Zach man

Zachary Michael
born 7-9-11 @ 7:58pm ~ 4lb 5oz
one year checkup ~ 19lb 11oz (29 7/8")

Zach's name was chosen years ago.  I remember the conversation.  We were eating at Boston Pizza in Fairbanks.  Not the greatest service, so we had lots of time to talk.  Not sure why we were discussing baby names, but we decided that night to name our child Zachary.  Much like Katie's name, we like names that can be formal or informal.  And yes, we considered what his name would sound like as we yell it at an athletic event.  I have known for even longer that my son's middle name would be Michael, after my dad and my dad's dad.  Luckily for us we both really liked the name Zachary Michael.  Unluckily for me, the name had extra special meaning when he received it as my dad was in the hospital not doing so great.  I'm glad my dad knew Zach's name before passing away. 

 

What makes Zach, Zach:

~ he's our boy - 'nuff said

~ he LOVES music

~ he was the only one to need some extra loving, in the form of caffeine, in the NICU

~ he was SUCH a stinker about eating while in the NICU

~ was the first to joke around with daddy while in the NICU

~ was the first baby to receive kangaroo care from mommy
~ sported the best gangsta look in his too big hats while in the NICU

 ~ took the longest to master breastfeeding

~ was the only one to go through a MAJOR fussy stage

~ suffered from some reflux 

~ he LOVES to dance

~ has the BEST smile

~ first to roll onto his belly

~ first to stand on his own

~ first to take a few independent steps

~ has the BEST laugh

~ is such a sweetheart and sympathetic to his sisters

~ taught his sisters to pound on their crib rail when they wake up

~ loves showing he knows where his belly and nose are

~ tends to put his finger *in* his nose when showing you

~ knew his version of the sign for "more" the very first time he saw it on Baby Signing Times

~ his version is fist in palm, more like a "put it here NOW" sign

~ boy loves his dance moves

~ often needed a good 5 minute snuggle before going to bed

~ had lungs on him like no other if he didn't want to go to bed

~ has the best pondering looks

~ has/had some texture issues

~ didn't feed himself with his hands until I tried to show our Infant Learning rep that he wouldn't feed himself with his hands (stinker!)

~ he is very determined

~ he is the only one we still have to strap in the high chair otherwise he will literally crawl out

~ mastered crawling when he saw something he wanted

~ the first speed crawler

~ he plays "chase me" very well and with a great smile on his face and glint in his eyes

~ he can dance and loves music like no other and has from a very very early age

Both Katie and Zach are working on walking.  Katie will only walk for a purpose, like to get from the couch to daddy and back.  Zach is trying to walk anywhere.  Had a stranger been watching in my window today they would have sworn I plied my son with alcohol!  He wobbles a few steps, falls sideways, looks through his legs, spreads them super wide to stand back up, falls backward, laughs, rolls onto his belly, stands with arms spread wide for balance, takes three or four steps and starts the process all over again.  All on his own.  Headed nowhere in particular.  Just learning how to walk.  A wondrous thing about Zach is that you can see the gears turning is his head as he learns.  He is very determined and will keep working at it.  The best part about when he walks to you?  He falls into your arms at then end, looks up at you, and his whole face lights up in a smile.  I love him.

                        

My sweet boy

Fun Family Catch-Up

Just a fun family catch-up since I am too tired to write out Zach's post tonight.  Yes, I do everything in birth order.  I'm sure I will have to change at some point because I don't want Addie to think I always put her last.  I don't, but my brain just runs in birth order.

New Milestones:
> Zach is starting to take one or two steps on his own.  At the moment only to get from one object to another one.  It will be fun to see what develops this next week.

> We tried pizza tonight.  Hawaiian pizza.  My kids get enough "just cheese" stuff, so we decided to go Hawaiian.  I would say it was a hit.  Especially if you consider the fact that Zach looked like he had a bad spray tan and Addie had sauce on her forehead. 

> My kids LOVE watermelon.  No surprise.  Dad went to give them more, he started with just ONE small piece for Zach.  I laughed.  He gave Zach three.  By the time he got from the table to the counter (which really just means he turned around) there was no watermelon on Zach's tray.

> I believe Zach and Addie know the sign language sign for "done".  Why do I not include Katie you wonder?  Because Katie will make the done sign, smile, then bang on her tray because it is empty and she wants more food.  Silly girl.  Zach and Addie however were shaking their little hands at me and they really WERE done.  Momma pride. (and excuse to keep watching Baby Signing Times)

> Katie has two new top teeth.  Addie is getting her first set of bottom molars.  Of course, she hasn't broken her second set of bottom teeth, but molars they are a-comin.

