Goodmans est. 2005, Then there were 3...: Then and Now... 5 Months Later

That was then...

This is now!

Today, Zachary turned 5 months old!! Where does the time go?!? As I looked back at the pictures from when he was born, I had to really think hard to recall the pain and discomfort from the big day... instead, all I can really remember feeling is the ultimate JOY to finally hold this little kicking bundle from my belly in my arms and feel the warmth of his body against my skin. I still experience that elation today... Zachary is just soooo precious to us, and the love I feel for this little creature amazingly grows with every gaze into his beautiful eyes (if that is even possible).

Zachary is such a cuddler, which we just love so much... laying on our bed together is such a favorite time for us as he somehow seems to quietly scooch (without us really noticing) right up to one of us, close enough to feel the warmth of our bodies and touch of our arms wrapped around him. We also love to read books - especially during cuddle time - and Zachary is very engaged these days with the stories. He examines each page very carefully, looking from left to right at all of the pictures, and loves to be the one to turn the pages all by himself (sometimes even before we're done reading the words in front of us)!

Over the past few weeks, he has really seemed to develop a greater sense of control over so much of his physical motion... his movements seem to be with such purpose and less random. With a little bit of support, his most recent trick is sitting up. Believe it or not, our child that protested bending at the waist so much actually enjoys sitting and observing all the action around him! He usually tips over like a weeble (remember those?) after a bit, then just giggles... as long as he can reach and grab his toes, he can't be bothered with trying to get back up. Also, the little boy that really seemed to despise belly time has done a complete 180... every night we put him down to sleep on his back, and inevitably he will flip over to his belly (usually with his cute little fanny straight up in the air) to snooze for the night. It is just the most adorable thing to see. Every now and then, though, he'll get stuck up against the edge of his crib, but he doesn't hesitate to yell out for Mommy or Daddy to come and move him back to the middle. He'll even try to flip over when he falls asleep in his swing, or if he's laying on the floor on his blankey, he'll turn over to sleep on his belly. He'll also turn over to his back when tiring of playing on his stomach... rolling over is easy stuff for him now... we're so proud!
Zachary is also extremely vocal! Whether it's singing along with Mommy or the stereo, or holding what sounds like a perfectly rational conversation with Daddy, he seems to just love the sound of his own voice. It's just so cute to hear the inflection and tone in his voice... he really mimics us when we're talking. Throughout every interaction, he's always smiling, too... especially when he makes his favorite sound - raspberries with his tonge out and lips wet (which often gives us a little shower!). He continues to be such a happy little guy! And by the way, he's quite the dancer, too! Those little legs are always kicking - whether it's while being held high in the air, standing on your lap (or any surface for that matter), laying on his back, or sitting in the swing - his legs are in constant motion. Len calls him the little fish when he holds him high in the air in a horizontal position... it looks like he's swimming like a fish. Hopefully, after he's six months old and starts his swimming lessons he'll still like that motion... it'll be perfect for the pool!