Eighteen Months

Eighteen months--that's how long Zachary has been with us. Of course, for the first few weeks all we knew about him was that he was much like his brothers--he had a great knack for inducing morning sickness and fatigue. But little by little we came to know him, by his busy little arms and legs while still inside me, by his sweet face we first saw at 17 weeks, by his response to Daddy's voice when he talked to my tummy, by the head full of hair his sonogram tech pointed out, by the way his hand was down between his legs at every sonogram, by his stubbornness in waiting to be born until induction date, by his special heart... until at last we held him in our arms and shared him with you. Nine months in the womb, and now nine months out. During these last nine months, Zachary's story and the stories of his heart friends have brought many to their knees in prayer, reminded us that life is a precious gift, and hopefully brought a smile to our faces. We have rejoiced in the great miracles that God has worked with Zachary and so many of his friends, and we have mourned the loss of those precious hearts now with Jesus.

So, what did Zachy get for his big nine month birthday? A cold. But this time it's not slowing him down much! He's still as active and pink as ever, and putting forth quite a personality. He has already had his first official fight with Sammy over a toy, splashes water all over the walls during bathtime (and cries when it's over,) begs for bites of "big" food (and Diet Coke!) and has learned to drink from a straw. He even tries to join in on family prayer (but ends up with a funny rendition of pat-a-cake instead.) Zachy is a true joy to our family, and has his brothers wrapped around his little finger. Whenever a friend comes over to play, they introduce Zachy as "The Cutest Baby in the World."

No longer a little bundle swaddled up in his carrier, our Zachy is out and seeing the world:


All tuckered out after the air show (so is Sammy--see bottom right!)


Feeling "big" and reaching for chips and salsa at La Mesa


Stopping breakfast to watch his favorite show on PBS Kids


"No more bites now, Mom. I need to see this!"

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