MyCrazyKids

Today concludes the kid's summerbreakathon. While I already confessed that today was not the best of days, it wasn't bad either. Just didn't go as planned.

That said, the kids were pretty funny today. When they start to play off of one another, it's a riot.

Mackenzie spent a lot of the day treating Zach as her own live baby doll. For the most part, he played along. Quite well. She dressed him. Tried to change his diaper. Took him on a walk in the stroller. Fed him. Her own live baby.  Seemed to work, for the most part.

When they weren't playing MommyM and BabyZ, they were getting into trouble. Zachy really seems to like when Mackenzie shows him how to get away with things.

After I got out of my two minute shower, I noticed it was quiet. I called out and heard nothing back. I find them in the kitchen, standing with the refrigerator door open, eating random things. Mackenzie's response? I didn't do it, Zachy did. Did you see me with your eyes? I know better, Zachy doesn't.

Nice try. She does that a lot these days. Blames things on other people. Zachy. Stuffed animals. Pretend babies. People who are nowhere to be found. The age of mistruths has officially begun.

For the record, I do feed them. You wouldn't think so. Later in the day they started to eat dog food. Seriously. The thing is, half the time they won't eat what I make. Something tells me the last five sentences are going to come back to haunt me someday.

Then there was the bathroom incident. Again, quiet kids. I find them in the bathroom. Putting lotion on. Mackenzie starts to lecture me, tells me I can't be in their house and to go away. Zach starts to laugh and chimes in, pushes me and says Go! Go! Next thing you know they're brushing their teeth.

I have no control. They are two months away from two and three and I have no control.

But they do make me laugh.

Yes they do, my crazy kids.

And, I love them.

VeryVERY much.

SparklingZachy

Zachy.  He is a cheerful little guy. I feel like whenever I do an update of sorts on him it always involves saying how happy, easy going and good natured he is; What a magnet he is and how people cannot help but gush over him. But that is him. It's all true. He is my SparklingZachy.

Zachy loves to laugh. He very magnificently goes through life laughing. Often, it's hard to tell exactly what he finds funny, but it's contagious. You just have to laugh with him. He walks around and randomly laughs. Sometimes, he walks up to me, looks at me, and, for no identifiable reason, laughs and walks away. It's adorable and it cracks me up. As I type, he is walking around in his pajamas, laughing and squealing, shaking his head back and forth he's in such hysterics. Why? I have NO idea. But it sure is cute. Sometimes he will fall to the ground laughing, roll around. He's amused. We're amused.

Zachy has a thing with shoes. Used to be his shoes, but now he likes any and every shoe. He'll get our shoes and puts one on and walks around. Of course, he laughs while doing so. We have begun calling him Swiper because he likes to come up and take our shoes when we aren't looking. In particular, he goes after Mackenzie's shoes on school mornings. It's become a game of theirs. When she's getting her shoes on, he will take one and wobble-runs the other way, laughing. She used to get really worked up, but now she laughs and says Oh Zacher or Zacher is the Swiper! The downside of Zachy's shoe fondness is that I often find myself searching for shoes. Missing shoes. I am pretty sure he threw out his cute blue sneakers. He loved them. But they're gone now. I am missing one of Mackenzie's shoes. I have had to wear my old sneakers. The horror stories are endless.

Zachy = joy. First thing in the morning, after getting out of bed, he comes and finds me. He walks up to me (usually laughing), puts out his arms, and with his amazingly purejoy smile says Up. Way more often than not he wakes up in good spirit. That's just him. Content and full of delight. And so much delight he brings to me. Sometimes out of nowhere, he will just wobble-run up to me and hug my leg, with a big smile (or laugh). If he is involved in something and catches you looking at him, he brightens right up. He has a way of charming people so they don't want to look away. He knows how to captivate.

Zachy goes to sleep on his own now. It's like a Christmas Miracle I tell ya. Who would've thought he, out of all babies - (okay, I'll get out of denial now) toddlers - would do that? It happened literally overnight, and, ironically since I called it a Christmas Miracle, right before Christmas. Naps and bedtime. It's awesome! Snuggles up with his Gunky and Pillow Pet and he's good to go. Around the same time he really started to adapt well to routines. We were not used to this, because Mackenzie never really has. But now he knows. After he takes a bath and gets his pj's on, he brushes his teeth, reads his books and goes to bed. It's precious. I caught a glimpse of him asleep the other night with Gunky and my heart melted. He looked beyond words Angelic.

Speaking of Gunky, Gunky is Zachy's monkey he got at the Zoo. He loves Gunky. He loved Gunky at first sight. It was like they were meant to be. He snuggles with Gunky at night. He squeals with delight when he sees Gunky, so much so that he almost falls over he's so beside himself with excitement. Did I mention that he really oves Gunky? I am guessing you can figure out for yourself how Gunkey the Monkey got his name.

Zachy is a bit of a daredevil. All boy in a lot of ways. He has conquered some big slides as of late. Some you have to be at the bottom to catch him. He has the idea of yelling out Go!, coming down and as he does yelling out Whooaaa or Wheeeee. He climbed on the table with Mackenzie last week and loved it - started stomping his feet. I didn't love it too much, even though they were being pretty cute together, getting into mischief. He tries to get out of his crib - great, he just finally got in! He gets a kick out of banging and throwing things. The other day he started to ram the shopping cart into the couch. Over and over and over again and, of course, he laughed the whole time. He likes playing cars now and has gone right to making them go forward and crash into one another. Boys will be Boys.

Zachy is studious and likes to figure out how things work. He can really focus when he gets involved in something. I have this Balancing Cactus game and it's for 3 and up, but he really worked hard at trying to figure out the balance aspect. Determined. He's still young and maybe it's too early to say, but he seems to have a pretty good level of frustration tolerance and patience.

He's still a joker. One of his most favorite pranks is to put a choking hazard in his mouth, walk up to me, laugh and wobble-run away. I have to laugh. But, how does he know?!?! He takes off his diaper now. It's not uncommon, if I don't have pants on him, for him to come up to me with a naked bum, laugh, and wobble-run the other way. He has even managed to get it off through his onesie. So, it's pants at all times. Or a naked bum.  Last night I asked where his diaper was and he led me to the trash can. Have I mentioned he also likes to be helpful? He thinks it's hilarious to get into things he knows he's not supposed to be in. What happens when he gets caught? He laughs and wobble-runs away of course. And tries to get back to what he was doing, finish it up really fast before I tear him away from his latest mess - I mean project. His new favorite things seem to be cat litter and animal food. The other night Dad went to food Rufus and had to take out about ten boxes and cans of food Zachy had dumped in there. Busy little Dude.

