Happy Memorial Day! - continued

OK, so I know I promised to continue the Memorial Day post on Tuesday, and it is now Thursday... it's been a very busy week with work for both Len and I. Our evenings have pretty much consisted of playing a bit with Zachary, feeding him (both cereal and nursing), bathing him, putting him down for the night, getting everything washed and ready for another week day routine, and rounding off the night with some work-related stuff. But, even though a few more days have passed, the memories of our NJ road trip are still just as fresh - it was such a great weekend! So, I started below with Saturday - - now let's move into Sunday.

We spent the night at Mom-Mom's house (as you see above, the little man passed out after a very busy, fun-filled Saturday). He pretty much slept soundly the entire night, with a minor stir here and there, and woke up early Sunday morning bright-eyed and bushy-tailed! Zachary continues to be a morning-boy... always so cheerful, vocal and adorable. Mom-Mom took full advantage of his lovable humor and had some special cuddle time (just the two of them), while Mommy and Daddy began to get ready and pack up to move on to Grandma and Poppie's house.

Upon our arrival in Bordentown (just a couple of miles down the highway), we all sat down and had a very nice breakfast - my favorite corn pancakes! Yummy! For some reason, I keep finding these excuses to "not worry" about the calories - it was Memorial Day weekend, of course... hee hee! Zachary had fallen asleep in the car on the way over (he usually takes a mid-morning nap) so we all were able to eat our breakfast like normal adults... though, I must say, I think Grandma was very bummed she couldn't just scoop him right up when we walked in the door. Zachary woke up as we finished breakfast, so she was happily able to make up for lost time!!

After we cleaned up, Len's cousin Bobbi and her three kids stopped by to meet Zachary. We also had the chance to meet her newest addition - Cheyenne - what a beautiful little girl. She's three days younger than Zachary, but I think practically twice his size. I exaggerate a bit, I guess, but he's still such a little peanut. We had a very nice visit, though Zach had to retire upstairs for a feeding and another nap while they were all there. Hopefully, we'll have more play-time during the next visit.

As the afternoon progressed, Great-Grandpa arrived as we were planning an early supper - another fantastic cookout! Before dinner, we took advantage of the beautiful weather, and sat out on the deck for quite a while. Zachary was loving the fresh air and of course, all of the attention! We even found a perfect photo opportunity, and captured the next version of our 4-Generations pose! Good times, Len would say!

After a late-night fire in the fire-pit out on the deck, and a quick visit from Mom-Mom, Len and I headed back to Bel Air... we actually didn't arrive home technically until Monday (about 1:30 am). Zachary had been asleep since much earlier, so when we unloaded the car, he awakened. That was the first time I had to nurse him late-night in quite awhile, but I didn't mind at all since we were already up.

Monday was a total lazy day for us... I slept in with Zachary in our bed, and truly enjoyed that opportunity!! We played in the afternoon, and just enjoyed one another as we closed out the long weekend. Here are a few pictures from Monday...

(Aunt Robyn and Uncle Bobby - did you notice the tee shirt?? He wears it well, though I'm not sure his Daddy agrees! It's perfect for his yoga routine, too, as seen above!)

Happy Memorial Day!

There were so many great times had and fabulous photo opportunities this weekend, I don't even know where to begin this entry!! We took another one of our much loved road trips to NJ to visit the family and we all just had the best time! I'll break it down by day to share all of the unforgettable moments from the visit...

It all began Saturday, when we arrived at Mom-Mom's house... we started with a quiet lunch and play time with Zachary, awaiting everyone's arrival. Once the troops started to roll in, the energy definitely picked up, and the festivities really began.

Hailey and CJ just couldn't wait to see and play with Zachary... he's so lucky to have cousins that love him so much (and it's very obvious that he loves them right back, based on how he lights up every time he sees them)!!

Aunt Lynne brought over one of Hailey and CJ's old "jumper thingies" (from when they were babies) to keep at Mom-Mom's house, and boy did Zachary love it! It's like a 'swing on a spring' that you hang in a doorway. He was just so cute bouncing up and down... perfect for his little legs that are always kicking and jumping!

After the Goodmans arrived and got some love and kisses from the little guy (Grandma, Poppie and Great-Grandpa came to share in all the fun and food), we fired up the grill and had a wonderful picnic (though it was a bit too chilly to eat on the patio). After dinner, Len and I broke out our most recent favorite yard game - Baggo... it was a real hit! Zachary really enjoyed watching everyone have so much fun... he was very much into the competition and excitement (just like his Daddy)!

After the sun went down, it was time to feed Zachary his cereal (the first time everyone got to see it live and in person). Hailey even helped and gave him a few spoonfuls! Needless to say, Zachary was just POOPED after such a fun-filled and exciting day! THANK-YOU, Mom-Mom, for working so hard and making it such a nice day for all of us!!

(There is so much more to add... Sunday at the Goodmans and Monday at home were equally fun! But, it's late Monday night and I need to get everything ready for back-to-work tomorrow, so I'll continue editing this entry tomorrow night after Zachary goes to bed. Stay tuned!!)

Before and After...

Zachary dressed and waiting for his breakfast... (BEFORE)

Zachary AFTER finishing his breakfast... (I guess he's satisfied!)

Cutie Pie!

I was browsing through some of the pictures we took of Zachary over the past couple of weeks, and picked a few of my favorites that we haven't already shared. He's such a cuddle-bug and cutie pie... I just can't seem to stop taking pictures!!

