Sunday, January 25, 2009
Mmmm... cake
As you may have noticed in the previous post, Zach really enjoyed the cupcakes at his birthday party on Wednesday. Well, we had another party on Saturday while G&G Klicka were here, and as you can see, he and his friend Isak found a more efficient way to eat their cake...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Space to entertain
One of the items at the top of our "want" list for our new house was an open floor plan. One reason was, of course, to make entertaining easier; in our old house we couldn't sit four people comfortably at a table for dinner, at least not in the same room. And you know how everyone always wants to gather in the kitchen? Not really possible back in our South Mpls house. But our new house... time to put it to the test!It's not as if we haven't had friends and family over for meals, but on Sunday we had what I would consider our first official dinner party, with friends we haven't seen in waaay too long. The group was made up of four couples who know each o
ther from the days when we were all single, playing volleyball and broomball, hanging out on Big Island on Lake Minnetonka, etc. In fact, it was on an outing with these friends on their boat that Scott and I met one beautiful sunny summer day. :)So how did our house do? Well, we discovered that while we couldn't fit all 10 adults and 4 kids at the table at once, at least when Scott was banished to the living room to watch the kids while the rest of us ate, he could hear and participate in the conversation! So I'll call our new space a success! I'll also call the night a success, since getting together with this crowd is always a good time.
There were some new faces at the party, faces that didn't exist back in our "old" days... faces that definitely added to the fun of the evening:
(Victor, Brady, and Katelyn... for those of you who know their dads, I don't think you'll have any problems telling which kid goes with which couple!)
(Victor, Brady, and Katelyn... for those of you who know their dads, I don't think you'll have any problems telling which kid goes with which couple!)
My name is Zach
I took Zach to the doctor today for his 2 year check-up. At one point the doctor commented that he was very articulate, so it seems appropriate that I share a few of the latest things that have come out of his mouth...
As I was checking in at the doctor's office, Zach leaned up against the lower counter, with his chin barely reaching the top. He looked at the receptionist and said "hi, my name is Zach." First I laughed, because I have no idea where he gets this - we've never made a big deal out of him introducing himself, and I didn't even prompt him. Although now that I think about it, he also asked our cashier at Target what her name was, the same question he asked the doctor. Apparently he's realizing everyone has names! Anyway... back at the doctor's office - I got irritated, because the receptionist was totally ignoring him!!! How can a person not respond to that cute little voice coming out of that short little person??? I know, I know, not everyone thinks my child is as fascinating as I do, but come on!!
At least this afternoon he got a more appropriate response; this time I was checking in at the YMCA, and he did the same thing (I never noticed how many places have a low counter... probably not intended for kids, but it sure works well for Zach). This time, the woman greeted him and returned the favor by introducing herself. Zach looked quite proud of himself.
We've also had some funny awwww moments lately. We've been reading the book Guess How Much I Love You pretty much since the day we brought Zach home, and only lately has he seemed to really get it. He's been telling us he loves us "this much" - while stretching his arms out wide. So one day when Scott said it to him, Zach's response was "that's a lot of much, Daddy!"
Doctor's visit basics: we have a healthy kid. He weighs 28 lbs even, and is 35 inches tall (I can't believe he's almost three feet tall!) He's on the same growth curve he's always been on - 50th percentile for weight, around 75th for height. Which I do not understand, since he seems shorter than most kids his age, and still fits into a lot of 18 month clothes. No shots at this appointment - hurray!
As I was checking in at the doctor's office, Zach leaned up against the lower counter, with his chin barely reaching the top. He looked at the receptionist and said "hi, my name is Zach." First I laughed, because I have no idea where he gets this - we've never made a big deal out of him introducing himself, and I didn't even prompt him. Although now that I think about it, he also asked our cashier at Target what her name was, the same question he asked the doctor. Apparently he's realizing everyone has names! Anyway... back at the doctor's office - I got irritated, because the receptionist was totally ignoring him!!! How can a person not respond to that cute little voice coming out of that short little person??? I know, I know, not everyone thinks my child is as fascinating as I do, but come on!!
