Dude

Calli & Calvin got Zach this cute hat on their trip to the Bahamas over Christmas.

I love to cook???

Well, maybe I don't love to cook. Recently I have been spending a lot of time in the kitchen. I do love to bake, however, and have been going a little nuts lately. Calvin is loving it. I'm sure it's really helping our efforts to be healthy...

Back to the subject of cooking, I have been really adventurous the past few weeks. (I use the term "adventurous" rather loosely). I'm trying all sorts of new recipes. I even found myself watching the food network.... I must confess that I am not the perfect little housewife that has a beautiful well balanced meal on the table at 6 every night. Honestly, I usually dread the idea of making dinner every night. In fact, sometimes on those days when I really don't feel like cooking, I get a little testy when Cal comes home and simply asks what's for dinner. (sorry Cal).

And then something happened. I suddenly enjoy cooking. Maybe I've finally come to a realization of how many meals I will be responsible for in the future (I might as well enjoy myself). I don't know. But whatever the cause, I'm gonna run with it!

The Butterfly Pavilion

Tuesday Zach and I went to the Butterfly Pavilion with Amy and Owen. I decided that Zach is still a little young to appreciate it, but we still had fun. Owen just turned one, so he was more than happy to run around. It was a neat place with a little aquarium section and lots of hands on stuff for kids. But the main attraction is the greenhouse with butterflies flying around and turtles and fish. We timed our visit around a "butterfly release." We pictured, of course, them opening some container and tons of butterflies coming out at once- pretty cool, right? But instead, the employee took one butterfly out at a time and gave a little scientific background for it, then released it. A little dissappointing... Doesn't the crowd look captivated? Owen was much more interested in what was on his back (a little monkey harness). I can't wait til Zachie can run around and explore. On second thought, maybe I can!

Sitting Practice

Like Father Like Son

A few of my favorites... and not so favorites

I came up with more things he liked than disliked. I think that's a good thing...
I also tried some videos on this post. They're not the best... we are getting a video camera for Christmas (thanks Calli & Calvin), but it was backordered... SO... more to come.

LIKE: Sucking on my bottom lip and sticking my tongue out.

DISLIKE: Being put down and left "alone" (meaning we may go across the room).

LIKE: Bath time!!!

DISLIKE: My nose being irrigated with salt water before bed when I'm sick (which has been a lot lately, unfortunately).

LIKE: Being held. All the time. By mom or dad. Okay, lets be honest- by any friendly person who is willing to stand.

DISLIKE: When they sit down.

LIKE: Going on walks with mom.

DISLIKE: Going on walks that are a little too long when it's a little too cold out. (oops. sorry buddy)

LIKE: Wrestling with dad. He is hilarious. I practice my signature move, the Atomic Drop Kick, all the time.

DISLIKE: Tummy time.

LIKE: That I can now roll over from my tummy almost as quickly as I can be put down. (He rolled over for the first time last Friday and is now a pro. hooray! just wait til he figures out that he can also go from his back to his tummy and move around like that. I'm enjoying my last bit of time with a semi-non-mobile child.)

DISLIKE: When mom tries to put me down for a nap in my crib. (sometimes)

LIKE: When mom finally gives in and lays down for a nap with me in "the big bed." (I really can't complain about getting some rest sometimes. The cleaning... can wait!)

DISLIKE: Hanging out in my carseat.

LIKE: My toys.... more specifically lately, my octopus. (he sucks on the "arms" and gets it sopping wet. mmmm...)

LIKE: My thumbs... OR my binky.

LIKE: Hair styling. (ie: pulling on and sucking on it)

LIKE: Smiling.

LIKE: When dad comes home!

So Much Fun