A new car!

Zach got his first set of wheels last night! We received a good deal (free) on a used Tonka with lots of off-road miles and good gas mileage. (Thank you Timmons family for the gift!) Currently, Zach is only able to drive in reverse but it rides-like-a-dream! Zach continues to really enjoy being outside and is learning all sorts of fun new ways to play (see picture of slide)! With all the fun to be had in the yard it is really tough to convince Zach to come inside for things like meals, laundry, clean diapers and naps.

This past week we had our little jungle in the backyard removed by professionals--it was actually a 20 year overgrown hedge that was completely dead underneath but covered in wisteria. The vines had aggressively wrapped themselves throughout two trees and were threating to take over the neighborhood. The crew brought in a tractor/excavator and then a skid steer plus chain saws and a dump truck-and the wisteria still gave them quite a challenge! (It is laughable that Steve and I had actually entertained the idea of tackling it ourselves.) The big equipment in our yard this week provided Zach with hours of entertainment as he watched the "dumper" and "ss-seer" work. I missed taking a photo of him eating his lunch while standing at the window-but trust me it was precious!

"One, Two Buckle my...."

For about a month now Zach has been interested in the buckles for his car seat and booster chair, but he has still been content for me to do the actual buckling. I have known that one day this 'peace' would end and I would have to wait for Zach to do it himself...

That moment arrived quite suddenly tonight! It was an amazing process to observe and for once I did it 'right' by remaining patient and allowing Zach to take as long as he needed. Overall I was surprised at the length of time he spent accomplishing this task (45 mins) but also at his fierce determination throughout the learning.

The beginning was very emotionally charged! While trying to buckle his booster seat, Zach was crying, thrashing and repeatedly saying, "stuck" but vehemently refused any assistance. He was so angry and my first reaction was to rescue him, but thankfully I waited and he reluctantly allowed me to help him be successful. Immediately all signs of tears and frustration were gone replaced by a beaming smile and cry of delight for the pure joy of accomplishing the challenge!

These extreme emotions with repeated buckling attempts lasted for quite awhile but gradually I noticed that Zach was becoming less frustrated by not immediately succeeding and he also accepted my help more easily. In a more peaceful state, Zach began to master the task and by the end he had no more frustration but also no more outward signs of joy-I think success was expected and he was satisfied. I'm still expected to do ALL the unbuckling, for now!

So if anyone asks what I did today, I can say that I spent the better part of an hour watching Zach learn how to buckle!