 Zachy enjoys playing the 'Sharing Game' as of late. He likes to bring things to you. As I type, it's dog biscuits. So far, I have five of 'em. My guess is, he'll keep bringing them until the box is empty. The other night Mackenzie and Dad were sitting on the couch and kept bringing them things from the play kitchen. Mackenzie loved it because she turned it into a restaurant game and Zach was serving them. Who knows what he thought he was doing!

He understands so much it amazes me. As I said before, when I asked where his diaper was, he knew what I was asking and showed me. I can also ask him to get something familiar and bring it to me and he often will. He has something to say about everything and how I wish I knew what he was saying. When he talks, he's animated and even uses hand gestures to emphasize his points. He is constantly imitating words.This morning he said 'Gucky anca,' trying to repeat what Mackenzie was saying (Pancakes are Yucky!). He knows the word 'Gucky' well since his favorite book is 'Yummy, Yucky.' He has quite a few words he says, although a lot of them you only really understand if you know him. Despite this, he gets his point across pretty well.

On the changing table he is a bit of a bear. He wiggles and squirms, but if you can get him focused, he loves to point to his ears, nose, mouth, pat his head and tummy and blow kisses. Speaking of blowing kisses, Zach's digging the whole Hi and Bye and waving and blowing kisses thing. I like nothing better about working than getting home and having him run up to me with his joyful smile and gleeful laugh. Yep, the boy warms my heart more than he'll ever know.

That's Zachy, at about seventeen months, in a nutshell. Hardly does him justice though. Bottom line he's 100% lovable - that big eyed little totboy of mine with the silly grin, yes he is! And I am beyond Grateful that he's my little boy.

WackyWednesday

Another Wacky Wednesday. Cooped up all day thanks to cold, windy weather. So, time for some Mommy Musings. Our day is going something like this...

• It's almost unfair to the rest of the humanity that I get to be greeted with so much cuteness first thing in the morning. Mackenzie groggily walking out and then sitting on my lap, curling her angelic self into a ball and then shortly after Zachy walking out, smiling, laughing, and wanting Up! Ah, the Love!
• Mackenzie coughed and said she feels a little sick. Does something hurt? Yes, my blister (from six weeks ago) and the thing on my bum bum.
• This reminds me of last week when she had a very little fever, which I made the mistake of letting her know. For the next thirty minutes, or so she said over and over and over in her most pathetic voice: I just a little sick Momma. (fake cough) Did you hear that?
• Zachy loves his 'Gunky' (the monkey he got at the zoo). When he sees him, he squeals, laughs and says 'Gunky!' Then gives him big hugs, sometimes falling to the ground he is so beside himself with delight.
• It's 8:22am. Already I have: Caught up some blogs I read and facebook, made breakfast for the kids, made quinoa, made my vegie/egg and  qunioa scramble, mediated up several totarguments, straightended up the playroom, put away some laundary, made salads for today and tomorrow, talked to my sister for twenty minutes, did the morning dishes, changed Mackenzie's clothes - twice, which reminds me, I think it's time to change Zachy's diaper and get him out of his pajamas- opps.
• Mackenzie bops Zachy on the head with a potato. He cries. I tell her she needs some 'calm down time.' She walks into her room and walks right back out and says in her most shallow humoring voice:  I had my calm down time. Sorry Zachy. Ten seconds later, yelling: ZACHY, YOU NOT MY FRIEND ANYMORE! How'd that calm down time work for ya Mackenzie?
• Missing: Zachy's cute blue sneakers. Oh where, oh where could they be? Gone over a week now. Not looking good.
• When did potatoes become toys?
• Where did all the potatoes go? Have I mentioned Zachy likes to throw things away? Hmmmm....bye bye blue shoes. But, I found the potatoes.
• Guess Dad's buying some new blue totboy shoes on the way home from work today.
• Somebody, ZACHY, sure learned the word 'cookie pretty fast. And, even learned how to put two words together as in 'More cookies.' Who said sugar does no good?
• Cold, windy day. How do we get the sillies out? A tot-friendly agility course through the house. Let the games begin!
• Every night Zachy and I read the book 'Yummy Yucky' before bed. Yet, trash cans, kitty liter, pouring food on his head, and dog food continue to be his favorite things. Clearly he's missing the whole point of the book.
• Made what seemed like a healthy lunch for my kids. Did Zachy eat? No. I think he live on air.
• Mackenzie likes quinoa. A lot.
• Now he's eating playdoh and fake food. I'm insulted. Surely what I made was better than that!
• Sometimes Mackenzie puts her hands on her hips when she is making a point. Looks cute when she does it. Probably not so cute when I do!
• Other times she has the cutest ever hand gestures and expressions.
• Note to self: Don't leave two toddlers, ages 1 and 3, alone with a box of tissues. The quiet is not worth the mess or the time you will spend cleaning it up, which will be longer than the quiet.
• Mackenzie has decided not to nap today. And not to have quiet time either. Instead, she exercised with me. On an exercise ball. Watching her try to balance was funny. She kept saying This one is tricky! At one point the 'instructor' asked Did you feel that? And she shouted out YES!
• Mackenzie just had an I'm too busy playing potty accident. I asked if it was all over the floor and she, very generously, said Yah, you can go and clean it! Awwww, Thanks, Mackenzie. Next time maybe just maybe you'll pay attention I when I suggest you use the potty since it's been awhile. Or, maybe not, since I clean it up!
• Zachy just started blowing kisses and waving and saying Bye. Seriously cute.
• And now he is into saying Hi. Work those social skills totboy!
• BuddyCat finally scratched Mackenzie. It was a long time coming. He's a pretty unbelievably patient cat.  Glad he didn't get an eye...YIKES!
• Mackenzie is sitting at her table eating yogurt. Zachy is walking around her table, laughing for unknown reasons.
• Poor Mackenzie is tired. No nap, bedtime awhile away.
• Time to burn off some more energy and distract...pillows all set up for running and jump in the pile of pillows party! Woot-woot!
• Zachy just poured yogurt all over himself when I wasn't looking. That'll teach me.
• Mackenzie ate a bizarre amount of yogurt today. Or maybe it's just all on Zachy's head.
• Evening ended with me getting a five minute snuggle with both my babes. Long day, perfect ending.
• Both kids fast asleep by 7:15. Mackenzie snuggled up next to BuddyCat and Zachy holding on tight to his Gunky. I am content. And in Love.

RunningRambleNo.2

Whata week. Mostly good. We had a 'Moment' on Wednesday, but otherwise, not a bad week.

Wednesday I think we were all feeling a bit caged up. Especially me. After the holidays, the snow and then just not getting out, we've been home way too much. But, today we went to the zoo, full post with pictures to follow shortly.

I never really got around to posting this week other than my 2GoodTuesday. I started on Monday with some randomness, but never really finished. Then added a bit on Wednesday and then Friday. Also never finished. So, here's a combined RunningRamble effort from our at home days last week. Since they cover different days, ignore any 'time references!'

