Zachy'sFavoriteThings

It's been awhile since we've gone over favorite things. Zachy, in particular, has gotten very particular about 'things.' He has definite preferences. And, is very vocal about them. Especially if they are disrupted.

In no particular order...

• Thomas the Train. He lovesLovesLOVES Thomas. Before he even saw the cartoon. And even more since.
• Accordingly, he loves his Thomas the Train pajamas. He wants to wear no others.
• Of course, this all means he loves his Thomas the Train 'train toy.'
• Soy beans.
• Bell peppers, raw.
• Ham.
• His pillow pets - all THREE (two big and one small). When he gets up from sleeping, he throws them all out of his crib and then wants them moved to whatever room he's going to be in next. It's a lot of work.
• Barney AND the Wiggles. Oh my. Say what you want. I know there are much 'cooler' shows out there, but if you really need a toddler under the age of two to be entertained, those'll do it.
• His Momma. Right now he's in a total Momma phase. As a result, I am back to doing things pretty much with one hand.
• Sand. Dirt. Water. Mud.
• Running and falling down.
• Being tickled. I can hear his laugh and see his face. Purejoy.
• Playing ball.
• Ashamed, but not just milk, he really wants Chocolate Milk and makes his wants known. Loudly. Clearly.
• Last but definitely not least...Gunky. Still important. Still Number One. And, still as Gunky as the name implies.

HomeAlone,Mommy&Z

Dad and Mackenzie have gone to the (hopefully) new house to meet with the electrician and then to run a couple of other errands while in town.

This means, Mommy and Zachy get some 1:1 time, which never seems to happen.

I thought I'd bullet point our time together. While I'm here I might change this blog's name to 'Bullet Point Momma.' Once we move, I'll get it together, I swear I will. But, for now, this is as much as I can do.

Here we go: HomeAlone,Mommy&Z!

• Eating breakfast: Cheerios, banana and cottage cheese. Zachy points to his mouth, says Mouth! and puts the food in it. Much better than throwing!
• When I got out the cottage cheese, which he LOVES, he said Bowl. I love seeing him learn to communicate.
• Rufus waiting at the door. Should I let him in? Yeah!, says Zachy. Now it's us and the dog.
• First he was chicken clucking, now he's gagging. I've got myself a totboy with sound effects.
• Asked him if he wanted juice, which I never do. He laughed, smiled, said JU! Now I'll have myself a sugared up totboy.
• He's got a poopy diaper, but would rather push the baby buggy around. I think he's thinking No sister to boss me around, I'm taking advantage! Whoot-Whoot!
• Now he's pushing the shopping cart AND the buggy. Hmmm...he's thinking....this is easier with sister.
• He just had me change his poopy. As soon as I started to eat he was ready. Go figure.
• Brought me diet cokes and said Mommy milk. Sad and funny at the same time.
• Couldn't get him dressed. Until he saw one of Mackenzie's 'dresses,' which is a sleevless shirt of hers, which looks like a dress on him. Now he looks like a really cute little girl.
• He just took my hand to dance. Ah, my sweet little boy who's dressed like a girl.
• Gosh it's quiet without the sister here.
• Okay, as cute as Zachy looks in a dress, sort of missing his cute little boy look.
• We're playing with balls and the playhut. And smushing our faces together through the playhut mesh, which makes him laugh, which is adorable.
• He tired of his dress and decided to put on a Mickey Mouse T-shirt. I have a little boy again. A cute one.
• Zachy wants IN his pack n play. Works for me. Time for Mommy to exercise.
• Onto to lunch.: Egg salad, crackers, cheese and peas. Golly he ate quite a bit.
• How 'bout some lunch time peek a boo?
• Naptime.
• And that concludes our morning. Together. Me and the best boy I know. In the world.

While I'm here...some of Zachy's favorite things right now are:

• Wow Wow Wubzy
• Dare I say he has recently found out about...Barney. What is it with the purple Dinosaur?
• Dancing. The other day I said the word Dance in a conversation and he started to.
• Laughing. He has the happiest laugh.
• Cottage Cheese
• Sand and Digging
• Zucchini! Who'da thunk? He devours it!
• Bikes - he really wants to figure out how to ride them.
• Trains - Choo Choo!
• His Gunky, of course.
• Running around (away) naked.

What'd I learn today after spending a good amount of time alone with my little boy? Really nothing I don't know. He's an easy going little guy. Fun to be around. A simple delight. He loves to laugh and joke around. He also love uggles, AKA snuggles. He's good at asking for what he wants, when you have the time to listen! He's amazing. And I am veryVeryVERY lucky.

Thanks for a nice time my sweet baby boy, whom I can hear chatting away in your crib.

What'sNewWithTheZ

I thought I had a system organized for having all the cute things my two favorite little people do and say at my fingerprints when I was ready to post them, but every time Mackenzie notices that I have a notebook, she takes it over and scribbles on each page. One by one. And then puts it someplace I can't find it. So, I went through twitter and facebook to see what I wrote on them, in hopes of triggering some recent happenings.

