Easter 2011

What a great Holiday we had! Zachary was so excited, that every time he saw a bunny, he told us it was the Easter bunny :)
We were early on the egg dying this year - 2 weeks early to be exact! Jason had been traveling a lot, and since he was going to be traveling before Easter, we decided to get the 'egg' rolling!

It was so much fun this year, because Zachary could actually get involved. He drew on the eggs with the 'magic' crayon, dropped them gently into the dye, and even put stickers on a lot of the eggs. He was incredibly proud of himself and what he had done!

Easter morning was lots of fun too! We had originally planned on an outdoor egg hunt, but due to the amount of rain the night before, we had to settle for an inside event. The bunny started off with a very poor hiding technique - Zachary found half of them INSTANTLY! The other half he just needed a little direction. He came downstairs to his basket and screamed 'CANDY' with so much excitement. He didn't even care about the toys and books he got too.

It was beautiful out, so we took all of his new chalk and his bubble blower out to play. Then, off to Nana and Papas where Zachary napped, and Jason and I cleaned our cars - I love a clean car!! Easter dinner was wonderful, always good to spend it with family.

Zachary received 3 baskets this year, each time being told it was from the bunny - here's hoping he is not disappointed next year if he only gets 2 - hehe!

TMI for Facebook

Zachary is using the potty!!!

** Let me preface this by saying he has been using the potty at daycare for about a week, but has had NO interest when he was home**

This morning I made a big decision - I was going to work on this potty training thing. So I put regular underwear on Zachary and pulled out his potty chart. He was so excited to pick out his own underwear, and when I told him every time he sat on the potty or pee peed on the potty, he got to put a sticker on his chart, he was ready.

Three times Zachary peed on his potty! I have never been so proud of him, and he has never been so proud of himself! He screamed with excitement each time he went - and then could not WAIT to place the sticker on his chart. Each time he sat on the potty, he would ask for a 'special treat' and I had to remind him that he would only get one if he peed - so of course he would continue to sit until he did.

The hardest part? Convincing him to put on pull ups for nap time and bedtime!

I know this is only the beginning, but I am feeling really good about this. It is amazing how much your life has changed after you have a child - my excitement in life now is knowing that Zachary peed on the potty!!

How 'bout dem O's!!

Tonight, Zachary, Jason and I joined Pop Pop and Connie for the Oriole's game. A big win too - 5-0 against the Texas Rangers.

Zachary had a WONDERFUL time, and as you can see from the pictures, he even made his big screen debut on the jumbo-tron. As soon as I saw the guy with the camera, plant himself in front of Zachary during the 7th inning stretch, I had my camera in hand and ready to get a picture of him on the big screen!

I was so proud of him too, he actually made it through the ENTIRE game. The Orioles had a double header, so we went to the first game. We came home right around bedtime, but of course he was still on a high, and wanted to stay up and watch the second game - I let him stay up an extra hour!
He had the true game experience too - hot dog, fries, a couple bites of a soft pretzel, and a bag of grapes that Pop Pop brought just for him!
I could not believe how focused he was, and how in-to the game he was. A new fan has been born! I can't wait to take him again. So different from what I remember. I was amazed (after going to Raven's games for so many years) at how many families / kids were there! A definite great way to spend a family outing - and I can't wait to take him again!

What happened to my baby?

Remember when I shared pictures of Zachary, his first time on the swings at the park? Well, now he doesn't need that protection anymore, he can swing all by himself! All he needs help with is getting on.

Eventually, all it took was mommy to swing next to him for him to learn how to 'pump' his legs.
My favorite picture of all was this one. His pure excitement as he yelled that he was doing it all by himself just brought the biggest smile on my face.
I don't know where the time has gone. It seems like just yesterday I was taking him to the park and helping him go down the baby slide. Today? Jason and I sat on the bench, snuggled together because of the cold, and watched as Zachary tackled the big play set all by himself, up the steps, and down the slides, over and over - all by himself :(

Pink eye and bunnies

Friday afternoon I get a text from daycare - 'I think Zachary has pink eye'. Hard to believe on my end. No other kids had it, and Zachary had not been around any children. But when I picked him up, it was obvious something was up. Friday morning he woke up, all swollen and completely crusted shut. No work for me! Off to the doctors where I found out he had viral pink eye and was contagious for 24 hours. We had the Easter bunny on Saturday - how could this be!!