• I love the mud in the backyard since the snow melted. Really I do. So, so, so glad my kids are outside in the mud in their socks.
• Speaking of socks, Mackenzie has sock neurosis. They hurt her if there is the slightest crinkle.
• Mackenzie just called out from the playroom, 'I at the hospital. My baby is going to be a little born.'
• I think Zach threw away one of his Fisher Price toy milk bottles.
• Mackenzie is wayyyyy too fixated on Olivia. She now wants to be called Francine. Make that Queen Francine.
• Zachy came in and brought me his shoes to put on. The bottoms of his white socks are, not surprisingly, black.
• Yesterday Zachy and Mackenzie were outside. I hear him crying. I go see what's wrong. Mackenzie has been 'washing' him with cold, muddy water. Sweet sister.
• And, yesterday Mackenzie pretended to be a puppy, In doing so, she decided to pee in the backyard. It was as funny as it was disturbing.
• When I clean the playroom, I inevitably stop at the play kitchen. Do you think maybe, just maybe, this is some form of MommaRebellion?
• I just made broccoli, cauliflower and cheese soup, from scratch. Zachy is a food thrower. Why did I think this was a good idea?
• I made the mistake of referring to Mackenzie as 'Princess Mackenzie.' She's taken on this role and run with it. Demanding. Expects me to be at her beck and call. Oh wait...nothing's changed. Just another day with a three year old.
• Zachy comes up to me sometimes and just gives me a totboy hug. He's getting the whole cuddle idea too. Love it.
• Mackenzie is an expert Snuggle-bug. She Loves it. I Love it.
• Today I saw a wasp and the other day I saw a bee. Come on guys, it's January! We had snow. Shouldn't those things be gone by now? And I mean totally gone. Annoyed. And concerned, because if they have survived, they must be some sort of super stinging insect, bug or whatever they are species.
• Zachy is taking two to two and a half hours naps. Ridiculous! I might regret saying this, but bygosh he's become a good sleeper! Who'da Thunk that would even be possible!
• Mackenzie has a thing with closing all the doors off the living room. Wondering what it's about. I think it has something to do with her totfears and feeling safer and more in control with the doors closed off.
• Zachy just dumped dog food all over and said, Ut-oh. As if he didn't know that was going to happen!
• 'Momma, I need to jump way higher, so I will grow taller!'
• When I picked Zachy up yesterday, they said he is their favorite eater. He sits at the table, crosses his hands in front of him, and waits. Are they sure they were talking about my son, the food thrower?
• 'Momma, I having a bad, bad day because I got a papercut. Will you call the doctor so I can go in and say I got a papercut, please!'
• Mackenzie made sure I called the doctor. She asked to talk to the Doctor and wondered why the Doctor was not talking back. I made up some lame excuse. Told her the Doctor was busy writing everything down. She bought it and kept talking.
• Mackenzie playing Mommy to Zachy, sweetness.
• Mackenzie playing Doctor with BuddyCat. Have I mentioned how bizarrely patient that cat is?
• I will never get over how cute it is when Zachy puts a choking hazard in his mouth, seeks me out, laughs in my face and runs away. Cute and unfortunately dangerous at the same time.
• Zachy seeing his Favorite Book, 'Yummy, Yucky' and saying Ugy.
• Zachy now plays 'Baby.' He gets on the floor, crawls around and says, Baby. Hmmm....wonder where he got that idea?
• Zachy clapping and saying Yayyyy during the movie Happy Gilmore when Gilmore was playing golf.
• I am ashamed to admit this, but our 'Christmas tree,' a small, humble artificial one is still up. Maybe by February?
• Yippeeee! I found the missing milk bottle. He didn't throw it away. The wagon now has six again. Whoppeee. My life is complete.
• Mackenzie gets into arguments with RufusDog and BuddyCat.
• Mackenzie commenting, while lying on the couch, that something was Stinky. I pointed out it might be RufusDog or perhaps BuddyCat. And she replies with, Or maybe you, Momma. For the record, I was nowhere near her at the time.
• Zachy seeing Puffs and calling them Uffs.
• Mackenzie came up to me with her mouth wide open and then said, Momma, mouth is open. I tired.

TotMusing of the week:

Quite awhile ago, after Mackenzie had done something that upset me, she suddenly started to sing me the ABC song and I started to laugh. On Wednesday, I got upset with her after she dumped her smoothie all the over table for an 'art project.' When I was explaining my upset to her, she said:  Momma, Do I need to sing you the ABC song?

FotoFriday1.14.11

It was a beautiful week. Temps up some from the biting 20's and 30's we had last week. And the snow melted, so except for some muddy spots, the outside was a much improved for some play. Thank Goodness! Another week totally caged in would not have been a good thing!



Pretending she is in a parade and waving to the crowd. With her helmet on.



He LOVES this thing. It became the most coveted 'toy' of the day.



And then he decided to 'shovel' snow. And hand it to me.



Taking a bike ride/walk together.



Running, playing chase.



Being a 'Jumping Girl!'



Using tape to 'fix' her Treasure Chest she said, 'I the good tape leader. I fix this super good.'
(And the 'outfit'....from her dress up clothes.)



He has decided to walk down slides. Next thing you know he'll be walking on water.



Playing 'Hi,' He would go from slot to slot and then pop up and look over.
Baby Belly Laughs. The BEST!

Sibling Game of the Week...

Doctor.



After she finished his exam, she said, 'He was a very patient boy.'



Looking at his face, I think 'paralyzed with fear' might be more accurate.



Zachy Photo of the Week...



Zachy eating a meat and cheese sandwich.
He pokes it piece by piece and then opens it up and eats the meat and cheese, leaving the bread for Rufus.



Mackenzie Photo of the Week...

She looks so cute, doesn't she?



2GoodTuesday

I was trying to make it a habit to write Two Good Things that happen every day, but somewhere along the way it faded out. Sometimes I don't have time and, since this is primarily for my kids, I figure the last thing they need is to shift through 365 plus entries a year. Maybe I'm wrong.

I cannot usually devote too much time to blogging on Tuesdays, but the least I can do is post at least Two Good Things that happened during the week. Maybe more, but at least two.

So, here's 2 for this week....

1. Last night I was reading a book to Zachy called 'Yummy Yucky.' Every time I turned the page he licked the 'Yucky' side. I have no idea why. He's 16 months, I cannot imagine he really knew what he was doing, but he quickly figured I found it amusing, so I am sure he started to ham it up a bit. The boy has a sense of humor!
2. Over the weekend Mackenzie and I went on an 'Adventure' to Target to get her a bedspread. But, she only had eyes for bike helmets. After letting her get one (Who am I afterall to deprive her of a safety related item she is begging for?), I tried to redirect her attention back to picking out the bedspread, but she was too busy dancing and twirling in circles with her new Pink Princess Helmet on top her head. 'Twas quite the sight! A cute sight.