Today, I think I will start with Zachy.

First things first. Just about an hour and a half ago, I think he threw his first temper tantrum. It was heartbreaking, really. He wanted a bottle, but it was lunchtime. He cried for about thirty minutes. And got mad at me. And then wanted me. And then got mad at me again. Finally he got distracted by pounding the balls into the thing where they roll down. Good way for him to get his frustration out. He ended up eating a super lunch. He even had some salad. That's right. With ranch.  Speaking of Zachy and eating the other day something happened, which I'm not too sure exactly how I feel about. I tried to feed him grilled cheese, then cottage cheese, then some beans, and then some smoothie. He wouldn't eat any of it. Not until he mixed together the cottage cheese, smoothie and the beans and used them as a dip for the grilled cheese. I guess whatever works, right?

Oh, and he had his eighteen month well child check last Friday (at nineteen months old) and is weighing in at 22.2 pounds and above the 10%. Yay. But, I was never worried.  I always knew he was healthy. He's just a small baby.

As always, Zachy is all personality. He is learning to stand up for himself. He has the whole Mine thing down pat. The other day he was playing with some bugs that snap together and Mackenzie came up and tried to take them. He got made and then tried to scoop up all six or seven of them so she could not have them. I was amazed at the thought process and his determination. But he knew he had them first and he had no intention of sharing.

That said, he does like to pester her sometimes. Oftentimes. Really it's a back and forth. She wants what he has and he wants what she has. And he likes to get a reaction out of her. And, since she's three, that isn't too hard to do. They do have their moments where they play well, which is always a treat to watch. But, since he has started standing up to her, and does so increasingly more frequently, I anticipate more and more battles ahead.

His communication skills develop more and more all the time. I think he understands just about everything you say. Today Mackenzie and I were discussing going on a walk and next thing you know he's trying to climb into the stroller. If it's bath or bedtime, he'll start playing chase and trying to avoid the inevitable by being really, really cute. He is learning bits and pieces of songs. I have mentioned that he will sing the word Happy during 'You Are My Sunshine.' And now when we get to the part where it says You'll never know, dear, how much I love you....he will say Wuv you. Ahhhh. When we leave the house Mackenzie and I will say Let's G-O go! And Zachy will chime with Go, go, go!  Speaking of 'going,' he likes to GO! Whenever, wherever. Today he called me Mommy for the first time. I have to admit, it was kind-of sweet hearing him say Mommy instead of Momma.

Some of Zach's favorite things right now are:

• Brooms.
• Vacuums.
• Hoses.
• His Gunky, of course.
• Blocks.
• Balloons. (If he sees Balloons and we're driving, he'll yell out 'Balloon!')
• Shoes.
• He has a first favorite TV show (not sure if this is something to be excited about or not). It's Little Bill. He loves Little Bill. He hears the music and looks at the TV and says, with a big smile, LiBi.
• Being sung to and dancing. (Last night I was saying something about dancing and next thing you know he broke out in dance. Precious.)
• Snuggling before bed (my favorite, too!).

The thing about Zach is, he's just cute. What makes him cute? The little things. Such as:

• When he hands me something and says Elp (Often shoes, which he wants me to put on. So he can go somewhere. Or so he thinks).
• When he responds to things I ask him to do, like talking about changing his diaper and he walks to his room. And then wiggles around the changing table, but that's another issue.
• When he does something and just starts clapping and cheering for himself.
• When he just starts clapping and cheering for someone else (Like me. When I sing to him. Even though I can't. Sing that is.).
• When he waves and says Bye Bye to everyone before bed. With a big Zachy smile on his face.
• When he learns a new word or expression and then uses it every chance he gets. Like today he learned Wow! Happy as he is, he had lots of opportunity to use it!

And so on and so on and so on. That's just a little bit of you right now, Zachy. You're just cute and sweet and amazing. No way around it. And I love you. As you know. Like crazy.

TotboyAndLollipopStealer

My kids seem to develop and do amazing things days much faster than I can possibly find the time to adequately document. It's constant. They are such little developmental sponges.

Zachy is a little totboy now. He's no longer a baby. He is full on tot. Still not in a defiant way, not yet anyway. But, he's grown. His wobble walk is less wobble. He tries to run now. That's pretty priceless. Today he learned how to point to his nose and ears and wiggle his hands, all in one day. He already had the tummy and the head down. He was playing Peek-A-Boo and, very softly and deliberately, said, 'ee ba boo.' He practices new words all the time. His actual vocabulary is still pretty minimal, although I suspect he says a lot more than we realise. And regardless of his use of actual words, he communicates what he wants very well and understands seemingly just about everything.

He imitates Mackenzie now. Loves to do what she is doing, which at times is okay and other times not so okay. One day she was pretending to fix her kitchen with some tools. He wanted some of that action, bad. But Mackenzie was not in the mood to share her game or the tools. Later, after she had gone to bed (he stays up about a half hour later), he went right to the tools and started to fix away. He even reproduced the sounds she was having her tools make.