He woke up this morning and looked so much better, and I decided he would be fine - Jason thought I was crazy! - if you can't tell, it was his right eye.

They had the best set up at the mall. Today was the arrival of the bunny. They had games, face-painting, raffles and an egg hunt. Zachary got his temporary tattoo, won a candy necklace, and waited in line to reach the bunny.
He was soooo excited to see the bunny - just took a little while to warm up, this was the best picture we could get!
After the bunny we went off on the hunt. The mall had it set up so select stores gave the kids Easter eggs, and some had coupons for the parents - 9 total. Zachary started off wearing his new glasses that the bunny gave him and was done after the first egg - pure excitement!
It was a rough day - and tiring. Zachary walked most of the mall by himself and had a ton of fun. He couldn't wait to come home so he could open his eggs! They had candy, toys, and stickers in them. Definitely a great day!

Its not about Z this time!

Its 8:45, I am relaxing, and having a nice wine cooler! Zachary is in bed, and Jason is on the couch reading his many work emails that he gets all night long. As I look at my life, I am amazed at how things have changed. I am 30 years old (an adult in some cultures :) !) and it is hard to believe how life has changed. If you told me that I would be where I am today, when I was in college, I probably would have laughed. So where did I think I would be you ask? Don't really know. I knew I would be married and thought by now I would have at least two kids. Can you believe I actually wanted 5 kids! Guess that is the only child in me! I never thought I would still be in Maryland, and expected to be in a cute little house with a big fenced in yard. So your probably thinking, am I disappointed? OF COURSE NOT! No, things are not what I thought, but when are they ever? The highlight of my day now, picking up Zachary from daycare. My highlight 10 years ago? Getting home from work as soon as possible so I could take a nap and get ready to go out!

At work today we were talking about when we were 'younger', early 20's, how we could go out all night and still function the next day. Now, if I have 1 too many, I am completely worthless for at least 24 hours!

Life is good. My only regret in life? Putting all that time and effort into a major in college for something that consists of some small freelance art work as a side job.

So, why am I talking about myself right now I am sure you asking. Thats easy - I just wanted to talk about something that maybe other people could relate to - those without kids - and those that just wanted to know how Jason and I were!

I love my life, it is perfect. No matter how much money you have in your life, or how many friends you have, true happiness is what you make of it. Money doesn't make you happy, because you always want more. We live in a society of greed. Today when I was getting out of my car to take the long walk through the city to work, a man came up to my window and asked for any money - he would take .50. It was sad, and yet I had nothing, except the money I had brought for my lunch. Is it wrong that I didn't give him anything? Guess I was just upset that he had the audacity to simply walk right up and knock on my window!

I keep a journal - the adult version of a diary! It is my life, a way to vent and complain, and rave about about my day. I am using my bog tonight. opening up and sharing with others the strange things that go through my head. I could verge much farther than I am right now - but I don't want to scare you - for those that thought I was actually normal - LOL!

So instead, a night to relax, write about things in my life, and enjoy being a wife, a daughter, and a mom :)

Its good to be a mom

I love being a mom. It is definitely one of the best and greatest accomplishments of my life. Today, was probably the best - no, take that back - tonight was the best! My little boy was on the BEST behavior today. The donut he ate for breakfast put him on a sugar high that never ended! He slept in till 8:50 this morning, only took a nap for an hour, and when bedtime rolled around - he was still a crazy man!

With a glass of wine in my hand at 8:00, and a juice cup in his, we cheered as we just sat next to each other on the couch. And to be honest - it was the best. We 'cheers-ed' our cups, we talked, we laughed and we sang our favorite fresh beat song. Just him sitting next to me put the biggest smile on my face.

Bed time is usually at 8:00, and we went up at 8:30. It is after 9:00, and I still hear him upstairs talking in his bed and playing with his trucks. With Jason being home this weekend, it was wonderful. Zachary was happy and cheerful, with no outbursts. We went out to dinner last night - an hour and a half wait, and he was so good! He waited with patience, and when the waiter made it to the table - he screamed 'dinner'! A giggle was heard all around.

