Better Late Than Never?

Cute kid, goofy picture.

Dear Zach,

     You are without a doubt the best thing that ever happened to our little family of three.  I was so overwhelmed when we decided to try for Baby #2, but something kept telling me it was "now or never".  My hands were full at the time and some people thought I was nuts to take on another, but I knew.  I knew we would always wish Luke had a sibling, and I knew if I got a taste of sleeping through the night or of a life without changing diapers, I might never go back.  Sure enough, you came into our lives and touched our hearts.  You were such a sweet and easy baby, and you continue to be a sweet and easy toddler (knock on wood) :).  You've helped me with my confidence and I'm a better person for learning how to raise children with very different personalities.  I have so enjoyed watching you grow and interact with your brother and dad.  Thank you for being my "love bug" and for allowing me to smother you in kisses.

Love,

Mom

My little guy Zach just turned two.  (Okay, he turned two over two months ago, but whatever, cut a girl some slack.)  I hadn't written this post sooner, not because I was at a loss of things to say, but rather how to say them.  I am determined to keep things fair between my boys and to not stereotype them as "the funny one" or "the sweet one" or "the smart one", but let's just say Zach is pulling forward in the "not-so-strong-willed" category, which is fine by me!  I also have trouble writing something when I'm supposed to.  It makes me less likely to do it.  Hmmm, I guess the Luke Apple doesn't fall far from the Mommy Tree.

But back to Zach...

Daddy's lap is his favorite spot.

It's funny; I always teased my friend Barrett for gritting her teeth when she saw cute babies,

"Barrett, you are not supposed to want to eat babies.  That is weird.  Quit it!"

She'd reply with something like,

(In a very cute tone.)  "I can't help it!  They're so cute I just want to eat them up!"

I'd always think to myself,  Weirdo!

But I get it now.  Zach is edible.  And I want to eat him. 

Now who's the Weirdo?!

He's just so sweet and delicious.  (This is getting weirder, huh?)

Since his birth, he has been incredibly affectionate, always wanting to cuddle and nuzzle.  My favorite time of the day (with the exception of after the boys' bedtime of course) :), is when Zach wakes up from his afternoon nap and requires a little snuggle time.  We sit on the couch, his face pressed up against mine.  I absolutely love the smell of his breath.  I know this sounds crazy.  Some would call it morning breath (which is disgusting, right?), but I like to think of it as baby's breath (much better, eh?).  I also like to think that he enjoys my breath too, as he tends to place his forearm against my mouth and nose.  If I move, he moves to keep it there.  Apparently we have a fondness for each other's breath.  (Sorry, I'll try to dial down the weirdness from here on out.)

He is also the most agreeable child I've ever met.  Where many kids like the word "no", Zach is full of yeses.  Actually it's more like, "Ess".

Zach, do you want something to eat?

"Ess."

Do you love mommy?

"Ess."

Do you think mommy is the most beautiful and intelligent person in the world?

"Ess.!"

You may think I'm kidding, but I actually do this all the time.  In fact, the last question was pretty tame compared to some of them.  Yes, I need to get out more.  Perhaps I miss reviews and feedback from the career world and this is my attempt at getting some again.  Granted it's not exactly fair or honest, but have you seen the salary of a stay-at-home mom?  Zilcho!  So just try to argue with me on this one.

Hmmm, what else?  His speech is really coming along, and he continues to surprise us with complete (and not-so-complete) sentences, much to Luke's ("Uke's") chagrin:

"Uke is mean."

"Uke hit my tummy."

"Uke no share."

I think it's pretty natural for the big brother to see what he can get away with when Mom isn't looking, but Zach is definitely beginning to hold his own.   He's been known to peg Luke with a wooden block or train here and there.  Steve says Luke better watch out because, "Zach's gonna kick his @ss one day."

I don't know, Luke's pretty feisty.  It might be a fair match.

And in Luke's defense, Zach does some pretty nasty things.  Like take out elaborately built architectural specimens (aka buildings made of blocks) with one swipe of his hand...then laugh hysterically.  He's been nicknamed "The Destroyer" and Luke will get to the point of almost wetting his pants trying to protect his buildings, rather than go to the bathroom.

I'm sure this one didn't last long.

This one didn't have a chance.  Look at that guilty face.

And I wish I could report that he is a fabulous eater, but he's not.  Nowhere close.  If this kid had his way he'd eat Cheerios for every. single. meal.  I honestly can't tell whether his poop smells like Cheerios or if Cheerios smell like poop.  Regardless, I will never be able to eat Cheerios again in my life.  Ever.  Period.  I'm cringing just thinking about it. 
Steve (who refers to me as the Food Nazi) is always telling me that Zach is going to waste away (just what every mother wants to hear) if he doesn't start eating more, so I considered giving in to his desire for junk food.  I was this close (holding my thumb and pointer finger together) to succumbing to chicken nuggets and mac and cheese on a nightly basis, when I spoke to our pediatrician about it.  She confirmed I should stick to my guns. 
"He'll eat if he's hungry.  Don't give him junk."

Food Nazi: 1  Dad: 0, not that I'm keeping score or anything. :)


Zach is also doing very well in the Mother's Day Out program at the YMCA.  I've decided they should call it "Mother's Day To Go Shopping and Buy More Stuff Than She Needs",
 but it has been four years, five months, and 26 days since I have had regularly scheduled "me" time.  That, and Steve keeps bugging me to get the house finished so we can have that housewarming party we've been talking about since we moved in.  Yes, we moved in 2008, but whatever. 

(Whoops, off subject again.)

I could go on and on about this little guy, but my boys are all out of town and I'm supposed to be painting the bathroom and finalizing the colors for our cabinets, interior walls, exterior trim, shutters, and doors...blah, blah, blah...so, I better run.  At least my stalling led me to finally write this post.  There's that ADD kicking in again.

Until next time...

xo,

Jess

I was having a hard time configuring the pictures from his birthday party above, so here they are:

Our last minute cupcakes for his party. 

It was a good thing I made three since a neighbor kid dropped in to join us.

Love this picture!!!

"Hee Hee, Mom's going to let me eat junk!"

Not really -- it was carrot cake. :)

Opening Grandpa Tom's present, his first electric toothbrush.

He loved it!!!

A bike from Mom and Dad. 

I really wanted this very cute Radio Flyer tricycle, but lesson learned: if you're gonna be picky about your son's first bike, shop for it more than two days before his birthday.

Riding his new bike to the mailbox to pick up a package from Mimi.

Opening said package.  We love books!!!