Zachary has finally grown into his exersaucer... his feet actually reach the floor of it without the assistance of a pillow! He really loves playing with all of the toys as he spins around and jumps!

The little man passed out after his dinner and dessert one evening. He seems to have a little smile on his face, so I guess he's quite satisfied and full!

Zachary loves hanging out on the weekend with Mommy and Daddy, and lounging in his play wear!

Zach even cuddles during tubby time... and Daddy just can't resist taking those soapy shampoo-head pictures!!

Yummy Cereal!

Well, he did it... Zachary officially crossed over to the solid-food-eating-club this evening! At first, he wasn't so sure if he was liking the taste or feeling of this new substance in his mouth, but after only a couple of spoonfuls, we couldn't get in in fast enough! Rice Cereal is his official first solid food, and I consider the whole experience to be a total success!

Mommy and Daddy each took a turn at spooning it in to a very eager Zachary's mouth... here are some of the pictures we took of this fun, messy, and very exciting milestone in baby Zachary's life!

Zachary is all strapped in, suited up and ready to give it a try!

The little man even wanted to try and hold the spoon himself...

Once we really got going, if we didn't get the next spoonful into his mouth fast enough, he would hurry us along with a yelp or cry to speed it up!

Zachary finished the entire bowl, and probably would've kept going if there was more... what a good little eater!

My favorite emails...

My days at work are usually jam-packed with meetings, meetings, meetings! In between all of my meetings, one of the things I do is feverishly work on addressing the 50 or so emails that come into my inbox on a daily basis. It's a never-ending cycle (some days are better than others)! Every now and then, I come across a note from my husband, which usually ends up being the highlight of my day... on the mornings when Len is on "drop-off" duty, he and Zachary are the last out of the house. Sometimes, I don't get to see Zach all dressed for the day in whatever outfit I laid out the night before. So if Len sees the right moment, he takes a picture with his camera phone and sends it to me at work, usually with a little note from our angel. Here is one of the pictures I received this week - needless to say, I opened this one about 10 times a day just to see Zachary's adorable smile. I miss him so much during the day, and these little treats just melt my heart and hold me over until I get to pick him up after work!
(Daddy and Zach were playing peek-a-boo with the covers on our bed, which just cracked up BOTH of them!)

My First Mother's Day!

First, let me just say what an honor, privilege and absolute pleasure it is to have been chosen to be Zachary's Mom. In my head, I always knew I wanted to be a mom, but it wasn't until I had this beautiful miracle that I could even begin to conceive how much it was truly my heart's desire as well. When you meet the love of your life (as I did in October of 2000), you just can't imagine knowing a greater love... well Zachary has proven that I am capable of loving TWO incredible men more than words could even begin to express!

What a beautiful and memorable day today has been... I couldn't have asked for a more perfect first Mother's Day! It all began at 1:47 am this morning, when Zachary just couldn't wait for the sun to rise before wishing me a Happy Mother's Day... I wouldn't have traded that moment for anything in the world! Daddy and Zach standing over me in the bed with two huge smiles on their faces, saying "Wake up Mommy... it's Mother's Day... and by the way, I'm hungry so can you feed me now?" hee hee

After we all got settled down for the remainder of the night we were able to get a solid rest until the alarms went off to begin our Sunday morning routine, including getting ready for church. Len's alarm went off a little earlier than usual, as he wanted to run out and get a few of my favorite things... a Panera 4-cheese souffle and Dunkin Donuts coffee! YUMMY... what a great way to begin the morning! Also, laying on my nightstand was a beautiful orchid corsage from Zachary. I proudly wore it to church (as you can see in the photos above)!

I guess you'd say today is all about favorites... with my two favorite guys! After church, Len took Zachary and I to Cold Stone Creamery for a scrumptious ice cream sundae... by the way, obviously no calorie counting today! I wished so badly I could give Zach his first taste, but we're not quite there yet. Soon, though, we'll be trying rice cereal (that will be a blog entry all by itself, I'm sure).

When we got home, Daddy helped Zachary give me all of the gifts they got together... they are all sooo amazing and generous, and I have to say, the card from Zachary is my absolute favorite card EVER! It is one of those new recordable ones... Zachary recorded some of his beautiful vocals, and Daddy managed to capture his words in writing on the inside (it of course made me cry!). Also, the front of the card is a picture of our little angel... you couldn't have found something more perfect for me. I'll treasure it ALWAYS!

I think Zachary's favorite part was the balloon he and Daddy picked out for me... : )


As we speak, Len is preparing our Mother's Day dinner... also one of my favorites - Linguine a la Vodka. You can't go wrong with Italian! Today has truly been a day of favorites... I'll never forget everything that Len and Zachary did to make me feel so special, appreciated and most of all - loved! Thank you from the bottom of my heart to my two favorite guys!!!!!

We all would like to wish both Mom-Mom Ashmen and Grandma Goodman a VERY Happy Mother's Day!! This is Zachary's first with his Grandmothers (and Grandma Goodman's first ever as a Grandmother!), and he wants them both to know how very much he loves and adores them (Len and I echo the sentiment as well)! We can't wait to see you all very soon, when we can express our love and gratitude with hugs and kisses in person!! Happy Mother's Day, Mom(s)!! Thank you for being such incredible role models!