Beach Vacation

Our Corolla vacation has come and gone! We spent a wonderful week exploring the ocean, sand and pool. I can't begin to describe what a joy it was watching Zach eagerly take in the whole experience. Each day he became more confident in the ocean and wanted to be taken further out where the waves crashed in front of him. We went swimming in the pool and Zach was even tolerant of going under water for brief moments, however, he preferred holding my hands and being pulled around the water. We played hard all day and then slept even harder only to awaken ready to go outside in the sunshine again.

A Happy Half-Birthday!

We have decided to celebrate Zach's birthday in June on his half-birthday instead of the day after Christmas (many people with Christmas birthdays suggested this to us). So we recently had a small 1.5 year birthday party. Zach had no interest in opening the presents but he really enjoyed playing with each new toy. In fact, it was difficult to move on to the next gift because he was still playing with the previous one. I was sorry to encourage this gift-giving-frenzy and not allow him to play each toy until he naturally moved on.

Lake Forest Ranch

Last week we went to Mississippi for a youth camp. For Zach it brought lots of new things to explore and new friends to meet. Within the first few days he had a new bruise on his forehead, scraped knees and a bee sting. Thankfully all of the dogs and the joy of being outside for the majority of each day won out and made the week a positive experience!

Story Time

On Thursdays our local library offers a "story time" for children under 2 years old. They offer two identical back-to-back sessions and we attend both. The first one is our "warm-up" session. Zach sits in my lap and watches through big eyes all that is going on around him. He will not leave my lap or participate in any of the songs or running that is happening around us. After a short break the second session brings about this magical transformation. My shy-little-guy becomes the class clown as he walks around to each mother looking intently at them until they smile at him. He then runs, dances, claps and attempts to jump with all of the other children. This library time has quickly become a favorite part of our week!

Best Friends

Zach's best friend (Toula) came to stay with us this weekend. He followed her from room to room laughing (at what? -we're unsure)but he cracked up at every turn! At meal time Zach would come running (despite my best efforts to hide what I was doing) to hand-feed Toula one-kernel-at-a-time. I'm not sure who was in more agony, Toula or myself, as the meal dragged on and on! Two scoops of kibble takes a REALLY long time to eat in this manner.

We love water!

While in Rhode Island over Memorial Day weekend, we decided to take a walk on the beach. It was a chilly evening and the water was even colder. As soon as we came over the dune Zach began signing water and headed straight towards the ocean. We attempted to re-direct him with chase games and a ball we brought but he was determined to go in the water. After several unsuccessful attempts, we decided that we would 'out-smart' our toddler by letting him stick his toes in the cold water and then that would put an end to it.

We lost.

Zach would have walked out to sea in the freezing water if Steve didn't physically stop him. Zach appeared to be unaware that his legs and toes were cold even though Steve said his own had gone numb. We left the beach without ever taking our walk so that Zach didn't lose any toes!

Boy oh Boy!

One of Zach's favorite words and signs right now is "boots". He walks around the house saying and signing "boot" all day. My theory is that he thinks if his boots are on there is no reason why he can't go outside or, he is just proud of himself for knowing what they are!

The other great thing about boots is that they "go" with every outfit( as seen in this picture)!

We're back!

A mere seven months later and I'm trying to blog again!

We have been having a great deal fun watching Zach explore and understand his world! He is constant motion and noise! Favorite activites include going outside (in warm weather, cold weather or the rain-it is immaterial), throwing a ball, playing with the dog and looking out the window.

Zach is also in a very emotional phase! He goes from complete bliss to dismay within seconds and thankfully quickly goes back again. Sometimes it is entertaining for me... but most days I can't keep up!

Tuesdays with G-Grammy

We had lunch with Great Grammy on Tuesday and Zach really enjoyed playing with the old milk cart that we Griers have all played with at some point. He vigorously threw his arm and back and forth to make it "go".

Tuesday also brought the revelation of a new skill! Standing is no longer high enough for Zach and he wants to go further up! (It is hard to tell in the picture but the one of Zach's back.... his feet are not on the floor!!!) My first instinct at seeing this was to quickly grab him from falling but instead I reached for the camera. (Also you should know that he came down on his own unscathed.)

Showering

Ladies... eat your heart out!

Look at me!

Monday night Zach decided to try standing independently! It amazes me how quickly he masters a skill. He has, of course, been standing with his hands held for months but on Monday he threw a switch and now stands alone! No real attempts at walking independently...yet...but I predict very soon.

Friend or foe?

Toula came home on Saturday morning to a "new order" and she is still unsure whether she approves. This little half-pint follows her around and pulls on her hair and then sticks its fingers in her eyes. My days now mainly consist of trying to keep the two of them apart. Fortunately, it is Zach that has become the un-trustworthy one and Toula looks up in relief when I move him away. All is forgiven at meal times when Toula dines on cheerios and cracker bits!

My visit at Yia yia's

Friday we temporarily moved into Yia yia and Papa's. Zach has had a good time exploring this new environment with great zeal! Some things that we have learned...1. The fireplace, while not in use for the past 6 months, is still very, very dirty and 2. Toula's water dish is a lot of fun! Even when Zach is placed in the living room with the doors closed he finds his way around through the kitchen and back to the dish! Annoying or clever?