Someone's Turning 2!!!

Tomorrow our miracle baby is turning TWO YEARS OLD!  That's right... our sweet little Zachary is growing into a healthy, handsome little boy.

Zachary gets around like any other two year-old these days. He keeps up with his older brothers, and in fact he's often one step ahead of them! And lately he is very good at communicating, as his vocabulary is finally taking off. He still doesn't put two words together often, but you would be surprised at the things he says nonetheless. "Tractor," of course, was one of his first words. But these days he'll point out "popper!" when he sees his favorite John Deere old two-cylinder "Johnny Popper." Like most two year-olds, his favorite word seems to be "no," but it's often said less in defiance and more as a matter-of-fact response.

For the first time in eleven years, we took down our baby crib. Zachary now sleeps in his toddler bed, or at least starts out there during the night. He and Samuel still somehow end up in our room before morning, but I can't complain; I cherish the cuddle time while they are still little!

And Zachy is no longer the baby of our family.  We have added again, but this time a baby girl!

A little girl puppy, that is. Zachy believes it is his responsibility as big brother to teach Hershey the rules of the house, and we often hear him holler "No, no, puppy!" when Hershey takes off with one of Zachy's toys.

Sweet Zachary, you have always been a part of our family, yet it seems like just yesterday we waited in anticipation--and fear--of your arrival.

In your two years, you have been through more than most people endure in a lifetime.  But today the only evidence of your past are the faded battle wounds on your chest, which you often point out: "scah, scah!"

You are a fighter, you are a miracle, and you will always be my baby.

Happy Birthday Zachary!  We love you more than you know!