So Much TROUBLE!

Lately Zachary has been into SO MUCH TROUBLE! He's more work than he was a year ago as a newborn, because he's always on the go and finding new "discoveries."

Zachy raids the cupboards, and has developed an addiction to the "jug."

He clutters and destroys everywhere he roams.

And you saw this one, but it's so typical of my little mess-maker that it deserves a second look:

He tries to help, but usually ends up getting in the way:

And he thinks he may not need two naps anymore.  But when he skips his morning nap, this is what happens at lunch:

Going, going...

GONE!

On Wednesday Zachy visited his pediatrician for a well-baby check.  He still measures small, just 20 lb. 12 oz., which puts him in the 5% percentile (he is 14% for height.)  Developmentally, he has also fallen behind.  His doctor says he isn't yet "concerned" given all he has been through, but he does want to screen him to get a baseline.  He's trying really hard to walk, but still only takes a few steps at a time.  And he has very few words and mainly communicates with whines, grunts, grins, and pointing.

It's no wonder Zachy is slow to grow and develop.  He amazed us his first year with near-normal growth and development.  But around his first birthday, we started noticing development that is more typical for a cyanotic heart baby.  Afterall, these kids are living with 20%-30% less oxygen than the rest of us!  At our first prenatal consult at the U of M, we were told he may be slow to develop from the time he spends in the hospital.  But research I recently found cites that lower oxygen saturations the first few years may also play a role in their early childhood development.  The good news is that once the Fontan circulation is completed, most heart kids make great strides in their development and quickly catch up with their peers.  Even more reason to schedule Zachy's surgery for this summer as opposed to next, I suppose.

But Zachary has no idea that his peers are running and talking circles around him.  He's pretty proud of his new tricks, and so are we!  This week he is working really hard on standing without support.  He pulls up constantly and lets go, balancing with the concentration of a tight-rope walker.  He often giggles or calls for attention if we aren't looking, just to show us what a little stud he has become!

Did I mention he's awfully proud?

The past few days Zachary has been extremely clingy and whiny around me.  At first I thought it might have something to do with the THREE shots he got on Wednesday, but by now his little legs should be feeling better.  Perhaps he feels cheated for attention that he had to share with his older brothers over spring break.  Maybe he caught a little of the virus that Steve had earlier this week.  Or maybe he's just plain spoiled, and showing us his new toddler attitude.  Whatever the reason, I probably make matters only worse when I scoop him up to cuddle and plant kisses all over his fat little cheeks.  I figure he won't be this little forever, and the time I have to hold him is way too short.  (It's true--I recently tried rocking David and Alex on my lap, and it didn't work too well...)

Finally, please continue to remember our friends the Dzenis and Leonard families in your prayers.  Just last night their sweet little Kyara flew up to heaven.