Zach's Birthday Fun

Zach should be worn out from all of his 1st birthday parties! On his actual birthday last week, we had a little party that turned into a big party at our house. Zach loved it! Jason's parents, Grandma and Papa came up for the day to see him. Shannon, Cody, and Andy came over for the party, too.

Jason and me with our one year old son! I can't believe it.

Yumm...

Thank you for all my wonderful presents!

Gran & Z

Today we had another birthday party for Zach so that more of Jason's fam and my fam who was all together for Thanksgiving could celebrate with us. We missed you Mandy, Bo, and Abs!!

Garrett & Meredith my sis-in-law

Papa and Gigi with Zach

Cody and Shannon with Z

Jason's Aunt Linda with Z

Jason's Aunt Tracy with Z

Allie helped Z open his gifts. Mary Afton did, too, but she's not in this pic. Thanks, girls!

My parents Pappy & Bunny

My brother Faber with Allie

Jason and I are so thankful for our amazing families who love Zach so much. I'm glad I at least have a month in between Z's birthday and Christmas!

Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! Zach was so excited that he woke up at 4:30 am and didn't want to go back to sleep. Can I please hire a night nurse!?! So Riley, Hannibal (my brother's dog), Zach, and I spent the early morning all together watching a Christmas movie. Crazy stuff!

After eating my mom's amazing cinnamon rolls for breakfast, we drove to Jason's Grammie's house to spend the day with his side of the fam. We had a wonderful day filled with food and family. Zach was very entertained with four wheelers, dogs, and simply taking in everything around him.

G-Daddy & Zach

Andy with his dog Chaco

Is this a thankful face or what!?

One Year

November 19, 2007

Jason holding Zach for the first time.

This pic is when I first really laid eyes on Zach. Indescribable!

It's amazing what can happen in one year. Wow! A few things I've learned...

*When I have a bad day, it hits me that I have a healthy beautiful son, and my day turns completely around.

*I love that Zach looks exactly like Jason...even though I will continue to point out features I think are from me.

*Zach has taught me in a refreshing way that family comes first.

*I never thought I could live on sleeping six hours again at night and get used to it.

*I am more in love with Jason than I have ever been. However, this did not come without a price. Having Zach was one of the most wonderful and hardest things for us. We have grown so much closer because of him.

*Cuddling with Zach is one of my favorite things to do.

*I have more compassion and understanding for new moms. All we need is encouragement!

*I love to hear Zach laugh. It's music to my ears!

*I've learned more about GOD's abundant grace.

*Recently I told Jason that I'm still trying to find the "me in motherhood" meaning that I desire to be all GOD wants me to be as a mama to Zach without losing myself or my personality in the process. Just like when I married Jason, I was suddenly "Jason's wife" but I was still Katie. I want my identity to be in Christ alone, not who I am married to or who my kids are. Make sense!? Anyway, Jason laughed and said, "Katie, there is no ME in motherhood." I had to laugh because of the way it sounded. I couldn't agree with him more!

November 19, 2008

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY, my little man!! I am so glad GOD gave you to us!

Crafty!?

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am not a crafty person. I always wished I was, but it just isn't one of my gifts. I'm ok with this, but I do like to try a little project sometimes just for fun. Usually this ends up being a disaster, but a girl's got to try, right? I have learned that it's best for me to follow exact directions, copy something already crafty, or keep things VERY simple.

I have had this stool for years and years. I don't even remember exactly but I think I made it at Vacation Bible School or something like that. Anyway, I decided to paint it for Zach so he could play or sit on it, and one day use it as a little step.

Before pic - nicely decorated with everyone's names. Ha!

I liked to write my name...

Tada! I really like how it turned out, and no the circles are not supposed to be perfect. That wouldn't be any fun. ; )

I hope Zach likes it!

Makes Me Smile

Bling

Look who made it to fam night!?

Uncle Andy!

Complete with an attitude

Zach didn't quite know what to think. I think the wig scared him. I snapped this pic right before he crawled quickly away!

Friends

Yesterday my friend Kate and her beautiful daughter Norah stopped by for a visit. I actually got Zach to sit still for a second to take some pics. He didn't know what to think about this quiet little girl. He swatted at her a few times, but we're working on this!

Now why am I sitting here? There are toys to be thrown at Riley!

I'm innocent. I promise!

All Bundled Up

Our Week

This past week went by so fast! Zach is crawling and pulling up on everything. He is almost one year old! I thought he would be walking by Halloween, but oh well. I'm fine with whatever stage he in in. I just love watching him grow!

My favorite thing he is doing now is saying "Mama" all the time. His eyes light up when he says it, and my heart just melts. He even calls Jason this sometimes, but yesterday he said something like "Dada." I was feeling bad for Jason so hopefully Zach will be saying "Dada" soon.

Jason and I gave him his first haircut a few days ago. His "old man" hair over his ears was driving me crazy! It looks really cute now.

Zach is also in this crazy stage of eating only strawberries, jello, and goldfish. He'll eat chicken sometimes, too. He was such a great eater in the beginning I just knew we wouldn't have any problems with him eating. I was wrong! I know this will pass though.

This is one of Zach's favorite places to play in our house.

Yesterday Jason had sinus surgery. I know, I know, us and our surgeries. One of his nurses remembered me from a few weeks ago from my appendectomy. Small world!

I camped out at the hospital all day with my computer and magazines, and Jason's parents entertained little man. They came up to keep me company, and this nurse came out of nowhere with bubbles. They were a hit with Zach.

Trying to catch a bubble. I think he really looks like Jason in this pic!

This morning Zach started crawling around with this lamb in his hand. Another new thing! I guess he needs another buddy besides Riley.

Trying a little nibble.

Halloween

Can't get enough of this cute little turtle! Last night we went "trick-or-treating" at the town square. Zach was in awe of everything going on around him, and of course he was the cutest baby there!

Shannon met us there to see Zach. My parents came up for the football game this weekend, so they were able to go with us. I'm glad Zach isn't able to eat candy yet, or I would be eating it as I write this...not good! The candy that we didn't pass out last night to the kiddos doesn't count, right!?

We couldn't resist taking a picture of these cute dogs! Isn't this hilarious!?

Bunny, Zach, and Pappy

What is going on in that mind of his!?

Go Hogs Go!

Leaves everywhere

This was the best picture I could get of my two crazy kids! Ha! Riley has really mellowed and does so well with Zach. Most of the time Zach just terrorizes poor Ri, but we are trying to teach him to be gentle with her. Wish us luck!