Cutest Little Elf Ever!!!

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Best Christmas Ever!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Well, what can I say. Our first Christmas with Zech, what a great day!! Zech loved all his presents. I believe he might have gotten a little overwhelmed. I will have to say, Zech does a lot better at home, than anywhere else. We went to my mom and dad's and spent the day. Zech was a little fussy, and not his usual happy self. He would get upset very easily today. As soon as we got home, he was great! I've noticed this on several occassions. He is very social, but happiest at home. He plays really good with my nephew, who will turn 3 next week. Zech's birthday is just around the corner, so I need to figure out what kind of party to have. I will probably just have one at home this year since he is more secure here.

I got a camera today, so that means I will get to post a lot more pictures!! I can hardly wait!! I will download the software tomorrow, and then start uploading my pictures. I hope I can figure out how to post better pictures, like an album or something.

I hope eveyone had a very blessed day!

Adoption Final!!!!

Well, today was the big day! Our adoption became final at about 9:30 this morning. Megan, Macey, Brad, and Lisa (the SW) were at the courthouse. What a wonderful moment! We went to dinner tonight and celebrated. Zech still isn't feeling wonderful since the surgery. I thought I would notice a big difference with his hearing, but I'm not sure that I am. I really don't know what I was expecting. I guess he wouldn't immediately start talking english. In time. I know he still has a lot of fluid (I can hear it in his throat). He needs to be drinking more water, but he doesn't like drinking right now. Tomorrow is the Christmas parade. Tom's band will be playing at the coffee shop afterwards. I hope Zech is feeling good.
Well, just wanted to share the good news. I will probably change my blog address at some point since our adoption journey has ended today. I can remember reading other people's blogs a year ago, thinking "I will never get to that point", "will he ever be home", "Is all this just a dream". Well, here I am now, with my precious son!!Wondering, how in the world have I lived without him. The judge said today, "you know this is for a long time, until he is 18 or 21 he will be your son." I thought that odd, and told him he will be our son even when he is 50, he will be our son forever! Isn't it funny how someone 10,000 miles away, born a different race, by people you've never met or dreamed of meeting, can totally, 100 percent, be really meant for your family? Really meant to be your child. Isn't God amazing?!

Megan & Zech in the local paper

This is the picture that was on the front page of our local paper. It talked about it being Zech's first Christmas in America and how his big sister and him are helping needy kids in White County. The tree had a hundred names of local kids that need Christmas. Megan does this every year at the coffee shop, it's always a great success!

Zech in his winter hat

Now, How cute is this?!!

Surgery

Zechariah did great during his surgery!!! The doctor said he should hear a lot better. He had a very thick fluid behind his eardrums and his adenoids were very inflammed. They did not do the ABR test. Insurance would not pay for it in a surgical environment, it has to be done in the hearing center (sedated). I offered to pay cash, but they said that is illegal?! So annoying. I hate having to have Zech sedated once, let alone twice. But, as many points as I threw out, I did not "win". However, after the surgery, the doctor said the ABR test would not have been accurate because of the suction that the tubes cause right after being put in. So, after 3 weeks, I will take him back and we will schedule the test, if needed. He may show that he can hear fine by then. He is already showing an improvement in hearing. I can whisper his name and he turns his head! So excited!!! I am so proud of Zech! He has been such a trooper through all this!!
Thank for all your prayers!

Adoption Day!!!

Well, Friday Dec. 12th, we finalize our adoption!! Yeah!!!! I don't think a thing will change, except he will be a legal Dawson!! Also, a US citizen. Happy Day!! Zech was sick for a few days, stomach virus. He was very clinging....which I didn't mind a bit!!! We go for more doc visits tomorrow for surgery prep. He will be operated on Tuesday. I'm kinda nervous, but God is good and I know he will be fine!! Things are very crazy around here. We have loggers starting to log our property (please pray for a birds eye maple!!!!), we've been trying to get a wood furnace installed, work has been busy, and I haven't even began to think about buying Christmas presents(well, except for Zech!!). Well, time to get Zech to bed. God bless.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

We have so much to be thankful for!! I remember last year wishing so much that Zech would be home, now this year he is!!! He really enjoyed his first Thanksgiving! He played with his cousins, ate lots of turkey, and then fell asleep! Some friends are over now and he is playing in a tent, having a blast!! What a blessing!! In twelve days he will be having his surgery. Please keep him in your prayers. The x-ray came back, and his spine is fine. Thank you Lord!! Macey found a sponge bob pillow and gae it to Zech, he loves it! Well, good night and happy Thanksgiving!!