Its days like these that I treasure. Days like these that make being a mom, the best decision of my life!

1st trip of the year to the beach!

I love the beach. And when I found out daycare was going to be closed on Friday, and mom and dad were going to be at the beach - there was no question what I was doing this weekend.

Zachary and I ran some errands on Friday as we waited for mom to get off work, then the three of us went and met dad at the beach.

It was GORGEOUS on Friday - 82 degrees! First thing we did was head to the boardwalk and go to the beach. Zachary had the time of his life and we could not get him to leave.

He was chasing the birds and playing in the sand. I think the funniest part? Watching Zachary try to run into the freezing cold ocean, and mom getting her jeans SOAKED as she held onto his one hand and lifted him above the wave!

Day 2, a little cold, but we headed out shopping - of course! Unfortunately, Zachary had no nap the day before and it caught up on this day. He was very cranky, and was not happy till we told him we were going to lunch and not another store :)

Today we hung around the house and dad and I took Zachary to the beach. The beach was all he would talk about. He wanted his bucket and shovel and just wanted to plop down and play - nothing else was on his mind. When we got to the beach, there was a fire truck there that was nice enough to wave to Zachary as they left, turned on their lights and honked at him - he loved it - such a firetruck fan!

He ran around like a crazy man, and no matter how red his nose got, or how much it ran, he did not want to leave. Dad and I on the other hand - cold and ready to go! So we collected his shells and headed back for a nap and so I could pack.

All and all, a great trip and nice to have a little mini vacation with no responsibilities. Mom and dad got a bed for Zachary for the beach which was an experience in itself - apparently he needs a bar! Night one, he rolled out, and night two, after we squeezed his little bed between the wall and my bed, he found some way to get out of that too. I woke up at 4:30am to find him curled up in a ball off the top of the bed in a pile of pillows! His favorite part, sleeping with mommy in her bed!! I woke up to his face, eyes wide open, nose to nose - too cute!

I can't wait till it gets warm and we can go again. And now that Jason and I are both off on weekends, I see many more family trips in our future!

The rejects

You are looking at the 4 stuffed animals that Zachary has banished from his bedroom! Very strange, on the last few nights, after I have left Zacharys room, he is quite for a moment, and then, not to long after, he breaks down into HYSTERICS! And Im not talking about just crying, Im talking about the type of crying that you had when you were a child when you just could not stop. Each of these toys were thrown from the toy box, and he then begged mommy to take them away. So, these now spend their time in the office, away for his sanity.

Not really sure why this is happening - Im sure it is just a phase that we will get through. But I felt so bad for these poor stuffed animals, that I had to share them with the world.

RIP Jonathan Baxter (cabbage patch kid), firby (talks and little scary), The Ravens bear (WTF!) and Tela tubby (again, maybe a little scary!)

Another weekend without daddy

Jason has been traveling a lot on the weekends - more than expected. I guess we both thought his travels would be during the week, not the weekends. But, once demo season slows down, we may be seeing more of them.

On that note, my weekends have become 'mommy, zachy time'. I do love how he is my little angel though. So, this weekend has been lots of fun! Yesterday we took the dogs to their new vet for their annual visit. Zachary LOVED having the dogs in the car with him. Today however, I decided that it was too nice outside to go to gymboree and then come home only to wait 1 hour before lunch and then nap - so we went to the zoo! A little colder than expected, but fun none-the-less. The best gift Zachary has ever gotten was our family membership to the zoo from pop pop and Connie. This year, he is definitely more excited to see all the animals. Not to mention - he walked the entire zoo all by himself! He ran around, pointed out the animals to me and was so excited to see them all. I was so proud of him that I told him he could pick out any gift he wanted at the store for being such a big boy - and what did he grab? A stuffed owl! Why an owl you ask? Well, at the camp discovery station there was a small barn animal, and the keeper taught Zachary how to make a owl sound that then made the owl make the sound back to Zachary - he LOVED it!

Tonight though, that was fun. We went to the White Marsh Ave (lots of restaurants and shopping). We started by getting a recordable book at hallmark for daddy to read so he can 'read to Z' every night when he is gone. Then we decided to go to Don Pablos for dinner - long wait. So we walked down to carters where of course I saw LOTS to buy - but I held off. We went back to the restaurant where Zachary was an incredibly good boy and ate all his food - but those sales were stuck on my brain! So after dinner, we went back where I loaded up on pj's for next winter (and of course a cute pair for this summer!). By this time it was 7:30, we were singing loud in the car and dancing. So, why not stop and get some ice cream!

