Changing Routines

One thing that's always interesting about children is watching them grow in so many different ways. Up until just a few days ago, Zac's routine was very predictable. He'd wake up in the morning, eat and play for about 90 minutes, sleep for two hours, then do it all over again until evening when he'd eat his last time and sleep through the night. He generally has his last meal around 9 or 9:30 and after that he sleeps until at least 8 in the morning. Yeah, I know, it's great!

Well the other day he decided he's going to begin staying awake longer at times during the day, and not at all consistent with what he had been doing. So sometimes now, he'll sleep maybe 30 or 45 minutes during a 4-hour period, typically earlier in the day. And even later, he'll sleep at the most 90 minutes, usually, instead of a few hours. This is all just part of him getting older, sure, but it's still fascinating to watch.

I think as parents we have to achieve superhuman patience and focus sometimes, but it's made easier when we pour ourselves fully into our children. I missed out on much of that with Claire from the time she was about 2 years old on, but that's why I focus so much on her when we do spend our time together and talk on the phone and e-mail. I love watching her grow intellectually, physically, spiritually, socially. It's just so much fun to watch her grow up, and I LOVE watching her play sports. She really must be my daughter to have such a love of sports! I'm so proud of her for her perseverance and ability to maintain a positive attitude in the midst of sometimes not so positive things. She is really a gift God gave because He knew she'd do great things for Him one day.

Katy and I feel the same way about Zac. We know he was a miracle and given all we had to go through to get to this point, it makes it that much sweeter that he is so healthy. He's so much fun to watch as he figures things out and I love watching kids anyway try to work through things in their minds. Katy and I were discussing last night that Zac is probably intellectually where a 4-month-old would be, but his motor skills are closer to that of a 2-month-old, which aligns with what we were told to expect given he was born so early.

It sure hasn't stopped his growth, though! Every week he grows just enough to not be able to wear even more clothes. So in case anyone feels like sending him some summer 3-6 or 6-9 month stuff, feel free! We're running out quick! :) I told him this morning that his daddy needs to get a job so he doesn't have to walk around as a little naked boy. By the way, the pic above is from yesterday afternoon. He drifted off after his Nana fed him and he slept like this for about 3 hours. Oh, and if you haven't noticed, I put up a new video on the right side the other day. Enjoy!