At least this afternoon he got a more appropriate response; this time I was checking in at the YMCA, and he did the same thing (I never noticed how many places have a low counter... probably not intended for kids, but it sure works well for Zach). This time, the woman greeted him and returned the favor by introducing herself. Zach looked quite proud of himself.
We've also had some funny awwww moments lately. We've been reading the book Guess How Much I Love You pretty much since the day we brought Zach home, and only lately has he seemed to really get it. He's been telling us he loves us "this much" - while stretching his arms out wide. So one day when Scott said it to him, Zach's response was "that's a lot of much, Daddy!"
Doctor's visit basics: we have a healthy kid. He weighs 28 lbs even, and is 35 inches tall (I can't believe he's almost three feet tall!) He's on the same growth curve he's always been on - 50th percentile for weight, around 75th for height. Which I do not understand, since he seems shorter than most kids his age, and still fits into a lot of 18 month clothes. No shots at this appointment - hurray!
The best day
I think Saturday may have been the best day of Zach's life.
He started out the day going swimming with Scott, which he absolutely loves. I think it's the 91 degree water! Then we went to Toys R Us to pick out some gifts for his upcoming birthday. We walked in, and he said in complete awe "ohhhhh, look at this!" We put him down so he could get a better look at the toys, and all he kept saying was "Daddy - look at this!" Every time he said it, it was as if he had just discovered gold. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to understand (yet) that we could buy all of those things and take them home, so it was a pleasant outing for all of us!
After his nap, Zach and I headed to the original Broadway Pizza (complete with electric train on a raised track) to meet our friends Cindy and Caitlin (age 3). So Zach got to eat his favorite meal - pizza and milk - and then we headed to see... Elmo! Yep, Zach's first experience with Sesame Street Live.
We had told Zach that he was going to go see Elmo, but he really had no idea what he was in for. But he did understand it was something to be excited about... on the drive to the Target Center, he kept saying "Caitlin, we're going to go see Elmo!" Finally she said, in the driest tone possible, "Zach, you already said that." :)
I wish I had brought my video camera and just recorded Zach's face for the first five minutes of the show. It was similar to how you see girls reacting in the footage of Elvis concerts. The characters were introduced one by one, and as each one came out, his eyes got bigger, and he kept turning to me and saying "Mom - Bert! Mom - it's Ernie!" He was on his feet, clapping and leaning so far over the seat in front of us I had to hang on to his shirt. I got a little teary, seeing how darn happy that goofy little red monster made him. So thank you Cindy and Caitlin, for a great birthday present for Zach!
(PS... I apparently wasn't thinking that day, as I didn't bring my camera. But Cindy did, so perhaps some of her pictures captured his excitement!)
He started out the day going swimming with Scott, which he absolutely loves. I think it's the 91 degree water! Then we went to Toys R Us to pick out some gifts for his upcoming birthday. We walked in, and he said in complete awe "ohhhhh, look at this!" We put him down so he could get a better look at the toys, and all he kept saying was "Daddy - look at this!" Every time he said it, it was as if he had just discovered gold. Fortunately, he doesn't seem to understand (yet) that we could buy all of those things and take them home, so it was a pleasant outing for all of us!
After his nap, Zach and I headed to the original Broadway Pizza (complete with electric train on a raised track) to meet our friends Cindy and Caitlin (age 3). So Zach got to eat his favorite meal - pizza and milk - and then we headed to see... Elmo! Yep, Zach's first experience with Sesame Street Live.