My little man gets everything from me when Daddy is gone, because he is just so good! Tomorrow we have nothing exciting planned for just the two of us - except maybe a trip to the park. Then off to cousin Kaitlyns family birthday party - too bad Jason isn't here to be with the family.

So weekends are tough, but I truly do enjoy my one on one time with my favorite little man!

Big Boy Beds and Birthday Parties!

Yes, I have finally made that big decision in Zachary's life - the move to the big boy bed! Its amazing how such a simple thing can take so much time and deliberation! Jason has been traveling a lot lately, and I unfortunately had to make this transition by myself - being that he is gone almost every weekend for work!

I had heard the horror stories - parents waiting outside of their children's bedrooms, constantly having to go into their child's room to place them back in their bed. Kids getting up all the time, at night, in the middle of the night, when they woke up in the morning.

So how did I know Zachary was ready? No, he was not climbing out of his crib if that is what you are thinking. In fact, Zachary knew how to get out of his crib - but he never tried unless we were standing next to him, and his response was 'Zachy do it'. His crib was not even on the lowest setting.

Approximately two weeks before the transition, I noticed that when we put him to bed, even if he was crying or wanted to stay up, he would lay down, and not move - doing his crying while watching his fish. I knew that if I didn't do it now - my window may close. Full intention was to buy a rail for the crib - but to be honest, it was not much more expensive than to just by a bed - so that is what I did.

Night 1: Laid down, never moved, never woke up, never got out

Morning 1: He stayed in his bed until I came into his room, bounced around, then decided it was time to get up. He then told me that he just slept in a big boy bed like a big boy!

Day 2: Repeat Night 1 and morning 1

So obviously, I did something right - and Zachary was clearly ready! He picked out his own sheets, and every time during the day, he wants to go upstairs and play in his room on his new bed. He is actually very proud of himself!

Next, my child's social calendar!

Thank goodness I now have a job where I don't work weekends, because we have had a birthday party every weekend for three weeks in a row. This week - Nathans 3rd birthday at little gym. Zachary had so much fun!

Anytime he can play with a balloon, a bouncy mat and a parachute, you will see a smile on his face! But our favorite part about birthday parties??

Birthday Cake!! Nathan had a really cool cake too - a total 'Cars' theme - like the movie. I realized the other night while Zachary and I were watching Disney's Pixar Short films, that he really likes the characters from that movie. Now I just need to find it so he can watch it.

So, as you can see, very very busy! Jason is traveling lots, so I have been getting a lot of great quality time with Zachary. Its funny to see how different he acts when he is alone with me vs. when Jason is home too. My little angel :)

Tsk Tsk . . . . !

My little boy -

is a klepto!

I am not even kidding though! I would say, close to 6 months now (ever since Zachary discovered pockets) he has come home from daycare with something in his pocket - and its getting worse - now it is multiple pockets! He has brought home (this is just a hand-full of items):

2 plastic clips

a small dinosaur

a large plastic barbie dog (stretched out so it would fit!)

multiple doll house items

puzzle pieces

plastic fish - to a game

game pieces to an uno game

and more!

I don't remember being like this, nor does my mom so I ask - how long will this last??? Then, when I discover the item, he grabs it and says 'MINE!'

He puts things in his shoes too! Crazy man!

It really is very funny - you can't help but laugh when you find something in his pocket! The other day he was playing with Jason, and he ran away. Jason then looked at me and said ' I think I felt something in his pocket'. I burst out laughing!

So what makes me nervous? The first time he steals candy from the grocery store - they are so good at strategically placing the candy within a child's reach.

So, until then!

What's been going on!

We have been up to so much since the last time I posted any pictures! We have been busy doing lots of fun activities with Zachary, and always keeping him busy with fun events.

The biggest thing we did? We took Zachary to the B&O train museum. Zachary is IN LOVE with trains (if you couldn't tell from his Christmas gifts!)