So, that's it. 2GoodTuesday!

FotoFriday1.07.11

First official FotoFriday of 2011. I posted a bunch of Christmas pictures along with a catch up post, so I did not do an 'official' FotoFriday post.

Here's a snapshot of our week...Nothing too exciting! We've been a little caged up more than (our already too much) usual because of the snow, which Zachy is not too fond of at this time.

Zachy just being cute.

Kicking back with their snack cups.

Peaking through the play hut ball hole.

After Mackenzie went to sleep, somebody thought he'd put on her pink heart sunglasses.

Playing 'baby' in the pack n play.

Mackenzie had no problem with the snow or the cold. 

Didn't get a shot of it, but she was down on her bare hands and knees playing dog.

Finally got her to put a jacket on and she played fetch with the 'other puppy' Rufus.

Last shot of our humble tree.

She decorated it more this week.

(She later wore this dress outside, in the cold, in the snow.)

Playing Restaurant Leader (I was the 'waitress').

Note the sticker on Zachy's head...not easy to get off....ouch!

RunningRamble

I have been off of work for fourteen days, not intentionally. I only work two as it is. I last worked two weeks ago today. With the holidays, I had some holiday time and then I was supposed to work last Thursday, but weather prevented that, so I have been off for fourteen days. Tomorrow I go back to work and the kids return to Totcollege. Not sure if I'm ready for real life, but we gotta do what we gotta do. Right?

Thought I'd do a rambling post today as the day goes on. Things from today as well as any things I think of that I have not documented. So, here I go...

• Zachy says 'Milk' now. And 'Yah,' when you ask him if he wants something and he does. If he doesn't, he shakes his head 'No.'
• Mackenzie is watching 'Birth Day,' a television show about birthing. I tried to change the channel and she asked if she could watch it for a little bit longer. I guess that's okay? (She did stop watching before the more graphic parts hit, in case anybody is concerned.)
• Mackenzie now likes playing 'Restaurant Leader;' Translation: Waitress. (And actually, she pronounces it 'Astronaut Leader,' but definitely means Restaurant.) She also likes to play 'Hotel.' She still plays 'Baby,' but doesn't like it as much since I refuse to let her continue to waste diapers. She also likes to play 'Puppy' and we have to drop her off at 'Doggy School.'
• My Mom said that Zachy looks like a Precious Moment's character. She's right. He is totally that S.W.E.E.T.! His big eyes along with his flirtatious smirk seem to be saying, 'Who me?'
• Mackenzie likes cold rice and cold noodles. No heating up means one less step for me. Like it.
• Zachy comes up with 'games' now that he likes to do over and over and he gets that toddler belly laugh thing going on in anticipation of the coming 'event.' Last night it was me kissing his bum bum. Cute at first, strange after awhile.
• 'We ever not going to get to it to work. Sorrry!' Mackenzie now uses the word 'ever' a lot and it's cute to hear how she uses it. Her language development is phenomenal.
• I get so amused when Zachy and Mackenzie play together, I always wonder what he thinks is going on. Something tells me it's not what she thinks is going on!
• Mackenzie now calls Zachy either 'Zacker' or 'Ding Dong.' I think she got the latter from my Mom. Nice job Grammy!
• Before leaving for California, I told Mackenzie that we were leaving after Dad took care of the cats, Buddy and Rainbow and Oliver. She asked, 'What about Missy?' referring to the Feral cat who lives outside and then found Dad to make sure he was going to take care of her too. Isn't that kind? Now, if only I could extend that to her father, her brother and me.
• 'I sure I are did.' Her response to me asking if she really got all the 'poopy out of her bum bum.'
• Mackenzie is playing 'Grocery Store' and Zachy is throwing away dog food, one piece at a time.
• 'And I already say to you that you ARE getting me Puffs.' After I told her, 'I already said you are not having Puffs.'
• Zachy playing carrying a baby in one hand a purse in the other. Meanwhile, Mackenzie plays cars.
• I think she just called me a 'Spitty-Poo.' Gotta hand it to the Girl. Creative use of insults.
• I pulled out Zachy's Little Wheelies track and said we need some cars. He bent down and picked one up and said, 'Car!' I loveLoveLOVE how much he understands and communicates.
• It seriously breaks my heart when I put Zachy down for his nap and cries. He looks so hurt. Today he only cried for two or three minutes, but, at the time, it feels like forever.
• Oh where, oh where did that green ball go? Oh where, oh where could it be?
• Zachy woke up after about 53 minutes. Had a second cry it out. Ick. Lasted longer, but I think he's back asleep. :-(
• Mackenzie won't nap. This should make for a happy girl in an hour or so. But, it means early bed. Last night she and I were actually arguing about her going to bed. She was trying to go to bed earlier than I wanted her to (because she had napped and was tired). Six forty-five, she was O.U.T.
• Mackenzie is outside in 40'something degree weather with a dress and shoes, no pants or tights. I finally got her to put a jacket on. Oh, did I mention that the ground is covered in snow?
• We were at Costco the other day and Zachy was in a stroller, trying to get out. He was yelling at folks walking by and I swear he was trying to get somebody to free him. But he wasn't fussing, which just made it funny.
• 'Come pick up your beautiful baby.' Mackenzie playing 'Baby' at 'Babycollege.'
• Have I mentioned how C.U.T.E. Zachy looks when he dances? He is a lover of music!
• Note to self: When cooking a grain or a pasta or a grain pasta you have not used in a long time, seek direction. Today's disaster involved Orzo.
• Sometimes Zachy just walks up to me, laughs and walks away. What exactly is so funny, my little sixteen month old?
• Zachy and Mackenzie playing tag. Priceless.
• Sometimes Zachy just walks up, looks at me with his big eyes, hugs my legs, and says, 'Up.' Melting just thinking about it.
• Mackenzie is just plain a cuddle bug. She snuggles like crazy. I love it. Totally.
• Gosh I'm going to miss my babies tomorrow!

TuesdayCuteness

Usually I work on Tuesday, but I'm home with the kids today. Did I mention that, starting today, I only work one day out of the next fourteen? I think I can handle that. Anyhoo, my goal today is to keep a list of their cuteness. Oh, and to take great care of them, of course. So, here I go....starting now!