We had told Zach that he was going to go see Elmo, but he really had no idea what he was in for. But he did understand it was something to be excited about... on the drive to the Target Center, he kept saying "Caitlin, we're going to go see Elmo!" Finally she said, in the driest tone possible, "Zach, you already said that." :)
I wish I had brought my video camera and just recorded Zach's face for the first five minutes of the show. It was similar to how you see girls reacting in the footage of Elvis concerts. The characters were introduced one by one, and as each one came out, his eyes got bigger, and he kept turning to me and saying "Mom - Bert! Mom - it's Ernie!" He was on his feet, clapping and leaning so far over the seat in front of us I had to hang on to his shirt. I got a little teary, seeing how darn happy that goofy little red monster made him. So thank you Cindy and Caitlin, for a great birthday present for Zach!
(PS... I apparently wasn't thinking that day, as I didn't bring my camera. But Cindy did, so perhaps some of her pictures captured his excitement!)
Thursday, January 8, 2009
We always come back
Since we started taking Zach to the day care at the Y, we've been reassuring him that "mommy and daddy always come back." So now when we pick him up, he often greets us with "mommy/daddy came back! Mommy/daddy always come back!" Our little saying really seems to have helped him handle being left with essential strangers.
But I didn't realize how much until today... when we go somewhere, we always have Zach leave his cowabunga in the car, so we don't lose it (we have a back-up, but life would not be good if we lost his special friend!) Today, as I was buckling Zach into his seat, he picked up his cow and said "cowabunga, we always come back. Mommy and Zach always come back." I guess the little cow/blankey needed some reassurance!
On a different note - I remember when Zach first started eating solids, how I'd take pictures every time he smeared food on his face. Little did I realize that a year and a half later, I'd still be doing the same thing...
Blueberry muffin-face; chocolate cupcake face
But I didn't realize how much until today... when we go somewhere, we always have Zach leave his cowabunga in the car, so we don't lose it (we have a back-up, but life would not be good if we lost his special friend!) Today, as I was buckling Zach into his seat, he picked up his cow and said "cowabunga, we always come back. Mommy and Zach always come back." I guess the little cow/blankey needed some reassurance!
On a different note - I remember when Zach first started eating solids, how I'd take pictures every time he smeared food on his face. Little did I realize that a year and a half later, I'd still be doing the same thing...
Blueberry muffin-face; chocolate cupcake face
Monday, January 5, 2009
NWA travel vouchers
Anyone planning a trip on Northwest airlines prior to 3/1/09? We have 2 vouchers for $25 each that we won't be able to use, since the travel must be completed by the first of March. Let us know - we'd hate to see these go to waste!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
What it means to be a parent
A friend of mine shared this Dear Abby-type article with me a few weeks ago, and I've been meaning to share it with all of you. https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmQ-Ki1xU_xWd8BlUlfeTdnawiDefhXIKw_wrNfhFe6lgFsgej2JjZ-To-k9hqNVC2qcdkkzY5mnAbs2aNCFRK_fUfbMVjZ61tQmGQUdAvlqLoqZ6r-mC0G_p6OBNV8YVhsZe9_ZnPSeQ/s1600-h/No+Time.bmp
It's by far the best description of parenting (stay-at-home or working) I've ever read, and could never have verbalized myself. The sentence that really stuck with me was:
"[Parenting is] resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense."
So whether you are currently raising a child, have already done so, are thinking about doing so in the future, or are just wondering what the heck it's like, hopefully you'll find this a good read!
It's by far the best description of parenting (stay-at-home or working) I've ever read, and could never have verbalized myself. The sentence that really stuck with me was:
"[Parenting is] resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense."
So whether you are currently raising a child, have already done so, are thinking about doing so in the future, or are just wondering what the heck it's like, hopefully you'll find this a good read!
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A different kind of new year's eve
Here's what new year's eve looked like at our house this year:
As you can see - it's all about the kids these days! And they weren't even all there - Brady and Isak missed out on the fun since Isak was sick. But the kids do go to bed early, so we had lots of time to eat waaay too much food and have a few drinks. We even made it until midnight!