Zech Doing a Sound Check

Zech playing the air guitar


Zech's doing a sound check for Tom's band. He looks chubbier than he really is!!

OMG! This is a great video and song!

On Our Way to Hearing!!

Zech does have fluid behind his ears. He goes Dec. 9th to have tubes put in his ears, his tonsils and adenoids taken out, and an ABR test done(some test on the brain to check his hearing). It's a two hour surgery, but he should be able to come home after. His tonsils are extremely large, that's why he has trouble sleeping. It should help him breath better, so he'll get a better night's sleep(they said he has sleep apnea). I wish we could go sooner, but it's all in God's time!
Zech was a little scared today. He's been to the doc several times since he's been home, so I don't know why he was scared. I comforted him and he got okay. Hopefully when it's all done, he will not only hear better, but feel better too.
We're all very excited to get this done.
Also, Sunny is now with Zech's foster mom. I am so excited that he is in a loving home. Please keep Sunny and a boy named Wallace in your prayers that they will find their forever families soon.
Thanks and God Bless.

Oh How Time Flies By!!

I can not believe I haven't posted in so long!! Everything has been going great here. We have sent the final adoption papers off and are just waiting for a court date. Dec. 1st we will have been with Zech 6 months! I can't believe it's been that long, but at the same time I feel like he's been here his whole life!! Monday we take Zech to an ENT(ear,nose, throat) specialist. I am almost positive they will want to put tubes in his ears. I hope they do it soon. We want to take him to Michigan, but I would like that done before we go.
Last Saturday, Tom's band played at the Coffee Shop. They did an awesome job! Some people got up to dance, and Zech got up there with them. When they sat down, Zech ran up on stage and danced and played the air guitar. I asked a friend "am I just having a mommy moment, or is he just cute as heck?" They said he was cute as heck, so it wasn't just me! OMG, where is a video camera when you need one. There were a few people there video taping, so hopefully one will give me a copy!
My toe is still hurting, but the swelling is down quite a bit. I'm still hobbling along.
Megan and Macey are still working quite a bit. Megan and Nick broke up a couple weeks ago. Megan was sad, but seems to be doing okay. There are three different guys calling the house for her now, so I think that makes her feel good. We do miss Nick though, he's been in the family over two years, it's kinda hard to just not have him around now.
I'm sure there's a lot more to catch up on, but this is the jist of it all.
God Bless!

Pictures from Yesterday

Halloween!

Yesterday was so much fun!! Zech was Sponge Bob Square Pants. Megan made his costume, too cute!(Will post picture late tonight or in the morning). We went to a local church that had a trunk or treat. They had bounce houses and Zech did so good! He was actually able to do it by himself. We had taken him to a bounce house before, and he didn't have the strength to climb or the coordination to stand up, but he did great last night! Megan went with him to make sure he was okay, but he didn't need any help(except to get him out because he didn't want to leave). After that, Tom and Zech went to my mom and dad's to show them his outfit. I went with Megan to a haunted forest, we had such a good time! I didn't get home until 2:30 this morning. When I went to bed, Zech woke up and put his arms around me. I absolutely love his hugs and kisses!!! He is such a special child!!! The other day, I was reading a blog that had a picture of their child that has some physical issues, Zech rubbed the photo and said "Awwww", then put his head on my shoulder and started to cry. How amazing is that to be 4 yrs. old and have such empathy for another child!!!!! My goodness, what we should learn from him!
Well, on another note. Mom, Dad, and my nephew Tripp came over on the four-wheeler today. Zech wanted a ride, so dad, Tripp, and Zech went for a ride. I ran into the house to get the camera and stubbed my toe. It took my breath and brought tears to my eyes. I got in the house (after taking the picture) and my toe was killing me! I took my sock off and my pinky toe fell to the side. Needless to say, I was worried that something else might be broke because it hurt so bad. We went to a healthcare facility and my toe is broke. It was a complete break, but not much they can do except tape it up (which dad and Tom had already done). Still hurts extremely bad!! But, this too shall pass.
Until next time.......................

Hearing Test

Well, the final visit with the SW went well. We will be sending the final adoption papers off at the first of the week and will hopefully have a court date soon! The hearing test went very good. They were actually able to tell if the ear drum was moving or if there was fluid behind it. He does have fluid in both ears. Also, they had a device that they put on his head to "bypass" the fluid to check his hearing. Which, he heard in the normal range!! Yeah! What that means is we go on Nov. 17th at 1 pm to an ENT who will probably schedule to have tubes put in his ears to help drain the fluid. At the same time, they will probably do an ABR test to get a better understanding if there is permenant hearing loss and how each ear hears. I can't wait for him to be able to hear better! I think his speech will improve quite a bit after that. So, everything went great today! Another step made towards total health and to officially become a Dawson!!!