Today they played doctor. More like Mackenzie played doctor and he decided, after she forced him, to comply. I look over and he's laying there while she examines him. When I walked over she asked me to take off his shirt. I didn't. But I laughed. When she was finished, she said, 'Your baby was very patient today.' She doesn't miss a beat, that girl of mine.

Things have been pretty good lately. Zachy is sleeping better and OHMEGOSH he goes down to sleep by himself. He cries for a minute or so (tonight just a whimper) and is quiet. Now if only I could get the three old to follow suit! I am convinced she is going to cosleep until she leaves the house. This morning she woke up and I was already out of bed and she came out and said, 'Momma, I was worried about you.' Probably more like she was a bit scared (she has definitely entered the stage of the scaries), but it was sweet nonetheless.

Oh, and BIG NEWS....Mackenzie got a real haircut (1-8-10)! Well, I cut it. She had gone with me to get a haircut and I asked about her hair, which I think might make the Guinness Book of World Records for slowest hair to ever come in. But it was cotton candy like in the back. The woman who was cutting my hair explained to me that I needed to cut it regularly in short layers to keep it healthy and growing in (Rookie Mom, I know). Mackenzie would not let her cut her hair, but the stylist showed me basically what I needed to do and I did when we got home and it looks a TON better! Yay! I know she still wants 'True Princess Hair' (Shame on you Dora the Explorer), but I think just seeing real hair on the floor felt good for her.

I cannot believe how fast they are growing up. They learn new things and change every single day. It's impossible to keep up with! They are constantly doing things that amaze me. They make me smile. They make me laugh. And, yes they make me crazy. But at the end of the day, I will have inevitably fallen more in love with both of them.

Now, for a few TotMusings...

• Last Spring Mackenzie and I went on an 'Adventure.' First stop was the car wash and, despite all we did afterward, all she could talk about was how much she did not like the carwash. On Saturday I asked her if she wanted to go on an 'Adventure.' Her response, 'Okay Momma. But I no like the car wash very much.'
• Mackenzie and Zachy were playing Merry-Go-Round; Her 'spinning' him around on an upside down Little Tikes Table. She would say, 'Zachy do you like this?' And he would say, 'YAH!' Trust me, hearing a sixteen month old and a three year say that over and over again is very amusing!
• Zachy loves meat and cheese sandwiches. Actually, what he really loves is the process of taking out the meat and cheese and eating it. He dismantles the sandwich, bit by bit. It's intense.
• Mackenzie called Zachy 'Dude' the other day. I have NO idea where she got that.
• The other day a plane was in the sky and Zachy started to wave and say, Bye bye. Mackenzie did the same thing at his age - it's in the Tot A curriculum, I suppose.
• Mackenzie likes Lollipops. Today she manipulatively told me to go in Zachy's Room, while looking at the Lollipops. I played along and she came and found me and said, I a Lollipop Sneaker! I going to tell everybody I a Lollipop Sneaker!

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.

GreatPickUp!

Fairly easy appointments today at work, so I was able to slip out a little early and pick up the kids from totbabycollege. I really have to stop calling it totbabycollege and just totcollege, since they are both officially tots now.

It was a GreatPickUp! I got to watch both for a few minutes before they saw me, which I loved because they were both totally enjoying their totcollege worlds.

When I walked into the preschool room I could hear my darling totgirl's voice from the bathroom, talking excitedly about pottying with another totgirl. That sounds a little odd. But, Yes, they already go to the bathroom together. And, they are three, so their conversation is pretty limited to the Here and Now. I could see her standing, chatting very animatedly. She was surprised and happy to see me. Did I mention that on Tuesday she told Miss Sara that she wanted me to pick her up? Sweet, huh? And then Dad told her he had chocolate milk in the car (failed to mention that Mom prepared it!), and then she was just excited to get to the car. Nice. But, hey, at least I am up there somewhere close to chocolate milk in the rankings, right? Today, Miss Sara said that Mackenzie had an absolutely great day and was a lot of fun. Translation: Crazy Girl showed up! Lucky them. Crazy Girl IS a lot of fun! I LOVE Crazy Girl!

When I looked in her folder for any 'take home's,' she had made me a card that Said, 'Mommy, I miss you. I love you. Kenzie.' My heart is full!

We then went to get Zachy. Miss Amy was in the room cleaning up and Zachy was out on the playground. She said he has been doing very well. Happy, eating good, intrigued by all his friends. Really starting to enjoy himself. I felt a little relieved hearing that since I have not had a chance to pick him up since his first day and that day he was pretty clearly shell shocked. I peaked outside and saw him on the playground. Pushing a wooden walker thing and then stopping to put wood chips in the front of his walker. So busy, So Intent, and, most importantly, So Content. Oh, and did I mention, So Adorable? They saw him walk today. All across the wood chips! Not a flat, even surface! He is getting good! I might just have to officially declare him a walker. I'm going to see what he does tomorrow though. He was happy when he saw us there to get him. He held my hand as we walked through the playground to the door. He's so Proud of himself. I LOVE it.

