A plug for our photographer

We have been using Sarah McConnell Photography since Zach was three months old.  When Zach was three months old her studio was in her kitchen.  She continues to amaze us with how well she is able to capture our boys.  We had Ty's 9 month pictures taken recently and here are a few of my favorites.

A rough couple weeks.

Our house has become an infirmary.  Both Zach and Ty came down with the stomach flu about a week and a half ago.  Ty was sick for about 2 days and was back to school all last week.  This bug hit Zach hard, and he was throwing up for five days.  We took him into the Emergency Room because he could not keep any fluids down and was vomiting every time he moved last Saturday night.  They gave him an anti-nausea medication and tried to get him to drink some fluids (unsuccessfully).  He was not clinically dehydrated at that time so he was sent home and we were able to keep him away from the ER the rest of his illness.  He went back to school at the end of last week.  

This morning Ty went in for tubes.  He has had five ear infections in the past several months and it was time to do something more.  Zach has had two sets of tubes so we knew the routine well for this morning.  We arrived at the surgery center around 6:15 and he went back for surgery around 7:15.  He was back with us around 7:30 and was very mad from the anesthesia.  I just hate seeing my little guy have a surgery, but it helps knowing that he will feel so much better with the tubes.  He should be feeling like himself this afternoon.  A big thanks to Grandma Kathy who came to Des Moines to help us out this morning.  She took Zach to school while we were at the surgery center with Ty.  She is spending the day with Ty today so that Matt and I didn't need to miss any more work after the stomach flu of last week.  

Spring Fever

Zach always seems to tell us the funniest things at bedtime.  This is the conversation that we had at bedtime after he came back from the lake on Monday.

Zach:  Mom, I’m excited for spring.  Do you know why I’m excited for spring?

Me:  Because you get to play soccer this spring.

Zach:  No!  Because in the spring we get to go for a boat ride.  Boat rides mean snack time!

Me:  Your right we do eat snacks on the boat.

Zach:  Do you think Grandma and Grandpa still have Cheetos? 

Me:  I don’t know.  I think we can buy some before we go.

Roller Skating

We headed up to Clear Lake this weekend and found a great deal in Mason City for family roller skating so we decided to check it out.  Zach isn't used to things not coming naturally to him so skating was a bit of a challenge.  I think he expected to put the skates on and to be able to fly around the rink!  The great thing about the family skating time was that strollers were welcome so Ty got to go skating too!  He loved looking around and seeing all of the activity!

Ty was chilling out in his stroller checking out the activity at  the skating rink.

Zach wasn't sure what he thought of roller skating.  It was harder than he thought it should be.

Zach got mad at Matt at the end of this video because Matt didn't know that Zach was ready for a break!

Happy Valentine's Day from Zach and Ty!

Baby Brother

Zach and I had a great conversation on our way to school this morning.

Zach:  Mom, I wanted a baby sister.

Me:  I know, Zach.  But God decided you should have a baby brother instead. 

Zach: Why?

Me:  I think God decided that our family would be perfect with two boys, and I know you love your baby brother.

Zach:  I love Ty.  He is my sweet little baby and I want him to stay small and sweet forever and never grow up. 

And then my heart exploded because he is such a great big brother!

Bedtime Conversations

Zach did not want to go to sleep the other  night.  This is the conversation that happened between he and Matt.
Matt:  I love you, Zach.  I am going to go help Mom get stuff ready for school tomorrow.  I'll see you in the morning.
Zach:  Dad, I cannot go to sleep without a woman.
Matt:  Excuse me?
Zach:  I cannot go to sleep without a woman.
Matt:  I'll go get your mom.