Final Visit!!!

Today our SW is coming for her final visit with Zechariah. After that we will be ready to finalize the adoption. We are so excited!!! Not that it changes how we feel or anything, but he will legally be a Dawson! How exciting!! Zech also goes for a hearing test today. We have been waiting to get him into an ENT, but we have to have the hearing test first for the referal. Can't wait for that to get settled. Macey has been working a lot. She likes it, but it seems odd not seeing her as much as we use to. Megan has been working a lot too. It's Christmas season and she has quite a few parties booked. I try to post later and let everyone know how the visit and testing goes. The picture above was taken on the square of Sparta. We were having a "Souper Bowl" that day (soup and chili cook off). Tom's band was playing.

God Bless!!

Too darn cute!!

Here is a brief video of Zech jumping. I turned the camera sideways so I could get his feet, not realizing it would be viewed that way. Sorry, but you can still see how adorable he is! I met the sweetest young man today. He is 27 and his name is Micheal. He has Down syndrome. He immediately stuck out his hand and introduced himself, explaining he was "new"(he just moved here from Florida). He came in the store with a lady who recently moved here and has been coming in the store quite a bit, she knew Zech. She told Micheal that my son had ds and he said "me too, I'm gifted". It was so precious!! I thought was a great thing to say! Yesterday Zech and I went to TTU(Local college) and I spoke in a class about raising a child with special needs. I told them we had adapted to Zech's special needs and he has adapted to ours. I really tried to make sure everyone knew that we all have special needs and Zech is no different (or harder) to raise than Megan and Macey were.......are(ha!ha!) Hope you enjoy the video!

The past week

Well, Zech has had the stomach flu. He's doing great today, but was throwing up a couple days ago, and very tired and grouchy. He's back to his sweet little self now! Macey started her job at Maurice's this week. She didn't like her first day, but yesterday was better. She has really been busy with school and work, but doing great. Last Saturday we had the wedding reception at the coffee shop. It went so good!! The bride's mom said "it was perfect. Couldn't have dreamed of it going any better". Megan did such a good job, I was really impressed!! Zech stayed with a friend of ours while the reception was going on. Her little boy is in Zech's class, he had a ball. She took him to a pumpkin patch and he got to pick a pumpkin. She is suppose to send me pics, I'll post them as soon as she does. This weekend is our soup and chili cookoff on the square, after that, we don't have much planned. I'm wanting to go to Michigan in November to take Zech and meet the rest of our family. I think he will have a ball! My grandma is really missing him. She talks about him all the time. Some people came to the Coffee shop yesterday that was interested in adopting from Hong Kong. I told them about Sunny. I so pray he finds a family soon. I wish I could post his picture, he is so adorable!!

What's been going on?

Well, since my last post, we've just been doing day-to-day things. The store/coffee shop has been extremely busy with different events, which is a blessing, just not a lot of extra time. I am so behind in reading other blogs, I really miss it. Zechariah is loving school and going with Rachel(Karate). He is getting a little more vocal and has started jumping. It is so cute!!!! He barely gets off the ground, but is getting better at it every day! Macey applied for 2 jobs in Cookeville, and got both. She is working hard to be able to move and be closer to school. She is going to be missed! Megan has been fervently working! She has a big wedding at the coffee shop Saturday. They start setting up Friday. Tom's band will be playing at it, so he's been busy doing with that. Zech has a four day weekend from school, I'm looking forward to that. I love it when we get to spend so much time together. Hoping I get my own camera for Christmas so I can take a lot more pictures. Oh, Monday night Macey, Zech, and I went to an International Adoption meeting. I was the guest speaker. It went really well. There is a family there adopting from HK, so they had questions, that always helps. Zech was great! He was dressed up with a little tie on, too cute! When we were in Hong Kong, we were able to stay a few hours at the orphanage and play with the kids. There is one little boy that we all keep thinking about. Macey actually wakes up crying about him, she's so worried. His name is Sunny and is 2 months younger than Zech. Please keep him in your prayers that he will find his forever family. We got pictures of him Monday, he is so adorable. Well, until next time.................

Zech and his best friend Kayden

Here are some pic's of Kayden and Zech. We gathered stuff for our fairy house. The kids loved it!! They built their first house that day.

