First Tooth Is Out!

4 years and 10 months old...first tooth comes out!  It had been loose for a couple of months with the adult one already in, behind it...just waiting for the baby tooth to move out of it's way.  The dentist said to keep wiggling it but Z said it hurt him.  I figured the dentist would have to yank it out...but nope (picture at bottom), he ate a peach and that was the key!  We noticed it was bleeding and hanging on by a thread of a root.  He didn't like the idea of us pulling it so he reached in and did it himself.  He was so proud he pulled it too. 

The tooth fairy left a couple golden coins under his pillow.  About a month later we noticed the other adult tooth coming in and sure enough soon after the baby tooth came out.  And guess what his third one is loose right now...and it's October 2nd today (updating my blog).

I Am Done

Zackary, this is Ms. Tracy...she helped you through the local school district, improve your speech.  For 2 years you saw her twice a week.  She became a play friend for you and you were very sad when you were graduated from Ms. Tracy.  I am glad she was chosen for you through that time.

Wow How Time Helps With Swimming

This summer is Emeline's first swim lessons.  She loved it until she was put under the water.  From that point on nonstop, she HATED swimming with Julie.  10 minutes in the water for her was eternity.  The instructor gave her a cookie after each lesson, which helped a bit.  It will be interesting to see how she acts next summer. 

 Zackary on the other hand became a full fish this summer.  He loved it, loved the instructor Julie and couldn't wait each week for his two classes.  He would say, "mom I don't like you in the water, I only like swimming with Julie."  Um, okay!  The past three summers lessons have been disasters.  Screaming, crying, shivering...but finally, Julie did it..she gave him the confidence he needed.  Sigh of relief. 

He would dive into the water, and swim by himself to the steps.  He would pick up rings and toys on the bottom of the pool and float on his back.  He kicked well and scootched along the side fast.  It was a joy to watch his progress.  Thanks to my Uncle for letting us use his beautiful pool and yard for a couple of months!

Our Mom's Relatives

 We all met for a my cousin's Lindsay's, college graduation. Your great Aunt Lubby and Dennis where there and Probaba (great grandma) and auntie Sara and my godfathers (Jack and Gilbert).  It was nice to see all of the relatives that really are a part of the Serbian heritage and have them get to know you two better.

This is one of my godfather's Jack.  He's in his 90s, but does not look or act like it at all.  His heart is the size of the world and his enthusiasm towards life equals that.

Monarch's Are Back For The Summer

They are back!  Our other pet we have besides a fish...the butterflies.  Our milkweed isn't doing as well as last summer but we have had about 15 butterflies hatch from their cocoons so far.  Mom isn't being as crazy this summer with taking care of the ones that can't open their wings, I just euthanize them humanely and move on.  That is however, very hard for me to do.  We so enjoy watching the process of the butterfly.  When they come out into this magnificent creature, we all stare in their glory.  It never gets old.

An Emme Update

Precious Emeline...you are so much fun right now.  The pictures speak volumes of words almost to where I don't need to give an update. 
You love to draw-pens and you are good at drawing circles, squares, triangles and faces. I love watching you playing in your kitchen, talking on your pretend phone or drawing outside with your chalk all over but it's been really fun watching excitement in your eyes with each new baby monarch caterpillar you find in the backyard, each cocoon you count and each butterfly you watch fly away.  You put your shoes on effortlessly, and are at the moment only wearing your boots (which are Zackary's old fireman boots).  You play so well with your brother, you are so sensitive to his needs, concerned about his boo boos and forgiving of his loud voice, yelling and his staying away when he asks from his creations!

You are growing at a fast rate...stop it.  You hold your pencil perfect, are eager to ride your bike, and pretty much are so easy going with everything.  You love to sleep with two huskies, two cats and a Winnie the pooh along with 3 pacifiers STILL.  And you still love to have your bottle of milk in the morning and evening.  You have a handful of food you will eat...that's all...but it's a good handful!  We love taking you anywhere with us as your happiness, joy and cuteness makes all of those around you smile.  Your expressions are priceless and I believe you follow after your mother as you love love love animals.  Any animal (except for bees or flies which you call bees) you see you are all over and its not easy to get you away...from kittens to dogs to fish to a little ant. You point to Bentley's picture almost daily, I know you remember him still. 

And your likeness to dolls is starting.  You carry your baby everywhere you go and she has to be tucked in at night.  You are so girl...watching me put on my makeup, jewelry (wearing Zackary's watch), and loving manicure time with mom.  I cherish holding you in my arms and watching you develop into this little toddler.  I just don't want to not be able to hold you in my arms like my little baby anymore, as time is flying to fast and I am loving my little 2 1/2 year old.  

One more thing...you are so in tuned to all emotions around you.  You hugged everyone over and over at Grandpa's funeral on the boat and kissed with your hand his urn.  You were amazing that day, watching you throw the roses over the boat like a few others was precious.  I am just blessed at who you are becoming and who you are becoming with your brother.

Preschool Graduate

I can't believe its all over.  It is weird that I won't be dropping him off at his preschool anymore...that the comfort it took him over a year to feel in school will be washed away.  I hope that next year at his new school because he's older now, he will adjust sooner and easier.  I am so proud of him for how much light he brought to his classes...and how much he has grown.  Mrs. Johnson was so calm with Zackary.  She opened the patio and stayed out there too every morning which is where Zackary loved to spend his time.  She was a great guitar player and singer. 

Ms. Hett came along in summer school in between your two years here and the bond you both developed was special, which is why you also had her as your teacher for year number 2.  She loved the color orange like you and she liked fountains.  She was good building up confidence and self esteem and really got to know Emme too.  Emme will maybe start here soon but for now...we say goodbye to NCUMP!  We have a kindergartner! 
Zackary you are growing more and more everyday.  You love building right now with anything.  Yesterday you used your toys outside and put them all together and said it was a machine that carried water.  You build with Legos and Lincoln logs a lot and put together quite elaborate buildings and homes.  You are learning about coins and have begun drawing more since your sister loves to draw.  And wow do you help me take care of Emme.  What a big brother you are-calming her down, making sure we understand what she wants, sharing and playing with her everyday.  You are also a very good hiker, and explorer at the tide pools.  You love to visit Grandma and pick her boysenberries.  You two have visits together and read books, sing songs, and investigate everything and anything.  Your most passionate about playing the drums though, and you are exceptional at it.  Daddy says you are better than he was at your age and you know what, he played the drums from a young age too on everything, just like you.  Your sweetness and vocabulary melt my heart.  I am the luckiest mom because I have you as my son.  To the moon...and back