Seven.Caged.Tigers

Yes, I am distracted. Yes, I’m lazy. Yes, Zack still exists. He’s doing wonderfully and starts his Gymnastics class today and his second session of parent-tot preschool on Friday. He’s a big fan of “building” toys, cars, trucks, balls, lights (he got a few for Christmas), and things being orderly. That last bit is more than a little shocking to us. We’re not dirty exactly, but we’re very cluttered. Zack likes everything in its own place. Maybe we’re raising a cleaner! Anyway, here are a few photos. I’ve been really bad about it so I’ve posted more than usual…enjoy the cuteness!

I feel…lazy.

Over a month since I last posted.  Of course Zack is doing lots of new things.  We went and saw the audiologist because his articulation/enunciation is so bad.  The audiologist said he passed the (very cool) test.  I was there and yes, it seemed that he did well.  He just doesn’t seem to value the power of speech.  With that said, he has just started to say things like “I funny” (when he passes gas or does something silly).  He also says “geemee” (for grammy) and “Charmie” (for his other grandma).  Both grandmother are very, very proud.  Zack is also loving the cold weather.  He loves snow and slipping and all the other things that go with winter in Michigan.

And for the big finale?  He said his name.  Finally.  I’ve not heard it, but he did it for my parents (where he still is vacationing).  My father was headed out to work and Zack got mad.  He thumped his chest and said very clearly “Za Tow go!”  Since then he says Towne very clearly.

I’ve got lots of photos that still reside on my camera (remember, I’m lazy) but in the meantime here are a bunch of his 2.5 year photos.

There are more, too…click here! 

…oh yeah, and happy 32nd birthday to me TODAY!!

This used to be a very quiet time of the year, but as it turns out autumn is busy for families with kids. Tons of parties, lots of fun, and more candy than I could ever imagine! Zack is really getting big. Not physically–he’s still merely average and a skinny average at that–but he is acting “big.” Lots of words, lots of new discoveries, and plenty of experimentation. It’s much more fun now than it ever was when he was an infant. The only drawback? His mobility. The boy is crazy. Here are a few new photos from the last week or two.

This is the second year that Zack and I have joined my mother (aka “Grammy”) at the Pumpkin Patch. It’s the same place I went when I was a child so I love to share it with my son! It’s also a great place for photos…as you’ll see below…

Zack has really grown a lot lately. He’s loving preschool (though still has some issues following directions), he shares wonderfully, and isn’t a bully (nor does he allow himself to be bullied). He’s generally a very good little guy. He’s also at my parents until Thursday so all the usual naughtiness is out of sight and mind. In the meantime, gaze upon these recent photos.

Zack is sick, though his nose is improving. I think it is allergies (hay fever or some such thing) because his symptoms appear to be identical to mine. Stuffed up, runny, and itchy nose with itchy watery eyes. He’s pretty uncomfortable. Poor little sick dude. With that said he *could* be sick because he started parent-tot preschool last Friday. There was a little girl who had a terrible, nasty green runny nose and her mother wasn’t cleaning it. I just wanted to go up to her and wipe her nose and just a little too loud say “what, won’t your mommy wipe your nose?”

In any case, here are some recent pictures of Zack from various places.

I’ve been very bad–no updates for what seems like an eon. Anyway, all has been well. Zack is getting bigger and his hair is getting unruly (it seems to need cut every 8-10 weeks). We had a great time at Mackinaw over Labor Day. He walked the bridge with Jeremy while I waited on the other end. I intended on walking, but I got a terrible burn on my hips (and back, legs, arms, shoulders, etc…). I was afraid that the 5-mile trek in jean shorts or khakis would lead to the loss of skin.

The weather up north was as beautiful as its ever been. In the eighties, with only the slightest breeze and clear skies. We couldn’t have asked for anything better! Here are a few pictures of Zack’s fun times. I didn’t post any of the completely naked ones (some of those were the BEST) for fear that it would attract a really nasty audience…if you get my drift.

It’s been a loooong few weeks. Zack went from sleeping 13 hours a night and taking 4 hour naps to sleeping 10 hours at night and NOT taking a nap. Those were some rough, rough days. But everything is better now. We’ve put the lock on the OUTSIDE of the door. He just thinks the door is “broke” and isn’t at all disturbed by his situation. He gives up on opening it quickly and goes to sleep instead. I am in toddler hell!

He also has grown a few inches recently. He’s gotten really, really clumsy and can’t seem to escape an afternoon without a dozen new bruises and a few new bumps and scrapes. Poor little dude.