Past due photos

Zech At the County Fair


Zech riding in a boat

Macey and Zech coming down the big slide

Vanderbilt Appointment

Friday we took Zech to Vanderbilt, finally!! They didn't cancel his appointment this time. First they did a video swallow study because in April of this year he had been silently asperating. He is NOT asperating now, praise the Lord!! He can drink thin liquids now, though he doesn't want to. He still like me feeding him his water. I have still been thickening it, but gradually decreasing and trying to get him to drink from a straw. We met with a general surgeon and GI doctor to check his bottom. They both seem to think he has a sphincter(spelling?) and he will be able to be potty trained. He has a lot of harden stool in his intestines, so I am doing a three day cleanse to remove it, and then will be on miralax every day to regulate. This was all very exciting news to us. I hope they are right, but we will deal with whatever happens. I can't believe I have fallen so behind in posting, we have been busy morning til night. We had a huge day at the store saturday. It was Liberty Square Celebration (fall festival) and we were busy from 7am until 11pm. Tom brought Zech up there around 3pm. He had a ball! We had three different bands play at the Coffee Shop and Zech loved every minute (he did fall asleep once though for about 30 minutes). I have several pics to post, its just finding the time. I use Macey's camera and she has it most the time. I think I know what I need for Christmas. Well I hope everyone is well...God Bless!

Strep Throat

Over the last few days(Since Wednesday), Zech has had strep throat. He's doing fine now, but he was running a fever and very inactive)which is unusual for Zech). He had me worried, he couldn't tell me why he didn't feel well, and that made me feel helpless. But, he doing great now. Macey has been keeping me busy with looking for an apartment. She's going to move to Cookeville(only 25 miles away), but she will be right by her school and that will save on gas. As much as she has been spending lately, she will actually be saving money by moving. She's looking for a two bedroom one to share with her friend, Christina. Both are good kids, so we don't mind helping her out. I had a little breakdown worrying about her (never watch a documentary on serial killers when your baby girl is wanting to move out!!) I went over the safety issues with her once again (they hear it all the time), she has common sense, I just have to put her in God's hands(as with all the kids)! Megan has been doing well, she's been a bit under the weather lately too, but feeling a lot better today. I can't believe its been a week since I posted, time just keeps speeding by!! I read an article about how one lady de-stressed by building fairy houses with her daughter. It sounded like so much fun! Getting back outside and doing things with your kids instead of in front of the tv. ....what a great idea! They would actually have to use their imagination!! There is a book on fairy houses by Tracey Kane, and a website http://www.fairyhouses.com/. It's sounds really fun!!

2nd Follow-Up visit

Well, our sw left about 1/2 hour ago. Things went really well. She is great!!Zech was his adorable self, except when he wasn't getting full attention and pushed my coffee cup off the table! It spilled and the cup broke. He has never done anything like this. All we could figure is there were 3 strangers in the house and he wasn't getting all the attention. I was kind of embarrassed, hoping she wasn't thinking he had attachment issues or wasn't happy, but she seemed to be fine with it. I am suppose to speak at an international adoption meeting in October. Zech will come with me. I'm a little nervous, but think I can do it! Tomorrow is my sister-in-law's baby shower (called a baby sprinkle). It's their 2nd child so that's why they are calling it a sprinkle instead of a shower.....I thought it was cute! They are having it at the coffee shop, so Megan and Macey are going to be quite busy tomorrow. Well, it's time for bed. Tom should be home in a couple hours, Zech will be happy to see him when he wakes up.
God Bless!

Internet has been down a few days

Well, our internet has been down a few days. Just got it back up, still going through 300+ e-mails. Everything has been going well. Zech was suppose to go to Vanderbilt today, on our way, they called and cancelled. Talk about mental breakdown!! It was for his intestines and swallowing, I'm very anxious to get on a game plan for bowel control, but I guess it will have to wait. It's rescheduled for Sept. 26th. Zech was dedicated at church this pass Sunday. It was wonderful!! The whole congregation got a kick out of Zech. He was singing and dancing and raising his hands. It was awesome!!!! He's saying a few more words. Speech therapy started at school last week. We also had the fair in town. He absolutely loved it! He went down the BIG slide a few times with Tom and Macey, he was laughing so loud....and that smile.....OMG priceless!! Our SW is coming tomorrow for the 2nd follow up visit. It should be final by the end of this year...hopefully!! Macey has started school back. All is well so far. Megan is still working away at the store. I hired a woman that use to work for us a few years ago. I have been so busy lately, I can't seem to keep up with things at work (I think it's because I love staying at home with Zech and haven't been going in much). Well, Until next time...............