• Groggy Mackenzie telling Zachy, I still waking up. I no want you to touch my face.
• Zachy 'running' up to me and laughing. I see he has a chapstick in his hand, which he knows he is not supposed to have. Once he knows he's busted, he turns and 'runs' away laughing so I'll chase him. Goofball BabyTotBoy!
• Zachy pouring 95% of the milk out of his sippy cup 'cause he still treats it like a science experiment eight months and counting later. Then he takes the last sip as if he's been drinking it all along (despite all the white liquid evidence on his tray). After taking that 'last sip,' he signs More, not  because he wants more to drink, of course, but to pour all over his tray. Clever little sixteen month old I have. And wasteful.
• Mackenzie getting mad at Rufusdog for 'knocking' her off her chair. And laying there moaning until I came to check out the scene of the accident (Worry not, no tots were harmed in the process, no matter what she wants us to think!).
• Mackenzie playing 'baby.' Oh wait, that's not cute. That's totally annoying. Keeping it real.
• Zachy bringing me his shoes and saying, Out.
• After getting his shoes on and realising that did not get him outside, he brings me his jacket. It worked. How could I resist that much cuteness?
• Mackenzie sounds so sweet when she is playing Totcollege. I hope she really talks to her teachers that nicely! I am thinking she does. Hmmmm. I wonder if she plays Momma's daughter Mackenzie at school and talks to them there like she talks to me here. 'Tude and all.  Hmmm. That would be interesting. Might get her expelled.
• Zachy doing the Downward Dog.
• Mackenzie asking me to close the gate to the playroom aka her house. Her imagination is adorable and pure genius. And her quietly playing alone, not too bad too! I like.
• Zachy laughing with glee as I get his science experiment ready, aka milk in a sippy cup, at lunch. One  would think the saying Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results applies here eight months and counting later. But seriously, eventually he has to learn to drink liquid out of it, right?
• Zachy trying to feed Mackenzie and Mackenzie saying, I NO want you to feed me Zachy!
• The two of them building a tower of blocks...together.
• Mackenzie actually being able to build the tower while I changed Zachy's diaper and then saying, Do-da-da-doooo! I the Big Kid! Right.As.Zachy.Knocked.It.Down. Ahhhhhh!!!!!
• Zachy and Mackenzie dancing to Lauri Berkman. Smiling just thining of it.
• Mackenzie coming in the kitchen and saying, Mom, Olivia is not over, in effort to avoid laying down for a rest. (She got to watch Olivia before nap and was to tell me when it was done.)
• After telling Mackenzie she needs to go to her room for rest time (translation Momma needs quiet time), she walks toward the playroom and says, This my room! Nice try, Mackenzie, Nice try!
• Just when I think I cannot take another disastrous naptime, they both fall asleep perfectly. Cute, maybe not. Awesome, totally. Although if I picture their sweet sleeping faces, that is insanely cute.
• Zachy giving himself kisses in the mirror.
• Playing Princess Zachy and Queen Mackenzie. Yep, Zachy put on a little Princess skirt, by 'choice.'
• Zachy 'helping' me carry the laundry basket to the bedroom. Oh, he was so happy with himself. Mackenzie then joined in and he loved that too.
• Zachy doing his 'new' thing at bedtime and getting out of bed, walking to the door, walking to see Mackenzie and then running away laughing 'cause he's busted. (This is the second time I have mentioned Zachy getting busted. Mischevious little guy, isn't he?)
• Mackenzie saying, Thank you for a good day too. I love you too, Momma, before bed.

Yep, it was a CuteCuteCute Day! Lovin' My Babies!

'TistheSeason

Today is feeling a bit crazy. A lot to do. Mackenzie has two friends coming over on Friday and we are making Graham Cracker Gingerbread Houses. I am not crafty, so I have been preparing things well in advance, well since last night. Trial runs are important in my mind when you have no idea what you're doing. So, between that, making sure I have the food ready to put in the oven (it's a morningish gathering and I work tomorrow), doing some sort of minimal cleaning, getting totcollege gifts ready to drop off tomorrow and, oh yah, taking care of my one and three year olds, the day has been WILD! 'Tis the Season...

Some random tidbits from our day:

• Zachy just came in from out back with one shoe off. He handed it to me. I put it back on. And he walked outside. I thought that was adorable.
• Later he walked up to me with a jacket. He demanded he have it on. Then he couldn't go outside because it was dark and he got very upset. I thought that was adorable too, because he is expressing himself so clearly and I LOVE that!
• We went to the small, but bigger, neighboring town. Checked out the thrift store and got a small baking pan perfect for a totkitchen; found a red plastic tablecloth perfect for our Gingerbread Making Party on Friday at the 'market;' and mailed Christmas Cards at the Post Office. Almost felt like I live in a real city. Almost.
• Found out Santa is making an appearance at the Family Dining Restaurant Friday night. Not sure if we'll be able to make it, but sure will try. Depends on how the day goes!
• Getting out of the house for our trip to 'town' was awful. Mackenzie wanted to be baby and I needed her to put on some clothes because it is cold outside. We both had meltdowns. Hate when that happens. But, all is OK now. And, we had a good time.
• Poor Zachy just got really upset because Mackenzie would not let him have her pink princess purse. I got him the pink Dora one and he was happy. Bet he'll love reading that one day!
• The other day Mackenzie said, 'Momma, Can I have a princess jacket? Jordon 'Milton' has one.' Already? Doesn't the whole but everyone is wearing it start later? Later than THREE?
• When Dad picked up Mackenzie from the Preschool Room yesterday, she was outside playing her baby game with Saige. Great. Let's hope she doesn't start playing puppy. That one gets weird.
• Naptime coming up. Will they nap? Will Zachy nap two and half hours like he did on Monday? That was my Christmas Miracle.
• Getting together all the gifts for all the people at the Totcollege. Teachers and Student Workers and the Director and Co-Director and the Cook and the Teachers from the last two rooms...is it all really necessary? 'Tis the Season...and I DO appreciate them all, tremendously. They take great care of my kids two days a week. That's HUGE!
• Last week Mackenzie said, I go to school at college. She's right actually, the Totcollege is on a college campus.
• I think it's a lot less stressful to just decide not to be ready for the holidays. But last year I had a good excuse. A practically newborn.
• My White Chicken Chili smells....DELISH!
• He napped an hour and a half. Not bad. Mackenzie had a rare decent nap too.
• Made a trial Gingerbread House with Mackenzie. She had a great time and was really into it. But we ate too much candy. 'Tis the Season...
• I'm really glad we did the trial run. Told Dad to pick up M&M's and Lifesavers. Bigger candy just wasn't sticking. Now I'm ready, or so I think I am.
• Zachy has been touchy all day. Having one of those nothing is right in my world days. He's had his happy moments, but he's been pretty crabby. Didn't help that Rufus smacked him in the face with his tail. I think it hurt poor Zachy's feelings.
• Gosh it's hard getting ready for a Friday party when you have 12 hour days on Tuesday and Thursday. Doing it all today and I'm pooped.
• Hoping the morning goes smoothly with Mackenzie tomorrow. Despite being an early riser, she's not a morning person.
• Having too much to do in one day means way too much tv for Mackenzie. I hate using it to babysit. But, I suppose 'Tis the Season....
• Wondering why I washed the kitchen floor over the weekend. Couldn't I have found any other way to waste my time? 
• Have I brushed my teeth today?
• Mackenzie has decided she likes purple. She only wants to wear purple socks. This is a problem since she only has one pair.
• Truth be told, the chicken chili did not come out as flavorful as I like.
• Zachy sort of threw up. Sure doesn't seem sick though. Well, he has been crabby. But he's not lethargic, not at all. No fever. Who knows.
• Oh no, I hear Mackenzie saying she wants out of the bath (Dad is giving them a bath). It's too soon. I need a longer break. Say it isn't so!!
• After he gets on his PJ's, Zachy walks right to the bathroom to brush his teeth. His enthusiasm has rubbed off his previously toothbrushingphobic bigsister.
• Almost time to get the youngins' in bed. Too pooped to pop...that would be Me. 'Tis the Season...
• Zachy walked up to me to give me kisses, his new favorite thing.
• Before bed Mackenzie said, Thank You for a Good day.
• Too pooped to pop for sure. But a Good Day Indeed. 'Tis the Season after all...