In any case, here are a few photos of him recently. Enjoy. And yes, he’s very fortunate he is cute.

Zack is now in his big boy bed–the one that I slept in as a child. It’s a twin and, as it turns out, he looooves it. I’m shocked that when he gets in to bed he smiles. Of course he’s also rediscovered an old hobby. He peeled the border off the wall again. I’m miffed at that, but I should have known it would happen. I hoped for something more. Now I have to plop down about $20 for a roll of replacement border just to set aside for a day when he won’t do it…

Not that they have anything to do with this new development, but here are some new pictures of Zack.

Zack has been gone since Saturday.  One would hope I would get some relaxation in.  There has been a little, but not nearly enough.  We get him back on Friday so I’m counting on some extra sleep until then.

It’s been ridiculously hot and steamy lately. We don’t have air conditioning really. Only little barely functioning window units. I have been a sweaty mess as has Jeremy, Zack, and even the cats. In any case, this has made it difficult to go outdoors but still Zack loves playing so much we do daily. Here are a few recent photos taken with the brand new P&S.

Jeremy, Zack and I returned from Rockall yesterday evening. It was a relaxing, but somehow also tiring time. We always enjoy the vacation. Plenty of games, fun, food, and family to go around. I wish it would go on for much longer. 8 nights went by much too quickly. Even Zack loved his time, though he was definitely jealous of little Brooke. We however loved meeting her and getting to see Julie and Matt from Colorado. He got wild, crazy, and generally unruly when he was tired. Aside from that, he really liked the water and slept like a champion (save for one night which required him sleeping in bed with us–and as it turns out he’s a bed hog).

Now we have to wait until next year to enjoy Rockall again. Georgian Bay really is a uniquely lovely place. Here are a few photos of the time.

The very thought of summer being this far gone is terrifying. I want more nice days, less humidity, and more time with my family and friends. These warm months are all too fleeting. In any case, Zack is really enjoying them. He’s a big ball of dirt and bug bites and crazy hair. Here’s a few more pictures, some from this past weekend’s Clark Family Reunion.

HATS!

It’s adorable and hilarious at the same time. He would prefer to wear one out of the house at all times. I can’t say I complain–his hair is always a terrible mess anyway. It’s just covered up now. He has a bucket hat and a baseball cap he likes. These are photos of his baseball cap. It’s got a tractor logo on it–his Papa Towne’s favorite.

…and a little static electricity…

P.S. Congrats, Robin, on the new job!

Michigan has been steamy for the last week or so. We’re talking 90 degrees with about the same percentage humidity. As you’d expect, we are also having storms but Hartland has been faring pretty well. The last one hit yesterday evening as I was returning with friends from the Detroit Tigers game (which, by the way, they won). It was a little crazy, but not THAT crazy though the news around the state is pretty nuts.

Zack on the other hand has been enjoying himself. He’s loving the hot weather and the time he gets to play outside and in the water. Here are a few photos from this weekend. And yes, he is VERY thin. I almost feel guilty for posting these pix. It looks like he doesn’t eat–I promise, he DOES!

With our annual trip to Rockall on the horizon, we realize Zack has to get used to riding in a boat. Considering our trip there will take 7 hours to the marina and another 30-45 minutes in the boat to the island, Zack really needs to be patient. At least MORE patient than he was last year. To try to combat his anxiety we took him to Woodland Lake in Brighton and spent some time in the boat (and he in his life jacket). As it turns out he LOOOOVES the boat. See the photos below (plus a few other random ones I couldn’t help but post).

I was desperate for a new look for 7CT. Here it is. Nice and summery for a time in Michigan that is anything but. By Monday it is supposed to be close to 80 degrees. I can’t wait. I’m sick of wet and cold. All I want is warm…so warm I don’t have to wear a jacket. In the meantime while I’m hoping for an improvement in climate, I’ve been taking photos of Zack. I’ve also taken some lovely flower pictures. You’d never know looking at these that it’s pretty miserable around here.

Zack loves being outdoors (if you haven’t figured that out by the multitude of outdoors photos). He doesn’t really like being dirty, but he enjoys running and playing and generally “helping” out. We went to Kensington Metropark a few days ago and he had a great time even though it was a little chilly and windy.

Zack had his second birthday party. He had a lot of fun even though our picnic actually had to be held indoors. Michigan weather is all too unpredictable. Here’s a few photos from Sunday’s event (late, yes, I know).

Two years ago right now, I had a brand new baby in my arms. He was so tiny and so adorable–and also so Zack! Happy birthday big guy.