4 Months

We've been through a lot in the last month! After a month's worth of doctor's visits, nurse's visits, and lots of heartache, we have finally learned that Zach has an intolerance for milk. So as of this weekend, we have started him on soy formula and things seem to be improving. Simple, I know, but it's been a LONG journey to reach this end. We are so relieved to know that this is something we can fix! And he seems to be adjusting well!

Despite all of the issues he has been through this past month, Zach is still growing and learning new things constantly! He keeps us laughing with his little coos and giggles as well as his desperate attempts to blow raspberries back at his daddy! He is rolling over about 3/4's of the way from back to belly and has flipped several times independently from belly to back. He is a wiggle worm who loves action and activity. The days are spent rotating between the swing, the bouncer, the floor, playing various games in each. He is a bundle of energy who hates to miss the party but who needs naps badly! He has also learned to use his hands so well in the last few weeks and is really enjoying toys in his hands. He has been a joy to us, but definitely keeps us on our toes!

Here's a picture after his first shots. He cried for just a second, but glared at us on the way out and on the way home. I think he thought we were the meanest parents ever! And so it begins....

3 Months

Zach turns 3 months tomorrow! Here are some pictures of the last month. It's been a very eventful month as you can see!

Lovin' my mobile

Hating my carseat (and being hot)

Playing with my friend Georgia

Watching TV

More TV (especially Baby Einstein and Wheel of Fortune)

My first ASU basketball game! (I fell asleep during the last 10 minutes...and that's when we lost. Guess they couldn't do it without their biggest fan!)

This gown used to be my Mama's. I think I kinda look like her.And my first Band-aid. I haven't been feeling well and have been screaming my head off to let everyone know. I didn' t know they'd take me to the doctor and prick my heel. But I did get my first band-aid out of the whole ordeal and I am really enjoying this baby Tylenol!

2 Month Update

Zach went in this week for his 2 month checkup. He weighed 10 lbs. 2 ozs. and was 21 3/4 inches long. Although still only in the 15th percentile on weight and height, he is growing perfectly! He has been so much fun lately as he has started trying to coo here and there when he is smiling at us. I think he even scares himself sometimes when he makes a noise! He definitely values his naps right now-one in the swing, one on his mama, and one in his crib. Don't mix them up or skip one. He will make sure you pay! Things have been relatively uneventful as of late. We are just enjoying our time with him. He's been so squirmy lately that my camera has trouble focusing on him! I will try to get a picture up sometime soon.

Walking with Zach

Zach in the jogging stroller

After a good long walk

Scott, Maggie, Zach, and I all went out for a walk this afternoon. Zach decided he didn't want a nap and it was 70 degrees so we strapped him in and went for a walk. He fell asleep not far past the driveway! I think he enjoyed it, but he did not like getting strapped in! I can't say I blame him. Maggie ran into the stroller only once...she's a smart dog. Thank you Paw Paw and Leah for the stroller. It was a lifesaver in more ways than one!

Zach's first trip

Zach and Nana
After a long trip home

We decided to travel for Christmas this year. Zach was 5 weeks old on Christmas Eve. First we went to Searcy to be with Scott's family for Christmas. Poor Zach got sick the day before we left for Searcy so his time with his Nanna and Papa wasn't as much fun as usual. He had a pretty bad belly ache. But Christmas Day was highlighted by some quiet time with Nanna while everyone else played outside with the new game, Cosmic Keepaway. We stayed with my Nana while we were there and enjoyed a wonderful day on Friday with her while waiting on Scott to come back from working in Jonesboro.

Next, we went to Malvern for Christmas with my family. Zach and I stayed until Tuesday and had fun with his "Leah", Paw Paw, Auntie May, and Uncle James. Days were highlighted with early mornings with Leah and naps on Paw Paw. But most of all, he was treated to the best swing in the world! Needless to say, we bought the same swing and had it delivered to our house in Jonesboro before we got back! It has been a lifesaver!

Zach finally started to feel better around Sunday and enjoyed a long nap on the ride home Tuesday. He did great traveling in the car! My only hope is that he doesn't get sick the day before our next excursion!

Also, Zach's newborn picture proofs are now ready online. If you want to see them, go to www.kendyschimmel.com. Click on Website, and then Proofing. Email me for the passcode. My email address is sarahasaunders@yahoo.com.

One month old!

Our little guy is one month old tomorrow! He went for his check-up today and weighed 8 lbs 1 oz was 20 3/4 inches long. He is in the 10-25th percentile in weight and height but started out small. He is catching up fast!

Here are some things Zach is doing at one month. He has slept 4-5 hours at night the past 3 nights! We put him down around 8-9 p.m. and he hums himself to sleep. It is so cute! He is smiling socially and enjoys being talked to. He discovered the fish and bubbles on his bouncer this week, along with the bears above his swing. He kicks his legs and waves his arms with delight to try to get them. He also discovered himself in a mirror yesterday. Today, he exchanged hums and coos with his mama! He panted so hard between coos when I would coo back!

He is currently wearing newborn and some 0-3 month clothes. His skin is still smooth and beautiful and his hair is getting curlier every day! He loves when his daddy comes home from work and he rolls his eyes back in his head trying to see him. His big "dog-sis", Maggie, has become quite fond of him due to spending the past few days indoors because of ice. She has been very helpful in settling Zach, i.e. bringing me burp cloths, bringing Zach her favorite toys, and showing me the way to the nursery to change him when he cries! I think they will be big buddies soon!

That's about it for now. Just didn't want to forget all the things he is doing as he grows up!

Zach's 2 week update

I guess I should preface this with the fact that I know every mom thinks her child is THE smartest, cutest, and best baby in the world! And I am no exception! So this is my chance to brag on my little boy and keep record of the neat things he is already doing...at only 2 weeks old! So here it goes!

Zachary-

We are amazed at how expressive you are! You have been smiling from the day you were born. You are especially happy after a good meal or a good poop! You must take after your parents! Your toothless grin warms your mom's heart. You also make the funniest little expressions with your eyebrows and little mouth. You were NOT happy after your circumcision and definitely let us know with that little pouty mouth and serious brow! You wear your emotions all over your face and we never are in doubt of how you feel! Something tells me you will be like your mom in this!

You are a WONDERFUL sleeper! We are already getting two 4 hour segments of sleep at night and couldn't ask for any more! You like to sing to yourself as you fall asleep. It's precious! You also really like to be sung to. Your mama LOVES to sing to you and we are still working on your daddy! You always enjoyed music in utero and it has remained true once you came into this world. Some of your favorites are: Midnight Cry, When I think about the Lord, I Love you Lord, and Lord you are more precious than silver, just to name a few!

And if we didn't already think you were the smartest and strongest little guy in the world, you decided to roll yourself over today! Yes, I know it is WAY to early for this, but we had you on your belly finishing your bath this morning and the next thing we knew, you were pushing yourself over from belly to back with those strong little arms! We caught you just as you were headed into the sink! You grinned and cooed and were mighty proud of yourself! I guess I shouldn't be surprised. You were wiggling and rolling all around in my belly up until the day you were born!

I guess that is it for now. You weighed 6 lbs. 9 ozs. at your 2 week checkup putting you a little ahead of schedule on weight gain. We know you are gonna be a big strong boy one day! We love you!