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

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!

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.

Iowa City

Turns out that Zachary and his little cousin Carter will be in Iowa City the same week. Carter's appointment for his heart valve surgery got moved back a week and Zach's got moved up a week. Zachary will have his cleft lip repaired on Sept 4. We go up the day before for a pre-op appointment. Carter will be leaving about the time we arrive. Please keep both of these boys in your prayers.

Dad took Zach for his 2 year check up and shots this week. He gained almost 4 pounds in less than 3 months. He is now 26.7 lbs and 32 inches tall. He can now reach the pedals on his tricycle but is still working on the coordination for pedaling. His feet have grown a lot in the last month, as his little toes now reach the very end of his stinky sandals (yes stinky--that's what happens to shoes when sweaty feet wear them!). Dr. Gavin just laughed when we asked how to get him to stop sucking his thumb. Apparently it is too soon to expect a toddler to give up the thumb, so we will just deal with it after surgery.

Zachary continues to love eating fruit! In fact he spit out the brownies that Aunt Marcia made him and requested grapes instead! He also prefers applesauce over ice cream!

We continue to spend a lot of time outside--in the sandbox, blowing bubbles, picking up sticks or rocks, and taking time to smell the flowers (or maybe blowing on the flowers with his nose).

The Thumb

One more thing about Iowa City--the surgeon suggested that we get Zach to stop sucking his thumb by his surgery. Remember, the surgery is only a month away. We tried taping the thumbs. It worked like a charm--for 4 hours that is. Then he peeled the tape off the right thumb so he could suck his way to sleep! He is working on another tooth right now. After that comes in we may try another attempt at breaking this habit. Any suggestions anyone???