Memorial Day Pool Time

Like most families, we spent Memorial Day grilling out and enjoying time with family.  Katy remembered we had this whale pool we'd never pulled out, so we took it over to Gary and Nell's for the kids to play in.


The temps stayed in the low 80s, so the water didn't warm up much, and it was breezy, but they sure had a fun time jumping around.  You'll notice Mandy has absolutely no fear and goes at it with much more gusto than the boys.  You may also notice she's the only one wearing goggles.  This is to protect her eyes, which are still healing from her recent surgery.  I find her hilarious.


Zac really enjoyed not only the water but several hours with his cousins, who are some of his favorite people in the world.  I will say that the older they all get, fewer arguments and catastrophes seem to occur when they are together.

Zac Is Four!!!

Four years ago today, we welcomed into our lives a tiny bundle we weren't quite expecting yet.  Nine weeks early isn't what you hope for as a parent, but thanks to the amazing folks at UNMC and The Nebraska Medical Center, things went very smoothly.  


I thought I would post a few pics of those early days along with one more recent just for fun as we see what he has become.  Zac is so much of a joy, with a keen sense for humor and an ear for music that permeates most of what he does.  But four years ago, we were more worried about other things.  Here is a very small snippet from a blog post back on February 3rd, 2008:

We spent significant time in Zac's room today and tonight. Last night they put him back on the c-pap (sp?), which is essentially just a bigger breathing tube, to help make sure he's getting enough oxygen.

It's wonderful that we no longer have to worry about simple things like breathing, though obviously toddler years bring a new set of worries. I mean, he didn't lose those two front teeth by doing nothing last year!  :)

Zac, mommy and daddy love you very much.  And we know that God loves you and us very much because He decided to bring you into this world when we didn't think we could even have a baby. It was He who made sure you were ready to join us and it was He who kept you healthy and safe so you could be with us today. Happy Birthday to my favorite little boy in the whole world!

The Big 04

On Wednesday the 1st, Zac turns 4, but we decided to hold his birthday party today, rather than doing it after his birthday.  Unfortunately, one of the negatives to Zac being in daycare down in Lincoln is that it doesn't make sense to invite his school friends, but that's OK, because he loves playing with his cousins anyway!

So Chad, Mickie and the kids joined us for a few hours to celebrate and let them play together. We had a good time and a good cake. Zac is quite pleased with his presents and even has one left we held back for him to open Wednesday morning before we leave in the morning, which he doesn't know about.

The kids seemed to enjoy the cake and frozen yogurt.  Yes, frozen yogurt since at least two of us, and maybe three, have issues with lactose, so I played it safe.

I'm sharing a video of us singing Happy Birthday to Zac so everyone has a chance to enjoy it.  You'll note he leaned over on one of the candles trying to blow out the fourth one and it was a little hot. 

 

He's none the worse for wear, though, and has recovered just fine!  :)  Guess I shouldn't have spread the candles out so much.  I've also added pics from the party to the slideshow on the right.  Enjoy all!