What's been going on lately

Well, as always, we've been busy. Zech has been enjoying school. I think he has been showing a little more need for security, he doesn't like it when I leave him at school, but loves it after I leave. He hasn't been crying, he just looks sad. I don't know if I should have waited or not. I just really didn't want him to fall behind on his therapies. If it gets any worse(if he starts crying every day) we'll keep him home. Zech had an appointment at Vanderbilt tomorrow, but it got moved to next Thursday. Zech continues to be a blessing each and every day! He's still the hit of the town!! We actually got seated at a restaurant in front of like 6 families that were already waiting! It took over a half hour to place our order because people kept coming to the table to talk to us.....we felt famous!! He makes everyone that meets him smile and laugh!

Zech's first day of school

Zech being silly before school....I think he's excited!!

Zech blowing us kisses

Mommy and Zech

Daddy and Zech

Zech after a long day.

Zech at school

Zech's first day

Well, today was Zech's first day of school. He loved it!! He only goes 2 1/2 hours. I don't know if that's the norm or not, but that's what they offer here. In HK he went 8 hours so I hope he doesn't fall behind. We are working with him at home of course, so hopefully we're doing everything right. Last week was super busy! I had classes so Tom kept Zech. I really think that was a good bonding time for them. Zech had fun with his daddy! They hung out, went golfing, went to Nashville. I have pictures, but we're on our way to a birthday party, so I'll have to post them later. Zech will be going to Vanderbilt again on Sept. 4th. They will be checking his intestines (looking for Hershburg disease.. not sure if I spelled that right) and he will be having a swallow study done. He had one in Hong Kong in February, but for whatever reason they want another one. On Sept. 7th we will be officially dedicating Zech at church. We already did that personally, we know God is in control of his life, but we would like to make it public. Megan bought Zech a picinic basket, that he absolutely loves. So, we've been having picinics in the house the last couple days. Well, just wanted to put in a quick update. God bless!!

Busy the next 6 days

Thought I would post first thing this morning. This next week is going to be very busy, and I don't know how much time I'll have to post. I have some classes throughout this week, Zech meets with the school tomorrow morning. It's my niece's birthday today.....Happy Birthday Erica!!! Over the last couple days, it seems Zech has been saying more (hopefully it's because some of the ear wax is gone). He mostly has been singing when he says something, but that's okay, he is always music to my ears!! Yesterday he tried getting into the cabinets....literally, I got one quick pic of it. Also, I thought I would post another one of him in Daddy's big truck. I don't know who was happier that day, Zech or Daddy.

Keeping It Real

Several people have blogged on "keeping it real". I have had a hard time trying to think of something to put, but have actually came up with several today.

1. I am a master wanna be organized person. I try and try to be organized, but just can't master it. I make lists, and lose them. I buy notebooks, and start writing in them, and then just stop. I have baskets, tubs, bins, etc... for things and they just end up with a bunch of junk in them. Anything flat ends up with stuff on them. Then, one day I spend going through the stuff, only to end up throwing most of it away, or moving it to another location because I don't know what to do with it. I will master it though.......someday! Mind you, my house isn't really that messy, things are neatly stacked or put somewhere out of view most the time.

2. I hate feet!!! Clean, dirty, whatever. I can't stand anyone (except my kids for some reason) to touch me with their feet! I don't want anyone touching mine, nor do I want to touch theirs! (except my kids).

3. I can not stand to pick up after adults! Dirty dishes put in the sink drive me crazy when they can be put in the dishwasher. Clothes laying on the floor or brushes, hair dryers, etc... being left on the counter drive me crazy. I am not the most domesticated person, so I do well to keep up with myself let alone other adults.

4. I love mysteries, puzzles, and problem solving. If something doesn't work right, I have to figure out why. I'm not saying I'm good at any of these, I do usually figure things out, it just might take me hours or days, but I get obsessed until I do figure it out.

5. I absolutely love my family (and God) more than anything in this world!!! I have had the best parents, grandparents, sister, brother, husband and kids than anyone could possibly imagine!!! I would rather have a family night together than do anything else! I treasure ever moment I get to spend with my family. My parents live right up the road from us, and I will have to truly say they are my best friends! To go up there and just sit and have a cup of coffee.......priceless!!! To be able to work with my daughters (also my best friends) is the best job ever (even if the pay isn't that great!) To be able to laugh, love, and hold my precious baby boy......words can't describe the feeling!!!! And last, but not least, to be able to share this with my lifetime best friend, my husband, is totally awesome!!! What a blessed life I have....thank you God!!