OneIsFun

Zachy is in a much better mood this week. He didn't nap yesterday. Nor did his sister, so all three of us were disasters by about four in the afternoon, but otherwise, he's been pretty delightful.

He has discovered the art of taking off his diaper now. Of course he thinks it's a riot. A couple of times he's even brought it to me to show me how he got it off. He says his own version of diaper. It sounds something like 'biaper.' He has also said the word 'off' and almost seemed to figure out the idea of putting the two words together.

He loves being talked to. He listens so intently. I don't know why, but it fascinates me how much he understands. He responds to things I say. And he is also figuring out routines. After getting on his pajamas, he walks over to the bathroom to brush his teeth; without prompting He really likes brushing his teeth. A lot. He has started to add his own little components to our routines as well. Now when it's time to get his pajamas on he walks right to his bedroom and then walks through it to the other room really fast, looking back to make sure I am 'chasing' him and starts to giggle. Only after a few rounds of this can we move onto PJ time.

Dad says Zachy has not cried this week at drop off. So, that means he is 100% adjusted to the Toddler A room. Yay! His teacher the other day told Dad at pick up that if someone didn't come get him soon, he was going home with her. He is adored. Because he is adorable. This week his daily reports indicated that he went 'Christmas Caroling' with is friends. My guess is he was the best bell jangler there. We got an E-Newsletter from the school that had pictures of all the classrooms Christmas Caroling. Mackenzie was front and center singing with her PreschoolPeeps and Zachy had his hat on. CuteCuteCute. His report from today said that he tried to climb up the slide steps. He's getting to be such a big boy.

I love this age. OneIsFun. He is learning new things constantly. Learning to communicate his needs, learning words, learning more and more about his environment and about his relationships with others. He finds pure joy and excitement over things he learns and figures out. He will literally laugh out with glee. It's so honest and so innocent. Yesterday he got to playing with a magnet on a string on the poles of the treadmill. He was fascinated. He has likes and dislikes. He gets upset about things, but just as quickly gets distracted. He has a sense of humor. He's pretty easy-going, but determined not to be a push-over. He's loving and loves to snuggle. He's amazing to watch.

And, he still has his sweet, sweet baby face. And, an infectious giggle. And, a heartwarming smile. And, he's my BabyBoy, even if he is a toddler now!

SimplyMagnificent

We made it through our respective days on Tuesday; Me at Work and the Kids at Totcollege. I got out in time to pick them up, which I always get excited about since I don't get to go there much. Dad and I spied on Mackenzie for awhile playing outside. She ran across the playground a couple of times and then got a bike to ride around. Fun to watch her in her totcollegeworld. Then she saw us and came running over. Almost right past me. What am I? Chopped liver? But then she remembered her Momma's fragile ego and ran right back to me for a big hug. Wait, it gets better! Much better. We all then moseyed on over to the Toddler A room to pick up Zachy. And there he was, Momma's Little Boy. Busily yelling at a chair he was trying to crawl under. Then he saw me and started crawling over looking so happy....crawled right on over, right past me, right to his favorite teacher. That's right! Guess he's adjusted to his Toddler A Peeps. A little too much! Just kidding. He did eventually actually make his way over to Us, his Second-Fiddle-Family. I found the whole incident to be rather  funny. A bit shocking. But funny. I THINK I read stuff in books or on blogs or something about that kind of thing happening to 'other' Moms back when Mackenzie was his age and I used to try to read about her 'developmental stage' each week. But, with her, stuff like just didn't happen, so I couldn't relate. It doesn't bother me in the slightest. I have no insecurity surrounding his attachment to me. It is clear. He's attached. And I know they get confused because they are in their 'other' environment and learning to attach to their 'other' caregivers. Moreover, I rarely pick him up and never drop him off, so my face in that environment is really baffling to him! Bottom line, I am delighted that he is attaching and so comfortable. A true indication of a securely attached tot, all around. Gotta Love That!

Zachy drove home with Dad and Mackenzie with Me. She and I had a lovely chat during our long drive home. She talked to me about she planned to take off her 'work shoes and pants' when she got home. She talked about naptime and where everyone sleeps. Sounds like they have to move them around at times when they get two together who try to stir things up, little tot rascals. Sounds like they move a lot of kids away from My Little Darling Tot Rascal Instigator. Not surprising to me, since I deal with her naptime behavior, five days weekly. Have I mentioned it is likely pretty close to time to just let go of that? Her napping. I think I did. I'm seriously considering it. But then she is going to have to accept quiet rest time, away from me.

The night of course went fast. It always does on worknights. When Zachy got home he saw BuddyCat and immediately started chasing him. I gotta hand it to that cat, he's got some patience. RufusDog was very excited to see Zachy and knocked him down. Zachy got his feelings a little hurt. But they made up. Zachy fought bedtime, of course. He just wants to play. Play. PLAY!

Mackenzie fought it as well. She ended up out at the table with Me eating a bedtime snack while Dad worked on getting Zachy to sleep. Zachy and I have not quite weaned but are both close to ready so having a really hard time figuring out sleeptime together. It's a little hard for Me to let it go. Him too I think.

Oh, so Tuesday night Mackenzie and I had a nighttime snack together and then went to bed together. She was in a silly mood and started to call me Poo-Poo. So, I called her Pee-Pee (I know...don't encourage the Beast!). That went back and forth and then I mixed up and called her Tooty-Pooty. We both started to crack up. Rolling around cracking up. Right about then Dad got out from getting Zachy to sleep and we got in a bit of 'trouble.' It was funny. Then we started to call each other different silly combinations of things. I would call her 'Brocili' and she would call me 'Carrot;' I would call her 'Chair' and she would call me 'Table.' I would call her 'Yellow' and she would call me 'Purple.' We thought we were hilarious. At least we thought so.

