Zachary Is 6 Months Old!

It's awful when our life gets so busy that I don't even have time to write about what we're doing. The month of May has been non-stop for us, and while it's been a blast, we are all looking forward to this coming weekend where we have *nothing* planned! I feel bad about not getting a chance to blog about some of the fun we've had, but I would be here all night if I tried to catch up, and morning comes very early in this house... But there are a few important updates that I must share, and then some pictures.

First, Zachary is 6 months old! I am very proud to say that we exclusively breastfed for 6 full months, quite happily. Breastfeeding continues, but Zachary has now started to eat the ever tasty rice cereal. We thought starting with a banana might be more fun, but Zachy did not agree and spit it right out. He seemed happier with the cereal - maybe because it was mixed with Mama milk... Lexi LOVES this new phase, because there is nothing more fun to a three year old that having a real life doll whose mouth she can shove a spoon into! She is in her glory. Today we went to see Dr. Martin and she is still quite pleased with Zachary's development. She was impressed to hear that he is already saying "dada", "blah blah", "ala", etc., and was happy with how well he is learning to sit and roll around. Surprisingly, he did not gain as much weight as expected, and has actually dropped to the 20th percentile for weight. We're not at all concerned about this, but she did say that he is not as big as everyone keeps telling me he is. Here are his stats from today:
Height - 27.25 inches - 75th percentile
Weight - 15lbs 12.5 ozs - 20th percentile
Head - 44.4 cm
He continues to be the happiest baby alive, and actually giggled when he got his shots today. Well, he giggled after the first one, and then screamed hysterically after the second. Poor thing.

Lexi is still as happy as ever. She loves being in preschool, and has quickly made a best friend, Riley. Her teacher told me today that they are inseparable and hug each other all day long. She is a wonderful helper at home, and just a joy every minute of the day. The other night she came into the kitchen and asked me if she could have some yogurt. I told her it was fine and as she opened the refrigerator to get it out she said, "You are the sweetest Mama in the whole world." :) Of course, Ahren won't let me get away with not telling the other story... One Wednesday evening we were eating dinner after I had done my track workout. After dinner she hopped down and came over to give me a big hug. I said, "Awe, Lexi you are so sweet" to which she replied, "You STINK!" That's my kid. :)

And now, some pictures of the adorable angels.

Mother's Day

Dear Lexi and Zachary,

Today is Mother's Day, a day when we are supposed to stop and remember to thank our moms for everything they do for us throughout the year. But today as your mommy, I want to stop and thank you. You each have your own ways of making me feel like the luckiest mom alive each day.

Lexi, when you say things to me like, "You're the sweetest Mama in the whole world." or "Mama, in my eyes you are fancy" (when I forget to dress up for the Mother Tea at your school) or when I tell you I'm tired and you come over and give me the most loving and gentle hugs, it absolutely melts my heart. Sometimes I wonder if you're really three years old, or an adult stuck in a little girl's body. In the last three and a half years you have become my best friend and I truly enjoy every moment we spend together. When you call me back in the room for one more hug and kiss, or when we go through our bedtime routine each night - one minute, then one half a minute, then good night, sweet dreams, I'll see you in the morning - it reminds me that I am simply the luckiest Mommy in the world.

Zachary, for a five month old you sure can melt a Mama's heart yourself! The hugs you give me in the morning, or after a long day at Yaya's, or even after we've been apart for only five minutes make me feel like you're the one protecting me. You hold on and squeeze so tight, so lovingly. And this morning, after I had been away all night, your greeting made my week. Your face lit up like a Christmas tree, and your arms started waving, and within just moments you were actually crying with joy that I was home. There could be no greater homecoming, and once I had you in my arms, I cried with joy a bit too. It's nice to have a night away, but there is nothing like coming home to my baby.

Flowers and cards and fancy lunches are wonderful, but there is no better way for me to celebrate Mother's Day than to have my angels, my sweet, sweet babies in my arms. Thank you both for being the best gifts on earth.

Love,
Mama