6. I'm a project person. I love to have something going on all the time( which there usually is). I always have a mission, a dream. I am constantly thinking of new projects, always have a new dream, or get on a soap box about something. While I think my family gets tired of these projects, they are always there to help my along with my latest dream, that's why they usually get accomplished....thanks family!!!

Well, I think that's it for now. Thanks for letting me share this.

Some Pics long overdue to post

Zech and my precious Grandma, one of Zech's biggest fans!!
Zech loving on Frankie!

Zech in Daddy's Big Truck!!!

Zech's Vanderbilt Visit .,

Everything went great at Vanderbilt. They all thought Zech was sweet and cute(go figure....!!) They did an ECG(I think that's the correct abbreviation) on his heart, and said the repair was excellent! They got a little wax out of his ears. In a few weeks we'll be going back for tests on his lungs, a swallow test, and to check his intestines. His thyroid test came back okay also. So, he's pretty healthy so far!! He was so good! He shook the doctors hands when he met them, said "Tank you", and blew them a kiss when they were leaving.



Zech getting his heart checked out...he was so good!


Zech on our way to Vanderbilt

Zech singing

I don't know if you can tell in the video below, but when the song says "I wanna stop and thank you baby" Zech make the sign stop and thank you with his hands. Also, when it says "How sweet it is to be loved by you", he crosses his heart and points at someone (usually me...yeah!). I tried to stay out of the video, but we always get carried away with this song.....he loves it!!

How Sweet It Is!

Here is Zech dancing to "How Sweet It Is" by Michael Buble. He gets pretty excited every time he hears this song! We thought it was just too cute to keep to ourselves. :)

Once again!

Well, once again, Zech was the hit at church today. He had everyone laughing the way he praises during the songs. He loves it so much!! He snaps his fingers, raises his arms, dances, claps, and yes he even sings! Zech is talking a little more, that we can understand. He calls megan "Gegan", calls our dog frankie "Ankie", wow is "ow", bye bye (plain), uh oh, hello, and I'm sure there are others, just not off the top of my head. He is still very active, very loving, and absolutely very adorable!!! Zech loves music, he listens to our IPods and dances and sings to them. I have to play our adoption journey over and over. We have a video of him singing and dancing to it. It's on Macey's computer, so she will have to post it....hopefully soon. Zech pretends to talk on the phone all the time. I believe he's calling his foster mom, Mrs. Lau, who I know he loves and misses! I wish everyone could experience his smile and laughter every day, it will melt the coldest of hearts!! Macey has been busy getting ready for school, she just bought a MAC, and loves it. Megan is camping out tonight with a Karate group. Tom, well he is working as always. I feel bad that he is away during the week, but Zech is so excited when he walks through the door. We've got a busy next two weeks. Doctor appointments, school (yes, Zech is going to start school......only 3 hrs. a day.....I won't make him stay if he doesn't want to, I can always wait until next year) and I actually have a couple tests that I need to take to keep up my certification(quantum biofeedback practitioner). Well, until next time.......

Zech at Coffee Corner

I made a short video of Zech for Megan. She took my Grandma home to Michigan and was missing Zech! It's from a cell phone, a little blurry, but you can still see how incredibly cute he is( okay, I am not being partial!) We've been busy, as always. Actually, I just don't know where time goes. Zech has learned to count to five(verbally and actually counts blocks). I can make out what he's saying, I'm not sure how many other people could though. I had a woman come to the CC yesterday to do an evaluation on Zech. The only thing he is behind in is communication, which I knew that. It was hard for her to tell on some things, because of the communication gap. But, his gross and fine motor skills are on target (low side) and cognition, reasoning, and socially seem to be on target. She was pretty impressed with him(who wouldn't be....ha!ha!) Okay, I know, I'm starting to sound like one of those obnoxiously proud moms. I'll try to keep it under control!

He got in!!!

Well, some good news. Zechariah was accepted to the Down Syndrome clinic at Vanderbilt university. They are a great hospital, and have several specialists that will evaluate Zechariah and make sure he is on track for everything he needs. We will be going August 14th! It will probably take all day, we have to be there at 8am. I know he will see an ear specialist and heart specialist that day, plus the PT, OT. There will be others, but I'm not sure what they'll do first. The past couple days we've been hanging out with my Grandma, she's going home tomorrow. We will be going to "The Town Square" tonight to show the movie Bambi. For those of you who don't know, I am President of the Downtown Business Assoication, and last year we started showing outdoor movies on the square. It's free to the community, but requires a lot of work with the concessions and setting up the movie(sound, screen, etc...). I couldn't do it without the help of family and friends. They pretty much do everything now, I just work the projector. Zechariah really enjoys it. He's been doing wonderful!! Until next time......