Yes, the pick up was great. Seeing them happy and in their world was stupendous. I love how herself my Mackenzie is there. Oh, and they said that she is 'fine' and has 'adjusted' well to Zachy's move. She did a good job working through her feelings and letting him move on. Yay, Mackenzie! I love how Zachy is doing well now and happy with the Todds. Adjusted to the move himself. Yay, He's a Big Boy Now!

Drive home was a bit of a bummer; Their exuberance had worn off and their tired set in. Man oh Man, that already long drive can seem even longer when it involves screaming kids! But, I just kept smiling and picturing them happy and thinking about our GreatPickUp from the totcollege.

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!

Zachy&TheTodds

Zachy...all dressed and ready to go hang with the Todds on his first day with the Toddler A's



Zachy had his first official 'week' in the Toddler A room. I felt a little worried Tuesday Morning. Well, a lot worried. This is the toughest transition they make at the Center by far. The next hardest is from Toddler B to Preschool (which Mackenzie just made), but I think this one is a little more of a shock to their little selves.

They leave the relative quiet of the Baby Room, which has 'peers' ranging from three months to somewhere around a year. So, while crying might be common, many are still laying around, maybe rolling, some crawling and, at most, very early walkers. Not a lot of stimulation. Cut to the Toddler A's. They are ranging from about twelve to twenty four months. So, we have kids definitely walking, running, riding things, throwing things. And they share a playground with the B's, who are roughly two to three. So, WOW for him!

Dad dropped him off (As he always has...I feel fortunate that I'm not the one. Truthfully, I don't think I'd handle it too well!). Usually Mackenzie gets dropped off first in the Preschool Room, but she wanted to be there for her brother on his first day with the Todds and see him in his new room. She managed to move from denial to acceptance over the last month! She's a big girl, I tell you.

So, they took him to his new digs. Dad set him down and he just started looking around, checking everything out. Mackenzie gave him a hug and they left him.  I got to pick him (them) up on Tuesday. When I got there I could see him from the parking lot, sitting in the yard...crying. No! Not my baby!

I went and got him. He was clearly delighted to have me there to save him. Miss Amy said he did okay for a first day. She said he did better when there fewer kids and that as more kids got there in the morning, he started to get a little overwhelmed. My poor baby. Same thing after nap. As more kids woke up and went outside, he got more nervous. He ate well, apparently. She said that even though he was fussing a little, he ate and ate. Funny little guy. They called him 'BooBoo,' which today Mackenzie informed me that, 'I no want the people in the Toddler A to call my brother BooBoo. I want him to be Zachy.' Protective Big Sister she is. When Zachy and I were walking to get Mackenzie from the Preschool Room, we saw Miss Karla, his beloved Miss Karla. He was being shy and not looking at her, maybe a little upset with her for abandoning him. It was kind of cute, actually.

His 'Snapshot of My Day' from Tuesday said:

Activities I enjoyed: Climbing up the slide steps, sitting in the grass and rolling the ball.

Foods I ate:
Breakfast: eng muffin, egg, melon, milk
Lunch: Cheeseburger, sweet potatoes, watermelon, milk

Naptime: I DID rest well: 12-1:50

I emailed Miss Anne to see how Mackenzie was doing with Zachy's move. According to Miss Anne:

Zach’s transition went very well for her today.  She bounced into the classroom announcing it.  She did cry for a moment when Jeff left, but was recovered before he was out of the building.  She has spent all day talking, laughing and playing with friends.  She mentions how Zach is a “big kid” now.  She has been immersed in the joys of the preschool classroom all day today!

When I picked her up, Miss Sarah also said that Mackenzie had mentioned that her brother was a 'big kid in Toddler A.' Such a trooper my little totgirl is!

Today was his second day, which completed his 'schoolweek.' Dad said the drop off was a bit rougher. Zachy knew what was up this time and started crying pretty quick. Dad said he peeked back in the window after he dropped off Mackenzie and that Zach was still crying, but playing at the same time. I suppose one might say he's a multitasker. At pick up, Dad said that they said that today was much better overall and he was a little more comfortable. He was excited to see Dad when he got there and smiled, which they said was his 'first' smile all day (Ah, my poor baby!). But, again, a better day...so that's a good thing!

His 'Snapshot of My Day' from Today said:

Activities I enjoyed: Riding the bike, digging in the sandbox.

Foods I ate:

Breakfast: cream of wheat, fruit, milk

Lunch: beef, potatoes, fruit, milk

Naptime: I DID rest well: 12-2:45 (whew, those Todds tire him out!)

So, that was Zachy's first week as a Todd. Let's hope it is even smoother for him next week!

