Mommy's big helper

Mimi got Zach "The Learning Tower" which allows him to stand high enough so he can reach the counter tops. Mainly, he stands in it during his nebulizer treatments - it keeps him in one place, and allows him to play with toys on the counter. But he's also started to become much more helpful in the kitchen. He helps make fruit salad (eats the fruit as mommy cuts it), he helps get dinner ready (puts puzzle pieces in the casserole when mommy's not looking), and he helps clean up after dinner (throws the ball at daddy while mommy & daddy clean up). But, for now, at least he's a part of the process...right?!

Z & the 3 girls

We had our good friends visit over the weekend with their 3 daughters (ages 5, 3, & 15 months). Zach did pretty well with all the girls. He thought they were great - he'd just watch them and laugh. It was really cute!

Zachary & Ashlyn are 1 month apart.

Zach & Halle in the pool. This was Halle's "Little Duckling." Zachary followed Halle around all weekend.

Caitlyn made Zachary laugh a lot. She was such a great help!

Z.A.C.H. (Zach, Ashlyn, Caitlyn, Halle)! This was the best we could do to get a picture of all 4 of them. So funny!

Catch me if you can!

Zachary has started running now. He is so fast - it's really funny to watch Todd try to catch him!

Bubble Bath

Zachary found the bubbles to be very interesting...and yummy.

Summer fun

Zachary had a good time with the hose...After almost an hour, I had to pull it away with him yelling and tugging against me.

Good times at Grammy's

The sun rises in Grammy's backyard. In their PJ's, Grammy & Zach were watching the birds eat breakfast. Zachary also enjoyed seeing the water. Such a relaxing morning!

Zachary had a good time with Great Grandma Claire - reading books, taking walks, and helping to re-arrange the clothing in Grammy's store.

Congratulations Aunt Jen & Uncle Dan!!

Clap Clap!! Aunt Jen & Uncle Dan are college graduates! They have both earned well-respected degrees from Taylor University. Graduation is on Saturday and we are so proud of all their hard work. We wish you well!! Love you both!!

Little Trooper

Zachary has struggled with what the doctor is calling "allergy-induced asthma" for the past 6 weeks. This week he had to start a treatment using a nebulizer 3 times a day. He's handling it fairly well. We are hoping this is a temporary thing. Say some prayers for him.

Summer's almost here!

We've been playing outside a lot lately! Zachary loves his new ball. And it's one of his favorite words. "Ball" - he'll say it over and over.

Mother's Day Conversation

Rebecca: "Zach pooped again."
Todd: "I already changed him once today. It's your turn."
Rebecca: "Uh, no, you have to change him."
Todd: "Why?"
Rebecca: "Because it's Mother's Day."
Todd: "I thought Mother's Day ended at noon."

Happy Mother's Day from Zachary!

(from Todd & Zach)

Happy Mother's Day!

To my mom, Shelley - Thanks for all you've taught me. Thanks for all the sacrifices you've made. To all the moms in our lives - What a blessing you are! Happy Mother's Day!

My Wish (as a mom)

"I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you’re faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin’ ‘til you find the window
If it’s cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything

My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
And while you’re out there gettin’ where you’re gettin’ to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish

I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you
And the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get
Oh, you find God’s grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything

This is my wish
I hope you know somebody loves you
May all your dreams stay big"

Credits: Rascal Flatts
Steve Robson, Jeffrey Steele

Zach's new thing

He has started putting random clothing/blankies/etc. on his head and just walking around. We haven't a clue why he's doing this. It is funny though!

Special Delivery!

Zachary got a package in the mail! When he woke up from his nap, I let him "unpack" the box and find a fun surprise. He was so excited! (Notice his eyebrows in the first picture!)

Clearly Understated

Emma turns 1

Zachary's best bud Emma has a birthday this week. My friend Kelly (Emma's mommy) comes over (with Emma) two days a week to babysit Zachary. The day of these pictures, they were wearing the same Zutano outfit! Happy 1st Birthday Emma!!

Quick Trip

We took a 24-hour trip to Upland, Indiana for a bridal shower for Aunt Jen. Zach hung out with Uncle Dan who walked him all over the TU campus and fed him "crackers" (aka: cookies) at 10:30 pm! Then we all slept in Jenny's apartment along with four other girls. I'm pretty sure there were a total of 8 people alseep in a very tiny apartment. Super fun!!

Couldn't resist...more cute pics

Who's the cutest baby ever? Me!

Yummy ice-cream-sandwich.

Being just plain cute.

Zachary in his swim diaper, getting ready to go swimming.

Zachary's new friend

Todd's friend Scott (friends since 7th grade) has a baby boy named Braden. Zachary made Braden smile and laugh quite a bit!