He's growing up!

Well, we measured Zech today. He has grown 1 1/4" and has gained 1 lb! We are marking the door frame with his height. Macey started singing a little bit ago and Zech started singing too. It was so cute! Megan got up and started singing and doing the motions to "Father Abraham" and Zech got up and did that too. OMG! He is so adorable! Well, got to get to bed.

Have I been slacking??

I know it's been a few days, sorry. We've just been busy, I can't believe how quick time is flying by!! I took Zech to the doctor yesterday, he dropped a toy train on his toe Saturday and a little piece of skin was scraped off. It ended up getting infected. I have no idea why, I cleaned it well with hydrogen peroxide and put antibiotic cream on it, and it wasn't even a big scrape or anything. Oh well, they gave me antibiotics, and it's better this morning! Grandma will be staying this week with us. I wish she would move down here or a least stay 6 months here and 6 months in Michigan. I also had Cranial Sacrial done on Zech yesterday, he seems to be hearing a lot better this morning...I'm really amazed! Tonight we have the "Movie on the Square" we will be playing Swiss Family Robinson. It might get rained out, I hope not. Tomorrow I have a training class in Nashville, so Tom is going to be hanging out with Zech. I like my kids, we get so home sick for him if we're gone away from him just a few hours. Well, until next time......

Some Pics from a couple weeks ago.

Zech after a long day of swimming.....I don't know if I was ever able to get in this position!!

Uncle Dan and Zech snoozing away!!

Zechariah and his friend Kayden. She will be 3 next month. I need to get better at taking the pictures when they are actually smiling!!

The Journey

Tomorrow is Tom and my niece Jamie's Birthday. Everyone came to the house for cake and ice cream and then the all the kids and I went to the movies to see "Journey to the Center of the Earth"--3-D. Zech was so funny! At first I wasn't sure if he would keep the glasses on, but after putting them on and trying to figure out what was going on, he loved them and left them on the whole movie. He really enjoyed it, as did everyone else. I've got a picture, but it's pretty dark because of the theater, but I'll post it anyways. Hope everyone was able to view the video. I really enjoyed doing that once I figured it out. Until next time.

Zech helping Mommy

My neighbor had a freak accident and I was baking a cake for her, Zech decided he wanted to help...think he liked it!

Hong Kong Adventure

I think I got this figured out. I hope it works!

Grandma's Here!

Well, my Grandma came in from Michigan Sunday evening. I have been with her the past few days. She is probably one of the funnest people I've ever met. We went to my uncle's house Monday night. Everybody just loved Zechariah. It was funny, Zech doesn't just take to strangers, but he had a ball!! My Uncle (Greg) is an excellent guitar player and he gave Zech his very own guitar(it was one of his sons first guitars)!! He loves it!! Zech really enjoys music, which surprises me since he has some hearing problems. I have pictures, but probably won't post any until tonight. I really have to work on this picture thing, I use the girls camera's and they end up getting to full or the batteries go dead. I will probably have to get my own. I have been trying to work on a video of our Hong Kong trip. It won't post though, I keep getting an error...so, don't know what's going on. Until next time.....

All is Good!

Been trying to figure out how to make a slide show, can't figure it out yet. We have been busy!! Zech is doing great! He has been very active! He is liking playing the guitar, drums, and any other musical equipment he can find!! He got his first "Big Boy" haircut since he's been home. He was very good, but I don't think he liked it too much. He's very cute!! Here's some pictures to show a little that's been going on.

We had a big weekend!!

Megan and Macey playing along with Zech's "copying" game!

The "goggle" face.

Zech teaching Macey and Tisha(Family friend) how to stick out their tongues.


All Smiles!!

Zech splashing in the pool.

Well, a lot has been going on the last few days. Friday we spent all day on our downtown square for the Fourth of July Celebration. Tom ran the music, Megan orgainzed all the booths, Macey worked the coffee shop, and Zech and I hung out. I have pics to post of that tomorrow, they are on Megan's camera which is at the store. We had some friends come in from Troy, TN that stayed with us (8 of them). So, we had a house full!!! We had a couple cookouts this weekend. Zech had a blast!! He played so hard, I have never seen someone laugh so much!! He likes to play a "copy" game that he does something and we have to follow him. It is so funny!!! Here is some of our pictures.

Some belated pictures...

Zech enjoying the Bass with Brad.

Zech wanting to play with the camera.

Zech getting a little crazy!!