The best thing from Tuesday...When we went to pick up Zachy in the Toddler A room, after he graced his family with his presence (just kidding Zach), he stood next to Mackenzie and she started to gently pat his back. That girl of mine is sweet. Deep down sweet. Miss Sara had said when we picked Mackenzie up that earlier in the day she had said she missed her brother. Awwww....

Wednesday was a Nutso Day. Zachy was crabby. Although generally I would not describe him as a crabby-tot, he's sort of been crabby a lot these days. A Real Lot. He's stuck in that 'Push-Pull I want to be separate and independent, no I don't phase.' For Mackenzie that ended pretty much as soon as she walked (although she tends to be the more temperamental of the two). But, for Zachy, this phase seems to be going on and on and on. And On. Relentlessly. Painfully. Sorry Zachy, but it poops me out! The thing is, nothing pleases him. He wants me to hold him and then he fights to get put down; I put him down and tugs at me and cries until I pick him up; He wants everything and nothing. But, that said, when he's doing his thing, he's insanely cute, funny and enjoyable. Last night we played a bit of chase. He just loves that. And then sometimes he walks around and laughs, for no apparent reason. Because he can. Because he's One and he walks now. Then he went outside and played. There is a spot in our backyard slopes very slightly. A lot of work getting up and down with balance for our new walker. But he kept going up and down. Practicing. He has Patience at times. Patience and Determination. Love that about him.

Mackenzie woke up happy yesterday. She's a spitfire that Girl. She is working hard right now on asking for help when Zachy is pestering her, which he does frequently throughout the day. She will ask me to 'Save'  her or her toys from him. I have suggested she ask me to 'Help' instead of her pushing or hitting him, but 'Save' will work. She did not take a nap yesterday and managed herself well. I'm not totally sold on her not needing naps, but am going to take it day by day. I feel bad right now because with as clingy and crabby as Zachy is, I worry that she takes the brunt of the stress that creates generally speaking with him being all consuming and then with me being more irritable because he's crabby. I try to give her a bit of special time here and there. And really work on remembering to Praise her for all the good things she does do. It's tough being Three and a Big Sister.

Yesterday wiped me out for sure. But both went to bed at night fairly easily and I got to watch a little TV, which I rarely do.

Today was the second half of  'our' work week. Mackenzie had a good morning. After I got Zach ready, she looked at him and so lovingly said, 'He looks so cute. He's a-handsome! And now I going to get dressed and I going to be a-dorable.!' Have I already mentioned how sweet she can be?  The beauty of kids is, the young ones at least (maybe the older ones too, but mine are not old yet), is that no matter how crazy they drive you, they do something SimplyMagnificent or hysterical or heart tugging just in time. Just in time to give you a much needed break from the insanity. Yesterday Zachy said 'Jack-et.'  He hadn't said it before. It sounded adorable. He'd been driving me absolutely crazy, but that made me smile. SimplyMaginficent. Mackenzie waking up in the morning, groggy with her tousled hair, SimplyMagnificent. Zachy patting Mackenzie's back as she pretends to be baby and hides in the tunnel. SimplyMagnificent. The two of them laughing together engaged in some random game they have figured out together. SimplyMagnificent. Thank Goodness for SimplyMagnificent!

TotRules&CrabbyZachy

Mackenzie has become a selective listener. Not really a recent 'become.' She probably 'became' one longer ago than I realize. Difference is, she acknowledges when she is and is not listening. Like if I repeat myself, just in case she didn't hear me the first time, she'll say to me, 'Momma, I not listening to you.' Thanks for clarifying run-your-own-program-totgirl. Or, she might let me know when she is listening, expecting excessive praise I'm sure, which she gets of course. Today she let me know she was not listening to me today, but assured me that she would be sure to listen in Preschool tomorrow.

She's very much into rules when she wants to be. She likes to be big sisterly to Zachy and tries hard to explain things to his uncooperative, impulsive fifteen month old self. It's rather amusing, especially since, as is obvious from the previous paragraph, her own desire to follow rules is rather tenuous at best. She tries though. Yes the girl does, in her own little ways. It's all about pushing limits at this age. Push.Push.Push. That's life with a three year old, I suppose.

Zachy was really crabby today. Nothing was right in his world. Me thinks it's teething. He seems to struggle more with teething than she did. Definitely rough on him. He's having a difficult time at bedtime as well. I think maybe he's in a new phase and we need to adjust his nighttime routine some. Maybe try to the whole cry it out thing. Yah, like that'll happen. Right now he goes down easier for Dad than he does Me. I start the process, but usually, unless he's really pooped, Dad finishes. My guess is he's ready to start the weaning thing, but he and I have not figured out how to make that Okay. It'll come.

Tomorrow I work and they are off to the Totcollege.  They've been off for six days due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. Zachy had really started to complete his adjustment in the Toddler A room, so hopefully this extended break of sorts won't set him back any.

Let's do a couple TotMusings from today, shall we?

• Very dramatically, 'Momma, Will you save me so Zachy doesn't get my toys?' I have to hand it to her. Despite how dramatically she said it, she was trying to ask for help instead of taking matters into her hands...aka hitting, pushing, grabbing and yelling.
• Her response to me saying I needed to eat? (Laughing), 'Mommy's don't eat.' My inability to lose weight would suggest otherwise, but it was funny nonetheless. A reminder that in the totworld, we exist soley to meet their needs and any needs we have are but a minor inconvience.
• While hanging out with me in the bathroom (remember, once you become a Mother, potty time is no longer private), she reprimands me for taking too much toilet paper and 'Wasting' and then throws it in the garbage and tears off the correct amount for me. Love the disconnect!

ZachyMusing...

• Mackenzie had her cars lined up on the climber and he started to take them. She screamed of course. When he tried again, I sternly said his name. He turned and looked at me with the most devilish look. The boy knows what he's doing! Poor totgirl doesn't stand a chance!
• Mackenzie yelled No at him and he started yelling it right back at her, over and over and over again, laughing all along. Not sure he really even knows what it means. But he sure loves to taunt her!

TwoGoodThings...

1. Mackenzie and I had a rockin' dance party. Good for our souls! Zachy mostly watched, and clearly cannot wait to be able to jump and shake!
2. Zachy chasing BuddyCat. All over. The thing about BuddyCat is he could run, but he just keeps walking just slightly faster than his stalker. Even when his stalker is a pretty slow wobbly-walker. So, it keeps the game going longer than he probably wants, but Zachy loves it and it keeps him entertained, so I love it too.

