Thursday, September 24, 2009

Orchard Season

One advantage of having Zac's surgery pushed back is that we have been able enjoy some fall activities before the snow flies.

A couple of weekends ago we went to Center Grove Orchard near Cambridge. Zachary visited the homes of the three little pigs, watched goats, chickens, pigs, and horses, and we picked up our first round of Honey Crisp apples (amongst many other things). The ironic thing is that two farm kids (Nancy & Lonnie) actually PAID to visit a farm. Sheesh.

In the meantime, we have been in Thumb Sucking Boot Camp. After about a week we were able to stop putting anything on Zac's thumb during the day. At night and during naps we are still using the mittens although they are usually dry when we get him out of bed. So it doesn't appear as though he is trying to suck through the mitten (although we do add some athletic tape and Mavala in strategic places to assist).

At this point, as we're getting ready for bed, Zachary will point to the mittens when it's time to put them on. He thinks they're pretty cool. As we're putting on the Mavala, he will grin and whisper, "ackey." It is truely ackey.

It is just amazing how quickly this little boy adapts to things. We are so thankful for him.









Dad & Zac get lift-off on the jumping pillow.

















Zachary doing the back float in the corn pool.

























Can you believe it!? We found this cool circle of rocks to stand in at Saylorville. It doesn't get any better than this.

No family resemblance, but the pictures don't lie. --Brian Andreas

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Sticks & Mittens

All a boy needs is some sand to play in (or eat) and a stick! Taken at the Ledges on Labor Day.


Look--Zach found a bigger stick at Saylorville!


Dad showin' Zachary how to throw rocks into the lake. He was content doing that for an hour!


If you haven't heard, Zach's lip surgery has been rescheduled. It is now November 3rd. We went up last Thursday for our pre op appointment. The surgeon recommended we help Zach stop thumb sucking or we'll "have a big mess on our hands" after surgery. The thumb sucking would likely pull out all the stitches, requiring yet another surgery to fix it. Although mom and dad were frustrated by yet another schedule change and for not being told this information in July, it will all work out for good. This way Zachary can enjoy all the fun outdoor fall activities without worrying about having to try to sit still and heal. Daddy said it well the other day--keep in mind that the cleft lip and palate are what God used to bring Zach into our family; God tugged at our heart to be open to a child with a cleft lip/palate and he brought us an amazing son! Remembering that helps us be thankful and patient with all the schedule changes and thumb sucking challenges! Currently we are using mittens at nap time/bedtime and Tabasco sauce during the day to rid this habit. We know that God is helping out big time as Zach is not grumpy by all this. In fact he gladly accepts the mittens as part of his night time routine!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

The Countdown

Mom and Zach wrestling in the grass at Jester Park.



Dad & Zach being goofy.



Hiking with Dad at Jester Park after the Pelican Festival.




Givin' Momma another big wet smooch!

Zachary continues to explore his world. His latest favorites are turning lights on/off, pointing out trucks on the road or airplanes flying by, snuggling with his Teddy Bears, singing the spider song, and opening/closing doors. His joy and laughter are such gifts!

Surgery got moved again. It is now set for the day after Labor Day. Six days and counting. We still go up tomorrow for his pre op appt where we will find out more details about the surgery.