Pictured:
Playtime with Rosie, Kasey, Zach, Scott, and Adam
Smiley girls - Sylvia and Kasey
Jamie and Kasey
Zach and Kasey in the morning (Zach absorbed in Sesame Street)
Happy new year everyone!
Pictured:
Playtime with Rosie, Kasey, Zach, Scott, and Adam
Smiley girls - Sylvia and Kasey
Jamie and Kasey
Zach and Kasey in the morning (Zach absorbed in Sesame Street)
More Christmas visits
While we were in Milwaukee, we also had a chance to visit our friends the Nowaks. Zach had a great time playing with Brandon (9) and Jacob (5) - he absolutely loves older kids. They had lots to show him, including their adorable bunny Bailey. I forgot my camera though... ugh.That night, Scott and I had a chance to get out on a date - dinner and and movie! That's not something that happens often, so we had to take advantage of grandparents willing to play with Zach while we had an adults-only evening. We saw the Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I'll spare you the long movie review; I'll just say if you liked Forrest Gump, you'll like this movie. Just bring a pillow to sit on - your "bebind" will be sore after sitting for almost 3 hours.
Saturday we headed over to Andy and Stacey's on our way out of town. Chase was feeling better, so we were glad we got the chance to play with him, and to watch the fun he, Sophie, and Zach had together. As you can see in the "boys in motion" picture above - there was a lot of activity in the house!
We thought Zach would be asleep as soon as the car started moving, after all the playing he did with Sophie and Chase, but instead we listened to him stall for a good hour and a half. He chattered nonstop, in an effort to get us to talk to him so he wouldn't fall asleep. After a few minutes of silence, we thought he'd finally zonked out when we heard "Daddy, who are favorite Minnesota Twins?". While we looked at each other incredulously, since we haven't talked much about baseball during football season, he started rattling off the players he could think of... Go-Go, Morneau, Span, Cuddy, Blackburn, Slowey. We were doing our best not to crack up, but lost it when Zach paused and then said "how about Nathan?" He did fall asleep eventually, but after he put up quite the battle.
I found out later Chase and Sophie crashed 5 minutes after we left. :)
I found out later Chase and Sophie crashed 5 minutes after we left. :)
Christmas Day
How appropriate - my first blog of 2009 is catching up on 2008!
We spent Christmas Eve with my parents, some pizza, and a big pile of gifts. Zach was a big fan of his new piano and coffee pot, which ma
kes real brewing noises! Christmas morning we started our day of overeating with brunch, with my aunt, uncle, cousin and her daughter. Mya is a year older than Zach, and the two of them had a good time playing together, especially with Grandpa Geo's trains.
That afternoon my brother, sister-in-law, and their two kids came over, along with my cousin and her boyfriend. Ch
ase was sick, so he missed out on the fun, especially seeing Zach and Sophie
battle over toys ("that's Zach's!!" was a constant refrain). We grazed all afternoon long, in between singing the Itsy-Bitsy Spider with the kids and trying to figure out how to get those plastic toys out of the adult-proof wrapping.
Koskie's reaction to it all...
We spent Christmas Eve with my parents, some pizza, and a big pile of gifts. Zach was a big fan of his new piano and coffee pot, which ma
kes real brewing noises! Christmas morning we started our day of overeating with brunch, with my aunt, uncle, cousin and her daughter. Mya is a year older than Zach, and the two of them had a good time playing together, especially with Grandpa Geo's trains.That afternoon my brother, sister-in-law, and their two kids came over, along with my cousin and her boyfriend. Ch
ase was sick, so he missed out on the fun, especially seeing Zach and Sophie
battle over toys ("that's Zach's!!" was a constant refrain). We grazed all afternoon long, in between singing the Itsy-Bitsy Spider with the kids and trying to figure out how to get those plastic toys out of the adult-proof wrapping.Santa was good to all of us again this year, in many ways!
Koskie's reaction to it all...