We were very impressed with what they had to offer. It was a cold yucky day, so not much time was spent outside. However, they did have a real train ride for us to ride which Zachary thought was so neat!

When inside, Zachary ran all around looking at the big trains! In fact, he talked about them for days after. Even now he likes to ask when we are going to see the big choo choo trains.

Jason was even surprised at how much he enjoyed it too! We were lucky enough to get free passes from a little girls mom in his gymboree class. Otherwise, I don't know if we would have ever thought of going!

Next up, SNOW! Of course this occurred while Jason was out of town - so needless to say, I was shoveling a foot of snow all by myself! Great snowman snow though. I cant even remember the last time I made a snowman.

I had read in my parents magazine how to make colored water to put in the snow - and Zachary loved it. He was spraying it all over the place. Unfortunate for me, the red water made it all over my pants!

After the snowman was built, we decided to blow bubbles - really cool since they don't pop right away!

Next, came our last gymboree class with Mrs. Sue. It really was a sad day. Since I started my new job, we had to move to the Saturday class with a new teacher. Mrs. Sue shed a tear as she told me that Zachary truly was one of her favorite kids that she has ever had. We had been with her since he started his classes at 6 months old. He truly had a connection with her.

Now tonight - that was night to remember! If you would have told me a couple months ago that my 2 year old would be on roller skates - I would have laughed in your face! I (along with everyone else around) could not believe how well he did! He never really fell, and skated all over the place! He didn't want to stop!

We started with him on the carpet, but he was ready for the real thing. We started by holding his hand, and he wanted nothing to do with that. He let go and took off (as fast as he actually could!)

We skated next to him, and then eventually he was on his own, skating away. I truly was shocked. We were there for a birthday party, otherwise, I don't know if I would have ever thought to have taken him.

Little girls were all over him. On three separate occasions, little girls came right up to him and held his hand as they skated around. It was ADORABLE!

So all and all, we have been busy. We have another birthday party next weekend, so I am sure I will be filling everyone in on that next!

Late with the times

Yes, I have neglected my 'blog' duties - but so much has been going on that it has been hard to keep up with the world around me!
I usually use this blog as an opportunity to talk about what is going on in Zachary's life - and I will get to that. However, I think I need to take the time to talk about how excited I am with the changes that is happening in our families lives. In the beginning of December, Jason took on a new job with STX, putter division. He is in LOVE with his new opportunity and has not even thought of looking back. He works Monday-Friday and is off weekends. Once in a while a trip takes him away on the weekend, but so far it has been worth it. Now, onto even more exciting news - I got a new job! I start next week, and although I should be working on getting everything finalized here at work - I'm writing on the Internet! I will put in a year at the customer service position at The Oxford Club, and then move into my own niche in the company. I am so excited and thrilled! I will also have off weekends, holidays, and be able to take a vacation whenever I want. When they told me I would have a lunch break, I screamed with excitement - I don't even know what that is at my job now. I eat as I work, while answering the phone, scoring a tournament, or sitting behind the front desk. I am however very sad to leave. I would have been at Chestnut Ridge for 8 years come March. And, I am going to lose all my golfing opportunities, free clubs and balls. Hopefully the future will be kind to Jason and I and allow us to join a country club! If I decided to stay at CRCC, Jason and I were going to try and have another baby - that has now been pushed back a bit so I can start my new job. That is one thing that made this decision so hard.
As for Zachary, I am ready to get him on a schedule. Up at the same time everyday, and falling asleep before 9:30 (even though he goes to bed at 8!) Right now, he sleeps till he either wakes, or when I wake him. There is no consistency in his life, and I hate it.
I am also happy to report that I am amazed everyday as I watch him grow and learn. He can count to 15 (missing a number here and there or repeating them), and knows all his shapes - from a circle to a trapezoid (thanks to Jason!). It amazes me as I think back that this time 3 years ago, I was pregnant. 3 years! Amazing how fast time has flown by. I want to have another baby, but don't want to take away from all of the 'firsts' and great experiences that I am sharing with Zachary. Being an only child, I know that I want Zachary to have a brother or sister though. I know my parents were unable to have more than me - guess I'm just special like that! Something I always missed out on though, and I know that is one first Zachary will be ready to experience.
On that note, I will do a better job keeping everyone updated!