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......