And now, for today's TwoGoodThings

1. Mackenzie came running out to when I got home and said, 'I love you Momma. I love you Momma. I love you Momma' and then jumped in my arms, gave me a big hug and said, 'I missed you today Momma.' Ahhh..my sweetlovegirl!
2. Zachy and I played while he was eating his dinner, making sounds back and forth. He was trying to imitate different noises and then would laugh, his veryveryvery funny laugh.

BigDayTomorrow

Tomorrow Zachy starts in the Toddler A Room.

I have his cubby stuff packed and ready to go.

He's still not walking, not even a step yet. But, he is a climber, great at pushing things and standing, so he will walk when he is ready.

Yesterday we FINALLY changed him over from the Infant to the 'Regular' Car Seat. We took a ride and he LOVED his new view. He also loved saying, 'Momma'  over and over again and having me turn around and look at him. He kept cracking his cute self up. I asked Mackenzie what she thought of him being in the Big Boy Car Seat and she said, 'I think it going to be GREAT,' with total enthusiasm.

I am anxious about tomorrow. But, as I have said before, I know he will be fine. He has been there and had a great time. Even taken a nap there...longest one of his 14 months. Nonetheless, tomorrow is a Big Day, as he will officially be with the Todds!

'Wow this is COOL!'

'Made ya look again Momma!'

Of course Mackenzie needed her picture taken too...

Good Luck Tomorrow ZachyTot! Momma will be thinking good thoughts (and for you too Totgirl, because I know tomorrow will be a little different for you also! )!

ByeByeBabyRoom

Today was Zachy's last day in the BabyRoom. WOW. Yep, on Tuesday he will go to play with the Toddler A's. He will have his own little cubby and hook. I suppose this makes him officially a big totboy.

Today he spent most of his day in the Todds Room. He went after breakfast.

We got a 'Snapshot of My Day' Report from the Todds. And, it went something like this...

Activities he enjoyed: Digging in the sandbox with the spoon, sliding on the big slide, crawling in the grass with the balls.

Foods I ate: (Breakfast: Infant Room); Lunch: Chicken, wheat bun, bananas, milk.

Naptime: 12-3 (WHAT? THREE HOURS, seriously? Uh, Zachy...I only got an hour out of you this week. Everyone else got more....)

Other Information: I had a great time :-)!!

So, that was Zachary's first unofficial day there. Miss Amy told Dad that he cried a bit at naptime and they tried to give him a bottle and them something for teething. Both, which he just pushed away and then suddenly, he just went to sleep. He does that sometimes. It's a little weird. But he slept for THREE HOURS. I guess they tire them out in the Todds Room.

Mackenzie did not seem to notice he was gone. I think that's a good thing. We'll see how she does next week when it's official, but I think maybe she went through some of her grieving already and has accepted that he will move. Tonight she said she was sad, but then she moved right along to the next topic/activity.

I had a little email with Miss Kim about Zachy today. Thanking her for all that they have done and apologizing for not doing something more...I have been in some denial over the transition. But, here's what she had to say:

Hi Kim,

Thanks so much for the expression of gratitude...I have always felt very appreciated by you and Jeff.

Thank- YOU for sharing Zachary with us!

I, too, have been in a little bit of denial about Zach's transition, it seems to have come upon us so fast! He is a really sweet, special little boy. I have been so amused by his little antics and have marveled at the personality that is just beginning to emerge. It's not fair that we have to say good-bye just as we are becoming so bonded. : (

I look forward to watching Zach grow up here, just as I have watched Mackenzie grow.

 Kim

P.S. I heard Zach is doing great in Toddler A, he had lunch with them and is now taking his  nap with them.

And with that, Thank You Infant Room Teachers....Miss Kim, Miss Karla (Zachy's 'chosen one'), Miss Jeannine (you are missed), and Miss Rabia...How grateful I am to all of you for what awesome care you have taken of my children. Nurturing them. Enjoying them. Loving them. The opportunity to work with you all has been a most wonderful Blessing, even more than I ever would have imagined.

PickUp

I picked up the kids today from totbabycollege all by myself. Not only do I rarely get to pick them up since my work days are only two but long, whenever I do get out a little early, I just meet Jeff there and it becomes a family occasion of sorts. But, since Jeff watched them yesterday, he needed to work a little longer today. That made it all my show. I had to remember all the technicalities of where you sign out and what you pick up and all that good stuff.

I was very excited. I am pretty sure I have not worked two consecutive days since having my kids, therefore not been 'away' from them that much all at once. So, I could not wait to give them hugs and kiss their yummy faces!

First I got Zachy. I took off my shoes, walked in and NO ZACHY! Miss Rabia sent me down the the Tot A room where he gone for an afternoon visit along with his beloved Miss Karla. I walked down with just a slight feeling of apprehension and was not sure if I was ready to see my BABY with the 'Big Kids.' But I do adore the Tot A teachers, so that helped ease the anxiety some. I walked through the familiar Tot A's room and could still picture Mackenzie playing in there. TWO YEARS AGO! She went in there a baby, left a Toddler and is now a Little Girl, all in TWO YEARS! Bittersweet, because it has gone so quickly. Am I really ready for MyBabyZachy to officially begin his rapid journey from Baby to Toddler to Little Boy in just six days?  Guess I have to be. Thursday will be his final day in the Infant Room. Whaaaa.

