Who’s a big 1 year old? Zachary!

Good Morning Birthday Boy!

We sang Happy Birthday to Zachary, but he didn't understand what we were doing.

Zachary put on his Birthday Boy shirt and was ready to face the day!  It started with dropping Elena off at school (her last day).Then, a trip to the doctor office for a one year wellness visit and shots.  Zachary enjoyed the bead toy and opening the cabinets (his usual doctor office activities). But this time he was walking from the toy to the cabinets, not crawling.

He explored the tub of books too (we always have to wait for Dr. Miller).  He really liked the sheep page.All done with the exam, now just waiting for shots...  Zachary weighed 22lbs 8oz (50th percentile), was 31" long (80th percentile), and had a head circumference of 18 1/2" (70th percentile).  Not too proportionate, but he looks good to us!  Dr. Miller said he was doing great and was on track and even a little ahead with his motor skills.  Now to work on Zachary's eating and sleeping habits...  But he's a healthy guy and Dr. Miller was impressed that she's only seen him for wellness visits and not any sicknesses in between.

Zachary had 3 shots in his arms and stopped crying as soon as he was in his mommy's arms.

Tired kiddo was ready for a nap, but Big Sis had an early dismissal and show we had to get to...  We wanted to celebrate the day with a nice lunch out, but Zachary was too tired.  Good thing Grandma and Grandpa were with us and could take Elena out to celebrate with Mexican tortilla chips and a virgin daiquiri.  Zachary had to go home and sleep, sleep, sleep!   After the nap there was time to visit the garden and snack on some strawberries.  Zachary prefers the wild variety.

He just kept stuffing his face.  We celebrated Zachary's first birthday (and Grandma and Grandpa's wedding anniversary since they're on the same day) at Coho Cafe.  We had fond memories of celebrating Elena's first birthday at the restaurant and wanted to continue the tradition.

    Zachy, those are crayons, not a harmonica!!!

    

Grandma and Grandpa gave him a birthday card.

Zachary enjoyed the french fries, calamari, fish, flatbread, and aioli sauce.

 

We sang Happy Birthday, and again he didn't get it...

Zachary was very timid about digging into the dessert.  He wasn't a big fan of the chocolate cake (more for Mommy and Daddy), but he loved the ice cream.  Good thing we're having ice cream at his birthday party instead of cake...

It even tastes good off the table...

What a cute messy face!

Then it was goodbye hugs and kisses to Grandma and Grandpa and off to bed. 

The following day Zachary had his birthday pizza (free from Alfy's Pizza) and sundae cupcakes.  Sundae cupcakes are made with melted ice cream and topped with whipped cream, fresh raspberries, and hot fudge sauce.  Zachy's favorite part of that was the candle and whipped cream.

And we still have two more birthday celebrations for him later this month.  First his huge birthday party with guests and presents, and then a family birthday party with Nana, PopPop, and the rest of our Tri-Cities relatives.

Happy Birthday Zachary!

Another day of feeding ducks at Country Village

A beautiful sunny day and a bag of bread to get rid of, we’re off to feed the ducks! Zachy says hi ducks!  QUACK!

As soon as they see us with the bag of bread, the ducks and geese start to swarm.  The babies weren’t babies anymore, but we could tell them apart because they still had some fluffy down.

Good thing the ducks like to share their bread…

Elena put a handful of bread on the rock by Zachary hoping he’ll help her feed the ducks.  He seems content just snacking…    The ducks get braver and attempt to get Zachy’s stash.  C’mon Zachy, throw the bread!So close he can touch them!  But as soon as Zachy makes his move, the duck backs off.  Then big sis comes and throws the last of the bread into the pond.

Visitors!

Hello Aunt Tania and Uncle Edi! Welcome to the cardboard annex at the River House! There's a tunnel too! And Elena will take your order for delicious (and very expensive) eats!
Zachy liked playing peek-a-boo with Aunt Tania.

Hope to see you both again soon!

Some firsts

Zachy had his first car wash (at home). He spent his time crawling under the cars, splashing in the bucket of bubbles, and crying. He got put in the grass with his sister and seemed much happier. Here he is having his first Cheeto! Big sis was so proud.
He liked the little picnic which also had blueberries - yum! It will be fun to see him this summer at the strawberry plants and blueberry bushes... Wonder how many green ones he'll eat...

Zachy had his first Croatian cookie (a gift from Aunt Tania). It's really just a hazelnut flavored wafer cookie, but it was a tasty way to experience our heritage.

Zachy loved it!

Zachy loves swimming!

Ah, the pool by Grandma's house is so refreshing! No matter how tired Zachy is from a day in the woods, he definitely wakes up when we reach the pool! Wave hello to everyone Zachy!
Zachy really enjoyed playing peek around the handrail. Other than that, he didn't want to be on the steps at all. No, he would much rather be out floating and splashing.

Grandma took him in the kiddie pool (which is very cold). Should have worn your swimsuit Grandma!

Wagons ho!

Who needs a team of oxen when you've got a burly daddy? Both kiddos enjoyed the bumpy wagon ride. Especially the fast downhill part!
Hamming it up for the camera.

Zachy is a real Mr. Serious, just like his daddy.

Yes, Jim was worn out long before the kids...

We're walking, walking, walking!

As of last Wednesday, Zachy is a true walker. No more take two steps and sit down, no-sir-e, he is walking meters and meters!

Aunt Tania tries to coax him to walk while the camera is rolling.

Sure, none of these videos show his skill, but we are really enjoying his walking. So much in fact we don't want to run and get the camera, or bother to hold it straight. Really you should come and see him walk in person, or convince Jim to get out the video camera and make a video like he did for Elena...