Zech and Pa Pin

Yesterday afternoon, Zech and I went to my mom and dad's. We were sitting outside drinking coffee and dad started playing his harmonica. Zech crawled up in dad's lap and just smiled. He was absolutely taken in by it all. If we would have stopped talking, he would have fallen to sleep in no time. I was glad to see him bonding with my dad. I have a picture, but it's on my phone. I will have to have my daughter figure out how to get it downloaded to my computer. He also kept going to the door hollering for what sounded like "Ma". (Mom wasn't home from work yet). I checked with a local sw who will be coming by next week to "evaluate" Zech and give me some things to do with him to help in different areas. I have a meeting with the school in August for another evaluation. I really hope his hearing is addressed by then , either putting tubes in his ears or hearing aids. He seems to be trying to talk a lot. Some of the things sound fine, others have a muffled sound(which is probably how he's hearing it). So, I thought I would learn something today, but it's just working up to getting him to specialists. Again, until next time.
God Bless!

A Little Summer Fun :)

Yesterday, Zech, the girls, and I went to a friends house to play. They have a two year old daughter Kayden who loves to play with Zech. When we got there, Zech was very excited to play in her little play house. He also loved her kitchen set and pushed around a little shopping car! He was also very fascinated with the kid sized pool on their deck. After they played for a bit, Zech ate some pizza, but was more occupied with all the toys. After dinner, Zech and Kayden rode a kid-sized Gator (a little motorized vehicle). Zech LOVED it! He learned how to steer it, though he liked pushing on the pedal much more! He did such a great job, and he was not scared a bit! After the Gator, Zech, Kayden, and Valisha (Kayden's grandmother) baked cookies. He did not care much for the cookie, but he loved decorating them!! Overall, I would say Zech had a blast!! We cannot believe how well he is adapting with everyone. It is absolutely wonderful. Another thing is, he loves computers! As a write this, he is sitting in my lap trying to type on the keys. His coordination is getting better and better by the day. He is hearing much better also. Each day brings a new and exciting surprise! Until next time.

Evaluation

Things are going good. Tomorrow we go for an evaluation for Zech. The main thing we will be looking at is his hearing. I don't know if we'll actually find anything out tomorrow or if they'll just schedule us to go to a specialist. I kinda think Zech was feeling a little insecure, so we haven't really done anything the past few days, just stay at the house. We've gone outside some and played ball. Mom and Dad have a tee ball set and Zech played with it. He's pretty good, wants to hold the bat with one hand though. I will probably pick one up tomorrow, I think it will help with his hand-eye coordination. I have to schedule an appointment with the school to try to get him in this fall, shouldn't be a problem. Tom went to work yesterday (his truck was broke down for a week). He's missing Zech. He says he wants my job of staying home with Zech. Little does he know being a "house wife/mom" is a lot of work! Well, will post later.

SS Card

We received Zech's SS card today. We still don't have his green card (I think that's what I'll be receiving). He went swimming all day, and is a little tired tonight. I had to go to a city leadership meeting today and a retirement party for a lady that worked for the chamber of commerce. Zech was the talk all day! Everyone is anxious to meet him and think he is adorable(they seen his picture in the paper). All is still going great!

Had a visit with a chiropractor

As some of you know, I do health and body scans(quantum biofeedback practitioner). I was working with a Chiropractor today that has a son that had pretty much the same intestinal issues that Zechariah has. Very encouraging! Seems I am on the right track. Zech has used the potty chair (Number one) several times and once for number 2. (Okay, I guess that might not be a subject everyone is interested in, but it's exciting to me!) He went to the store(and coffee shop) with me today. Megan took him to various places (bank, salon, etc...) they all loved him! Last night we bought him a riding toy (posted pic) and a cup with a straw ( he does pretty well, but I still "feed" him water) and some Elmo books. Yes, don't be in too much shock, but I broke down and went to Wal-Mart...Tom has it documented on his cell phone pics.

Article in Paper

Below is a link to our local paper that has an article in it today on our adoption("Adoption of the heart"). Enjoy!
http://www.spartaexpositor.com/

Kung FU Panda

Well, we went to see Kung Fu Panda last night, Zech loved it. He was amazed with the big screen and sounds. While we were there he started feeling warm, and today he has about a 101 fever. He is sleeping right now. He has started sneezing, but that's about it. I hope his fever is just a 24 hr thing. He is such a good little boy!! The picture here is just hanging out ready for bed. The video from yesterday's post was done by me, so it's a little dark, it would only record so far so the really fun stuff was missed. I'll do better next time.