He was out on the playground. Sitting in the wood chips. Studying and taking in his surroundings. A few 'bigger' kids running around. Miss Karla close by. He looked darling sitting there in his new blue sweatpants and his Pooh jacket. He smile when he saw me and crawled over. I told Miss Karla that her 'boyfriend' was going to be moving up next week. She smiled sadly. She said it goes far too fast and that she will miss him like crazy. We talked for a few more minutes. I said Hi to Miss Amy who will take over next week along with Miss Debra. Kids love them both and they have such a natural way with the little Tots. I know he will be in good hands. And, no doubt Miss Lisa and Miss Sara from Tot B will keep their caring, watchful eyes on him as well.

His second to last daily report from the Infant Room said:

Zachary was full of Ut-Oh's today! He said a particularly big Ut-Oh after enthusiastically clearing his lunch off the tray! :-) Kim

Then we went to the Preschool Room to get Mackenzie. I had already talked to her over the fence when I went to the Infant Yard looking for Zachy before realising he was in the other room. She was sweet, holding my hand through the fence and told me how happy she was to see me. I explained to her that I had to go get Zachy from the Toddler A room and she said she would see me in a little bit and ran off to play with her friends. So grown up she has become. More secure and confident all the time. Warm fuzzies. When I returned to the Preschool Room, she was waiting outside with her face plastered to the door. She let us come out and gave Zachy and me big hugs. We said our Good Byes and then chatted and sang songs all the way home!

NotaBaby

Last week after I looked at photos from our fantabulous Momma/ZachyDitchDay, I noticed he is NOT a baby anymore. I felt sad.  Strangely though, I'm not too sure I'd call him a toddler, not quite yet anyways. But he is fast on his way to approaching toddlerhood. Maybe that line will be crossed when he finally walks? Whenever that might be. He wants to take that first step, just not happening, not yet anyways. But he does love standing, yes he does.

There are signs of toddlerhood. His face doesn't look so much like a baby anymore. It is starting to look more little-boyperson like. The lack of hair is a bit of a deterrent to his evolving 'older' look, but Mackenzie was often confused at first glance for being younger than she was since her hair also took so long to grow in (actually it still is slowly growing longer). Let's see, what else? He is aware of and communicating his needs in different ways, not just through reflexive crying. I have mentioned it recently, but he totally has the idea that words are the way to go. He tries. And, his play is changing. He no longer just puts everything his mouth and bangs it around and together. He tries to figure out how to mailpulate things and is starting to imitate things he sees his enviornment, like talking on the phone. So, the signs are here. Time for me to accept it is happening.

It's hard for me to say goodbye to babyZachy. What does this mean? Can I still call him Zachy? Or do I have to call him Zach now?

This is reminiscent of when he got his first tooth and I cried. Pathetic I know. I was in such a hurry for Mackenzie to have all her 'firsts.' Not Zachy. He can stay a baby as long as he likes. Just kidding! I know he needs to grow and develop. It's just a little bittersweet saying bye to the baby days. I guess it's time to accept his todder days are coming, to which I say....BRING IT my DearSweetBaby...I mean...my DearSweetTOTZachy!

Just doesn't seem all that long ago....

Yep, definitely NotaBaby! Not anymore. He's gonna make a cute totboy though, isn't he?!?!

SimplyEnchanting

MiaMomma Update on my two little totlets...

Zachy's standing gets better and better all the time. He almost took a step today, so Dad says. But, myZachy won't take his first step without Me there to see...NO WAY! (We'll see if I eat my words on this one, because I do predict his first 'step' will happen in the next one to two weeks.) Zachy wore his tennis shoes around the house for the first time yesterday. Well, really the second time, but this was the first time he was able to get around and maneuver in them.

The first time was probably four to six weeks ago and his legs just could not handle shoes yet...

But, today he did not seem burdened by them at all. He even practiced walking a little in them...

Yay Zachy!

Retro photo alert....

Little Miss Mackenzie in August 2008 the first time she put on shoes...

What else? Zachy is using his 'words' more and more. He and Mackenzie had an 'Ut-oh' exchange today. She said, 'Ut-oh,' in reference to something she was doing not turning out to her satisfaction and he perked right up, looked at her, and said, 'Ut-oh,' right back. He was very excited to hear her say his word and to be able to respond. CuteCuteCute, I tell ya. I think he might know the sign for 'More.' And, he seems to be saying 'Ada' for Dada. He is trying to imitate words and totally has the idea that things have names. Watching him figure out this whole language thing, is simply enchanting I tell you.

'Ut-oh!'

Now, totgirl's turn...This week she very wishfully looked at me and said, 'I hope I be a Momma too.' The next morning she, all of the sudden, walks over to me, totally glowing, and says, 'I a Momma now' while carrying a baby wrapped in a blanket. I asked her what the baby's name is and she said, 'Kim.' That's my name...yes MiaMomma's name it is! Yippeeeee!

