eyes.
17. HOW could I forget...their little bum bums...I LOVE their bums!
18. Their enchanting reality.
19. Mackenzie today: My silly, crazy totgirl!
20. Zachy today: I'm already missing that he is no longer a baby...and quickly turning into a little totboy.
21. I will miss not being the center of their world. Egocentric I know, but it's true. I guess this means that, on some level, I will miss 1-10 of the things I won't miss list!

Far from a complete list. Gosh, I love them. Sometimes they drive me very literally crazy, but I do love them. No matter what happens during the day, at some point they will make me laugh, smile and spill over with warmth. They truly are my Gifts. There is nothing in me that feels worthy of these two beings. Nothing at all. But, I also know that I am here to be their Mother. And, I Thank God for that, for trusting me with Them.

OhhhhZachyPoorTotgirl!

OhhhhZachy, I think We're going to have our hands full with you, just like your sister, only different.

I'm not sure if I can do literary justice to what happened this afternoon. I hear Zachy crying. I ask Mackenzie what happened; I was pretty sure she hit him or something because she was hiding her face. She told me that she hit him with some toys she was playing with. He was bugging her; I know, but she still cannot use the toys as weapons. She knows she is supposed to ask for my help. So, I took away the toy. Naturally, totgirl was not happy about this. MyPoorTotgirl! On one level, I feel bad for her. Self control is a big responsibility for a three year old, especially when you have a fourteen month old that pushes you beyond any level of control you are capable of having. But, life is painful and this is how she's going to learn. (I do cut her some slack sometimes, because I know it is tough for her.)

Next she sees Zachy playing with some toys out of a bin and comes over to grab the bin. So, I hold onto it and next thing you know, she and I are both holding on for our lives. But laughing. Or trying not to. Zachy decides to get in the mix. So, he starts to throw stuff at her and then hits her (not hard, he is only fourteen months; I don't even think he made any actual contact) and then he 'yells' at her. Poor totgirl is ganged up on. But now I'm cracking up. I couldn't help it. But seriously, Mackenzie was never a hitter (until Zachy came along that is). He's a little SpitFire that boy. He loves to pester her. I'm not sure if he understands that she is 'upset,' but he sure enjoys the reaction. My guess is, as funny as it is now, we might be in for some stormy weather ahead!

Two(orThree)GoodThings...

1. Piggybacking off the above....this evening Mackenzie was playing party. Actually it was more like she had set all the 'guys' (I love how she calls her Little People the 'guys') up in an audience and she was performing for them. Then I started to sing with her, so we were performing together for the 'guys.' Zachy decides to get in on the action. He starts to take one 'guy' at a time and turn around with it. She starts screaming and he starts cracking up and throws it 'to' (more like 'at' her). Dad and I start cracking up too, because really it is hilarious. After a couple of minutes of trying her best to be furious, Mackenzie got in the spirit of it and started to see it has humorous and joined in on 'his game.' Love moments like that.
2. Spending some time with Zachy while Mackenzie was napping. And getting some time to see a little more of who he is. Most importantly, a pretty happy little totboy!
3. Before bed, Mackenzie said, 'Momma, I too pooped to pop!'

HamItUpZachy&TotMusings

Better day today. We went to Ben's birthday party. It was football themed and Zachy wore a Texas Longhorns jersey from his cousins in Texas. He looked Cute! Mackenzie had an adorable cheerleading outfit and adamantly refused to have anything to do with it. Of course she did. I had made a big deal out of it, therefore, she wouldn't wear it. Lesson learned. Next time I'll pretend I could care less!

Zachy is in a cute phase. He loves to get attention and continues to come up with funny things to do to make sure he gets it. At the party he kept putting his hands out to Jeff and I to hold him. So, if Jeff was holding him, he would put his hands out for me to hold him and then right away he put his hands out to Jeff and so on and so on. Julie and Tess were cracking up. He was hamming it up. He is a funny little guy, for sure. He loves to do silly things in the bath. One thing he loves to do is get on his hands and knees and try to put his face in the water. Call me paranoid, but I'm not nuts about that one. Not a bit. But he thinks it's an absolute riot. That, in itself, is funny. He says 'Nana' now for Banana. He pretty consistently touches his head when you ask where his head is. And sort of his tummy too. Love watching him pat his tummy. Oh and he has developed a temper too. Yikes. He lets you KNOW when he isn't happy about something. And there's plenty of somethings these days! He continues to be clever and perceptive. The other day he was putting puzzle pieces through slots on the inside climber and then he got on the platform and sent them down the slide. He has also been playing with himself in the mirror. It is way to cute to even describe. He and his mirror image play peekaboo, they laugh together. They crawl away and then turn around to see if they're still there. He has a whole routine he does. He's developing so fast these days. Learning new things all the time. Impossible to keep up with it all.

How 'bout some totmusings...

• During the YoGabbaGabba dance segment she said, 'I gonna get up and shake my bum bum!' 
• More GabbaGabba...after getting dressed for school she said, 'I think I not going to show my friends my new GabbaGabba undies. Well, maybe just a little.' Alrighty then.
• 'Mommy, my tummy wants the food!' This reminds me of something she said/did quite awhile ago. I asked her if she had eaten Zachy's cereal and she said, 'No Momma, it got lost in my tummy.'
• One day she was playing 'Preschool' (as usual) and said, 'Excuse me Miss Kindergarten Teacher, I no want to be friends with Lexie Brown.' A few minutes later she said she had changed her mind and wanted to be friends. I then told her that Lexie Brown didn't want to be her friend. Threw my little totgirl for a loop, yes it did.
• After (me) getting Zachy dressed for school one day, she lovingly says,  'Oh, he's ADORABLE in that!'
• (She) Trying to get his shoes on one morning, calls out to me and says, 'Momma, will you come help me, Zachy not listening!' Now if that's not the Pot calling the Kettle Black.
• I had gotten her a new shirt and dressed her in it one morning and she decided to call it 'Poo Poo.' A few minutes later, she came up to me, and very contritely said, 'Momma, I be nice to my new shirt now. I no more call it Poo Poo.' Only my daughter could get into an argument with a shirt!

Finally...TwoGoodThings...

1. Mackenzie playing and having fun at the party. I saw the Mackenzie I know, love AND like A LOT! She's a blast when she's happy and in the groove.
2. Zachy crawling around the party in his football jersey with a green bead necklace on.