> We are finally calling it quits on the 6 mo clothes for Addie.  She is almost 14 months.  They do still fit.  However, since they are becoming snug and we have more than enough 9 mo and 12 mo, it's time to say goodbye.

*Random info - my husband is watching wrestling on tv.  I can see  the reflection in the window.  My husband NEVER watches wrestling.  I believe this is a sign of how tired we all are.

> We had a great trip to Fairbanks today.  Minus the lunch, kinda.  We timed our trip to leave at their morning nap.  We were able to use the double stroller and put one lucky child in a cart at each location.  We got everything on our list, except contact lens cases which never make the list because I always forget until I take out my contacts.  We even picked up dinner, pizza, see above milestone.  The kids took a nap on the way home, so we let them stay up a bit later, but all in all a GREAT trip.  Minus the lunch, kinda.  :)


That's our life at the moment.  We are doing ok with the laundry and dishes every night.  I did take one night off, and tonight John moved towels from the washer to the dryer so I called it complete.  Haha.  Sometimes those little breaks are just needed.

My Katie-bug

Katherine Taylor Slette
Born 7-9-11 @7:58pm ~ 4lb 4oz
one year checkup ~ 17lb 13oz

Katie, who we both said would never be Katie but rather Kate, was our first child.  I didn't know it at the time, but I think John did.  He selected which girl would get which name we had since he was the first to truly "see" them in the NICU.  I also wanted him to have that special task of deciding.  When I asked how he chose, he said he thought the oldest girl should be Katherine.  Kate as we were going to call her.  May still call her.  But somehow Kate seemed such a big name for such a small girl, so while in the NICU she became Katie-bug and Katydid.  Much more fitting names for such a little girl. 

What makes Katie, Katie:
 ~ she was giving butterfly kisses from the very beginning, even in the NICU
 ~ she LOVES a good stretch, again, even in the NICU days
 ~ she would sing while drinking her bottle
 ~ she is the only "paci" child
 ~ girl can fall asleep ANYwhere
 ~ she will eat ANYthing
 ~ she will eat a LOT of it
 ~ she will fill her fists with food and still try to pick more up
 ~ she has lighter hair
 ~ she has long hair, into her eyes long
 ~ she is slower on the teeth creating
 ~ she can SCREAM at the absolute top of her lungs
 ~ she will crawl in your lap to cuddle
 ~ first to sit up
 ~ first to crawl
 ~ first to try to walk (with help)
 ~ she waves backward, like a come-here
 ~ first to shake her head "yes" instead of "no"
 ~ she is part monkey-girl who will climb almost anything

Just recently, Katie learned how to "kiss".  For real kiss.  It's about the sweetest thing and her smile at you after is about the second sweetest thing.  I love her.

My big girl.

My Reality (post 1)

I went to my hairdresser yesterday.  I spent three plus hours alone, well, with another adult.  A female adult.  We talked fun fashion, we gossiped - just a little, we talked hair, we talked makeup, and we talked family.  One of our discussions went in the direction of people who become depressed and due to that depression become essentially house bound.  I think my hairdresser was SHOCKED when I said I totally understand.

First, she was shocked that I said I too feel that way sometimes.  That after multiple days at home with the kids when John suggests I run to get us food, or run to the store, I often defer.  In all honesty, it's partially because of a hygiene issue.  Mom of multiples insight, we come last and when last is fourth place, or worse, showering every day - let alone makeup, hair, and decent clothing - is a luxury.  I consider it a good day when I get deodorant on pre-funky smell.  (sorry, tmi I'm sure...but pretty much this whole post is).  Partially I defer out of a semi-depression.  It's simply easier to stay home away from people as is my new normal.

Second, she was shocked that my new normal involves little people only.  Her jaw literally dropped when I told her that pretty much, I have two friends that visit.  A third that kinda keeps in regular contact, and a sister-in-law who tries very hard even though she has her own family and busy life.  Now, if you live out of state and are saying..."but I fb you!", I'm talking people who are physically here.  Friends.  People who I used to consider friends that have now become fb acquaintances.  People who I used to consider friends who aren't even fb acquaintances but mere picture commenters.  Yep, she couldn't believe it.