She has taken very good care of babyKim, even took her to the PumpkinPatch...

This means we might be back to playing one of totgirl's favorite games, 'Babies,' which means taking out every blanket and pillow and random piece of cloth and baby clothing and stuffed animal and baby and...this leads me to my next point....Totgirl's imaginative play continues to develop by leaps and bounds. Turns out, this imaginative leap directly correlates to a bigger mess, since now anything and everything represents something in her dramatic play games. I would like to say I have successfully guided her in being a fabulous helper who cleans up after herself...but nope...that's coming next totgirl. At the end of the day, I am fascinated by the arbitrary things I find around.

(this hardly does justice to just how intricate her BabyGame Production gets!)

(yet again, this hardly does justice to just HOW much this child of mine gets going on!)

And, as she plays, she chatters. Often, I cannot hear what she is saying well enough to understand, but hearing that sweet little voice totally involved in whatever it is she is doing is....well....simply enchanting.

I guess that sums up motherhood with two little ones. We have our good days, we have our not so good days, but the things that make me get through the not so good, are the manymanymoments that are...SimplyEnchanting. And, fortunately, those are in ABUNDANCE! Thank you, Miss Mackenzie and Mr. Zachary...I love you both with ALL that I am....

Reconnecting

Driving home from work I find myself eager to reconnect with my babies. I find myself picturing the scene that will be waiting for me when I walk in the door.

Due to cooler weather, Totgirl has worn pants to school this week, which has made getting dressed in the morning a bit precarious. She does not like things around her waist, which is why she loves her summer dresses. But, we have gotten her into pants and she is developing somewhat of a liking for jeans. Picking out a shirt, on the other hand, is, shall we say, a process.

Oh, I had a point...as I was driving home and looking forward to seeing my kids, I smiled because I could picture her getting home and wiggling out of her pants, which is what she does first thing when she wears pants to school. Then she relaxes a bit on the couch, watching some tv and transitioning back to being home. Sure enough, I walk in and that's exactly what my vision of sweetness is doing.

As I was driving home, I could picture dear Zachy fussing just a little cause, really, his transition starts when I get home. When he hears me approaching, he fusses a little louder; His way of saying, 'Momma get in here NOW! Let's snuggle!' Yep, that's exactly what he did...two for two...but today he looked  extracute in his little blue hooded jacket.

Zachy's daily report said:

'Zachary visited Toddler A with Rabia this A.M. She said he was more comfortable today exploring further out. Mackenzie was sad when she found out Zachary was with the Todds but quickly calmed down and was happy to see Zachary through the window at lunch.'

So, the transition is in full swing. Looks like it will be time to talk to Mackenzie a little again about Zachy moving to the Toddler A room. She's smart, she knows it is coming, but she might need some TLC around it as well. I'm feeling nervous, nervous about his first full day with the Todds and realizing he only has four days left in the Infant Room. MiaMomma says, 'Oh, Mama Mia, Mama Mia!' But, I have to remember what an amazing job the school, the teachers did when Mackenzie transitioned and have faith that Zachy will transition with ease and that he is ready for the move.

We had a good night tonight. Mackenzie is officially a MiniMiaMomma. She monitors Zachy and tells him things like, 'No, that a choking hazard.' And, fortunately, she tends to know what are actually choking hazards. As he went through my purse object by object, she was a great helper and took away things he should not have. Then Dad joined to provide a little extra supervision and they both just watched as Zachy ransacked my purse. Then Dad put lipstick on Mackenzie and she told him to put it on Zachy and he said he couldn't put lipstick on Zachy and then they danced to YoGabbaGabba and so on and so on...it all was pretty funny to watch.

Zachy continues to go to bed ridiculously easy. I LOVE it. Mackenzie, cross your fingers, is putting herself down to sleep for the second night in a row. I think she is trying to work us for a 'princess' bed. If she keeps this up, might have to work something out FAST!

So, there we have it. Workdays, even if they are only two, are lonnnnngggg and the evening goes too fast, but I love that time when I get home and get to see those supersweetsweet kids of mine and just enjoy them, enjoy my family!

Odds&Ends

A few Odds&Ends. How to organize? Don't...I guess I gotta just start typing!

How 'bout a couple of totmusings to begin with?

1. I was talking to totgirl earlier today about going to the Pumpkin Patch this coming weekend. She said she did not want to go. So, I told her she could stay home and asked what she would do. She responds, very thoughtfully, with, 'I think I sure will clean the playroom and take a bath.' Fascinating what goes through that mind...and a bit frightening at times as well. So, I have decided to let her stay home...hey, she said she'd clean!! Just kidding, folks.

2. Later in the day, she randomly tells me, 'Momma my bum bum is stinky cause some toots are coming out.' I can't help it, I find her toot comments hilarious (and the poop ones too, for that matter).