ChasingZachy

We put up our tree today. Just a small artificial on the top of a table tree. We will be visiting my Mom for Christmas, so it makes no sense to get a real tree. Not to mention, I have the fifteen month old Zachy who, so far, has not pulled the tree down. We'll see how long this lasts. He showed some early interest, but got over it relatively quickly. Let's hope he's really over it!

Zachy's walking continues to improve. So does his game playing. As usual, he like anything that involves getting a reaction out of his sister. He now also likes to pretend he is dumping his milk out so I will try to get it from him. Over and over. Tonight he started a game of chase with me. Playing chase with a wobbly walker is the best. He thinks he's 'running,' going as fast as he can. Mackenzie heard all the fun we were having and of course joined in. Back and forth and back and forth. Have I mentioned how insanely cute he is?

MorningTotBanter&EIEIO

Mackenzie woke up this morning crying, which is unusual for her. She used to wake up crying all the time, it was her 'thing,' but not so much anymore. Even when I'm not in the room with her. In fact, the other day she came out and found me and very cute-groggily said, 'Momma, I look for you all over the bed. You weren't there.'

This morning, her first comment was, 'Momma what happened to me and Zachy's airplanes? They flew away. Can we go find them?' I'm thinking just maybe she was dreaming.

After Zachy woke up, she very matter-of-totfactly stated, 'I not going to knock him down today. I just going to give him kisses for waking up!' It was sweet while it lasted...

In other news...

Zachy loves music. He likes the song 'Old MacDonald' and has his own very cute way of 'singing' E-I-E-I-O. It goes something like, 'EYIII-EYIII.' Always right on cue.

I admire his persistence. Sometimes he almost crawls because it is faster for him still, but then it's like his mind says, 'NO!' and he gets up and walks, his wobbly walk. Proudly. Just like a Rockstar.

TwoGoodThings...

1. Mackenzie and I jointly deciding that when we get mad we need to take deep breaths. We practiced together and tonight, instead of melting down at bedtime, we did our 'Just breathe' together. It worked!
2. Zachy happy-yells all the time when he is walking. It's like he's saying, 'Here I come!!!!!!'

Bubbles&Kitties

We were outside today and  I was pushing Mackenzie on the swing (who was decked out in her summer dress in 55 or so degree weather). I hear Zachy very clearly saying, 'Bubble, bubble.' I look over and sure enough, he has bubbles in his hand that he had gotten out of a bucket on the porch. One of his Tot A Report Cards stated that he enjoyed watching the bubbles. Apparently they were right. So much so that he learned that word the first time he heard it. He now also says 'Whoooaaa'  a lot. That one I am pretty sure he got from me. The other thing he is doing that is reallyexceptionallycute is clapping for himself when he walks. So he takes a few steps and then claps. Funny little guy! I do like his age a lot. Such personality. (smiling)

This morning Mackenzie put her arms around Zachy and said, 'I love Zachy. I worried about him because he is crying.' I think she was serious. I say 'I think' only because she can be a bit of an actress at times. As I have mentioned she often spends her days in character. Oh, and speaking of being in character, today she informed me that I was 'Grammy.' That's right. She decided I was her Grandma. And, her 'Mom' was named Stacy (which is the name of one of her friend's Moms). Whatever Totgirl! (smiling, sort of)

Both are in bed and the house is quiet. I hope they sleep well. There was a bit of the tired crankies going around today. But, all in all we did okay. And, we had some fun. And, I got to snuggle with Zachy before putting his sweet sleeping face in the crib and then got to snuggle with Mackenzie on the couch for a bit. She is an excellent cuddler. She curls up on you just like a kitty cat! (smiling, for sure)

FotoFriday11.19.10

Not a Bad Week At All...In Fact, it was a Pretty Fine Week in Our World!

Mackenzie playing with the fall leaves.

Later in the week, Zachy rediscovered them on his own.

Zachy playing his 'game.'

The one where he catches the spoon his mouth and won't let go!

Note the mischievous grin and twinkle in his eyes!

Mackenzie's first 'person' drawing!

Working on her Treasure Box.

 Zachy sifting through the remnants of our tomatoes.

Mackenzie painting her pumpkin.

And her face.

Proudly displaying her finished product.

Doing a ballerina dance for Zachy and I.

The FIRST STEPS Moment!

And also the first Teeth-Brushing Moment.

Yay Zachy!

Carrying the zoo animal visor, BECAUSE I CAN!

Yep, I'm a Rockstar! I WALK!

Sister lending a helping hand.

Why? Why not?
Monkey See...Monkey Do!

It's....Music Time!

TwoGoodThings11.13&14.10

Had problems with the Internet yesterday, so I was not able to post this.

Yesterday's TwoGoodThings....

1. Mackenzie is a mini-me. She likes to follow me around and do what I am doing. Tonight I had to change Zachy's diaper and get his jammers on. She brought in one of her dolls (Bucee) and did everything I was doing, said everything I was doing, laughed when I laughed. It was really funny.
2. Zachy made the funniest expressions tonight. I can't even explain them. He gets so animated. At one point tonight he was crawling back and forth behind Mackenzie just laughing. He thinks he is really funny. He is really right. Then he started with the downward dog. And he was looking at Mackenzie and I through his legs, upside down. Yet again, thinking he's a riot and once again, he was right!

And, for today...TwoGoodThings...

1. Making a Treasure Box with Mackenzie. I went to the mall yesterday and got a shoebox. Today Mackenzie and I went to the Dollar Store for some additional craft supplies. When I was getting ready, I had put on a -shirt and some casual 'lounge' like pants. Not quite sweats, but comfy. She said, 'Momma you can't wear those to the Dollar Store. You need to put on clothes like for work (which means jeans...haha!).' She is a riot. So, anyways, after her nap we got started. It was a blast. I'm not too crafty, but what we have done so far looks cute. A bit of a patchwork covering since we just had one size construction paper, but I think it's working out nicely.  And, most importantly, we're enjoying it...To-Geth-Er!
2. I already said the Big News about Zachy, which was he TOOK STEPS! Tonight we had Steak Night. Zachy doesn't quite do steak yet, but he gets into the Spirit of the Family Dinner thing. Sitting on this Throne. After dinner, Dad and Mackenzie went and got ice cream. Mackenzie, Dad and I started to enjoy our ice cream at the table and Zachy was crawling around playing. But he caught on. Yes He Did. He came over and pulled up on me, I gave him a taste and it was aaalllll oooovvvveerrr from there! He was on lap within a couple seconds sharing my serving and clearly enjoying every bite. Maybe that's what gave him the boost for those first steps!
3. OneMoreGoodThing....Zachy and Mackenzie were taking bath together. Next thing you know he starts to hand her the foam letters and she throws them at him and they both start laughing hysterically and he hands her another and she throws it at him and so on and so on.

A Good,  Good Weekend for Us. Quiet. Did not have any real plans, but a Good Weekend.