I.  Am.  Lonely.

Surrounded by three littles all day every day, it kinda seems hard to imagine.  Here is my perspective:  I worked in the school district here for five years.  During that time, I met many people.  I even became close with some of them.  Some, three specifically, I consider "best friends" lacking a better, grown-up term.  Then I had the babies.  Had I had one child, finished my school year while pg, taken a year off, then returned to work this August I would probably still have all of those friends.  Meaning we'd see each other at random meetings or work functions, we'd chat, and we'd probably even see each other around town and chat then too.  BUT.  I had three babies.  I quit instead of taking sabbatical.  I don't run around town too often with three babies in tow.  So those friends now exist only in facebook comments.  Hence, I am lonely.  Now, if you are one of the two that honestly tries to visit (you know who you are) don't take offense.  I even named you to her!  ;)  But if you are one who is here, physically in Delta, who considers me a friend...well, remember we're talking my perspective.  Please feel free to put your perspective in the comments.

When the babies were first here we had help.  Some people felt that they shouldn't stop by, I totally understood!  I didn't announce our homecoming because I wanted to avoid the stopping by.  However, the babies are now 13 months old.  Everyone knows we are back in town now.  LOL.  But, nobody contacts me.  Well, actually I stand corrected.  I was invited on a playdate this week.  13 months after their birth, a "friend" from work contacted me for the first time and wanted a playdate.  13 months. First contact.  That doesn't make me feel like much of a friend.  That makes me feel lonely.  My hairdresser was again, SHOCKED that nobody comes to see me or the kids.  She admitted to figuring everyone visits us all the time and not wanting to be a burden.  Maybe that's how everyone feels.  But that is not the truth.  Not.  At.  All.

As I'm typing this I realize maybe it's the whole come-to-see-us part.  ??  But isn't that what you do when a friend has a baby?  You go to see them??  And when you know they had three babies, wouldn't you kinda assume YOU need to go to THEM?  Well, either way I'm here to tell you it would not be a burden.  It would be welcome.  

Not knowing where else this post is going to go I'm closing it up.   So I don't make you lonely too, I'll do another post soon about my amazing kiddos and their 13 month wonderfullness.  But be warned, I'll be back with another reality post...and when it's about the road to Delta only being one direction, watch out! 

Oh My Word - We are 1

Oh my word, it has been forever since I've opened this program!  My sister reminds me all the time, don't worry.

Yesterday, we were 1.  Specifically at 7:58, 7:58, and 7:59pm if you were wondering.  Here is a reminder of what we were like back then.

Katie:

Addie:

Zach:

And where we are now.

Katie:

Zach:

Addie (at the drive in enjoying her ice cream):

These are my miracles.  We are in love and amazed by them every day.  I will post a true update later this week.  I'll have many more pics too, especially after their birthday bbq this weekend.  Until then...

baths, giraffes, and fun stuff

Oh the joys of summer are here.  We got outside for the first time the other day.  The wind took Katie's breath away every time it kicked up, Zach was glued to me, and Addie just smiled.  We lasted 5-10 minutes before calling it quits.  I'm hoping to get to the park here on base someday soon.  Tonight would have been perfect because the wind is almost nil, but seeing as daddy is asleep instead of watching/playing with the littles, that wasn't going to happen. This weekend at the latest for sure!

I loaded my camera pictures today.  We've got some good ones of our first "all-together-now" bath, the kids on their new giraffe rocker that arrived today, and just some good everyday pics.  How we are ever going to organize all these pictures, I honestly have no clue...every time I think of it I try to envision fields of flowers and beaches...you know, happier thoughts.  Haha.

So, here is our first bath.  Hopefully no surprise to anyone the pictures I'm sharing are very limited.  Needless to say they LOVED it.  For the first time Addie played with the water.  She was always the timid one before, I figured it was because Zach and Katie hung out in the tub when they were in diaper-rash-from-you-know-where mode. 

Katie liked the splashing water a LOT.

And here is a pic of the three of them.  Zach spent a lot of the time in modesty mode facing the faucet.  He was having fun though.

Our other big adventure lately was today's arrival of our Raffi the Giraffe.  I love the size of this guy.  If I wasn't hoping to get them chairs for their first birthday I'd buy another (hmmm, maybe the frog mom), especially since they come up on Zulily and Totsy quite often.  Heck, if we move into a house I will buy another!  (yes, I said house.  A current obsession of mine...another blog post)

Zach was more interested in getting his mitts on the camera.

Addie liked it, as evidenced by this "what?  I was just taste testing his ear." expression

And I also found some great every day photos.  Such as Zach, who was most definitely Born to be Cool!

Katie the explorer

Addie's little feet

Daddy reading to his daughters

Addie being cute

And the FUNNIEST picture of Katie!  Every time I see one with their hair plastered to their head like this I think of an old Seinfeld episode.  

So, that's what was on my camera this go around.  Hope you enjoyed.  Once we get out in the sun I'll be sure to get some photos up.  Until then, dad is struggling with bed time so I gotta run.

Loves!!