3. Now, on the rare occasion that she actually eats and likes something, she will comment on how happy her tummy is. Today she took her gummy vitamins and, while patting her tummy said, 'I really like vitamins. Yummy yummy in my tummy. That make my tummy happy.'

4. The other day, I put on a less worn and stained tshirt than usual and she asked me if we were going somewhere. Sad, but she she also asks this if I actually do anything other than put my hair in a ponytail. One day she didn't want me to go to work (so she could stay home) and tried to force my hair into a ponytail.

Now, Zachy's turn. He continues to practice standing and yippee I got a picture!! Not the purejoy excited look I wanted to capture, which is absolutely priceless....cause he was too busy playing with the letter 'R.' That's right, while standing. Multitasking. He figured out he could put his finger through the hole and twirl it around and sling it across the room. Thata boy! So, here is our 'stander,' playing with the letter 'R'....

 (YIPPEEEEEE....HE'S A STANDIN' BOY!)

(Reaching for the letter 'R'....I just think his bum bum looks too cute not to post! Sorry Zachy.)

Back to totgirl. She has talked&talked&talked about getting to bring home the ever so coveted ShareBag from Preschool. She would play ShareBag all day long, putting random things in random bags and sharing what she 'brought' with 'the friends.' So, finally, last Thursday Dad calls me after he picks them up and tells me that Mackenzie has something to tell me. SCORE! 'MOMMA, I GET THE SHAREBAG!!!! Wow, was she ever excited! All weekend long she put different things in. The 'rules' of the ShareBag indicate that they are put one thing in to share (nothing weapon related or live...haha, yes, it actually says that!) and that we should practice what our child will say. Finally she settled on her book 'Pinkalicious.' Sure we practiced what she would say...it went something like, 'This is my book Pinkalicious. She eat too many cupcakes and is Pinkerbelle!' Who knows what she actually said. All I do know for sure, is that she was quite upset that she had to return the ShareBag. Momma knew that was coming!

 (Hair was a bit wild on this morning, someone would not let someone brush it...)

(Ah, the excitement of....the ShareBag!)

(And, looks like someone got himself in the picture....ZACHY...lookin' a little smug!)

Lastly, for today...I ALMOST forgot....Zachy had a 'musing! Yes, he did....So, now for our first EVER Zachymusing...

Totgirl was sitting on a chair and fell off (poor totgirl, but she was okay) and Zachy says, 'Ut-oh!' How 'bout that!

babyZachyTot

My babyboyZachy is growing and changing in huge ways these days. He is rapidly making the transition from a baby to a tot. Today, his transition date at the Totbabycollege from the Infant Room to the Toddler A room was set...October 25th. He made his first visit and had 'fun playing outside with old friends.' He is ready. He might not be walking just yet, but his curious self will love all the new things, the larger playground, the jungle gym and all that they have for him there. He loves learning and he loves doing, so the time is right. How does MiaMomma feel? Happy.Sad. More Happy than Sad. 

Sad just because he won't be a baby anymore and there is something so extrasweet about babies, especially mine! But, Happy because watching him grow and learn is sosovery fun to watch.

Every day he learns something new, figures something out, makes new connections. He is really quite a studious little guy and has started to develop some patience and a bit of an attention span when he is trying to take something apart or put it together. Simple things of course (to us adults anyways). He likes nesting and stacking toys and things that open and close or fit together. He seems to have pretty good problem solving and spatial skills for a 13 month old. And persistence!

Zachy has started to imitate things. He loves to do basic imitation, like if you shake your head he will do the copycat thing. And loves when you copy him. These things make him laugh, once again that adorable, chuckle.

He has really started to use "language" to communicate. Still mostly his own special Zachylanguage, but his words are starting to take form and it seems he has a few "words" in his vocabulary; "Mama" of course, "Dat" for that, and it seems he says "Ada" for Dada. Yesterday he said, "Nigh, Nigh," as he pointed to and asked for a bottle. "Night Night" is what Mackenzie has always called a bottle with milk in it; She made that association before she was One and, since then, that is what she has always called a milk bottle. Zachy picked up on that and asked for it and when he got it, he laughed, a delighted with his fabulous self laugh.

And today, he stood up independently again, but this time all by himself! Meaning he went from sitting to standing without someone helping him and letting go. ALL BY HIMSELF! Purejoy smile and laugh. MommaMelts! I predict he will take some steps within the next couple of weeks. Not sure when he will walkwalk, but steps should be soon. Although he has not walked yet, he definitely is a physical little guy. Yesterday I caught him trying to climb out of his crib. Not sure if I mentioned it before, but on his first birthday he climbed up a slide, which totally took me by surprise. Yep, we got ourselves a climberboy! A pretty fearless one at that, which makes MiaMomma a bit nervous at times.

Far from comprehensive, but that's a snapshot of ZachyToday...learning, growing...a social little guy who loves to laugh and loves the ironic. He's done just taking it all in, he's ready to TAKE IT!