Snowy Day!

I know it is only February but as I was looking at my snowless backyard the other day, I was thinking we were done with the snow this season. Not sure why I thought that! Those of you who know me well, know that I am not a fan of the snow. I've always said that when my kids go to preschool, they will say to their teachers: "I don't think I can go outside today. My mama doesn't let me play in the snow." Well, Zachary is only a year old and I took him outside to 'play' in the snow yesterday! I am very proud of myself, I must say. My mother spent the day with us and late in the afternoon we decided it was time to take Zachary out to see how he liked the snow. Really we just wanted to get some cute pictures of him :) He could barely move because he was bundled so much. So, he pretty much just sat there looking at us. I don't think he knew what to make of it. I think Sophie and Reba thought it was funny having him sitting in the snow because they kept going up to him and licking his face. Sophie, of course, barked at him as well. After only a short time outside, we decided to take the snow inside with us! This was much more fun for Zachary because he could actually move around and play a little. He mostly just took it out of the bowl, threw it on the floor and ate it.

A Couple of Very Special Days...

Today is a very special day in our lives! We held Zachary for the first time six months ago from today, on August 19th. It's hard to believe that he has been in our lives for only six months. He fits in so well that we cannot remember life without him. Zachary was six months and six days old when we picked him up from the orphanage. In just three short days from now, he will have been with us for the exact same amount of time that he was in the orphanage. From that day on, he will have been with us longer than in the orphanage. Although he was in a wonderful orphanage with caring nannies, it makes me so happy to think of this. What a special day that will be as well! I would say that we are going to celebrate with cake but that would just be crazy since Zachary had more cake than most during his birthday week. Instead, we will celebrate with loads of hugs and kisses for our sweet boy. Here are two shots. One from then and one from now...

The Best Gift Ever...

Grumpa made Zachary the best gift. It's a rocking horse. It is beautiful and Zachary LOVES it! He sits on it and tries to make it rock. It is still quite big for him and he can't make it rock on his own. When someone helps out and rocks it for him, he is all smiles! I think my father should sell these hand made horses. Every household needs one. If you have kids or not. It really is just gorgeous!

So many celebrations, so little time....

Our sweet baby boy is a BIG one year old today!! Zachary has had numerous birthday celebrations. He is one lucky boy. On Sunday, we had a family party with Quan and his family. We all had a great time. The boys were amazing. Neither one had a meltdown and it was a long day! On Tuesday, a family whose kids I have taken care of for years had a little celebration for Zach. They bought him presents, made cards, baked a cake and sang happy birthday. Zachary has had his fair share of cake these days and he LOVES it! Today, Mimi and Grumpa (my parents) are coming over for dinner and yet another cake. My father has spent the past few weeks making a special gift for Zachary. We don't know what it is but we will find out tonight. Can't wait!

I think of Zachary's birth mother often and more so during this past week. I assume most adoptive parents do around their children's birthdays. I wish I could let her know that Zachary is well loved by everyone in his life. I hope in her heart she knows. I also wish I could thank her for giving our amazing little boy life. We cannot imagine our lives with any other child as our first.

We love you, Zach! Happy First Birthday!!

CUTENESS

In the tunnel...
Reading books... Playing with toys...
In the tub...
Doing some walking...

TET CELEBRATION

We went to a Tet Festival in Boston on Saturday with many other families from the agency we used to bring Zachary into our family. Tet is the Vietnamese New Year. We had fun meeting some new famlies and seeing some friends we had made in the past. All of the babies are just beautiful and happy as can be. We danced to Vietnamese music, watched some performances, chatted with other families and ate some yummy food. Zachary enjoyed being with the other children, dancing with his mama and hanging out in the crowd of people. Here are some pictures from the day...